An Instagram Reveal of the Basement #projectgetroomsreadyforkids

I have to make this quick...these dudes are coming to do a little filming of my basement today...

...and I still have a bucket list of little finicky things to finish before the cameras arrive.

Before that though, here's the latest on what's been done a la the basement.

1. Flowers and my antique mirror got added...

2. My new Stone Textile Pillow came and needed just the right home so I moved the Platner chair that used to live upstairs down and they're so happy together...

3. I shopped my house for artwork to hang downstairs and love how this old antique oil farm scene works alongside the very simple modern sconces...

4. We hung the TV...now note, the guy at the store promised me me that the frame was brushed/matte black and well, it's not so will likely be exchanged...

5.  My blue velvet pillow from Studio Tullia arrived...

...and I love love it.

(curtains are handpainted silk from Pillotopia . chevron pillows are from CC Deux Vie]

6. I added some blooms in bedroom...

...because no room would be finished without them.

7. The laundry room got styled...

...and you know me...no space feels done unless there's some type of bust/porcelain animal in it;)

So...

After introducing this project way back in February and with this horrow show 'before' situation, Home Depot came to the rescue by supplying and installing (National Installations) all the tile (3x6 white subway for the laundry and bathroom walls from Daltile Corporation and marble mosaic for the bathroom floor by Anatolia Tile) and laminate flooring (from Beaulieu Canada...underlayment from PXL Cross Linked Foam) for the project.  This space literally would NEVER HAVE HAPPENED without them and I am forever grateful.

And speaking of grateful, I also have to give a ginormous shout out to my amazingly talented architect, wjb designs, for giving the bones of this space a new life.  

Of course, my carpenter Allen had a HUGE part in this whole thing too- literally couldn't have any project work/come to fruition without him...same goes for my painter Peter...love them both to the moon and back.

So with all of that, #projectgetroomsreadyforkids has been re-born and is now officially DONE!

I/we couldn't be happier with it and now that all is finito, the actual living in it begins...right after some photoshoots happen that is;)

Stay tuned for a non-Instagrammed version of the reveal soon!

xo

This Is Scarlett and Isaiah

I shared the news about my daughter's TV show back in April with this post.

Well, I've got some updates on that front and if you'd let me be the annoying braggy mom for a few minutes, I'd love to fill you in:)
We spent this past Tuesday at the show's official launch party and well, it was literally one of the most exciting 2 hours of this little family's life.

For one, we got to watch a completed episode in giant form thanks to a gorgeous screening room and front row seats...

{Scarlett and her co-host Isaiah, along with his sweet little sister in the middle}

{My dad and Malcolm soaking up the show- so, so grateful that my parents were able to fly in from PEI to attend!}

...honestly, I could have sat in that seat all day and watched it over and over...I was quite literally overcome with emotion while the tape was rolling.  To see my daughter almost frozen in time at the age of 6, being that version of herself (that PS, has already changed) with the lispy voice, missing teeth, quirky smile, hilariously dramatic facial expressions, last remnants of baby pudge etc...well, it was beyond special to say the least.
My favourite part was when they showcased her audition tapes, which of course we hadn't seen until then.
It was incredible to see my own child through someone else's eyes.
Though we all know our kids are amazing and feel proud at every moment, something about seeing my Scarlett up there just really made me recognize what makes her such a special little kid...the dramatic quirks and intensity in which she views life may be what sometimes drive me crazy but it's also precisely what makes her so perfectly her...I absolutely adore the creature she is and is becoming.
I apologize if this sound ridiculously braggy but really, I found her totally captivating to watch...in part because like all kids of that age, she's hilariously funny...For example, when asked if she liked to get dirty, her response after careful consideration, was "well...only when I'm naked."  Too good.
While in the screening room, we also got to watch her co-host Isaiah's episode, which was such a joy...what struck me most about her counterpart was how smart and inquisitive he is...the kid loves to ask questions  and figure things out...he's the perfect 'This Is' host as it were...

Together, and with the help of the show's amazing team at Sinking Ship/Marblemedia...

