Gracefully Searching

Color Palette

2013-05-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Over time a color palette has been created throughout our home. White walls are the canvas which we have layered with color. I am not sure if it has been a conscious decision (in some cases yes) but I have repeated the same colors throughout over and over. In terms of designing our space, I didn't really have a plan. I did have a layout and an idea of what scale/proportions(of non- existing items) I wanted, but as far as color went, I just buy what I love, and let that take form naturally. Whenever I paint something, or add a new addition to the space it just so happens to be in the colour family of the hues displayed above. Funny how we become accustomed to what we like. I have about 10 different shades of lipsticks, glosses and tints, all within a shade of each other. If I like something I continue to incorporate it into my life, even if it isn't completely apparent to me! Isn't that strange! We are after all creatures of habit!

Here is how to create a color palette:

-Begin with a print or fabric that you really love

- Look for colors that will be complimentary

- Layer textured fabrics over top/ layer with decorative objects in color scheme desired

- Find a theme and play on that- not too literal

- Buy colors within the same family, and experiment with different shades

Have a great weekend!! xoxo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Gatsby

2013-05-23T14:19:00.004-04:00

Mirrored Jewelry Chest/ Rose Quartz/ Crystal Glasses/ Vogue Cover/ Frame/ Faux Bamboo Console/ Ice Bucket/ Shell on Base/ Silk Panels/ Mirror/Chandelier

Welcome to the World of Gatsby, glamorous, luxurious, decadent. Art Deco, excess, and mystery, obsession, love, are the themes of this incredible film by visionary filmaker Baz Lurhrmann. Long Island at its finest, New York City, the jewel of the Universe. In this dreamlike rendition of Fitzgeralds classic novel we get to be transported back to an age of super glam. Although we don't live in the Roaring 20's, by adding a little glitz & gloss to your space you may channel a little bit of Gatsby World in your everyday life Old Boy. xo

For more on the opulent sets of The Great Gatsby

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Covet List

2013-05-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

FOOD- TREE HOUSES // LINEN SHORTS // CUFF // THROW PILLOW // SCONCE // GLASSES //

Amidst these rainy days, that have been filled with sad news from our Southern neighbours, I wanted to share a few little things that help life feel a little sunnier. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tornado in Oklahoma. xoxo

One of my favorite bloggers over at Recently shared this:

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Market Picks

2013-05-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am always in search of unique finds for our home. One of my favorite spots to hit up is the St. Lawrence Sunday Market. I have talked about this on several occasions, there are always treasures to be found. I am never quite sure what I am in search of, but I always come back with something unexpected! Here are some of my finds this weekend! Hope you had a great long holiday! xoxo

1. Ceramic Oyster dish- I picked this one up. Always one for ocean related decor!

2. Coral, and lilac barnacle- LOVE. Over priced.

3. Stacked perforated glass candle holder.

4. Retro Lighting. Would be cool in an entrance, kitchen, dining room.

5. Camel colored, leather swivel chair, loved this piece.

6. I am loving this resin covered botanicals, and insects lately, seeing them everywhere.

7. Staffordshire Dogs, these two are cuties!

8. Stripes, these are too cute- should have bought these guys!

What I look for:

- Silver

- Tea Cups

- Lucite

- Ashtrays

- Lucite

- Sea inspired

- Natural Rock

- Brass

- Hammered Metal

- Tortoise Shell

- Depression Glass

- Art- Graphic, Water Colour, Scenic

- Tray

- Tropical Prints/ Fabrics/ Ceramics

- Candle Holders

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Garden Pallet

2013-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I finally got around to working on our balcony. It has been sitting patiently for about a month now, neglected, and I must say I am so happy with what we have accomplished so far!

I have been wanting to create a small garden that we could clip herbs from, as we don't have a backyard, this small pallet garden was the best solution. We do have a balcony though, and a garden pallet is the perfect size.

After finding a tutorial on The Chew, I set out to find a pallet at Home Depot(if you ask they will most likely have them on hand, and give you for free), a tarp, and something to give it some height (I was lucky enough to find these on the side of the road in my neighbourhood).

It is fairly simple, all you need is a staple gun to secure the tarp to the pallet, some earth and a selection of flowers & herbs.

Continued after the jump...

Here is a screenshot I took a while back with instructions, & supply lis, along with photos of my progress.

We stuck to mostly herbs, added a few flowers for variety

Car Greenhouse!

