Mad's Room Bed View via Flickr

Mad's Room Bed View
Originally uploaded by abchao

I love the curtains, colour, everything!

Calypso ceiling light fixture from Ikea

Recently, I went to Ikea with the hub to find a side table that we could stack up and finish to match our other furniture. While we were there, I wandered through the lighting section and noticed the Calypso light fixture - how did I miss this in the past??? This is the perfect replacement for all of those boob light fixtures (you know what I am talking about!!). When I finally get my hands on a house, I hope these are still around...

Fortuny style lamps via Ethnic Chic Online

Pricey but beautiful...these lights are available via Ethnic Chic Online - the product description: Venetian Lights - Beautiful hand spun, hand painted lights from the ancient centre of Venice. These special lamps reflect the mysterious mists and romantic atmosphere of Venice, creating an ambiance unto themselves. Every piece is specially made-to-order and takes 3-6 weeks before shipping. All lamps come with a ceiling mount.

My new sofa!!

I will be fixin her up, anyone recommend a good reupholsterer in the Ottawa area?

Bed on Porch via flickr!

Porch
Originally uploaded by abchao

I've had this picture tucked away forever on my desktop, I love it so much. I had no idea that it belonged to abchao! What a fantastic space...

The South Cliff via The Modern Home Estate Agents (part 2 - the inside!)

The master bedroom

Previously posted here:

As seen on the Modern Home Estate Agents website. Here are some interior shots of South Cliff. I have to admit, my favorite rooms are the master (for the furnishing) and the bathroom (for its details).

The living room

The kitchen

The formal dining room

The guest bedroom

The bathroom

The Fold by Marina Bautier

Originally posted by Design Lab, found via GNR8 Pileline Beta.

GNR8 is a cool site - people can submit their designs and people can vote/comment on them. Love it! I found this great chair there, what a beautiful design. It looks comfortable too. The best part? It folds up!

Italian silk chandelier

italiansilklight
Originally uploaded by mainlander_1978

When I finally have a house, I will find a way to have a light like this in my dining room!

The South Cliff via The Modern Home Estate Agents (part 1!)

Information from The Modern Home Estate Agents:

South Cliff
Cooden Beach, E. Sussex
£660,000 Freehold

This superb example of 1930s Modern architecture can be found less than 50 metres from Cooden Beach on the East Sussex coast. Recognised by English Heritage as one of the finest of its kind in the UK, this 5-bedroom house has a rare Grade II listing. The house has approximately 3,000 sq ft of internal space and has been carefully maintained and sympathetically updated by the current owner.

Entry detail view

Curbside view

The backyard

Roof top terrace detail view

Frosta stool from Ikea

The frosta stool from Ikea...

Look how hot they are when stacked!!

Yes, yes, those of you that know me know that I am not a huge Ikea fan (they make a lot of garbage, admit it!) but I will admit that once in a while they hit it on the head (I do have solid wood shelves from them that are fantastic). Recently, we retired our glass coffee table from The Zone and were forced to find a temporary solution to replace it. I really wanted a stackable table set that I could tuck into the corner - but finding something in the art deco style is reallllly not easy. Then I saw these and realized that they could at least do the job for a little while. After getting them home, I realized that they don't really have a finish on them so I am going to see what happens if I throw some stain at them (oh the excitment!). Seeking out inspiration, I entered Frosta Stool into google and found a post via apartmenttherapy that discusses the design origins of the stool. I had no idea that they were based on an original design by Alvar Aalto! After googling the original, I found OOOODLES of inspiration for my refinishing project. What do you think of my options?

Option 1 - The original Alvar Aalto stool with a walnut stain (maybe?) and black top


Found via Modlife. I like the walnut finish with the black top, this would go perfect in my house! I originally thought of doing the reverse, black legs with a walnut top - but this is much more modern and attractive.

Option 2 - A special edition of the stool with attractive birch veneer


Found via scandinaviandesign.com, this original has beautiful veneer. I could easily reveneer the tops of the ikea versions that I have with something more exotic or a much nicer version of birch veneer...

PS. Here is a token library photo for your enjoyment...

Ottawa Lumière Festival is this weekend!

Lumiere 2005 - water installation
Originally uploaded by lumierefestival

I love this festival, it is so much fun. Go out and support it, they have reported financial difficulties this year...

For more info, check out the Ottawa festivals website here or the Ottawa Lumiere festivals website here. There are a ton of performers and many beautiful fairies, so go and enjoy :)


Lumiere 2005
Originally uploaded by lumierefestival

My friend, Anne Davison!!

Lumiere 2006 - Angela Bilmer
Originally uploaded by lumierefestival

Lumiere 2005
Originally uploaded by lumierefestival

Lumiere 2005 - Umbrellas
Originally uploaded by lumierefestival

More backyard inspiration - the perfect urban backyard

Found via weheartstuff - apparently a house that was once listed (either for sale or to rent) by The Modern House Estate Agents.

I love the high fence, the white feel (perfect for an art deco renovation, no?!) and best of all, the wall of sliding windows into the yard. I don't think this is entirely practical for Canada - I would worry about snow/water in the winter on the doors (would they have a decent seal?) and I would seriously hate the bugs that would come in during the summer but...maybe there's a way to work around that?

Is art deco tacky?

Sometimes I find myself wondering what it is that draws me to art deco. It's pretty dramatic, a little over the top. Does that make it tacky?? I just can't help but love the lines of a classic art deco piece, the wonderful veneers, the wood grains...

I found this beautiful buffet that I could never afford, so I will simply oggle it and hope that one day something similar can find its way into my home.




Description: Mahogany veneered art-deco sideboard from 1930,France.
Found here.

Streamline style bathroom fixtures from Lefroy Brooks

Streamline style bathroom fixtures from Lefroy Brooks – including an entire suite in Vespa Pink!

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