Art: Abstract and Affordable

It seems that we’ve got summer activities and art on our brains this week. I was browsing through the amazing work of some Etsy artists last night in hopes that I would find inspiration for the three blank canvases that are waiting for me (this was the last piece I painted – a year ago!). What do you think of the works I’ve gathered here?

$50, Adriane Duckworth

$280, Tainted Canvas

$325, Letter Happy

$260, Linda Monfort

$81, Lulu & Drew

Do you buy original art? Do you always have a budget?

Or, do you prefer to make your own?

Knot a bad seat

After coming across my second knotty pouf, I decided it’s time I feature the thing. Surely we’re onto a trend here.

The knotted ottoman we have here today is a beautiful thing (isn’t it?) by Prague-based design studio Kumeko. Inspired by old techniques of weaving fabrics and baskets, the pouf comes in two sizes and are said to be outstandingly comfy. I really like the weave pattern we have here in the Kumeko but CB2 does a similar pouf (no white option, sadly- just black, blue or red) that is knitted with large ribs.

The fabric, knotty pouf is a really nice way to round out all those harsh modernist edges in otherwise very angular spaces and well, let’s face it, it offers up a backup place to sit for when there’s just no more room on that loveseat.

Knotty poufs by Kumeko

The Friday Five: Knobs

Okay. Does anyone else go into Anthropologie, browse through all the knobs, fall in love with half of them, want to buy a bunch, then wonder what the heck to use them for, and walk out of the store empty handed? This is what happens to me. Every. Single. Time.

black & white stripe knob, $8

deco block knob, $10

squirrel knob, $10

linen flower knob, $12

molten spectrum knob, $8

The knobs are so pretty but I really have no use for them. Do you?

Images via Anthropologie.

Marketplace: Z Gallerie Storage Solution

I don’t know about you but if I used a suitcase as a decorative storage solution I would probably be depressed. A constant reminder that I’m not on vacation!?

Veneto suitcases, $79.95, Z Gallerie

Thoughts?

p.s. Is anyone else surprised at the price of these storage containers? Do people really pay $80 for storage boxes? A better-for-your-budget option – buy an old suitcase at a thrift store and paint it white! Genius!

Life is sweet

I’m so excited about the new reader-submitted white sightings arriving to White Cabana!

To help kick things off, today I’m taking you inside Life is Sweet, one of my favourite shops in my neighbourhood known as The Beaches in Toronto. (I know, I know, I keep taking you to cupcakeries… but they’re irresistible!)

Life is Sweet shored up on The Beach (as it is also called) in 2007, just when I came, too. Located at the eastern end of Queen Street East where it’s quieter and devoid of the heavy coast town signage that suggests that the surf’s up on Lake Ontario, I instantly fell in love with this little shop and her sweet owner. I really need to get her name (she has wavy brown hair, brown eyes and has a pretty smile- and her photo is up on the wall)- and these days her mom is working at the shop, too.

Life is Sweet is a quaint little shop that makes you want to go in, this pic from BlogTO

Life is Sweet has been there for me over the years. I’ve now been in The Beach for nearly five years and I have served many a mini cupcake along the way. I recently picked up some minis for a friend’s visit- they’re just a perfect two-bite size so you can try a few flavours without feeling like a glutton going for two regular-sized ones (although that’s perfectly okay at my place).

My favourite flavour on the menu is the lemon cupcake- it even has lemon custard in the centre (mini ones too!). I’m also a huge fan of the white chocolate, toffee, coconut, and I know some peeps who really like the Earl Grey- spiced cake with orange icing.

Inside the shop you’ll find lots of pretty white things- perfect for that ‘oh-you’re-so-thoughtful’ gift. I love everything and yet I always buy here for others; I’ve given a gorgeous locally-made apron covered in artichokes and a fun set of dinner napkins for a certain white design blogger…

Here’s what caught my eye yesterday as I wandered in for a sweet treat:

Why not add some bling to that cake plate? So fun and festive!

I really like this dish- great for sauces, nuts, after-dinner mints, you name it

I’m in love with these soy candles from a local candle gal, Amy,

who I met a few years ago at a arts & crafts fair. Amy’s Place candles are on Facebook here

My cupcake haul from yesterday- at no cost since I had no change

and the owner couldn’t break a $20!  And then I realized when

I got home that the owner snuck in an extra cupcake for me. Aw <3

1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 27