A house tour sure to become one of my all time favorites

I discovered this Toronto home recently in an issue of the lovely Covet Garden magazine. It was love at first site. The cleanliness and colors are so peaceful and serene. Enjoy!



It must be so mind-cleansing to come home to this entryway so free of clutter


Couldn't agree more

The light blue they've used is just perfect



Love the wallpaper

Most Toronto homes lack closets so they turned a spare bedroom into a dressing room

Love the invisible book shelf as a clean and simple nightstand. I could never keep mine so empty though...

soooo pretty!

What do you think?

Making industrial style furnishings work for you

So a reader wrote me recently with a great find - this industrial metal and leather chair - but she needed some inspiration on how to balance it in her space. So I've rounded up a collection of spaces that are either very industrial or nod to the industrial style, so she can get some ideas on how to successfully incorporate it into her space. Any ideas/tips for her?

Here is the chair

Industrial interiors are often characterized by minimalist decor, a cool palette - a lot of grays, and materials such as brick, stone, metal, and glass. I think the key here would be to introduce the chair in a room where one or all of these characteristics are present. It doesn't need to be completely industrial, but add a few industrial elements to balance out the chair. Whether it be a metal lamp, a steel file cabinet, or bare floors.


Plants and a gilt mirror cozy up this space.
via Willow Decor

This interior is very industrial and takes it's inspiration from a lab. There are lots of objects that could be paired with the chair to balance it in the space.
via Taddie Tales


The palette in this dining room is very industrial - browns and grays, which visually supports the metal industrial lighting fixture.
via Sarah's Fab Day

Metal bins and open shelves ad an industrial touch.
via Poppytalk

The chair would look great in this workspace decorated with old wire hangers and baskets.
via NSK Wood

The chair would also look at home behind this antique industrial table used as a desk.
via Great Oak Circle

via Frugal Mom


All of the above work spaces would be great fits for the chair.
two above via The New Victorian Ruralist

Metal lighting fixtures and an industrial cupboard used as a credenza - all in cool grays, create a factory atmosphere.
via The City Sage

This dining room is a good example of how to mix industrial furnishings in with other styles. The metal chairs and traditional wood pedestal table work together because decor is kept spare and minimal.



More environments where I could see the chair working.
4 above via Apartment Therapy

This space is not very industrial, but the minimal coffee table and bare floors would balance out the metal and leather of the chair.
via You've Got to See This

Any other ideas for Nikki?

Sheryl Crow's 1926 Spanish Colonial hacienda in Hollywood Hills

Usually I hear "Hollywood Hills" and I think, not really my style, but 1926 Spanish Colonial sounded nice, so I decided to take a peak at Architectural Digest's tour of Sheryl Crow's LA estate. I was really impressed, not just with the historic home, but with the property itself.

What do you think?


Love the arched doorways and that antique coffee table.


Original tile on the steps.


Original sink and tile in the bathroom, the rug is a nice touch too.


Isn't the landscaping great?



See and read more at Architectural Digest

A very elegant house tour for you on this Friday

I haven't posted a house tour in awhile, which I always enjoy, and I hope you do as well. This is the DC town home of furniture designer and decorator Darryl Carter, whose motto is "less is more." As opposed to accumulating "stuff" as years go by, the contents of the home have been cut in half over the last several years.

I think this kitchen is great. It has a mix of clean modern lines, but with some cozy elements, like the antique Italian étagère and the wooden bar chairs.



I don't like scrubbing tubs, so one is enough for me, but I do like the 18th century secretary in the bathroom.


I can't wait to have my own huge wooden table full of character.



I am not a fan of zebra rugs, or cow rugs personally, but I do like the long bench, the antique Carlton House desk (so unusual!), and I love the shutters throughout the home.

From Elle Decor November 2009