Design Inspiration

I've been "un-blogged" for a couple of weeks as the summer wound down and we ramped back up for the new school year.  For me, autumn is a time of renewal, back to routines and often fresh starts.  Lucky for me, I also acquired two new clients over the past couple of weeks and have been busy with design plans.

I've been doing the rounds at the showrooms.  Camilla House Imports is one of my faves with a funky, cool vibe as well as a fresh take on traditional pieces.  They have gorgeous tables made from rail ties and barnboard which they place on brushed stainless or chrome legs.  One of these is sure to be a conversation piece in any room.

Here is a picture I took from the Canadian Gift and Tableware Show which I blogged about here.

  

Barn board and rail ties up close. 

I love these chairs that I'm thinking of using for my client's elegant but casual dining

room where she loves to host dinner parties. 

 

Here's a close-up of the chair arm, I just love the patina on these

chairs and they only get better over time.
 

This is our inspiration shot for the living room designed by Tobi Fairley,

one of Traditional Homes Magazine's top 20 young designers in America for 2009.

  

 The Camilla House showroom is gorgeous but I like to check out the back warehouse

that is filled to the brim with unfinished furniture, cool accessories, and miles of aisles

stocked with amazing decor items ... it's a designer's candy shop!

My other client is looking for a Tuscan inspired living room where she hosts frequent

casual wine and cheese soirees, so comfort is key in this well used living room.  

A pair of these chairs would be cozy.

 

The well-aged patina on this vintage scroll light fixture would add some drama to the space,

wrought iron is a strong element in Tuscan design 

Choosing fabrics and a colour scheme for another busy and active young couple with two small children and a dog means durability, pattern to hide little messy fingers, and yet fun and lively to capture their personalities.  This is the palette we will be working with for the family room of this trendy Danforth neighbourhood home.

Now I'm off to scour the town for more goodies.  Let me know which are your favourites!

Tuscan Style

I've been dreaming about a European getaway....beautiful countryside,  rustic and nature-inspired interiors, and of course, great food and wine.  Yes, Tuscany would be multo bene and so rejuvenating.  I think a little medievel farmhouse lovingly restored and perfectly equipped with all the modern conveniences would be just lovely, don't you?

This was a farmhouse in ruins near the Tuscan town of Anghiari transformed by Nicholas Risley

Main entrance, I love the clay tiles, wooden doors and flagstone everywhere

Imagine cooking a fresh vegetable frittata with produce just picked from your own garden....(or

someone else cooking for you) while you sip your latte in the sun-filled breakfast area

with a view to the stunning countryside... aaahh, that's Amore!

This Tuscan villa in Cortona was restored over a 10 year period using the bricks and rubble on the property.  Restoration by Fulvio di Rosa -  it's now an exclusive 32-acre rental property. 

 

Here di Rosa painted the plaster walls yellow and added flagstone to the Trattoria,

more vino and percuitto please!

What's your favourite European destination?

photos via Architectural Digest