Monday 28 May 2012

From the outside in

This is the time of year we long for in the winter. The lilacs are in bloom, the trees are full of fresh leaves and the lupins have just started to open. Make sure you bring some of the life, scents and colours in from the outside! One tall, single maple branch in a transparent vase on the floor adds vertical interest to any corner and can almost look sculpture-like. A few lilies-of-the-valley on your night table will make you wake up smiling every morning. And a bouquet of lilacs in your living room is your ultimate, natural air freshener.

What did you bring in from the outside today?








Tuesday 22 May 2012

Colour me healthy

As soon as I entered Dr. André Hasspieler's Family Practice in North Bay my lingering cough and sore throat were no longer on top of my mind. How could they be, in this vibrant environment? Everything, from the glass pendant and modern swivel chairs in the reception, to the brightly painted wall sections, supports feelings of life and happiness. No wonder many patients comment that they feel less sick when visiting the Practice!

Most of all, though, it's the big, colourful paintings that contribute to the welcoming and personal atmosphere. The artist behind the brave brush strokes is Linda Wilson of Art Moves Me. Linda is also the interior designer of the Practice. Her imaginative paintings are scattered throughout the rooms, giving patients something interesting to look at in every direction. In this space, being sick becomes a little more bearable. Look for yourselves!






Monday 14 May 2012

Couch upholstery: breaking the rules

"Go with a neutral couch and leave the colour to the accents!" The old design mantra completely makes sense; a couch is an investment and you want to enjoy it for years. But what if we challenge the rules and have some fun imagining a certain sofa in a patterned, colourful upholstery? It could actually be that statement piece that makes a whole room! Just have a look at these examples, as seen at Home Furniture in North Bay.

Start with a streamlined couch with simple lines.
A love seat is the ideal size for an attention-grabbing 
upholstery. The statement shouldn't be too big, just 
big enough. Keep the rest of the décor toned down.
Big, white hydrangeas on a soft yellow background 
will give the room a quiet punch. It's contemporary 
and sophisticated at the same time. 
A graphic trellis pattern is a bolder choice.
Match with sculptural side tables.
A subtler option that works in both a traditional
and a more modern setting. How about light blue
or cream walls with this upholstery? 
This lush, dark purple upholstery lends itself to an 
intimate setting. Enhance the feeling with purple 
and pink accent pillows in velvet.
An eclectic art collection, all framed in black, above 
a love seat with this upholstery would look stunning. 
Add a round, bright yellow side table for a fun, ultra 
modern vibe.
This soft and elegant upholstery can read both 
as traditional and contemporary. 
Another graphic option with lots of contrast.

Finally, here's a great, neutral couch from Home Furniture
if you want to play it safe. Do you?


Monday 7 May 2012

All wired up for spring

Brighten up your beige, brown or grey outdoor furniture with some happy, carefree furniture and accessories this spring! These colourful, easy-going pieces from Winners in North Bay are a good start:
Wired accent tables in fresh, summer 
colours. 
A quirky, wired chair for that special
place in your backyard.
Not all your outdoor furniture has
be beige! This bright red bistro set 
will turn up the patio temperature 
a notch.
The red in the pillow really jumps out!
Stylish spring pillows for your four-legged friend.
Chartreuse is that greenish-yellow colour that 
adds a brave punch to any interior and that feels 
so right for spring. Here combined with turquoise, 
black and grey. Yes!
What says spring more than birds and light green
foliage?


And now to my absolute favourites. These fun and
funky area rugs in 100% cotton measure 30"x50"
and cost only $19.99! Big, contemporary impact 
for a small investment. Because of their thin profile,
you can also use them as a decorative throw in your
couch.