Savvy Home

Delightful Daily: Lattice Work

2013-05-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

Caccoma Interiors

Delightful Daily: Blue Breakfast

2013-05-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

Susan Hable Smith

Houzz Picks: Finishing Touches to a Summer Cottage

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost here and for a lucky few, that means driving up to the cottage on weekends and indulging in a slower and more indulgent lifestyle: one that involves alfresco get togethers, tennis matches, swimming in the nearby lake, long walks, late mornings and indulgent naps. This lifestyle is best achieved in a relaxed, casual but comfortable environment, that of the summer cottage. Even if you don't own or rent a cottage, you can infuse a few of these decorating tricks in your city dwelling and re-create the cottage feel in the city.

I personally use the time spent at my parent's country house to completely wipe the slate clean and recharge. I make a point of unplugging completely and enjoy the smaller joys in life. Those that come from a well prepared lunch, an indulgent nap, a breath of really fresh air, a backgammon victory or a well-played tennis match.

I love going to the country house, but I must say I can't wait to have my own cottage to decorate and lounge in. Until I do, I can always add a few laid-back accents to my home to make it feel like I'm in the country... Sort of.

And because I want to live vicariously through some of you, I've prepared an ideabook filled with decorating accents for a lived-in cottage. Check it out on Houzz.

Floral Round Jar | D. Porthault La Liseron Boudoir Pillow | Pink Ditsy Cocktail Napkins | Director's Chair in Ivory | Round Jute Rug | Pine Cone Hill Ibiza French Blue Blanket

Delightful Weekend: The Perfect Oasis

2013-05-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Estee Stanley for Domaine Home

Worthy Links: 17.05.13

2013-05-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Do you ever go around your blogroll and notice a few really strong trends? I normally notice them to an extent, but the trends in my blog roll were especially obvious this week, and I have to say I like what I saw: this week was all about the countryside, white on white, and Joie clothing (did you know that Joie means joy in French). I could happily see these delightful trends through the summer, driving around the countryside in my white on white Joie outfits. Anyone with me?

I'm kind of dying to try this ancient Moroccan makeup trick.

Miles Redd's Fire Island retreat. How do I get an invite?

Bailey launched a new season of Biscuit bedding.

I can't help but dream of owning a pair of L'Icona.

Erika shared her super adorable daughter's room.

Happy weekend everyone!

Delightful Daily: Perfectly Bohemian

2013-05-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

Kathryn Ireland's Home

Beauty in the Details: Mark D. Sikes' Beautiful Backyard (Again)

2013-05-16T09:27:00.000-04:00

Are you sick of me sharing photos of this house yet? Truth be told, I’m a little embarrassed at the amount of times I go back to Mark D. Sikes’ house. I can only justify this by saying I have never been this obsessed with how meticulously perfect a house is. And I’m not saying that in the manicured sense. I mean it’s 100% my taste: part classic American, part French provincial, part California cool. All in a coherent and well-packaged interior. And the best part of the house: the backyard, obviously. So it should come as no surprise that when I need a little backyard inspiration, I turn to this one.

Backyards here in Montreal are a double-edge sword. You can either hate the fact that you have to start from scratch every year, or you can take it as an opportunity to do better than the year before, to improve and to reinvent. Personally, I like the latter point of view. Which is why I'm drawing inspiration from Mark's backyard to give a few exterior ideas on Damask & Dentelle.

Delightful Daily: California Cool

2013-05-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

Estee Stanley

Gab Loves: 15.05.13

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

1. Serena & Lily Bungalow Mirror | 2. Ro Sham Beaux Willow Chandelier | 3. Joie Morie Mismatch Stitch Sweater (on sale!) | 4. Clare Vivier Catch-All | 5. Gorjana Anchor Gold Bracelet | 6. Dohar Pillows | 7. BCBG Max Azria Texture Shine Fedora | 8. Clare Vivier Canvas Overnighter | 9. Parakeets Lumbar Pillow | 10. Lulu & Georgia Apache Rug Clay | 11. Charlotte Olympia Marina Printed Crepe de Chine Sandals | 12. Square Louis Arm Chair Upholstered in Suzanne Kasler Nantucket Fabric

Delightful Daily: The Power of Repetition

2013-05-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

Lisa Sherry

House Crush: A Colorful Shingled Cottage

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Taylor Borsari is a designer after my own heart. One that doesn't fear bold colors and patterns but keeps a certain element of tradition in the shapes of furniture she chooses. She designed this green-shingled beach house for clients on Coronado Island, California. Since it serves as a holiday house, she was able to infuse an element of boldness in the house.

It seems she didn't skimp on textiles with fabrics ranging from Martyn Lawrence Bullard to Schumacher and Quadrille, and wallpapers by Peter Dunham and Galbraith & paul. That being said, she did pick up a few budget furniture items from shops like Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware. That's the way to do it folks!

Seems I'm not the only one to think the house was a success as this home earned her a well-deserved spot in TradHome's Spring issue.

