Whimsy.  Wit.   Style.   All in a trip to the thrift shop…

When the time is right, these babies are going to meet a can of glossy white spray paint, inspired by a few pricier versions below.  

Owl lamps from Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie.

This has taken me awhile, it’s true.  It may even have taken me too long, but what the heck.  It was fun.  I took some time and really thought about it a lot.  Turns out, I had a really tough time narrowing it down. 

So, to those of my fellow bloggers on the list below, no rush…it’s tougher than it looks! 

Decorate it Darling

ThriftKitty

Youth League and the Spies

Victoire

Lake Jane

Ottawa Arts Blog

1.  Lists:

I love lists.  I am constantly making them.  It’s almost as if they’re my most effective means of self-expression. They’re quick and easy to do, they don’t need to be perfect and they provide a sense of deep satisfaction – both in writing them and in crossing them off!  I make them on the back of envelopes, on the refrigerator, on multicolored sticky notes, and in my head.  Actually, I am almost always making a list of some kind in my head, or trying desperately to remember to add whatever item or task  to a list I already have underway.  My mother often refers to the notebooks she totes as her “brains”.  It seems I’ve inherited this same approach…

I’ve kept journals, sketchbooks and agendas for years, but now I rely exclusively on my Moleskine, which travels with me everywhere I go. 

Anyway, my lists have most definitely served me well over time, as I’ve kept track of much more than just my daily “to do’s”.  In fact, they’ve truly helped me to be less reactive and more focused on what’s important for moving myself forward. 

My fella once referred to the constant whirl inside my head as a “beautiful storm”, which was profoundly flattering, and even a bit romantic.  I do try to remember his kind characterization, especially in my more scatterbrained moments, as it does provide me a wee bit of relief.  Instead of feeling like a complete freak, I end up feeling more like a creative genius with an endearing intellectual habit.  This can be quite comforting at times….

Other than groceries, the following is a partial list of the lists I maintain:

1. -To do – today, this week, this weekend, this month and this year….
2. -Ideas & plans  – including blog posts, creative projects and entrepreneurial directions
3. -Things to learn
4. -Experiences I want to have
5. -Places to see
6. -My favourite things
7. -Stuff to acquire – including furniture, clothing, household goods, and jewellery
8. -TV shows I would love to “pitch” if I had time
9. -Dream vacations
10. -Thoughtful gift ideas for those I love
11. -Shopping excursions – locally and beyond
12. -”Must Do” decorating
13. -”Aspire To” decorating
14. -Internet stops to make
15. -Movies to see
16. -Books to read
17. -Personal improvement objectives
18. -Why I’m grateful
19. -Things I want my daughter to know
20. -Wardrobe basics still outstanding
21. -Things to make time for
22. -Lists I need to make

(you get the idea…)

2. My Green Machine:

I don’t know how I would survive without my laptop.

Eighteen months ago, I finally decided to equip myself at home.  Prior to then, I had been more or less happy with a museum artifact for a home computer supplied by my employer for use on those few “work at home” days when productivity took precedent over my presence.  I would  bank online or surf only when necessary, and I viewed myself as a bit of a technophobe.  Interestingly, I was also feeling restless and uneasy about the direction my life was headed in.

Then, I heard leading social media marketer Mitch Joel of Twist Image at a conference.  I heard him loud and clear.  “The future is now!”  he said emphatically, and I was convinced.  After listening to him speak about the emergence of Web 2.0, I immediately left the building and went directly to inquire about the purchase of a laptop.  Looking back, this was a pivotal moment, and it precipitated a giant leap forward for me.  It was then that I realized the awesome enabling potential of the Internet. 

Shortly thereafter, I was the proud owner of a shiny new Dell – with a long list (as per above) of things I wanted to learn specific to the digital world.  In fact, my New Year’s resolution just last year was to sign up for Facebook, and then find out more about Flickr, Blurb, Etsy and E-Bay.

Anyway, it wasn’t long before the my laptop, the Internet and Google helped to transform both my outlook and my life.  I know it sounds dramatic, but if you consider that I have been blogging since June, I’m quite proud of the accomplishment. 

