Style at Home: Small Space Special Edition

Happy Friday!  We are back to early spring temperature (which I am not too happy about) but at least the sun is out and we will be climbing back up to 18C this weekend.  Not 28C like last weekend, but I will take it.  I am insanely busy at work these days and today will be a very long day before I head to Waterloo for the weekend.  I so look forward to a relaxing weekend and perhaps the first outdoor market at St. Jacobs.    

Before I head to my "never ending story" at work, I am super excited to share with you all that my bedroom is being featured in the special issue of Style at Home 100+ Designers Secrets!

image via Style at Home

I am honoured to be including in the feature and have joint 9 other super talented design gurus to share our best-kept small-space secrets in "Inside Scoop".    

image via Style at Home

I love how Meredith open up the kitchen in her narrow Victorian home by using open shelves + visually expanded the space by using white on cabinet, ceiling, and the subtle yet dramatic counter to ceiling subway tile treatment.  The sharp contrast on the floor is to die for and that gilded faux bamboo chandelier took my breath away.

Michael you are such a clever man! I love Michaels' idea of pushing the table right up against the wall to squeeze out a dining zone in a tight open-concept space.  See the buffet + china storage/display on the left? It was once a linen closet!  I absolutely love this idea! 

Nicola's tip in small space is to consider the sightlines and views from one room to the next.  This is so true when I look at my own condo: it is small, but it has an incredible sightline that runs the length of the entire condo.  I could be taking a bath in the bathroom and the view to my left is: the hallway, the foyer, and the kitchen.  I love the vignettes Nichola created from her master bedroom to her daughter's bedroom.  So romantic and chic. 

In this special small space edition, the editors at Style at Home also shared their small space solutions.  In particular, I love Ann Marie's transformation to turn a landing into a sweet spot for shoes and coats (HEART that wallpaper!), Erin's idea of using floating shelves to display treasured objects or as a practical sideboard in dining room and side table by a sofa, and Cat's DIY demi-lune table for a dramatic shot of hot pink + gold leaf feet (love the juxtaposition between the feminine table and the masculinity from the mirror).   

image via Style at Home

I am also inspired by a couple of featured spaces in this special edition.  This condo in Vancouver hits all the right notes.  I love how the kitchen looks super contemporary and yet warm and inviting, thanks to the use of light wood veneer as backsplash + cover of the range hood and the white oak floor.  The line-up of silver pendants and the solid walnut stools add charm, texture, and presence in this neutral kitchen.  

The bedroom is an absolute stunner with a hugely dramatic wall mural, the layerings of all grey bedding & pillows, and the sculptural swing arm light for a bold statement (not to mention the ingenious use of narrow wall space).

image via Style at Home

This foyer/ living room is such a relaxing place to be after a long day.  I am crazy about this Farrow & Ball wallpaper at the foyer and how this traditional motif is modernized by the clever use of lucite console, a pair of tall but light as a feather (visually) crystal lamps, and a clear glass vase for blooms.  

image via Style at Home

This Special Edition of Style at Home 100+ Designer Secrets is now available on news stands.  The special edition includes many tips and smart ideas by top designers and you surely won't want to miss it.    

Project Rental: Balcony Edition

Happy Wednesday! Don't you just love a short week after a long weekend? It is already hump day and I just simply can't wait for the weekend to arrive.  I love spending an afternoon in the park enjoying a refreshing icy drink and be inspired by my favourite magazines.  For those lucky ones who live in a house with a backyard, you can do just that right at home.  And for the condo dwellers, now is the time to get your balcony ready for the season.

If you have been following me on my adventure at Project Rental, here is a little update:  the interior rooms are almost completed with a few final details to go into the den/ dining room.  Now with summer being right around the corner, my client (a.k.a. friend of 20 years since Grade 8) has eagerly asked me to transform her balcony from scratch.  Well ... not entirely from scratch.  This bare balcony comes with a tailored, relaxed, palm beach inspired patio set my friend scored at HomeSense.        

My initial thought for the space is about the layering of patterns in a fresh navy and white palette for a cool, sail boat ready, nautical vibe.  Not too crazy about the red cushions that came with the set, I have sourced a polka dot, a stripe, and two solid fabrics (one in navy and one in white) to give the chairs a brand new look.  I also need a rug and this set of three 3x5 chevron fun at HomeSense gives the space an instant shot of bold graphical presence.  Add a pretty white porcelain stool and a couple of pillows in minty blue as accent, my ground work here is done ... or so I thought.  

