Design

Inspiration

I used to love going to bookstores to gather inspiration from design books and magazines. Getting a tea and sitting quietly in a corner, soaking in all of the colours, shapes and patterns that caught my eye. With Covid, I’m not sure when those days will happen again. I often search online for inspiring house tours and this beauty jumped right out at me.

This listing for an apartment in Brighton through The Modern House is so eclectic and fun. It’s layered with beautiful lighting, artwork and collectibles. Years ago before we were married, my hubby and I travelled to England and Ireland. I would love to go back one day, oh to travel…we can dream.

All photos by The Modern House.

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Inspiration

I always save so many images on my phone and laptop that inspire me. Here are a bunch from the past few weeks. Hopefully you connect with them in some way. I’m often attracted to colours, patterns and composition in a design or photograph.

Photo by Alex @sun_poured

Photo by Alex @sun_poured

Photo by Manolo Yllera

Photo by Manolo Yllera

Photo via Mut Design

Photo via Mut Design

Photo by Dokter and Misses

Photo by Dokter and Misses

Earrings designed by Liz Esser @hadendesigns

Earrings designed by Liz Esser @hadendesigns

Photo via @talirothdesigns

Photo via @talirothdesigns

Photo by Alichia van Rhijn

Photo by Alichia van Rhijn

Photo by Maritere Rice

Photo by Maritere Rice

Photo by arflex

Photo by arflex

Photo by Mut Design

Photo by Mut Design

It’s officially October and I’m about to start creating a new collection of collages. I’m excited about this collaboration and will share more details soon.

I couldn't agree more

I’ve been following Emily Henderson (Stylist, Designer, TV Host) for a long time. I read her blog pretty much every day and love a lot of what she does. We are both Virgo’s and actually share the same Birthday, if we ever met I think we would become friends. She enjoys thrifting and discovered some artwork recently that she was interested in. Here is how she breaks down her thoughts on pricing.

“ The problem is that they were expensive, weighing in at $450 a piece. Now, I got a discount (I think 20% off) because I have a relationship and she knew I would post about it but I still think they are worth $450 because of the following reasons:”

  1. Materials cost money, and even buying materials takes time.

  2. Talent takes time to cultivate, sometimes over DECADES of learning, experimenting, teaching yourself not to mention any classes or art school that was attended.

  3. Creating a very good color palette is not easy, thus more time experimenting and likely a lot of first drafts.

  4. Actually painting the piece takes time. I don’t know how much but this looks like over 10 hours.

  5. Having it framed is expensive and takes more time/effort.

  6. The stress of putting your work out there, paying for the booth that you sell it in and then merchandising in a way that looks good takes more time (and money).

“You get it. If you can paint this yourself for less than $450, sure, go for it! If not, I think that an original painting for $450 is a great deal by a contemporary artist.”

Two of my paintings now available in my shop.

Two of my paintings now available in my shop.

A few months ago while I was away on a girl’s trip my small business became the topic of discussion. My friends informed me that the pricing of my artwork needed revising. All of my pieces are originals and some of my prices were too low, similar to pricing on a print.

They gave me tips and told me things that I should start doing immediately as they are entrepreneurs themselves. The breakdown that Emily has shared above is something I think most makers understand. When I read these words I knew I wanted to share this with my audience here. Some collectors already have an appreciation for original artwork and know what goes into making a piece. Others may wonder why a painting is priced so high? I still think my prices are very affordable in comparison to the artists I admire.

It really is tough to put a price tag on something that is handmade. Over time I have learned that it may take a bit of time for the right person to connect with what I have created. All of these changes are helping me stay true to my brand and who I am. If you’ve been here since the beginning I thank you for going on this journey with me.

New Colour Studies!

I had the past few days of work and sat and painted some new Colour Studies for you. Coming up with new colour palettes is the best part. I love interiors so I thought it would be fun to figure out what rooms they would look great installed in.

I recently came across Arent & Pyke an Interior Design studio in Australia. Here are some of my favourite projects they have designed with artwork of mine. All of these original paintings have just been added to my shop.

