Retail Therapy

Spring came and went and somehow I missed it.  It seemed to be summer popped in for a very minimal time and it seemed to be raining way too much for my taste, and poof, it was gone as well and we headed into fall and now winter.   With all the business of the fall preparing for holidays we shop but we do not always treat it as a fun and enjoyable process when we have so much to do.  We are so busy we have so much to take care of that we tend to be happy to have it completed.  Well, now that we are heading into the Holiday season it is a great time to get a little 'retail therapy.'

I love to shop and all decorators and designers are very much into this pasttime.  This is where work can also be fun!  We call it 'sourcing' when looking for items for clients but when it is just for ourselves, it is really just good old fashioned shopping.
The old saying that the shoemakers children have no shoes tends to hold up with designers and decorators in that we are so busy working on clients projects and attending many showroom events to see the latest and greatest out there, we don't seem to have time for our own abodes.  Well now is a great time to take a little time and as Nike says DO IT! 

I really am in need of a little 'retail therapy' for myself and decided to check out some great spots, just to name a few and get your home ready for upcoming entertaining.

Bouclair
Pottery Barn
EQ 3
Structube
Crate & Barrel
Urban Barn
Cocoon
Wicker Emporium

Most are already dressed up for the Christmas season and can really put you in the mood. Watch for a future post dedicated to the wonderful displays at Sheridan Nurseries

Using Glass Table Tops in Interior Design

When visitors come to your home, where do they gather? Chances are you answered the living room or dining room, which is why these areas of your home should be comfortable, flawlessly decorated, and ready to receive guests. Of course, the design process includes making the right choices when it comes to furniture.

In designing a dining room, selecting the right table is one of the most important decisions you will make. As one of the largest and most used pieces of furniture in your home, a dining table will set the tone for the rest of your decor. In your mother’s day, nearly everyone had massive, solid wood tables that were always dressed with a tablecloth when company came for dinner. Now, we have many more options, including glass tables, which are meant to be used uncovered, as they catch the light and add elegance to your dining room.

Glass table tops are available in a wide variety of forms, tints, and types, although most people prefer a transparent rectangle or oval shape with a beveled (slanted) edge for a dining table. The majority of glass table tops are made of strong safety glass, and will last years with normal usage and cleaning. Glass dining room tables fit seamlessly into most design sensibilities - depending on the cut of glass and the base you choose, they can look modern, traditional, artistic or even rustic.

A more common place to find glass table tops in the home is the living room. In this area, people are usually more open to experimentation with different shapes and etching. Remember also that, depending on its style, the base of your coffee table can provide storage for items such as books, albums, or coasters.

These photos are just a few of the limitless options in glass table tops!

About the Author: Glass and Mirror Pros is a glass company in Orlando dedicated to making customers happy by creating beautiful glass products customized to their specifications. Whether you are looking for a glass table top, glass shelves, shower enclosures or more, we’ll be here for you. We can help you hone your vision and create a unique glass table top that is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your home! For more creative tips follow us on Facebook!

Thanks to Glass & Mirror Pros for this guest blog post for Design Savvy Interiors

Beautiful Porcelain

I recently had the opportunity to see some of the fantastic porcelain created by Bill Reddick who had a display at SOFA, one of my favourite haunts for design inspiration.  Bill  is known for his ceramic and pottery which takes inspiration of the Song Dynasty with a contemporary look.  He is the creator of Canada's official state dinnerware, which resides in Rideau Hall in Ottawa..  Check out his website to see the lovely pieces already completed.

Loving Black and White

Recently I was gifted some Home Decor & Design Magazines from France that my hubby selected for me when he was there.  I love to pick these up when travelling just to see what's happening in other places.  When I was in Cabo recently I was looking for a Mexican Decor Magazine and a nice helpful person informed me I could find English magazines at another location but I wanted the one I found in Spanish. He thought I was a little nuts but that's ok.  I wanted authentic.

While flipping through the various magazines I saw a page of my favourite - Black and White in hounds tooth so I wanted to share it.  It's still hot and I believe it will always be in style.

