Home Interior: Inspiration

Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Book Review: DIY Art at Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not planning to review books regularly but this one is too fabulous not to blog about.  You know I am a huge fan of DIY art - just check out my <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/p/diy-projects.html">DIY Projects</a> page for proof.  <em>DIY Art at Home: 28 Projects for Chic <span style="color: black;">Décor </span>on the Cheap</em> (which can be purchased on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DIY-Art-Home-Simple-Projects/dp/0823033341/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305036314&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> or borrowed from your library) is a fantastic guide for DIY wall décor.  I used the project photos for inspiration but for beginners, or even kids, there are fantastic step-by-step instructions and even a whole bunch of full size templates.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95qw5t60yj7SMPQ22dz-fJKkqbuP1y8ueBpk-bA-9BddsQEyTCb8_1CYkpqJyhywAiuJauGftX784RRdapESvHlA26eVUO3Cu8pyrQGJJbZ2EHbVlaRutj4cncDhzpBb_cspx_cc4y86x/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95qw5t60yj7SMPQ22dz-fJKkqbuP1y8ueBpk-bA-9BddsQEyTCb8_1CYkpqJyhywAiuJauGftX784RRdapESvHlA26eVUO3Cu8pyrQGJJbZ2EHbVlaRutj4cncDhzpBb_cspx_cc4y86x/s640/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ9p7oSS9LikjVrzRYxfMPTaKzBli0VXshasNgZgmIyD-ak5VD4o-ZdO-fVk0ANq7Z9K5v6Ncf7tyvJGpFiKV1O31g2BvhKAFaVN2pHw3JtBhyphenhyphenk7mf04LUN2ePNeTvNZVrzlwTNK3qaeX/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ9p7oSS9LikjVrzRYxfMPTaKzBli0VXshasNgZgmIyD-ak5VD4o-ZdO-fVk0ANq7Z9K5v6Ncf7tyvJGpFiKV1O31g2BvhKAFaVN2pHw3JtBhyphenhyphenk7mf04LUN2ePNeTvNZVrzlwTNK3qaeX/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pardon my low-tech "scanning" of the images</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nPKOlXsho-Jbt5Vu2oe2TjUaGNrlm3nuLOBA8kDuDrXJ-ooJre9Hujb4DHLl1Qp6RQGv3YSCObK3ePil6ZOiSRbIFUc7EJR_VjsmN7MlxpqAbfsGkHsY0BLMrpxE54R7clO7rJrHt4hd/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nPKOlXsho-Jbt5Vu2oe2TjUaGNrlm3nuLOBA8kDuDrXJ-ooJre9Hujb4DHLl1Qp6RQGv3YSCObK3ePil6ZOiSRbIFUc7EJR_VjsmN7MlxpqAbfsGkHsY0BLMrpxE54R7clO7rJrHt4hd/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosZd_AfjHLg00ptgw9xcgiB15piuakZx6IETkzLbrEkGt3tlFX83zRXB0d_ip8jEE7c3TXCKNl70lgkWZI45ObE2iLvHLcChAf0ugbFztcIbIo8g71PkD8z9iREmWzW4cOJXqjbJwBFym/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosZd_AfjHLg00ptgw9xcgiB15piuakZx6IETkzLbrEkGt3tlFX83zRXB0d_ip8jEE7c3TXCKNl70lgkWZI45ObE2iLvHLcChAf0ugbFztcIbIo8g71PkD8z9iREmWzW4cOJXqjbJwBFym/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_wntmrOZWL4Pnib7_JHWeDQF7IWbqg1RPEI4P7RtalsJdycO0rmxDpVDlOh1gwuPTXMydhssrIb58s5rNkg5KrZsxCUSD6dMHwFVCr4AgvN953RfJWIfie1ZJzmu_5nlDmfPowR0LNTX/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_wntmrOZWL4Pnib7_JHWeDQF7IWbqg1RPEI4P7RtalsJdycO0rmxDpVDlOh1gwuPTXMydhssrIb58s5rNkg5KrZsxCUSD6dMHwFVCr4AgvN953RfJWIfie1ZJzmu_5nlDmfPowR0LNTX/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous styling, right?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkH4UTgjpQ5qHdYprUAVrVBvnOPRi4B9zWHYX8qOwfoZj7jOm_j1TDUybyvM7eqNMEY69xGIELAH0TN0i3BqATk75ajtYoLUHEZYvaSVeUzyfBjUU2_qbR05P0CK4FhDp4EcIXthMOmIl/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkH4UTgjpQ5qHdYprUAVrVBvnOPRi4B9zWHYX8qOwfoZj7jOm_j1TDUybyvM7eqNMEY69xGIELAH0TN0i3BqATk75ajtYoLUHEZYvaSVeUzyfBjUU2_qbR05P0CK4FhDp4EcIXthMOmIl/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And look at the step by step instructions!</td></tr></tbody></table>

Book Review: DIY Art at Home

I'm not planning to review books regularly but this one is too fabulous not to blog about. You know I am a huge fan of DIY art - just c...

5:08 AM

More White + More Bright

You might have guessed from my recently revealed <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-half-bath-update.html">half bath makeover</a> that I'm on a mission to make the townhouse increasingly crisper.  More bright whites and more cheery pops of colour.  This little vingette is an excellent source of inspiration:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgoL5buoBDXWhB0acj9cNOQC2LZGWDdPpbU4qno6nHcBcY6cxXQP7sYOCVvV7KhlzQ5ZZJEXqTCMVJjezboSXVegHHRsr_B_jqDqDjfJjuILqbQJERoMcESpj7mnBFCgQlSlnBagUvvH1/s1600/dog+print+over+white+dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgoL5buoBDXWhB0acj9cNOQC2LZGWDdPpbU4qno6nHcBcY6cxXQP7sYOCVvV7KhlzQ5ZZJEXqTCMVJjezboSXVegHHRsr_B_jqDqDjfJjuILqbQJERoMcESpj7mnBFCgQlSlnBagUvvH1/s640/dog+print+over+white+dresser.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/04/sneak-peek-emily-andrew-de-stefano.html">Design Sponge</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Plus, the artwork counts as a silhouette - officially completing the trifecta of things I love: bright, white, silhouette.

More White + More Bright

You might have guessed from my recently revealed half bath makeover that I'm on a mission to make the townhouse increasingly crisper. ...

