I’m breaking the get the look fast I’ve been on with this incredible bedroom that I kind of, sort of am dying to make my own. Furry throw, oodles of pillows, with a sophisticated yet fun vibe? Feel free to count me in twice!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

 This bright and cheery Toronto abode strikes that perfect balance between playful and sophisticated, which is no easy feat. It’s incredibly well appointed, yet doesn’t take itself too seriously with the use of fun brights sprinkled sporadically throughout. If you know me at all, you’ll know that I love a well designed home that feels well lived and loved. I do believe that this place is just the ticket!

Images from Style At Home

found here via 

Lately I’ve been drawn to overtly masculine homes (as seen here). I find comfort in the dark and moody spaces that are such a dire contrast from the light and bright ones I generally design. With the temperatures quickly plummeting, I love that these rooms embody the perfect transitional space between the long, warm days of summer and the short, crisp days of fall. This one in particular draws you in and begs you to curl up with a blanket and an oversized cup of spiked apple cider. And it doesn’t hurt that any male counterparts would likely feel compelled to join you.

found 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 

Whoever said that Halloween decor needed to be tacky? Stray away from the go-to black and orange  palette and opt for a touch of gold instead. Some black feathers, a few white pumpkins and a hint of moss? Instant glamour and a lot of class!

found here

Whoever said bigger is better clearly has not set their sights on this place. Between the Moroccan inspired tile floors, the collection of stunning white pottery and the perfectly teeny bathroom sink I think I would be more than happy here. A perfect example of quality over quantity.

found here 

…excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

found here, here, here, here & here

found here

Check out Courtney Cox’s recently renovated Malibu home. Working in collaboration with her architect and interior designer, she has successfully created a beautiful beach home that, while seemingly perfect, just begs to be lived in and enjoyed (which is, really, the best combination: pretty and functional at the same time). And as a note to myself: add “have a built-in banquette/fire pit overlooking the beach” to my bucket list. 

found here 

I think that this home speaks for itself, and it’s not because I’m still not feeling 100%, it just really does. I do, however, think that mimosas on this particular patio, by this particular pool (and in South Africa no less) is just what my body needs to get itself together though. Who’s with me?!

found 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

While perusing the interwebs for inspiration for an upcoming project (more details in the coming days), I couldn’t help but drool a little over this collection of black and white stripes. I think it’s safe to say that I will never tire of stripes. Ever.

images found here 

I’ve seen snippets of Emma’s home on her blog throughout the past and I knew that it was something special. Seeing the entire thing in one place on design*sponge a little while back reaffirmed just that. This old Victorian Toronto home (located in the up and coming Parkdale) has been transformed into what can only be described as pure and utter perfection. Lived in, loved and no detail left unthought of. 

found here

I’ve seen little snippets and clipets (it’s a word) of this amazing home making its way through the blogosphere lately, but I was blown away when I finally found the original source (and thus the remaining images). The spaces feel lived in and loved, unexpected and refreshing, yet classy and sophisticated at the same time. This is definitely a place that I, for one, would love to call home.

ps. oh, just me again, being pesty and reminding you about the pi’lo giveaway. It’s a good one and you should just go ahead and click here. There are only a few days left!

found here

I generally choose which spaces to showcase on lark + linen based on the heart palpitations that occur when I first stumble upon them. This one in particular made my heart extra happy. While I’m not sure that I, personally, would be able to live in a space this bright and white, I can’t help but be drawn to the freshness of it all. The hugely beautiful artwork and interesting little artefacts sprinkled throughout really stand out in a place like this. The white walls accentuated by the small doses of colour can’t help but remind me of a new season. But perhaps I just have spring on the mind.

found via pink to green, a merry mishap, lolalina

Happy St. Patrick’s day friends! While I’m not technically irish (well, not to my knowledge; perhaps it’s there somewhere in my lineage), I do enjoy an Irish token on occasion. These tokens include but are not limited to beer, lush greenery and thick accents. I figure, what better way to celebrate than with a handful of green-inspired spaces. Amiright?! I thought so. Now go out and enjoy yourselves some green beer (which may or may not be even better than green spaces. But I’m an interior designer so don’t tell anyone that I just said that).

found via here via sfgirlbybay

It always excites me when I stumble upon the remainder of a home that I’ve drooled over a glimpse of in the past. You may remember this red and white living room from this post of yore. This home was originally built in the 1920′s and has been renovated to maintain its funky vibe while bringing the amenities up to date to suit a modern lifestyle. While the retro feel isn’t one I’m generally drawn to, to me this space to can no wrong. It could be the natural light flooding through the rooms, the unexpected stripes located throughout (hello awesome orange hallway), or the old school menus hung above the counter. Whatever it may be, I’m smitten.