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Photo by Felix Forest

Photo by Felix Forest

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Photo by Felix Forest

Photo by Felix Forest

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Photo by Felix Forest

Photo by Felix Forest

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Photo by Felix Forest and Ansen Smart

Photo by Felix Forest and Ansen Smart

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Photo by Ansen Smart

Photo by Ansen Smart

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Photo by Felix Forest

Photo by Felix Forest

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If you have an idea for a colour combination I’m happy to create a custom piece for you. Send me an email and let’s chat. All of these paintings are 9x12” and would look wonderful with a large matte and frame.

Photo by Whitney Inacio

Photo by Whitney Inacio


keep

Last weekend my family spent a day in Prince Edward County a short drive from where we live. A new shop just opened in Picton called keep and we went to check it out. The owner contacted me a while ago about selling my Colour Study paintings. It was exciting to see them grouped together, they looked wonderful all framed up!

Stop by if you are in the area and check it out. They are beside Coriander Girl and Picnic 194 Main Street. I snapped some photos to share with you…enjoy!

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So many beautiful things in one space!

So many beautiful things in one space!

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My Color Studies are lined up.

My Color Studies are lined up.

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My daughters relaxing before we headed to the beach.

My daughters relaxing before we headed to the beach.

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The owner Shelley.

The owner Shelley.

Beautiful art by Toronto artist Japneet Saini.

Beautiful art by Toronto artist Japneet Saini.

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Can’t wait to go back to the County. If you’ve never been check out this post I did a while ago. (Sand & Sumac which is mentioned, has now become keep) New location same beautiful products.

Happy summer friends!



Collaboration with The Campbell Collective

A new series of collages is going to be available this Thursday April 25th. I’m excited to be one of the artists working alongside Amanda and Marquin in their new online art collective.

“The Campbell Collective as an extension of Amanda Louise Interiors. We are passionate about art and connecting our followers, friends and clients with it. So, The Campbell Collective will live here and will be an ever-changing source for you to purchase great art for your home. We are starting out by offering paper pieces from 7 artists in ready-made frame sizes, making it super easy to get an array of work up on your walls. We will have periodic in-person events and will introduce different artists bi-monthly!”

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“We couldn’t be more excited because we believe that collecting art is a great way to support small businesses and is one of the best ways to bring personality into your home! In fact, our logo is based on the idea that whole citrus has long been used in art historically to represent high social status. We believe that great art should be accessible to all, so we sliced up that citrus and think everyone should have a piece!”

Marquin & Amanda the ladies behind this amazing collective!

Marquin & Amanda the ladies behind this amazing collective!

A few of my collages that will be available. I snapped a photo before I signed them…the signature is the final touch.

A few of my collages that will be available. I snapped a photo before I signed them…the signature is the final touch.

Original art that is easy to frame and display is a win win for all. Art by moi, photo by Emily Bolt.

Original art that is easy to frame and display is a win win for all. Art by moi, photo by Emily Bolt.

Two of my pieces all styled up. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Two of my pieces all styled up. Photo by Emily Bolt.

The other paticipating artists include Hillary Butler, Harrison Blackford, Marquin Campbell, Laddie Neil, Mary Singleton, Kathleen Jones.

Here are a few of my favourite sneak peeks from The Campbell Collective Instagram

Art by Hillary Butler. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Art by Hillary Butler. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Art by Kathleen Jones. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Art by Kathleen Jones. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Art by Mary Singleton. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Art by Mary Singleton. Photo by Emily Bolt.

Supporting artists is something I’m passionate about and I hope you are too. Make sure to check them out and follow along on IG.

Art Installation at Tinyhousemama

Last year when Stacey opened Tinyhousemama in East Toronto I knew my artwork would be a perfect fit. Fast forward to this week and I had the opportunity to meet her and display my original artwork in her beautifully curated studio. If you are in the area stop by and check it out. The pieces will be up until the middle of May.

I’m a small town girl who grew up in Peterborough ON. It turns out Stacey went to University here and visits family nearby regularly. She is a talented visual creator and stylist. If you enjoy interior spaces like myself you already know of her Instagram famous tiny home.

