Parkdale Ave.

A Place to Gather in the Laurentians...

2012-04-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

I find beach houses and summer cottages incredibly inspiring. I've spent a lot of time trying to pin point exactly what it is that I like so much about them and I believe it comes down to comfort, airiness and texture. Ultimately, the goal of cottage interior design is to create a space that instantly induces a sense of disconnect, comfort and relaxation. For most, this usually translates into warm creaky wood flooring, neutral paint colours, cheery fabrics, an abondance of windows, cozy couches and mismatched pieces of furniture. There aren't many guidelines to follow when you design a summer home and I've always found this to be incredibly appealing. Having said that, I personally make no distinction between a "summer home" and an "everyday home". Regardless of it's location, I think the place you come back to after 8 hours of work needs to immediately induce a sense of peace and serenity. That's why, when people ask me what the design direction is in my own home, I simply answer "I want my house to feel like a cottage". So far, it's been no simple task. Structurally speaking, my house is incredibly modern and linear.

This morning, as I was doing my usual rounds on the internet (Houzz, House & Home, Elements of Style, Pinterest, Crush Cul de Sac...) I stumbled upon this perfect little summer cottage on Maison et Demeure. It's located in the Laurentians and everything about it just screams my name! I love the exposed beams, knotted pine flooring and wood paneled walls. It's not very big, it isn't overdone nor glamorous but it's welcoming and loaded with personality. The kitchen is narrow but feels rather spacious due to the use of white cupboards, simple backsplash and big window. It also has the staples you would find in many country kitchens; a farmhouse sink, open shelving, butcher block countertops and wicker accessories. The dining area has mismatched windsor chairs and a banquette which provides ample seating perfect for summer entertaining and get togethers.

Oh and I also love the quirky turquoise flooring in the mudroom and the kids sleeping area up in the mezzanine.

Happy Saturday!

Myriam

Photographed by Jean Longpre

Who Would've Thought?

2012-04-12T07:14:00.002-04:00

I've never entertained the thought of incorporating brick inside my house but I must admit that it looks absolutely stunning! Check out these pictures I found on Atlanta Homes Mag. Blue and green accents work beautifully with the herringbone-patterned brick in the entry hall. It's casual elegance with a country twist!

Love. It.

PS: I included a picture of the kitchen because it has the prettiest vent hood I've ever seen!

Photos: Erica George Dines

A Cozy Cottage Living Room...

2012-04-09T19:26:00.000-04:00

Nothing says country like wood-paneled walls, pale blue accents, gingham curtains and wicker accessories. I absolutely adore this living room because it exudes warmth, cheeriness and laid-back cozyness.

What do you think?

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

The Writing is on the Wall: Part Deux...

2012-04-02T03:30:00.000-04:00

I just painted a chalkboard accent wall in my kitchen nook and it looks great! There are so many fun places in your home where you can integrate this idea... especially if you have kids! (although I'm not sure how you would go about teaching them not to draw on other walls in the house). I'm thinking about painting another blackboard, this time in our office upstairs. If you're going to do this at home, don't forget to let the paint dry for 3 days before writing on it and you'll also want to prep the chalkboard by taking a piece of chalk, laying on it's side and colouring the entire surface. Then, erase everything and voila! You're ready to go.

Here are a few more inspirational pictures...

PS: If you want to check out my original post on chalkboard painting ideas, click here.

Happy Monday,

Myriam

Decorpad

Whipperberry

Decorpad

Westbrooke Interiors via Decorpad

Apartment Therapy

Decorpad

Apartment Therapy

The Decorologist

A Country Bungalow in Ireland...

2012-03-29T03:00:00.000-04:00

Designer Fiona Simmonds' 70's dormer bungalow is perched high up in the Wicklow Hills of Ireland and looking at pictures of her house has me longing for some Irish country living. Although the design style is quite modest and attainable, you can clearly tell a lot of attention has been paid to detail.

Fiona's country abode is relaxed, spacious and light filled. All of the rooms in her house are beautiful but my favourite has got to be the lounge. Bright red accent pillows scream for attention against the quiet neutral couch and a built in shelving unit displays a lovely collection of books, family photos and decorative topiaries.

