March 26, 2012

Window walls

We've had some unseasonably warm weather we've been experiencing up here in Canada's capital city. I was pinching myself to make sure it's not a dream :). I'm not convinced that winter is over yet though, I've seen some nasty snow storms hit in March ... just sayin'.

While I've been enjoying the great weather and exploring my new iPad, I've come across a couple of pictures of rooms with entire walls of windows and thinking how nice it would be to have a room with this feature, especially in a warm location with an amazing view.

Here are a couple of examples of window walls in rooms ...

Source: Studio William Hefner via www.houzz.com


Source: FINNE Architects via www.houzz.com


Source: Fougeron Architecture via www.houzz.com


Source: Betram Architects via www.houzz.com


Source: RD Architecture via www.houzz.com

And how about these, from the exterior:


Source: Bosworth Hoedemaker via www.houzz.com


Source: Rhodes Architecture + Light via www.houzz.com


Source: Frank Shirley Architects via www.houzz.com

Wouldn't you love to spend some time in a room like this?

March 19, 2012

Colour of the month for March–{green}

Back again – and it hasn’t been 2 months!  Surprised?  I am!  It’s hard to get back into the swing of things, but one of the things I love best about blogging was what I learn in my research for posts.  And this post has taught me plenty!

Part of the new structure for this blog are some regular features.  This is one of them.  Each month I will do a “Colour of the Month” post.  And what better colour for March – GREEN!   In my little corner of the world, March signals the end of winter, the return of warmer temperatures and the promise of spring flowers and lush green lawns.

Source: countrycupboard.tumblr.com via Donna on Pinterest

And not to be ignored by any means, is the fact that March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day – a holiday that honours the colour Green!

Source: flickr.com via Candy on Pinterest

 

And here is what I’ve learned about Green (with much thanks to Wikipedia) :

Green is not a primary colour, but created with a mixture of blue and yellow.  Depending on which colour wheel you are looking at, the complement of green is magenta or red. 

 

From a language perspective, green has it’s roots (pun intended) in the Old English verb growan, "to grow".  The word green has been used as a slang term for many things; someone who is naive is considered “green”; money is often referred to as “green”; someone who “green around the gills” is probably not feeling very well; and “green” has taken on a very significant meaning in relation to the environment.

In nature, we are surrounded by green in plant life, thanks to the chemical chlorophyll that produces the green colour in plants.   Green animals, reptiles, amphibians and birds appear green due to layers of green and blue colours.

Source: etsy.com via Donna on Pinterest

 

Nature has also produced a couple of my favourite gemstones – emerald, which was the prominent stone in my engagement ring, and peridot which happens to be my birthstone.

Source: google.co.nz via Donna on Pinterest

 

Green eyes, which I happen to have, are the least common, and result from the combination of amber and blue colours in the iris.  

The original source of green clothing, back in Elizabethan days, was lichen, a fungal plant (ewwww!)

 

So enough with the education … let’s see some green at home!

I love the use of green in this room – the wallpaper feels very bright and lively but is balanced nicely with the white headboard, bedding, chair and lamp.  Very inviting!

 

Can’t you see this Robert Kaufman fabric as drapery in a fresh bright sunroom?

 
The green in this kitchen/family room is a muted shade that makes the kitchen pop.  And what I love best, besides this amazing kitchen (drool) is that the green is kept to paint colour and accessories, meaning the homeowner can change the entire feel of the kitchen just by changing the paint colour!  Great job!
 
Crisp Architects traditional kitchen
The combination of the green, wood, and texture in this room gives it a warm inviting feel.  The green was chosen to complement the wood tones.  The cream chair and rug add another dimension of colour, texture and warmth.
 
Global Living / Bluefish Home - Showroom eclectic living room
And how about this green door?  On the inside it gives a wonderful focal point to this narrow entryway, and on the outside, tells the world that they are welcome in this home!

Are you a fan of green?  If so, how have you used it in your home?

Happy Monday!

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March 7, 2012

On busy lives and blogs

It would appear that my busy January turned into a busy February too, and I’ve been away for far too long!  Writing a blog is like going to the gym, if you get out of the habit, it’s really hard to get back into the habit.  And like the gym, all it takes is the first step to get you back into the groove.

calendar

So here I am, back to my blog.  The gym?  Well that’s another story.  A girl can only procrastinate accomplish so much you know.  I’ve missed you all while I’ve been away living my life.  I’ve missed reading the blogs you write, I’ve missed the inspiration you provide and I’ve missed your comments.

miss_you

While I was away I’ve continued with education and research around home design and decor.  In January I spent a long weekend with 5 talented friends at the Toronto Interior Design Show, which provided gallons of inspiration.  There were also a couple of blog related events while in Toronto which gave me plenty to ponder in relation to the content, format and future of my blog.

blog1

So, over the next while you’ll be seeing some changes.  Nothing major, except perhaps I’ll be posting more often than of late :).  I do intend on adding some regular features and there will be a couple of DIY makeovers coming your way once the nicer weather hits.

It’s nice to be back, folks … I’ve missed you *mwah*

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