6:05 AM

Inspiration: Mellow Room

Minus the toy dinosaurs and I'm all over this.  Must be soooo easy to dust. . .  <br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lzEtkg1aSn5B22ceMpeN9T8V-yyDvYgFvBDKsOZrQs_8576g0hO7vgY8Oo0BoOFu2iXkUODd0oVcHwRYrqe-GavaSqkGEf2TX8c-diUNRUo7siQE6EobA6WJRmOv1Q7rA3QUeQ5PfjCj/s1600/ochre+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lzEtkg1aSn5B22ceMpeN9T8V-yyDvYgFvBDKsOZrQs_8576g0hO7vgY8Oo0BoOFu2iXkUODd0oVcHwRYrqe-GavaSqkGEf2TX8c-diUNRUo7siQE6EobA6WJRmOv1Q7rA3QUeQ5PfjCj/s640/ochre+wall.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homedesigndecorating.com/contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking/interior-desing-from-contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking">Home Design Decorating</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bTSXGqIJu82Ma9qKPqG7klRv2b8JL7wYXLh7L1OAWMWfNCjU3vTchitAg-mtat1b9mFNsbRFW2KxejSR1clklnIScpaozict-fz1oykFzbIWAYey1LqspesF7RBNORa6eFMuVadufbmy/s1600/ochre+wall+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bTSXGqIJu82Ma9qKPqG7klRv2b8JL7wYXLh7L1OAWMWfNCjU3vTchitAg-mtat1b9mFNsbRFW2KxejSR1clklnIScpaozict-fz1oykFzbIWAYey1LqspesF7RBNORa6eFMuVadufbmy/s640/ochre+wall+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homedesigndecorating.com/contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking/interior-desing-from-contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking">Home Design Decorating</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWzDzUkrm8U1R52eSaIf02NELA_ragG55DGCu_FUVsdwPmH6ymXO57YbhdehhGXyMPmKJcWxdfxW3aFWYOai36efdhelt3Z8vEh936BTocni0FPbhcCPS8xKr55Z-kARWuvFyMfVIlB5/s1600/ochre+wall+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWzDzUkrm8U1R52eSaIf02NELA_ragG55DGCu_FUVsdwPmH6ymXO57YbhdehhGXyMPmKJcWxdfxW3aFWYOai36efdhelt3Z8vEh936BTocni0FPbhcCPS8xKr55Z-kARWuvFyMfVIlB5/s640/ochre+wall+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homedesigndecorating.com/contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking/interior-desing-from-contemporary-patio-house-with-bright-yellow-exterior-looking">Home Design Decorating</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Inspiration: Mellow Room

Minus the toy dinosaurs and I'm all over this. Must be soooo easy to dust. . . Home Design Decorating Home Design Decorating Home ...

7:13 AM

David Stark in Our Bathroom

This <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/david-stark-soup-can-e590/?cm_src=rel">David Stark for West Elm</a> series reimagines everyday staples, like a soup can, into gorgeous, creamy white porcelain.  I think the pieces are meant for flowers or edible goodies, but I bought some for our <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/half-bath-fresh-start.html">stalled guest half bath</a>, for soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries.  The largest dish will be a great spot for guests to put their cans of shaving cream or hairspray.  I'm a super cautious about not putting metal things on the marble because rust is its only known enemy - it can really stain.  <br /><br />I spent yesterday working on a simple art project for the bathroom.  I hope to post some photos this week and re-classify the undecorated bathroom as "done"!  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS5JePvi6NTharEEHwmKiTmDhLpB_WWeUj_sT2RLzP3JQO9OGFEjC5eIvsFeEBh805W6mt781E3mtJig9LlIcD9JpkD657Bqd43q8x4LSBv1ofDOZHdnaF_5Q2o3rTi018TY_zj54BVX3/s1600/David+Stark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS5JePvi6NTharEEHwmKiTmDhLpB_WWeUj_sT2RLzP3JQO9OGFEjC5eIvsFeEBh805W6mt781E3mtJig9LlIcD9JpkD657Bqd43q8x4LSBv1ofDOZHdnaF_5Q2o3rTi018TY_zj54BVX3/s400/David+Stark.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/david-stark-soup-can-e590/?cm_src=rel">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOzpdwgO07yNQPtzDm7ymPb8NFNncyv0y_KsOSjUZvvpGuYFPRmG3rz5v_VE1pn7fnfcGf5prxS4LC5Tasb4hVKLvyKFaN_mN0H4N-lTQsgW7ar4l0VUgHCszdGP8LpuMGuCpkE3ww1N/s1600/David+Stark+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOzpdwgO07yNQPtzDm7ymPb8NFNncyv0y_KsOSjUZvvpGuYFPRmG3rz5v_VE1pn7fnfcGf5prxS4LC5Tasb4hVKLvyKFaN_mN0H4N-lTQsgW7ar4l0VUgHCszdGP8LpuMGuCpkE3ww1N/s400/David+Stark+II.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/david-stark-soup-can-e590/?cm_src=rel">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeuUPN4ujfKjqQG7tjF8_6c5rppOBj6KFz2dN41PvnpSSxI30CdDAUBU5jSOG_gKw3VwTZqZP4-Sj8kRg5osatcZHi5ETtzq8rqrOWjC30v0QLYKmNGIeSEZucFoWUSZir_WHqdWqqId5/s1600/David+Stark+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeuUPN4ujfKjqQG7tjF8_6c5rppOBj6KFz2dN41PvnpSSxI30CdDAUBU5jSOG_gKw3VwTZqZP4-Sj8kRg5osatcZHi5ETtzq8rqrOWjC30v0QLYKmNGIeSEZucFoWUSZir_WHqdWqqId5/s400/David+Stark+III.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/david-stark-soup-can-e590/?cm_src=rel">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

David Stark in Our Bathroom

This David Stark for West Elm series reimagines everyday staples, like a soup can, into gorgeous, creamy white porcelain. I think the piec...

7:00 AM

Art Attack: Lime Green Abstract

Mmmmm.  This painting really tickles me.  Who am I kidding?  I am salivating over the entire bathroom.  I'd be thrilled if I could just have that doorknob.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ7aBP5nKskYGOPQ-KjyTL8fsU0YI3szpHz57qWx_E43rX7gkNNj2N4SabGE-QXGICQkLDMdXd5xQ0CxbouRCoTrkFmjOE1YhbaNIYhPVyhNtZ96LJCUoHkbVqaSEadGxg3qVylSS70VD/s1600/green+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ7aBP5nKskYGOPQ-KjyTL8fsU0YI3szpHz57qWx_E43rX7gkNNj2N4SabGE-QXGICQkLDMdXd5xQ0CxbouRCoTrkFmjOE1YhbaNIYhPVyhNtZ96LJCUoHkbVqaSEadGxg3qVylSS70VD/s640/green+art.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Style at Home <a href="http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2010/03/5-bathroom-trends.html">Via Marcus Design</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Although I love bright green and have blogged about it tirelessly and shamelessly, there isn't that much bright green in the townhouse.  I tend to commit more easily to the turquoises, teals and <em>pale</em> greens.  But I'm feeling less lusty and more satiated now that I finally gave the townhouse a nice dose of bright green via <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-needle-felted-art.html">my DIY'd felted wool art</a> (that I also seem to blog about shamelessly):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe06SOn7hYNFQgpu4leD3VwwpDg0E3TdEoY6H-ql2Gl7j57-yeOK2Mt9iQnCbkR2oUpea8NntDjEo73DtNthfR0ocPsdSqCITamBiF9zvh5AmRgG2iP6iU5DAlYZutZ5YgmF9K3uek39iR/s1600/175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe06SOn7hYNFQgpu4leD3VwwpDg0E3TdEoY6H-ql2Gl7j57-yeOK2Mt9iQnCbkR2oUpea8NntDjEo73DtNthfR0ocPsdSqCITamBiF9zvh5AmRgG2iP6iU5DAlYZutZ5YgmF9K3uek39iR/s640/175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BDlf-ewS_4GqkN5O6CpASHdVV7qOBKkXCITPSaZRWSeuy1hjPKf_MA2Ji9tJSURYpEUB8sIfgcr7fFHCw7zBdGLVFwqgmpR1uHEt_1uy9uNkgrgta68fsddSJFX4sBEJjXqprGB_m58J/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BDlf-ewS_4GqkN5O6CpASHdVV7qOBKkXCITPSaZRWSeuy1hjPKf_MA2Ji9tJSURYpEUB8sIfgcr7fFHCw7zBdGLVFwqgmpR1uHEt_1uy9uNkgrgta68fsddSJFX4sBEJjXqprGB_m58J/s640/004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Ahhhhh.

