Calgary-Based DIY Décor Tech Blog
One of my favourite colours—what I would call mustard, but is called 'solar power' according to Pantone—is on the list of trending spring colours for 2012. Here are a few ways you can add this rich, warm colour to your décor and home: Designed by Homes & Gardens Young Designer of the Year, Naomi Paul. Photo source I remember chairs like the one shown above in the food court of a mall we went to when I was a child. photo source … [Read more...]
We roll up to Essentia Calgary on a clear early spring day. The store is fresh and minimal, and in addition to the lack of excess packaging, signs, and junkage—one of the first things I notice is the lack of smell. I breathe in deeply, and smell only air moist with melting snow—and a faint whiff of cotton. It's a moment I've been waiting for for a while. I've been curious about Essentia since I read a story in the Globe and Mail last year—as Tazim mentioned in yesterday's post—they make … [Read more...]
Located in Kensington, one of the best shopping area in Calgary, Essentia stands out on a street where kitschy décor and accessory shops overexcite the senses. The simplicity of the interior of this Natural Memory Foam (and more) store, made me feel instantly relaxed—probably exactly how you'd want to feel when picking out a mattress. I checked out the grand opening of the Calgary location of Essentia this past weekend. The customers in the store were encouraged to try out each mattress … [Read more...]
Amy Wells' set design for the Mad Men show is historically accurate—taking in to consideration the different styles of interiors from the era. A deep contrast to the sleek furniture and artwork at Sterling Cooper (the ad agency where Don Draper works), the Draper home is much more traditional and layered. After 4 seasons of airing on Sunday nights, Mad Men still inspires interest in the interiors, fashion and advertising of the 1960s. With the 5th season starting, I wanted to share some … [Read more...]
When my parents bought their first home, and I was just in high school, I dreamt of decorating my bedroom in a 'Hollywood Glamour'/ movie theatre theme. I didn't get very far, though—I just ended up painting my walls dark purple, and hanging up large posters of my favourite movies in silver frames. This look is much more sophisticated, with beautiful wallpaper (preferably with a bit of shimmer to it), and mirrored/shiny lamps. photo via Houzz When I think of this look, I imagine lots of … [Read more...]
I've always loved the look of those dusty old offices you see in moves—the ones with old leather chairs, architect stools and drafting tables, lots of drawered cabinets, and gorgeous vintage lamps of all kinds. Those offices make me think of Indiana Jones movies. To get the look (minus the dust), check out the ideas and inspiring photos below: Photo from TheDesignerPad These vintage-looking lamps are a nice touch, and an easy way to add some old-world charm to an otherwise modern … [Read more...]
One of the flowers that comes to mind when I think of spring is the daffodil. Daffodils are sweetly yellow with white centres—a great contrast and definitely cheery. Daffodil Design Trays Source: home-and-garden.webshots.com via Emily on Pinterest Source: marthastewart.com via Andrea on Pinterest Willy Wonka style (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ) daffodils—this is what I think of when I see daffodils. . .crunchy outsides with liquidy sugar … [Read more...]
I know I'm getting in the mood for spring, and the freshness and brightness it represents—how about you? Some of my favourite colours for the home are in the pastel range—soft blues and mint greens and pale yellows. Photo Source Whether you choose to paint your walls one of the many great new pastel shades available this spring, like Whythe Blue (below), or add accents of pastel coloured accessories or larger furniture pieces, to your home—these bright shades are sure to cheer … [Read more...]
I love having greenery and foliage around me—I find that the calming green colours make me feel creative and inspired. The problem is, Greg and I aren't very good with remembering to water and take care of our plants—and brown, dead leaves are not very inspiring! Lately, I've been thinking that we need to just give up on real trees, and go with silk trees instead! I remember having a gorgeous bamboo plant, when I lived in Vancouver—it looked great throughout the summer months, but … [Read more...]
One of the downsides of leading a life devoted to travel and culture is dooming yourself to nomadism. As Tazim and I prepare to move on from our temporary Calgary digs, we've been doing a lot of thinking about all of the places we used to call home. When we went to Vancouver to look for a place to call our own seven years ago, we quickly became discouraged. In a city of renters where the vacancy rate is chronically low—landlords stage elaborate games designed to weed out all but the strongest … [Read more...]
