Have any friends or family who are graduating this spring? Wouldn’t this stylish owl make a great gift?
gold & white owl, $12, via Black Rooster Decor
After a very busy week away, I’m back home, and I’m back to blogging! I have so many things to share. Get ready for a few fun weeks ahead.
I’m currently planning a couple of projects with one of my all-time favourite online shops – Minted. I’ve used Minted many times in the past for Christmas cards, party supplies, and small pieces of art for my gallery wall. Today, though, is all about big art! Move over gallery walls – big art is coming through.
I’ve been looking for a piece for my basement lounge. A few months ago, I painted the bed (made from two Ikea twin frames that came with my house) high gloss black and the walls white (shout out to CIL). I threw on every black and white pillow that I had lying around and called it a day. The blank wall above the daybed is definitely in need of something beautiful and this is an easy fix thanks to Minted.
Here’s the starting point:
Minted has a huge selection of art by artists from around the world. I love that you can customize each piece in terms of size and framing. It makes is super easy to find a piece that is exactly right for your space.
Here are some prints that made my favourite list for my basement:
Moth No. 2 by Peter Loves Jane
4 Robins by Kim Johnson
Quorum No. 3 by Stephanie Nowotarski
Palm Trees in the Wind by Simone Klein
Stepping Stones by Little Bird Paperie
They’re big, graphic, and black and white – my favourite combo! That said, I think many of you might end up being surprised by my final choice. I’m so excited for my new print to arrive. Now I get to keep you all in suspense!
Thanks to Minted for sponsoring this post.
Hi all, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I’m busy at a conference in Ottawa this week, so I’ll have to take a few days off from the blog.
small talk placemat, $10, Kate Spade
I’ve also got some exciting posts that are currently in draft form that I’m eager to finalize. News from Minted and more reviews of the Canadian real estate market will be coming up in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, have a browse over at Kate Spade. The current collection is summery, bright, and fun.
My sister recently sent me photos of her friend’s home in Chapel Hill. I nearly fell off of my chair when I saw them. It’s gorgeous! It is clear that the homeowners designed each and every room with thought and care. The colour combinations, the furniture pairings, and the rugs especially grabbed my attention. That said, the homeowners have kept some rooms (kitchen, laundry) very classic with the use of white. I think this was a smart move because full renovations to these spaces can be costly. While it’s relatively affordable to change furnishings and paint, kitchens are much more expensive to renovate.
Okay, enough of the chit chat. Let me show you what I’m talking about. 
You must check out the whole home. Aren’t the kids’ rooms beautiful? I’m also loving the rattan chair in the master. Such a beautifully designed home, don’t you think?
Photos by Corie.
Update: Yesterday, The New York Times published an article about Chapel Hill that may be of interest to those of you who have been to the area or who are planning to visit: 36 Hours in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, NC.
Not only is the home mansion below in one of Toronto’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, but it was also the home of Regina George (played by Rachel McAdams) in the Mean Girls movie. Cool? Yes!
The 20,000 square foot home is now on the market, and it has received quite a bit of media attention already (see US Weekly, Refinery 29, Vogue, USA Today, Daily Mail). Naturally, I was drawn to some of the impressive white spaces in the home, so I thought we should really just take a tour today. What do you think the listing price is?
The entrance could probably house a few smaller homes inside of it. The chandelier/ceiling must have been incredibly reinforced before the fixture was hung.
The kitchen is immaculate. The fridge-freezer combo is enviable (as are all the appliances if I’m being honest here).
The living room has an incredible wall of windows, sleek low furniture, and a fancy fireplace. The marble columns, however, are puzzling. I’m not sure about the purpose of the short ones. The harp in the corner is so cool. What an interesting instrument!
Marble continues in one of the 12 (twelve!) bathrooms. The tub is perfectly centred.
11 High Point Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
As if all of this wasn’t enough – check out the library, wine cellar, and tennis courts. Impressive to say the least.
So, what’s the price tag? This property is currently listed at $14.8 million (Canadian dollars).
Listing by Paul Maranger, Christian Vermast, and Fran Bennett of Sotheby’s. Images via Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.