May 31, 2011

Going Gardening!

Today I'm playing in our backyard garden. We have lots of weeding to do and some veggie seeds to plant. I'm excited to use my nifty new turquoise watering can. 

It's supposed to be piping hot today! 
Can you foresee me lounging under a tree once it gets past three? Hmm... we'll see :)

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Henry Clarke in her garden at her home in Switzerland, 1971.

Dreaming of Domino Days

I've been feeling extremely nostalgic for Domino magazine and wish I could go back in time and scoop up all of the issues that I missed. Sadly, I only managed to keep 6, but luckily a quick google search brings up a bunch of still very fresh and always inspiring images from the domino back issues. 

The Premiere Issue- One of my favourite covers too!


I remember buying the premiere issue during my early college years in 2005 and reading it cover to cover. I was smitten. It was refreshing to see real homes with unique personality and character. It wasn't about fancy designer furniture and the latest, greatest trends, but about how to mix high and low in your own way and the importance of surrounding yourself with things that you love! 

In the premiere issue they shared with us their philosophy...
      

    Domino's Manifesto:
  • Home should make you happy
  • We swear by they 3 R's: Repaint, Repaper, Reupholster
  • Steal ideas from other peoples homes
  • Even the insides of closets and cabinets can be beautiful
  • It's Ok to not be finished
  • Trust your instincts always!
  • A chandelier is as timeless as a black dress
  • Renters need not be second class citizens
  • Sometimes your mistakes become your greatest inspirations
  • Don't be afraid to mix styles- (Louis XIV and Saarinen should hangout more)
  • When traveling skip the snapshot and buy something unique for the coffee table
  • Have Fun!!!

Looking back it's incredible how much joy that magazine brought me and how it continues to inspire me. I'm hoping to add the Domino Book of Decorating to my collection (It was published just a year before the magazine closed in 2009.) I have no doubt it will become a handy go-to-guide when decorating our new rented house (we just moved in this March!)





I have yet to find a print magazine comparable to Domino or anything worth subscribing to. What are your favourites? Have you found anything that comes close? I was thinking of subscribing to Anthology Magazine. Has anyone read their issues? What do you think? 



There are a few really neat online magazines that I enjoy, though they're just not the same as print because I can't rip out the inspiring pages! My favourites are Rue and Lonny. Believe it or not, Lonny was founded by two former Domino staffers (Michelle Adams, a former Market Assistant and Patrick Cline, photographer) and has a domino-esque feel to it which is a plus!








I've selected some of my most memorable Domino images...
Hope they inspire you like they did me :)






























































May 28, 2011

Playful Places and Colourful Spaces








You don't have to be a kid to enjoy these fun and cheerful little spaces. I love the bright colour schemes and quirky design elements. Why is it that as we grow older we sometimes lose our playfulness? As a young adult one of my biggest fears is growing up and losing my inner child. I never want to find I'm taking life too seriously, which is why I think it's important to decorate with a touch of whimsy, playfulness and humour. A home should ignite imagination and inspiration in all ages. Be bold and embrace your inner child style!