DIY Inspiration - Aztec and Navajo Prints

Aztec is not only one of the hottest trends right now, it's also the inspiration for my latest DIY project. Although we saw an array of glorious chunky aztec print sweaters this winter, the pattern is now dominating fashion as well as interior design and the vast world of accessories - it's even found it's way onto my little blog as a little something extra to spice up the header.

THE INSPIRATION

Add a crisp blazer for a polished look (via)

Patterned sunglasses to match your manicure (via)

A cute detail on these two toned oxfords (via)

A fun printed quilt in primary colours (via)

An relaxed tunic in blacks and browns (via)

Some Aztec inspired bling (via)

A delicate clutch gets a punch of neon pink (via)

A pretty little throw pillow in bright hues (via)

MY CREATION

Taking in all this inspiration, I decided to make an Aztec print tote, using a handmade stencil I whipped up from items at my local office supply store. I'll share the tutorial tomorrow!

Perfection Found - Lucite Landing

(via)

It's no big secret that I absolutely adore Lucite, I also equally love mixing old and new, so this gorgeous little landing made my heart skip a beat, or two. And why shouldn't it? An open staircase, warm wooden floors, buckets of natural light from a ceiling skimming wall of windows... the bones of this space are so lovely it would be pretty difficult to mess up. Finished off with a hanging Lucite chair and furry white rug, it's not overdone or too sparse - simply perfection. 

Enjoy,

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Glorious Santorini

Our tour of Europe made a stop over in Santorini last week and although far too short in duration, the little island has made a lasting impact and can't wait to return. 

I also can't seem to shake the gorgeous white and blue hues that dot the cliffside from my mind, and the way the whites change as the sun moves throughout the day, especially leading up to sunset. White and blue is a classic palette that can often feel overly nautical, however in Santorini everything feels crisp, modern, and at times very glamorous.

See what I mean? Get my point? Do you catch what I'm laying down? Lots of clean lines, minimal embellishments, and the perfect amount of sea-inpired blue and white striped fabric (none, at all).  We actually passed quite a few lovely restaurants with mid-century inspired tables and seating, one even had the fabulous Louis Ghost Chairs I've been lusting after for years.

I can't think of a place on the island that portrays this minimalist mid-century mix better than Grace Santorini Hotel. No we didn't stay there, we didn't even seek our the lobby to have a peek inside - I admire better from afar (online stalking) - however I'd give up an appendage without a second thought , for just one night in their private Villa Room. 

All photos via Santorini Boutique Hotels

What a glorious gem, inside and out, in one of the most beautiful places I've ever had the chance to visit. Fair warning to the rest of Europe, this will be hard to match but I'm ready if you are.

Take care,

Calli

Right Round

I've been known to favor modern sleek lines when it comes to decorating my home, but every now and then we need to show some love for curves and appreciate the rounder side of life. 

There's something wonderfully refreshing about these circular mirrors - the contrast of curvy mirror against sharp angular furniture is unexpectedly fresh. 

Pair a curvy mirror with chrome and cowhide (via)

Love the frame and size (via)

Perfect shape and size over a girly pedestal sink (via)

I really love this cluster of mirrors (via)

Rustic and round - doesn't get any better (via)

I'm not prepared to replace my DIY honeysuckle pink trellis shaped mirror just yet, but that doesn't mean I won't be tempted to add a round mirror to our home - perhaps in the guest bedroom? Maybe I should wait until we move back home before going shopping...

Enjoy,

Calli

Plant Police

I'm making my boyfriend pare down his growing plant collection - on a side note, is it puns that are the lowest form of humour? 

I know I've shared oodles of plant friendly interiors before and I've discussed at length in at least one post how much I adore oversized, ceiling scraping, lush, leafy varieties so I won't blab on and on - just grant me this one little indulgence... 

isn't she lovely? (via)

What I will say is that my boyfriend prefers cacti and succulents - on every windowsill in our house - and while I love him, I do not love cleaning up dirt from yet another spilled pot that managed to blow off the sill while we were airing out the house.*

I also do not understand the need to have a half dozen cacti that are all exactly the same; is a little variety too much for a girl to ask? So I'm making him purge, but before you make me out to be a wicked, awful person you should know that I'm not getting off scot-free (did you know that's how it was spelled? Me either.). My closet, including shoes and purses, has had to pay the price for this plant-less lifestyle. I'm sure I'll regret it tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Calli

*This sounds absurd, I know, but you wouldn't believe how often it happens - the plants a tiny, the pots light, and because they need little to no water the soil blows around instead of clinging together.

