Country Decor Blog

There’s nothing more amusing than walking into a powder room that’s decorated in quirky style. Case in point: a friend’s powder room that was wallpapered in vintage covers from The New Yorker, a loo at a stable in Creemore, Ontario that was wallpapered in the back page from the UK’s Horse & Hound magazine (the back page consists of outrageous falls and near-falls from horseback throughout history). The powder room also gives a homeowner an opportunity to pull out all the stops and decorate in a way that they may not in a larger setting. For example, if you love hot pink, it would make more sense to paint a tiny powder room in that brilliant hue (try it in high gloss) than to paint your living room walls that colour! On my Hampton Island visit in Georgia last month, I was delighted to come across a powder room that was having fun with trompe l’oeil. Wallpapered in a stunning fabric printed with reams of porcelain plates “hung” on the wall, the effect was quite intense. The fabric was a rich amber and the plates were black and white chinoiserie. The overall look was quite fun. As intrigued as I was by the initial appeal of the room, imagine my surprise when I realized that they’d actually attached REAL plates to the wall - on top of the fabric pattern! What a fun idea.

At any rate, a great idea for a powder room that I would definitely suggest stealing from the stylish team at Hampton Island!

As much as I’m a traditionalist when it comes to clawfoot tubs (I have an authentic cast iron one from Kohler at home), I do love the look of some of the minimalist slipper tubs on the market. I’ve been in Ucluelet, BC for the last few days for a shoot at Cougar Annie’s garden (we will publish the story in Canadian Gardening magazine next spring), and after an intense day in the chill of a rainy BC day, I was delighted to come home to a decadent tub experience in my hotel room at Black Rock Resort. The tub is by Blu bathworks, a Canadian company located in BC. The freestanding bath tub TW8002B18 is a work of art.
The tub is deep enough for a terrific bubble bath, and has an aesthetic that is elegant enough to suit any type of bathroom (as long as you have the room of course!). I would highly recommend it…
My other tub experience had to do with the Drift spa at Black Rock Resort. As much as the idea of booking a “tub” experience at a spa seemed a little odd, I changed my mind after 20 minutes in the Eau Kur hydrotherapy tub. Granted, this may not be something you want to install in your own house (it is, after all, a spa tub!), but the combination of air bubbles that rotate throughout the tub. If you have the opportunity to experience an Eau Kur hydrotherapy tub, I would recommend it! As I write this though, I am feeling guilty about cheating on my clawfoot back at home. After all, we’ve had wonderful times together over the years! Classic in design and echoing the tradition look of clawfoot tubs, the Kohler Ironworks Historic bath.I will be home soon! And I’m looking forward to rekindling my relationship with my Kohler clawfoot!

…Maybe I exaggerated a bit about my favourite country bathroom in my last post. At least, I thought it was my favourite - that is until I saw this bathroom the next day. At Hampton Island, a tiny private island on the coast of Southern Georgia, beauty and nostalgic architecture reign supreme. In fact, one of the houses that is available to guests of the Hampton Island club appeared in a famous American decorating magazine (which I won’t mention - after all, they are a competitor!). That being said, the decor at Hampton Island is a nice blend of elegance and glamour infused with laid-back country style. The master bathroom in one of the houses had tons of great ideas to steal. I’ll go through all of my favourites here:

1. Create a trompe l’oeil carpet with mosaic tiles.The use of mosaic tiles in a dark charcoal juxtaposed the sleek white carrera marble tiles gives the illusion of a “carpet” under the top. It works well in this large bathroom to help delineate the space where the tub sits. I also like how they have used carrera marble mosaic tiles on the wall - it bridges the two tile styles on the floor.

2. Install a porthole window in your showerOne of my favourite things in my own shower at home is the tiny window that my contractor installed just above eye-level. It’s too high for peeping Toms in the house next door to look in (unless, I suppose, they get on a ladder), but it lets in a wonderful amount of natural light - sometimes I can even imagine that I’m showering outdoors! I loved how this shower, tiled in tiny perfect Carrera marble mosaic tile, has a porthole window. Very fun!