On a totally unrelated and beyond random note, I’ve named my boyfriends dimple Eric. Yeah. Blonde hair, blue eyes, athletic build, dimple. Who does he think he is? All the same, Eric is a fine name for such a part of his face, methinks.

Also, last night we spent the evening at our apartment organizing and setting up our new furniture and filling our cupboards with our new dishes. So exciting!

And a good day to you!

images via lark + linen

Operation make-apartment-suitable-for-a-boy is well under way and I’ve got the fabric to prove it. After spending a lot of the weekend tackling apartment-y things (can I tell you how much I hate moving?) we have more or less settled on our fabric selections. We’ve gone for an organic cotton for our curtains and a mix of textures and colours in a linen fabric for all of our pillows and such. We’re going for the natural feel here, folks. All that’s left is to get em all made (hoorah)! I can’t wait to share it all with you.

After a busy few days last week (both at work and on the home front), I took the Sunday off for some much needed girl time. The ladies and I kidnapped our friend Jess (blindfold and all) and surprised her by taking her to the Scandinavian Spa for her birthday. We spent the day venturing from hot pool to eucalyptus sauna, to cold pool to what I like to refer to it as the nap room. We finished off the day at our friends restaurant, Le Papillon on the Park, where we indulged in more than I’d like to share. It was the perfect ending to an incredible day. What is it about hanging out with a handful of your absolute favourite people that just puts everything back into place? I’m rested and ready to tackle the crazy week that lay ahead.

found here

I always seem to be drawn to spaces that were once intended for a specific function but have been repurposed for a completely different use. This old abandoned barn converted into a perfectly useful family home is no exception. The use of the worn barn wood and bent wrought iron juxtaposed against the new polished concrete is a mixture that I will surely never tire of.

found via sacramento street, remodelista, french by design

I’ve mentioned before how cold it’s been over here in Toronto and I’m telling you, we could really use a break! With day after day of bone-chilling weather it’s getting increasingly difficult to maintain some semblance of warmth. (I find that wearing two pairs of pants and drinking cup after cup of tea help immensely. Also, I’ve asked my grandma to knit me a pair of these for when I’m stuck at my computer). Being a tried, tested and true Canadian, you’d think that I’d have warmed up to the idea of winter by now (ha. pun). Instead, I find myself daydreaming about thawing out in front of any of these beautiful fireplaces.

I’m always intrigued on how different designers approach a space and how they decide which direction to go in. Generally, I begin with one main statement piece and design the rest of the space accordingly. Usually, the moment I see that piece I have an immediate idea in my mind on what should happen with it. That being said, there are so many directions that you could pursue with that one item, and it’s often interesting to think of alternative solutions.

I thought that it would be fun to introduce a new feature on lark + linen called one piece, two looks. Every once in a while I will present to you a single item and design two drastically different looks around that piece.

 This week, I’ve settled on my victim: the ever so popular, ever so beautiful, ever so wildly wonderful Paul Smith Rug. With its bold pattern and saturated hues, I resolved that there were two main directions that I could go in:

My automatic response is to embrace the playfulness of the piece and match it with other fun, bold items, all the while keeping the space feeling somewhat sophisticated with the use of a beautifully designed lamp and Eames chair. I’ve also began to ground the space with the use of fun, adjustable black side tables and black accents.

Alternatively, I could let the rug do the talking, and design a beautiful space filled with class and sophistication by using clean lines and neutral elements that complement the rug. The solution that I came up with is prim and pretty, perfect for a single female who wears heels and entertains often (that’s what I picture, so let’s just go with it!)

So take a look!

paul smith rug found via the rug company
the rest of the furniture found via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

I’d love to know, which do you prefer? And as an aside, if there are any items you’d like me to incorporate into this series, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I would be happy to design two spaces based on a piece of your chosing.

found via Alexandra Campbell & Remodelista

Today just so happens to be the coldest day we’ve had to experience so far this winter and as a result my bones are literally chilled all the way into their very centres. I would love to spend the day in one of these concrete bathtubs, filled to the brim with piping hot water in order to rectify this. Since this is not an option at the moment, please excuse me while I peruse our office to find some suitable layers as an alternative.

found via Milk Magazine

There are no words to sufficiently describe how I feel about this church-turned loft. Look at that arched detail. Those windows. And don’t get me started on the ceiling. With soaring-high ceilings such as these it’s often difficult to maintain a feeling of warmth and comfort. But this place? Well, it did just that with the use of raw, natural materials and caramel hues. Incredible.

found via Ralph Lauren

Every once in a while you just need a little bit of retail therapy. Although I have an affinity for shopping, my true passion lies within the decor of the stores themselves. Please tell me I’m not alone in this thought.

