Hi, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again!  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.

Whether you’re dealing with a balcony barely big enough for a table for two, or sprawling acres of land, the first thing to do is to define your style. Mine is exactly that of Mark D. Sikes‘ backyard: part classic American, part French provincial, part California cool and to an extent, part English garden too.

Let it be said that I’m not a gardering expert (far from it in fact) – but I’m sure that there is inspiration to be drawn from this delightfully classic and timeless backyard.

1. Reclaimed bricks in a herringbone pattern is my ultimate favorite paving option. Reclaimed bricks are not very expensive and you can find them in most reclaimed material yards.

2. A display of blue and white china is always chic in a garden, from garden stools, to ginger jars and planters.

3. Topiaries are a neat and pretty durable leafy plant option.

4. Tall hedges and growing ivy make any space feel more lush and private.

5. A solitary wood bench isn’t necessarily practical, but it’s almost always beautiful and romantic.

6. Classic iron furniture with ivory upholstery is the most classic option. Outdoor cushions make a backyard seem more finished. There are great durable outdoor fabrics these days that make the options endless.

7. A stone pedestal table is extremely durable, it ages well and it’s timeless.

8. A fountain is a great option to drown out the noise if you live on a busy street.

9. Flowers don’t need to replicate the colors of the rainbow. Sometimes a single color is the chicest option.

10. Matching planters create a sense of unison. Traditional ceramic  planters are available everywhere in all shapes and sizes, making them a great option.

What’s your backyard style?

See you next week!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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Hi, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it seemed fitting to talk about peaceful bedroom retreats, for those few moments moms get to themselves in a day. Luckily, I recently stumbled upon just the right space. No need for fancy extra-large master suites with expansive dressing rooms and ensuites here. This space is all about the simple comforts that make a house a home.

Southerners have mastered the art of hospitality and so it seems logical that Charleston-based southern belle  Hanna Seabrook of the beautiful blog Gadabout knows a thing of two about southern comfort.

1. An upholstered headboard is by far the most comfortable type of headboard there is.

2. Quality sheets really make a difference. I’d love to get a set of Matouk one day, but these sheets are soft too.

3. A variety of pillows ranging from european to throw pillows makes it easier to get comfortable in bed.

4. Antique chests make great bedside tables if your space is limited. They’re spacious and always look good.

5. Bedside lamps are a must. Opt for classic shapes and quality shades.

6. Gallery walls can really frame a bed if it looks lost against a big white wall.

7. Fresh flowers in the bedroom are extra special. I love waking up to a fresh bouquet.

8. Trays and catch-alls are practical for throwing jewelry or loose change away at the end of the day.

9. Wicker Baskets stored underneath the bedside tables are incredible for quickly putting away the mess. They’re especially useful when you have children.

10. And because it’s Mother’s Day, you should always have a large tray at hand for breakfasts in bed, or simply for reading essentials.

Do you like the southern charm of this feminine bedroom?

See you next week!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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Hi, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! Do you miss Domino magazine sometimes? Any die-hard decor fan does. Although my decor style has evolved since then, every once in a while I find a space so unique and visually interesting in a Domino-esque way, that it brings me right back.

Understated grandeur is what I call the look of this house, set in a historical house in NOLA (New Orleans). The house belongs to Sara Ruffin Costello, former creative director of Domino magazine, so you can see where the edgy style inspiration comes from. If your house is full of historic architectural features, these tips are for you.

1. Go the extra mile and choose a custom paint color that will look more rich. Paint the mouldings the same color for a more modern effect.

2. Recycle old family heirlooms, from paintings to furniture.

3. Especially in a classic space, a whitewashed floor will really help modernise the room.

4. Velvet sofas are the best kinds. They’re incredibly soft and they age well. Choose a good quality velvet.

5. Roman shades are my personal favorite. They give a more formal space a modern and relaxed vibe.

6. Scour for antiques in your local shops or online. An antique or two will always elevate a room.

7. Throw in a modern piece of furniture in the mix just to create visual tension.

8. Personalize your space with books and things.

9. Everything doesn’t have to match. Mix fabrics fearlessly, from velvet to chintz to linen.

10. Art lighting really does wonders for a piece of art you want to showcase. And it makes your home feel like a museum. Win-win.

Are you channeling the Domino look in your home?

See you next week!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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Hi, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! There are times when Vanessa and I have diametrically opposed taste and other times when I feel our styles meet perfectly in the middle. Interior designer Rita Konig‘s Manhattan apartment featured on The Selby is one of those placces that I feel is a perfect blend of both our tastes.

Her apartment has the kind of quirky new-traditional meets preppy look that I love, and the eclectic vintage bohemian vibe that Vanesssa loves. Bottom line, it features great ideas for decorating a rental apartment on a budget, which at the end of the day is something we’re both fans of.

1. Greys with a subtle hint of purple are the perfect moody neutrals. Try a color like Violet Dusk.

2. Always be ready for entertaining by having a well stocked drinks tray.

3. A touch of velvet adds richness and texture to any room.

4. Lamps really flatter a room. Try at least three lamps positioned in a triangular position around the room.

5. Layering rugs is a decorator’s best kept secret. Start with a large inexpensive sisal rug and layer a smaller colorful rug on top.

6. Speaking of rugs, vintage kilim rugs are colorful, fun and they’re inexpensive (try eBay)!

7. Fresh flowers will always brighten a room. Always.

8. Even in a small space, a large coffee table can do wonders. Use it do display your favorite items or host a cocktail party around it.

9. A gallery wall is a great way to add visual interest to a room. Finding a few pieces of smaller scale art in flea markets or online is also usually less expensive than investing in one large painting.

10. A comfortable chair is adamant to any living room, but it’s even more important when you don’t have the space for a deep comfy sofa.

How have you zhushed up your apartment on a budget?

See you next week!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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