January: time to get organized and dive into the new year. I just realized that I must take down my lovely Snow & Graham wall calendar in my office at work. I know, I have iCal on my computer right in front of me, and on my phone, and at home on every screen, but there's something lovely about having a nice paper option close at hand.
I need to find a new option for 2012. The good news is that a lot of the pretty ones are now on sale. Have a look below — there are still a few options out there for you last-minute folks like me.
2012 Fruit Calendar, $16, Rifle Paper Co.
2012 Linen Calendar, $22, Lineacarta on Etsy.
2012 Wall Calendar, $20, Kate Spade.
Snug Calendar, $19, Snug Design.
It says 2011 but the 2012 version of this classic Peter Miller calendar is available online. Stendig Calendar, $38, Peter Miller.
To further prepare for the coming year, check out our top 20 decorating trends for 2012.
Photo credits:
1. 2012 Fruit Calendar, Rifle Paper Co.
2. 2012 Linen Calendar, Lineacarta on Etsy
3. 2012 Wall Calendar, Kate Spade
4. Snug Calendar, Snug Design
5. Stendig Calendar, $38, Peter Miller
I put up a real Christmas tree every year — I love the tradition and how the process brings my family together. I know there are two schools of thought on this subject, but I enjoy the smell and the overall look of a fresh tree. I have so many ornaments that I have often said I could have two trees…well, this year, I do.
My second tree, however, is made of recycled paper. I've always wanted a tree upstairs in the playroom and this option is just perfect (safe and sturdy). It was not messy to get upstairs, and because it won't die, we put it up early — my kids were thrilled. I also did not have to do a thing! I sat back and watched my children sort out the instructions together and build it. It was wonderful. I have the Massimo tree below. It's a great height and comes with fab little multicoloured lights and an essential oil spray that smells just like a fir tree.
Massimo, $99.
Moderno, $37.
Classico, $33.
I have to say, I think we now have another holiday tradition. Check out boutique.cascades.com for these great recycled cardboard options, and have a Happy Holiday!
Photo credits:
Cascades
I was just at Elte and couldn't help but notice this great pop-up section for kids. This is a first for Elte, as they have never had product for children (aside from bedding). I have to say, I think they've got some really great products — just in time for the holidays! Have a peek at my picks:
This flock of butterflies sets a fun tone in the space. I wish my daughter still wanted to be a princess — these tutus simply tie on. I love the grey.
Pile these fun pillows up on any little person's bed. Simple wooden toys like this guy to the right are hot right now. This polar bear is a great gift idea and would do double duty as a pretty object on a child's bookshelf.
Or perhaps a cardboard doll house? They're more affordable than the wooden ones, and hurray — not pink and plastic! Animal puzzles (right) are perfect for little hands.
You can't go wrong with classic blocks. These little shoes are made from super soft leather — lightweight and completely adorable.
I love these sheepskin bears for their simplicity.
I had to take a picture of these lamps as well. How fun that these industrial cage shades have been prettied up with colourful little birds?
So if you're stumped for children's gifts, head down to Elte.
For affordable gifts for the adults, check out our Holiday Gifts Under $50.
Photo credits:
1-6. Morgan Michener
You can't escape the holidays, no matter how hard you may try. If you can't beat them, join them — and if you're joining, you might as well be prepared. A few shops are go-to destinations for me this time of year and West Elm is one on my list. There's a location here in Toronto, but they also ship across Canada from their website.
Not only do they have great holiday decor but they also offer terrific basics in tableware and linens. Here are a few items from their holiday line-up that caught my eye:
This woolen mistletoe would make a great hostess gift (and it's kid and pet friendly — the real stuff is poisonous).
These colour-banded dessert plates are totally fun, and a nice way to simply spice up a white set of china.
This glitter feather ornament would be pretty as a tree decoration, but I'd tuck it under a gift's ribbon as a little extra punch to holiday wrap.
Mercury glass is classic, and these canisters would be gorgeous in a bathroom, but could also double as holiday vases with the lids removed.
Hosting a holiday party? Maybe a fab new entryway light is in order. This faceted fixture is so lovely, and bridges industrial with just enough pretty.
For more holiday ideas, from Christmas trees to Hanukkah recipes, see our Christmas & Holiday Guide.
Photo credits:
1. Felt Mistletoe, West Elm
2. Colour-Banded Dessert Plates, West Elm
3. Glitter Feather, West Elm
4. Mercury Glass Canisters, West Elm
5. Faceted Mirror Semi-Flush Fixture, West Elm
The perfect light fixture can be hard to find. They should provide, dare I say it — proper lighting — but are also a key decorating piece in any room. This time of year I notice lighting more than ever, as it's dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home. When looking for a fixture, keep in mind wattage and the material the piece is made of, as this will certainly influence the lighting you get from the lamp. Don't forget to keep scale and proportion in mind as well, and maybe take a chance on a fixture that does not exactly match your interior. (Think of it as wearing bright sneakers or unexpected heels with a conservative outfit.)
The hanging fixtures and wall sconces from The Urban Electric Company below are just gorgeous. They don't have any vendors in Canada but they do ship here.
I love love love this light by Canadian designer Amanda Nisbet. It's a fun take on the classic carriage hanging fixture.
These fixtures by designer Darryl Carter bridge the modern county mix really well.
This Michael Amato-designed sconce feels very retro and sophisticated at the same time.
Vintage in feel, this white fixture by Michael Amato looks right at home in this beadboard-clad hall.
For more inspiration, browse our Statement Lighting photo gallery.
Photo credits:
1. Poppy, AN-1020, The Urban Electric Company
2. Carlyn Single, DC-1500, The Urban Electric Company, photography by Dave Edwards
3. Bit, MA-8325, The Urban Electric Company
4-5. Seaspray, MA-9350, The Urban Electric Company
Maybe it's because I'm working on a wallpaper story for an upcoming issue of House & Home (and am consumed with all things wall right now), or maybe because it's fall and that itch to redecorate has struck. For whatever reason, I'm loving textured walls right now.
Who didn't love that wall behind the old threadbare sofa in Geoffrey Rush's office in The King's Speech? It was amazing — all peeled and worn, so much life. (For more movie interiors, see our photo gallery.)
It reminded me of a hair studio that was here in Toronto a million years ago (okay, maybe 20 years ago), The Rainbow Room. Walking up the salon stairs you couldn't miss that the hall was wallpapered with the Sanderson pattern Rose & Peony (above). The kicker was that the paper had been sanded down all over to fake age and wear. The look was so ahead of its time.
Stylist Glen Proebstel has worked with this rough cement wall beautifully (left). I really like the softness of the fabric mixed with the industrial wall behind. I think the image on the right might be a textile draped on the wall, but I love the watery stained look. Who needs art when your walls look like this?!
For more wall inspiration, see our Wallpapered Rooms photo gallery.
Photo credits:
1. A Ruffled Feather blog
2. Sanderson's Rose & Peony wallpaper, Mydeco.com
3. Glen Proebstel