Source: House and Home Ireland photography by Paul Sherwood
Source: Culture Heritage Tours

Summer Hosting: Peach Sangria Sorbet...

2012-03-28T03:30:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:
2 cups dry white wine*
1/2 cup peach schnapps
1 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
2 sprigs of mint
1 large peach, peeled and sliced

Method:

1) Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2) Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes.

3) Remove the mint sprigs, pour the mixture into a blender and puree until smooth.

4) Pour through a strainer into a medium bowl. Chill completely.

5) Freeze in an ice cream machine according to manufacturer’s instruction. Sorbet will be very soft.

6) Spoon into a medium bowl and let firm up in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.

Makes approximately 1 quart

*I used dry Riesling.

Images and recipe via Completely Delicious

My Deck Inspiration...

2012-03-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

When my husband and I decided to purchase the home we currently live in, one of it's biggest appeals was that it was truly a blank canvas. Although it was a relatively new build, the previous owners did nothing to upgrade the look of the house which left us with the exciting challenge of renovating it ourselves in order to make it our own. We've now been living here for almost 2 years and one of the biggest projects we have yet to tackle is the backyard. As it stands, we have 1 baby tree, 6 cedars and a wonky lopsided 8x8 deck which shakes every time we or the dogs step onto it.

Having said that, we've finally decided to get our deck going this year and I've been busy looking for inspiration. Given that our backyard gives directly onto a cul-de-sac, one of our main goals is creating a sense of privacy. Last year, I discovered a beautiful outdoor design company called Earth Inc and totally devoured their portfolio... They're brilliant. All of their projects are absolutely gorgeous but my favorite one by far is called "Backyard Oasis". My favorite features are the top level breakfast bar, the use of beautiful knotted cedar and the privacy created by integrating horizontal panels.

As described on the Earth Inc website:

"Client Requests: Modern-day aesthetics, breakfast bar overlooking lower martini lounge, dark stain to conceal garage at the rear, place screens in front of plant material"

"Located in the Annex, this private backyard oasis – featuring three inviting outdoor spaces and a corridor for easy passage to the laneway garage – allows for a variety of family activities. With a lower deck for larger gatherings, a quiet spot for reading and an outdoor breakfast bar with room for three, the design accommodates the needs of the entire family. The simple and durable materials include two types of glass (clear and sand-blasted) and cedar. The bright flash of orange points the way to the garage and back exit. Plantings include six Ivory Silk Lilac trees, ornamental grasses and a bed of Sedum – perfect for a winter garden."

I Want to Live Here: Part 3...

2012-03-26T03:00:00.000-04:00

This is definitely one the prettiest beach houses I've come across in a long time. It's located in WaterColor, Florida and was recently featured in Traditional Home magazine. I would seriously move there in a heart-beat! It's welcoming, airy, bright and has a soothing colour palette which mirrors the sun, sand and sea. My favorite space in the entire house has to be the dining room... A beautiful wooden wine barrel chandelier hangs from the 14 foot ceiling, white slip covered parson chairs pop against a colourful stripped rug and an arrangement of dark shadow boxes draw your attention to the horizontal wood-paneled back wall. I also love the floor to ceiling tri-paneled curtains which repeat the sand/blue and white colour palette. Dark floors create a sense of continuity throughout the entire house and also counteract all of the brighter and more textural accents.

I Heart the Eastern Townships...

2012-03-23T03:30:00.000-04:00

House and Home recently featured beautiful rooms from cottages in the Eastern Townships and I couldn't be happier as it happens to be one of my favorite places in the world! For those of you who don't know, the Eastern Townships is a picturesque region a stone's throw away from Montreal and it has some of the most breathtaking lakes, mountains and farmlands. I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in this region and it never gets old. There's always something to do... Skiing, hiking, boating, trekking through the forest... It's not only great for outdoor activities but also for fine dining and shopping. If you need a break from the fast pace of the city, the Eastern Townships is just about the best place to disconnect, unwind and clear your thoughts....

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Myriam

For more, click here

Mason Madness...

