escapade

Inspiration for the new week 28.5.12

2012-05-28T09:05:00.000-04:00

It's been forever since I posted here! I got caught up in a whirlwind of work, overseas guests, weddings, art projects and so much more. Of course the longer I put off posting the more daunting it became and the guiltier I began to feel. While it definitely is a labour of love, that constant effort and that nagging feeling of something left to do can sometimes make blogging feel like a bit of a burden and leave you feeling a little failure when you don't manage to meet all your own standards. I'm finally going to be able to make some big changes in my work life in the upcoming weeks, in pursuit of a better work/life balance and doing fewer things really well rather than several at half rate. I'm really excited about this as it's been a goal of mine for quite some time. These changes will allow me to manage my time more efficiently and also devote the time and effort to this site that I've wanted to. Thank you so much for continuing to stop by despite a bit of dead air here recently, can't wait to share some changes with you in the upcoming weeks.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to your week!

In every moment, you make a choice, and those choices add up to the life you experience. You can choose to follow your purpose, and to achieve what you know deep inside you can, or you can choose to avoid your greatest possibilities.

Ralph Marston

{Photos: Foras Studio}

Audrey Hepburn, on her birthday

2012-05-04T17:36:00.001-04:00

Today, May 4th is Audrey Hepburn's birthday. I thought I'd celebrate the occasion by sharing Philippe Halsman's series La Vigna taken in the Italian countryside in 1954. I love her chic cropped haircut, breezy casual outfits and simple sandals. She is luminous, energetic yet elegant in this casual setting and it's one my favourite series of her.

"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present, and I don't want

to spoil any of it by fretting about the future."

Audrey Hepburn

{Photos: Philippe Halsman}

Delicious design: Lolita cafe in Ljubljana, Slovenia

2012-05-03T12:10:00.000-04:00

While there is never a shortage of beautiful interiors around here, a conversation with a commercial designer friend the other day brought me to realize how much I often neglect to feature commercial spaces. I feel like we can often be quite unobservant within commercial spaces, despite the huge impact that they can have on our lives, influencing what we buy and often where we spent a good portion of our lives. Our experience in a everyday space such as Starbucks, is the result of hundreds of hours of careful thought and deliberation and while we're often unaware of it, we're undoubtedly manipulated by the design choices of this space. I find this whole psychological aspect of spaces and interiors quite fascinating.

So with a renewed mission to show off more beautiful commercial spaces, I thought I'd start off with one that was knock-your-socks-off fantastic. I was a little awestruck to discover the Lolita cafe in Ljubljana, Slovenia. A collaboration between the Kaval Group and Trije Arhitekti this cafe really delivers a full package with the aesthetic of the space and the fine crafted desserts they serve, both seem to work together flawlessly. The focal point of the space is undoubtedly the large scale printed mural on the scallop shaped ceiling. Soft, feminine with black accents for a little bit of modern edge, its a perfect fit with macaroons and fancy cakes. The rest of the space is styled quite simply, yet each detail feels very thoughtful. Black pendant lighting and accents ground the space add a bit of edge, preventing the space from becoming too frou-frou or feminine; the herringbone floor below has a multitude of different wood stains ranging from warm honey to soft pink and grey. There are layers and layers of interesting detail to enjoy in this space, as it is just as much a treat for the eyes as the delicious desserts they serve.

{Photos: Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, via The Brickhouse Co.}

Crystal Bulbs by Lee Broom

2012-05-02T09:53:00.000-04:00

More often than not, what takes a space from nice to spectacular is not a show stopping display or elaborate styling, its the little subtle details that at a glance may go unnoticed, but as you look closer, are what make the space really special. I love how UK based designer Lee Broom has taken a humble, everyday object like a lightbulb and turned into a veritable treasure. These Crystal bulbs are a follow-up to his very successful Decanterlight series (another favourite of mine) and are individually hand blown then cut with a classic crystal pattern.

For orders and information contact Lee Broom.

{Photos: Lee Broom}

Listed: One charming apartment in Göteborg, Sweden

2012-05-01T09:43:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, the conversation in our home led us to start exploring the notion of a possible move to Scandinavia. No tickets purchased as of yet, however, I thought I'd do a little preemptive apartment searching. (No encouragement necessary -internet real estate stalking is probably one of my favourite hobbies.) Unsurprisingly, I found that beautiful apartments appear to come standard in this corner of the world and Scandinavians seem quite spoilt for choice. This beautiful apartment in Göteborg, Sweden has me ready to pack my bags.

