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!

“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.

“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.

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.

Kate Hoops in Blonde Tortoise

Kombu Green Velvet Pea Pillow

Pink Spek Low Serving Bowl

Sweet Orange and Nutmeg Candle

Pop Vintage Rug

Naomi Shoulderbag- Sand

Fox Lake Soap

Market Tote

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

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.

Highlights of the week

It’s been a busy few weeks around here. My daughters are currently on March Break and I’m finding that my creativity level is through the roof. Not a bad problem to have.

I thought I would share some things that have been inspiring me. These six words are so simple, straight forward and true. I don’t think I’ve ever heard or read them before but saved the image as soon as I saw it.

Photo and design by Tanya Val

I’m so ready for Spring and this colour study is my take on a fresh season. That cornflower blue paired with anything just gets me excited! Shop my new work here.

This article was just what I needed to read after a day of sitting and making paintings and collages. I already know some of these stretches, but I’m not that into Yoga so I’m learning some new moves.

Photograph & design by Jordinn West

I have just discovered the artwork of Ethan Cook and I love it all. His pieces remind me of Rothko’s colour blocked canvases in a way. The grouping of these modern pieces together is such a good colour story.

Photo by Ethan Cook

I’ve never been jealous of a laundry room before until now. This doggie shower is one of the best parts! Lots of original art, pattern and colour…a few of my favourite things. Check out the entire design in the link above.

Photo by Dabito

Photo by Dabito

Leanne Ford has great style and I’m looking forward to watching season two of her design show on HGTV next week.

I thought this interview was enjoyable. A good reminder for my creative friends “The best career advice I can give you starting out is “SAY YES!” When someone asks you if you can do this or if you will help with this, even if you don’t know what you are doing, say YES and figure it out as you go. You will be more than fine.”

Photo by Alexandra Ribar, design by Leanne Ford.

This book doesn’t come out until May, I think it would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for any design lovers out there. “Let The Lonny Home—a gorgeous and thoughtful guide from Lonny Magazine, the ultimate online destination for interiors inspiration—help you craft your ultimate authentic living space.”

Photo by Lonny Magazine

I’ve just completed a new series of collages. They were so much fun to create, the ideas were just pouring out of my brain. If you saw my IG stories you heard me refer to myself as a collage making machine!

I’m doing a fun collaboration and the collages will be released with them mid April. Stay tuned for more info & if you subscribe to my newsletter you’ll be the first to know.

Original collage by Holly Young.

Colour Study Series

I’ve been keeping busy lately painting simplistic shapes on paper. I’m having fun playing around with different colour combinations and I thought I would share a few of my inspirations with you.

One day I was reading an article online and I came across Delpozo, a Spanish luxury prêt-à-couture house under the creative vision of Lutz Huelle. The photographs immediately jumped off of the screen and got me excited to paint.

All fashion photographs are by Delpozo.

I feel like I’m just getting started, let’s see what else I come up with for Spring. Shop the collection here.

Displaying Art

There are so many ways to add personality to your space, adding an art collection is one of my favourites. I recently borrowed a book from my sister called “Think Home” by Judith Wilson. Today’s freezing rain gave me the opportunity to browse through it. She talks about how you can display art in various ways throughout your home.

I put together some photos of my art installed & styled in collectors’ homes as well as my own for you to get ideas from.

This collage from Juniper Print Shop looks great on this credenza. Abby has used a modern white frame with a large matte to anchor the styled vignette. The black and white botanical looks great paired with actual greenery. Overlapping the wood ladder in front of the artwork helps to add depth.

Photo by Brittany Kalaj Margulieux in the home of Abby Pendergrast

In my friend Lesley’s home office, she has paired two of my paintings with some fun graphic prints. Who wouldn’t be inspired sitting in this cozy little nook?

Photo by Lesley Pocklington

A floating shelf or picture ledge is an easy way to change up your art collection. If you rent or are not a fan of tons of nail holes in your walls, this is for you. This collection of art used to be displayed in my oldest daughter’s room before she decided pink was not for her.

This is the home office of my friend Jo. She is a thrifter extraordinaire and has the best eye for styling. This mid-century shelving system pops against the dark paint colour. She has a collection of contrasting sizes and shapes of frames. My painting is the perfect pop of colour and pattern mixed with her brass accessories and wood tones.

Photo by Jo Wearing

My friend Shannan has styled a large colourful print on her mantel with my Ontario Resin wood panel. Natural elements have been grouped together in this vignette.

