Worthy Links: 30.03.12

I can finally say I'm starting to get back on top of things after this big whirlwind! This week has been busy and the next few are proving to be equally busy but I'm hoping to stay on top from now on. If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you may already know that I found a place and I'm actually moving in two weeks, after a week in Florida! It's a lovely little rental because I'm in no way ready to commit to buying at this stage! This sadly means no major overhaul but I'll manage to make the place look cute, you wait and see!

Since these next few weeks will be busy, I'm thinking of switching it up and tightening the worthy links to 5 instead of 10. We're cool with this? They're really good, promise. Ok. Here we go.

1. One Kings Lane introduces their new Vintage & Market Finds section. I really need to find myself a friend across the border with a big garage... Northern Vermont / Upstate New York? Anyone?

2. I loved Dabble mag's guide on the art of buying original art! Tips range from how to choose a piece to what height to hang it. Very informative!

3. Major blogger crush this week on The Aestate who I just found out (thanks to Erika) paints her own watercolors! Love it!

4. Nancy talks about bookcase sconces. Frankly, I would put sconces everywhere, but a bookcase is a good start.

5. I loved this great coffee cup chat by Becka about "pruning the proverbial hedges". So true.

Have a fantastic weekend! X

Delightful Daily: Heaven?

via Atlanta Homes Mag

Savvy Home Grows a Little More: Making my House a Home...

I've been back in Canada for about a month now, and suddenly it dawned on me that you may miss the Australian flair around here... I sure do! With that, I'm incredibly excited to introduce to you Savvy Home's first contributor!

Alex is a great friend of mine from Adelaide, an incredibly talented interior design student and a soon to be blogger (let's convince her people)! Alex is like the Charlotte York of our group of friends. The hostess with the mostess if you will. She recently had a change of heart and decided to leave the safe world of Occupational Therapy to study her true passion: Interior Design.

Each month, Alex will be sharing tips and tricks from her own home and, for having been to her house many many times, I can say that we're in for a treat!

Take it away Alex!

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My name is Alex and I am super excited to be sharing my first ever blog post with you all! Yes, that’s right…my FIRST EVER!

I would like to begin by saying a big thank you to my good friend Gabrielle for introducing me to the world of blogging and asking me to write a monthly feature post on Savvy Home.

If you had asked me a year ago whether I would be starting an interior design feature blog in 2012, I would have probably laughed and said ‘I don’t read blogs and I definitely don’t write them’. But oh how things can change! There are many thoughts and conversations that I’ve had over the past year to get me to this point but one of the key moments was reading a quote (given to me by Gab) by Steve Jobs…

This quote made me think about how important it is to ‘love what you do’ (my quote for the year!). I’ve decided that interior design is what I love and the design industry is something I want to be more involved in into the future. The guest posts are the beginning of making this happen…

So what can you expect… Well, over the next year, I would like to share with you the interior design ideas I have for my own house. Each month I will feature a photo of a different room or aspect of my house and show you colours, products, furniture and/or accessories I have in mind. By the end of the year I hope to have a clear plan of how I can make my house into a beautiful and ‘Savvy’ home.

I hope you enjoy reading it and I look forward to your thoughts and comments along the way!

Alex ǀ Design Stylish

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Thank you Alex for taking time away from your busy schedule to enrich our lives with your passion and talent!


The first official post will be online next week so stay tuned. 

In other news, I'm over on Damask & Dentelle again today for my own contributor post to share my Top 5 ways to give your ceiling the attention in deserves! Come say hi!

