Hi, it’s Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! I don’t know if it’s because of the crazy snow storm outside, but I’m craving a classic cozy cottage interior that’s rustic, yet still holds the comforts of the modern world.

Enter this Nantucket cottage by interior designer Gary McBournie that plays a hybrid between the two worlds. When you’re decorating for a secondary residence, chances are you’re on a budget. And though I don’t have the financial figures for this house, I know that inspiration can be drawn from it for more budget-friendly solutions.

1. Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore is just the right middle ground between neutral and color.

2. Simple cream curtains are embellished with a nice striped trim.

3. Sofas and chairs are slipcovered in a matching fabric for a laid back yet coherent look.

4. And old basket is repurposed as a coffee table.

5. A couple of mismatched side tables are paired with matching lamps for coherence.

6. The antique finish on the mirror gives the room a more laid back and less fussy vibe.

7. Symmetry is preserved with the gallery art and sconces.

8. Slipper chairs are easy to slipcover. They were done in a cream with matching duck egg trim and piping.

9. A few repetitions of deep red accents counterbalance the duck egg tones.

10. A tall plant provides dynamism and scale.

What do you think? How would you decorate your dream cottage?

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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“Ma charmante, mon inoubliable ! Tant que le creux de mes bras se souviendront de toi, tant que tu seras encore sur mon épaule et sur mes lèvres, je serai avec toi. Je mettrai toutes mes larmes dans quelque chose qui soit digne de toi, et qui reste.” –  Boris Pasternak, Le Dr. Zhivago

Une belle histoire d’amour prend place au milieu de la neige, dans un climat nordique digne de Docteur Zhivago, où un chalet cache sous son ossature rustique, tous les attributs et les conforts de la vie moderne.

Ce sont les différentes essences et applications de bois dans ce chalet qui m’ont d’abord charmées. La simplicité des armoires de cuisine agencé au look rustique de la table.

Je me suis par la suite laissée conquérir par la pureté des lignes architecturales de la maison, les matériaux choisis avec goût et dans l’optique unique de leur utilité versus le fait d’épater la galerie. Les miroirs, le recouvrement des fauteuils, et les chaises vintage en plastique moulé et aux pattes tubulaires ont agis à titre de cerise sur le sunday! 

source: Interior Magasinet

New year, new series! Hi, it’s Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! I thought I’d change it up and try a new series on Damask & Dentelle for 2013. When I see a picture that makes me gasp I can spend 20 minutes analyzing every details. So…here are my tips on achieving a bright and cozy room: what makes the room successful, what kind of lighting is used, what are the colour patterns.

After years of training my eye to such an exercise, I thought I’d share my findings with you all. I’m really excited about this new series so let me know if you enjoy it!

This room was designed by an LA-based design firm that I adore called Carrier & Co. I’m in awe of their latest project. Obviously this room is huge, has stunning architectural details and lots of natural light, but it’s not the only thing that makes it so inviting. Let’s see what helps make this room a masterpiece:

1. The floors are whitewashed: it gives the room a modern feel and keeps the room looking light and bright!

2. There are two seating areas. This is crucial in a large room to avoid gaps in the space and foster coziness.

3. Everything is repeated, from the bookcases to the fresh flowers, which secures and soothes the eye.

4. The curtains are simple: white floor length linen, and have been hung high to add a sense of height.

5. I LOVE the round pedestal table:  it divides the space, provides a surface to prop keys and whatnots on your way in or out and acts as an anchor to the room.

6. Notice the pedestal table sits underneath a show-stopping chandelier that reinforces its anchor position.

7. The bookcases add visual interest and personality. The insides were painted a dark color for depth.

8. The rattan furniture and the natural fibers in the rug and the sofas contribute to the informal vibe.

9. The large plant on the right makes the room more dynamic. Large plants are great to bring the outdoors in!

10. Blue and white china is visually appealing and classic. The blue and white is repeated in the beautiful blue and white fabric.

What do you think of this room? Love it or hate it? What’s your favorite aspect? I’d love to know!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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An 18th century farmhouse in France gets a modern makeover. Out of context, that sentence seems to make no sense at all, but take a moment to look at how the owners integrated iconic and contemporary pieces into their decor and you will understand how it is not only possible but most importantly… beautiful!

I just came back from the Old country where I was able to gorge myself with “Provençal” architecture and design. Although I am as much a city girl as it gets, I have to say that there is something terribly charming about exposed stone and weathered wood.

Add to that modern day living amenities and now I am really convinced! Imagine this as a summer vacation house, there is even a room for my daughters to share. Ok maybe that’s wishful thinking, but hey it sure gets me going on a grey Montréal Monday morning!

Happy Week!

xoxo

V.

source: Kocham Wies