This mural is in her shop and the same artist painted the exterior of the building as well. I love it!

This mural is in her shop and the same artist painted the exterior of the building as well. I love it!

“After years of co-owning a popular hair salon in Leslieville, I began to envision myself creating a more small scaled personalized shopping and hair experience, one that encompassed all my passions under one roof. When I discovered the single story little flower painted building on Gerrard St East’s rapidly gentrifying strip, I knew it was a sign and Tiny House Mama Beauty + Goods needed to become a reality.”

My gallery wall fits right in, and no I didn’t plan my outfit to match the sofa. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

My gallery wall fits right in, and no I didn’t plan my outfit to match the sofa. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

“A small flowered building set in the middle of Torontos east Chinatown belongs to a collaborative space that houses both Heri Furniture, who has both a showroom and workshop in the back and the curated stylings of Tinyhousemama Beauty + Goods. The front shop is a collection of Stacey Lipstein's passions brought to life, beautifully bespoke hand crafted pieces by Heri Furniture  (his famous stitched stools and benches), a collection of Vintage Moroccan rugs, cute round pillows made locally, Gorgeous paper goods to fit every occasion, millennial pink ceramics made in Montreal. As well as beauty goods locally foraged and produced. And of course the simple turquoise hair chair that services clients during operating hours. This place truly is a collaborative space bringing all passions to life at Tinyhousemama Design+Beauty outpost in Torontos East End.”

Original colour studies available along with some stunning jewellery, pottery and home accessories.

Original colour studies available along with some stunning jewellery, pottery and home accessories.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and you could definitely make a list of items you would be happy to have after visiting the shop. I’ve chosen a few of my favourites in case you need help deciding. You can shop online if you are not in the area.

We had lunch at La Cubana and it was delicious. The bread was amazing!

We had lunch at La Cubana and it was delicious. The bread was amazing!

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I had a wonderful day with my friend Jessica who captured all of these photos of me and showed me around this end of Toronto. Spring is officially here, get outside and enjoy it this weekend.

Colour Crush

The other day I stumbled upon the most delightful home in Melbourne Australia on Instagram and thought I would share a bit of it with you. The home owner Natasha Webb has the best art collection! The beautiful pastel colours in each piece compliment one another and really allow the eye to move freely from room to room. Most people would paint this home white to modernize it, the retro brown brick is unusual and why I think I scrolled her entire feed so quickly. She has a fantastic eye and great taste that just makes you happy.

All photos are from Natasha’s IG account linked above, make sure to check her out!

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Photo of Natasha by Kate Hansen photography

Photo of Natasha by Kate Hansen photography

I’m just going to pretend that I’m in Australia and I don’t see snow out my bedroom window!

Art for the Casa Alma pop-up

Last week I mentioned that I was going to be part of a fun pop-up Casa Alma is hosting at the Oshawa Centre. The art has just left my studio and I thought I would show you a peek at some of the pieces that will be available. I’ll be shopping the event the first day, hope to see some familiar faces.

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I've finished a collection that includes 6x6” minis, and 9 x12" collages on paper, and a selection of original framed collages. There are so many talented makers and creatives from all over Ontario taking part in this event. I hope you will consider shopping small for the Holidays this year, and supporting makers.

Highlights of the week

Today I hung a collection of paintings, photographs and collages at a local Brewery. ‘Tis the season to start shopping for the holidays. If you are local stop next Tuesday November 13th for a night of art, beer and live jazz from 7-9pm. There will be a group of artists showing paintings, photography and pottery. Bring the entire family, they have games and a popcorn machine. I would love to meet you so come say hi!

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If you love design and interiors you may have heard of The One Room Challenge. Participating designers are given six weeks to transform a space. I was lucky to have my artwork in two guest reveals. The first was a boys bedroom in Cobourg, ON. You can see more photos here from Thalita’s home. My collage is framed on the far right. How cute is this big boy room, no more cribs for these twins.