Art Attack: Lime Green Abstract

Mmmmm. This painting really tickles me. Who am I kidding? I am salivating over the entire bathroom. I'd be thrilled if I could just ...

6:21 AM

Maira Kalman And The Library

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKzNQrZf7oQ/TdSw0Vku_fI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/FAhxP81UTr8/s1600/Picture+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKzNQrZf7oQ/TdSw0Vku_fI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/FAhxP81UTr8/s1600/Picture+16.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a true lover of books and mother who teaches her child at home (Yes, that's right!) I LOVE libraries! I want to inspire Liam to love books too, so I'm fawning over these photos of <i><a href="http://www.mairakalman.com/">Maira Kalman's</a></i> designs in a <i><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/03/13/arts/design/03142009-mural-slideshow_index.html">New York public school library</a></i>. Ooh, I love when two of my favorite things meet! <i><a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2008/03/maira-kalman.html">Kalman</a></i> and a library, yeah!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0lasBd6tk/TdSw7PYB0fI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/jrNVbkbJHT0/s1600/Picture+15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ux0lasBd6tk/TdSw7PYB0fI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/jrNVbkbJHT0/s1600/Picture+15.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several artists collaborated with a few Bronx schools to design their libraries. The results are fantastic! Check out the video to get a behind-the-scenes view of Kalman's process. Love it:) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HToRgMyYz6c/TdSxDZta6xI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/Tt6GwNPkPCI/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HToRgMyYz6c/TdSxDZta6xI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/Tt6GwNPkPCI/s1600/Picture+11.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="442" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P7KDSFQy5Mk" width="550"></iframe></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Found via </span><i><a href="http://notetoself.typepad.com/note_to_self/2011/05/maira-kalman-does-ps-47.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note To Self</span></a></i></div>

Maira Kalman And The Library

As a true lover of books and mother who teaches her child at home (Yes, that's right!) I LOVE libraries! I want to inspire Liam to love ...

8:35 AM

It is a Parliament

Although West Elm wrongly referred to a group of owls as a flock in their <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-owls-a931/?pkey=gsummer-whites">online description</a> (the collective noun for a group of owls is a parliament), I still long for one of their <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-owls-a931/?pkey=gsummer-whites">glazed ceramic owls</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9nWqvTmP6qod0OXCe078yZQDDnmIJQ5p_Rm-e5BJs4mf1i_BUw7WgFlb51tXxCLBL9cJ_nPdleRffu-nVI7kyxTnxx3OcvlErzOcpG3vcPTaB9AN2vhQv4KQnSPSeeVXxrEPnnbwa8HL/s1600/West+Elm+Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9nWqvTmP6qod0OXCe078yZQDDnmIJQ5p_Rm-e5BJs4mf1i_BUw7WgFlb51tXxCLBL9cJ_nPdleRffu-nVI7kyxTnxx3OcvlErzOcpG3vcPTaB9AN2vhQv4KQnSPSeeVXxrEPnnbwa8HL/s400/West+Elm+Owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-owls-a931/?pkey=gsummer-whites">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5OvLHnS9aBwQq5qoAOW_YjSFexlC70-hJmz8XW_HxzpYLLsSIQUagVg7_8iaoybH_GNsbHtbnJq_ZepXhEDZXyFjquCRtKKEYUv5dcrpJQ8SWGwk6Xw23AMzWZDXmZwVMX0vgUuvPokU/s1600/West+Elm+Owl+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5OvLHnS9aBwQq5qoAOW_YjSFexlC70-hJmz8XW_HxzpYLLsSIQUagVg7_8iaoybH_GNsbHtbnJq_ZepXhEDZXyFjquCRtKKEYUv5dcrpJQ8SWGwk6Xw23AMzWZDXmZwVMX0vgUuvPokU/s400/West+Elm+Owl+II.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-owls-a931/?pkey=gsummer-whites">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />BUT even though I was in a West Elm store last week (while in Houston), fondling all of the merchandise, I exercised restraint and did not buy an owl (or three).  Even with Hubby following me around cawing, "<em>put on a bird in it</em>!"  I never should have shown him the video, he loves it too much.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0XM3vWJmpfo?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>

It is a Parliament

Although West Elm wrongly referred to a group of owls as a flock in their online description (the collective noun for a group of owls is a ...

3:15 AM

Stylish Houston Office

I am back in Canada, safe and sound.  Yay (except it is raining and cold, of course).  I still want to share a couple more nifty things I found/saw/bought in Houston, then I promise to blog about a few DIY projects I'm putting the finishing touches on.  <br /><br />This post is about an actual workplace office, not a home office, that has some serious style. Wandering around downtown Houston last week, we stumbled across the <a href="http://www.houstonpavilions.com/">Houston Pavillions</a>, which, although kind of deserted, is home to the inspiring office space of NRG. Peering through the windows, we thought the space was some kind of hotel lounge or something and had no idea what NRG meant. Later, reading a Downtown Houston magazine, I realized NRG Energy is an independent power producer.  Silly Canadian: N. R. G.  Energy.  Get it?  I sure didn't.  If you're curious, you can read more <a href="http://downtownhouston.org/news/article/green-ambitions/">here</a>, but I just want to ogle the office space.<br />  <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsedCn9zsuAdKmRmUHRLKc5mTzWgbvFqVe3XeBrg2F3uNYGwlV4ZDwy5yjK4hf91KYhbSLZrFZBwfX4uXuHcXDKqZnjvdf9_qmpQJ0j8yScPgk19VZp9_fqtRWqVp-bVVkKuTd9CbDpJI/s1600/NRG+Houston+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsedCn9zsuAdKmRmUHRLKc5mTzWgbvFqVe3XeBrg2F3uNYGwlV4ZDwy5yjK4hf91KYhbSLZrFZBwfX4uXuHcXDKqZnjvdf9_qmpQJ0j8yScPgk19VZp9_fqtRWqVp-bVVkKuTd9CbDpJI/s400/NRG+Houston+II.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downtownhouston.org/news/article/green-ambitions/">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwQrK3aVm3gkUvlTrn6eXZ9aRmZjjMEFnf1hUgA_yVmUaHWf7ivkNI1R1CSBm2xDVvkT6-v8odyJO-_Wgemt33kdk29lk7uc_DxjuYTX506p-IF5byy1LMBxZ4R7Rm48FRXGWnncQjxqm/s1600/NRG+Houston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwQrK3aVm3gkUvlTrn6eXZ9aRmZjjMEFnf1hUgA_yVmUaHWf7ivkNI1R1CSBm2xDVvkT6-v8odyJO-_Wgemt33kdk29lk7uc_DxjuYTX506p-IF5byy1LMBxZ4R7Rm48FRXGWnncQjxqm/s400/NRG+Houston.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downtownhouston.org/news/article/green-ambitions/">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>So bold.