There's a charming mix of styles and time periods in this space, giving a fresh, approachable feeling to the space.

Love the original architectural details in this building from the late 1800s.

A tulle skirt makes an easy, and quite romantic DIY chandelier.

Perhaps it's also just being 'photo shoot ready', but I love the abundance of flower and little houseplants throughout the entire home. They really do add a bit of life and of course, beautiful colour.

A charming room for a little one - the fabric buntings add a bit of a festive feeling and I love how all the lampshades are covered with little birds and butterflies. (I used to do this for my younger sisters with handcut paper butterflies so that they would cast beautiful shadows at night.)

The staircase tucked away in the corner leading up to a loft workroom.

A perfect nook for getting a little work done or taking a moment for oneself.

Bright white with soaring ceilings, this kitchen seems like where I'd like to start and finish my day.

Despite having no windows, this entrance hall feels bright and airy thanks to the all white floors, walls, and ceiling. Even here, a few houseplants warm up the area and stop if from feeling too clinical.

Just a touch of pretty wallpaper in the otherwise all white space. Adds such a romantic feeling to this hallway, especially paired with the chandelier.

{All photos: Stadshem}

Inspiration for the new week 30.4.12

2012-04-30T09:12:00.001-04:00

{Image: Little Reminders of Love via daniellaz}

A tree house

2012-04-25T10:56:00.000-04:00

I have a small obsession with tree houses. Brought on perhaps by a childhood filled with extensive tree climbing and an enduring fascination with Swiss Family Robinson. In addition to a little thatched 'wendy house' or 'play house', we actually had a simple tree house in our garden growing up. It was my most favourite place to go, even as a teenager, when I wanted to be alone with my thoughts. There's a wonderful feeling of tranquility you get up amongst the foliage, looking down at the world below, a step back - or up, rather - from all the busyness and chaos of everyday life.

This Tree House at The Lodge on Loch Goil in Scotland, seems like a wonderfully calm retreat, up amongst the branches gazing out at the placid waters of the Loch. I found it a bit funny when I realized I'd added it to my Pinterest board under the title 'Dream Homes'.

{Photo 1 - Craig and Eva Sanders via Style Me Pretty}

Real life style in Queens, NY

2012-04-24T09:55:00.001-04:00

I find nothing more inspiring that real life style achieved on a realistic, or more modest budget. Of course it would be easy enough to make a space spectacular with a huge budget for knockout furniture pieces, or customized built ins, but for most of us, that's not what we have to work with. Life on a real life budget requires you to be a little more clever. I was so impressed when I first saw Matt and Megan's apartment in Queens on A Cup of Jo, it feels bright and expansive in spite of still being a small space and packs alot of style with carefully selected pieces and alot of clever planning and placement.

There's a strong retro vibe in the space, but it still feels very contemporary with clean lines and a soft neutral palette.

Little details are well-edited and not over accessorized, which prevents the space from feeling cluttered or cramped.

This bathroom is just dreamy - and such a clever use of space! Despite a very small footprint, it still manages to feel airy and spacious due to the open shower and the frosted glass wall.

Despite being fairly neutral, the decor is not at all boring - the couple have a beautiful art collection on display with many pieces by personal friends. (Plus one very cute pup who would make any apartment more inviting!)

The couple shares the apartment with their twin girls, who share a nursery - and initially even shared the crib :). Love the charming little gallery wall above the crib and the bold patterned rug in this tranquil space.

{All photos taken by Oh, Darling! Photography for Cup of Jo }

Last week in New York...

2012-04-18T11:13:00.002-04:00

Last week I travelled down to New York with a big agenda for fun and celebration - the lavish Indian wedding of a dear friend of my husband's, as well as my own birthday. We'd talked about this trip for a few months and were looking forward to a little extra special time together as a couple. Unexpectedly, and very last minute, plans changed. I found myself alone in Manhattan. Initially we both went through a period of extreme frustration, and I found myself wandering around fully preoccupied by my mourning what 'was supposed to happen'. What should have been a period filled with fun exploration was clouded with feelings of disappointment, frustration and even guilt. But then, something kind of wonderful happened. I remembered I actually quite like being alone. In a city surrounded by millions, I found myself savouring the solitude and slowly started to see how this situation, while not the ideal I'd had in my mind might just be alright after all.