2012-03-21T03:30:00.000-04:00

Mason jars are everywhere these days! From the kitchen to the garden to our bathrooms and even our weddings, these little glass jars have crawled their way into almost every aspect of our lives. I can't believe how creative some people are with their "mason jar projects"... If you scroll down the pictures below, you'll see them being used as chandeliers, lanterns, planters, cupcake holders, bathroom organizers and soap dispensers. There's really no end to what these kitchen staples can be used for. I guess it's safe to say they've come a long way from being plain ol' canning jars!

Here are a few of my personal faves...

Southern Exposure

The CSI Project

Source

Every Last Detail

Pearls for Paper

Every Last Detail

Bettencourt Chase

I Am Baker

Tatertots & Jello

Not Just a House Wife

Liz Marie Blog

Pottery Barn

HGTV

Apartment Therapy

Obsession of the Day: Outdoor Kitchens....

2012-03-20T03:30:00.000-04:00

Investing in an outdoor kitchen when you live in Canada is not exactly worth while... Although I'll never have an industrial outdoor cooking space, it doesn't stop me from drooling over how beautiful they can be. Last night, as I was surfing the net for deck ideas, my search got side-tracked to outdoor dining spaces and then to outdoor kitchens.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is eat outside and I'm unbelievably jealous of people who live in a warm enough climate to be able to do so year round! If you live in the south and have enough space for an outdoor kitchen, here are a few beautiful images to inspire you...

Roomzar

Courtney Cox's Home via Elle Decor

Home Design Decorating

Source

Babble Blog

The Willows Home & Garden

Source

House to Home

Erin Ever After

Susan Fredman Design

Susan Fredman

Gardening Must-Haves: The Potting Bench...

2012-03-19T03:00:00.000-04:00

Truth: I'm a terrible gardner and it frustrates me beyond belief. I come from a long lineage of incredibly hard working Italians and Spaniards who, upon immigrating to Canada, were able to upkeep massive and plentiful gardens on top of their full time jobs. My grand-parents had a massive vegetable garden in their backyard in which they cultivated every vegetable under the sun. Much of my childhood was spent running around in their garden (cue scene from The Godfather....) and to this day, the smell of tomatoes brings back very fond memories. Given my heritage, you can understand how frustrating it is for me to be mediocre (at best) when it comes to growing things. I think I lack the patience, discipline and know-how it requires. Having said that, I'm determined to learn and have decided to start with the basics. I'm thinking of starting with herbs and perhaps a few cherry tomatoes. In keeping with the gardening spirit, I thought I would feature some beautiful potting benches. I never knew such a thing existed but I think they're absolutely brilliant. I can't think of a better way to keep gardening tools, pots, seeds, plants and accessories organized than to store them neatly in potting bench.

By the looks of it, you can easily make your own with an old hutch or table.

Happy Gardening!
M

Lowe's via By Stephanie Lynn

Our Fifth House

My Ideal Home

Pottery Barn

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Jarden Designs

Restoration Hardware

Tracey's Trinkets and Treasures

Pottery Barn (ok so this one is being used as a bar.... but hey, it's still a potting bench!!!)

Between Naps on the Porch

The White Old Cottage

Coroflot

Chocolate Guinness Stout Cupcakes with Irish Buttercream...

2012-03-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of St-Patrick's Day, I thought I would post a recipe which requires alcohol. These cute little cupcakes are made with Guinness Stout and the icing is made with Bailey's Irish Cream. If you're hosting a party this weekend and want to wow your guests, you've got to make a batch!

Trophy Cupcakes & Party recipe via Java Cupcake

Chocolate Guinness Stout Cupcakes
1 ½ cups (12 ounces) Guinness Stout
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Valrhona)
2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
3 cups sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoons salt
3 eggs
2/3 cups sour cream

Irish Cream Buttercream
2 cups (four sticks) unstalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (1 pound) of powdered sugar
¼ cup of Irish Cream (such as Bailey’s)

Preparation

For Cupcakes:

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cupcake pans with 24 paper liners. Bring stout and butter to simmer in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.

2) Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in large bowl to blend. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or with an electric mixer), beat eggs and sour cream to blend.

3) Add cooled stout-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and beat until combined. Add flour mixture and mix on slow speed until just combined. Let batter rest for 15 minutes.

