Two for Tuesday: Introducing a New Series

January 26, 2016 | 2 Commentaries

After several years of sharing items that are less than $20 in my 20 Below series, I’ve decided to give it a break, and start something new. Woah. Change. Are you ready?

On Tuesdays, I’ll be writing a Two for Tuesday column. Here, I’ll feature two items that are two-of-a-kind – similar in some special way. The two items might be a parent/kid comparison, a home/fashion mix, a high/low feature, or an art/object highlight. I think the possibilities are endless, actually, but there will certainly be some connection between the two items.

For the first post of the Two for Tuesday series, I’m going the high-low route:

low: Moderna Moroccan shag rug, 9″x12″, $483.99

high: Pasagard Moroccan lamb’s wool rug, 9’4″x12’4″, $3160

What do you think? Are you sad to see the 20 Below series end? Are you ready to embrace something new for your Tuesday reading of White Cabana? (I hope so!) Please share!

Design: The Buffalo Check Trend

January 25, 2016 | 3 Commentaries

What’s black and white and square all over? Buffalo check, of course! While the pattern does come in just about every colour, I’m obviously most drawn to the black/white/grey versions.

It seems like buffalo check just emerged on the design scene within days. Seemingly suddenly, I’m seeing this pattern on everything from chairs to table cloths to settees to clothing.

Buffalo check works with a lot of existing styles – traditional, modern, country, shabby chic – as you’ll see in the interiors below.

via Rambling Renovators

via Studio McGee

via Steward of Design

via My Domaine

via Hunted Interior

via Cottage Decor

via Interiors by Studio M (that dog!)

via Mustard Seed

via Atlanta Homes

Now that you’ve seen some inspiring interiors, here’s a round-up of items available in the marketplace just in case you’d like to include some buffalo check into your own home (and wardrobe).

Jack chair, $1500, Schoolhouse Electric

Kimball check, $1598, Anthropologie

19th C. classical carved American empire recaimier, $7500, 1st Dibs

Berta Ruta fabric, $9.99/metre, Ikea

buffalo check tea towels, $33, One King’s Lane

buffalo check throw, $34.99 (on sale), Chapters Indigo

sweater, $119.99 (on sale), Urban Outfitters

John Galliano dress, $1850, 1st Dibs

Emerson Road PJ set, $95

check shirt, $45.90, Zara

And for the men…

check flannel shirt, $19.99 (on sale), Zara

plaid sweater, $19.99 (on sale), H&M

check pajama pants, $14.99, H&M (hello!)

A nice way to end the post, eh? Yeah, you’re welcome. Happy Monday!

The Friday Five: Coffee Table Styling

January 22, 2016 | 1 Commentary

Online vintage furniture retailer Charish recently asked me my opinion about the following questions:

1. What essentials does everyone need for their coffee table?
2. How do you properly layer the items?

I think I might be out of the ordinary on this one, because my coffee table is quite empty and unstyled. I have a small basket that holds my remote controls, coasters, and a few kinds of lip gloss (you can never have too many).

my home

But there are so many inspiring interiors that do beautiful coffee table styling. Calgary-based designer Erica Cook, for example, is a master stylist in my opinion. I love how she pulls items together on her coffee tables.

via Erica Cook

As I browsed through Charish‘s coffee table inventory, I thought about what I might display on particular tables. Here are five of the tables that caught my attention and the items that I might use to style them up pretty!

On this woodsy timber coffee table, I’d use a few stacks of beautiful books (with cream and white covers, of course). I’d arrange them symmetrically to follow the squareness of the table, and I might add some brass trinkets to contrast the wood.

timber coffee table, $700

On this brassy number, I’d add a collection of cloisonné bowls because it reminds me of what my mom would do in her traditional living room. I’d increase the fancy factor because that’s what those curves are calling.

brass ring cocktail table, $925

The mid-century coffee table below would have minimal styling. Perhaps I’d add a tray or two with some books or objets neatly placed inside.

vintage Florence Knoll coffee table, $585

I don’t think this modern glass table actually needs anything on it because it already has so much to offer what with its curvy lines and such, but if I had to opt for something, I’d include a carefully curated stack of books with a simple, but interesting, object on top to complement the table rather than compete with it.

tempered glass coffee table, $250

Finally, I think this simple travertine gem would look beautiful with a collection of colourful floral arrangements on it. Who could ever go wrong with flowers? Am I right?

travertine coffee table, $1200

For those of you who may not know, Charish is an amazing source for vintage furniture and decor (yes, including coffee tables). It currently only ships in the United States, so here’s hoping it considers shipping internationally very soon so that the rest of us can benefit from the unique inventory!

Marketplace: St. Genève Bedding

January 21, 2016 | 1 Commentary

When I stayed at Langdon Hall last month, I absolutely fell in love with the feather topper on the bed. As soon as I lay down on that bed, I felt like I was on a cloud. It was an incredible sleeping experience that I had never had. Now I want it again.

I did a bit of searching (not that hard because Langdon Hall’s site is full of info), and I learned that the feather toppers are made by St. Genève – just for Langdon Hall, I might add! With a click and a web-hop away, I landed at St. Genève, and I read just about everything about the products.

As you may recall, I have declared 2016 The Year of My Bed (or The Bed…I keep switching). My bedroom needs a revamp, and I’d really like to invest in the top of whatever I possibly can (luxurious but affordable is what I’m going with).

As of now, I don’t have a new bed or a new mattress or new linens or even a decision about whether to invest in a queen or a king, but one thing I do know – and I’m making room in my budget for – is that I’m certain a feather topper is in my bedroom makeover future. Heavenly, I tell ya, heavenly!

Since I’ve had experience sleeping on St. Genève’s feather topper, I’m just about certain that I’ll be buying one of these.

Deckbette mattress topper

feather mattress top protector

St. Genève feather toppers have 100% cotton twill shells and are down in baffled ladder design with a box edge. Since the toppers cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, a cover should be used. This can be removed for laundering.

Beyond the toppers, I discovered, the company makes gorgeous white bed linens. This is luxury, dear readers! Fabric is woven in Italy, Germany, and elsewhere, and there is so much softness in the designs. In addition to the white-on-white versions below, the linen collection includes some colourful designs, too.

In addition to the feather top and the bed linens, St. Genève also manufactures high-end duvets and pillows.

Embassy duvet and pillows

I think that if you’re aiming for a luxurious bed, St. Genève is a place to visit. Their collections are in Canada, USA, and Asia (locations here). The company is a leader in high quality and guarantees its products. You can learn all about the different types of down here.

I’ll be sure to let you know what I think about my topper choice once I’ve made it….I have 11 more months to get my bedroom makeover sorted out!

Marketplace: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

January 20, 2016 | Leave a Reply

This Valentine’s Day, I’m thinking hearts, hearts, and more hearts are the way to go. I’ve never been a major Valentine’s Day fan as I think love – and hearts – should be spread around generously throughout the year, so considering this, I think it’s as good a time as any to share some lovely items here (yes, even though we haven’t even yet entered February).

Jonathan Adler tic tac toe set, $98