Once logged on, a world of possibility was revealed to me and I began to see paths and opportunities I hadn’t previously noticed.  To start, I signed up for a reader, uncovered a community of like-minded individuals, learned about blogging, and began to feel empowered.  Each step forward I took, I was confronted by obstacles – both real and perceived – and each and every time, a resolution could be found online.  By tapping into forums, by searching Google, or even by reading personal development blogs, my learning and development was fast, furious and undeniable.  Google became my catalogue for the Universe.  I could shop for, look at or learn whatever I wanted to, whenever a thought crossed my mind, and there was no limit to what could be found. 

Fast forward to now.  As it turns out, the kind of self-directed discovery that is facilitated online is perfect for someone like me (with a cerebral storm underway most days!).  Since acquiring my laptop, I have started a blog, rediscovered my passion for decorative design, signed up for school, learned to manage time more effectively, balanced my work and life, started to sketch,  taken my digital photography to a new level, dabbled in graphic design, begun to think seriously about a more creative and independent career,  and even imagined a different future.

Thanks to my green machine, I am no longer restless or uneasy.  I’m inspired, motivated and busily creating the life I imagine.

3. Vintage Living:

I confess to being a consumer by nature. In my own defence however, I also believe this is an essentially human instinct.  Since the dawn of civilization, our desire to surround ourselves with beauty has inspired the creation of art, decorative objects, furniture, architecture, clothing and jewellery.   Our collective appreciation of art, adornment and finery throughout history cuts across culture, class and geography, and unites us in the recognition that creativity has made a tangible contribution to the evolution of humanity.  Fighting the compulsion to create, share and acquire beautiful things seems to me like denying our capacity to love.

Anyway, we have all gone a bit overboard, and now this innate desire for beauty seems to have been replaced by a mad drive to accumulate useless crap.  This same stuff takes way too much energy, resources and cheap labour to manufacture.  While I too have been known to swoon over pretty things that sparkle or rationalize the acquisition of some shiny new little do-dad, I am increasingly uninspired when perusing the vast variety of available matter.  The sheer volume of goods that are produced for mass consumption astounds me, especially when considering that most of it will someday settle into a landfill somewhere. 

Instead, I have begun to develop a penchant for old things, and vintage living has become almost a philosophy for me.  I have grown to value longevity, quality and timelessness in just about everything I want – or need – to acquire, and most often, would rather sift through what has already been used to find what I’m looking for.  From cars and clothing to furniture and first editions, I believe that making “heirloom” choices can contribute to a more sustainable way of life, and that by learning to discern the treasures from trash, I can reduce my impact and enjoy life’s small luxuries.

Images from Wary Meyers and Domino Magazine.

Whether it be a junk shop, a thrift store, a garage sale, an antique market, a flea market, an auction or estate sale, finding vintage,  thrifted, or “upcycled” goods that inspire me while also serving a purpose  just suits me better than frequenting big box mall or the local dollar store.  So, when buying new, I try to get only what I know will last as long as possible and otherwise, I prefer to shop vintage. 

And, as my shopping habits have evolved, I’m pretty sure I have spent less and gained considerably.  My sense of personal style has strengthened, my environment has grown more reflective of who I am, and my little girlaboutOtown has even begun to eye up my wardrobe.   One day years from now, she may be able to wear what I have  acquired, as I often keep her in mind when making choices.

4.  Books and Magazines

Despite my stated belief in the virtues of vintage living, I’m not beyond reproach.  I love books and magazines, and can’t accept the notion that there will ever be such a thing as too many.   Over the years, I have wrestled with this addiction, through several phases of simplification and more than a few moves, but I have finally conceded.  While dragging several hundred pounds of books and magazines from place to place may have been bit embarrassing, there is no doubt that I do not regret keeping them.  I read and re-read regularly, and relish the thought of curling up and returning to them again soon.

Evidently, certain themes have emerged in my choices, and over time, I have curated quite a library of design & decorating, fashion and architecture related reading.  Add to these a decent supply of business & marketing, personal growth & development, and art & photography books, and it seems I have succeeded in surrounding myself with a real life collection that reflects my most enduring interests and passions. 

Currently, I subscribe to no less than 5 monthly periodicals, and shamelessly acquire both new and used  books as often as I can rationalize it.  My Amazon Wish List is among my top-five most visited bookmarks, and I am constantly adding to it.