Stylish Houston Office

I am back in Canada, safe and sound. Yay (except it is raining and cold, of course). I still want to share a couple more nifty things I fo...

9:14 PM

Fabulous Inspiration: Laura U Collection

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, Thursday was a tad frustrating.  First, my purse broke - and it is only a month old, plus it wasn't cheap (well, I guess it was, but the price didn't match the shoddy quality).  Then, Anthropologie didn't have <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/05/gorgeous-anthropologie-vase.html">the vase I was ogling online</a>.  But, really, this was nothing because then I WAS REAR ENDED by a Houstonian.  Happily, I'm okay (except for some lingering neck pain) and the other driver is okay and my rental car is okay-ish.  The other driver's car has flip up headlights that now permanently wink, but this is me not caring.  To top off the day, as you know, blogger was acting wonky and deleted a whole bunch of lovely comments.  And fellow bloggers can attest to how much we (at least me) <em>live</em> for nice comments.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But there's an upside.  In my cruising about the city of Houston I have found a great deal of inspiration, like <a href="http://www.laurau.com/collection.php">the Laura U Collection</a>, a storefront to compliment designer <a href="http://www.laurau.com/meet.php">Laura Umansky's</a> design studio.  Check out a few of my favorite spaces from her captivating <a href="http://www.laurau.com/residential.php">portfolio</a>.    </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmewAXMJseyzd6QvIAelobRMDvTZrbeoBg8K-KtKAGVDevrMAzzVQD1DB0Wade4g8Ic6l1PEhPZfzJBrOHodHx7LwlotAcZt1B5be-FJUtkUBug-97JGV_jpYjIrbQMcBq6igSBRnbqx-X/s1600/laurau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmewAXMJseyzd6QvIAelobRMDvTZrbeoBg8K-KtKAGVDevrMAzzVQD1DB0Wade4g8Ic6l1PEhPZfzJBrOHodHx7LwlotAcZt1B5be-FJUtkUBug-97JGV_jpYjIrbQMcBq6igSBRnbqx-X/s640/laurau.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz9nohU4MvOyT6xe5ri-LnKHYXM6ADx_mU-HfnP0S26ITFuoraBrHYtT0TjtImCcmR2jWgqlP67vewRanlEVwCDyssJaow7nFLhsm29yeHQazJIt7KHrIoHNbT-UeHm7TLETItXazCNok/s1600/laura+u+white+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz9nohU4MvOyT6xe5ri-LnKHYXM6ADx_mU-HfnP0S26ITFuoraBrHYtT0TjtImCcmR2jWgqlP67vewRanlEVwCDyssJaow7nFLhsm29yeHQazJIt7KHrIoHNbT-UeHm7TLETItXazCNok/s640/laura+u+white+kitchen.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T9IwhOsPpt2t87re2_sqD_y-ec1cv1oAXmIT4vztZ4x4DQFcV5GyU1MqDEWjsx8TFDTMq0zUZl5ACzc5qLTWzj8meV9TUtfDvo_FZMSZza5z8iIX33mVErBu-0hG6gQubSFVu3EdpVQo/s1600/laura+u+white+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T9IwhOsPpt2t87re2_sqD_y-ec1cv1oAXmIT4vztZ4x4DQFcV5GyU1MqDEWjsx8TFDTMq0zUZl5ACzc5qLTWzj8meV9TUtfDvo_FZMSZza5z8iIX33mVErBu-0hG6gQubSFVu3EdpVQo/s640/laura+u+white+living+room.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjSuYcE0eSOASXcLgp6G1nX8XPLWxqTghPkydZDN6KY_Mxdd79Db35V9Zi4R-LFS8PROG1ap4wKLsU4qBRKPnXoBCfp1OjG-97urUvChCDrdywKhIwwwUaoE7hiGg0zwtHTsU0l-zxUDY/s1600/laura+u+white+and+cream+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjSuYcE0eSOASXcLgp6G1nX8XPLWxqTghPkydZDN6KY_Mxdd79Db35V9Zi4R-LFS8PROG1ap4wKLsU4qBRKPnXoBCfp1OjG-97urUvChCDrdywKhIwwwUaoE7hiGg0zwtHTsU0l-zxUDY/s640/laura+u+white+and+cream+living+room.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Fabulous Inspiration: Laura U Collection

So, Thursday was a tad frustrating. First, my purse broke - and it is only a month old, plus it wasn't cheap (well, I guess it was, but...

6:46 PM

Gorgeous Anthropologie Vase

Any blogger users know that blogger was down for awhile.  As a result, many of  the lovely comments you left (and this post) were deleted.  BAH!  I'm re-posting this and will follow-up with a brand new post soon.  <br /><br />While checking out shops in Houston, I found the high style big box central, <a href="http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/">Highland Village</a>.  Among the trendy home stores like West Elm and Restoration Hardware there is, no suprise, an Anthropologie.  Honestly, I haven't been blown away by Anthropologie in the past.  Sometimes the look cultivated in the stores and online looks too forced.  Is that harsh?  Well, previous opinions aside, I fell in with love this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=073882&catId=HOME-ROOM&pushId=HOME-ROOM&popId=HOME&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=102&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&subCategoryId=HOME-WALL-VASES">Curvy Chrysanthemum Vase</a> online:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOWIanMUifT_ZL9YSShznkQ-fVR-DlQTcNJn1p4c5_JmZDMbkJRQ60rUFOT-nNyRkjJyDGthnpXDDOCo861czXyKah98w5qSYAnjkvdQwj_lDRmPfGdebOtEW3fDKMqF2zXJu5nnS8_D7/s1600/Anthro+Vase+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOWIanMUifT_ZL9YSShznkQ-fVR-DlQTcNJn1p4c5_JmZDMbkJRQ60rUFOT-nNyRkjJyDGthnpXDDOCo861czXyKah98w5qSYAnjkvdQwj_lDRmPfGdebOtEW3fDKMqF2zXJu5nnS8_D7/s640/Anthro+Vase+II.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=073882&catId=HOME-ROOM&pushId=HOME-ROOM&popId=HOME&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=102&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&subCategoryId=HOME-WALL-VASES">Photo Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTv8aDBPx2aKM4N2Mw5uzwKj3B3r1v-TrrlKweElM1TJCmRC06Digv0D2bA2ElEhL4P26XkY06-NCWhyphenhyphen2QQSGnUFkHiH0DrcVUmbc8gxGGVThypVSk3g8aDqdk4R6FHIH_O0nyMP43YN/s1600/Anthro+Vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTv8aDBPx2aKM4N2Mw5uzwKj3B3r1v-TrrlKweElM1TJCmRC06Digv0D2bA2ElEhL4P26XkY06-NCWhyphenhyphen2QQSGnUFkHiH0DrcVUmbc8gxGGVThypVSk3g8aDqdk4R6FHIH_O0nyMP43YN/s640/Anthro+Vase.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=073882&catId=HOME-ROOM&pushId=HOME-ROOM&popId=HOME&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=102&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&subCategoryId=HOME-WALL-VASES">Photo Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>  <br />Aqua plus a red sculptural flower?  Yes please.  I'm going to give Anthropologie another try tomorrow afternoon.  For the air conditioning, if nothing else.  Then I'm off in search of local shops and galleries!!