3. The demi-lune is a hit as a vanityContinuing on the theme of creating furniture-like items in this bathroom (i.e., the mosaic “carpet”), these feminine demi-lune vanities with their gorgeous bianca marble (I think that’s what it is) tops, are just perfect. I’ve always loved the demi-lune shape for a table (I have one in my front hall). It is simple but elegant all at the same time! A true “little black dress” of furniture!

4. Please, no angled glass showers!My dad has a lot of influence over me - still - and though I will deny it if anyone were to tell him, when he tells me something, it usually sticks in my mind like parental glue. In the case of designing a bathroom, he always said that a square shower is the way to go - forget about slicing off the corner to create more space. Angled shower doors are “mincey” in his words. And I have never forgotten it. Every shower I have ever designed looks pretty much like this one. (although I always add a shelf for beauty products!)

5. A room of one’s ownDoesn’t this photo feel like something out of a Merchant Ivory film. The soft light filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the muted colour palette, the rich look of the room. This simply perfect country bathroom has a lot of wonderful qualities and ideas to steal for your own bathroom at home. I know I have been inspired! And for sure this bathroom is REALLY my favourite!

When I think about the country bathroom ideal, it ALWAYS has to involve a clawfoot tub. None of those decadent four-person, air bubble tubs for me! But imagine if you could take that bath on a screened-in porch? That’s exactly what I did the other night while exploring Hampton Island, a fascinating private island in Southern Georgia; just half an hour from Savannah. The developers have created an idyllic community that blends the best of nostalgia (carriage rides pulled by 18-hand white Percherons), with nature (kayaking and hiking), with gourmet food (a fabulous biodynamic organic farm). The houses that have been built so far all have that Southern sensibility blended with modern-day panache. I plan on chatting about the decor of a number of my favourite rooms here. But first, the bathroom! Simple, elegant and most importantly, built from reclaimed wood. This bathroom is actually a tiny rustic-looking powder room, while the bath was in a separate screened-in space. I like the idea of using a vintage cast-iron sink, as well as the fun 1950s calendar. I have two more “country baths” to show you in upcoming blogs, but honestly, I think this one, in all its simplicity, is my favourite! Take a look at my shots and let me know what you think!

It’s hard to imagine that there once was a time when all outdoor fabric had the thick, scratchy feel of cheap car upholstery. Worse, the only colours it was available in was forest green and the three primary colours. Now, the colour world is your oyster when it comes to finding spectacular outdoor fabrics. As everyone continues to nest at home, they are taking their living rooms and moving them outdoors. I’ve been doing a ton of research into outdoor fabrics for Canadian Gardening magazine’s 2010 season (I also edit Canadian Gardening) and have come up with some fantastic new names in the world of outdoor fabrics. If you’re thinking about doing a little outdoor decorating, there are some great inspirational websites to look at. One of my new favourites is a British designer (who is soon to be repped by Y&Co in Toronto) named Christopher Farr. His outdoor fabrics are elegant with a touch of whimsy. My absolute favourite fabric is called 36 24 36 (guess why?) and shows the silhouettes of curvy stair spindles. Very cool! I love it in orange - very fresh and fun.

36 24 36 in orange from Christopher Farr

Another site that I think is fantastic for graphic patterns for the outdoors is called Hable Constuction - neat products for indoors and out! And they are now retailing their great patterns as outdoor fabrics (also repped by Y & Co). Finally, Sunbrella is doing some really beautiful products in gorgeous shades. There’s even a dark charcoal that is incredibly chic. Sunbrella is a terrific brand, and the fabric feels terrific to the touch.

If you’re looking for inspiration about pulling together a palette, we did a story in Canadian Gardening’s May 2010 issue that was produced by Style at Home design editor Ann Marie Favot. Her focus was on two trendy looks: nautical and tropical. It’s worth taking a look at her story - in fact, here’s a sneak peek!