A short visit to Style Garage has pulled the rug under my feet, literally.  The round sea grass rug has opened my eyes for possibilities, and these stools with natural wood frame construction and the luxe, soft hide padded seats just made me wanting more.

Then a minty sensational beauty at HomeSense struck gold and now I know what to do: I am adding a casual dining area in the balcony and I want to enrich my original navy and white palette with more colors + a touch of nature.     

Ready for my final idea board? I think you do.  This is the winner idea at #Project Balcony!

image (from left to right) via 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10

The navy and white combo will grace our patio set, as I think the palette gives the patio set a crisp, fresh look.  Now to boost up the color and pretty factor, I am adding a pair of these absolutely stunning fleur chinoise pillows by Caitlin Wilson Design to the mix.  The coral peonies on the pillows inspired me to go with this super fun Phoenix wool Dhurrie from West Elm to ground the seating area.  A sleek minty cube from CB2 to juxtapose the curve edges via patio set and to tie in with the minty bistro table in the dining zone.  With very little space to spare for coffee table, a couple of the martini tables from West Elm may just do the trick.

Now for the dining area, I am in love with the minty bistro table and the new stools at Style Garage.  Instead of going with an ordinary ground covering, I am super happy to have found this natural beauty with a scallop edge.  With the fun birdie plates from Kate Spade and braided napkin rings from Indigo, my work here is done.  I can't wait to see #Project Balcony comes to life.

What is your favourite element for outdoor living? I'd love to know!

Elte Revamp: My Favs + Giveaway Winner!

Happy long weekend Monday! I hope you are enjoying the glorious weather and I simply just can't get enough of it!  I mean ... 26C and totally tank top, beach wear season in mid-May, I wouldn't have it any other way!  I am sitting at the patio with a breathtaking view and indulging myself in the spring songs from the adorable feather fellas as I write today's post.  What more can I ask for?  

Now if you want to take this beautiful scenery into your home, you have got to check out the newly renovated showroom at Elte.  Serene, elegance, and divine, here is a timeless classic collection in a soft, fluffy palette of pale neutrals.  The elegant dining table offers generous room to seat 4-6 comfortable, while the glass top design keeps the space light and airy despite of its size.  The chrome dining table base adds sparkles and echoes the grouping of mirrored artwork above the sumptuous sideboard.  

image via ELTE

Don't you just want to wrap up this sensational bedroom + seating vignettes and take it right to your own home?  I do, if Chris will let me.   I love the scallop shape headboard with nailhead details, the romantic sensibility of the magnificent crystal chandelier, and the graceful slipcovered wingback with a relaxed, feminine touch.    

image via ELTE

On the other hand, I know this masculine, refined rustic range cabin collection will strike a solid seal of approval from Chris.  The classic chesterfield sofa in rich navy, the natural wood + wrought iron coffee table, and the touches of black via the armchair and the lantern-style chandelier, this is a living room vignette Chris will love.  As for me, I heart it all plus the irresistible upholstered bed and the captivating art on the gallery wall.

image via ELTE

You all know I also love a healthy dose of bright, vibrant hues in my spaces.  Here are some bold, shimmery jewel tone accent pieces and accessories I would love to take home.
 

image via ELTE

The rug and broadloom department is every bit as beautiful and inspiring as the furniture collections at Elte.  Its gallery-like layout and display showcases the couture collection and one of a kind silk orchid rugs perfectly to stimulate our visual senses.  A tour of the rug department is truly an experience you won't want to miss.  

image via ELTE

Ahh ... the lighting department. My style-craving heart skipped a beat the moment I walked in this section.  Whether you are looking for a ceiling fixture, a pair of sconces, table or floor lamps, Elte has got your covered.  So many gorgeous pieces and I am most impressed with the flash mount options available.  Flash mount fixtures are usually not my cup of tea due to the overwhelmingly "popular" boob lights at many homes.  Well ... NOT ANYMORE thanks to Elte!

image via ELTE

With over 200,000 square feet of sensational vignettes to take in, your visit to Elte may well turn into a day long tour.  Determine to look after your every need, Elte has also renovated the cafe with an edgy, industrial style to satisfy all of our senses.  

image via ELTE

Have you visited the newly renovated Elte?  

image via ELTE

Well many did over the past week following the grand opening of Elte Revamp.  To celebrate this exciting moment, Elte has generously offer one DesignMaze friend a $100 gift card as thank you for his/her visit to Elte.  Trio, Tashieka, and Pam have snapped a shot at location, tweeted, and messaged me of their obsession ...    

and the winner (randomly selected by Chris this morning) is ... Trio!!  Congratulation Trio and please email me your contact info and the gift card will be on its way to you.  