This Parisienne Ralph Lauren retail space is one of the prettiest stores I’ve set my sights on in a while. With a perfect blend of masculine and feminine elements, incredible mouldings and attention to minute details (would you please look at those floors), I could definitely spend my afternoon within these walls. And when it all gets to be too much, I could rest my tired feet at the courtyard restaurant appropriately named Ralph. Oh Paris, the things you do to me.

found via mixr

Every once in a while I stumble across a home that really speaks to me. This one in particular feels lived in, loved and experienced. Marie Olsson Nylander, a fellow interior designer, has an incredible eye for art and artifacts. Many of the pieces found throughout these spaces have been picked up throughout her travels around the world. They’re amazing. They tell a story. And while they’re each drastically different, their difference, their over-sized scale, and their colour saturation bring them all together and make for a cohesive space that is anything but boring.

found via Country Living

Generally, a place like this wouldn’t hold my attention for long. It’s cute. It’s cozy. It’s very, very country… But at this moment? Things are a little different. There’s nothing that sounds more appealing to me than packing up and getting away for a few days with just my family and a few close friends. On Christmas eve we’d toboggan and snow shoe while the turkey cooks in the oven and steams up the windows. On Christmas day, it would snow. Big fat snowflakes. We would sit in our pyjamas with cups of hot coco as we open our stockings. We would take multiple naps and drink champagne in the afternoon. All afternoon. Right now, this country cottage in the middle of nowhere, with its too small dining table for us to crowd around, grandma observing from the rocking chair, it’s looking pretty great.

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found via jonas ingerstedt, simply grove, jonas ingerstedt (x2) & Desire to Inspire

You may feel as if I’ve been neglecting interiors that are non-Christmas related as of late, and you’re probably right; but you can’t say that I didn’t warn you (here). If it isn’t obvious by my posts, tweets, and squees of excitement, I really like Christmas. That said, I understand that some of you may not be so keen on this (wonderful) holiday. If you happen to be one of those described (thanks for not boycotting my blog until January!), and this post is for you. Some real, live, pretty rooms for you to feast your eyes on, and nary a Christmas decoration in sight. Never you mind that the rooms are all red + white. I had to have some fun! This is my little corner of the interwebs after all.

found via Skona Hem

To me, this house is the perfect amount of everything. One part Christmas, one part class, and you know that the little girls who live here wear peacoats and pigtails, possibly even sport little british accents (even though I’m pretty sure this house is in Sweden). The place feels lived in and loved while still maintaining a sense of beauty and museum-like quality. I love how the Christmas decorations are prominent, yet tasteful as not to scream “Christmas threw up in here!” (not to say that I don’t enjoy some Christmas throw up as well). Perfection, in my books.

post script: I never thought I’d speak about throw up on my blog, but there I go! Three times.

As mentioned (many times now), I’ve finished Danielle’s bedroom! What we started off with (see below), was a lackluster, boring ol’ space that just didn’t showcase the personality and energy of this particular client. As a  young entrepreneur working in the fitness industry, she needed a fresh, vibrant space that she could come home to at the end of a high energy day. A place to sit and relax but one that still felt like her. 

Just starting out in the real world, a lack of funds was our biggest hurdle. We decided to keep her large, main pieces (bed, night stand, dresser), and work around them in terms of decor. We made some incredible finds (umm hello $200 Craigslist chair, and hey there $60 vintage pendant lamp), and spent the rest of the budget on paint, fabric and a few accessories. I’m so pleased with the results!

After much anticipation, Danielle’s bedroom is finally done! Take a look at what we started with when we began this project a few months ago: a drab space with not much personality. Considering that a girl with oodles of said personality inhabits this space, it just did not seem fitting. I’m just adding the finishing touches to the after pictures - so make sure to check back in a little while to see what was done!

found via tumblr, unknown, the beautiful soup

Things have taken a turn for the omg-I-can’t-believe-how-much-I-have-to-do-right-now. So please enjoy these beautiful spaces, their soaring high cathedral ceilings and crisp white walls in my absence.

found via Desire to Inspire

If I ever disappear, your best bet is to check for me here. In Madrid. In this fantastic apartment. Between the white walls, the pops of colour, the unexpected wallpaper and the fun hangy-baubles-of-sorts, I can’t help but be sucked into these images. My only concern is the duvet on the bed; it’s definitely not fluffy enough for my liking. I would have to bring my own, but minor details I suppose.

found via everything fab, lolita, emmas design blogg & simply grove

From glam, to rustic, to outdoors (?), to industrial chic (don’t you love the terms us designers come up with), I always gravitate towards images of a good soaker tub. It’s a necessity to rid yourself of a hard days work, to begin a romantic evening out, or, and let’s be frank here, to spend your friday evening in.

