2017 Interior Design Show

Interior Design Show

Jan/2017 Toronto

Top: Chandelier by Brothers Dressler, Bottom Left: Gweilo by Partisans, Bottom Right:  Susan Avishai Upcycled Fiber Art

We attended the Interior Design Show and were very impressed with the number of talented and dedicated artisans we encountered.

I can tell you that the use of wood, live edge, rustic, reclaimed, and new is not going away.  At least, probably not for a number of years.  

Sleek and traditional looking kitchens and bathrooms will still be around.  Counters are being made of manmade materials such a quartz, but, also some beautiful wood products.

The trend toward rustic and industrial furnishings is still in evidence.  Again, I think the abundance of wood products contributes to this.  There are also some manufacturers who are making industrial-looking hardware and bases for tables, etc.

In paint colour, there is more colour showing this year.  Greys and whites are still there, but, I believe we will be seeing more colour in our future.

I am happy to take you with me so that you can see a few of the innovative products and works of art that we saw at the show.  I have featured just a few here.

Set the Table - Winter Whites

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Set the Table - Winter Whites

It almost doesn't feel like Winter here in Southern Ontario.  The weather has been mild and rainy.  At the time of writing this, all the snow has vanished in the city.  It is so dark and dreary.  The sun doesn't shine.  I think it is time to brighten things up and Set the Table in Cosy Winter Whites and while I'm at it, light the candles.

I started with some elements that may seem obviously Christmas such as the flocked pine boughs, pine cones and the little glitter house.  To me, they read as

Winter.

I find comfort in using antiques and vintage pieces in my decorating.  There is something about patina and a well-worn look that I like.  I started with the antique table cloth.  It is lacy and allows the warmth of the wood table to show through.

 


I have a collection of silver trays that I use as chargers. The crystal goblets are antique, a gift from a wonderful friend.  The silver flatware is Adam pattern from the early 1900's.  

The china is mix and match and not at all old.  The dinner plates are Skye McGhie Cream Lace.  Salads are by Coastline and the small brown and white plates are actually hand painted saucers that I bought at a garage sale a couple of years ago.  Cups and saucers are Richmond by Johnson Bros.

                                      

I really like the little clip-on white birds.  They were once Christmas ornaments, but I have been clipping them onto napkins instead of using napkin rings.

  

My little glitter house was a bargain after Christmas at Michael's.

I like that the lacy pattern of the tablecloth echoes the dishes, and the napkins, and the crystal.

  

Did you notice the Lambskins on the backs of the chairs?  They are very cosy.

White in winter - Creamy, Warm, and Beautiful!

                                                                 

Thank you for visiting today.  

Barbara

The Pantone Colour of the Year 2017

The Pantone Colour of the Year 2017

Greenery

Pantone is a company based in the United States and is known for their colour matching system.    They have developed a standardized colour reproduction system.  It is a system whereby manufacturers in different locations can all refer to Pantone to make sure colours match.

The Pantone colour pick affects everything from floral fashion, runway fashion, and makeup, to paint colour, decorating, table tops, and the automobile industry.

Twice a year Pantone hosts a secret meeting in a secret location and invites Colour Standards groups from around the globe.  Together they discuss colour and make presentations and at the end of two days they decide on the colour for the following year.

Greenery

You are going to see this colour everywhere in 2017.

The statement issued by Pantone

"Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the assurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment.  Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize , Greenery symbolizes the re-connection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose."

The question is - Do you like this colour and how and where would you use it?  How much of it should you use?  What other colours go with it?

Green is practically a neutral.  It goes with just about everything.  I could see it with white, black, orange, beige, purple, yellow, pink blue.  Gold or bronzed metals would be perfect with this colour.





You may not want to paint an entire room in Greenery, but, you could start with some accessories like pictures, throw pillows, dishes, green stems from the florist, bedding, and drapery either the entire drape or simply some trim.

You could use Greenery in any room - the powder room, bedroom, kitchen, living/dining rooms.






Below I have introduced paint chips from two other paint companies. They have similar colours to Greenery.  As well, some ideas of colours to pair with them.

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams Electric Lime SW6921

Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil SW9165

Sherwin Williams Merlot SW2704

Sherwin Williams Pure White SW7005

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Pleasant Grove 552

Benjamin MooreWind's Breath OC24

Benjamin Moore Wedding Veil 2125-70

Benjamin Moore Purple Lotus 2072-30

All paint companies pick their own Colour of the Year.  In another post I will talk about some of the other picks for 2017.

Let me know what you think of Greenery.  I would really like to know.

Barbara






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Easy Up-Date for a Christmas Wreath

An Easy Up-Cycle for a Christmas Wreath

I purchased my wreath at Costco in November.  It is a fresh wreath and I admit I took the easy way out.  All I did was add the Red Tartan bow and hung it up.  I filled the window box with fresh cut branches and again added the Tartan bow.

After Christmas, I noticed that the wreath still seemed fresh and supple. The needles were not dropping.  I couldn't throw it out, but, I was ready to put Christmas things away.  I wanted to transition my decor from Christmas to Winter.  I wanted something fresh, clean, and different.

January - a great time for a new start

January - a great time for a new start.

Yes, January is a good time for a new start.  I had promised myself that I was going to publish a new blog this year and now I am doing it.  The blog will be about my passion: easy elegant decorating and beautiful gardens.

My partner and I are fortunate to have two properties in our possession.  One is a small house in the city and the other is a farm in the country.  I hope to be able to share photos and projects from both properties in my posts.


                          


Today, I will share photos from the farm property.  It is a beautiful 100 acre farm in Ontario.  Up until about three years ago beef cows were kept and as well chickens and crops were grown.  The crops are still grown and chickens are raised in summer.  We make jams, jellies, sweet breads, preserves and our speciality Iced Red Currant Tea.  We get fresh eggs from the neighbours or from my son and daughter-in-law who live down the road.

Snow on a rail fence

A January morning in the Country

                       

Winter in the country is a lovely time of year.  It is a time to renew and make plans for the next season.  It is a time to reflect and be thankful for this beautiful place.

The pond and Bunkie

I have a lot of ideas to share in future posts and later this week I will be sharing an idea for your old Christmas wreath.  

I hope you can come along with me on this new journey.


Barbara