Photo by Thalita Murray

Photo by Thalita Murray

I was contacted by Brynn to make a custom collage for her Sunroom. She fell in love with one in my shop and needed a pair of them for her space. Contact me for commissions, I’m always up for a challenge. The transformation of her room is incredible, check here for the before and after shots.

Photo by Brynn

Photo by Brynn

This room was my favourite design out of all the reveals I looked at online. I just discovered Nicole & I’m excited to follow along as she renovates her new home in Philadelphia. Check out the before and afters here.

Photo by Rebecca McAlphin

Photo by Rebecca McAlphin

My mother-in-law took me to a pottery class in September and we just got to pick up our pieces. Since it was only a two hour class we made the pieces on the wheel but our instructors fired them in the kiln and glazed them for us. At least we got to choose the colours. This piece is my favourite, an actual bowl! If you do pottery I applaud you, it is hard.

I also got new earrings that I love wearing by Keona Boutique in Guelph.

I also got new earrings that I love wearing by Keona Boutique in Guelph.

It’s always the best feeling to see photos from customers of my art installed. This painting was shipped to England rolled in a tube and my new friend Blaise got it professionally framed. It now hangs in the master bedroom.

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If you want a head start shopping for the holidays while supporting local small businesses and makers, check out this pop-up I'm going to be a part of at The Oshawa Centre. There will be contests and giveaways so make sure to follow Casa Alma for all the details. It will be located in the Circa 905 vendor space across from the food court and Brown Shoes.

With over fifteen participating companies here are a few of my favourites: Swell Made Co., Lit Lettering, Sticks and Strings Macrame, Dwellisimo and Style In Form.

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A look at some of the goods that will be available. Photo by Casa Alma.

A look at some of the goods that will be available. Photo by Casa Alma.

Yesterday we had our first snow fall this year, our new dog Biggie loved playing in it. My daughters say he looks like a polar bear and we won’t be able to see him in our yard in the snow. Guess we’ll wait and see. He is adjusting so well and we can’t imagine our home without him, drool and all.

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Have a great weekend!

Holly's Dream Home

If you are new around here I’ll give you a quick update on what gets me excited about houses. I love mid-century architecture, flat roofs, bungalows, lots of windows, black exteriors, car ports…my list could go on folks. Just for fun I scroll through realtor sites and sales listings in different cities, you never know right!

Maybe that perfect house will just appear and call my name. Today’s home known as the Lapierre residence is a beauty and was recently for sale. It was built in 1960 and situated in St. Catharines Ontario. A few hours away from where I live now. I attended University in St. Catharines and I never knew this house existed, it was so close to me. I could have went to visit!

These are the listing photos so I’m sure it is staged and the home owners didn’t live exactly like this. The space was just so dreamy I had to share. It’s not often you see a home from that era that still has original features, and is combined with modern details that are so complimentary to one another.

All photos are by Brott Hadden Group.

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Just think if only my family had won the lotto last week…maybe it could have been ours. Anything over a million is way out of our price range. Insert laughter here!

Casa Alma

I first met Elizabeth the lady behind the brand Casa Alma through the good old internet. We met at a cafe and chatted in person, I knew she was my kind kind of gal. She has great style, loves to thrift, and has a passion for home decor and colourful rugs!

I’ve been lucky to have my work in several of her projects, and the latest is something she should be very proud of. The transformation and styling of a huge project in Cobourg ON, that was just featured on HGTV Canada. You can check out the full interview here.

Below I’ve included some of my favourite photos, you know I love a good vignette and each of these rooms has plenty of them. Original art is a favourite way to add personality to your space, I was in good company with the other artists chosen. All photographs are by another talented lady Chantelle Watt. If you are local check her out!!

Grab a beverage and getting ready to get be inspired.

This is Liz looking gorgeous!

This is Liz looking gorgeous!

Macrame by Sticks and Strings
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My three framed collages available through Jenny’s Print Shop. Also an original collage in lucite frame.

My three framed collages available through Jenny’s Print Shop. Also an original collage in lucite frame.