found via Trevor Tondro

I have some bad news, friends. My scenes from my weekend will be null and void for today. I mistakenly forgot my camera in my cousins car on Saturday evening and as a result I have nothing to show for myself until I see her later this week. My apologies for now, but next week I will make up for it! For the moment, please enjoy some incredible interiors photographed by the talented Trevor Tondro, and know that the weekend was great. Movies, restaurants, foggy evenings out, sunday brunches, oh my. I hope that yours, too, was just as wonderful!

found via shappacherwhite, style files, unknown, decor mag

Simple, elegant, and adds a little touch of fun and whimsy to any space. The idea of the chalkboard wall is especially great for those of the likes of me who have trouble making any permanent decisions. With new ideas constantly evolving it’s difficult to settle on one, knowing you may find something better tomorrow! Well, a chalkboard wall is interchangeable, evolving and all you need is some creativity, and a little chalk.

Disclaimer: I should note that I’m very good at making decisions for other people, but when it’s my own space? Well it’s hard!! I totally get why people hire interior designers.

found via Emmas Design Blogg via Skona Hem 

The perfect place to spend the holidays, in my opinion. I wouldn’t mind curling up with a good book amongst any or all of those furry throws. I’m also picturing family, friends, a day of snow shoeing followed by sweat pants (apparently you can get cashmere sweats if you want to be fancy-like), and bottomless glasses of champagne. With that owl throw pillow, I could surely get my dad on board.

found via Unknown & Sacramento Street

Some pretty bedrooms for your Thursday morning.

ps. If you haven’t voted yet, or if you would like to vote again, please click here to help lark + linen out! The good news? Only two more days of me bugging you guys like this! I appreciate it guys. Your tweets and retweets and facebook posts and votes mean more to me than you know.

found via haute design via elle uk

No sooner did it seem that October left us and winter reared its ugly head. (Wait. One sec. November? Seriously?! When. When did this happen!?) Now that the weather is beginning to call for wool jackets and fingerless gloves (because lets face it, those are secretly cool), I find myself craving the jewel tones and deep rich colours of spaces like this. I’m also loving the thick, chunky, oversized masculine lines set against the gilded mirrors and dainty mouldings.  And the light fixtures above the dining room table? I die. Perfection.

ps. this is me being annoying until friday. If you get the chance, check out Design Refuge’s October challenge, and vote! I’ve made the final cut and would be so honoured. Thanks noodles <3

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found via Alexandra Campbell via The Contemporist

It’s taken Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres no less than 10 years to complete his personal loft (something I worry about when having to decorate my future home. Being faced with so many amazing choices on a daily basis, how are you ever supposed to decide?!) During the process, he was faced with a plethora of issues that one must deal with when working with an older building; one such issue being wiring and cabling. With the use of strategically placed surface mounted electrical conduit he was able to deal with the additional necessary electrical affairs needed for a modern day lifestyle, while maintaining a certain aesthetic and a modest budget. I’m personally loving the idea of letting it all hang out. It could almost be said that the perfectly placed conduit eliminates the need for any artwork! I mean really, it could very well be considered a work of art in itself.

found via Design is Mine, Aimee Herring, Style Files & unknown

I’m loving the use of materials used to create these unusual headboards. Whether it’s pressed tin, bamboo, an old barn door, or simply painted mdf, it just goes to show you that there are no bounds! Put your creative cap on, and go nuts! (Is there such thing as a creative cap? I’m thinking I just coined that term.)

found via Munge Leung

Ever since hearing about the opening of Ame just off of King st, downtown Toronto, I’ve been itching to go. With an extensive cocktail list, a central location and quite the delicious sounding sushi menu, it would be the perfect place to meet your friends for a drink or two after work. Plus, the space feels like South Carolina country bar meets Japan meets industrial modern. I’m loving the fusion of the rustic elements with the kimono fabric. And did you see the washroom? You may not know this, but I judge a place based on its washroom. You can’t leave those details out!

found via The House Hotel

In my few years of life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have done a small amount of travelling. While I absolutely love it and would never turn down the opportunity to go anywhere, the thought of going to Istanbul was never really one that crossed my mind. Not until now, that is. Designed by Autoban, this four storey mansion (originally built in 1890) has recently been transformed into this incredible hotel, fit for a queen, if I do say so myself. The walls. The ceiling. Omygod the floor! Please excuse me a moment, I’m drooling.

found via Two Tall Blondes via D Magazine

This house had me stopped dead in my tracks when I stumbled upon it the other day. As you may have noticed (if it wasn’t glaringly obvious), I generally tend to be drawn to crisp, clean, white spaces. The deep, dark colours and rich textures of this home, however, have me rethinking my previous case of white-syndrome. Of course, it helps that there are little pops of it sprinkled throughout.

