Country Decor Blog

I know this is a blog about living simply and living well, but executive editor Suzanne Moutis had a huge laugh at my expense the other day when she saw this awesome photo of my new puppy, taken by photographer Virginia Macdonald. I pride myself on enjoying the “simple things.” A Catahoula Leopard dog puppy wearing a pink studded collar adorned with a faux diamond pave charm is NOT, says Suzanne, “simple.” I disagree. After all, simple to me means quality. The idea that you will spend a little more money on something that will last for longer is a simple concept, I think. Sure my dog isn’t really a girly-girl type, and yes, the bling collar charm may be a little over the top. But surely it’s a simple thing, to take care of a dog, and put an attractive collar on her. Suzanne and I may disagree on what “keeping it simple” means, but when it comes to decor and lifestyle, everyone’s idea of what constitutes will differ. I would love to know what your idea of simple means - please add a comment to let me know

Today is the 6th day of puppy ownership, and I had to share this image of my two dogs, Tallulah (a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog) and Janou (a Weimaraner/Catahoula cross). I had to pull over in my car to snap this shot… My poor beleaguered Janou is now having to put up with the young minx Tallulah.

So why am I writing about this in a decor column? In a very odd way, my home decor is totally inspired by my surroundings and experiences…

When I moved into 19th century rowhouse five years ago, my living room decor - from paint colours to upholstery - were inspired by Janou’s mottled coat of taupe, beige and chocolate brown. Who would guess that I have now started on redecorating my living room and by some strange coincidence, the new colours are actually completely complementary to Tallulah’s coat of grey, charcoal grey, black and blue (her striking blue eye!). The makeover will be unveiled next spring in Style at Home magazine, but I just think it’s so odd that I was somehow channeling the look of this new puppy. Channeling you say? When I decided on the colour scheme for my living room, it was two months before Tallulah was even born. Does this make me a psychic dog owning decorator? Inquiring minds want to know…

On another note, thanks to everyone for their kind and thoughtful comments about Canadian Home & Country magazine. It is ever so much appreciated

A lot of people ask where I disappear to on the weekends. Often I’ll be at work events (like the Interior Design Show next weekend!) or I’ll be squirreled up at home, trying to organize my incredibly messy kitchen. But my real escape on the weekends is to my friend’s farm, Irish Creek Stables, in Cambridge Ont. Liz Lewis and I first met a few years ago when we did a photo shoot at her house. Over the years, we’ve used her house and horse farm as a location multiple times. And for those of you who have read my editor’s letters, you ‘ll also know that I have a number of horses - and I am lucky enough to have Liz look after them for me. Winter at the farm is not easy, but Liz and her daughter Petra make it fun. And if you’re cold? All you need to do is to start mucking out stalls or sweeping, you’ll warm up pretty quickly! 

There is something incredibly special to me about horses. I have loved them since I was a little girl (I even uncovered a report card from nursery school that says my face “lit up every time I saw a picture of a horse.” As much as I love working at a magazine (and I do love it - it is the job of a lifetime for me!), a bit of my heart stays behind with the horses at Irish Creek Stables. When my boyfriend and I began dating a few years ago, he knew that the time I needed to spend with my horses was non-negotiable! Of course, when he comes out here and is able to see it through my eyes (which is why I have posted this photo - so you can see the magic of my horsey winter wonderland)

At Canadian Home & Country magazine, my mandate is to create a perfect balance between the sophistication of city living with the relaxed comfort of country living. I’m so happy to say that I have managed to accomplish it in my own life!

If you have thoughts about how to balance the city with the country, please let me know!