One of Casa Alma’s colourful rugs!

One of Casa Alma’s colourful rugs!

Two of my paintings hanging on the right. Far left available at Dwellisimo.

Two of my paintings hanging on the right. Far left available at Dwellisimo.

Art by Beth James
In love with this pottery by Style In Form

In love with this pottery by Style In Form

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Art by Larissa Clayton

Art by Larissa Clayton

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Print by Swell Made Co.
My painting on the bottom left. Top right by Larissa Clayton.

My painting on the bottom left. Top right by Larissa Clayton.

My photograph “Montreal” all framed up.

My photograph “Montreal” all framed up.

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Jenny Prinn's colourful home

A few years ago I came across American artist Jenny Prinn. She recently shared a feature that was written about her on The Mainers, and I loved it so much I wanted to share her home with you. If you love vibrant interiors filled with original art, antiques and colourful accessories, then you will enjoy a peak into her family’s home. Make sure to check out Jenny’s website, I know you will find something you want to take home.

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To see the full interview and house tour please check it out here. All photographs by The Mainer.

Art and Inspiration

My inbox is often full of beautiful interiors, colourful designs and inspiring artwork. I thought I would share some things that have been in the back of my mind lately while I’m creating my latest collection.

This styled vignette by Fenton & Fenton has a mid-century feel that I’m drawn to. The placement of the artwork isn’t the same as your typical gallery wall, as these paintings are actually for sale. The space has an eclectic vibe and is grounded with the use of blue and black. I love it all!

Photo by Fenton & Fenton

Textiles such as raw canvas and worn denim are finding their way into my new work. I took a photo of these jeans that I bought in NYC when I was in my twenties before I cut them up. They no longer fit me but I was saving them for some reason. What better use than to incorporate them into my work?

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This is definitely not a washroom I would want in my own home, but I do love the mix of saturated hues. That lilac/grey shade is being used in my current work, and I love it with that peach. How fun are those tiles! They remind of of the 80’s and a deck of cards. My daughters are obsessed with playing cards so I shuffle them several times a day.

Photo by Carola Ripamonti

Photo by Carola Ripamonti

Designer Jenny Komenda recently shared lots of details and some photos from her family’s holiday to Scandinavia on her blog. I’m always attracted to cool architecture and the muted tones shown in this photo “Sunshine Row” appeal to me. I think I need to print it out for our bedroom.

Photo by Jenny Komenda for Jenny’s Print Shop

Photo by Jenny Komenda for Jenny’s Print Shop

I love creating texture in my work. This brick wall I spotted this summer has just the right amount of chipped paint and I’m a sucker for all shades of blue. I would print and frame this as artwork for sure.

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Artist Heather Day recently painted this fun abstract mural in California. It makes me happy just to look at it.

Photo by Margaret Austin. Artwork by Heather Day

Photo by Margaret Austin. Artwork by Heather Day

I spotted this Interior on Dwell. I’m not into the furniture choices but man do I love those geometric walls and ceiling. The wall of windows is pretty amazing as well. I’ve been inspired to use blocks of color in my latest collection of paintings.

Photo by Alice Clancy

Photo by Alice Clancy

I love discovering artists and San Francisco based Rebekah Goldstein is my latest find. Similar organic lines are presenting themselves on my canvases. The warm color palette shown here has me ready for fall.

Rug designed by Rebekah Goldstein for West Elm

Rug designed by Rebekah Goldstein for West Elm

Goodbye Summer

My family just got back from a road trip across the border. We spent the night in Scranton PA on our way to Virginia. My husband & I are fans of The Office so, of course, Dunder Mifflin was on my mind (Pam and Jim forever!). We made it into Washington DC a few days and the architecture and Scuplture Gardens were highlights for me. Here are a few photos from our trip.

The National Archives Building

The National Archives Building

The National Museum of the American Indian. Those curves!

The National Museum of the American Indian. Those curves!

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

We just saw an exhibit of Robert Indiana's work in Buffalo last month. Here's another of his gorgeous pieces!