One thing I've learnt in life, and keep being reminded of along the way, is that life rarely conforms to any of my expectations. With family, in marriage, and in the general comedy of errors that life often presents to us - things rarely look the way you thought they would when you get there. While there's nothing wrong with planning for the future, and even getting excited about those plans, things often end up a bit differently. It's ok to feel a little disappointed. Ultimately though, the only thing that determines how happy I am is whatever is going on within the confines of my own mind. And you know what? I can have a pretty amazing time. All by myself.

{All photos by the talented Jamie Beck of From Me to You}

Inspiration for the new week 9.4.12

2012-04-09T09:35:00.001-04:00

{ Image : via The Glitter Guide tumblr, Quote from Beautiful Stranger's interview with Marissa}

Hidden pops of colour

2012-04-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

While I've labelled myself a steadfast all-white devotee, and this is certainly true of most of my home, I can't deny the fact that deep down I really do love colour! Lots of it! In bright, bold tones and eye catching pops. I think perhaps my hesitation is the long term commitment to it on a large scale. My very favourite way to use colour in my home is in vibrant little pops - usually through art, books or the occasional throw pillow. I'm not sure why, but I often neglect the option of paint. Adding colour through paint often conjures up images of overwhelming red walls and sometimes I have to say I find the overuse of colour to feel almost oppressive. Bright little pops are just the right fit for me - I love the idea of adding a little extra interest with a hidden little jolt of colour! Painting the inside of drawers in a cabinet, or just the edge of a plain white door seems like the perfect unexpected surprise. Not so much you'd really go tired of it, and the easiest switch if you ever do.

A crisp white door, classic brass hardware and a pop of bright tangerine!

Brightly painted drawers inside a cabinet.

P.S. This idea reminded me of this previous post - a plain white cabinet with a beautiful gold interior.

{Photos: 1-Martha Stewart Living via Apartment Therapy; 2- The New Traditionalists

via Little Green Notebook}

Tailored and bright

2012-04-03T08:56:00.001-04:00

One of my favourite displays at the recent Interior Design Show in Toronto this year was undoubtedly Mazen Studio's tailored bachelor pad (see photos of the space here). While it was filled with art and layered with interesting details, it still felt crisp, tailored and meticulously edited. I was delighted, although unsurprised, to find that his Leslieville, Toronto townhouse carried this same feeling. While the lines are still crisp and tailored, there's a wonderful infusion of energy through the pops of bright colour used in art, books, textiles and some of the best statement making curtains I've seen. Perhaps it's the Spring but lately I've been craving more colour in my life. Like the bright William Sonoma bedding in the previous post, I've been thinking back to these curtains constantly - something seems to be telling me at the moment that bright, colourful stripes are the way to go. Icy blue accented with bright red and navy - I don't think I would have thought of this combination but clearly it works just beautifully. I love how he's hung them extra high to really add some drama and emphasize the high ceilings. This space has the perfect balance of neutrals and bright colour; crisp, tailored details and approachable comfort.

{All photos: Mazen via Apartment Therapy}

A dynamic contrast

2012-03-29T17:54:00.000-04:00

As Spring approaches, life seems to be moving forward at a thunderous pace while it can feel a little hectic at times, there are some really exciting projects in the works and new little milestones being hit along the way which make it feel so worthwhile. While my mind is often swirling with a dozen ideas at any given time, there's one space that's been particularly on my mind recently and I've found myself going back to find it quite a few

times in the past few days.

The first time I saw this space, I knew immediately it would someday appear on this blog - clean, fresh airy but still so dynamic and interesting, it felt like love at first sight. The Kubus fabric in Or by Pierre Frey almost cinched the deal right away - this fabric has been a favourite of mine for some time, and I'd love to have it in my home but the price $350/yard price tag had scared me off. I love how Michelle Adams of Lonny magazine balanced this dramatic pattern with soft blue walls and upholstered pieces in creamy neutral tones.

Dramatic drapery in the living room - Kubus fabric in Or.

The angular geometric lines of the console echo the pattern in the curtains.

The geometric element is continued in the striking but simple light fixture, all of these hard lines are balanced out with the soft form of the Louis XVI dining chairs and oval Saarinen table.

Michelle kept the drama in the living area and left the kitchen quite quiet in contrast.

This bedroom and the bedding in particular have been on my mind lately - soft creamy neutrals and warm walnut, injected with the just right amount of punch in the bold white and blood orange bedding.