post summary: I have a serious case of house envy.

found via Michaela Scherrer & Simply Seductive (2 & 3)

There’s not much I love more than a good sink. Okay, maybe I could think of a number of things that I love more, but that’s beside the point. These three in particular really foot the bill. Both practical (obviously), functional (I would hope, at least!) and aesthetically pleasing (this goes without saying), I would not mind tidying up in any of the above.

ps. If you ever happen to find yourself in Brasaii, make sure you visit the washroom (the back washroom, not the front one). They have a pretty fantastic sink themselves.

found via unknown, greige & coco + kelley

I’m currently loving the idea of a ladder in a kitchen. Not only is it a practical way to make use of that otherwise wasted ceiling space, it also looks so dreamy and adds such a fun little element to the space.

found via My Ideal Home

We’re off to a rough start this morning here on lark + linen. The majority of my photos were mistakenly deleted from this weekend (womps). My brilliant friend is helping me in their recovery, so for now, please accept this pretty view as a place holder.

update: alas, my photos could not be recovered without spending a silly amount on some downloadable program. Does anyone know any other way? I’d love to hear it.

all images found via Burdifilek

A portion of my family (both immediate and extended) works within the wine industry. You could say these sort of things run in our blood. Given the amount of wine we consume at all our family gatherings, this may actually be true. Growing up, wine was always readily available to my brother and I. My parents wanted us to acquire a taste for it, but I never really did enjoy its tartness. Not until recently, that is. Oh, how I was missing out.

 That said, I’ve toured many a winery in my day. There are an incredible amount of beautiful wineries sprinkled throughout Southern Ontario, but Stratus? It’s a little different. I’ve had the pleasure of frequenting it on multiple occasions, and each time I’m in awe. There’s just something about it. Perhaps it’s the warmth of the wood contrasting against the coldness of the concrete. The juxtaposition of the pin straight lines next to the silhouette of the bottle. Or maybe it’s simply the effortlessness of this particular winery, different from what one would expect upon entering. Whatever it is, the designers have done an amazing job.

It seems as though the weather has gotten a little cooler, a little grayer. Fall is undoubtedly on its way and on its coattails it’s bringing work that took a backseat and allowed us to breathe a little easier this past summer. Things are busy (understatement) and during the little moments I’ve managed to sneak to myself (necessary), I’ve found myself seeking solace in these perfectly worn in rooms.

found via unkown & the beautiful soup

Is anyone else having as much difficulty as I am wrapping their head around the fact that we are now, officially, in September? I don’t understand when or how this happened, but it did! While we’re still battling quite the heat wave here in Toronto, I know that our warm days are numbered.

Here are two bedrooms that may help us transition into the cooler, crisper days of fall. 

found via unknown & The Style Files

And for your Tuesday morning, I present to you another McLean Quinlan. Great. Big. Sigh.

images found via McLean Quinlan

A sweet little cottage retreat for your viewing (and daydreaming) pleasures.

found via Two Tall Blondes via The New York Times

I’m going to make a prediction, here and now. Colourful, Moroccan inspired floor tiles are going to be the next big thing in this little industry we’ve got going on here. I’ve just begun to notice them more and more and I’ve already amassed quite the collection of inspirational images. So many that I will probably split this into two separate posts, to keep you on your toes and all.

Beautiful. I love how the rest of the spaces are kept clean and simple, allowing the tiles to really pop and make the statement they were born to make.

images found via Adriano Bacchella, Haute Design, Oliveaux

Munge Leung, a Toronto based interior design firm, has successfully made their mark on many, many incredible projects. This 7,300 square foot ravine house in particular really caught my eye. Is it just me, or does it kind of make you want to become some sort of bachelor (bachelorette) and host a bunch of parties with tall models. No? Just me? Well then…

all images found via Munge Leung

This may be my favourite house to date (and that’s a tall order to fill!) I stumbled across the portfolio of McLean Quinlan not too long ago and quickly got in touch with the architect. The work is beyond incredible, and I just had to share it. (As an aside, if you’d like to repost their work, shoot Kate Quilan a quick e-mail for permission. She’s very sweet and gracious!)

As a UK-based architectural firm, they seem to have a knack for blending old and new seamlessly into a space that is both incredibly beautiful and functional.

