Spring!!

The first day of Spring calls for a major celebration around these northern parts...even if you get a dump of snow overnight (like we did). Spring is by far my favourite season. The excitement of warmer weather, increased daylight and of course spring decorating!  This is the time of year when I am itching to lighten up the mood around the house...new fabrics and fresh paint.

With all of the beautiful new Spring fabric launches, why not change up your drapery.  One of the most requested style of window coverings I get are Roman Blinds.  They are a great way to add a pop of colour or detail to a room without overwhelming the space.

I hope you are enjoying the first day of spring!

Green Crush.

Happy St. Patties Day!  In the spirit of all things green, I thought this would be a great day to go on about how much I love green sofas.  Funny story...when Rob and I met, way back in 1997, we both owned green sofas! Seriously!

My love affair continues after seeing this video of Sarah Jessica Parker's home. She has a green sofa....perfectly lived in comfy style.  I LOVE this Vogue series.  If you get a chance, check out a few of the others.

Do note, that I love green sofas, but not sure I could actually purchase one.  I tend to stay on the conservative, safe-side of furniture purchases these days.  But, you never know...maybe one day.

Here are a few of my faves...and all of them happen to be velvet. Coincidence?

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I hope you have a great green day!!!

Patterned tile.

Patterned tile seems to be everywhere these days.  I am especially drawn to the eclectic look of the Moroccan cement tiles.  They have a worldly yet vintage feel to them.  I'm not sure if I would tire of them.....but for now, I am totally loving them!

They look great in this kitchen.  I don't think the pattern over-powers the space because the other elements in the room are neutral and simple in style.  I think that's the trick with these bold prints.






A smaller dose of pattern in the bathroom.




Added detail in a front entrance...very welcoming.




As a back splash...again, they are the star of the show.  Nothing else in the room is trying to compete.




Great in a restaurant, public setting.  Warm and inviting when paired with the wood floors, iron beams and beat-up brick wall.  Love this look.






Are they trendy or classic?  What do you think?

Wood Beams

I've noticed the trend towards exposed wood beams in both new home construction and existing home renovations. I was chatting with a local company last week, The Wood Beam Company, and they mentioned that they are extremely busy with requests for both new and existing homes.

And yes, these wood beams have come a long way! Many are not even solid wood, but rather a hollow veneer box made to look like the old original beams from an old torn down structure.   Nothing like the wood beams that were in my 1974 bungalow -  butted up against the leather bar in the basement. Yikes!

I even saw them incorporated into one of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Dream Home Lottery houses this past weekend. A great way to add warmth to a more modern space.






And cruising around Pinterest I found these following examples of exposed wood beams in residential homes.  I like that they don't scream mountain get away.

I love the contrast of the dark stain on the beams with the light coloured materials in the furniture and on the walls.




Love the use of beams in the bedroom....makes it so cosy!




And a more modern take on a farm house kitchen...the use of white smooth beams.




Beams added to an eclectic kitchen....as I always say, its all in the details!



Is this something you would think of adding to your home or would you rather leave it for the mountain cabins?