 5.  My Home

It’s a little house on a corner, and it is different than most in town.  In fact, its “one of those things that not like the others”, and I suppose that is one reason I love it so much.  Off a main road and into a neighbourhood not known for trendy shops or tony real estate, my place sits under a pair of majestic white pine trees and is surrounded by an excess of peony bushes (is there such a thing?).  A bit out of place maybe, but right in the centre of the city, this little west coast craftsman style cottage feels a bit like cheating.  It is almost as though I have uncovered a little slice of California life right here in Ottawa, the thought of which makes me smile every day.

It is bright and sunny with a Southern exposure, and dotted with windows in every direction.  With wood floors, high ceilings and a cozy second floor that is only half height, this unique house will most definitely need its fair share of care and attention over time. But, it is a decorator’s dream.  I am never without hopes and aspirations for it, and I look forward to making it a more intimate, personal and happy home as I settle in through the years.

With its old-fashioned front porch, coloured stucco and symmetrical design, it is a charming and unpretentious retreat that is both comfortable and completely liveable.  Small spaces require a certain discipline, but they can be liberating as well.  Rather than feeling overwhelmed by too much cleaning or maintenance, I am inspired by the enormous potential of the house and excited to participate in its evolution.  As a former real estate junkie – who once had a constant eye out for the next house for sale that might be more suitable – I am profoundly satisfied to have found myself here at home.

My home is similar in look and feel to this historic craftsman style home in Richmond, British Columbia, from Bob_2006.

6.  Music:

Ok.  Last, but not least, I love music.  I am not a musician, a music historian, or an audiophile of any kind, but I do listen.  When I do,  it is because my soul demands it.

Music has always been a core component of my life, and its affect profound.  At times, I have felt a real communion with the universe through its sound, and I have been known to lose myself completely just listening.  I cry, or dance, or think deeply in these moments, and I am at once comforted and inspired by its  its cathartic power.  There are certain strains that will always lift my spirit, or lyrics that stir memories, and there are some songs that I simply must sing.

I don’t have a huge “High Fidelity” style collection, I haven’t bought an iTune yet, and I have no affinity for any particular genre.  Instead, I prefer to enjoy a diversity of melodies, harmonies and rhythms, and I like to listen alone.  That is not to say I don’t enjoy live music, or singing around a campfire, or even sharing in someone else’s experience, but when I am alone, and the music is loud, I am at peace.

Image source 

Is your space a true reflection of your interests, your preferences and your history?

Click here to find yourself at home….

                                  Aerin Lauder’s vanity, via Style Court.

Apparently, the construction of Greek furniture pieces was heavily influenced by the work of the Egyptians in materials and technique, although in style, ornamentation and motif, these pieces were quite distinct.  Oak, cedar, olive and boxwood as well as imported species such as maple and ebony were common building materials, with wood veneering, mortise & tenon joinery, and copper, bronze or iron metalwork frequently employed techniques.  It is also thought that leather and vegetable cords were woven to create seats, and that embroidered linens and animal skins may have been transformed into cushions.  Animal skin cushions eh?  No kidding!

Anyway, to this day these ancient classical forms provide a basis for modern western architecture and furniture design.  

For instance, the Klines was the precursor for our contemporary couch (for reclining, eating or sleeping of all things) and the simple, elegant Klismos, with its concave back, square seat and sabre legs, remains one of the world’s most popular – and most reproduced – chairs.  

Greek motifs have been the subject of numerous revivals and continue to be in fashion.  In particular, Greek keys have been popping up everywhere lately, from House Beautiful to design blogs like Apartment Therapy, Style Court and Elements of Style. 

So, what once was old is new again…

• With help from Furniture in History, by Leslie Pina.
• Image Credits:  Furniture Sketch from Furniture Styles, Greek Interior from waycoolpics.blogspot.com,  Martha Stewart Klismos Chair from Bernhardt Furniture, and Bathroom and Throw Cushion images courtesy of Domino.

Apparently, almost 90, 000 online votes in four areas including Food & Drink, Arts & Culture, Around Town and Local Lore were cast. In addition to the declared winners, several honourable mentions for each category were also determined.  You can check out the results here.

