Mourning Cozy Winter Decor Elements

Before it warms up too much, let's appreciate some of my favourite Canadian winter decor elements before we tuck them in storage for the spring and summer months.
Fireplaces are generally so appreciated in the winter months and neglected in the summer months. I have a feeling we would appreciate these super cool and modern fireplaces all year long though... they provide heat in the winter and are total conversation starters all year round. Fabulous!

This modern fireplace features a glass cover that provides a great view of the flames from all angles.
www.bloch-design.com
Another conversation piece, this modern fireplace is by Chimney Anthrax. It features a chimney with furnace closed devised in steel. Finished in a black and gray color, it is painted with barnizes resistant to high temperatures.
I wanted to save my personal favourite for last. With a sleek and modern design, this fireplace is more versatile than the ones above. The Ribbon Fireplace by Flame & Comfort has an industrial look and features a ribbon of fire, hence the name of the design. How clever!
Go snuggle up in front of your fireplace while we still have some cold nights left... you'll miss it in the summer, I promise!

Things I love... # 2

First of all, please accept my apology for the lack of "Things I love" posts. I will try not to disappoint you with this one... it's a combo to make up for the posts I have missed.

The first thing I love is music. How does music relate to decor, you ask? Well, it certainly contributes to a place's mood or ambiance. It also should be combined with decor, to make the music equipment fit into a room nicely. Now, introducing Modern Karibou's Vers Audio 1.5R iPod Sound System.
The modern yet vintage-y-ness (if I can have my own blog, I can make up my own words) of this iPod sound system is so chic! Made by hand, each Vers sound system takes over a week to build and is completely unique. Isn't it great?
Modern Karibou, a Canadian company, has a ton of stuff that I love. While Modern Karibou doesn't specialize in bargains, it has a lot to offer! Think investment piece.

Something else I love, and that I actually own myself, are Maxwell Williams square dishes.
The simple square shape and pure white colour showcases the food you serve on these. These dishes even make pizza seem chic!

Coffee Table Books: Your Versatile and Interesting Accessory

Good coffee table books serve a number of purposes: they're decorative, informative, attractive, and entertaining for your guests. They often become a topic of conversation and make fantastic gifts for housewarmings. No matter if your interests range from ducks to homemade desserts, there is a coffee table book for you.
I love Chapters or Indigo because they have such variety. I have also found some really beautiful coffee table books at Home Sense. Click here for the Top 10 Coffee Table Books, as recommended by The News & Observer.

If those don't suit your fancy, make your own! There are a ton of online companies that help you put together your own photobooks. It is such a great way to keep your memories safe and showcase them all at the same time. Some of my favourite photobook websites are Shutterfly, Blurb, and Photobook Canada.

Happy Birthday Old Friend!

When I was growing up, I had lots of friends but only a couple really close friends... I have grown apart from most of my childhood friends, but one friendship remains. Barbie, happy 50th birthday!
In honour of good old B's birthday, I wanted to share some dollhouse awesomeness.
A fully furnished dollhouse like the one above usually ranges from $80 to $200. A little pricey for a dollhouse, but all your friends would have been totally jealous!

Wall Hangings: The Do's and Don'ts

Some do's and don'ts of wall decor follows, but first, a very interesting yet neutral piece of art from Urban Outfitters for only $24.99!Do: hang stuff on walls, it helps make a place feel home-y and personal
Don't: have completely bare walls... your place should be a reflection of yourself. Unless you're a nudist, bare walls are not an accurate depiction.
Do: consider proportions and choose accordingly (ie. large focal wall = large wall hanging)
Don't: disregard proportions and hang a tiny little picture over your full size couch
Do: hang mirrors with eclectic frames if you haven't fallen in love with a piece of art
Don't: hang mirrors if you're ugly... Just Kidding!
Do: group framed photos, etc. on the same wall
Don't: feel like all the frames need to match perfectly
Do: hang things in 3's... it's apparently calming
Don't: hang something you think is hideous... it will drive you crazy

PS I'm so glad Britney is back!

Ikea helps our wallets stay healthy... and keeps us laughing!

Ok, this is only sort of decor related but you might like it anyway! Some funny Ikea commercials for your viewing pleasure.

This commercial for mattresses was not aired in the US... too racy perhaps?

A great curtain commercial

This nanny shops at Ikea too!

I hope this put a smile on your face... Happy Monday!

The Heart of the Home... It better be nice!

You know what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. More than any other room in a house/apartment/condo/etc., the kitchen is the most versatile room. It's the gathering place when entertaining and on a regular Wednesday night... so it better not be ugly like this one!

It isn't the end of the world if you have an ugly kitchen... kitchen facelifts are really easy and can be done within a reasonable price range. Cupboards can be painted a nice neutral, hardware can be replaced and updated, and even the countertop can be replaced all for a reasonable price.

If your kitchen is beyond salvation and is too ugly for a facelift, my favourite little Swedish buddy from Ikea has got you covered. For much less money than most kitchen renos, Ikea provides a lot of great options. In tough economic times, who can afford expensive custom work? Despite the recent Home Renovation Tax Credit in Canada, a huge reno project could be way too expensive. Let's stick to good old Ikea to keep our minds sane and our wallets plentiful!


Ikea has every style covered... modern, traditional, something to suit everyone's fancy! The kitchen below certainly caters to a more modern style but still incorporates a ton of storage space, which is typically lacking in modern kitchen designs. I love the exposed stainless steel hood over the stove and abundant counter space.


This next kitchen is also quite modern, but certainly very different than the above. The dark floor-to-ceiling cabinets provide clean lines and the hardware reinforce those lines. The backsplash and countertop in the same tone as the cabinets keep the look streamlined and very simple. Complimenting white walls ensures the busiest room in the house doesn't get too dark.


Go to ikea.ca to see their kitchen catalog and check out all the other styles.