Ignoring symmetry is something Judith speaks about in the book. “Hang one painting slightly off-centre above a mantelpiece or position pictures one above another in a single alcove, leaving the remaining alcove bare.”

Photo by Shannan O’Brien

This ceramic tray sits on my nightstand. A simple modern lucite frame holds one of my collages. You could put a photograph, post card or even artwork from your kids in a similar frame. Not a lot of dusting involved I promise. I love waking up & seeing it every morning.

Gallery walls are so much fun to put together. Here you see a collection of my artwork mixed with thrifted finds and original prints. Mix black & white frames with paintings to create an eclectic vibe.

Now is the perfect time to breathe some new life and bold colouring into your home. Buy what you love and you will make it look fabulous. If you have any of my art in your space send me a photo of it installed. There is nothing like seeing where my pieces find homes.

Inspiration

Yesterday was a turning point for me creatively. Thoughts and ideas all came together while I wrote this post & got me excited to head to the studio to create my first pieces of the New Year. I was listening to the song ”Things Happen” by Dawes (which I love!) last night while cooking dinner & thought to myself, today is a good day.

Last week I drove out of town and went by the same building that has got my attention dozens of times. The difference this time was, I parked my car & got out to capture photos of the architecture that peaked my interest. That blue, oh how I adore it. The chipped paint, the cracks in the stucco…you might think I took this on holiday in some tropical destination! The reality is, it was freezing cold & I was in Omemee, Ontario, where Neil Young grew up & described as “a sleepy little place.” Population 1200.

It’s hard to describe what exactly has inspired me so I thought I would share some photos that got me thinking. Lines, colours, light, texture & interiors…some of my favourite things.

Photo by Holly Young

Photo by Pierre Yovanovitch

Photo by Derek Swalwell

Photo by Pim Top

Photo by The Inside

Photo by Sabine Marcelis

Photo by Bruce Dumonte

Photo Shutterstock

I love a good laugh & my hubby & I are enjoying the Canadian show Schitt’s Creek currently on Netflix. I haven’t laughed this much since I binged New Girl, it makes me happy. Last night the episode we watched, Moira was going to have a sparkling White Russian, but had to drink it before the milk curdled. Who thinks of these things?! Mr. Dan Levy (son of Eugene) shown above is the creator. That colourful backdrop is giving me all the feels.

Stay warm friends it’s freezing out!

Farewell 2018

I haven’t felt very creative lately. It’s been all about family and slowing down for the past few weeks. We’ve been watching holiday movies and both of my daughters are now into reading chapter books (they are seven & nine). After dinner is a quiet time as we have been in the living room all sitting quietly reading. It’s been nice.

I got my husband the Beastie Boys book for Christmas & I’ve been reading it everyday since (It’s over 500 pages). I’ve been reading old articles online, watching past interviews with the band and concerts on YouTube. It’s like their music has somehow brought me back to my youth. Last night I laid in bed and watched a live concert from 2004 in Amsterdam. Everyone has that one song that they blast if they are driving in the car alone (without kids) mine is Sabotage…I f*cking love it!

Photo by Ricky Powell for Time Magazine

Some exciting things happened for me this year and I’m glad I got to share these experiences online with you. I also had the opportunity to connect with and meet some incredible people. I’m hoping to find inspiration in the next few months and I’m excited to see where in takes me in the studio. Right now I am quite happy exploring, wandering and enjoying life and taking a break from writing a weekly blog. Thank you for following along and supporting me.

I’ve never really been into celebrating New Year’s in a big way, I’m happy to just order take out, play some games and see if I can stay awake until midnight. I don’t often make it! Maybe this year.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Macrame by Sticks and Strings

Art by Larissa Clayton

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

One of Casa Alma’s colourful rugs!

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

Art by Larissa Clayton

Print by Swell Made Co.

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

My photograph “Montreal” all framed up.

Release of new paintings and collages

The leaves are falling, the colours are changing and I have been inspired to create some new work. My daughters are back in school and I’ve found some much needed alone time in the studio (aka the basement!). I’m excited to share everything with you and show you some of the photos that inspired me during the process. As of today new paintings and original collages on paper are now available in my shop.

Perhaps you need a piece to add to your gallery wall, or a set of collages to fill that blank wall that just needs a little something. I’ve got you covered folks, head on over to my online shop and check out all of the new pieces. If you can’t treat yourself right now, start making your Christmas list!