Now that it’s the end of May, it’s time to think about decorating outdoors. For me, that involves thinking about creating a comfy spot outdoors where I can recline with a good book. As much as I love the look of vintage French metal bistro chairs (and I really love them from an aesthetic perspective!), the most important thing for me is to be comfortable outside. I don’t have much of a garden to speak of in the city, but I do have a 10 x 12 outdoor terrace that is right off my bathroom. In the beginning, I was delighted with an antique French metal daybed that I’d bought from a homeowner a few years ago. I loved how chic it looked, and I thought of using some Indian-inspired toss pillows and some decadent throws for chilly nights. If you’re interested in a metal daybed, you can find a similar repro one at Ikea for the ridiculously low price of $89! An excellent deal (and the bed is perfect for sleeping outside on sultry summer nights). But I ended up moving the daybed to the farm, because it wasn’t as comfy as I was hoping for (and certainly it was a wee bit awkward hosting parties where everyone had to squish together on a bed!). Enter the brilliant and affordable outdoor furniture from Canadian Tire. I was able to find a fantastic sectional for under $1000, and it fills my entire terrace - it looks like it was custom-made for my porch! The set comes in individual pieces that you can buy to fit your own space. Although Canadian Tire doesn’t have the exact same model this year, they have a similar one that is just as nice. The Enso collection is the same idea as my sectional, and is very chic in chocolate brown weave. They even have a patio daybed! (figures it looks more comfy than my antique French one). Either look is fantastic (although the Enso daybed does cost a little more at $699.99 - but that does include throw cushions, mattress pad and curtains. Let me know if you have any fantastic outdoor furniture finds! Later this week I’ll talk about the next best part after you’ve bought your furniture - customizing it with gorgeous outdoor fabrics!

How I love lilacs (I don’t even need to count the ways!). And this weekend (the true May 24th weekend!) is the perfect time to experience everything gorgeous about lilacs.
I spent the wee hours of yesterday morning photographing the spectacular lilac dell at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. Photographer Andreas Trauttmansdorff and art director Jose Woertman joined me for an early morning surrounded by absolutely gorgeous lilacs. The RBG has close to 800 varieties of lilacs (possibly the biggest collection in the world!).
As I stood overlooking the dell while the sun came up behind me, I was almost overcome with the heady scent of lilacs. Every variety smells slightly different, from potent and intoxicating to the subtlest of fragrances. As I wandered the gardens while Andreas worked his photographic magic (the story will be published in the May 2010 issue of Canadian Gardening magazine), my thoughts turned to a story I had done a few years ago for Canadian Home & Country magazine’s very first Cottage Style issue.
The shoot was done at my stepmother’s place in Prince Edward County, and we shot on the May 24th weekend. If you haven’t been to Prince Edward County but have been thinking of going, nothing is more spectacular than driving through the country roads when the lilacs are in bloom. They are PLENTIFUL. You may not see the multiple varieties like you would at the RBG, but you’ll be thrilled by how prolific and magnificent they are as they grow wild along the winding roads.
At any rate, I got up early in the morning to gather as many varieties of lilacs that I could find to use for my shoot. In fact, I may have even snuck a few clippings from neighbours’ yards while the homeowners were still sleeping peacefully (not to worry, I fessed up later!)
With my armloads of lilacs, I filled every spare vessel I could find. I did small clusters of them in the kitchen, and put a huge branch of them on display in the living room. Just like in the dell at the RBG, the scent of lilacs hung heavy on the air.
If you’re inspired at all by lilacs, I implore you to head to the RBG this weekend where they are in bloom in all their glory (or of, course, take a road trip to Prince Edward County - you won’t be disappointed).
For my next blog, I’m going to list my favourite lilac varieties (hint: one of them was developed by an icon in the style industry).