Found at Home Depot- I had to remove one of the planks on the other side to create even spaces

Turn over to secure

Make sure to staple all of the boards across the bottom, to hold in place

Begin to spread earth throughout the sections

Now we just need a cute patio set and bbq and we are all set!!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

A Day in the Life

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

I realized that I don't share enough about my day to day, pictures of myself, while I am out and about. I wanted to start a new series where I share little tidbits of my world, I am always taking pictures of well, everything, so might as well show my friends!! Here are a bunch of pics from my life lately. No I don't have Instagram.... wah wah.

1. Loved this sheepskin covered pouf at Mi Casa in Cabbagetown. Love the tray styling too- so pretty and feminine.
2. Waiting at the theater after seeing The Great Gatsby (GO SEE IT- so stunning throughout) Favorite summer drink= Iced Soy Chai Latte. Bracelets J.Crew & Forever 21. Best to mix High and Low.
3. Ranunculus at my local greenhouse- can't wait to showcase some of these beauties on our balcony this summer.
4. Totally in love with the phenomenally cool photography of Slim Aarons- have been following for a while now. Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous. This would look so happy on my coffee table!!

5. Maximizing in this striped dress. I didn't buy it, went back, sold out. What to do. Hells Bells.
6. Location scouting this AMAZING location downtown Toronto. Malaparte by Oliver and Bonacini- this picture doesn't do it justice. The view is amazing, night time will be even cooler- can't wait.
7. Shopping in Chinatown the other day- natural rock galore.
8. Sandal shopping- would these stay on?? I am in need of cute neutral sandals.

9. Went for a lunch date with Tiffany from Tiffany Leigh Interior Design on Monday. She was SOOO incredibly sweet & funny. I LOVE meeting Blog friends in person so much fun, so much to talk about- we went to Earls, I got sushi rolls and salad. Yum.
10. Trying on summer dresses. For me this dress is my jam. I like to keep it simple. I bought it. Good Grief I have White legs.
11. I love this city- beautiful park on Church Street and King- full of lovely tulips.
12. Lunch date with Blayre at Canteen. Baja Fish tacos & Edamame Salad. The Best.

13. Barnacle love- have always loved this piece at Mi Casa.

14. Bruce stretching out- look how cute is that. I melt.

15. Trying on a childrens dress at Old Navy. Yep saw someone else do it so I followed suit- I loved it, but feared if even the slightest breeze were to sweep by, I may be revealing TMI. If I had a daughter though she would be wearing this number in 2 shakes...

16. Blayre and I picked up a few of these fab coffee cups, acrylic handles, glass cups. SO CHIC. from Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens.

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Anna Spiro

2013-05-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

From Day one Anna Spiro has been my girl! In fact, just to fill you in, she is the reason I started this blog to begin with! In a world that sticks to beige and greys, Anna doesn't shy away from bright/bold interiors. She loves colorful, beachy undertones, and traditional design elements with a hint of "je ne sais quoi". There is a playfulness about her that take her designs to the next level. She experiments with the unexpected, bright neon pinks, pom poms, and pineapples, are sprinkled throughout her interiors. I adore her ability to mix rustic, and traditional, lime greens & Staffordshire dogs with such certainty that it will leave you wondering " Why hadn't I thought of doing that?". She continues to push the boundaries of beach chic, always keeping it fresh and current- this lady is most definitely my superstar of interior design, a true inspiration!! I'm pretty sure I will continue to find reasons to write about her again and again...It's a crush!! ;)

Staffordshire Dogs/ Art/ Garden Stool/ Trellis Wallpaper/ Lumbar Pillow/ Yellow Wicker Chair

Here are some pics of her work:

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful, L.

Hide & Seek

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hope you had a great weekend and Mother's Day, today I am off to meet a fellow blogger I have planned to meet for a while! So excited!! Here is some cuteness in the meantime! xoxo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services Always Stay Graceful, L.

Mother's Day

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

PJ'S/ Candle/ Gold Bracelet/ White Enamel Bracelet/ A Privileged Life/ The Well Lived Life

As Mothers Day is coming up on Sunday Here is a last minute gift guide- and a shout out to my Mom.