Daniel Romualdez via Architectural Digest

Delightful Daily: Pastels for Spring

Jeffrey Bilhuber

Gab Loves: 28.03.12

1. Kate Spade New York Woodland Park Coasters | 2. Cuff Home Faceted Nesting Table | 3. Schoolhouse Electric Supply & Co. Satellite 6 Pendant | 4. Stark Antilocarpa Carpet in Silver | 5. Kesler Small Brass Foil Mirror Plate | 6. La Garçonne Gaston Tassel Slip-on | 7. Milo Baughman Upholstered Stools | 8. Interlude Home Steamboat Branch Side Table | 9. Malene Birger Forest Green Hania Tie Neck Blouse | 10. Gibbons Scroll Table | 11. Serena & Lily Blush Border Frame Rug

Delightful Daily: Marbletastic Bathroom

S.R. Gambrel Meat Packing District loft bathroom

Designer Crush: S.B. Long Interiors

I missed a few days of blogging, will you forgive me? This past week was MADNESS!

I still managed to sneak in a few noteworthy highlights like my guest post on Julip Made, my new collaboration on Damask & Dentelle, a really lovely FaceTime chat with Victoria who gave me some great pointers about monetizing your blog, and a little shopping outing with Vanessa. But enough about me, let's move on to the matter of the day!



This week's designer crush is a little more traditional than what I would normally go for, but please pay attention to one thing the Susan Bednar Long firm does well: architectural details.

Case in point, on their website you'll find before and after shots of the houses (well worth it!). On the before photos, the walls and ceilings are flat as pancakes!



Ceiling moldings can be a fantastic way to divide a room. Notice in the picture above how it reflects where the bed is?

Ah, now this is the touch of neo-traditional I normally go for. The Lindsey Adelman chandelier perfectly counterbalances the traditional feel of the room.



Again, the architectural detail in this room is stunning. Imagine the same room with no moldings? Not the same...



And while on the subject of architectural details, you may have guessed that this implies the bathrooms and kitchens should not disappoint? Well you were right! Look at the gorgeous grasscloth walls with the subtle patterned tiles, the mirrored doors and inviting double shower?

Their kitchens are also beautifully outfitted, just look at this gorgeous brass range hood against the duck-egg floor to ceiling subday tiles...

To understand the beauty of this pink bedroom, you really need to see the before! Another case of how architectural details make all the difference!

And finally, because we'd probably prefer to be there all sipping drinks together, here's a pool house they did in Connecticut. I can hardly think of a better place to spend a sunny summer afternoon.

What do you think? Too traditional for your taste or do the architecture and functionality of the spaces win you over?

Delightful Daily: Baby Blue for Grown Ups

Albert Hadley's Apartment via Elle Decor

Delightful Daily: Not Afraid of Color

Tilton Fenwick

Delightful Daily: Breakfast-in-Bed Enticing Bedroom

Veranda Magazine via Full House

Happy News: Savvy Home on Damask & Dentelle

If you follow me on Twitter, you may already know that I have happy news for Savvy Home today. I'm thrilled to announce that I've recently joined the list of contributor's on Damask & Dentelle!  Each Thursday I will be writing a column called Top 5 in which I'll share my top 5 things for a variety of interior design related topics. Expect tips on colors, textures, layouts, styles and everything else that makes up a room. Excited? I am!

If you're one of the few who aren't following Vanessa yet, here is a bit of background info. Vanessa is the creative mastermind behind Damask & Dentelle blog and business and she lives in Montreal like me (I'm not alone)! She has an excellent eye, a sharp entrepreneurial mind and her blog is sure to leave you inspired! 

My first post today is titled What makes a Savvy Home and introduces my style and my favorite design tips! 

Come say hi and drop us a line!

Delightful Daily: A Successful Mix

Parish Hadley's Entry Hall

Find Me On: Julip Made

Today I'm visiting Julie from Julip Made to share my views on blogging and how it can impact our lives.

I am honored that Julie asked me to be part of her series If Bloggers Ruled the World. It's a truly inspiring series and reminds us that there is more to blogging than just pretty shoes and sugary sweets (though we need a bit of that too)!

Not a follower of Julie yet? You need to be! Her blog is packed full of delicious recipes (that girl can cook!), savvy DIY projects, beautiful inspiration and heartfelt and well-thought out posts. 

Julie is über-talented and one of the sweetest bloggers out there. When we first started exchanging emails, we instantly clicked. We have lots in common which may have to do with the fact that we're born only a few days apart. I can't wait to finally meet her in New York in May!