Gorgeous Anthropologie Vase

Any blogger users know that blogger was down for awhile. As a result, many of the lovely comments you left (and this post) were deleted. ...

6:16 PM

Where in the World is Tanya?

She's not in Canada anymore!  Hubby & I are in Houston, Texas!  Woo-hoo.  An entire week without me complaining about how wet and rainy and snowy it is.  I have five posts in mind about how freakin' hot it is, instead!  Just kidding.  Althought it seriously is like living in an oven.<br /><br />But I have even more exciting news than just being across the border.  Yesterday we drove to Dallas and met Dana from <a href="http://mid2mod.blogspot.com/">mid2mod</a>!  If you have been following <a href="http://mid2mod.blogspot.com/">her blog</a>, you've probably guessed that she is incredibly knowledgeable, interesting and kind, with a great sense of humour - and you'd be right!  We had the best time chatting with her and her lovely family.  The <a href="http://mid2mod.com/">mid2mod store</a> is also fantastic - a perfectly curated selection of mid-century design in a bright and airy setting.  It is a shame that I can't fit much into my tiny assortment of carry-on baggage.  If you go, bring an empty suitcase or a U-Haul truck.  <br /><br />I currently cannot find the magic cord that connects the camera to the laptop and makes the photos go "whoosh" into blogger (that's the technical term, right?) so I won't be bloggin' about Texas just yet.  <br /><br />But Texans sure are stylish.  Check out this gorgeous space I randomly found online, while checking out some tourist-y things to do:      <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dqqvOO6b1qxOoCUD7q9P6QiVskZTSmnrJjehzxvB3OAVBToI3m0WOvssFecyPVYamzZZXdDv20dIX8V9opQ5Ec8u0EYD8iOm-55mtqxVYD_EGTmo5YKILTp2eGxAeB2mE8wjRR8mKyCD/s1600/houston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dqqvOO6b1qxOoCUD7q9P6QiVskZTSmnrJjehzxvB3OAVBToI3m0WOvssFecyPVYamzZZXdDv20dIX8V9opQ5Ec8u0EYD8iOm-55mtqxVYD_EGTmo5YKILTp2eGxAeB2mE8wjRR8mKyCD/s400/houston.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downtownhouston.org/">Photo Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Where in the World is Tanya?

She's not in Canada anymore! Hubby & I are in Houston, Texas! Woo-hoo. An entire week without me complaining about how wet and ra...

6:03 AM

Shocking News

This post features artwork that is <em>not</em> abstract.  Alert the media.  Hmmm, wait a sec.  Alert the media if I actually <em>produce</em> something that isn't abstract . . . and you might not actually have to wait <em>that</em> long.  Hint.<br /><br />Anyway, check out the gorgeous styling below.  The backdrop of creamy whites and mid-century mod furnishings really makes the rich colours of the artwork pop.  Kind of what I'm going for, but I need more whites and brighter pops of artwork.  My pieces meet too much in the middle.  I'll file this away for inspiration!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ceUSW1kxOmCYorbkUwwJcBGn3ItabIRAxs3bmD5mh8uHmZ6xyy-eoYHdebmQzrOF4qv6NJ9fv-UKHA3Mk4ZfzDoZVkhtXVTZZ-sPkgDXeTgvqsv06dUJ_O_D1LEVVYoUfdjcSnW5cUin/s1600/yellowart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ceUSW1kxOmCYorbkUwwJcBGn3ItabIRAxs3bmD5mh8uHmZ6xyy-eoYHdebmQzrOF4qv6NJ9fv-UKHA3Mk4ZfzDoZVkhtXVTZZ-sPkgDXeTgvqsv06dUJ_O_D1LEVVYoUfdjcSnW5cUin/s400/yellowart.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhaus.blogspot.com/2011/02/possible-reasons-i-havent-been-blogging.html?showComment=1303434345891#c7257197380543679549">Modern Haus</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Shocking News

This post features artwork that is not abstract. Alert the media. Hmmm, wait a sec. Alert the media if I actually produce something tha...

4:25 PM

A Kitchen I Love That is Not White

You know how I constantly whine about wanting white kitchen cabinets, even though I painstakingly re-varnished ours (the project is filed under the DIY projects tab <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/p/diy-projects.html">here</a>)?  I know, I know, my mind works in mysterious ways.  Well, I think I might be over white cabinets (okay, not really) because this blush-y beige-y colour, especially paired with vintage inspired pink, is too fabulous an alternative to ignore.  Thanks Martha, like I couldn't find enough things to pine for on my own.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdZD0R5mddDvxz6I6m3sPdpAwo7X9P-NHA8o3lhC3lLetrHs0mXAL0oDTZblaGyxZhtOsLQj3r2dUCT0CWGFnQueyIustCUGoHm0mtTvJmQQInAMuz4is44fa4hAEBXN4buRDVZoQYOG1/s1600/martha+stewart+pink+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdZD0R5mddDvxz6I6m3sPdpAwo7X9P-NHA8o3lhC3lLetrHs0mXAL0oDTZblaGyxZhtOsLQj3r2dUCT0CWGFnQueyIustCUGoHm0mtTvJmQQInAMuz4is44fa4hAEBXN4buRDVZoQYOG1/s640/martha+stewart+pink+kitchen.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/pink-rooms#slide_5">Martha Stewart</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bah.  I need to pen a blog that doesn't make me <em>want </em>things.

A Kitchen I Love That is Not White

You know how I constantly whine about wanting white kitchen cabinets, even though I painstakingly re-varnished ours (the project is filed un...

