{ craving color }

I think I'm just really craving Spring, to be honest. This weekend was especially cold with a dose of the white stuff.  And although it was sunny, it was a brutal reminder that Spring is still awhile off, at least in these parts. I want to see flowers blooming out my front window! That's not happening anytime soon, so I'm going to just have to cultivate some colorful things right here...

This space is getting the job done. This booth by Canada's Style at Home magazine at last year's Toronto Design Show is UN-BELIEVE- ABLE.  I've had these images saved in my 'eye candy' file for over a year, and I could still look at them pretty much all day.  Their use of happy, bright hues and the mix of patterns is downright smile-inducing.

This is a trade show booth, people!  I want to move right in and never leave. Who needs a fourth wall and a ceiling? ;)  Love this tablescape.

Check out the incredibly ingenious use of paint can lids.

How great are this paint cans-turned-pendant-lights? Oh, and those fantastic stripey floors have been copied time and again since this show.

A view of the third wall. Love that bold green.

I think this mural is really quite lovely.

* Style at Home booth at IDS Toronto 2011, designed by Margot Austin in collaboration with Beauti-Tone Paints. painted mural by Alanna Cavanagh

              I hope your week is off to a colorful start too!

{ creative spaces }

This is the time of year when I always feel totally overwhelmed with the urge to organize the most chaotic areas in my home.  This year, it's most definitely my ribbons, paper, craft and sewing supplies that are motivating me.  Right now, all of my materials are scattered about in random bags here and there. It's definitely the opposite of organized.  I certainly don't have an entire room to dedicate for use as a studio, but I'm working on carving out a little corner of a bedroom to use as my own happy, little spot for creating.  I'd LOVE a tidy, organized and eye-pleasing space like one of these.

Do you have a dreamy spot like one of these, or are you working on one?

Happy New Year and Happy Monday!

{ designer crush - caitlin wilson }

I have a HUGE crush on blogger and designer, Caitlin Wilson's design style. 

She's a big fan of pattern, just like me.

She's so talented at created gorgeous little vignettes like this one.

And I love how she uses bright pops of color in her spaces.

Oh, my.  That ottoman/table is oh so lovely.

She just launched her own line of textiles too. 

The fabrics are all positively stunning.

Everything works together so beautifully.

I want every single one of these pillows!

* all via caitilin wilson design files

Nothing like starting the week with some eye candy ;)

Happy Monday!

{ staircase style }

I just love fun, quirky staircases. 

 This graphic chevron runner gives a modern touch to an otherwise traditional staircase.

Painted treads are so fun.  I'm digging the shocking pink here.

Stenciling several different patterns in the same colors on the risers. 

Very cool idea.

Kate Spade never shys away from color. These stunning, rainbow-striped stairs were featured in her London shop.

Ooooh, how about an ombre paint treatment to the spindles?  This looks fantastic against all that crisp white.

I think I love this family.  What a awesome sense of humor they must have to have made this happen.  I'm betting this is a basement family/play space.

 And the idea of painting numbers on risers is really nothing new, but this staircase by Sarah Richardson is a real favorite of mine lately.  I love that she used three-dimensional house numbers in different materials and finishes, as opposed to painting on uniform numbers. LOVE this times a million.



*all via pinterest

I wonder if we're brave enough to do something like this in our home?  Are you???

{ friday focus - french doors }

What is it about french doors that makes them so universally appealing?  My husband jokes that if you put the word French in front of any word, people automatically go bonkers for it.  Maybe he's right.  Nevertheless, there's no denying the elegance and charm these doors lend to almost any space.

No matter if you prefer WHITE....

BLACK...

Or BRIGHT...

*all via pinterest

You really can't go wrong, in my opinion.

{ i am loving }

This fantasy backyard movie night setting.

via pottery barn

Pass the popcorn please ;)

{ friday focus - four poster beds }

There is just something absolutely majestic about the four poster bed. They have such a rich and grand history. For centuries, these beds were considered a sign of great wealth- the richer the nobleman, the better the bed.  But these days, even a pauper can afford to sleep like a king ;)
I'm a fan of the massive height of these beds. It creates drama, and makes such a statement. 

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Decorpad



Ballard Designs

Would you consider a four-poster bed as your spot to be carried off to dreamland?

h a p p y   w e e k e n d !