Christmas Theme

Happy Friday Everyone! I don't know about you, but it seems like Christmas has come early this year and I for one am not complaining. Maybe because it seemed to turn so cold so quickly here, or maybe because I haven't decorated for the holidays in two years (thanks moving and renovations), or maybe because I was particularly sad to take down the Halloween decorations this year but I am really excited to start decorating for Christmas right now. So in case, like me, you're thinking of getting started this weekend here is my inspiration and plans for getting our house Christmas-y.

Here is what I'm starting with: A black Christmas tree, a black fur tree skirt and vintage inspired multi-coloured ornaments. After looking for some inspiration online (my Holiday pinterest board is here) I've decided to obviously keep the tree but change up the ornaments to make it a little bit more stylish and tie into a theme I already love- black & white stripes-as evidenced in our living room above.

1 (Source unknown)/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9

By adding a black and white striped ribbon as garland and metallic, black and white ornaments I'm hoping to have a tree that is sophisticated and sparkly. I'd never thought of using ribbon as garland or a tree topper but I can't wait to see how it transforms the look. Target, Ikea, Michael's and some of the big hardware stores seem to have some great, inexpensive items this year so it shouldn't cost a fortune to do a small update. I plan on reusing the colourful vintage ornaments I already have on a smaller white tree that I may put up in the office as a bright surprise when you walk in. Here are a few sources to get the "Black & White + Metallic" Christmas look this year- Happy tree trimming!

Banner/ Wreath/ Tree/ Ribbon/ Black Ornaments/ Owl Ornaments/ Pompom Garland/ Leaf Garland/ Diamond Ornaments/ Metallic Ornaments/ Bottle Brush Trees (other images-doily snowflakes [source unknown]/presents and gift tags/ branch and star)

Wallpaper

If you know me, you know I love wallpaper. If Chad was willing to install it in more rooms I would plaster it everywhere. It can make such an impact in a room and also hide a multitude of imperfections if you have questionable walls. Not all wallpaper is created equal though,  as I can tell you after taking down two layers of 70s vinyl wallpaper in the living room. This is why I am so glad I found Spoonflower. This way you can have removable wallpaper at a reasonable price in either your own design or one from the Spoonflower Marketplace where independent artists get a commission from every sale.

As I mentioned in this post, I've been working with an amazing client to make her rental apartment a chic, feminine, modern yet cozy space. She knew she wanted wallpaper somewhere in the space but wanted to keep it within budget so a large wall was out. The entryway, or entry wall in this case, is often the perfect space to try a little bit more pattern or colour. It was important in this room because the best place for the sofa was facing the entry wall so I wanted to give it some extra punch. It was hard to narrow down our choices from Spoonflower but we needed something to reference the colour scheme of blue, coral, mint and grey. To get sense of the other side of the living room here was the original moodboard...

...and here are a few of the final contenders:

Birch Grove in Greige and Rich Cream by Sparrowsong

Blushing Peacock by Peacoquette Designs

Coral Jubilee by Evie&Co

William Morris Strawberry Thief in Blue and White by Peacoquette Designs

Mexico Springtime White on Linen (Large Scale) by SammyK

What do you think? Thanks to the mock-ups I think we're down to a choice between the birch trees and the William Morris pattern that references the throw pillows. Just in case you're looking for even more options, I've rounded up another nine that I'd put up in a heartbeat (click on the numbers below the image for the source).

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9

Decor Tips for a Rental

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I know not everyone owns their own home. Renting definitely comes with its own benefits (that leaking toilet is not my responsibility) and its own challenges (this bathroom is ugly and I can't replace anything). I've been working with a client who is renting an apartment so I've been doing a little reminiscing on rental properties as well as revisiting some of my cardinal rules for decorating a rental. I thought I'd share a few with you today. Obviously every landlord is different so please do check with them before doing anything. You never know, they may be the cool landlord that springs for updates!

Paint

It's true what they say about paint, it really is the easiest and cheapest way to update a space. Most landlords I've known are okay with a renter painting as long as they promise to paint it back to white when they leave. You may even want to freshen up the space with a new coat of white if it looks dingy. If you're planning on staying longer then a few months then I say paint it something other than white. Nothing makes a space feel cozier and lived-in than colour on the walls. Here are a few colours that I'm loving right now:

Images via clockwise from top left: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 

Stripes, Stencils & Removable Wallpaper

If you're not ready to commit to a bold colour everywhere (this goes for homeowners too) try a striped or stenciled feature wall or room. Stripes always make a space feel larger and draw attention to anything you want to highlight.

