Looking back at an old issue of Domino, this soothing space by designer Antoinette Loupe caught my eye. I had tagged it as a favourite some time ago. I love the play between the warm wood and bright light, traditional and mid-century modern styles, and the artful arrangement of  so many beautiful decoratives. I tried to look up more of Antoinette's work, but sadly it seems this is all I could find.

The truest of friends, my dog never fails to do this for me :)

{Photo: Paul Costello}

A friend and I were recently having a conversation on how magazine covers have really shifted over the years. Recently there have been quite a few models speaking about the fact that they are rarely used on covers anymore (at least in American editions) and it's all about celebrities. It seems that these days you have sing, dance, act and also happen to be stunning to land a cover. I think that in itself is an interesting topic to discuss, and also speaks to how commercialized everything is (as these covers are often to promote other projects, movies etc). Looking back at older editions of magazines, I can't help but think that the covers were more artful and often, works of art themselves. A good friend shared some beautiful examples here (+ see below) and started me thinking about this. I can't imagine any of these being on the cover today -  I'd definitely pick them up if they were - how creative and interesting! I love the lack of a dozen different distracting cover stories each competing for your attention.

 I do still really love many of the Vanity Fair covers. This one in particular (below) was one of my favourites and I plan to frame it one day.

All this being said, magazines have and will always remain a passion of mine and the source of many of my favourite little moments of personal indulgence and always, so much inspiration. I really love the idea of framing a whole set of them as a bright, bold and beautiful art statement. A lovely homage to one of my most favourite things.

Perhaps it's the abundance of rain that has left the entire landscape in the most brilliant shades of emerald, but lately I've keep finding myself drawn to bright pops of green in decor.   (Like these umbrellas, or these barstools) There's something just so irrepressibly fresh about this shade!

Something I've started to do recently, is carry a 'Little book of Big Dreams'. I truly believe that you can accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to, and this is a wonderful way to keep track of growth, progress or sometimes even a change in direction. If you've never tried it you really should, the results can be simply miraculous. I keep a Little book of Little Dreams too,  trying to capture those fleeting moments of inspiration and pay attention to those little details or changes that can sometimes make all the difference.

Just as drinking plain water out of a beautiful glass can really elevate the experience, I think that beautiful writing instruments and notebooks can make any simple note taking a little more inspired.

I love these bright picks from Kate's Paperie. I'd take one of these

little notebooks in every colour!

I was absolutely thrilled and inspired to see the newly revealed Lonny offices in the May/June issue. I think I went back and looked through each page about three times before proceeding with the rest of the issue.I couldn't help but think as I did, 'This is exactly the type of article I miss from Domino!' Very chic with a perfect blend of high and low, with lots of interesting little twists and personal details. I love that the space is completely filled with art of all kinds. With a space like this, I think I'd be signing up to work over-time!

To a special friend who's just announced she's about to embark on an amazing adventure...

{Photo: }

After the stark barrenness of winter, one of my most favourite things to do in summer in lie back, and look up at the sunlight softly filtering through the leaves on the trees above, creating a luminous lacy green glow. This pretty outdoor parasol designed by Chris Kabel, brings that under the trees effect wherever you place it.

(Love that cute little gold bird perched atop!)

It's all too true that often the easiest transformations can be achieved with just a single coat of paint. I love how fresh and modern this entrance looks with a slick coat of bright orange paint contrasted against the classic details and hardware.

A very easy weekend project for a transformation that will have you looking forward to get home all week, just to be greeted by your cheery front door.

Ashley Edwards home as featured in Domino, is like the Mary Poppins of homes to me - 'practically perfect in every way'. It's remained a favourite of mine since I first laid eyes on it, and keep coming back to it for inspiration. It really strikes a cord with me with its slick black and white scheme throughout the whole home, with pops of bright colour brought in through little accents and lots and lots of art.

 

There's a lovely sense of playfulness, vintage pieces mixed with sleek modern and pop art. It really feels like a space that was fun to put together and that is meant to be lived in and enjoyed.

Basic white modular office pieces pop against the slate grey walls and puts the focus on a wall full of inspiration and colour. The vintage chair upholstered in black and white stripes and accessorized with a yellow pom pom pillow adds a touch of whimsy to a space that's more work than play.

Throughout the home, Ashley has used touches of natural elements - jute rugs, woven baskets and stools. It really tones the strong black and white scheme that can sometimes be a little too dramatic or harsh.

I love how all the doors were painted in a glossy black - adds a sophisticated touch, and the crystal doorknobs add a refined vintage feeling.

The bedroom is  an elegant and tranquil retreat. A little more muted and subdued than the rest of the home and with less colour and art, but still consistent to the black and white theme. Seems like the perfect space to rest your head (and your mind) at the end of the day.

{Photos: Paul Costello for Domino magazine November 2005, via MA Belle}

In spite of the rather dreary weather forecast, this bright, summery paintings by artist Natasha Law (Jude's sister) have me feeling a little more sunny inside. Love how simple yet powerful they are, almost abstract in their vibrant colours. There's a delicate feminity in the images that strikes an interesting contrast with the strong colours.

Recently, I was happy to be included in a group of fabulous bloggers, each sharing a favourite organization tip on Decor Happy. While sometimes I can feel that I'm barely holding on at the seams with things as life gets progressively hectic, one area I've always been vigilant about is my drawers. Since my early teenage years, I've had a persistent obsession with dividing and compartmentalizing my cosmetics drawers often using found containers (like old sushi trays or chocolate boxes) for storage.

I dream of a calm little oasis of organization like this beautiful dressing room to start my days (or evenings) on the right note.

{Photo:  the cover shot for the very first Domino magazine in Spring 2005,

taken by Melanie Acevedo, featuring designer Ruthie Sommers.

That settee in David Hicks' bright  La Fiorentina still makes me smile everytime I see it.}

{All photos: Melvin Sokolsky for Harper's Bazaar, 1963}

{Photo: Elle Decor April 2011 via Destined to Design}

One colour that never fails to draw me right in has always been bright aqua blue. There's always something so irresistably fresh that it brings to any space. I was delighted to discover the home of Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz, the creative mind behind Shine by S.H.O., recently featured in Riviera Interiors. Throughout her home, Susan has incorporated splashes of bright aqua blue from her collection for a look that's clean, fresh and fun but still has a sophisticated edge.

This chaise has me regret giving up on my search for the perfect navy blue fabric for a sofa. I really feel navy blue is underused in interiors. It always has such a crisp, classic look and blends so beautifully with a wide variety of colours.

I'm not typically a 'bird person', we had an African grey parrot growing up and despite his amusing antics, he had a strong evil streak that has left me feeling a little wary of him and any comrades. While I may have a bit of a bird phobia in general, one bird that I've always had an affection for are Cockatoos. They have such a playfully mischieveous quality and always look like there are smiling. I'd taken some exta maths lessons in high school (never my strong suit) and my teacher had a pet cockatoo who used to hang out with us during the lesson. Sometimes even climbing on my shoulder while I worked (which was fun except when he tried to pull out an earring.) If I were to get a bird one day, it would definitely be a cockatoo - so I especially enjoyed this little guy :).

Love how aqua blue and yellow add such a bright, fresh touch to the bedroom - I automatically picture the  the glass doors opening up to palm trees, shimmering aquamarine water and a soft sandy beach.