Just the right amount of calm to be a soothing and relaxing retreat at the end of the day, and just the right jolt of energy to wake up refreshed and energized.

{Photography: Patrick Cline, Design and Art Direction: Michelle Adams for Lonny magazine,

July/August 2011}

Everything Begins

2012-03-22T15:17:00.001-04:00

I was delighted recently to stumble across one of those little treasure troves of a shop online called Everything Begins that left me suddenly with a much longer wish list than when I'd arrived. With unique and beautifully designed products from an array of talented independent and emerging artists there are almost far too many pretty things to choose from.

Madagascan Agate Silk Scarf

Luminous Lily and Violet Cushion

Bleu de Lectoure Linen Cushion

Fun and fresh umbrellas for rainy Spring days from Gina and May.

Spring fresh

2012-03-20T09:22:00.002-04:00

Something about this midcentury home by Portland designer Jessica Helgerson has always felt so irrepressibly fresh to me - bright, airy and filled throughout with large leafy branches, I couldn't think of a better home for the first official day of Spring. Crisp black and white provide a neutral background and just the right amount of drama, mixed with organic, natural elements and little pops of bright green used throughout the home.

{All photos: Jessica Helgerson}

Inspiration for the new week 19.3.12

2012-03-19T09:28:00.003-04:00

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.

Oprah Winfrey

{Photo source}

Warmth and light

2012-03-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

Slatted wood seems to be everywhere these days and this beautiful home seems to prove exactly why this is so. Clean, simple and modern it has a much lighter effect than solid panels. There's an warmth this brings to a space that is just so inviting. With brighter skies and longer days, this airy slatted pergola would be the perfect space to soak in all the light.

{Photos: Jackson Clement Burrows via Desire to Inspire}

Pen Art by Il Lee

2012-03-09T09:28:00.001-05:00

I was drawn to the moody abstract imagery in these pieces right away when I saw them, but each time I learned something new about them they became even cooler. These pieces by Il Lee are actually created with ballpoint pens! What's even crazier is the scale of the pieces - at first glance I thought it was pretty impressive to have managed to fill an average sized canvas, but these images are huge! That's an awful lot of scribbling. I'm in love with the inky blue tone and the soft, abstract forms.

{Photos: Art Projects International via Splendid Objects}

A classic all white kitchen with a twist

2012-03-08T13:22:00.001-05:00

It was love at first sight when I saw Toronto stylist Sasha Seymour's kitchen - the perfect blend of timeless classics - white subway tile, carrera marble and herringbone wood floor, with unexpected twists - a sculptural chandelier from the 1970s, brass hardware (vs. the traditional chrome and stainless steel) and of course, the pièce de résistance - a counter height fireplace. The combination of all these elements was just so interesting and unique but still classic enough to be enduring. Flooded with light from the skylight above, the overall feeling is so fresh. This space proves that classic all white can be anything but boring - and also, that perhaps every kitchen needs a fireplace.

House and Home's Suzanne Dimma gives a video tour of Sasha's home here.

{Photos: Michael Graydon for Canadian House and Home, September 2011}

The New Artisans by Olivier Dupon

2012-03-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

by M F Miller

The New Artisans: Handmade Designs for Contemporary Living by Olivier Dupon is a well-executed look at the modern resurgence of craft and artisan-based work. An elaborate extension of his blog Dossier37, Dupon branches over several different mediums to bring together a collection of designers, crafters and companies that are focused on making items that represent something more than the mass-production that floods the mainstream. Dupon’s goal is to return the word “artisan to its noble status,” a place where skill and workmanship matter as much as the aesthetic.

There is now, a very recognizable movement of designers and artists combining traditional techniques and methods with fresh new styles and modern materials. The New Artisans proves this page after page. Whether it is the making of original craft from raw materials or new art from recycled sources, Dupon showcases quite strongly that all of the producers in the book have a certain thing in common; they are set on joining “meaning, imagination and excellence” in everything they make. Moreover, this artisan movement is coupled with the rise in the customer’s desire to have access to items that carry a one-of-a-kind quality in a sea of disposable things. The want to “know thy maker” is real and fuels both the artist and the buyer.

