Design: Classic White in Chapel Hill

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. kitchenkitchen3kitchen2laundryYou 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.

Real Estate: Bridle Path Home in Toronto

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.

_E8A2467_8_9_E8A2716_7_8The kitchen is immaculate. The fridge-freezer combo is enviable (as are all the appliances if I’m being honest here)._E8A2700_1_2 _E8A2697_8_9 _E8A2672_3_4 _E8A2667_8_9The 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!

_E8A2541_2_3_E8A2571_2_3 _E8A2565_6_7_E8A2552_3_4 Marble continues in one of the 12 (twelve!) bathrooms. The tub is perfectly centred._E8A2756_7_8 _E8A2761_2_3 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.

Entertaining: Outdoor Must-Haves

On the Sunday of the long weekend, I had friends over for a BBQ. After a few dish casualties, I realized that melamine dishware and serving ware exists for a reason!

Here’s a round-up of some outdoor pieces that I’m considering for my summer patio:

Outdoor-entertaining-CB2-Ikeamelamine dinnerware, swirl acrylic glasses, pendant, melamine serving bowl, stacking acrylic wine glass, melamine tray, ground stake light, acrylic bowl, chair

The Friday Five: Vaulted Ceilings

Okay…I’m a day late with this post…but hopefully the gorgeous interiors I’m featuring today will make everyone forget the fact that today’s Saturday.

I was planning on writing a post featuring stunning beach houses, but then I got distracted by vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Check out the homes below and you’ll understand why my post plan altered.

jcs-esertsstudio-montecitoresidence-14Montecito, California, photo by Jessica Comingore

Winchelsea_023beach studio, East Sussex, UK

casa-sanchia-5Casa Sanchia, Cape Town, South Africa

dormitorio_principal_-_cama_484x519El Noque, Spain (via Inspiring Interiors)

b2lgThe Lighthouse, South Africa

Aren’t these spaces gorgeous? The high ceilings make them so breezy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!