There are so many great removable wallpapers right now- check out no.5, 6, 7 & 8. While it's more expensive than paint, it's a great way to bring a bit of personality into your home. Try it in an entryway, a bathroom or behind a headboard. 

If you still want to take the wallpaper plunge, why not use it on a hanging panel (like Emily Henderson did in her studio) or on a bi-fold screen (like Jenny Komeda did in her office space). 

Images  and Sources via: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 

Large Rugs & Drapes

I'm combing two of my tips in this one but don't think that this makes either one any less important. A space without either of these things is going to look cold and empty -period. I'll repeat a few things I'm sure you've heard before. Get the biggest rug you can for the space. Sisal or jute woven rugs are less expensive options and can be used as a layering piece to place a smaller more expensive rug over top if you want less neutral. You can also buy two rugs and stitch them together if you have too. Whatever you do, don't buy a tiny rug that floats under the coffee table only. All the furniture should have at least its front legs on the carpet.

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I've heard rumors of landlords that won't allow you to hang drapes because of the holes. I'm not saying to be specifically defiant but it's pretty easy to get some spackle and touch up the holes from curtains and artwork. I think it's worth it to not have anyone looking in but also to add the softness that fabric brings to a room. Ikea has some very reasonably priced good quality curtains, as does Target, so no excuses people. If you live in a stunning modern glass house with a full wall of windows please disregard this but I'm pretty sure that is not most of us- so get some curtains, hang them as high as you can and make sure they touch the floor.

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Light Fixtures

I know of so many rentals that have the dreaded 'boob lights'. Please get rid of these as fast as you can. Light fixtures are an investment and you can take them with you when you leave. Just put back up that stunning 'boob light' when you go. I've found some great light fixtures on Etsy lately:

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Kitchen Fixes

Two things that can help elevate a ho-hum kitchen that you aren't going to invest the money in renovating are a temporary backsplash and new hardware. Emma Reddington of The Marion House Book, gave a great tutorial for painted wooden tiles held in place with magnets- so genius!

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Changing up the knobs on the kitchen cabinets (or the bathroom vanity) is another way to add a bit of interest and distract from an otherwise imperfect space. Again, these are things you can always take with you when you leave. Schoolhouse Electric has some beautiful brass knobs and these agate ones from Etsy store KnuckleHeadKnobs would also look amazing. 

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Multipurpose Furniture and Artwork 

You made it all the way to the end! Here are my last tips. These are some other just general living tips for you- renter or not. Buy or make your own large scale artwork. Go buy a pre-made canvas from the art supply store and some paint. Pour the paint on for a cool dribble effect or paint out a grid of shapes like the pictures below.

If you have a lot of small piece, group them together to create a gallery wall.  It will give the same effect of filling a large blank space. You don't have to hang artwork either, you can lean it against the wall on top of a console table or use a picture ledge. Just don't hang a few little pictures above your sofa.

Multipurpose furniture is another great tip for renters and homeowners. These can be benches, stools, nesting tables etc.- anything that you can easily move around the room, from room to room or take with you and re-purpose in another space. You'll be surprised how often you use it. 

Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, did you find these tips helpful? Is it worth it to you to invest in the space you're living in even if it's temporary? I can't wait to show you pictures of my renter's finished space. In the meantime, if you need help with your space send me an email and we can get started.

My Thanksgiving Table

Sorry for the brief absence over here. I was busy recovering from my food coma all week because it was Thanksgiving! I know I'm confusing any Americans reading but we have our Canadian Thanksgiving way before Christmas. This gives us time to forget about how much we all ate at the last meal and really enjoy overeating. Anyway, here is my Thanksgiving table FOR REAL this time! My beautiful sister is visiting from Costa Rica and she came over to spend the day listening to me agonizing over decorating decisions and floral arrangements and also to cut up all the potatoes- so Chad was pretty happy. We also have enough cut up potatoes to last us a century, but it's the thought that counts-love ya sister!