Wondering what Kelly Wearstler has to do with all this? Pay me a visit on Julip Made and find out!

Delightful Daily: Sleeping Beauty

Givenchy's Bedroom

Gab Loves: 20.03.12

It may just be a reflection of my life right now, but I'm loving busy patterns! Is anyone with my on this one? The busier the better! It's perfect with a few touches of black and white, don't you think?

1. Hudson Valley Lighting Amelia Pendant | 2.  All Saints Newaz Skirt | 3. Katie Ermilio Fall Collection | 4. Gentleman's Leather Bench | 5. Stubbs & Wootton Cheetah Slippers | 6. ABC Tea Cup and Saucer | 7. DVF Drew Jacquard Bucket Tote | 8. Vintage Italian Marble Coffee Table | 9. John Robshaw English Fanback Chair | 10. Tomasso Barbi Genre Italian Floor Lamp | 11. Rupert Sanderson Laira Pumps | 12. Hand Knotted Hemp Ikat Rug

Delightful Daily: Happy Breakfast!

via Nuevo Estilo

Delightful Daily: Statement Art

Alberto Pinto

Delightful Weekend: Up High

via Lonny

Worthy Links: 16.03.12

TGIF once again! How I long for quieter times... Or a little vacation. Luckily, I'm counting down to one for Easter! The family is heading up to Florida for a week and I can't wait to have nothing better to do but go to the beach, play tennis, go shopping for antiques in Palm Beach, or go for a drive down to Miami for a day. You can count on some yummy Instagramming during that time! Until then, here are some worthy links for your weekend...

1. My bloggy friends Molly and Sally were featured on Real Beauty this week. Find out what they wear, what their beauty routine is, even what their bedside tables look like.



2. For great high/low style, visit Kelly's blog. She has great sources for affordable alternatives!

3. The queen of organization Arianna Belle organizes your linen closet on La Dolce Vita. Really great tips here!

4.  I'm loving Amber's new series Babe Behind the Blog. This week she featured the lovely ladies from Tilton Fenwick AND Naomi of Design Manifest!

5. Did you miss the last Blog Brunch on Personal Projects? Read the last recap here.

6. I died of jealousy when I saw that Chassity had spent an afternoon painting with Sally King Benedict in her studio! Does life get any better?

7. Victoria uncovered the new queen bee of style: Chiara Ferragni. I'm not sure we're talking about accessible fashion here but it's serious eye candy nonetheless.



8. I know Hilary Thomas was already featured in Lonny this week, but I can't get over the finial collection in her LA Chic Shop! See the full tour on Knight Moves.


9. Nicole shared the sources of her client's bachelor pad. It seems this project is making the rounds! I need to get my hands on a forest green velvet sofa (or chair).

10. Nancy shares a few fun ways to display fresh flowers. They don't always need to be in a vase!



Happy St Patrick's Day weekend every one!

Delightful Daily: Live in Olive

via Lonny

House Crush: A Perfectly Sweet Country Weekender

Just a quickie today because I am literally buried in work. I do have to apologize for my absence on Twitter and blogs this week. Next week should start getting a bit quieter.

What do you think of this Millbrook home by Todd Romano? It's a bit crazy, even for me, but I keep getting drawn back to it somehow...

I love the fabric used on the sofa. The red velvet on the French chairs and the taupe wall color finish the look perfectly. Personally, I'd loose the fake zebra rug.

How great is that red lacquered wall with the antelope carpet, the statement artwork and the pretty sconce? The brown sectional sofa is another story, but say we'll put up with it.

I am loving that console, with the chrome lamp and accent chairs... I'd loose the collection of antlers and the yellow striped wall. Again, personal opinion.



Isn't this perfectly pretty?



I love the pretty scalloped monogram bedding. I would be very tempted to add a bit more color in this bedroom.

At the other end of the spectrum, this bedroom is completely crazy! That being said, I wouldn't mind being a guest there for a short while. The lucite side table brings the room back into the present.