Another celebration on May 20th is a huge congrats to Chris:  today is his 8th Anniversary in Canada!  Happy anniversary and thanks for a wonderful May long weekend.  XOXO

  

Spring + Summer Crush @ The Home Depot

Happy Friday! The long weekend is only a few short hours away and lucky me, I am already up at my favourite Bed&Breakfast enjoying the beautiful sunshine and seasonally warm weather.  Today's activities include a short hike along the Bruce Trail, a quick visit to a small town near by for a fresh loaf of bread and organic local meat + produce for a tasty BBQ, and hot tub with wine + starry night to wrap it all up.

Speaking about enjoying the great outdoor, I was at the Home Depot spring/summer preview a few weeks ago and was in love with their fantastic outdoor collection, the variety of BBQ options that suits everyone's specific desire, and the super delicious bites.

Tight in outdoor space (especially for those who live downtown with a 50 square feet balcony), here is a cheerful option for dining for two.  Bistro style + intense shot of vibrant orange (it also comes in luxe violet and soothing emerald green), this is how we condo dwellers live large in small spaces.  

Father's Day is coming up and you all know how men are obsessed with a mean BBQ to make them feel proud.  The Home Depot team brought a few options to the preview.  From backyard party for 20 or romantic dinner for 2, the Home Depot has got you covered.  I have no gas line at my balcony and can't use charcoal due to safety concern, this little fella is powered by good old electricity and it will be Chris' BFF at our next summer party. 

This roasted peach with prosciutto recipe is my absolute favourite at the event and I would love to use the BBQ to roast my peach at the next summer party.

For this spring/summer season, the Home Depot has sourced a collection of stylish exterior rugs to help ground our outdoor space and add softness to our feet.  I am particularly fond of this creamy white & apple red beauty for its simple design with a hint of nautical flair.  Best of all, this rug is also reversible!  So when you want to switch up the look, just flip the rug over.  Yes, it is that easy!   

For those who are looking for some pretty and maintenance free pillows to freshen up your existing patio set, here is a sample of options available at the Home Depot.  Isn't this such a smart vignette to display the cushions in a wheel barrow?  Of course I am also crazy about the string lights on the staircase and the elegant chandeliers via the huge mirror.

Thanks Home Depot for having me at this fun and inspiring spring/summer preview.  I surely had a fantastic time and now for those who are planning to refresh their outdoor living space this long weekend, check out your local Home Depot and let's "Dig Into Spring"!

Happy long weekend!

PEI Retreat w/ Margot Austin

Hello Wednesday! Are you all excited about the long weekend? The May long weekend has traditionally been the time when we kick off garden projects.  Clearing dried leaves, tidying up the flowerbeds, and of course getting ready to plant the fresh blooms!  We have been spoiled by global warming for the past few years to believe that we could jump on the planting wagon as early as mid-April.  Well, Mother Nature has her last laugh again as she greeted us with wind + hail storm in the middle of May! Take that Global Warming!

Anyway, yours truly is looking forward to the warm and sunny weekend as per the weather man's forecast.  For those of you who are planning to head to your cottages, perhaps it is now the perfect time to do some planting and spring decorating at your home away from home.  Now for those real lucky ones whose cottages are right off the lake, you have got to check out Margot Austin's super chic and inviting cottage at Prince Edward Island.

image via House & Home Online TV

The cottage is tiny but Margot has worked her magic to incorporate all the functions and comforts of a home + visually expanded the space by having the walls and ceiling painted creamy white and a soft warm grey for the floor.  The living space is anchored by a tailored sofa bed upholstered in greyish blue  fabric to echo the many shades of blue from the sky and ocean outside of the windows.  Short of space to house out-of-town guests? The living room can easily be transformed into a stylish bedroom within minutes thanks to the dreamy pillows and nautical striped bedding

image via House & Home Online TV

Tucked neatly next to the living area is the dining area with a big, bright window to take full advantage of the view.  By using a simple white table and a set of director's chairs covered in durable white canvas, the look of the dining zone is light, airy, and calm.  It is such a smart solution in this small cottage: the dining area almost blends in completely with the walls!     

image via House & Home Online TV

To add warmth and charm to the freshly painted white box, Margot mastered this captivating gallery wall with her favourite artwork that inject originality and authenticity to her PEI getaway.  I love the light house painting; it is perfect for an East Coast escape. 