6:09 PM

Orange + Green

= Spring! (Well, spring inspired).<br /><br />I'm <em>really</em> loving the combination of a bright spring green with a citrus-y orange.  Check out the fabulous wallpaper in the second photo!  <br /><br />Do you find you prefer different colour palettes depending on the season?  You know me & my penchant for warmer weather.  I think I'm always looking for ways to make the townhouse look cheerier and sunnier and colour plays a major role in that mission.  Last month the <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/grown-up-pastels.html">grown-up pastels</a> I admired hinted at spring and I've already had my eye on this<a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/green-with-envy.html"> great shade of leaf-y green</a>.  But now I'm seeing that a hit of bright orange is a dreamy addition and really warms up a space.  But I think I have to try to choose shades as bold as those in my inspiration folder . . .   <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn1iOvIjgt_E6JFIQkLwDI2cdIL5GFdRxWt8lc0Cz1HXIJKIyGG0c7s67E-01u0J1LWignBzWzBHZ4VEq4oJbr2lC6_YakJVwgShsx2V84yjiD2mCxHCgRfivjHg3RErB55bflIEwyP58/s1600/green+walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn1iOvIjgt_E6JFIQkLwDI2cdIL5GFdRxWt8lc0Cz1HXIJKIyGG0c7s67E-01u0J1LWignBzWzBHZ4VEq4oJbr2lC6_YakJVwgShsx2V84yjiD2mCxHCgRfivjHg3RErB55bflIEwyP58/s640/green+walls.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/inspiration/brightly-colored-storage--144917?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28Main%29">Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaer1sjCChzRphl8xITc1ucWPNmsDY0siUJmykW_D-IZaf1_60CZZVM6VdAX4d0iabJlamLaSl42ZYQytGWqXgbkk7ebCJXhqlvGKe20VPZaUHk5ulTrtw6Ckv_KoJNOjWYZsYNIxHvhrj/s1600/green_orange+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaer1sjCChzRphl8xITc1ucWPNmsDY0siUJmykW_D-IZaf1_60CZZVM6VdAX4d0iabJlamLaSl42ZYQytGWqXgbkk7ebCJXhqlvGKe20VPZaUHk5ulTrtw6Ckv_KoJNOjWYZsYNIxHvhrj/s400/green_orange+wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2011/4/15/the-kate-moss-of-homes.html">Via Desire to Inspire</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Orange + Green

= Spring! (Well, spring inspired). I'm really loving the combination of a bright spring green with a citrus-y orange. Check out the fa...

10:34 PM

Art Attack: Black Flower

Via a glimpse of The Art Institute of Chicago's modern wing, curtesy of <a href="http://thingsthatsparkleblog.blogspot.com/">Things That Sparkle</a>, I was introduced to this fantastic painting.  You know I'm a sucker for <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/silhouette-wall.html">a silhouette</a> . . .   <br /><br />Is there anything that you pine for the way I pine for silhouettes?<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfUFRhLx2BXBQc2XAYdVqoU0pMRaVJLgMMdYbln0bR7p46iB0SGEPT7xfdlbiE_64_-4HTdHu22x7QMHhqPVAAiwtkSjKI1SLSxlhM1HpKRtexkvKPuPPj9N5wTkoG6eMF266kS4SgXRn/s1600/blackflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfUFRhLx2BXBQc2XAYdVqoU0pMRaVJLgMMdYbln0bR7p46iB0SGEPT7xfdlbiE_64_-4HTdHu22x7QMHhqPVAAiwtkSjKI1SLSxlhM1HpKRtexkvKPuPPj9N5wTkoG6eMF266kS4SgXRn/s640/blackflower.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thingsthatsparkleblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-institute.html">Things That Sparkle</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Art Attack: Black Flower

Via a glimpse of The Art Institute of Chicago's modern wing, curtesy of Things That Sparkle , I was introduced to this fantastic paintin...

12:52 PM

Art Attack: Textalicious

I am really obsessed with the 'LOVE" print by <a href="http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/">Made by Girl</a>.  What really tickles me is that '<em>szeretet</em>' means love in <u>Hungarian</u> (for folks new to my blog, I speak Hungarian and tend to favor anything that references Hungary or Finland - the other half of my cultural make-up).  Because I so rarely see Hungarian referenced outside of Hungary, this print really appeals to me.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="http://www.madebygirl.com/images/product/CA-0302.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="449" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madebygirl.com/product.php?sku=CA-03">Photo Source: Made by Girl</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <br />But I think maybe I am on a text-art kick in general.  Remember <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-lovin-abcs.html">the random letter wall decoration</a> I blogged about & <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/art-attack-newspaper-art.html">the newspaper art I liked</a>?  And check out these fabulously inspiring examples of text-art I have amassed in my inspiration folder:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593920449989960242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tVnCYXrAUMogzf6yMIY_R6v1VYop9MLFG8WkqVhyphenhyphenqe0t6-qovlW9pHDRxVrNOTlN0c4IFKByrcriVibzN8LyrhRds70vpf2UK1LfoU7pbW2BYPQNDSXZWgxqhwyUOymT12obcMkQYVY/s640/IMG_0771.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownbutton.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-do-like-to-be-beside-seaside.html">Brown Button</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="kishaniperera DAYDREAM BELIEVER" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3679" height="494" src="http://7thhouseontheleft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/kishaniperera.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kishani perera" width="380" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonny Mag <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1193862844">via </a><br /><a href="http://7thhouseontheleft.com/2011/03/daydreaming/">7th House on the Left</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="mt-image-center" src="http://pixstatic.com/4da5157532704a065f000001._h.500_w.540_s.fit_.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/small-cool-2011/louisas-eclectic-in-astoria-small-cool-2011-144621?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28Main%29">Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This piece, found on <a href="http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/">Me Oh My!</a> has a great tutorial.  Click <a href="http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-tutorial-for-wood-stained-painting.html">here</a> to check it out.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnJq24X9Tolul9EgDCu23UqKOWv5NCwO3m_MkKlEkXxsFBMRqDfBGqpqQDKdmfu0G3qY3NpWXKlkzYCGXoVZ3In2SV_9DXNpyX1irqp19MbgwGBE62mLO6KiJDiV4gtqWeOzhySLZP9U/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnJq24X9Tolul9EgDCu23UqKOWv5NCwO3m_MkKlEkXxsFBMRqDfBGqpqQDKdmfu0G3qY3NpWXKlkzYCGXoVZ3In2SV_9DXNpyX1irqp19MbgwGBE62mLO6KiJDiV4gtqWeOzhySLZP9U/s640/IMG_9279.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-tutorial-for-wood-stained-painting.html">Me Oh My!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDFhysUn3npxjHB66XtobA0ei0PAAxCFOP5UgiLavAvH6I0czoVQG_pJiXVrcCHdgpU6qvXGq7_Wi_fXwpK3ZXSwvRtyR2iqhebLyidHK7vhL2v38GLiwcgZ-_UKCX6nHfS_b_mjJcFsE/s1600/textart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDFhysUn3npxjHB66XtobA0ei0PAAxCFOP5UgiLavAvH6I0czoVQG_pJiXVrcCHdgpU6qvXGq7_Wi_fXwpK3ZXSwvRtyR2iqhebLyidHK7vhL2v38GLiwcgZ-_UKCX6nHfS_b_mjJcFsE/s640/textart.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://erinmccall.blogspot.com/2011/03/just-some-lovliness.html">It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life</a></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8iqzkjJOSHLddkFFMmlWvA1nBhgKbvdKckzCkTJyhL4Jy_IFY3Xa19Lh8kSmsNLJw5Iog8ef2XfwEMfQ_bou5xzW2MpYxBTp8cVYmLhLCYpuPYDnRW1HDG0aLoW2KEswIURmhUOEKV_f/s1600/textartII.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8iqzkjJOSHLddkFFMmlWvA1nBhgKbvdKckzCkTJyhL4Jy_IFY3Xa19Lh8kSmsNLJw5Iog8ef2XfwEMfQ_bou5xzW2MpYxBTp8cVYmLhLCYpuPYDnRW1HDG0aLoW2KEswIURmhUOEKV_f/s640/textartII.png" width="434" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlebluedeer.com/2011/04/happiness-is.html">Via Little Blue Deer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />What do you think of text as art?  Do you prefer vintage signage or do you like the DIY'd look?  I think I want to try making some textalicious art.  Something really random and personal . . .