My Weekend and Guest Bedroom Update

I had myself a busy little weekend - life in general has been pretty hectic lately so I apologize if I've seemed a little distant. 

Saturday morning I met my friend Jen for a coffee/paint chip date. She's re-painting her bedroom and looking for something calming. We decided on a lovely green-blue-grey tone called Night Rain - I'm so excited to see how it all comes together!

Since I was at the paint store anyway, I decided to sneak a peak at some hues for my guest bedroom. That poor room has been neglected since day one and I'd really like to utilize it better starting this spring. 

I'm thinking mauve walls with crisp white trim. It's a bit of a risk but I can't shake the idea of something insanely feminine. I'm also toying with the idea of a herringbone feature wall done in a high gloss finish - same colour, tone on tone, with just a hint of shimmer. Sprinkle in fresh white sheets, soft linen drapes, and some metallic touches and voila! Sounds easy right?

Here's something for all you visual learners...

 

Sources: 1. Kristen F. Davis Designs; 2. Jen Loves Kev; 3. Little Emma English Home; 4. Sara's Closet

I'll try to keep you up to date on Jen's place, my place, and any other place I know of. I'm hoping that the painting of my room can start at the end of the month.

Enjoy!

Calli

Office Space

Somehow I've got to find a way to break-up with my living room. I love watching TV, eating dinner, and entertaining with her but when it comes time to get crafty she isn't meeting my needs. 

It's been a year and a half of paper and glue on the area rug, paint on a drop cloth in the dining room, and glitter on the sofa that just won't go away. Now it's time to go my own way - I need an office. 

I've been looking at setting up an area in my garage or second bedroom but in the meantime here's some inspiration...

via Pinterest

via Row House Nest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

I've got a filing cabinet to slide under the desk like the third photo and I'll need a bulletin board and some storage too. Too bad I need to clean the garage out before I can start using it...

Enjoy!

Calli

Loving Lucite

There's something insanely cool about clear plastic furniture. Like walking out over the Grand Canyon and looking down to see the rocky floor hundreds of feet below, it doesn't make sense. Although plexiglass is strong enough to support a grown human, we still gingerly perch on a chair or carefully place our glass on a side table. 

I've had my eye on a fabulous set of nesting tables at CB2 that would look amazing in my living room. Ikea also offers the TOBIAS chair that pairs cool molded lucite and chrome - a win-win in my books.

I love this lucite bucket chair. The shape and chrome base are glorious - especially when paired with a glam mirrored dressing table.

via Pinterest

Who doesn't want a chair hanging from the ceiling in their living room? Overall, this space has a retro feel but is still very modern and fresh. I'd take that suspended chrome lamp in a heart beat too!

via Pinterest

I apologize for re-using this image, I know I've posted it at least once if not twice. The thing is, this room really does it for me. I adore the printed wallpaper, sparkling chandeliers, and... the Ikea TOBIAS chair!

via Pinterest

Here is my idea of a home office. Clutter free, well organized, with an industrial feel. I'm not a huge fan of the arms on these chairs (they may get in the way) but overall, the lucite is fantastic!

via Pinterest

This may be my favorite use of lucite to date. After all, what is the point of buying pair after pair of gorgeous shoes and then keep them hidden away? You can only wear one pair at a time. This storage solution is genius and very cool if I do say so myself.

via Pinterest

I'm sure I could find a DIY project or two out there to help me add some lucite to my life... until then, I've got these images to get me by.

Enjoy!

Calli

Indecisive Over a Headboard

When I moved into my house two years ago I knew I wanted an upholstered headboard - It had been something I'd been dreaming about for a while.

I ended up going with tufting in a dramatic, slightly luminous, black damask. However, after painting a deep teal feature wall and finding dark gray paisley bedding the black seemed to be a bit much. 

Now, not even a year into my place, I find myself wishing for something different. In the end, I can always pull it off the wall and re-upholster it in something fantastic but until then, I'll occupy myself with these fabulous ideas...