Stow-on-the-wold is an old barn converted into an amazing countryside house. With four kids and many friends occupying this home, the spaces had to be usable, abusable and still aesthetically pleasing. The juxtaposition of the worn wood, rustic stone facade, and comfortable furniture allow the rooms to feel lived in and unstuffy, while the oversized chandeliers, huge glass doors and glossy white floors maintain that sleek and sexy, contemporary feel. Take a look for yourself! 

 found via McClean Quinlan

Here’s a sneak peek at a project I’ve recently been working on. Danielle is a vibrant young professional who works in the health and fitness industry. Constantly on the go, working in a fast paced, high energy environment, she has requested that I transform her neutral bedroom into a fresh, fun one that really showcases her personality, yet lets her relax when the day ends. We decided on a colour palette of soft greys, a vibrant coral and a fresh teal. Since Danielle is on a limited budget (after recently graduating University), we figured we would re-use her bed and dresser, which are in great shape, and just do a simple refresh on the rest of the space, only splurging on the items that we both fall in love with; the ones she will be able to keep forever. I’ll be sure to update you as the project progresses, complete with before and after pictures, and a source list! Stay tuned. (I’ve always wanted to say that!)

And here’s a quick sketch that I whipped up for her to really get a feel for her future space

I’ve been collecting images of inspiration boards over the past few months and haven’t even really noticed until sifting through my files the other day. My subconcious is all over them!  Take note of the first one, the designer used binder clips to hang each image. So creative!

 found via William Waldron, Greige, Polly Wreford & Style Files 

With my vacation approaching in just a few short weeks, I can’t help but be drawn to a few incredibly beautiful, perfectly designed, immaculate retreats.

Amangiri in particular has really caught my eye. Located in Utah, practically in the middle of the desert, it isn’t the type of location you would think you’d typically want to get away to, until you check out these views.  

The hotel and spa have been designed to blend into their landscape with colour, materials, texture and scale, as to not disturb their surroundings. It’s incredible! Where do I sign up?

found via Alexandra Campbell via Amangiri

I’m back to work today, but I’m still feeling a little under the weather. I’m thinking I could probably nurse myself back to health much quicker if I could spend my time in one of these beds!

found via Black Eiffel, Destined to Design & Weheartit

Barn doors. I’m loving this approach to an entry! It works especially well when there is a lack of space for a standard door to swing open. The oversized, unanticipated, rustic boldness of the following images make my eyes happy. They’re pieces of art in themselves and they truly make these rooms pop!

images found via Simply Grove, Style Files, Etc. 

Nikole Herriott from Forty-Sixth at Grace is a fellow Toronto designer whose apartment (and shoppe) I’ve just recently stumbled upon. Her place, a mere 390 square feet, is so sweet and well put together and I just had to share it. If you get a moment, check out her shoppe, Herriott Grace, as well. All of the items are incredible! This lady certainly has an eye for design.

all images found via Design Sponge

I stumbled upon yet another new and incredible blog. This one has a bit of a twist to it though.

Gary and Elaine post pictures of spaces cut out from catalogs and magazines, and add a touch of dialogue to poke fun at each image. They’re hilarious!  Take a look at a few examples below, and click here to see the rest.

“Oh dear, our Q-Tip decanter is almost 1/5th depleted.”
 

“I’d invite you in, but Gary and I got in a bit of a fight after he had one too many bottled waters.  He stormed out of the room so fast he only partially pushed in his chair!  And I was right in the middle of my yellow book…”

“Gary! I was just reading a book from the under-bed basket and I looked up to see that someone forgot to put away the twine last night.”
 

“Hi Nancy, it’s Elaine.  I’m going to be a little late for lunch.  I can’t find my hat or my back-up hat.”

all images & quotes found via Catalog Living

My roommate and I moved out of our parents nests and into a place of our very own a year and a half ago. In our very first class of our second year of University, we were told to partner up for a semester long group project. I quickly scoured the classroom for someone who looked as if they were somewhat sane (I went to an art school), spotted her from across the room and sheepishly walked up to her like a third grader and asked her to be my friend. Basically. We hit it off immediately and the rest is history! (We also got an A on that project. I’m just saying).

I’ve been blessed with a wonderful roommate who will bake cookies with me at any given moment (literally), and who likes tea almost as much as I do. On occasion, you may mistake us for an elderly couple while we sip our tea and watch The Young and the Restless (earlier this year we also seriously considered taking up knitting – I’m not joking).

With that said, I wanted to share with you another piece of my portfolio (yay!). Our apartment. I lucked out and scored a roommate who’s as passionate about interiors and design as I am. We were (and unfortunately still are, sigh) both on pretty strict budgets and we really had to watch our pennies. We were careful with our purchases, found some incredible deals (our couch was a $250 Craigslist find), and only splurged on the pieces that we just couldn’t live without.