Art Attack: Textalicious

I am really obsessed with the 'LOVE" print by Made by Girl . What really tickles me is that ' szeretet ' means love in Hun...

9:24 AM

Some Loser Painted It Yellow

I spotted this fantastically simple & beautiful coffee table makeover over at <a href="http://modernjanedesign.blogspot.com/">Modern Jane</a> and it reminded me of a funny story.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtedNxZkPfT0uYC-2qQIrzAaghR_klj1YqNoPNCZprUBAqZT_ZpG9xzSvgYSW4u-AahxE72nhMs8zYHKps89fpmPMlQUOdJeS6fNaQHLZvfrDxhBieyt8lgX60hmscZjbZj6rcnF4Hedg/s1600/coffee+table+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtedNxZkPfT0uYC-2qQIrzAaghR_klj1YqNoPNCZprUBAqZT_ZpG9xzSvgYSW4u-AahxE72nhMs8zYHKps89fpmPMlQUOdJeS6fNaQHLZvfrDxhBieyt8lgX60hmscZjbZj6rcnF4Hedg/s400/coffee+table+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernjanedesign.blogspot.com/2011/04/unsure.html">Modern Jane</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Years and years ago my Hubby (who was only boyfriend then) inherited an identical table.  But he inherited it in the original blah wood finish.  Thrifty even then, I convinced him to paint it a fun colour.  Because he was obsessed with orange and yellow in those days, I suggested pale yellow.  It turned out ho-hum - a bit tacky, even (it was a horrid shade of yellow - like a bleached egg yolk).  He used it for years, but then it ended up at his dad's because I prefer ottomans and didn't want a coffee table when we finally moved in together.  Fast forward to a few years later and Hubby finds out a childhood friend lives near us in the city we had just moved to.  Hubby goes to visit him and spots a yellow coffee table.  Intrigued, he asks his friend where he got it and the friend says that Hubby's dad gave it to him.  Hubby's friend thought it was ho-hum too because, not knowing it was formerly ours, he said something to the effect of, "too bad some loser painted it yellow".  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S.  See the before & after post of the lovely <em>white</em> table makeover at Modern Jane by clicking <a href="http://modernjanedesign.blogspot.com/2011/04/unsure.html">here</a>.</div>

Some Loser Painted It Yellow

I spotted this fantastically simple & beautiful coffee table makeover over at Modern Jane and it reminded me of a funny story. Modern J...

5:46 AM

Art Attack: Lotta Nieminen

For those new to my blog, I wholeheartedly support Finnish and Hungarian peeps because of my familial ties.  But, Finnish family or not, this Helsinki artist has the most impressive portfolio.  From her gorgeous illustrations to her fantastic graphic design, I'm in awe.  Thanks to <a href="http://designismine.blogspot.com/2011/04/lotta-nieminen.html">Design is Mine</a> for the introduction!  Read more about Lotta Nieminen <a href="http://www.lottanieminen.com/about.html">here</a>.<br />  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMaSeoFci51xzyVWfkqXwvLOk0a21n7gJa8E44Z854C4pPwk84bwhU0RV6QkjXuQBGwCjiMRvA1Eji2QS-M_mN0de44d9jse93LgZ1ZNGjHLamaeOjjEwXuszqesgy266GHGwnCdehX_i/s1600/Lotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMaSeoFci51xzyVWfkqXwvLOk0a21n7gJa8E44Z854C4pPwk84bwhU0RV6QkjXuQBGwCjiMRvA1Eji2QS-M_mN0de44d9jse93LgZ1ZNGjHLamaeOjjEwXuszqesgy266GHGwnCdehX_i/s400/Lotta.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>United Airlines</em><br /><a href="http://www.lottanieminen.com/united.html">Image Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwREuH_KHNj5b00wrrGPLf-wtoull41eFG9Zf_FrSryzZZI4vZJOmkbljfvHtzK_BhAfYTBeQfz1zplf53pDSHnjJQzLN-3RYYc51EV2CVs94Rycem-UFsGC-HjfajOFyq6c6W9HeDqQh/s1600/LottaII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwREuH_KHNj5b00wrrGPLf-wtoull41eFG9Zf_FrSryzZZI4vZJOmkbljfvHtzK_BhAfYTBeQfz1zplf53pDSHnjJQzLN-3RYYc51EV2CVs94Rycem-UFsGC-HjfajOFyq6c6W9HeDqQh/s400/LottaII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Uponor</em><br /><a href="http://www.lottanieminen.com/uponor.html">Image Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQGHnuc2_S7UqpoajDV0JIit5XMh8jN9gfyvJS7g0HIibakUymt4whM9XRY7MtGVyuvF1rEmGaruZKJXPN4E0X0AwRTyQfq93Hkv8Qt8k0LMp9XxwVOaVdE6ly87c968r4nvt78K25Yo_/s1600/LottaIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQGHnuc2_S7UqpoajDV0JIit5XMh8jN9gfyvJS7g0HIibakUymt4whM9XRY7MtGVyuvF1rEmGaruZKJXPN4E0X0AwRTyQfq93Hkv8Qt8k0LMp9XxwVOaVdE6ly87c968r4nvt78K25Yo_/s400/LottaIII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Businessweek: Global 2</em><br /><a href="http://www.lottanieminen.com/global2.html">Image Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72ABH3UUmR5vsigBuhgYVH8Zko3jz3mAxQSpr_q4iaIRJ54KrevyH-oI_4hsWtyTJFCuzeU5P6BTbgI3yGIrXuhjc6Msx0IH-kaHHlpyNHiT_wAZCLzq42_Ka_nzalb0odmJrLYgm4ICN/s1600/lottasoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72ABH3UUmR5vsigBuhgYVH8Zko3jz3mAxQSpr_q4iaIRJ54KrevyH-oI_4hsWtyTJFCuzeU5P6BTbgI3yGIrXuhjc6Msx0IH-kaHHlpyNHiT_wAZCLzq42_Ka_nzalb0odmJrLYgm4ICN/s320/lottasoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Soup</em><br /><a href="http://www.lottanieminen.com/soup.html">Image Source</a><br />Such gorgeous packaging would make me buy this . . . </td></tr></tbody></table>

Art Attack: Lotta Nieminen

For those new to my blog, I wholeheartedly support Finnish and Hungarian peeps because of my familial ties. But, Finnish family or not, thi...