We just saw an exhibit of Robert Indiana's work in Buffalo last month. Here's another of his gorgeous pieces!

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My husband and I went to a few concerts in Toronto this summer. The Foo Fighters were so good live, I highly recommend them. We both love to listen to 80's classics by Talking Heads so it was a treat to see frontman David Byrne's creativity come to life on stage.  My favourite song will always be "Once In A Lifetime." If you weren't born in the 1980's when it came out and have no idea who they are, please do yourself a favour and look them up.

This album by Australian band Middle Kids is amazing, it's been on repeat all summer at our house. "Tell Me Something" is one of my favourites! 

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I just discovered Toronto based company From Jess & Jules and I thought I would share them with you. Supporting small businesses is such a great thing to do.

"We are Jess and Jules. We've curated this beautiful assortment of pieces we've found all around the world in hopes that you will love them as much as we do. Each piece has been carefully selected, meeting our requirements of working with ethically sourced small suppliers, to bring you something special." 

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I love me a cozy cardigan once the cooler temperatures arrive. This chunky knit sweater is 100% Hand-knitted in Greece by some kick-ass mums. It's available in a variety of colors, I love this neutral as well as the Olive one.

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I would consider myself an amateur photographer but I would love to have one of these Brandy Camera Straps around my neck while I shoot photos of my family and artwork on our Nikon D600.

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I've never worn a hat like this but I'm always envious of ladies who can pull them off during the fall months. Grey is pretty much my favourite colour for clothing so, I think this would match everything. Can't you just picture me at the farmer's market looking so fashionable in this felt beauty!

A few more weeks until the girls are back at school. I'm ready to get back to a consistent routine and I'll also be starting to work more hours at my job come September. Painting and creating will happen, I will just have to focus on taking time for myself and making it a priority.

House Feature - Bridget Lowe

I discovered Bridget though Instagram and it turns out we actually only live an hour away from one another. If you are in the market for a wonderfully restored home in the Durham area you are in luck because this one is for sale. I reached out to Bridget to see if she would be up for sharing her home with us all on the blog before the big move. Her home features a ton of character and maintains its historic charm in so many ways while also including modern elements throughout. 

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"My husband Josh and I, along with our now three year old daughter Frankie moved into this house just about two years ago. We were the only ones at the open house and loved the place right away! We pinched ourselves when our offer was accepted! The house was custom built in 1931 by a local Oshawa Architect for a Mr E.A Cooper. It reminded us of apartments we had lived in in Montreal (my hometown and where Josh and I met)."

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The family uses the large back entrance to store shoes and coats.

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A peek into my favourite room in the home. Bridget is not afraid to use color, and this blue works so well with all of the natural light flooding into the space.

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"My general approach to designing a family home is to surround yourself with things you love and that nothing should be too precious. Our coffee table (a mid century teak piece I found on kijiji) has ring marks from that glass of water (or bourbon) that didn't find a coaster, and the floor is scratched from Frankie dragging a chair across it while playing make believe. All these scars are a sign of a well loved and lived in home and I wouldn't trade them for the world!"

In this shot you can also see the closed off foyer at the front of the house. How amazing is the gold detail on the base of the coffee table!

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The french doors allow the rooms to feel open for entertaining and when closed create an intimate space to enjoy a fire in the colder months. She has kept all of the original trim work natural where many people would have paint it white. The mix of old and new proves to be the perfect combination in Bridget's home.

"I took cues from the age of the home when selecting finishes and paint colours and I feel like we achieved a good balance between modernizing the space, being true to its period and infusing our own style (a mix of vintage and modern with a well travelled feel)."

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I love a good gallery wall and Bridget has curated an eclectic mix of artwork in this corner of the living room. If you want to create a big impact this is an easy way to do so. Their vintage record collection is on display here as well.

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Rugs can easily enhance the aesthetic of a space. This graphic pattern works so well to define the seating area and add a playful element.

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A mix of modern and traditional styles are combined here with the solid wood table and airy brass pendant light. Who says you have to store fine china in the dining room? The families collection of books add an informal element and pop of color to the neutral walls.