image via House & Home Online TV

The kitchen is a classic example of how you can live large in a small space.  It takes up next to no square footage, and yet it has all the modern conveniences we need ... and it is incredibly chic! All dressed in white, my eyes are immediately drawn to the details such as the farmhouse sink, the wall-mounted faucet, the penny round backsplash, the pendent fixture, and of course the super fun lobster fabric window treatment.  

left image via Style at Home; right images via House & Home Online TV

Before we continue our tour to the second floor, I have got to show you the charming mudroom with a nautical flair.  Really if you live on an island surrounding by the ocean with an infinite view, would you not be inspired by what nature has to offer? I love the use of deep navy in this mudroom.  It is such a departure from the rest of the space and the color gives the mudroom its presence + a stunning first impression.

image via House & Home Online TV

On the second floor, Margot's made the most out of the tight corner with sloped ceiling by creating a cozy bedroom for guests.  By tucking the bed right next to the sloped ceiling, Margot now has room to add a few hooks for jackets/ clothes, a painted bedside table, a classic table lamp and vintage prints on the wall to complete the look.  When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade.  In this case, I think this lemonade is imported from France!

Spy the rope railing? It is absolutely perfect for this cottage right by the ocean and what an ingenious idea.  (note: the rope railing at the PEI cottage is white.  The image on the right is a shot from Margot's Tweed home)  

image via House & Home Online TV + House & Home

Ahh ... the master bedroom.  I love how this room is filled with all things Margot and Mr. K love + one of a kind treasures.  The faux bamboo luggage stand with storage was from a local hotel (who knew PEI has such strong love for faux bamboo!) and that bright yellow headboard just makes me happy.  It also set the tone for a preppy palette with the mix of white and deep navy blue.  Margot added a sisal rug for texture and softness + a vintage chandelier with sea shells to further embrace the coastal vibe.

image via House & Home Online TV

Want to take a walkthrough with Margot, check it out here!

So what is your favourite elements of this stylish East Coast getaway? If you are looking for one of a kind treasures, check out Vintage Fine Objects!  Mr. K has new items coming in regularly and a section of the shop is dedicated to great finds he would put right in his PEI cottage.  

Spring + Summer Rush @ Indigo

Hello Monday!  I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and celebrated Mother's Day with your loved ones.  I was in Waterloo for the weekend to unwind and helped Chris to clean out his closet to make room for his fresh spring/summer outfits.  He will kill me when he sees this, but I will show you a couple of his new looks anyway at the end of the post.  So stay tuned.

Mother's Day is all about saying thank you to our moms for their love, support, and encouragement on our pursues in life.  Moms are always there to share our laughters and to love us unconditionally.  You have seen the Dream Bedroom I put together to honour my late mother with all the gorgeous pieces from Elte last Friday.  Today, I am taking you to Indigo to shop for another important mom to me, my mother-in-law in Germany.

Indigo is in full spring flourishing mode and I was blown away the moment I stepped into the store.  Greeting me by the door is this bright and happy wall of raspberry pink + mustard decorative accessories and pillows.  If you are looking for inspiration to refresh your home for spring/summer this year, this pretty palette may just be your jumping off point.  With two bold hues juxtapose against one another, I would say keep the walls in warm neutral grey for a youthful and energetic space.     

Palette No. 2 lightened the vibrant raspberry pink, and instead of contrasting with rich mustard yellow, Indigo has paired lilac and violet to complement the soft delicate blush for a grown-up luxurious look.  Add an Atwood sofa in creamy white from Style Garage, a square coffee table with a greyish weathered wood appeal, a high gloss white lacquer tray, a glam favourite read, and a sweet pink citron candle, and you have an elegant and classy room to enjoy for years to come.     

To add decadence and glamor to our "My Fair Lady" look, I am adding black & white + gold to the mix.  Love this gold heart tote and super glam embossed polka dot journal.

With Summer just around the corner (I really do hope so, especially after the ice storm we had yesterday), his deep navy, brilliant white, and bright mint is just the inspiration I need for Project Balcony!  I am loving the chevron and geometric patterns here.  I will definitely have to find a way to work them into the balcony.

Now back to the perfect Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law, Monika loves gardening and she has a very lovely garden with beautiful blooms.    

So I thought, what's better than getting Monika something for her garden and to bring the flowers indoor?  Here is what I came up with and you may want to bring home an item or two as well.     

Image from left to right via 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7

Today is certainly all about family fun and here are a couple of fashion moments for Chris.  We had some fun at H&M on Saturday and picked out a few outfits for the season.  Chris was so brave to try out whatever I threw on him and he's looking so stylish and hip! Well ... new footwear to follow on our next fashion session.  