From the pages of 'maisons de Campagne' here are some b/w ideas

KOHLER Artifacts, is a new faucet collection that is adding a new level of personalization to the bath. While traditional design never really goes away, this classically beautiful collection will look good in any space. Not sure what you want? You have a choice of three spouts and three different handles, all available in five eye-catching finishes. Designs include: Tea design, Bell design, and Column design, with your choice of Lever handles, Prong handles, or Swing Lever handles in finishes ranging from vibrant polished bronze to oil-rubbed bronze. Quite an interesting look using black and white which I love.

For more great photos of the Kohler line link to this http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Artifacts-Bathroom-Faucets/content/CNT19700003.htm

Great Kitchen organization

I am always interested in what great options there are for kitchens.  It has been considered the main gathering place in the home back in time and once again we all seem to congregate in the kitchen.  Having it organized and efficient is always a bonus, especially when entertaining.  We all know that the party ends up in the kitchen no matter how nice the living spaces in your home are.

I was checking out one of my favourite magazines;  New York Spaces, for products of interest and came across this line - SieMatic and their newest drawer organizers.  We have seen this type of organization growing in kitchen design from every price point.  Ikea through to Bulthaup offer their own unique versions so I thought I would add this as well.

SieMatic unveiled a new interior accessories system and cabinet enclosures and surfaces at HausFair 2013. Featuring newly designed drawers with pullouts and interior accessories that streamline the minimalist designs, the new offerings go hand in hand with the new cabinet interiors. Why shouldn't the interior complement the exterior? Take a look for yourself and see why we love them so much! For more information, please click here. 

Convenient docking station for smartphones

Anti slip liner - very handy

Flexible storage drawers

     

If you are interested in this product line it can be purchased through

Binns Kitchen & Bath Design in Toronto

Surface Innovation - flexible veneers

Several Years ago I met Mike Stiller, owner of Surface Innovation at IDS and was amazed at his product line of flexible slate and other stone products.  Over the years the line has expanded and when he introduced barn board last year I thought that was great.  Now, he has gone a step further and the latest is also made of reclaimed wood - Barn board PS which is a thin weathered wood veneer with a self adhesive backing.  How easy can it get for the average DIYer.

So with the self adhesive barn board planks you just measure, cut and stick.  I think anyone could do that and get the lovely rustic and warm appearance of barn board without the weight and thickness.  A very cost effective way to transform your space adding texture, warmth and the rustic look which is so on trend these days.

Plank sizes - 1/8" X 5" in random lengths from 1' to 4', with the option of 20 or 40 sq. ft. per box. 

There is also barn wood which are a textured wood mosaic tiles made from reclaimed barn board and ship wood tiles, made from reclaimed sunken wooden boats.  How eco is that!

Italian Designer Paola Navone partners with Crate and Barrel

In September 2013 the Renowned Italian Interior Designer, Architect and Art Director, Paola Navone partnered with Crate & Barrel to introduce her first of three collections to the Canadian marketplace.  She likes to work with saturated colours for the mostpart and this collection is a gorgeous Cobalt Blue partnered with pure white.

Paola does not define herself within a particular niche or style and has a variety of home decor items ranging from tabletop to textiles, accessories, lighting, rugs, furniture and much more. 

The products available at Crate & Barrel currently are in the bright cobalt blue & white which brings such a breath of fresh air and a crisp look.  A visit to C & B is definitely something to consider when in need of a little retail therapy this dull and drab winter. It will take away the blahs and remind you of the Mediterranean and will definitely brighten your day.

Corinne Campenio designs from France now at SOFA

I attended an event at SOFA this morning to introduce a new design source coming out of Paris, France with gorgeous products.  The line offers chairs, benches, headboards and toss cushions all designed by Corinne Campenio.  This talented designer travels to various cities around the world to find her inspiration which she photographs and then transforms into beautiful creations.  The frames for the furniture is made of Canadian kiln dried maple in Montreal and can be finished in whatever the client would like.  The options are plentiful and so unique.  One can combine any of her fabrics on any style of chair or bench for a completely one of a kind custom design.  The printing process is done with the sublimation process and the design goes deep into the fabric making it very durable and resistant to scratching, fading under normal conditions.  This fabric also meets fire resistant requirements and commercial standards.   Currently this line can only be sourced at SOFA within the GTA.