... I really believe they've made some hilariously delightful kid TV, that will carry on the torch originally lit by 'This is Daniel Cook' and 'This is Emily Yeung'.
The show will be airing on Treehouse, with the first episode debuting on September 21st so mark your calendars if you have littles:)))

For now, I'd love it if you could like the show's Facebook page...

...and follow on Twitter...

...watch the trailer on their official website...

...and if you'd like to see their interview (along with the show's original cast Daniel Cook and Emily Yeung who are PS, just as adorable as teenagers) with the Canadian Press, link over to that HERE.
There's also this article written by CP, that can be viewed in a number of publications...

...click HERE for one version of that.
Thank you for  letting me indulge in this a little..I'm so ridiculously proud of my little red and I figure at such times, it's a mamma's prerogative to blast the news...couldn't help but use up a post to document this incredible time.
I promise to be back with decorating and the like tomorrow:)))
xo

Thinking About 7 - #8

Morning friends.

I've got 7 things today to throw by you...

1.  A huge thanks for all the sweet comments on yesterday's post about my daughter's TV show...in case you missed it, you can now watch the trailer on YouTube...

2.  I saw this on Pinterest this morning...


via

...and it has me fantasizing about the dream home again...adore the chevron floors, ornate architecture and modern finishes...also love that very simply range hood...I talked it over with my contractor the other day and we're moving ahead with a similar one in #projectkitchengorgeous...debating between white (drywall) or marble...


via

My first choice would be the later but it's obviously more expensive and I'm a little worried about matching the existing marble.

In any case, I hope to have this done in the next few weeks so stay tuned;)

3. #projectcottage is in the works.

I'm using this shot...


via

...as inspiration for the kitchen.

I LOVE the idea of a giant antique wood butcher block island...only I'll have mine at table height so that it can also serve as our table...want something large so that it can seat at least 10.

I'm also fond of the blackboard idea in a cottage kitchen and of course, will definitely be doing some open shelves.

Oh and I love the black sink.

4.  You know I love fashion illustrations and as much as I've been trying to 'boy up' my house a bit, I find myself always drawn to girly art.

Discovering the works of Elisa Mazzone has not helped the situation...

In. love/might need that last number.

5.  Speaking of art/things I want...



...one of these guys from artist Liz Toohey-Wiese/Etsy shop Ex Libris...her pieces are fitting right in with my current love of all things textural and fluffy...similarly, I'd LOVE some of this action....



As you can see, I'm All about this sort of thing as of late...which leads me to #6...

6.  Do you think it's possible to have too many Beni Rugs/shags in one house?

I'm still debating rugs for the basement and of course, my number one choice is this  Morrocan Shag from Rugs USA...



I like the idea of something cuddle on the laminate floors...basements are cold and this guy feels like it would instantly warm the space up...the fact that it's currently 50% off doesn't hurt its cause either.

But...I've got a Flokati in the nursery, the West Elm Souk in Scarlett's room, and a Moroccan Beni runner in the foyer...would 4 fluffies be too much?

7.  More important than all of this...praying for the people of Boston and Texas...such a tragic few days.

xoxo

The Show and a New Project

Morning friends.

I'm waking up after my big Steven and Chris TV debut knowing a few things:

1. when you're 6 months pregnant and 20 pounds heavier than you usually are (and yes...I'm on track for a record weight gain with this bean- just my luck), don't attempt to conceal said baby bump with tent like clothing- I know we're always our own worst critic but hell...you know what they say about TV adding 10 pounds...in my case and in combo with bambino, it was more like 50.

2. my fuschia pink hair was fun while it lasted but I want a change...thinking of lopping it all off and doing a simple blondish bob of sorts- the extra weight combined with long hair is making me feel HEAVY!

3. though I get RIDICULOUSLY nervous before hand, I loooooveeee being on TV...so hoping I get to do more of it.

I'm sorry for you guys in the US...the web link won't work for you...it's a CBC broadcasting copyright thing- my segment will play in the states though- I believe it's the Lifetime network and usually goes live a few months later than here...my sister lives in Chicago and will be looking for it so I'll let you know.

For now, I screen captured some images of my vignettes to show you.