I took some pictures of the 'adult' table before my parents brought over the extra card table for us 'kids'. We also had to have a few people eat on the couch but it was cozy. I didn't do a super formal setting and I tried to keep the table open for conversation and second helpings.

I loved the chance to use some new to me vintage pieces like the plates and glasses as well as the placemats and napkins I scored on clearance at Home Outfitters. In case you're prepping for your Thanksgiving or just looking for an excuse to have a fancy dinner for two, click on the words below for links to my table decor:

Table Cloth/ Large Burlap Runner/ Smaller Burlap Runner/ Placemats/ Napkins/ Plates (vintage)/ Cutlery/ Wine Glasses/ Water Glasses (vintage)/ Candle Holders (vintage)/ Vase/ Salt & Pepper Shakers (similar)

Oh yes and happy Friday everyone!

Art Under $100

Happy Friday everyone and happy long weekend to all of us Canadians celebrating Thanksgiving! Instead of a 'Le Weekend' post I've got an 'Art Under $100' because frankly I've been thinking a lot about gallery walls and what makes them special.

Now there is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly symmetrical gallery wall of matching black and white prints but I love things to be a little imperfect. I love the mix and the contrast, so my favourite gallery walls include not only paintings, prints and photographs but also something unexpected like a wire sculpture, a set of antlers, a mask or a carving.

As you can see from the examples above you don't have to go crazy and you don't even have to hang the pieces on the wall. The second photo down showcases objects placed in front of artwork to give the impression of a layered arrangement. So have fun, play around and don't think you just have to hang framed artwork on your wall. If you have a favourite memento, by all means add it in. If you don't happen to have something, I've rounded up a few pieces to help add that something special to your gallery wall.

1. Painting wood relief
2. Spiral paper sculptures
3. Horseshoe
4. Woven wall hanging
5. Wooden bear mask
6. Vintage metal Russian sign
7. Woven African basket
8. Metal eagle
9. Mounted antlers
10. Taxidermy butterflies
11. White juju hat
12. Vintage metal letter
13. White ceramic wall sculptures
14. Cubist wooden sculpture
15. Wire portrait
16. Vintage metal bird sculpture
17. Metal diamond sculpture
18. White pottery medallion
19. Blue handmade plate
20. Pink Rhino bust
21. Driftwood tree slice sculpture

How to Use Flea Market Finds

Last weekend Chad and I borrowed my Dad's convertible (a sure way to lure Chad into participating) and finally made our way to Finnegan's Saturday Flea Market in Hudson, Quebec. It was a beautiful summer day, the town of Hudson could pass for a small New England seaside escape and we were doing what I love to do best-going to a flea market.

While I originally intended to simply show you all the things I looked at and what I bought (despite vowing to only take pictures and not actually bringing any money- I did in fact manage to "borrow" $20 from Chad to buy something) I realized that this would be a good opportunity to share with you what goes through my mind when I'm digging through what many people see as junk. This is the question I get asked the most when I'm shopping with people or when I'm showing someone what I would consider a 'score' and they ask "what the hell are you going to do with that?" 

The biggest mistakes I see people making when decorating is that they simply don't have enough accessories and the ones they have are often boring. It's great to be able to tell a story about an object in your space rather than just 'it's from Ikea' (don't worry I won't quit you Ikea). I know you're scared your house will be overrun with 'tchotchkes' but if you approach accessories like a 'collection' they inject some much needed layers and personality into your home rather than just as objects to collect dust. Now, I am definitely a 'more is more' kind of person but I'm not against minimalism altogether. I am just of the opinion that it has to be done with a few really special pieces and that my friends normally comes at a cost. If you're on a budget, accessories are your best friend (this also applies to clothes but that's a whole other post).

Okay, back to the flea market. First off, let me tell you that it was not a huge market. I think I'm forever spoiled after Brimfield but it wasn't bad and there were quite a few things I could have taken home but I managed to show restraint-surprisingly! I'm not going to give you a general guide to flea market or antique shopping because there have been quite few good ones I've read lately and overall it's just common sense: come early, bring cash, sunscreen and water and don't be afraid of something that can be easily changed if it has good bones. It also helps to have an idea of what you're looking for and try and focus on that and not get distracted. I haven't mastered that one yet. Now let's dive in and take a look at several pieces I wanted to buy and how I envisioned them in a decorated space.