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The people I love mean everything to me. I have always been a mommy's girl though. If ever I did something wrong she would always be the one I would want to tell. Her voice was always in my head like Jiminy Cricket and still is. Whenever I accomplish something, or whenever I am down, she is the first person I want to tell. Her voice calms me, and lets me know everything will be okay. Her voice also guides me when I know I am wrong and her opinion always makes me think twice. Mothers have so much wisdom, she can tell when something is bothering me right away. I love chatting with her about the tiniest little things, asking about her life, hearing about her childhood. I love the way she tells stories, she always makes me laugh. I know that if we met in life she would be a good friend, and that is pretty cool. She has accomplished so much, from very humble beginnings, she has worked so hard to give my sister and I everything she had and more. I am so inspired by her, her beauty, grace, and humour. Thank you Mom. I am so honoured to me your daughter! Love you SO SO MUCH!

Christmas Morning

Our First Home in Montreal

On Vacation in St. Maarten

Last April in Japan

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Summer Time

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

When summertime rolls around, I like to change out some of our decor in favor of lighter and brighter items. We have finally entered the warm summer months, naturally I am attracted to pretty bright fabrics, natural accents, fruit and flower prints, pastels, art involving the outdoors and exotic animals. Naturally. (Are you with me?) Here are some of my favorite picks for this time of year! The plus is when the winter months return, your home will feel like an oasis!

What are your summer go to's?

PILLOWS: Ikat Furbish/ Palm Leaf/ Marimekko Flowers
DECOR: Agate Coasters/ Lantern/ Tumbler
WALLPAPER: Ikat Kelly Green /Lattice/ Pomegranates

NATURE: Blooms/ Ocean/ Sequoia
BLACK & WHITE: Surf/ Coastline/ Bums
VINTAGE: Lilacs/ Red Ibis/ Shells

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services Always Stay Graceful, L.

Throwback

2013-05-08T13:30:00.000-04:00

Get the Look:

- Shag Carpet

- Modular seating to create cozy vibes

- Beach inspired art

- Retro lighting in brass or chrome finishes

- Seating placed low to the ground

- Open concept seating arrangement

- Sheepskin Rug

- Lucite

- Natural elements

- Beachy indoor plants

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services
Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Art

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I did a last minute art project in the bedroom. As you might already know I have had a difficult time pulling together the details of our top floor as it serves as an office as well, and so little by little I have been making improvements. Here is the art that was here previously- it really needed a facelift, it was a good piece(nautical inspired) but didn't fit into the space. I love water colour, and since I want to carry blues and greens into the decor this was the perfect colour combination. The frame is sleek and modern, and I love how it freshened up this corner of the room!

Thanks Sundeep for the shout out yesterday- can't wait to see the finished product!! I will keep you posted. xoxo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Retro Modern

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have always loved to mix and match. I am a believer that opposites attract. Clean lines paired with relaxed elements, modern with hints of retro, feminine roughed up with masculin, natural and futuristic . A great way to through off a very stuffy room is by adding a fabulous chandelier. Something fun and unexpected. A conversation piece that will compliment the room, but also take it to the next level by adding a little bit of fun to the mix. The sputnik is ultra modern, yet was designed in the mid 50's by Gino Sarfatti. Since the original design there have been many interpretations. Here are some of my favorite, including a DIY! Can you guess which one?

Would you rock this in your space- or do you prefer a traditional chandelier?

Answer** Second from top by Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Styling Around the House

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hey all, today is going to be short and sweet- yesterday we filmed a gorgeous wedding at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel downtown, it was such a lovely day, but after being on my feet for 12 hours I am going to take it easy today! This kicks off wedding season- we are going to be really busy till about October!

Here are some pictures I took over the weekend of some styling, I am always changing things up, adding new additions, cleansing- here are some of my favorite vignettes around the house. Have a great day!! xoxo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Parisienne Chic

2013-05-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday All!! I have always been a huge fan of chic Parisienne bistro decor. Simplistic, rich, and glamorous- without trying to hard of course! The basis of this design are the 2 bistro benches, and the open shelving. I like unconventional design, if you don't hace the space decorate industrial shelves with pretty glassware and monochromatic dish ware, keep everything organizes and add unexpected elements, like the gold antlers, a cluster of natural rock. I love the idea of two large floral prints hung side by side, rich in color, and organic like the light wood of the benches- offset with a modern light fixture!! Bon Weekend!

All of the sources may be found on my Pinterest account

Or contact me for more info!