6:13 AM

Help Me Pick A Colour, Any Colour

Well, as long as it is from my "approved" list:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbeTYEM_0GUe79K9-dcM3zMUcJKMt_1cjaD1EkBl2ZU3t1r76pOsVaGbtvnY7crMcEJ60FsClB-TAc18srrfk5uWq6WAD-7Dd3RGG9KU_TPz_ogspb9hmbv1POj8dKphRn_jGfqVXUB3M/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbeTYEM_0GUe79K9-dcM3zMUcJKMt_1cjaD1EkBl2ZU3t1r76pOsVaGbtvnY7crMcEJ60FsClB-TAc18srrfk5uWq6WAD-7Dd3RGG9KU_TPz_ogspb9hmbv1POj8dKphRn_jGfqVXUB3M/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But if you have a better colour choice, I am all ears . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br />What are we picking the colour for?  <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-office-before-in-progress.html">My office</a> (newly adorned with a <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/silhouette-wall.html">silhouette gallery wall</a> & <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-magnetic-chalkboard-phase-i.html">fancy magnetic board</a>) is one of our less colourful rooms.  In an effort to create more "flow," I have been injecting some pops of colour so it suits the rest of the townhouse <span style="font-family: inherit;">d<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span>cor</span>.  Remember my <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bookcase-tweaking.html">bookcase tweaking post</a>?  I'm on a roll.  So, next on the lengthy list of things I plan to spray paint when it is no longer <em>freezing</em> is another office item: a garbage can.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Te3nHiq0MdW_qfL90952w2SIa7TspOzj7_UBuaquWbLm22zWQ2MZdgBYVAdHfWwTovjQi5bvKv9JEYgKWLM20Avc_cqHaTQlz5Ft8JsR3_iYOExcwP4S7znClQKCHDs6JGVaCtsRYNrf/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Te3nHiq0MdW_qfL90952w2SIa7TspOzj7_UBuaquWbLm22zWQ2MZdgBYVAdHfWwTovjQi5bvKv9JEYgKWLM20Avc_cqHaTQlz5Ft8JsR3_iYOExcwP4S7znClQKCHDs6JGVaCtsRYNrf/s640/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />My mom found it yard-saling and had grand plans for it that never came to fruition (hey, she has a long to-do list too).  <em>Somehow</em> (yoink) it became mine.  It has been hiding beside the bed and I have been using a white vase in the office, but it is time to switch things up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiQOcJBF5rj6eT5wsQKJ6u7R1xSEuP20eHbrKQ-hzbq8JruQTZBN-8LwKIF2aNQvYXr1bGs06EVVKicMUNaqlGnxkDS4_CdyXkWWaMkYqOyB685iQXJgSpLgyHrGs0hH27pu4vKW2cIGB/s1600/P1060224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiQOcJBF5rj6eT5wsQKJ6u7R1xSEuP20eHbrKQ-hzbq8JruQTZBN-8LwKIF2aNQvYXr1bGs06EVVKicMUNaqlGnxkDS4_CdyXkWWaMkYqOyB685iQXJgSpLgyHrGs0hH27pu4vKW2cIGB/s640/P1060224.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Il2MCZx7xenHEI_aKWD1RnhRarXCYXzaZeI7fP9XbqIWKy6urUO7Q1apoouVOhtQtlw6EOjEg0AEt3TzvBW7jQgCpJTPXdZOOsjaBZ6dCLqI1cj5vZgzgV1Gc-twdKWKCVeCSeyGMDOP/s1600/P1060230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Il2MCZx7xenHEI_aKWD1RnhRarXCYXzaZeI7fP9XbqIWKy6urUO7Q1apoouVOhtQtlw6EOjEg0AEt3TzvBW7jQgCpJTPXdZOOsjaBZ6dCLqI1cj5vZgzgV1Gc-twdKWKCVeCSeyGMDOP/s320/P1060230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a vase as a garbage can</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've been using this pillow my mom DIY'd, from fabric she bought in her teens, as my colour inspiration for the office.  Scroll down for other office pics and then <strong>give me your feedback on what colour I should choose for my newest project</strong>!  But, because weather is a factor please don't expect a "results" post until July, August - you know, when it stops hailing.  Stupid Ontario.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYmUiMbyW9jS0iONDu-DbFDeBHvnGUQ4576CGgGka6ZM8vvk7A2kei3gjc7EHKVAlk1VX8yGfOeXPw-_Af7Nu83KEHrWR6ifGWq1rLetNjVIR-hsBluJUwXN2xTkEWLqiUeaJwb30sSg/s1600/P1060173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYmUiMbyW9jS0iONDu-DbFDeBHvnGUQ4576CGgGka6ZM8vvk7A2kei3gjc7EHKVAlk1VX8yGfOeXPw-_Af7Nu83KEHrWR6ifGWq1rLetNjVIR-hsBluJUwXN2xTkEWLqiUeaJwb30sSg/s400/P1060173.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOiyQbsR8ak0TsZ4aWKPavZKkr3v7STlSsW0NAZvjtK1H9oql9XY4RxND46qR3xBOpwReBH6piHkY13ihQRff9uMVXdfJaXu_hqviRaXHXCTneeZKV36lMO_jXXkL95-iWjSBlG1VHJM/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOiyQbsR8ak0TsZ4aWKPavZKkr3v7STlSsW0NAZvjtK1H9oql9XY4RxND46qR3xBOpwReBH6piHkY13ihQRff9uMVXdfJaXu_hqviRaXHXCTneeZKV36lMO_jXXkL95-iWjSBlG1VHJM/s640/053.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more orange was added to the bookcase</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBQwLz0inX016_lQgSDSSE6IGSNugGZRaMcyht8y9RzlePkp-rMahOQG8CXBRUWRy8uAsJE_KQA2UB8zc59GkLC5W_balQxRSJo1tPzESXweW11fnjcuLblJWTnpTv-vOEnxv-DIFuiCe/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBQwLz0inX016_lQgSDSSE6IGSNugGZRaMcyht8y9RzlePkp-rMahOQG8CXBRUWRy8uAsJE_KQA2UB8zc59GkLC5W_balQxRSJo1tPzESXweW11fnjcuLblJWTnpTv-vOEnxv-DIFuiCe/s640/017.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBIxIfP9rjRkbfDnpHC8tSQjyHcErytbR-kPMqUvXNl2BzfnJ6qiind_-g1ugwgL5UFEvrodJG8dkX3ccLyNfHVJJKLHBrKIsRKR5cOsrvxI7LdGyXwGohBXDndE5LjLZ8VJLsfmLVnOz/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBIxIfP9rjRkbfDnpHC8tSQjyHcErytbR-kPMqUvXNl2BzfnJ6qiind_-g1ugwgL5UFEvrodJG8dkX3ccLyNfHVJJKLHBrKIsRKR5cOsrvxI7LdGyXwGohBXDndE5LjLZ8VJLsfmLVnOz/s640/023.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chair & footstool never photographs as "warm" as it is in <br />real life but this is a pretty good indication of the colour, which is a sort<br />of an apricot-y orange tweed</td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Help Me Pick A Colour, Any Colour

Well, as long as it is from my "approved" list: But if you have a better colour choice, I am all ears . . . What are we picking th...

7:53 AM