Hi, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here again! Here’s a bedroom by Carrier & Company, designed for Town & Country magazine for Hearst Designer Visions. This bedroom is set in a small New York apartment, and what I love about it, is that the small space doesn’t compromise the big style present in the room.

This goes to show that you don’t need a lot of space to create an elegant designer style. All you need is a little art, a few antiques, some color and a bit of decor courage.

1. Oversized art can really add dimension to a small room.

2. If using smaller artwork, try to display it in a symmetrical fashion for more impact.

3. An antique armoire can hold a lot of storage and it always looks chic in a bedroom.

4. Don’t forget to decorate the top of the armoire with bigger items like vases and urns or baskets.

5. Chairs are useful in a bedroom to drop some clothes or your purse on, or to stack books and things.

6. In a bedroom, especially one with furniture in front of the window, curtains left open finished with a simple black out shade works like a charm.

7. If you find yourself challenged by your bedroom’s layout, putting the bed underneath the window is totally acceptable. Choose a statement headboard, like this one from Oly Studio.

8. A couple of throw pillows covered in a bold fabric is a simple way to add style to an otherwise all white bed.

9. Don’t hesitate to layer furniture in front of curtains, just pull them away a few inches to leave enough space to open and close them.

10. No space for storing winter throws? Display them at the foot of the bed.

How have you saved space in your bedroom?

See you next week!

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

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Some 33 years ago, identical twin boys were born… and it is to my greatest design pleasure that they have chosen to both pursue the same career as designer and even to share the same roof. Despite their mirror image footsteps (no pun intended), both men have very distinct styles – as you’ll notice by their bedroom decors.

I have to admit that I am getting over the whole black and white chevron scheme, but besides that I am enthraled by the home… and its black kitchen! Added brownie points: the blue and white Chinese ceramics composition in the bedroom.

source: NY Times 

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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