I love how the lamp, art books and flowers seem to be floating in space...

Isn't this veranda lovely? It's perfectly well appointed for summer life and the fact that it's sheltered even allows for a lovely lamp for sitting outside in the evening. Better than outdoor spot lighting no?

Again, crazy but so fun!

This house is perfectly quirky for a weekender.  I can perfectly imagine the long evenings by the fire, the alfresco lunches, or the mornings lounging in bed in the crazy floral guest room... Can you?

Delightful Daily: Purple Sea Fans

via Nuevo Estilo

Gab Loves: 14.03.12: Special Lonny Edition

I already confessed to having a good pinning session while reading the new Lonny last weekend. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite finds not only from the magazine itself, but from all the shops featured in Lonny as well. Enjoy!

1. Walt Disney Signature Filigree Wallpaper | 2. Ventana Wall Sconce by Jonathan Adler | 3. Red Chow Nesting Tables | 4. Danielle Biel "Mercedes" | 5. Dannijo Kyla Bracelets | 6. Kelly Wearstler Polka Dot Platter | 7. Vintage Brown Leather Trunk | 8. Vintage Italian Wood Obelisks | 9. Cuff Home Faceted Nesting Table | 10. Serena & Lily Zanzibari Kanga Cloth Pillow | 11. "Concentric" by Anna Burke | 12. Reagan Hayes Christopher Sofa

Delightful Daily: Come on In!

Isabel Lopez Quesada's Villa via Architectural Digest

Delightful Daily: Hints of Mod

Pulp Design's Dallas Studio

The Great, The Good and The Ugly: Lonny April/May

I am SO glad Lonny is back. The arrival of Lonny for me truly makes me feel like I'm a kid opening gifts on Christmas day. I continue to be in awe of what the Lonny team comes up with, and I'm always left inspired not only with the designs, but also with the industry. And so I spent sunny Sunday afternoon pinning away my favorite items from the Lonny pages.

I don't think a single edition of Lonny has ever been remotely as good as this one. Articles like Lonny Loves Sonia Nassery Cole is really a testament to how great Lonny has become, and what we should all be aspiring to do: combining the beautiful with the intelligent. This edition's marketplace altogether blew my mind. I discovered so many incredible artisans and shops that I can only dream of winning the lotto tomorrow and go on a shopping spree. Words are failing me to describe the level of amazement that happened here on Sunday.

The Great

1. Oh my, have you ever seen an office as perfect as Amanda Nisbet's? I am dying over every little detail: The wall covering, the citrine curtains, the brass lamp, the yellow lamp, the artwork, the magazine bookcases, the antique chairs, and of course that lucite desk!

2. Were you as amazed by Maison 140 Beverly Hills as I was? This makes me long for a self-indulgent holiday! Everything about this heritage home feels so elegant and beautifully upkept. 

The Good
1. I really enjoyed the woodland retreat, especially the vignette below. The mad-men'esque mid-century home speaks of a forgotten way of life of cocktail parties and live music, while being perfectly suitable to a family of three children.

2. It's hard to say that everything was my style in Anna Burke's bohemian house, but I definitely loved the vibe and many of the space's accents: the art collection, the bright floral wallpaper, the brass cocktail cart, the intricate coffee table, the fiddle leaf fig, the bedlinen, bedside sconces, and headboard... The woman is definitely thrifty! 

The Ugly
Is it just me or does this photo not feel very Lonny? Some of the interiors in the Duquette and Wilkinson article were great, but this one leaves me a little bleh... It also wasn't shot by Patrick Cline, and it shows! Did you know he shot in film? Yah, that's where the quality of the image comes from! Amazed.

*You may have noticed a slight change in this serie's title. There's a reason for that. You may remember that I often struggled to find the bad and ugly in each publication, not to mention how unfair it was to focus more on the bad than the good. Because of this, I decided to focus on the great, the good, and a just a little dash of ugly, because it's fun sometimes to point out obvious differences in taste.