At the Flea Market: Vintage Glass Bottles

When you look at this picture, what do you see? A bunch of old bottles. It's exactly things like this that can start a collection. Group a selection of bottles together on a mantle, shelf or table - alone or filled with flowers.

In Your Home:

Clockwise from Top Left: 1, 2, 3, 4 (unknown)

At the Flea Market: Brass Candlesticks and Vases

This is not your Grandmother's brass. Vases and candlestick holder have been popping up for sale in stores like Crate & Barrel but why pay for that when you can score a deal on second hand? (I even threw in a picture of how I styled my bar cart with a vintage brass vase I got at Goodwill).

In Your Home: 

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

At The Flea Market: Chinoiserie Panel

Again, maybe you're thinking that this looks 'Grandma' but Grandma is back in! Actually Chinoiserie has never gone out of style but it has made a comeback -I've seen it featured in Elle Decor and in the bedroom of my favourite decorator Orlando Soria. 

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2 (unknown source) , 3, 4

At the Flea Market: Industrial Pendant

Industrial pendant lights are still created today for a reason! There is nothing better than bringing a touch of patina to your modern kitchen or dining room with a piece like this.

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top: 1, 2, 3

At the Flea Market: Ladders

While you may think, "I don't need a ladder Sarah, I live in an apartment," you are wrong! You aren't going to use it as a ladder. You are going to use it as a holder for your collection of: blankets, fabric, magazines, towels etc. You're welcome.

In Your Home: 

Clockwise from top right: 1, 2, 3, 4

At the Flea Market: West German Pottery

To some people, West German pottery screams '70s' but to those people I say, "the 70s were awesome and this pottery is beautiful!" These are the kind of ceramics that look handmade and hand glazed. This is how you bring in interest.It doesn't just have to be a compliment to mid century modern design. Like I said above, there is something to be said for the juxtaposition of old and new, rough and old vs. sleek and modern. 

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (source unknown)

At the Flea Market:Vintage Portraits

I'm aware I won't be able to convince everyone that vintage portraits are amazing (yes even you horse portrait!) Art isn't cheap, especially original art so a vintage painting not only saves you money but is also a conversation piece. The key is to use them in a modern way and mix them with modern pieces- i.e. if you have a very  formal/traditional room don't use vintage art. I'm going to repeat this again, but it's that contrast between old and new that breathes life into a room. 

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top left via: 1, 2, 3, 4

At the Flea Market: Vintage Pyrex

Vintage Pyrex is a collector's item so it's not super cheap but it adds a great bit of colour in an otherwise boring kitchen. It took everything I had not to buy those cute little polka dot bowls.

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3

At the Flea Market: Depression Glass

Depression Glass is also a collector's item and I can see why, it's delicate and feminine and to me it just screams- tea time or girl's brunch or baby shower. These could be the kind of pieces you mix in with your everyday dinnerware or display to bring a subtle amount of colour to a space.

In Your Home:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3

At the Flea Market: Ironing Board

This is probably another item where you're going to tell me that you don't need an old ironing board. You are probably happy with your ironing board or like me you hate ironing so have a streamer. Again, I'll tell you that you will not use this to iron. This will be a console table or a book shelf or a plant holder. 

In Your Home: 

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

What do you think? Was this helpful for you next antiquing trip? Let's recap what we learnt:

• Home accessories are like just like fashion accessories. They can take completely elevate the look of a space (or dress) and are an absolutely necessary way to add interest. 
• It's all about the juxtaposition! Old and new, rough and sleek...you get the idea.
• Build a collection of objects to pair together for maximum impact. The flea market is a great place to start because it doesn't have to be expensive to get quality, interesting pieces. 
• You don't have to use things for their intended purpose, keep an open mind!
• I can't NOT buy anything at a flea market - just not possible...

Would you like to see what I ended up getting? I was sneaky and didn't mention it in the earlier picture but these turquoise metal tins were too good to pass up at $5 a piece. Not only can I store baking supplies in them but they add more of that all important colour and contrast in my modern kitchen.

Here's what I didn't buy at the flea market but what also makes it so fun. What the hell is this and did anyone actually buy this when it was mass-produced? Just what you need, something to make coffee with while you're driving.