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Plants are good for the soul and are such an easy way to bring life to a room. Bridget has used greenery in almost every space, layering plants into vignettes and styling shelves with decorative pots.

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"We loved the creaky floors, original trim work and french doors. We didn't quite love the mirrored backsplash and honey oak cabinets previous owners had put in the kitchen! Updating the kitchen and adding a powder room on the main floor (where there was once just a small landing) were the two major renos we accomplished over the past two years."

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A view from the front entrance of the home.

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The small powder room on the main floor is classic in style. I have always wanted a vintage first aid kit, how fun is this Kelly green one.

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The spacious Master bedroom is a calm retreat.

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"Another eyesore we got rid of was a poorly thought out set of built in closets in our bedroom that were basically unusable. We ripped them out in favour of an open concept closet. We both really love how it turned out and how much easier our mornings are now!" 

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Bridget runs her Interior Design business from her home office. She is passionate about creating functional, beautiful spaces for her clients, allowing them to enjoy the beauty in their everyday. When they moved in they found the original blue prints for the home in the basement and they now hang proudly in this space.

Photo by Ashley Adams.

Photo by Ashley Adams.

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Her daughter Frankie's room is full of her favourite toys and books. A perfect spot to let her imagination run wild.

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"Leaving this place after all the love and sweat we have put into it is sad but I am also so thrilled about our move to Nova Scotia and the new home we get to make there. As the Irish author Cecelia Ahern said, "Home is not a Place, It's a Feeling" and my most favourite thing in the world to do is to make that feeling a reality. Both for myself and for my clients." 

Art and Inspiration

I recently discovered the work of American artist Kevin Peterson online and was blown away. Wildlife and children in an urban environment, a combination I've never seen before. Make sure to check him out.

Photo by Kevin Peterson

Photo by Kevin Peterson

In a few days we are headed to the Albright- Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo NY. I hope I leave feeling an urge to create, this often happens to me after viewing other artists work in person. There are quite a few murals I have discovered that are on my must-see list while we are in town. This is one of them entitled "We Are Here" by White Bicylcle Design Studio.

Photo by Tom Loonan

Photo by Tom Loonan

I've been looking online trying to figure out what kind of moulding I want to do on the main wall in our living/dining area. This space designed by Amber Lewis caught my eye, our wall will be painted white. I like the spacing used and the flat pieces of wood (MDF). I've been wanting to get this project done for years, let's hope this summer it actually happens.

Photo by Amber Lewis

Photo by Amber Lewis

The new Florence and the Machine album just came out and it's on repeat at our house. I always have music on while I'm creating and she is at the top of my play list.

Photo- PJP PHOTOS/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Photo- PJP PHOTOS/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

This just arrived in my inbox, and it could not have come at a better time. "If you’re an ambitious, creative person you’re definitely going to have to train yourself to focus & hone in on what your mission is and what your priorities are all.the.time. because it’s easy to get excited about ideas, get distracted, and then feel lost in the noise. Don’t get lost. Stay grounded. And proudly be who you are. Stay boss." xx-Gina Moccio founder of Boss Babe Club

Artwork by Libby Vander Ploeg

Artwork by Libby Vander Ploeg

Have a great week guys!

 

 

 

Bedroom Makeover

When we first moved into our home my now eight year old daughter Stellan wanted a pink room. Fast forward to today and pink is definitely not her favourite color. Here are a few shots of what her room looked like before.

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All of these shots were taken by Lauren Kolyn.

All of these shots were taken by Lauren Kolyn.

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To switch things up on a budget all I needed was to change a few elements. I bought a gallon of white paint to cover up the pink that I had very carefully taped out. Two yards of Nate Berkus fabric that was on clearance for $6 to re-upholster the headboard. A new darker duvet cover, white was not the best choice as I would often find pencil crayons or markers on her bed.

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I had a small desk in my basement studio that I had got at an estate auction for $20. It is the perfect size for this space and now she has a spot to sit and draw. Her desk chair is one of two, the other one sits in my studio. I bought this metal occasional chair years ago at a second-hand shop and I have requested that she doesn't pile all of her stuffed animals on it so that she can actually sit here and read if she wants to.