4) Fill cupcake liners generously (a little more than ¾ full).

5) Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 17-20 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.

6) Frost with Irish Cream buttercream when completely cooled.

For Buttercream:

1) Cream butter in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl with an electric mixer) until light and fluffy.

2) While butter is creaming sift powdered sugar in a large bowl.

3) Add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time to creamed butter (use the lowest setting on your mixer until all of the sugar in incorporated and then increase speed to medium-high and beat until buttercream is smooth and fluffy).

4) Add the Irish Cream and beat until incorporated.

To Assemble the Cupcakes

Hand frost each cupcake and decorate as desired or to make them look “Trophy”, place the buttercream in a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Make a swirl of buttercream on each cupcake and sprinkle with clear sanding sugar and top with a lucky sugar shamrock.

ENJOY!

Celebrate Spring! Pottery Barn Style...

2012-03-15T04:00:00.000-04:00

Spring is here which means I'm eagerly scouring the websites of my favorite stores to see what trends are emerging. An obvious starting point is none other than Pottery Barn. I love looking through their website because they always have the most beautiful images. This season, they are showcasing tons of amazing outdoor furniture... I nearly died when I stumbled upon the first picture below. Those black candles holders are so pretty and the pillows in soft tones of blue and yellow tie in perfectly with the shutter in the background. Outdoor party weather will soon be upon us and I can't wait to start entertaining and BBQ'ing in my backyard.

Here are some pictures to get you inspired for outdoor living:

Images Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Thoughts on Home Organization...

2012-03-14T03:30:00.000-04:00

On the Editor's Page of this month's issue of House & Home magazine, Suzanne Dimma elaborated on the importance of home organization. Her first paragraph ended with a sentence that I found quite poignant: "So often, if you take care of the details, they'll take care of you". In other words, it might be time consuming to organize certain areas in your home but in doing so, you're ultimately saving more time in the long run. I've always admired Martha Stewart's organizational tricks and deep down inside, I think we all wished we were a little bit more like her, but the fact of the matter is most of us (myself included) don't have time to completely re-organize our homes from top to bottom.

I think the key is targeting your efforts on specific areas which Suzanne aptly called "blind spots" where clutter inevitably accumulates. For some people it's the table in the front entrance, for others it's the bathroom floor, in my home it was a section on the kitchen countertop where items that needed to go into the recycling bin just sat and accumulated... This area on my kitchen counter became a pit stop between our kitchen and our garage. One day, I took a few minutes to assess the situation and realized the only reason junk accumulated there was because neither of us wanted to go into the garage every day. So I decided to get a big storage bin and stick it inside my lower cabinets, directly underneath this "blind spot" on our countertop. Now, instead of accumulating junk on the counter for all to see, it secretly accumulates in a bin hidden behind closed doors which we empty out once a week. A few minutes of contemplation spared me hours of annoyance and aggravation!

In keeping with the spirit of spring cleaning, I thought I would post a few neat tricks (pun intended) you may want to try in your own home.

Happy Hump Day!
Myriam

BHG via Just Organize Your Stuff Blog

By Stephanie Lynn

Lovely Little Snippets Blog

Just Make Stuff

Make good use of those plastic bread bag tags! via Apartment Therapy

Poppy Talk

Scrimpalicious Blog

Liz Marie Blog

Be Different Act Normal Blog

Better Homes & Gardens

Crafts by Amanda

Better Homes & Gardens

Lolly Jane Boutique

A Bowl Full of Lemons

A Shingled Malibu Beach House...

2012-03-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Rustic beach houses make my heart race and this one I found in Architectural Digest perhaps even more than others. The exterior is reminiscent of a shingled house you would find in New England and the interior is simple, uncomplicated and loaded with vintage antiques from different eras. The entrance is adorned with a barber pole from the 19th century, heavy antiques jacks are used as door stops and a massive vintage American flag makes a bold colour statement right when you come in.

