Welcome to the spring edition of the newsletter. Ok, perhaps spring is too generous a word to use for the cold, wet weather we've been having. But things are starting to look up--at least part of the long weekend was warm and sunny. And summer is right around the corner...
(photo courtesy: ABC Carpet and Home) |
 | | www.styleathome.com |
Here's a lovely little snippet of spring colours and sensibility to get things started off on the right foot. This is the Style at Home magazine display from the 2011 Interior Design Show. The vibrant colours and the layers of accessories and details were a welcome respite from some of the more austere, untouchable displays that often populate the show. The brilliant design editor Margot Austin was the brainchild behind the display with help from the very talented artist Alanna Cavanagh (that's her scissors print on the wall). They created springtime indoors, don't you think? Thanks ladies--we needed that!
To see more pics of the booth, including Alanna's whimsical mural click here.
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Current Projects:
A Touch of Haberdashery
Below is a sneak peek at a recent master bedroom project. My amazing client needed me to start from scratch on this space, which was a wonderful treat. The whole concept started with a Ralph Lauren houndstooth wallpaper in a rich palette of wheats and caramels. Subtle and sophisticated, it truly set the stage for this menswear- inspired room. From there I pulled together flooring, walls, furniture, bedding and window coverings to complete the haberdashery feel.
 | | www.jennifersimondesign.com |
 | | www.jennifersimondesign.com |
The carpet is a 100% wool loop pile in a warm wheat colour and the custom drapes are faux linen in a deep cola colour. I designed the bench in a David Hicks inspired print with nailhead detailing. The graphic pattern provides a lively, modern touch in an otherwise traditional room. A pair of bachelor's chests in a custom-ordered stain flank the bed and add much-needed storage for my client. I'll be posting more shots of this space soon. Until then, I'd love to know what you think. You can send me an email here. |
Shopping Inspiration
I had to pass along some pics I took on a recent visit to the midtown boutique Angus & Company. Referred to by some as the master of vignettes, Michael Angus keeps his shop filled chockablock with beautiful treasures, all displayed so artfully it feels as though you've stepped into a wonderful photo shoot.
I love the herringbone pattern of the wood in the pair of tables above--it takes them up a notch from the expected wood coffee table. The ticking stripe on the chairs is a timeless classic.
Weathered wood, crisp navy chairs with white piping and a nautical map as artwork all say cottage chic to me--all that's left to do is take the canoe down to the dock and go for a paddle...
Another great spot for design inspiration is Y&Co
A stone's throw from Designer's Walk, Y&Co is the exclusive Canadian distributor for several sought-after designer lines of textiles and rugs. The showroom is laid back, the staff is approachable and helpful and the space is filled with the kinds of textiles and rugs that get my mind racing with ideas. 
This "wall of pillows" showcases selections from the various designer lines they carry. And check out the wallpaper behind the pillows--just launched in Canada, this pattern of curves and lines from Kreme can even be customized in your choice of pantone colours. Imagine the possibilities...
Y&Co is also the exclusive Canadian distributor for Madeline Weinrib's coveted fabrics, wallpapers and rugs. Even if you don't know Madeline by name, you probably know her signature style as her rugs and fabrics are frequently featured in all the big name design mags. And with good reason--her modern take on traditional ethnic prints is fresh and inspirational.Here are a few of her rugs in situ below.   Pretty stunning if you ask me.
Should you ever be fortunate enough to do your design shopping in Manhattan, you can check out an entire section of Madeline's pieces at design mecca ABC Carpet and Home. If you are suffering from any kind of design complacency, ABC's 10 floors of incredible furnishings, linens and accessories of every style from traditional to modern, vintage to eco-friendly is sure to shake you out of it.
Here's a little glimpse of their main floor of accessories and accents.
 | | www.abchome.com |
So there it is-- a little dose of springtime inspiration to kickstart your design and decorating projects. Next time I'll be updating you on this year's Chair Affair and more of the projects I'm working on. As always, if you have comments, questions or if you need a little shot of inspiration for your own space give me a call or click here to send me an email. |