This annual list of Ottawa favourites offers truly interesting (albeit unscientific) perspective on how we in this town see ourselves… 

A perennial winner, The Manx Pub is always at the top of this list.  This year, this hidden gem (literally) – with its worn benches, bookish atmosphere and gallery of revolving art – took honours in 5 categories, including Best Appetizers/Tapas, Best Brunch, Best Cozy Nook, Best Pub and Best Bar Staff .  (1)

The Best Neighbourhood category went to Centretown, instead of the more predictable choices of  the Glebe or Westboro, each of which earned only honourable mentions from Ottawa voters in 2008.  

Adding to Centretown’s growing appeal is the Somerset footbridge, the Best Architectural Addition to the city this year, and Barrymore’s which ironically takes the title for Best Architectural Eyesore while also winning of the Best Night Out and Best Place to Hear Live Music.  (2)

As for furniture, would you believe Ottawa’s favourite source is IKEA?  This mass marketer of inexpensive basics topped the list for Best Furniture Store, with Phillip Van Leeuwen, EQ3 and second hand modern design curators Found Design rounding out the roster of runners up.  (3)

While we love our independent booksellers, with Octopus Books taking the top spot, along with honourable mentions for Collected Works, Nicholas Hoare Bookstore and The Book Bazaar, we definitely prefer our steak mainstream. 

The Keg won Best Steakhouse, and left local competitors Al’s Steakhouse, Hy’s Steakhouse, Empire Grill and Prime 360 to continue developing their niche markets.  (4)

In the category for Best Splurge, Beckta came out ahead, with runners up The Whalesbone Oyster House, Sweetgrass and Restaurant Ei8hteen also making the cut.  These destination restaurants have managed to successfully combine fine cuisine with just the right atmosphere and attract a steady stream of locals looking to indulge.  (5)

So what does all of this suggest?  Perhaps you know someone who fits the following description…if so, I would love to know!

1. Smart, but casual
2. Urban, with a slight edge
3. Practical, with a contemporary sensibility
4. Culturally open minded, but gastronomically risk adverse
5. Quietly extravagant, with a preference for substance over style 

Whenever possible grownups should go back to school.  Honest.

Anyway, the History of Furniture course has been quite an eye-opener, and I can safely say that my fascination with furniture has been fuelled.  I’ve had whole lot of homework though and it’s been really, really busy lately.  So - in the interest of time, I’ve combined efforts.  As I go, I hope share a few highlights from what I’ve learned….

Furniture in Ancient Egypt – 4000 B.C. – 300 B.C.

The ancient Egyptians were a culture obsessed with the afterlife.  It is because of this, and the very dry climate in the region, that we have come to understand as much about Egyptian furniture as we do.  With limitless budgets, wealthy Egyptians commissioned ornate handcrafted pieces to accompany them in death. The process of mummification successfully preserved a significant number of highly refined wooden pieces that can still be studied today, and these are an extraordinary compliment to information derived from remaining sculptures, paintings and papyrus writings.

While ordinary citizens of Egypt were surviving with a few crude essentials – from mud benches to blocks of stone or a timber chest – the wealthy were demanding a variety of furniture forms to serve several purposes.  In addition to basic stools, there were also chairs, tables, storage chests/coffers and beds being built with increasing sophistication.  

Certain characteristics, like straight backs or raised feet on cylinder pedestals, were indicative of social status – and many pieces featured animal feet pointed in the same direction. Interestingly, ancient Egypt was not resource rich with respect to suitable woods other than acacia, so many species such as ebony, cedar, ash, beech, cypress, elm, maple, pine, and oak were imported from Mediterranean, North African and West Asian countries.  Apparently, large scale importation was already underway as early as 2700 B.C.

Many of the construction techniques employed in ancient Egypt are still used in contemporary furniture making.  For instance, mortise & tenon and dovetail joints were common, as was butt, flat, tongue and groove, scarf, and mitre joinery.  Leather thongs or linen string were also tied to secure joints.  Dowels and pegs often connected distinct pieces, and nails were used to attach metal to wood.  Storage boxes were built using frame and panel method, and tables with a post and lintel design.

Aesthetically, high society Egyptian furniture was quite ornate, embellished often with religious or mythological symbols.  Pieces were inlaid with bone, ebony and other exotic woods, ivory, coloured glass and semi-precious stones.  They may have also featured low relief carvings, gesso, and gold or silver gilding.  Similar to hieroglyphics, decorative motifs included animals (scarab, serpent, vulture), and plants (lotus, palm, papyrus), as well as the ankh, the sphinx and the sun disk.  Clear or dark varnishes were used to further enhance pieces, as were paint, and marquetry.  

