Bathroom Renovation Post #1

This photo signals the start of our upstairs bathroom renovation. Things reached a tipping point for me a few months ago. Lifting floor tiles, damaged surface on the porcelain sink and gross lighting that doesn't help looking in the mirror as we age finally got me to this point.

We moved into this house 26 (!) years ago. We raised 2 daughters who now are launched and living in their own apartments. During all those years we did small upgrades on our home every few years; adding crown molding, new hardwood floors, finishing the basement, new carpeting + paint a couple of times...

All through the years however, we never tackled The Bathroom. We moved into this century old house in the 80's- not a great decade for interior design, looking back on it. The main upstairs bathroom was never well done to begin with; cheapish materials and a bad layout too. (the tub goes along the length of the narrow space instead of across the width).

We have decided to 'go for it' in the fact that we are actually moving the LOCATION of the bathroom as well. By eliminating an unnecessary portion of hallway where the old bathroom was, this space can be opened up into a huge studio/office space for me. (yay). The new bathroom, which will be the same size as the old one, will be carved out of the middle bedroom- leaving enough space for a small office for my husband and for resale purposes, enough space for a nursery or guest bedroom for future homeowners.

Contemporary; clean + modern is the mandate for this new bathroom. Duravit fixtures are perfection in their simplicity. White, warm gray and watery aqua is the colour palette.

I will post updates as it all progresses including some before pictures which I can't bear to reveal just yet! Stay tuned...

House Proud 2011

A little indulgence on my part today...

Nothing radical had been done to our house in 2010 but little changes; re-arranging some furniture, de-cluttering and adding in some new, fresh pieces has been good for this old house.

A few notables: a striped wool blanket on the back of the couch from Mjolk, gorgeous large Atterby, Sweden lamp in corner, (found at a thrift store), small crochet pillow on couch from Emma Lamb, 2 vintage cat prints from Eclectisaurus, Art Deco wall shelf from Eclectic Pelican and last but not least, our ever faithful cat, Rupert!

Lamp Love

I have a love for vintage lamps.
The more colorful or stylized the better.
To me they are sculpture.
Sculpture that lights up... cool.
Sculpture that is functional as well... fabulous.

All these pieces I have found at thrift stores and sold on Etsy.
It makes me happy to see this (small) selection all together.

Kind of like I just created my own design poster.

Found: Maurer-Becker Utensilo

FOUND.

Utensilo or Wall All designed by Dorothee Maurer-Becker,
Germany, 1969.

These iconic pieces were manufactured both in Germany & the U.S.A.

This one was made by Format Sales in NY, USA.
It is the smaller version.

I love that it is in black and goes with my vintage Steelcase desk.
I love that I found it at a thrift store for $2.99.
(these smaller ones sell from between $200.-300.)

My New (Old) Studio

It all started with my amazing find of this vintage Steelcase Desk. Found at the
Salvation Army Thrift
for the glorious price of $19.99.

A week of de-cluttering later, here is my new and improved studio!
(yes, these ARE the after shots... you should have seen it before)...

I have 3 zones; my computer/desk set up,
my 'sewing central' by the window, and,
in between my paper zone where I can create cards or any other
graphic design type project.

my style is lots of color tempered by natural wood finishes
and grounded by the block of black & chrome
via the desk. it's happy, creative space that doesn't take itself
too seriously!

Thrill of the Find

found.
trio of mid century modern ceramic pendant lights.
cream with gold undertones.
irregular circular cutouts.
imagine the magical shadows...

available here:

My Lotte Lamp

This lamp came from my parent's home.

Purchased in Montreal in 1960's, it has been a part of their decor for as long as I can remember.

On my last visit I decided to have a closer look at it. All of a sudden I realised it was nowhere to be found. I was a little panicked at first, hoping they had not recently given it away.

Finally I spotted the base behind a chair without it's shade. Then I discovered the shade on a standing lamp in the guest room.

I swiftly put them back together and made my request...

My fantastic mother said of course you can take the lamp...

A Lotte lamp with sentimental value on top of exquisite aesthetic value... priceless!

Love this Lamp

I came across this table lamp recently at a local thrift shop. I immediately recognized the fibreglass shade as being of importance. It was a trend in the 1960's.

In Canada a company was producing them and they were called Lotte Lamps. It was a family business run by the Bostlund family, originally from Copenhagen, Denmark.

What is so special is the quality of light that results from being filtered through these textured shades. Very soft and subtle, it adds a warmth & glow to a room...

I love the simplicity of the shapes and the contrast between the curvy base and the straight lines of the shade.

I can't be a 100% sure it is a Lotte. Not all were signed. Regardless, for $8.00 I am very happy with my new lamp!

COPCO Pan/Michael Lax Design

This gorgeous bright yellow enamel skillet is a recent foundvintagestyle find.

A substantial 12" in diameter and in excellent condition, this piece of cookware is as useful as it is stylish.... and I adore the intense, pure bright yellow color!

Numbered 107 on the bottom with the Copco/Made in Denmark markings; it weighs a hefty 5.5 lbs.! Well designed with the solid teak handle and opposing 'balancing handle' it is easy to comfortably manoeuvre.

Created by industrial designer, Michael Lax for Copco, this is now considered an iconic mid century modern piece of product design.

Look for it soon in my shop...