These carved wood headboards are incredibly intricate - I wonder how easy one would be to clean? (White headboard via Pinterest; Natural wood headboard via Pinterest)

I will always love this headboard - this entire room actually. I could just sit here and stare at it...

via Pinterest

This textured art is a great alternative to a traditional headboard and I bet it would be easy to DIY.

via Pinterest

This glam headboard isn't really my style - but I'm oddly drawn to the shiny gold frame, and of course the tufting does it for me every time. 

via Pinterest

Oh Betty - I have always admired this headboard. Although, as my bedroom wall is turquoise it may not be the best option right now...

via Pinterest

I have a few projects to keep me busy over the fall - but, after I cross a few off my To Do List, maybe headboard upholstery will find its way back on... 

Enjoy!

Calli

Outdoor Shower

Almost every summer memory of my childhood is from the lake. Growing up I was lucky enough to spend the entire summer at Shuswap Lake - swimming, building sand marinas (no castles here), and relying on my imagination to create fairytale lands in the vacant lot next door. Only now do I realize how lucky my mom was as well - oh to trade in my day job for three months in the sun making sure sunburns, duck itch, and scrapes are attended to.

Initially we had a small travel trailer (with power, we were so lucky!) and then upgraded to a large covered deck and running water (via a garden hose hooked up to our neighbour's house). Although not completely roughing it, we did bathe in the lake and rely on an outhouse* until just recently.

*I outfitted the outhouse with movie posters - John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in Greece greeted you upon entry...

Past the tubers, you can see out little trailer on the left behind the trees

And then everything changed... Two years ago we decided it was time to build a cabin on the property. Goodbye little trailer containing so many memories, hello big changes that at times hurt my heart; The entire lake has changed - not always for the better.

The cabin was supposed to be small, unlike some of the gargantuan estates that dot the shoreline. However, a small living space over a garage quickly morphed into a loft-like space with an attached outdoor kitchen. We've been slowly making progress between days of relaxation in the summer, utilizing my brother's electrical background and many of his friends that work in the trades. 

And now, we have running water, a flush toilet and fully functioning shower - no need to bathe in the lake although my brother and I are still doing so in protest. The cabin is wonderful, a natural progression that will work well as my brother and I start to have our own families (that is, if my mom has her way...). 

Now, an outdoor shower is in the works. I'm in love with the open roofed, tropical dream spaces found at swanky four star resorts - ours on the other hand will be more one or two star. We've talked about a curved rock wall and the need for a roof to accommodate our less-than-tropical weather. Here are a few that I've pulled off the internet, although a bit fancy, they have some great features that could work for us...

I love, love, love this slate which is run up and down in a super modern pattern.

Outdoor Shower

This shower is great because of the large amount of natural light. I really like the gap between the high ceiling and less high walls.

outdoor shower

A curved wall - what a great idea! The tones in the dark rock here are great and again, the walls are just high enough for privacy but don't go right up to the ceiling, letting in a ton of light.

outdoor shower

This shower is a bit dark (may just be the picture...) but I really love the extra large glass doors that open up to make it feel open. The wood floor is pretty great too.

outdoor shower

I promise to keep you posted if/when anything progresses - we'll see if any of these ideas can be worked into the plan...

Enjoy!

Calli

Another Brick in the Wall

I dream of exposed brick - in a modern loft with sky high ceilings and huge windows. We don't have a lot of cool flats in town, or any that I'm aware of, but it doesn't mean a girl can't dream right?

This weathered brick is fantastic - but I must admit, that super sized black lamp has my heart...

peeling paint via Pinterest

A true sucker for mid-century design, the chair, lamp and side table are glorious - but not enough to distract from the exposed brick wall!

mid-century room via Pinterest

Oh I want some sky high brick walls! The open concept and minimal furniture show them off - and rightfully so!

sky high brick via Pinterest

Sparkle meets industrial loft - the PB and J of design. Honestly, I can't ever tire of it!

sparkle via Pinterest

Although I don't normally like painting a good thing, this black kitchen is so sexy and dramatic!

paint it black via Pinterest

I apologize for slacking lately - I know I've missed a few posts lately - blame it on the summer!

Enjoy!

Calli