And this is just the beginning…

I just finished signing up for the “History of Furniture” and “Drawing Techniques” courses in the part-time Residential Decor Program at Alqonguin College.  I’m totally pumped!

I’ve been obsessed with interior design and decor for as long as I remember.  I have been dragging boxes of shelter magazines around with me for too many years to admit, in hopes of learning by osmosis, and have spent countless hours watching HGTV and reading design blogs like Desire to Inspire, Style Court, and Habitually Chic. I love to go back to my magazines over and over again.  I go for ideas and inspiration, for myself and when I am asked to help others, which I am pleased to say actually does happen. 

With interior design, there are so many possibilities; permutations and combinations of colours, textures, patterns and forms, and each composition expresses unique, individual tastes and preferences.  I am constantly amazed how some of my favourite designers like Celerie Kemble, Ruthie Sommers, and Schuyler Samperton can incorporate classic furniture, layer fabrics and create casual, comfortable but sophisticated rooms.  Design is a form of art as far as I am concerned, and those talented designers who can fashion beautiful, personal interior environments just make the world a better place!

Here is the room I imagine myself in as I write this… 

Image credit:  Domino Magazine

Inevitably, something irresistible will appear, I will inquire, and then the reality of my basement crammed with previous finds will bring me back to my senses.  Or, I will make the mistake of arranging for a weekend pick up, giving sellers the opportunity to make a better deal in the interim.  For proof, see this sad story about none other than yours truly, and take a good look at the fabulous chair I missed for exactly this reason!  No worries though, Kim from Desire to Inspire and I have since connected, and she was kind enough to point me towards another one.  All in time for me to come to my senses again! 

So, having already confessed to my furniture fetish, I thought I might share a few recent finds Kijiji.  There is so much good stuff out there to be rescued and recycled.  You just need to see the potential and use your imagination!  

◊ How about this great rattan table and chair set for $250?  Wouldn’t it look great painted a bright red, aqua or jet black with a fabulous, funky fabric for the cushions?  How about a zebra skin, a geometric, or a lattice by eco-friendly Rubie Green or even colourful tropical print like this one from Waverly?

◊ This retro chair and table set speaks for itself.  Potential realized.  No fix necessary.  Just a happy home where someone with bold style will show it off with pride!  

◊ More cool chairs. They’re leather and chrome, and come four for only 200$!  Sheesh.  Contrast these with a distressed farmhouse table and some nature inspired white pottery (like a couple of these from Jonathon Adler perhaps?) for a comfy look with a modern twist. 

I almost always come home with something fun, but typically don’t have too much trouble resisting the furniture.  While there are always pieces that could be easily rehabilitated, I just don’t have the space to warehouse finds in need of fixing. 

If I did though, I would have snapped up this sofa in a flash.  Look at its lines! For only $99, this could be salvaged and recovered into something divine.   I just can’t seem to get it off my mind…

Convention dictates that this should be covered in a solid neutral to ensure its enduring adaptability.  Instead, why not defy convention?  Imagine the possibilities…

For the classic types, colour always adds impact.  A sofa covered in this lovely rich velvet could easily be incorporated into a subdued, watery theme with of aqua, green and cream punctuated with dark antique woods and chinoiserie.  Add sparkle with a glass or mirrored tables, shiny lamps and a large scale soft toned traditional rug.  Antique Linen Velvet in Aqua by Schumacher.  

The liveliness of intricate patterns can be appealing to those more bohemian in their aesthetic. Try to envision a sofa covered in this hippy design in the midst of Morrocan tables, puddled silk drapes and overlapping kilims.  Layer artwork salon-style, candles and green palms to add personality and life.  For balance, throw in some sleek modernist lighting in a cool metal, and a low credenza. Bohemian Rhapsody in Cinnabar by Schumacher. 

Bold geometrics can excite those with more dramatic tastes. The sofa, with the wood antiqued white, and covered in this lattice motif would work well in a room with prominent architecture and carefully layered coordinated fabrics.  Additional furniture would best be arranged in symmetry and finished off with strongly coloured abstract artwork.    Chant in Brown with White, by Lulu DK Fabrics.

So, if you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to create something totally unique and personal, why not make a statement?