The preface of the segment was integrating pink into your decor so for the first look, we did subtle hits with accessories, pillows and flowers...

Notes:

1. As I said before, I'm completely and utterly OBSESSED with the Hygge and West wallpaper...It must, must, must, must, must happen somewhere in my house.

2. I'm also pretty crazy about the artwork (Elte)- smoking nuns and leashed leopards in mirrored frames...can't go wrong.
3. The new location of Cocoon Furnishings in Oakville is insanely good...they were SO helpful in putting my vignettes together.

 For look two, we went balls to the wall with pink and switched out some of the pink accessories with more neutral/masculine ones to balance the whole thing out...

Notes:

1. Manuel Canovas kills it EVERYTIME.

2. My 'Cricket' is a star in her own right...I can't tell you how many people asked me during and after the show where she is from...Leigh Viner is a genius.

3. That chandelier from Decorum really should be mine, along with the lucite obelisks.

4. The tiger pillows...you know you want some of that action...buy those up from Shop 219.

So there you have it...a closer look at what I got up to on TV.

Moving on.

I'm excited to be starting work on a brand spanking new e-design makeover...let's call this one #projectdining.

The mandate of this re-do is to inject some modernity to the space, while also including some interesting antique/traditional pieces...in other words, a fabulous eclectic space that leans a little more crisp and stream lined...perfect!

My client also indicated that she loved interesting lighting and brass...can I hear a HELL YES!

She sent over some inspiration images and from the pile, I'm zeroing in on this as an overall feel...

...with a little of this mixing goodness...

...also thrown in.

The client loves grey so we're going to go with that...she has three windows that I'd love to completely cover from ceiling to floor in sheer white panels...pretty much exactly like these from Sarah/219...

I'm actually going to send over this photo of Sarah's dining room as prime inspiration for the space- absolutely adore it.

Very excited to get this one started.

Happy day all.

xo

TV, a Sale, a Chair, an Illustration, a Lamp, a Rug and a Porch

Good morning friends.

Today is sort of a large one for me because my first segment as a 'design expert' will be airing on...

Eeeeeek.

I'm a little scared to death that my increasingly ginormous baby bump is going to make me look like a mac truck...also slightly concerned about the whole 'hearing yourself on the answering machine' sort of phenomenon.

But...mostly VERY excited.

I put together two vignettes I'm pretty proud of, both of which show peeps how to incorporate pink into their homes....sooooooo....if you want to see a live action tour of #projectscarlett, along with this sort of thing brought to life...

...tune into CBC at 2pm EST.

And if you miss it for some crazy reason, you can watch later on their website by clicking here.

And speaking of Steven and Chris, I was more than a little honoured when the amazingly talented designer/upholstering genius Andrea Ford, decided to use my 'Genevieve' as part of her vignette...

Seeing my art on TV...well, that just made my week to be sure.

Ps, if you would like to own Genevieve, or any other painting in my shop for that matter, I'm having a...

HOLIDAY SALE!!!!

*****25% of EVERYTHING*******

And buy that pink art up:)

 Pss, if you happen to be in the GTA, Ms Ford is showcasing some of her incredible upholstered pieces at the One of a Kind Show, including this chair that I'm literally DYING to own...

Isn't she purdy?

And speaking of lovely stuff, the most talented Eleni from 

the newly named (previously Shop Around the Corner)...

...painted and sent me this original just because...

Isn't it just so damn gorgeous?

I can't farking wait to get it framed and hung.

A HUGE thank you to Ms. Eleni for always being so infinitely sweet/generous.

And since we're talking about prezzies, Home Depot was kind enough to send me over this lamp goodness to review...

Liking it beaucoup.

And speaking of like...not much I love more than a great saleio...thanks to the folks over at RugsUSA, #projectlittlemiss just picked up this pretty...

...in 6x9/ 100% wool form for literally $145 bones.

How much do I love 75% off sales...that would be A- LOT.

Good news...the extended the savings for a day so if  you're in the market for a rug, hurry on over.

And last but not least, I got my holiday spirit on over the weekend and got some outside decorating done...

Dogs in pink bows make me happy.

Later cheese noodles.

xo