Photo by Costas Spathis

Photo via Pinterest

Photo by Anthropology

Photo via Pinterest

“Your home is your sanctuary, so you want it to be cozy and calm, but you have to be brave in your choices or else it won’t have personality.” - Erin Walsh.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Highlights of the week

My daughters started back at school on Tuesday which means more studio time for me. I'm excited to continue working on a new collection of abstract paintings that I began during the summer months. I'm adding texture to my canvases with the use of fabric. Here is a preview of one of my new pieces.

I'm working more hours now so time for myself and my art need to be a priority when I have free time. There is nothing like getting my hands dirty and getting in my creative zone. Other makers can relate I'm sure, you can't force yourself to make something great but you can try and hope it doesn't feel like time wasted.

We welcomed a new addition to our family at the end of August. He's a big guy who is full of love and wants our affection. We named him "Biggie" which seems quite fitting. He shares my love for vintage rugs, so it's a good thing I have a nice collection started. He's not a fan of the hardwood, but likes to nap on the soft surfaces.

Here's another shot of him outside, he's so cute! When we walk him in our neighbourhood everyone asks if he is a Great Pyrenees. They do look similar, but he is a Maremma Sheepdog a breed that was new to us. He's great with our daughters which is so important.

I celebrated my birthday last weekend, I'm in my forties and loving every minute of it. Other than the mornings when my body aches when I get out of bed. Then I know I'm not in my twenties!

My friend Natalie made this gorgeous Earl Grey flavoured cake for me as a surprise and it was delicious! She was inspired by my painting on the left and it truly looked so good I didn't want to eat it. This is a hobby of her's not a business, how talented is she though? Look her up if you need something special for your next event.

I hope you had a wonderful summer and made a ton of memories with your families. It's hard to get back into routines but if I can do it I know you can to. I'm ready for bed ands it's only 9:15, a sure sign I'm aging!

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 Museum of the American Indian. Those curves!

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!

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! 

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." 

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.

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.

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. 

"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)."

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

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.

"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!

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)."

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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."

A view from the front entrance of the home.

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.

The spacious Master bedroom is a calm retreat.

"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!" 

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.

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

"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." 

Flashes of delight...

Is a hashtag I often use on Instagram and I thought it was the perfect title to recap some of my favourite pieces of art from my recent to trip to Buffalo. I haven't been to the Albright- Knox in almost 20 years since I was in art school. Back then my love for contemporary art was not as strong. I'm so glad we spent the morning there, it was a great experience.

"For more than 150 years, the Albright-Knox has collected, conserved, and exhibited the art of its time, often working directly with living artists. This tradition has given rise to one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of modern and contemporary art." They currently have a sculpture retrospective on by Robert Indiana, which I highly recommend going to see.

In no particular order here are a few photos my husband and I took while exploring the grounds and viewing the collection inside the gallery.

I wish I could tell you the name and artist of every piece, you will have to trust me and go to the gallery yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Getaway

My husband & I recently went away for a few days without the kids. We had a full list of restaurants to try, murals that I wanted to see, and of course a quick stop at Target & Trader Joe's. I stocked up on Ginger cookies because they are so yummy! Why just save them for Christmas?

Instead of doing a really long post with all of the photos I took of art, I thought I would focus this one on architecture. My friend recommended Hotel Henry & I'm so glad we stayed here. The walls were filled with original art from local artists and the overall vibe was right up my alley. In no particular order here are some photos we took. You could get lost in here. It is massive & the high ceilings everywhere just made it feel so grand. I commented to my husband that the drapery & blinds in each room must have been a small fortune as the ceilings appeared to be over twenty feet high! We explored each hallway we could, just to see the stained glass details, bits of original tile, and of course the artwork. 

If you are in the area check it out.

This window reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale. I love the light & simplicity is the hallway.

We both love architecture so booking a tour to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House was a no-brainer. We've seen a few of his other projects, including Falling Water, and loved them. Check out this previous post.

You were not allowed to take photos of the interior, so here are a few shots we snapped while walking on the grounds. Check out the website link above to see more of the home. The guide told us that this residential home was the first to have electricity, which is pretty cool. They are currently restoring the property back to its original design, which sounds like it will cost a small fortune. One pane of stained glass with a tree pattern in the living room was only $30,000!

If you have a chance to see any of his designs I highly recommend it. My friend tells me I need to read Loving Frank, it's on my summer to do list.

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great week guys!