August 23, 2013

first day of high school


February 6, 2013

family photos


I once read in a home design magazine that family photos were meant to be displayed in the more private rooms of homes, such as bedrooms, and were not appropriate for the more public rooms, such as living and dining rooms. I remember thinking "Wow, I'm totally doing this wrong," on reading that helpful bit of decorating advice. I think family photos ground our homes in those things that are most meaningful - family and love and history. That's why I love these homes, all filled with photos of family and friends, children's artwork and other prized possessions, all proudly on display both on the walls and in the heart of these homes.


Eclectic Living Room design by Amsterdam Media And Blogs Ninainvorm

Here's a portion of a wall of family snapshots in my office...




...and on our mantel.


January 31, 2013

January 22, 2013

get the look / vintage ceramics from west germany

Modern Dining Room design by Toronto Interior Designer Shirley Meisels

Vintage German pottery adds color and texture to this dining room designed by Toronto-based interior designer, Shirley Meisels. I love the strong punch of color and chunky lava-like feel of this group of vases juxtaposed against the silvery-grey of the wallpaper, chairs and chandelier and the warmth of the wood table.

Companies such as Scheurich, Carstens, Ruscha, Baykeramik, Jopeko and Dumler & Brieden created vibrant, highly-textured “fat lava” pottery vases in both stock shapes and sizes and unique hand-thrown pieces, throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.  Although these pieces fell out of favor after the 1970’s, there has been a resurgence in popularity over the last few years.

Here are some German ceramics, of both East and West German origin, that pack a sophisticated, and affordable, punch:


















Clockwise from upper left: Scheurich pottery vase 284-19Scheurich vase with Fabiola glazeHaldensleben vase from East Germanysmall green and brown ceramic vase, and vase made by Steuler Keramik.

January 16, 2013

July 23, 2012

a sybarite's dream


The first in an occasional series spotlighting places I'd rather be...
Grace Santorini Hotel, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece courtesy Tablet Hotels