Have a great weekend!! xoxo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Nori Wrap

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lately Blayre and I have been into eating healthier, cleaner foods. This may be because the weather is getting warmer and bathing suit season is right around the corner. Or maybe that is just a coincidence! Anyway I have been craving Japanese inspired ingredients lately. Miso, edamame, sriracha, seaweed, wasabe... YUM! The other day I can across this great tutorial on how to make really easy nori wraps and I though- why not! I have never worked with nori before so I was a little hesitant but I am kicking myself now for not trying this sooner. Not only is is super easy to work with, but it is such a great way to sub out carbs in favor of this rich in vitamins- so I will take it! I promise you will love this- tastes just like sushi without the rice! You will be very pleasantly surprised!! Pair this with coconut juice- the best! xoxo

Do you have any exotic recipes you would like to share, I would love to know!!

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Domaine

2013-05-01T16:30:00.002-04:00

Make your self an iced coffee and snuggle up in the gorgeous rays of sun while reading through this new fab website Domaine! From the creators of WHO WHAT WEAR, I promise you will LOVE. Can't wait to see what this new site will bring to the table... Looking forward to it. xo

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Peppermint Bliss

2013-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Happy May Everyone! Can you believe how quickly this year is flying by?

Over the weekend I decided to freshen up the bathroom. As discussed last week, I purchased a litre of paint from Home Depot and was planning on finishing my dresser with it. Along the way I think I had another diversion, I painted the bathroom instead. Oops. Leave me with a can a paint over a weekend though and anything is possible! Here is the result, brighter, fresher, and happier. I am all about happy in the home, I am feeling summer right now and shade of green called Aruba, is just what the doctor ordered.

Here is a retrospect of what it looked like before, while the neutral grey was great, it was time for a change. Amazing how a few coats of paint totally transforms a space.

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Yorkville Client

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Remember Yorkville Client? This space has been in progress for a while, and continues to liven up each time I visit. I wanted to show you an update on that space. I love the direction it is heading in, with the sofa as the jump off point, we added the acrylic table, sunburst mirror and area rug, and then began to layer. With the addition off the Ikat throw pillows we were able to introduce a little feminin edge. At this point we realized it was going in a mod direction, which was perfect considering the clients preexisting dining table chairs were very Eames, black leather and teak, and her sofa had a retro vibe as well. It is amazing how one can really transform and update an old piece by adding new textiles to liven things up. By adding light and bright throw pillows, the sisal on the floor, and the sheepskin, it really brightened the space up.

I love the direction this is going, we still have a ways to go, but we are definitely heading in the right direction!

Kicking my feet up at the end of the shoot!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Lucite + Brass

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted to kick off Monday by celebrating a fabulous new addition to our living room. Friday afternoon Blayre and I drove to Collingwood to pick up this lovely lady. I had my eye on it for months, and finally took the plunge. White I loved our old coffee table, it was too small in this space. The scale was really off, and it looked like it was floating on the area rug. This table is definitely on the larger side of the scale however it provides the seating on the other side of the room with a surface to place their drink, so it is very practical. Also, because it is transparent, it doesn't feel bulky and oversized. The surface is bright and reflective, the legs sparkle, and the brass is über feminine. Lets just say, I am in LOVE(Blayre thinks she is pretty hawt too). While I have the floor this piece makes me so happy because it is so large that it is hard to over decorate it, I can just go nuts and it still feels light and bright.... Literally every time I see it I squeal!

What did you do this weekend? Any scores? Please share!

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my design services

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Bar Cart

2013-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

As you know I love bar carts. They are such a fabulous piece to introduce to any space. They may be doubled as a side table in a living room, serve cocktails to guest, entry table- so many possibilities. This one could be styled to suit a more masculine space by adding a tray to the bottom and filling it with drink mixers, retro glassware, tartan prints. I love the large wheels at the back in contrast to the castors, they add a little edge to the piece, this is one of my more unique finds. For anyone looking to add a sophisticated piece to there space, a bar cart is a conversational piece as well as a beautiful accent!

Are you into the bar cart look?

Have a great weekend! xoxo

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Aruba

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Recently Home Depot sent me a little spending money. As our home is an ongoing project any help along the way is always welcome ;) One of the first projects that came to mind was the dresser we have in our bedroom. Ever since we purchased it I have been wanting to refresh it by painting it. For the longest time I struggled with which colour to paint it. I had flip flopped in between forest greens, corals, blues, the other day I finally landed on this shade of green(not to mention I even wanted to sell it because the decision was getting so hard). The colour is Aruba by CIL Premium Paints at Home Depot, its been two years of indecisiveness- I can't wait to get this baby painted! We are getting this done as we have lots of work to do on the balcony after, so I wanted to make sure we did this first just in case I decide to bring anything out on the balcony to paint/dry.

