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January 12, 2019

Cool Blue – Ultramarine

Most of us have heard of Ultramarine Blue. Maybe you’re a pantone nerd, an artist or perhaps it was just your favourite Laurentian pencil crayon in elementary school. Either way, it’s a beautiful blue that was historically achieved through grinding up a rare and very valuable pigment called lapis lazuli found only in a remote region […]

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August 15, 2016

White Thief – It happened

OK I’m a documentary addict and ever since VICE started with these short and sweet documentaries called viceland I can’t stop watching. Last week I saw a cool one about China stealing trade secrets in the US and what was interesting was that, among other things, they were trying to steal the colour white.  Who […]

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June 10, 2014

Do You Tulu?

The original shag carpet from the middle east , known as a Tulu,  fits perfectly into the urban bohemian interiors that so many of my clients are loving right now. This picture from ABC carpet and home featuring rooftop Tulu rugs captures the bohemian girl trend perfectly. Antique Tulu carpets are known for their funky […]

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March 13, 2014

Artist Wes Lang

I don’t exactly have my finger on the pulse of the art scene in New York and LA, but I sure wish I did because I would have found Wes Lang allot sooner. I actually have a Grateful Dead T shirt that I love with this first image on it and I didn’t know who […]

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October 20, 2013

Fun Facts – Antimacassar

Sunday I put together an IKEA recliner chair for a client and commented on how old fashioned it was that they include arm covers and a little doily to rest your head on in the packaging. Of course, my clients are all very wise… (I mean, they hired me after all:) and she knowingly responded […]

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May 5, 2013

Inuit Art – Auction Monday May 6th

My love for Canadian First Nations and Inuit art goes on … and on Monday night an auction of the most significant Inuit graphics prints ever, The Cape Dorset Collection, goes on the block. The whole set is close to 80 prints and it is estimated at around 400 000k or more. Let me tell […]

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January 17, 2013

Cloche Encounters of the Design Kind

I picked one up last summer…a cloche, that is. I Didn’t know what to really do with the thing and since I’m not exactly the gardening type it sat pretty on a shelf until this past Christmas when I filled it with lights like this. Not too terribly creative…but hey I was busy. So now […]

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December 12, 2012

Trying Tribal – DIY Rug Idea

Like most design enthusiasts I have a mad crush on Moroccan everything and in particular a style of rug that originates from the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco; the Beni Ouarain. These wool carpets are named after the Beni Ouarain Berber tribe who make this distinctive diamond and geometric pattern on natural ivory sheep’s wool. […]

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November 25, 2012

Picking Pictures

My two worlds collided recently when one of my clients inquired about historical photos and whether we could find some for her place. (you may or may not know that I am both a professional historical researcher AND interior decorator extraordinaire) I said “Uhhh YEAH!”   So, I have been spending a little more time in […]

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July 26, 2012

Missoni Homewear

This Miss – Oni Need One of these to be over the moon happy!! Check them out from Provide in Vancouver     Did you know that Missoni’s first fashion collection appeared in Milan in 1958?   In 1981 Missoni collaborated on their first textile and home collection which was the beginnings of the Missoni […]

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April 29, 2012

Old School Red Paint

Ever admire an old barn or building painted in glorious shades of red? I love the juxtaposition of red buildings set in a golden prairie and I was happy to find a document, while procrastinating working at the archives the other day, that conjured these visions for me. Check out this recipe for paint ca […]

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April 13, 2011

Oh Suzani

So what is a Suzani? It is an elaborate embroidered textile, usually cotton or silk that was traditionally used as a dowry gift to the groom on his wedding day. The Suzani tradition grew out of the ancient silk road textile trade and continues to represent popular themes of home, love and kinship through its designs. […]

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March 16, 2011

Kelim Scene

Kelim or Kilim rugs are flat weave rugs or prayer mats that originate in central Asia and date back thousands of years. I am currently shopping for a Kelim rug and I thought I’d share some of what I’ve learned and, of course, some pretty pictures. These historical textiles are immensely popular today and although many […]

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