Most of us can admit we've had a momentary crush on antlers at some time or another — but now that they've become a staple in every home and dorm, is it time to retire the pointy taxidermy?
Does papier-maché make it better?
Are they timeless, sculptural pieces of nature?
Or, should they only be found in hunting lodges?
Personally, I think they add a rustic, wintertime touch that will be perfect for the holiday season, so I say: put them away and keep them for Christmas.
What are your thoughts? Is decorating with antlers in or out?
(If you can't decide, here are even more photos of interiors with antlers.)
Photo credits:
1. Photography by Jake Curtis
2. Photography by Jonny Valiant, designed by David Alhadeff, via Design*Sponge
3. F*** Your Noguchi Coffee Table
4. House Beautiful
5. West Elm
No green thumb? No problem. Pick up this plant du jour for a spot of fuss-free greenery.
Spiky and unpretentious, a cactus offers the perfect Arizona-chic vibe for summertime. Pair it with industrial pieces and worn leather for a rugged, masculine look.
Anthropologie put together this space that just screams hot weather. I love that the green ikat sofa has a cactusy-feel to it!
How about a cactus in the kitchen? It doesn't shed or collect as much dust as leafy plants, making it the perfect countertop companion. (Can you believe that this space is actually a hair salon?)
These prickly fellas lend a southern touch to this bohemian space.
Designer Tom Scheerer added a succulent into this entry in the beachy de Givenchy residence. Aloe's a good choice if you prefer a softer look (and feel!).
This cacti wall might be difficult to achieve in Canada, but if you have the interior space to move these 8-foot-tall monsters back indoors for the winter, this might be the perfect alternative to an outdoor hedge. I would love to bring a little desert decor to my backyard...
Photo credits:
1. Photography by Manolo Yllera, as seen on Yatzer
2. Anthropologie
3. The Brick House
4. Inspire Bohemia blog
5. Photography by Eric Bowman
6. West Elm
A few weeks ago, I told you about the living room makeover I helped Cameron with. After a day of picking up accessories and decor accents, this space came together in a snap. Here are the photos:
We first outfitted the room with key larger pieces, including the sofa and drapery, before I found the accessories.
To find and pick up the perfect accent pieces, I drove around the city in the all-new Buick Verano, stashing everything I could find in the trunk. (This blog is sponsored by Buick Verano. Enter to win over $3,000 of chic home accents!)
In between stores, I kept Cameron in the loop and asked for his decorating opinion using my cellphone with the car's handy Bluetooth connectivity feature. (Both hands on the wheel!)
After returning with the accessories, we finished up the room. The luxury details are what really pull this living space together. My favourite items are the consoles flanking the fireplace — which Cameron picked up at Bungalow 5 in New York — and the chandelier from Cocoon Furnishings.
These drawer units are ideal for hiding away messy items while offering the perfect surface to display collectibles. I love the brickfront detail.
The chandelier, made by Robert Abbey for Jonathan Adler, casts a beautiful glow in the space. Its timeless style makes it a must-have.
See more luxurious decorating finds in our photo gallery and watch Cameron and I pull together the living room makeover in our Online TV segment.
Photo credits:
Jason Stickley
In the sea of chartreuse and pale greens filling stores this season, I was so happy to stumble upon these hits of rich, deep green. Here are a few of my faves:
I spotted these crafty handmade baskets at West Elm. They come in a variety of colours, but this dark green will transition from season to season.
On that same crafty note, these Kantha quilted throws — also from West Elm — add the right amount of cottage-style to a space, whether you plan to hit the lake or not.
Indigo's lifestyle section was filled with springtime greens. From pillows and throws to vases and bowls, you have your pick!
Also offered in green, their selection of miniature watering cans are perfect for small-scale gardening (I'm thinking of you, condo-dwellers!).
Hollace Cluny always has a beautiful selection of pillows, and these detailed, leaf appliqué cushions are both fresh and eye-catching.
These unadorned lacquered boxes from 1212 Décor would add a hit of green in a living room or bedroom. Shiny, practical and stackable: what else could you ask for?
For more inspiration, see our Green Rooms photo gallery.
Photo credits:
1-5. Reiko Caron
6. Andrew Campbell
Last week, I had fun helping my colleague Cameron MacNeil give a client's living room a fresh springtime update. The makeover and photo shoot was a one-day affair in which I drove around town picking up key decorating pieces. Cameron waited for the bigger pieces to be delivered as I zipped across the city to get lamps, pillows and more in the all-new Buick Verano. (This blog is sponsored by Buick Verano. Enter to win over $3,000 of chic home accents!)
Avenue Road was the perfect stop to find a small luxury bench. Here I am loading it into the spacious trunk.
Cameron found a superb place to display the handsome piece. Its classic profile and luxe details make it hard to miss when set against the marble fireplace.
After a few trips to various decor stores, I made a quick stop to pick up some cushions I had spotted a few weeks earlier. Finding the stores was a breeze thanks to the Verano's touch-screen navigation system. Plus, it was peaceful: the advanced QuietTuning™ technology make the typical noise of the city disappear. It truly is an unrivaled interior experience.
Even though I knew Cameron had enough decorative pillows for the space, I couldn't resist getting these ikat beauties, too. When I arrived back at the client's house, we both realized the cushions I had brought were a bit big for the space, but of course, Cameron had a solution to make them work. Watch the Online TV segment to see how these oversized cushions inspired Cameron's casual-eclectic sofa upgrade! Plus, stay tuned for my next blog on the makeover experience on April 18th.
Photo credits:
Jason Stickley
There are plenty of ways to add colour to your home — and no better time to do it than spring. Whether you like it loud or subtle, check out these colourful options and see what your level of confidence is!
If this peaceful bedroom is right up your alley, you probably believe that neutral is a colour — and there is nothing wrong with that! Layer your space with texture and different wood tones for a luxurious look.
Perhaps you're the type to add a few pops of colour to a base of neutrals. This is the best option for anyone who can't commit to colour long-term (or for us designers who fall in love with a new trend every other week!). This is an easy way to build up your colour confidence!
For those of you who are willing to throw a bright hue onto cabinets or furniture, hats off to you! This can be a very bold move, especially considering the work involved. The payoff can be well worth it too; this grass-green French-country kitchen is absolutely beautiful.
If this is your dream space, your colour confidence level is through the roof! Congrats for being such a dare-devil! Prints, colours, textures — this room is sure to showcase your lively personality.
What's your colour confidence level?
1. Low: Neutrals floor-to-ceiling.
2. Medium: Subtle pops of colour through accessories.
3. High: Bright paint seals the deal.
4. Soaring: Prints, colours & textures: not for the faint of heart.
Photo credits:
1. Restoration Hardware
2. House and Home Ireland, photography by Paul Sherwood
3. Maison & Déco
4. New York Magazine, photography by Dean Kaufman