Excessories

"Another cushion?"

"More lampshades?"

My husband can't understand why I often buy accessories that he feels are unnecessary. From a practical point of view he's right. Aesthetically though, it's the most economical and quickest way to update and refreshen your home. Not to be wasteful though, I pack away previous accessories and bring them out again when I'm bored. I also donate and pass on stuff that I've totally outgrown so I don't feel too guilty about those little luxuries. Here are some accessories I occasionally enjoy updating:

* cushions

* lighting: lampshades, lamps, chandeliers

* picture frames

* mirrors

* throws

* bedding

* drapes

Here are pics of some favourite accessories:

White is always a clean choice.

Hat boxes are glamourous and practical. The striped gold one is vintage 1960s and belonged to my mother. Jewellery adds sparkle to a room.





 

Black lampshades and crystal bases are a current favourite. The Eiffel Tower motif runs through my home.

The silk rosette cushion adds a dainty touch. I got the Eiffel Tower decal from the dollar store : ). 

Simply Colour

My children add colour to my life. Literally. As I am blessed with watching them grow, learn, and experience life, I get back so much from them as well. One of those things is colour.

My children love and prefer colour. The spaces they occupy in the house - their bedrooms, the toyroom - involve some colour. They are still young enough to allow me to decorate their rooms but sometimes they express if they like or dislike something, especially my daughter. She is a girly girl and loves pink and princess stuff. My boys also take charge of decorating their shelves and the tabletops. It reflects their interests and extra-curricular activities. Secretly, I think it looks a little junky and messy but then again, it is their space...

                                     

Boy's room

  Fresh is best but bright silk flowers are everlasting





 

If I had my way, I'd probably like my children's rooms to look like something out of a Restoration Hardware Baby and Kids catalogue. For example:







A pretty playroom. In my reality, this room would be strewn with Lego pieces and dolls



I would love this bed for my room

Designer spotlight: Kelly Wearstler

Although I don't take many chances with colour and patterns, I admire anyone that can do so effectively and tastefully. One of these interior designers is Kelly Wearstler. Wearstler's style is adventurous, unexpected, and glamourous. Her style has been described as modern Hollywood Regency. She uses a lot of vibrant colours and textures, and updates classic pieces like wing chairs and tufted sofas. Besides having fabulous taste, she's gorgeous and is featured in best-dressed lists. This woman truly has style.

Out with the old, in with the old

There's been some decor change in my house. Recently, I got this great Florentine piece from an antique store that restores old furniture. I really like the gold detailing even though I typically go for more modern simplicity.

I also replaced my living room sofa with another Craigslist find. If you remember from a previous post, I loved the crescent-shaped sofa that Jean Harlow is leaning against. I did find a contemporary, leather sofa in white that was less than a year old and in mint condition on Craigs that was as close to the crescent sofa in the pic that I could get.

Once again, old furniture breathes new life into my home.

Favourite movie set decor

Movies are a great source of inspiration. I particularly love the old Hollywood "white telephone"   movies, made popular in the 1930s. These movies were about rich people living superficial lives with nothing much to do and were set against an opulent backdrop. The glamour portrayed through the luxurious, decadent sets and costumes was illusive and dreamy. If only I could capture and afford such luxury! I also like the modern, classic sets of Nancy Myers films, like in Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday. However, my favourite film set decor at the moment is Ms. Pettigrew Lives for a Day. The deco detailing, black doors, tufted silk headboards and gold accents are fabulous. I've been trying for the past year to find a large round white faux fur rug after falling in love with the one in movie. Let me know if you find one at a great price. My living room awaits.

Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, features a stunning all-white backdrop

The pretty, delicious, and feminine set of Marie Antoinette

Ms. Pettigrew Lives for a Day

This is my fantasy living room from Ms. Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Love the sofa - anyone know where I can get one?

A typical "white telephone" film look featuring Jean Harlow