The strength of The New Artisans lies in its scope. It is a gallery in print. Categorized alphabetically, with clean and detailed images, the book reads easily as a survey of many different artists from several different countries. It showcases both established companies like Duvelleroy (a French house of fans founded in 1827) and Italian crochet artist Antonia Rossi, who does not even have her own studio and makes her art wherever she can. Dupon provides a sneak peek into the private places where all of these crafts are made and each artist’s body of work is well represented with several images. The New Artisans does a great job of highlighting the spectrum and specialty of each contributor.

Dupon has put together a tightly edited collection of arts and crafts that will surely be a much-visited reference for professional inspiration and creative stimulation.

The New Artisans by Olivier Dupon, Publisher: Thames & Hudson; All photographs by M F Miller

Beauty within the chaos

2012-02-29T11:56:00.001-05:00

Right now, there's a cold, blustery wind blowing outside my window and thick blanket of damp snow quickly accumulating on the ground. While I'd love to wax on about the beautiful melancholy of winter, to be honest, it's actually making me feel quite miserable at the moment - so I'm taking refuge in the serenity of these slightly abstracted natural images taken by photographer Caroline Fraser. They remind me that you can find those moments of peace within the chaos of nature, and moments of tranquility within even the most hectic of chaotic schedules.

'everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul'.

John Muir

{Photos by Caroline Fraser, available for purchase at Subject Matter}

At home with modern

2012-02-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

I have to admit - I'm not always a fan of ultra-slick modern spaces. While I love their purity and clean lines, to me they very easily risk becoming austere and quite uninviting at times and I tend to lean more towards homes with a bit of character and a sense of history. More often than not these days, my busy little cauldron of a brain craves simplicity, so when I find a space that is simple and understated, but still interesting, my inner modernist sings! To me this home designed by Pulltab Design in New York strikes that delicate balance. Soft, gauzy curtains float in front of slick black framed windows; high gloss surfaces contrast with a natural living wall of plants (one of my most favourite features) and calm all white is balanced with little pops of colour. Clever, innovative and full of little surprises (like the tables that pull down from high gloss panels on the wall) while it still reads slick and modern, this home has plenty of features to keep me interested. I believe this is what it would take for me to feel comfortable and at home with slick modern.

I don't normally consider myself much of a 'red' person but I absolutely love this glossy red little feature wall that is revealed when you pull the table down from the panel in the wall - very smart use of space!

Some clever stylist found just the right red bowl to coordinate with the panel on the lower level.

So clever for a small space! A wall panel lifts up to form a small table, perfect for your morning cup of coffee or an impromptu game of chess.

{All photos: Elizabeth Felicella for Pulltab Design via The Contemporist}

{Oscar} Inspiration for the new week 27.2.12

2012-02-26T07:28:00.000-05:00

Have faith in your dreams and someday,

Your rainbow will come smiling through,

No matter how your heart is grieving,

If you keep on believing,

The dreams that you wish will come true.

- Cinderella

{Photos: Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly backstage at the 1956 Academy Awards,

taken by Allan Grant for Time and Life Pictures}

A natural instinct

2012-02-23T15:50:00.001-05:00

What Scandinavians always seem to achieve so effortlessly is a inherent sense of balance and calm. I think this is largely due to their focus on soothing natural palettes and materials. Several times I've laughed when discussing colour palettes with clients who have said their like 'natural palettes' but are shocked and confused if I suggest all white, I always reply, 'We live in Canada, of course all white is a 'natural palette'. All white with accents in black conjures up images of a snow covered landscape with bare trees that appear black against the crisp white. Clearly the Scandinavians have taken their natural surroundings to heart and feel quite at ease with all white. This provides a quiet background for another Scandinavian obsession - natural wood. This adds the much needed warmth for the cool all white environment.

The home of Danish designer Hanne Berzant whose nature inspired line By Nord, embodies these Scandinavian sensibilities beautifully. Images of Scandinavian wildlife adorn the pieces from her collection throughout the home and bring a little bit of the outdoors into this natural environment.

* Love this easy idea- paint simple black polka dots on a white paper lantern, for a little hit of pattern.

{Photos: Heidi Lerkenfeldt, Styling Pernille Vest and Bolette Kiaer/ Linnea Press for Living Etc February 2012}

{Family Day} Angelina + Maddox

2012-02-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

In celebration of all the weird and wonderful things that make a family...

"I know why families were created with all their imperfections. They humanize you. They are made to make you forget yourself occasionally, so that the beautiful balance of life is not destroyed."

Anais Nin

{Photos: Angelina Jolie and her son Maddox, photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair, May 2004}