Since Summer is finally here, I though I’d put together a collection of dreamy gardens that I’ve been lusting after. So who’s willing to pay my way for the rest of the season so that I can lounge in one of these backyards while sipping sparkling lemonade? Anyone?  

found via Desire to Inspire, Unknown, Delight by Design, SFgirlbybay, Delight by Design, Unknown

There isn’t much else to say about this A-frame house designed by William O’Brien Jr. Perfection.

found via William O’Brien Jr.

all images found via Desire to Inspire via M. Elle

I always thought of myself as more of a city girl than anything else. But this farmhouse has me re-thinking all of my previous dreams! The mother-daughter design team, M. Elle, have done an incredible china job making the space feel warm and inviting, yet not too country. I’m impressed.

Some beautiful, raw, wood floors for your Tuesday afternoon.

found via This is Glamorous

This rendering of a library in Stockholm gives me a little bit of acrophobia… But what an interesting concept!

 found via Stumble Upon

Take a look at the Recess Yogurt Bar & Café in New York. Designed by Scalar Architecture, the LED ceiling changes colour, there are little yogurt holders that come out of the wall, and you get to enjoy your treat while lounging on vintage Eames chairs! The entire space is seamless in its design where the walls turn into the floor, and the floor transforms into a bar. I love that it isn’t what you would typically expect from a Yogurt store. Well played, Scalar.

all images found via The Contemporary Design via Interior Design

Take a look at this fantastically girly Palm Springs home designed by New York based designer Moises Esquenazi.

all images found via Moises Esquenazi

I’m beginning to notice a new trend as of late: neutral spaces with a neon accent. I kind of like it! I think I could get on board, given the right space, of course.

found via Desire to Inspire (images 1 & 2), Design is Mine, unknown (images 4 & 5)

Take a look at the Melbourne café Capital Kitchen. As you may have figured out by now, I’m a sucker for all things neutral. I would love to meet my girlfriends here for a latte or two!

found via Apartment Therapy

Sigh. I can’t wait until I get my hands on a suitable project where I can paint the floors a high gloss white. That may be a weird thing for someone to get excited about… but look how pretty!!

all images found via Greige

A little office inspiration to start your work week off on the right foot. I’m loving the organized chaos.

found via unknown

Our firm has recently been hired to redesign a Dental Office. I had never really thought about it before, but upon further review, it seemed to me that all of them are the same. Clinical. Sterile. Boring. Not some place you really want to be (that kind of goes without saying, but, well, you know). We didn’t want this to happen in our project, so I took it upon myself to do a little research and I thought I’d share with you a few of the interesting takes on Dental Offices that I stumbled upon. Also, on a side note, have you heard of this dental spa thing they’ve got going on? Apparently certain offices are trying to change the dental experience by making it more enjoyable and spa-like. You know, head china massage while you get your cavities filled. I could really get on board with this.

Espaco A3


Hirose

Minami Nagano


Fukuyama


McMaster

Bam! Chandeliers in unlikely places!

found via Woova, Urbarama, Hiroki Tanabe, Cool Boom, & Canadian Interiors

Take a look at Quebec based Architectural firm Lemaymichaud’s office. The seamless blend of old and new makes the space feel modern, but not museum-like. The firm is a well established Canadian company that currently has two spaces. One is situated in an old restored bank in Quebec City, and the other in a historic building in Montreal. Both of them are incredible!

all images found via The Contemporist via Lemaymichaud

Seesaw, an incredibly talented graphic design agency based in Scottsdale, Arizona, recently shared pictures of their new office space on their blog. I’m in awe.

It went from this:

To this:

This wall was done with tape & grey paint. Incredible.
all images found via Seesaw Design
 

I’m in love with their work. It’s taking all of my might to not crumble and buy these amazing letterpress thank you cards. They make my heart happy.

found via Seesaw Shoppe

Take a look at the recently opened Pantone Hotel in Brussels. The entire space is saturated in white, with pops of colour here and there. Each room is based on a different colour scheme and upon check-in, you are able to select your room based on your current mood (tranquil, energetic…) How cool is that?!

Apparently the bar menu is Pantone* inspired with drinks such as Pink Champagne, and Daiquiri Green cocktails.  The hotel also provides you with Pantone bicycles that you can borrow to see the city, Pantone coffee mugs, and check out the room key-rings!

all images found via Pantone Hotel & The Lil Bee

*Pantone is a set of standard colours generally used within Graphic Design or Advertising. Each colour has its own series of numbers to ensure that the colour on your monitor matches the colour you actually desire once it is printed.

