a well lived life...

Ombre - Shaded or graduated in tone

Summer has arrived in Vancouver, just in time for fall! But who can really complain...hot sunny days and evenings cooling off just enough to sleep. I have been inspired by my good friend Michelle's very stylish hair to take a closer look at the Ombre trend. I like how these images segue nicely from summer to fall as well...

Anthropologie

Fixtures Living

Friday, I had THE BEST experience shopping for plumbing fixtures and appliances with my San Diego client. Fixtures Living is like no other shopping experience. Upon arrival, we were offered cappuccinos, lattes or an Arnold Palmer (lemonade ice tea blend). As we walked around the showroom assisted by Raychel we were amazed at the vignettes and the product lines available. Fixtures Living quite smartly had local designers and builders create each of the individual bathroom and kitchens - showcasing not only their personal style, but beautiful tile and lighting available through San Diego suppliers, as well as the plumbing fixtures and appliances available at the showroom.

After narrowing down the style for the faucet and sinks and discussing appliance needs Raychel led us over to the restaurant where lunch was being served for everyone shopping at Living Fixtures on Friday! Over the course of our lunch two of the owners came over to introduce themselves and refill our Arnold Palmers.

Fixtures Living has really gone back to basics with their attitude towards customer services and how they treat their employees. I wouldn't hesitate to refer them more business in the future.

In September they are opening their third store in Costa Mesa. I can't wait to see it - apparently it is even better (if that is possible).

Exterior of San Diego Store

Love the wood sink

This rock wall is back lit.

These walls are steel with jade(?) carved medallions lit from behind.

Custom stainless steel sink and work area

Restaurant in Fixtures Living

Hacienda state of mind...

We are almost a month into summer, and in Vancouver I don't think we have seen a week of sunshine. On the one hand, I like to brag that Vancouverites look younger than our years (thanks to our dewy complexions), and on the flip side I am so thankful this summer for my California projects bringing me 80 degree temperatures and blue skies daily.

Between the heat and the hacienda I am reminded of last summer's three week holiday to Tuscany. Although my time is split between Vancouver and San Diego, and I am working long hours, it is easy to draw a parallel between the two locations. The home I am working on has me thinking of an architecture style that crosses between Old California, Spanish Colonial and Tuscan - while considering the client's European antiques, cleanlined upholstery and contemporary art collection.

Here are some inspiring villa's from around the world!

San Paolo - Italy

Casa Crystal - California

Costa Rica

Italy

Florence Italy

Mexico

Costa Rica

Florence Italy

Costa Rica

Villa Marchesa - Italy

Not a villa...but a very inspiring sight on Lake Como

Rancho Santa Fe

I have just started a new project with one of my favourite clients in California. I am excited about this for many reasons (not just the weather). My client has purchased a large hacienda style rancher with tons of potential. Here are a couple of photos to get started!

These pictures were taken when my client purchased the house. Over the years previous owners have eliminated the character of this home by painting out all the details in shades of beige.

I can't wait to add character and life back to these rooms!

Stay tuned for updated pictures over the next few months!

Painted Floors

Lately, I have been thinking about freshening up my home by painting the floors in the kitchen, living room and dining room. I have done some online research, and the general consensus seems to be that with proper preparation and patience in the execution, the finished results can be great.

Before beginning, I will definitely talk to my painting and hardwood finishing trades to get their opinions. My lifestyle involves casual entertaining with friends that always includes their dogs coming to visit mine, and this might prove to be a little hard on a painted finish. Then there are the high heel shoes....

Here are some great examples:

This is a geometric pattern using stain on hardwood from Elle Decor

Also from Elle Decor, this is a stained terracotta tiled floor

This is fun, rustic and modern at the same time. Pet friendly??

Wide Open Spaces

Another great pattern stained into a hardwood floor. I love it with the stair runner.

Unknown

House Beautiful

Outdoor Dining

Although I was very excited (and bragging to my East Coast friends) about the early spring blossoms here in Vancouver, I must admit, I am really tired of all the rain! I have found myself longing for a warm summer night to dine al fresco. It will be awhile here, nothing a quick trip to Mexico can't solve! Here are some of my favourites.

Vibia Light

Love Love Love this new addition to Vibia Light's exterior line. Called Halley, this is available in a few different forms and designed to take apart and transport. This is a must have for my patio this summer.

Vibia Light

AD April 2010

At a full city block in length, this New York penthouse has multiple terraces, including one devoted to outdoor dining. Interiors by MAC II.

Alexis Victoria Blog

If this is what camping looks like...I am in!

To do: Buy new notebook for meetings

On todays " To Do" list was to stop at 18Karat and pick up a couple more notebooks. For the past few years I have been using their suede unlined notebooks to take with me to all my meetings. Unfortunately they no longer seem to have them. I was however easily distracted by their gorgeous South Granville store. I absolutely love this vase and need to find a home for it...maybe mine.

Amorpha Bowl

So, then I started to think about where I could find a nice leather notebook - maybe refillable would make sense. Hermes came to mind....

These notebooks look really cute too. This is a set of 10 individual books presented in an archival box that when layed together in the right order create a beautiful Hermes scarf pattern.

Not that I was procrastinating today, but once I started to think about Hermes my mind wandered to the colour ORANGE in general. I have always been a fan although must admit, I have not introduced it to many client's homes. I love the use of orange in this Jeffrey Bilhuber interior. The paint colour and the drapery fabric look beautiful with the touches of brown and cream.

Coordinating the paint with the leather banquette looks great in Steven Shortridge's Venice home.

These headboards were the inspiration for a client's vacation home. I like the way single beds have designed to definitely be "grown up" in this bedroom.