Her gallery wall got a little smaller, she requested that we keep the pieces I hung back up. Thifted wooden butterflies, her first real painting she made when she was 3 and a unicorn that hung in her Aunt's room when she was little.

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Her bedroom has a huge closet so a dresser is not required. She loves creating and last summer took a pottery class, this new shelf we picked up at Winners gives her a spot to display her favourite pieces. A few touches of greenery help to break up all of the various animals.

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Her old nightstand has a shelf where we put baskets for her socks and underwear. This has now been put in the closet as it's on wheels and quite versatile. Since we now have a lamp on her desk she really didn't need anything too large beside her bed.

This vintage rug I scored at an estate sale was previously in our kitchen, but I thought these colours worked great in here. She often complained she would lose her small toys in her shag rug, this one is flat so all the Legos and Shopkins can stand up easily. Her mirror which I found for $10 was hung back on the same wall.

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We had been looking online at wallpaper to put on the wall behind her bed, but it really was out of the budget. I decided to hand paint a fun pattern in a dark blue paint I already had on hand. Hopefully she likes it for years to come as it took me a few days to complete!

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At the fabric store, she fell in love with this round pillow and bought it with her own money. The fun print above her bed by September Wren was previously on the gallery wall in our living room.  I thought it went perfectly in a kids space. That bentwood stool has been painted a lot, I had it in the basement and it fits perfectly for her water at night. I think I will repaint it again, but I haven't decided on a color yet.

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This wooden planter previously hung in my husbands office in our basement. I took out the faux plant and hung it here beside the window. I already had the turquoise pot so it was an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to this corner. 

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If you ever want a room or wall hand painted let me know, I had a lot of fun creating this space.

 

Holly's Dream Home

I know I'm not the only design lover who has been following along with Sarah Sherman Samuel's renovation project with actress Mandy Moore. Mid-century architecture is hands down my favourite style. Her space had me drooling from the start, and the design elements that were chosen are so good!!! In case you haven't checked out the article in Architectural Digest, I thought I would share some of my favourite shots with you.

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All photos by Architectural Digest. Check out the full feature in the magazine here. All those glass windows and that view, I can't even imagine!!

Today we booked tickets for our tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House next month. I can't wait to share our getaway with you.

My authentic self

I recently listened to a podcast by Kate Gremillion and honestly didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I don't listen to a lot of them, but every now and again when I'm doing boring stuff around the house, like folding laundry, it helps time pass quickly.

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Selling yourself and your brand is something that is important in this day and age. Social media allows us to share ourselves and sell our product to people all over the world. Sometimes I wonder what it was that first attracted a new follower on Instagram or someone to my website. After listening to Kate's words I know that discovering my personal brand came quite naturally for me. I'm a visual person I have been since I was a child.

My strength is visual art and creating colourful artwork. I've mixed that with what I've always enjoyed, interior design & styling. "People want to share their experiences and make connections." -Kate says and I couldn't agree more.

"Opportunities come to us if we let those around us know what we are interested in, and what kind of opportunities we are looking for." I need to start doing this more. My friends and family know that I have a passion for writing about interior spaces. I do it because I love to read them and share them with others.

Photo by Anne- Marie Ezeard

Photo by Anne- Marie Ezeard

If you have been following along since the beginning you may know that I taught evening art classes part-time for several years. That has recently changed and now I have a part-time job during the day, which still allows me time to create and spend time with my daughters.

I remember when I was in college my friend asked me what my dream job was and I told her working for a home decor magazine. I honestly had no qualifications and didn't love writing so I'm not sure why I gave her that answer. My friend went on to study graphic design and work for several in-house publishers. Today I have a blog and discovered that I actually do enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts and interests with others.

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I have never considered myself a blogger, I do it because I enjoy it. Not because it's a job and I have to. Maybe one day this will change, but it's going on three years now since I started my website. Thanks for following along, encouraging me and giving my artwork a place to call home.