The flooring is a definite show-stopper for me... Interior designer Karin Blake had the wide-planked walnut aged in order for it to exude even more warmth and coziness. The eating and living area are an open space concept with a massive stone fireplace acting as an anchor for the entire room. I love the windsor kitchen chairs and 1940's painted whale weathervane on the table. The cupboard is also vintage, dating back to the 1800's and the cast-iron clown head is from Coney Island cerca 1930. The kitchen has to be my favorite part of the house. More specifically, the barn-like cabinet doors with strap hinges and rat-tail pulls. Love that!

For more pictures and accompanying article, click here

Interior Design by Karin Blake

Photography by David O. Marlow

Images via Architectural Digest

Design Destination: The Cottages at Cabot Cove...

2012-03-12T04:00:00.000-04:00

OMG. I really, really, really want to go here!!! These petite yet totally glamed-up Kennebunkport cottages are located in one of Maine's most picturesque areas. Best described by Renovation Style magazine as "decorated little houses with patios and lush landscaping, clustered next to Cabot Cove, one of Maine's most beautiful saltwater settings", the Cottages at Cabot Cove are an ideal getaway for interior design enthusiasts who also love the coastal lifestyle. In other words... me!!!

I first heard about these little gems via one of my favorite blogs (Elements of Style) and recently came across a few pictures while looking for some coastal inspiration for my own home. There's a total of 16 cottages to choose from, each is prettier than the next and they all have their own design style.

____________________________________

A few personal faves...

1- Trellis

"With its soothing tones of aqua, tan, and cream this Cabot Cove Cottage will invoke a sense of relaxation as soon as you enter this open-style Kennebunkport cottage. A charming kitchen offers a built-in breakfast bar with tiled back-splash and a full range. A floor to ceiling custom built cabinet helps separate the bedroom area from the living. With beautiful colored glass touches, great lighting, and fantastic views of the cove, you will kick off your shoes and welcome yourself home. The front porch with its chairs and stunning window boxes will be the spot for your morning coffee, or revel the Cove on your private patio tucked to the side."

2- Ebb Tide

"A smart, masterful, contemporary interpretation of old-fashioned Kennebunkport beach cottage living. Enter to find chic black, cream and white decor, custom built-in window seating, modern sinks in the kitchen and bath, sleek storage spaces – all so very Manhattan. Ebb Tide will take you to cottage living that you never expected! The smart built ins, the mirrored head board flanked by two built in side storage units touches of classic whimsy-like beach stones in the floor, the “Wood” stove, and a custom built shelf unit separating the bed area from the living will either make you want to redecorate your home or just move into ours! The private patio offers views of the cove to die for."

3- Sweet Dreams

"A charming two-bedroom Kennebunkport cottage oozes vintage coastal Maine style, with striped and print furniture and linens, artwork that sets a sweet summer ambiance, and that coastal living charm you look for! This Cabot Cove Cottage will surely inspire whimsical dreams, as the sea-foam greens and sea-glass blues showcase fanciful mermaids and handmade signs. A cozy kitchen that is perfectly appointed and dining area featuring an antique cupboard and drop-leaf table. Outside, the rockers on the front porch will make you take in the Sweet Dreams of Kennebunkport. The private patio area summon you to finally finish that novel, enjoy an afternoon nibble, or an evening cocktail."

4- Endless Summer

"A calming cottage that calls to mind the relaxed appeal of Kennebunkport’s sandy beaches. Its barefoot elegance at its best! The soothing palette of soft khaki and white with sea green accents is truly a breath of fresh air. You will be wrapped in warm, natural wood tones of planked floors, bamboo blinds and abundant kitchen cabinetry. The over sized sofa and comfy pillows with velvet backing, and just for a touch of hipness the brown zebra striped chairs help contribute to this laid-back look. Beyond the bedroom door awaits a cozy dune just perfect for an evening of cozying up in your King Size bed. The private patio is tucked away and offers you the perfect spot for breakfast or the perfect Swank Martini!"

Want to check out the other cottages? Click here

A Giraffe Print Ottoman... Why not?

2012-03-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

I just stumbled upon this picture and it was too beautiful not to share. How cute is this ottoman? I'm usually hesitant to incorporate animal prints into a space but sometimes they allow you to inject a fun accent piece which is a departure from the overall direction of a room. This living room reads country yet the ottoman adds just the right amount of modern pop.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Myriam

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Spiced Carrot & Lentil Soup...