I admit it, I hate painting. It’s really too bad, actually, because it seems that there could be something therapeutic about the repetitive motion of running a roller over a wall. Before you admonish me for not practicing what I preach (after all, how many times have I said that the easiest thing to update a room is a coat of paint) I guarantee the only reason why I don’t paint is because I’m truly terrible at it. I’m impatient and never let the paint dry properly between coats (same problem with my nails - I never wear nail polish), and I tend to overload the brush or roller with too much paint. I’ve also discovered how truly economical it is to hire a pro. Knowing how a professional quality paint job can improve the look - not to mention value - of a home, it only makes sense that if you can’t do a proper job, bring in the pros.
I’ve probably painted over a 100 rooms in my life, and with each room, my style got a little more sloppy. For those of you who are also a wee bit sloppy, I have the perfect solution for you: painter’s mate GREEN tape. If I am desperate to paint a room and can’t find a pro in time, I’ll buy a few rolls and literally cover every surface that I don’t want to ruin with this terrific low-tack tape. It is an absolutely must-have for your toolbox.

It has to be said, I love the look of a tufted couch. Particularly a tufted couch that has clean, contemporary lines. Needless to say, when the term “tufted” comes up in a conversation about living room decor, the usual connotation is that of a dowdy, old-fashioned room. And sure enough, one can find unattractive tufted furniture. But the kind of tufted furniture that really speaks to me are design classics from the 20s and 30s. Think Mies van der Rohe’s classic Barcelona chair (surprisingly, it was originally designed to be used in airport lounges). One of my favourite chairs (I love it upholstered in buttery chocolate leather), it’s + $5000 price tag keeps it on my wish list and not in my living room. I also love another design classic, the Florence Knoll couch, which looks just as good in a room decorated in traditional decor as it does in an ultra contemporary room. I great spot to shop for Knoll furniture is on www.gabrielross.com, a fab Canadian-owned website that has designer names at a reasonable cost. They also include free shipping in their costs  (you can’t go wrong ordering from them!). So now we know that I long to own these fab mid-century pieces. And yes, these pieces do work well in country decor. Their simple lines work fabulously in classic space. But tufting also works in other great pieces. I was transfixed by a couch I saw at Crate and Barrel when they opened in Toronto last summer. Upholstered in rich French blue linen, the couch had the simplicity I love with an insouciance of electic style. Though it is a new piece, it has the look and small scale of something I could have picked up at a French flea market. I know I’ve talked about this couch before (and certainly how the French blue has inspired the new look of my living room) but I had to share a picture of it because I think it is just the PERFECT upholstered couch (and available at a reasonable price too!) I can’t wait to unveil my living room when it’s finally ready. The sofa is called the Azure sofa. I think it’s just as beautiful in the neutral linen they show it in that I’ve posted below.

Even the professionals have a hard time finding “just the right thing” for their home. For me, the holy grail for my home has been the light fixture that hangs over my dining room table.  I have a typical Victorian home (maybe typical for midtown Toronto, after all, my house is only 14 feet wide), and it is decorated in a style that is classic Home & Country: a mix of vintage with modern. I usually lean to more contemporary style, but my home has a classic Victorian structure, and, as most of you know about me, I love all things with patina. The results are a quirky (some could even say eccentric) decor style. As many of you know, I have been working on a redesign of my house. But it has been this one light fixture that has caused me grief. I’ve tried EVERYTHING! In fact, I recently took down the latest pendant light, which was a simple fabric barrel light that seemed, well, lifeless in my dining room. I visualized a number of different things: an old glittery Swedish chandelier that had tons of presence, or a simple frosted glass pendant that hung like a teardrop from the ceiling. Or how about the old faithful hurricane lantern? Sure it’s been “done to death,” but its simple classic shape is timeless. Maybe a bit boring, but the hurricane lantern will always work where nothing else does.  I even thought about getting another silk Fortuny light fixture (I have one that hangs in my attached dining room), but that simple solution seemed like cheating somehow. I KNEW there had to be the right light for me out there! I could imagine it: a modern clear glass orb with a simple light bulb. Minimalist but strong. Elegant but eclectic. And then I found it…

Niche Modern is a company in New York that designs the most attractive hand-blown glass light fixtures that I’ve ever seen. Better still, they’ve combined the artistry of glass-blowing with simple contemporary shapes. And THEN (now I’m excited), they use lightbulbs that look completely antique - the final look is the perfect juxtaposition between old and new. So here, unveiled, is the Terra light which was recently delivered to my home. Let me know what you think!