So what did you do on Monday's Day weekend? I would love to hear from you.  Also remember to visit Elte and tweet me a picture of you + your favourite find + leave me a comment here for a chance to win $100 gift card from Elte!  

Mother's Day Special: Dream Bedroom w/ ELTE

Hello Friday! Mother's Day is just around the corner and I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to my late mother who had nurtured/guided me, taught me the important values in life, and encouraged/ embraced my creativity since I was a toddler.  My sense of style and design aesthetics are strongly influenced by my Mom's taste.  The way Mom carried herself, her creative talents in art, and her warmhearted personality all exude elegance and class.

This is one of my favourite pictures with Mom holding my hand (I probably was only 2 or 3), guiding me at the balance beam on our Sunday hike.  Love you and miss you Mom!  

This Mother's Day weekend also marks the launch of a revamped and refreshed Elte.  After two years of comprehensive renovation, Elte has completely redesigned its showroom to enhance our shopping experience with brand new departments such as Custom Rugs, Mattresses and Baby, and expanded favourites departments including furniture, rugs, carpeting, accessories, lighting and bedding.  I have always enjoyed my visits at Elte because no matter where I look, there is always a captivating vignette that stimulates my style-hungry eyes.  

So I thought: since I never get to makeover my Mom's bedroom, why not put together a dream bedroom that reflects my Mom's taste with all the exquisite items from Elte for the special occasion?

I want the room to feel light, serene, classic feminine while still appeals to my Dad.  This is what I came up with:           

image from left to right via 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8

The jumping off point of this dream bedroom is the upholstered bed.  I remembered the headboard Mom had in Hong Kong was a custom diamond tufted beautify in blush.  So my heart skipped a beat when I saw the Helaine Bed with a classic camel back, diamond tufting, and nailhead details on the side.  It is exactly what I am looking for: the upholstered bed gives the room an instant sense of luxury, the tufting adds a feminine touch, while the classic wing back/ camel back design with antique brass nailhead channels with my Dad.  

image via ELTE

I also wanted a bench at the foot of the bed.  This Gilded Bench is glamorous thanks to its creamy leather upholstery (I see faux ostrich leather) and the distressed gold frame with a link motif.  Built-in storage was another big component in Mom's bedroom.  Here I have the Forrester Chest as bedside table for high style and practical storage.  The link motif from the bench is also picked up here as hardware in nickel.  Instead of having bedside table lamp that takes up valuable surface space, I opted for the Cross Bouillotte Sconce for nighttime reading and ambience.  

image via ELTE

To group all these sensational furniture pieces together and to ground the overall space, I am splurging on a Silk Orchid rug for its contemporary take on a traditional beauty.  The Silk Orchid rugs are hand-knotted with 100% recycled sari silk, which makes the rugs ultra soft to touch and a sheen that screams luxury.  I particularly like this grey one for its calm neutral palette with a subtle hint of pink. 

image via ELTE

Speaking about grounding the space, I also need a little classic black in the room.  The Dension Ceiling Light is substantial in scale but doesn't feel heavy or imposing due to the open iron lantern design.  Its four candles also give the bedroom plenty of light.  In case you haven't noticed yet, the black accent is also picked up as sexy feet on the bedside chest and the upholstered bed.       

image via ELTE

There will still be room for another vignette in Mom's bedroom and this Lawson Chest with white lacquered wood, bronze mirrored front, and white wood intricate fretwork detailing fits right into this sumptuous bedroom retreat.  Pairing with two Lynton table lamps (love the grey with a hint of turquoise and the gold leaf accents) and a dynamite mirror with scallop top, I think we have a winner!

image via ELTE

So what do you think about this dream bedroom?  I think it is absolutely sensational thanks to all the beautiful and finest pieces from Elte.  I am sure you are now all eager to check out these gorgeous items in person, and here is an added bonus if you are planning for a visit this weekend.  To celebrate the relaunch of the newly renovated Elte, the store is hosting a contest for customers who visited Elte Opening Weekend, May 10 to 12, for a chance to win one of five $1,000 Elte gift cards!

image via ELTE

That's not all! Elte also generously offers one lucky DesignMaze reader a $100 Elte gift card.  All you need to do is to tweet a photo of you at Elte with your favourite item (make sure you mention @Elte #ElteRevamp + @designmaze_tim) and come back here to tell me why you love your pick.  Yes it's that simple, and the winner will be drawn on May 19th. 

So what are you waiting for, start the car and start tweeting! 

Happy weekend everyone!