2012-03-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

This hearty soup from Zoë's Bakery Café in Toronto is packed with fragrant exotic spices and high-fibre vegetables that are sure to fill you up.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large clove garlic, sliced
1 white onion, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
3 cups carrots, roughly chopped
2 cups peeled and seeded butternut squash, roughly chopped
1 cup peeled yam or sweet potato, roughly chopped
6-8 cups water or chicken stock
1/2 cup whipping (35%) cream
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
1 can green lentils, rinsed and drained
Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
1- Add olive oil, garlic, onion, curry, cumin and cinnamon to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Sauté for a few minutes, then add celery, carrots, squash and yam or sweet potato and sauté for a few minutes more. Add enough water or chicken stock to cover vegetables, bring to a boil, then lower to simmer at medium-low, stirring every so often. (You may need to add more water or stock if it gets too dry.)

2- Once vegetables are soft, purée everything in the pot with a hand blender. Stir in cream, basil, coriander and lentils.

3- Buzz again with the blender until desired thickness (if too thick, add more hot water or stock). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Via House & Home
Author: Andrea Kennedy
Photographer: Leslie Williams

Neptune Is Out of This World...

2012-03-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

I've got a serious love affair with all that is country cottage. For those of you who appreciate this look as much as I do, you'll absolutely love Neptune. They're a home decor company based out of England who unfortunately don't have stores here in North America. As I browsed through their website, I couldn't help but notice how every single room looked like it was taken straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine.

Aside from the country flavour, what strikes me the most about Neptune products is the exquisite choice of colours... The soft blues, greens and yellows used in conjunction with weathered wood tones exude a soothing beach-house feel which is so very inviting. When you scroll through the pictures below, you'll definitely notice how relaxing the overall tone is.

If you have a minute or two, I strongly suggest you browse through their online catalog by clicking here!

Enjoy...

What's your Kitchen Personality?

2012-03-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

Looking to give your kitchen some personality but not sure where to start? How about with colour! Painting your cabinets is high impact and low budget. Only catch is... the blood, sweat and tears that will go into completing the project! I recently took it upon myself to repaint my (faux) cherry red kitchen a crisp shade of white and although I nearly intoxicated myself with the paint fumes, the end result was fabulous. Now that my cabinets have been updated, I'm looking to inject some accent colours but am not sure which direction to take... What's your kitchen personality? Do you like clinically white kitchens or do you prefer having bursts of colour?

I've personally always leaned towards white until I saw pictures of the kitchens below and realized how pretty green, gray, blue and even purple can actually be!

What do you think? Would you be adventurous enough to have a turquoise or yellow cooking space?

Cobalt Blue + Sand + Light Blue

Better Homes & Gardens

Turquoise + Black

House of Turquoise

Black + Yellow + White

House & Home

Sky Blue + Chocolate Brown + Black

Better Homes & Gardens

Gray + White

Plum + White

Apartment Therapy

Green + Black + White

Sarah & Garth via Houzz

Powder Blue + White

House of Turquoise

White + White + White

Digeau Poage Construction

Mint + More Mint + Charcoal

Apartment Therapy

Orange + Grey + White

Mark English Architects via Houzz

Red + Black + White

House & Home

Parkdale Sponsor: Cottage & Cie...

2012-03-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

I'm always on the lookout for new and inspiring interior design boutiques in my area. I've grown somewhat allergic to big box stores and feel a great sense of pride in purchasing original or vintage products in independent shops and antique stores. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like we have an overwhelming number of modern, art deco, bohemian and zen stores in Montreal but if you're into what I like to call the "urban country/cottage" look, the selection is rather slim. Question: If you're looking to decorate a cottage up north or any country-inspired home for that matter... Where do you shop? (email me, I seriously wanna know!)

Luckily for me, I happened to be wandering around the Beaurepaire Village in Beaconsfield this weekend and decided to walk into Cottage & Cie. As I glanced over their products, it felt as though someone had entered my brain, noted down everything I liked and immaculately displayed it all in this little gem of a boutique! I must have stayed in there for an hour yet every time I turned a corner it felt like there was something new I missed! Graphic accent pillows, textural rugs, reclaimed wood hutches and buffets, wicker baskets, chic light fixtures, custom made furniture, pedestal tables, Louis chairs... Ah! Sensory overload!

