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Tag Archive | "Patio/Outdoor"

A Month in Provence

Sunday, June 19, 2011

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Yesterday I was invited for tea by a couple I've gotten to know through the blog. Among other things, they wanted me to see their front garden, which, for one glorious month each year, transforms their yard into a glimpse of Provence. The tall, deep purple flower spikes aren't lavendar but Woodland Sage (Salvia X Sylvestris); the flowers have little or no scent but they are definitely a feast for the eyes. What a pleasure, not just for the homeowners but for all of their lucky neighbours.

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D.O.T. Furniture: Bargain Brand Goes Elite

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

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There's nothing high-end about the D.O.T. Furniture brand, at least there wasn't until it opened its new location at the corner of Davenport Road and Dupont Street, just a stone's throw from Toronto's swish Designer's Walk. Featuring three floors of furnishings, much of it geared to the outdoors, D.O.T. Elite represents the retailer's attempt to raise its profile and its game. The showroom styling leaves a lot to be desired, particularly the lower level which looks more like a storage locker than a display space, but there are some good-looking pieces down there. In fact, I was quite taken with many of the store's outdoor offerings, especially the sexy DaVinci resin wicker set above and below with it's fab infinity sign coffee table.

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IDS 11: Celebrity City

Friday, January 28, 2011

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Last night was the big kick-off party for Toronto's 2011 Interior Design Show and I do mean BIG. I took nearly 300 photos but it will take me awhile to sift through and make sense of them, a job I plan to do on Saturday morning. In the meantime, I'll give you a taste of the star power lighting up the convention floor. It was great to chat with Sarah Richardson and design sidekick Tommy Smythe about their three small rooms, part of the Sibling Revelry exhibit. It was great to chat with Sarah Richardson and design sidekick Tommy Smythe about their three small rooms, part of the Sibling Revelry exhibit. Richardson and company created rooms around furniture designed by the star's brother Theo Richardson, who is one third of the hot New York design team, Rich Brilliant Willing. Using primary colours from Theos's furniture as their inspiration, Richardson's rooms were among the most vibrant and whimsical spaces in the show.

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Now That’s a Front Porch!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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My new apartment is in Toronto's rather swish Ave & Dav neighbourhood, home to Designers Walk and countless interior design studios and storefronts. More than anyone, designers are conscious of how critical first impressions really are and most of them do a pretty good job of it. Have you ever seen ornamental cabbages elevated to such luxurious heights? Designer Lori Morris's black and brick exterior screams respectability while the highly-detailed gate and portico confirm that this gal knows how to dress things up. Very impressive, just like the work on Morris's website, which is like crack cocaine to the shelter-porn addicted, albeit in a plush, creamy, Veranda sort of way; have a look.

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Prudence Pays Off For Marcelo and Magela

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

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Knowing that Marcelo is a professional landscaper, I expected a beautiful property that showcased his skills and talent. What I didn’t anticipate was the confidence with which stay-at-home Mom Mahela has decorated the interior of the couple’s lovely midtown home. With white, painted floors, strong wall colours and quality, mid-century furnishings the house feels fresh and stylish, exactly right for a young family of four.

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