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Blame it on Venus

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by Chris

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I had to laugh this morning when I checked my online horoscope and found the following description for the period July 1 - 18, 2011: "This is usually a peaceful time, when you will enjoy quiet hours at home, either alone or entertaining guests and feeling at ease. . . Redecorating is often undertaken under this influence. You want your home to be elegant or gay and light. Fortunately, you are usually quite sensitive and in tune with your inner feelings, so that your home decorating efforts should be satisfactory. Try to avoid the usual tendency to do things lavishly or expensively, and keep practical considerations in mind." As it happens, I enjoyed the July 1 long weekend so much that I decided to take this week off work. I've been enjoying quiet time at home completing projects and yes, redecorating.

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The Circle of Stuff

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 by Chris

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The world wide web is nothing if not tangled and, of course, endlessly surprising. While researching The Arthur I followed a link to another local blog called The Marion House Book where I saw the photo above (by Kristin Sjaarda) featuring what could very well be the school map of Canada that used to hang in my former home office. What's really weird is that the entry hall in the top pic belongs to a couple named Hayley and Greg, both described on the blog as journalists. It also so happens that I was interviewed by a Globe and Mail reporter named Hayley Mick for a story she was writing about second-hand bargain hunting. Marion House author Emma confirms that her Hayley is indeed my Hayley.

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Serendipity Saves the Lamps

Thursday, March 24, 2011 by Chris

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My lamp makeover question got so many comments and opinions I feel a duty to let you know how things turned out. I initially used two different kinds of paint, which blistered and cracked forcing me to strip and begin again. Also, the inside of the lamps was filthy and the only way to clean them was to completely disassemble them and hose them down. After taking them apart I put all the bits and pieces in a plastic bag so that nothing got separated or lost. This proved to be a stroke of luck because among the parts was a little brass ring that I forgot all about so it didn't get painted. In the end, I think the ring is what really makes them work.

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IDS 11: A Few of My Favorite Things

Saturday, January 29, 2011 by Chris

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I can't stress enough how subjective this list is, just a hodge podge of things I really loved as I made my way through the Toronto Convention Centre Thursday night during the IDS 11 opening night party. My friend Ingrid and I were there to have fun, not necessarily to do a thorough reporting job and I admit I missed a few things; for instance, we started on the wrong side of the hall so that by the time we got to the Studio North and Prototype displays -- often some of the best work in the show -- we were knackered and so not paying as much attention as we should have been. I've also broken my images into a few categories such as best displays, and a few posts dedicated to especially good products along with a trend piece, all to come in the next day or two; this morning I'm in a bit of a hurry.

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Vivid and Vibrant For 2011

Sunday, January 2, 2011 by Chris

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My dear readers, I was so busy soaking in stillness yesterday that I neglected to go online and wish you all a fantastic and fruitful 2011! The year just past was the most difficult of my life so far and I hope never to see the likes of it again. Yet, as bad as 2010 was for me, I still have lots to be grateful for and high on my list is styleNorth, which you continue to make possible through your support and encouragement. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. So what's with the photo? I had in mind to do a round-up of shelter mag predictions for the decor trends of the coming year and essentially it all boiled down to pattern and colour. I snapped the shot on a pre-Christmas stop at Fiori, one of Toronto's best accessory and flower shops and it seemed to sum up the decorating forecast. So whether you choose Suzani or stripes, orange, turquoise or honeysuckle (Pantone's colour of 2011), I wish you a vibrant and vivid 2011 -- take risks with your decorating and reap the rewards!

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