I think the green will really fit into our full design plan that I shared the other day, the paint finish will be high gloss as well, which will add a little glam. The palette over all is pretty muted, and the headboard will be a deep navy(if we end up going with that one), the accents pink and green, and pale blue bed side tables & a little bling with the hardware(brass, and lucite).

Aruba is a really subtle shade of green, I think it will be great with the new lucite hardware (purchased on Craigslist), since it is one of the larger items in the space we wanted to make sure it didn't overpower and blended into the overall scheme. In the future I am wanting all white bedding with an accent trim, crisp and clean, with some touches of colour.

Anything you are wanting to refresh this summer?? So much more productive this time of year!

Houses our screen for viewing, and fan. These items will probably have to stay(because that is life, I don't mind though. Once it is painted out it will look much more finished)

The current drawer pulls- BLAH

Can't wait to see this painted out

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

April Showers, Bring May Flowers

2013-04-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lots of fun projects are on the rise, DIY for the balcony, paint purchased to paint our bedroom dresser, photo shoots, client meetings! None of this April weather is going to "rain" on my parade!! Besides I love all of the gardens that are beginning to bloom in our neighbourhood. Lots of daffodils and pretty purple flowers are popping up, and while we don't have a garden of our own yet, I can bring fresh tulips in to enjoy! Can't wait to get started on our herb garden for our back patio either, this year we are making sure the space is a place we can enjoy, kick back, and have a small garden I can pick from for fresh garden salads!! Have a great day! xoxo

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer.

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Bedroom Retreat

2013-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

The bedroom has been on my mind a lot lately- and not in the way you might thing ;)

For some time we have been wanting to change up our space. Since we moved in there really hasn't been much progress. There is a lack of excitement on my part every time I look around the space, we are just making do for the time being. I would love to have a serene space to retire to at the end of the night, a place that we can cuddle up as a family and watch a movie, a bed large enough to accommodate my equality large 6'5 boyfriend! We have a large space to work with, so that isn't a problem, I think that it is difficult sometimes when you are sticking with a smaller budget, and because you are purchasing piece by piece, sometimes it is a challenge to stick with your original vision.

Do you know what I mean? Do you ever feel like you know the direction you are heading in, but you take so many detours along the way, you end up getting lost? That is kind of where I am at. I find it way easier looking at someone else's space and seeing the end result vs. mine. I have probably changed my mind a million times when it comes to our space.

I think we need to just jump in, I am looking for classic, with a twist. King sized bed. The one from above is my top contender, feminine, but the navy disguises that a little(I am sneaky like that), some pink accents, a little leopard, glossy pale blue tables, maybe a jade dresser....

Another example from a awhile ago demonstrating my indecisiveness! (Blog looks so old!!)

Do you find your bedroom gets the least amount of attention? It should get the most we spend so much time there, but it has been ignored sadly!

Here is an idea of a realistic vision of what will come in the near future, aside from the bedding that is a never ending saga everything else is pretty much ready( plus the dresser that will be painted) Here is the DIY tutorial I did for the sconces.

Here are some of my favorite bedrooms, cozy, lots of character, and totally stylin'

All Images Via

Around the House

2013-04-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love experimenting with new things. Taking a new route home, trying a new dish, travelling to a new country, introducing new colour into our decor. I am currently going through one of those moments where I want to change all of my surroundings. New pillows, new accent pieces, more neutrals, I get into these funks. Sometimes I feel like I want to sell everything and begin from scratch, minimize, but then I begin to love everything all over again thinking about how each piece represents a memory, and the time I spent picking it out.

My solution: Time for a big re-accessorizing day! I strip everything bare, and surface by surface, I rethink and restyle. It feels so good!!

Do you ever feel like that?

Here are a few shots from around the house this weekend. xo

New water colour ready to be framed, loving pink in my decor lately

Still Crazy about water colour

My darling Bruce

A recent addition from my Mom. He guards the kitchen while Bruce guards the rest of the house

Blackberry Cream Cheese with Blue Berry Pancakes

Thank you cards, ready to be sent