Uptown: A Look at My Bathroom

March 12, 2015 | Leave a Reply

I put as little money as possible into my big bathroom makeover as I’m hoping to just tear it out one day and start fresh. The shower is too small, the jacuzzi tub is huge, and there’s so much unused floor space. Plus, there are two tile designs that make my brain hurt. The big bathroom, believe it or not, has come a long way. I can barely remember the silvery grey wallpaper, the excessive amount of towel bars, the rusty grey drop-in sink, or the grey smokey mirror. Barely.

The new sink, vanity, mirror, lighting have refreshed the space as has the wall paint, the cabinet paint job, the inkblot wall, and a good ol’ fashion scrubbing.

Sources:
ink blot paintings by me
frames – random
bamboo ladder/towel holder – vintage
vanity countertop – custom
sink – Habitat ReStore
Tommy faucet by Delta – c/o
mirror – HomeSense
vanity light – Home Depot

The Friday Five: Laundry Room Details

March 6, 2015 | Leave a Reply

I’ve got a bathroom/laundry room renovation on my mind these days. I would really like to start the reno this spring, but I’ve had little time to finalize the design plan. It’s not going to be anything too complicated as it is a small space, but every reno needs thoughtful consideration and planning. Am I right?

I’m looking at the design details of these laundry rooms and they’re making me wish I had a large enough space to incorporate all of them!

drying rack drawer – via Eleven Gables

sorting drawer – via Sunny Side Up

clothes hanging rod – via Home Bunch

closet fold-down ironing board – via Home Bunch

Fornasetti overload – via Berkley Interior & Lifestyle Design

Uptown: A Look at My Kitchen

March 4, 2015 | 6 Commentaries

I have already shared photos of my main floor powder room. Today, I’m revealing the after photos of my kitchen. I took forever to finish up the last bit of grouting (there was a space that I was too lazy to fill), and I was putting off the photos until the backsplash was really fully complete. The before photos of my kitchen are pretty horrific. Honestly, I look back at them and I wonder what the heck I was thinking when I actually bought my house! They’re that bad!

So what did I do to my kitchen to get it white and bright? Here’s a list:
– primed and painted the walls and ceiling
– tore down a dividing wall beside the stove
– installed some new lighting
– installed some additional cabinetry
– installed a marble countertop
– installed a single basin sink
– installed a backsplash (I did it myself!)
– installed an over-the-range microwave
– changed the cabinet hardware

Yes, it was a lot of work! Still on the to do list? The floors are still on my wish list. I’d really love to install hardwood floors.

Okay, here are the after photos:

In case anyone is wondering – I generally do keep my kitchen this tidy. I took everything off of my fridge and the stack of papers/books/magazines off of the table for the photos, but other than that, my kitchen looks like this every day. The stove and floor could use a scrub, but c’est la vie.

Sources:
marble counter – Natural Stone City
sink – Vigo via Home Depot
microwave – KW Appliances
backsplash tiles via Kijiji (for only $10!)
toaster – Cuisinart
KitchenAid stand mixer
oil & vinegar bottles – Diane von Furstenberg
salt & paper shakers – Chapters Indigo
small tray – Crate & Barrel
large tray, milk glass, light fixture, embroidered cherries framed – vintage
tea towel, plant pot, table – IKEA
chairs – vintage, painted by me (inspired by Joan Miró)
black & white fridge magnet bottle openers – Alessi
watermelon art – painted by me (age 5)

The Friday Five: A Collection of Interiors

February 20, 2015 | 1 Commentary

I recently learned about InCollect – a website that has an incredible collection of photos of interiors, decorative arts, furniture, and fine art. I pulled five images of impressive white interiors from designers around the world.

city retreat – design by Jessica Lagrange Interiors

lake house – design by Suzanne Lovell

Miraval Living – Campion Platt Interiors

midtown apartment – Robert Courturier

chic – Suzanne Kasler

I’m sure you’d be able to spend a good chunk of your weekend browsing the site. There is so much to see!

Photos via InCollect.

At Home: Styling my Dresser with Posterjack

February 16, 2015 | Leave a Reply

How is everyone enjoying Family Day (here in Ontario) and Presidents’ Day (in the USA)? I am completely enjoying having an extra day to do, well, not a whole lot! I still have an annoying cough that is really just slowing me down. It’s very annoying.

A few weeks ago, my Posterjack order arrived, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the French photo and the white lacquer framing. It’s a beautiful piece. I placed it in several spots around my home before settling on my bedroom. I leaned it over my dresser, lived with it like that for a few days, and realized it was an ideal place to put it. I played around with some minimal styling, too. Have a look…

Style 1: set of three hourglass sand timers (the colours match perfectly)