This wallpaper is killing me! I want it everywhere. I can’t for the life of me figure out where it came from though. If there are any wallpaper fairies out there who can help a girl out, please let me know.

found via Sally Steponkus

I tend to be drawn to soft hues, and bright white interiors and so far that seems to be the sort of spaces I’ve been sharing here. I thought I’d go a little crazy on this monday afternoon and switch it up with a couple of colourful rooms that are just as cozy and inviting.

found via Unknown, Fashion Layne & Coco + Kelley

We recently took on a mini powder room renovation project at my dad’s place. I should say, my step-mom recently took on a mini powder room renovation project. The woman is a miracle worker! She did it all herself. Flooring, drywall, wallpaper… It always amazes me how much she is capable of, and in such a short period of time.

I did impart a few of my interior design abilities on the project and I thought it would be fun to share it with you. I want to go ahead and say that I cannot take all the credit, I merely selected the wallpaper, gave my two cents about accent colours, tossed around a couple of side-table-like ideas and my step-mom did the rest. I’m extremely happy with the results – she did an incredible job in shanghai!

I believe that the most interesting designs are the ones that break conventional rules. Whoever said that you shouldn’t use a bold graphic pattern in a small space. Do it! Go big or go home my friends. With that in mind, keep the rest of the space subdued and let the wallcovering do the talking.

note: If you’d like to use my images for any reason, please go ahead, I just ask that you link back to me. Thanks!

I’ve always had a crush on stairs. For real. I know that sounds totally weird, but I’m a designer, and sometimes we’re strange like that. I started drawing floor plans for fun when I was 7 or 8 (read: strange), and the common thread throughout all of them was crazy, multiple, winding staircases. That and cool bridges, secret doors and hangout-nooks, naturally. Seriously though, stairs are sexy. That is all.

found via David Mikhail, Marcus O’Reilly & unknown

Ahh. This kitchen. Brilliant! It’s a small, but mighty space. I love the idea of a neutral kitchen with a hint of sparkle, and a pop of colour on the ceiling. The best part? As your taste changes, you could easily switch out the coloured ceiling which would completely change the entire feel of the space. Maybe aqua for the summer, a deep ochre for the fall, a little aubergine for the cold winter months… Who needs seasonal throw pillows when you could have a seasonal kitchen ceiling! My boyfriend is for sure rolling his eyes at me right now. Oh the things I have planned for us…

found via House & Home

side note: There are a few companies that carry the stainless steel hexagon mosaic tile (seen as the backsplash above), but if you’re looking for it, check Cercan-Tile. I know for sure they have it. I’ve had a little sample of it on my desk for the past year, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it.

It’s still cold and rainy here in Toronto.  In Jacquelyn-land that means it’s absolutely freezing and I may lose my toes and slash or the tips of my fingers. I’ve been known to exaggerate a little bit okay a lot, but carrying on. I would love to cuddle up in this nook all day with a book and a cup of tea.

unknown source

These tiles! They just make my eyes happy. I haven’t been able to find them in an application yet but as soon as I do I will be sure to share it! They’re called the SomerTile Square Lantern in white and you can get them at Overstock.com for about $8.00 a square foot. Oh I would tile my life with these babies. And I don’t even care that they like, totally stole it right out of my header.

found via Overstock

In order to beat the cold & rain we’re expecting, I hope your weekend is filled with lots and lots of the following. Feel free to substitute the hot chocolate with a glass of champagne, naturally.

ps. Happy mothers day to my beautiful Mama, and my wonderful step-mom, Linda!

found via Weheart it & Sacramento Street

You may have seen this around the interwebs, or perhaps in an old issue of House & Garden, but Gwyneth Paltrow’s Hampton house is just too pretty to not share! According to the article she worked closely with architect and designer Michael Minkoff to complete the look.

found via The Style-Files

Oh the things I would do to spend my summer here, in this amazing house on the beach in Cape Town, South Africa.

all images found via Taverne Agency and photographed by Alexander van Berge

Anyone who is within the design industry has probably already heard of Lonny Magazine, but if you haven’t I highly recommend you check it out! It’s free, it’s long, and it’s pretty amazing!

found via Lonny Magazine

I have a huge folder with inspirational images on my computer. I guess that was what fueled this blog; I needed somewhere to put them! I don’t want to selfishly hoard them away any longer. They deserve their chance to be seen. Along my blog travels, I come across images of incredible interior spaces many times daily; ones that make my heart go pitter patter. But this one? This has been my favourite since the beginning. I hate to use the word “swoon” but I just cannot think of a better word to accurately depict how this space makes me feel. The casual elegance. It is amazing! Swooooon.

I found this image almost a year ago now, and cannot for the life of me remember where. If anyone knows where it’s from, please let me know. I would like to give credit where credit is due.

Hello sunshine! Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. Is that what this place is called? I’m kind of new at this. I have been a long time blog surfer, but this is my first attempt at anything myself. Here I will be posting the things that inspire me along my travels and the little things that keep me going. Please enjoy, and feel free to contact me with your thoughts and ideas.

my apartment