Think of it this way, if West Elm and Pottery Barn were to have a love child, I think I would look somewhat like Cottage & Cie. As I stood there, devouring every last item with my eyes, I kept thinking - I'm so happy we finally we have a store like this in Montreal... let alone the West Island! For a self-professed design junkie such as myself, it was truly love at first sight and thankfully for me, the love was mutual! When I mentioned my blog to Diane (store owner/buyer extraordinaire) she checked it out, thought it was fabulous and jumped on board as a sponsor!

With that said, I'd like to proudly welcome Cottage & Cie. as an official Parkdale supporter :)

Aside from offering a plethora of beautiful home accessories and furniture, Cottage & Cie also have an interior designer on-site to give you pointers and help solve your design dilemmas.

If you're interested, you can also check out their full line of Interior Design services:

∙ Design Concepts
∙ Design Planning
∙ Drafting of Plans
∙ Presentation of Drawings and Sketches
∙ Custom Drapery and Window Treatments
∙ Custom Furniture
∙ Coloration

There were so many pretty pictures I wanted to post for you guys but I had to narrow it down to my faves!!!

Here are some of my personal highlights:

Loving the black candle holder...

I'm obsessed with trestle tables!

This pedestal table with Louis chairs, vintage chandelier and weathered hutch were my favorite part of the entire store and I hate myself for not snapping a better pic!!! Argh!!!

I encourage you to not only pop in for a visit, but also check out the Cottage & Cie website by clicking here!

Address
482 blvd. Beaconsfield, Suite 102, Beaconsfield, QC, H9W 4C4

Facebook
www.facebook.com/cottage.cie

Marinated Goat Cheese...

2012-03-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

fresh goat cheese
sumac spice*
rosemary leaves, chopped
garlic clove (crushed)
extra virgin olive oil

Method

- Place fresh goat cheese into a jar

- Sprinkle with sumac spice and then add the chopped rosemary, crushed garlic and a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil.

- Leave to marinate for a few hours (overnight is preferable)

- Serve with a salad of paper-thin cucumbers seasoned with the goat cheese marinade.

* The sumac is a Middle Eastern spice... It's purple in colour and has a slightly citrusy flavour. It is used mostly to make marinades, sauces and dressings. It's great with chicken, lamb, eggplant, chickpeas and fish.

Images and Recipe Courtesy of Juls' Kitchen

Cosas Minimas by Blanca Gomez...

2012-03-01T03:00:00.035-05:00

I'm not one to get overly excited by prints but I recently discovered a fabulous illustrator and graphic designer who's art just spoke to me. Blanca Gomez is a spanish artist who lives and works in Madrid. She recently started her own design company called Cosas Minimas (little things) which is a collection of her drawings in print form. I can't put my finger on what it is that I love so much about her creations but it must have something to do with their very simple and quirky nature. I feel like Blanca's light-hearted yet captivating drawings are the type of images you would find displayed in a Parisian Cafe, don't you think?

If you're interested in buying some of these or simply checking out her portfolio, click here.

Here are some of my faves:

Images Courtesy of Cosas Minimas

Sarah's House: Season 4...

2012-02-29T04:00:00.050-05:00

Did you guys watch this season of Sarah's House? As usual, she totally outdid herself. This time around, she decided to purchase and renovate a home in the suburbs. A very unusual move for Sarah who usually tends to stick to the downtown core. Her mission: taking a generic contractor build and injecting it with as much character, pizzaz and warmth as a house that's been lived in for years. I thought it was quite interesting to see that contractors are actually quite willing to customize their plans for you as long as you get involved early enough in the process. Aside from the dining area which was little... um, much??? (not sure about the blue walls and horse canvas!?) I absolutely loved every room.

In other news, Sarah 101 Season 2 just wrapped and we should be getting new episodes very soon!

I'll make sure to keep you guys posted.

Happy Hump Day!

Pictures courtesy of Prairie Perch and Marcus Design