Delightful Daily: An Airy Entrance Hall

2013-05-13T19:00:00.000-04:00

Sarah Quin's House on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia

Looking For: Fine China

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Let's be honest, formal dinnerware ain't cheap. But when it comes to hosting dinner parties, there comes a time when our everyday boring white plates just won't cut it anymore. Since the season of entertaining is upon us, I can think of no better time to shop for the perfect set of fine china. Whether you prefer delicate leaves, gold accents, geometric motifs, faux-bamboo, chain links or blue and white floral, there's an option here for any budget. I personally have a major crush on Charlotte Moss' dinnerware. Can you guess which is my favorite?

Budget: Gardner Street by Kate Spade | Classic Bamboo by Juliska | South Hampton by Charlotte Moss

Mid-Range: Elsie by Charlotte Moss | Nancy by Charlotte Moss | Blue Flute Half Lace by Royal Copenhagen

Splurge: Constance by Bernardaud | Trousdale by Kelly Wearstler | Chaîne D'ancre Blue by Hermès

Deligthful Weekend: Blue and White Haven

2013-05-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

Worthy Links: 09.05.13

2013-05-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the mamas, especially my own, who's always so dedicated, welcoming, generous and kind - plus she's hilarious and we always have a ball together. Thank you for being an inspiration, a great friend and a fantastic mom!

This week was definitely great on the design front. Lots of great design happening this week. Here are just a few design highlights from this week:

First, Bailey is designing some moodboards for what promises to be a great house.

Then, Amber pulled off a really amazing bedroom. I mean, wow.

I wouldn't mind a stay in this gorgeous guestroom.

I remembered how much I love this office.

And lastly, do you decorate like your mother or grandmother?

Happy weekend everyone, hope you're treating your mom to something special!

Delightful Daily: Recipe for Success

2013-05-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

Tim Barber

Beauty in The Details: Hanna Seabrook's Southern Charm Bedroom

2013-05-09T13:04:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I developed a major crush on Hanna Seabrook's Charleston home when it was featured on Glitter Guide a few weeks back. Something about its simplicity and charm makes it inherently inviting (though I'm sure Olivia Rae James' incredible photography skills also had something to do with it). Whatever it is, it oozes southern charm.

With my natural penchant for all things traditional, welcoming, well-mannered and manicured, it's only natural that I find myself drawn to the southern states (things here in Montreal are more rough around the edges - which I guess is also part of my personality and aesthetic to some extent).

Basically, I'll probably be blabbering on about the south-east coast for a while, especially since I'll be vacationing there this summer, but in the meantime I thought it would be fun to take a few cues from Hanna's bedroom and share some tips on decorating with southern comfort in mind (not the drink, silly).

Read the full post on Damask & Dentelle.

Delightful Daily: Hotel Comfort

2013-05-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

Jamie Herzlinger

Gab Loves: 08.05.13

2013-05-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

Delightful Daily: Moody Blues

2013-05-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

Annika Kampman

Just Booked: A Week at the Ruschmeyer's

2013-05-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

Either the weekend wasn't long enough, or I'm in dire need of an actual vacation as my level of focus these past few weeks has been pretty weak to say the least.

You may remember me going back to university to study a graduate diploma in e-Commerce (which is like a Masters degree without the thesis - ain't nobody got time for that). Well I'm now less than two months away from graduating and I think the full-time school/full-time work load has finally taken it's toll. I. Need. A. Break.

Which is why I've decided to treat myself to a well-deserved post-graduation vacay in July and I'm incredibly happy to have booked 5 days (for the price of 4) in one of my favorite places on earth, Montauk, NY. I normally do The Hamptons on a budget (that place ain't cheap) but I figured this little special going on at the King & Groves' Ruschmeyer's was the perfect occasion to finally treat myself to a decent little stay in the Hamptons.

Cue surfing at Ditch Plains, eating fresh fish tacos and lobster rolls at the 668, having drinks at the Surf Lodge, playing ping pong and soaking up A LOT of sun. For 5 days. I'll be stopping in NYC on the way and then spending a week in a darling condo in Charleston with friends afterwards. I'm super stoked.

Delightful Daily: Room with a View

2013-05-06T19:05:00.000-04:00

Markham Roberts

Worthy Links: 06.05.13

2013-05-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

Happy belated Cinco de Mayo! Spring fever has officially hit me. This post was meant to be published on Friday, but since the temperature went from freezing to toasty within about a week, I packed my bags and headed to the country house early Friday morning. I thought I'd be disciplined enough to finish and publish this post once I got there; I wasn't.

Instead I played tennis, went for long walks outside, sat in the sun, ate beautiful long meals with my family, had a few Bloody Ceasars and glasses of rosé - and slept. A lot. I think I needed it. I came back to the city feeling completely relaxed, refreshed and a little sunburned. I love summer.

I hope you get the chance to check out these great links this week!

Blossoms make everything better. Spot on Jenny.

Gotta love Gray Malin and his crazy adventures.

Grace whipped up another great DIY necklace.

This made me want to take a trip to The Cape.

Gaby shared a great Mother's Day gift guide.

This bathroom... actually, the whole house.

This foodie crush made me really hungry.

I love great decor for a great cause.

Have a great week everyone!

Delightful Daily: Art de Vivre

2013-05-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Miranda Brooks' Brooklyn Home

Delightful Daily:So Fresh & So Clean

2013-05-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

Lilly Bunn