Now if I ever wanted to become a full fledge artist (not that I possess that kind of talent anyway, but hey it’s ok to dream), I would love to live and work in a home like this one.The light makes the home’s features come alive in the most subtle ways.  Antique crystal chandeliers and ornate mouldings adorn the otherwise sparse and ecclectic furnishings. Mid century classics, antiques and contemporary pieces mix well and give all the room necessay for the paintings to make a statement in every room. I also love the mix of the massive rose wood table with the Chippendale style bamboo chairs, reminescent of a chic hotel wedding.

Can painting talent be harvested you think, when the promise of living in such a house is the motivating agent? Hummm, let’s find out. Paintbrushes, where are you paint brushes?

xoxo

v.

source: Femina Danemark

I saw this bedroom featured on Design*Sponge a couple of weeks ago and my heart skipped a beat. Then I perused the rest of the home’s pictures and I was furthermore delighted.

The layering of textures and patterns cozy things up in the bedroom while the many vintage finds, scattered throughout the house, give it a lived-in feel.

Have a great weekend lovelies and, I am off to the cottage. Also if you are in Québec, don’t forget to participate the Home Depot contest to get a chance to win 5000$ to create your dream patio. The contest ends May 5th so hurry!

xoxo

v.

source: Design*Sponge

Combining old and new furniture has a way to make us feel at home and to give our home a warm atmosphere.

I don’t know about you but I am ready to leave 2012 behind and jump into 2013! Not that 2012 was all that bad, but let’s say that it was a pretty challenging year (to say the least). There must have been something funny with the stars or in the tap water because I noticed to not be alone to be anxious to turn the page on 2012.

A new year comes with the promise of a new beginning, a fresh start. We make resolutions, we start with grand ideas of what we wish to accomplish in the coming months, we vow to quit one (or many) of our socially accepted (little) vices, and to increase our water, vitamin, exercise, and fresh veggies intake!

Although the concept is great, I am a nostalgic at heart and I cannot possibly phantom leaving everything behind to start fresh again. So for me it is more about a compromise… something old, something new. I’ll get more exercise but I’ll still enjoy my lazy Sunday mornings in my jammies with the kids and a good movie. There are just some things that cannot change.

I feel the same way about decor. I am always excited to get something new for my home, but it can never give the boot to things that were there before. A decor pecking order of some kind if you’d like.

A home outfitted from top to bottom in new purchases has a certain sterile feel to it, a bit like a classy hotel-boutique where everything matches, is functional and impersonal at the same time. At home, we have the luxury of history, that is the benefit of having pieces that have a story to tell and that are dear to our hearts. Let’s embrace that!

So as the countdown to 2013 has started with less than a week to go, I am scanning my home (and my life) and I am figuring out what will have to go in order to let in the new and what shall stay. Let’s see where that will lead shall we?

xoxo

v.

source: Flodeau

Painter Enrique Garcia Lozano puts his money where his mouth is… by living in a gallery style loft, surrounded by his exposed work.

In the vast space of exposed columns, high ceilings and polished concrete floors, the artful display of paintings brings colour and texture to the space; while a mix of Mid Century pieces and vintage finds furnish the loft in a dishevelled yet cohesive whole.

The mezzanine kitchen is where it’s at for me though! The checker board marble floor tiles and table, its mismatched chairs, and stainless steel cabinets give the space a restaurant quality while feeling very cozy niched up high above the living area.

How about this tufted headboard in bright peacock blue velvet? With the colourful swirl pillow and the ox blood red throw, it comes alive and makes a statement in the otherwise stark white bedroom.

Photographers: P. Zuloaga & I. Sentmenat for Elle