Category Archives: Interior Design

Design Inspiration by Fido and Fluffy

Posted on April 8, 2013 | 5 Comments

Maybe you’ve asked your sister to solve a design dilemma or maybe your mom, but I bet you’ve never thought to look to your furry friends for a little decorating inspiration. These cute illustrations by Molly Brandenburg made me giggle on a recent cruise of the Houzz website. I think Rubee would approve. Don’t you?

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For the feline lovers out there, cats are just as design savy as dogs…

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Want some more laughs?  Visit Molly Brandenburg’s page on Houzz for more hilarious design related illustrations. Be sure to check out 8 Clues You’re a Creative Type. Maybe some of you can relate. Ha!

Illustrations from: 8 Ways Dogs Help You Design  and 7 Ways Cats Help You Decorate on Houzz.

Meesh xo

 

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Posted in Interior Design, Pets

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Bouclair Home: New Store Alert!

Posted on April 4, 2013 | 10 Comments

Founded in 1970, Bouclair Home is one of Canada’s fastest growing home furnishings and home decor retailers. Lucky for us lower mainlanders, they have just moved into B.C. A few blogger pals and I had the pleasure of attending a media preview at the new Bouclair Home Coquitlam location this past Wednesday.

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The Bouclair philosophy focuses on home, fashion and value. Sandra Bracken, Vice-President of Marketing for Bouclair Home, gave us a mini-tour explaining that all of their products are designed in-house exclusively for Bouclair. The store’s continually evolving displays are arranged in colour stories and according to room to make decorating your home easy. New products are brought in weekly. Here is just a little peek of the treasures you’ll find.

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I was happy to see a large selection of ready-to-hang drapery. I’m wanting to change out my dark teal living room curtains for something lighter for summer. I’ll need 8 panels, so this is definitely an affordable option. I was also smitten over these two console tables above, particularly the mirrored one. Hello, Gorgeous! Also, coming soon to a Bouclair near you…wallpaper! Looking forward to checking out the selection.

I know you will want to head over there asap. There are three new locations in the lower mainland.

Coquitlam Location – Now Open -  1090 Lougheed Hwy, Unit 108, Coquitlam, BC

South Surrey Location – Now Open  –  3091 – 152nd St. Unit 305, Surrey, BC

Abbotsford Location – Opening May 27 - 3122 Mt. Lehman Rd. Unit M120, Abbotsford, BC

Happy Shopping!

Meesh xo

 

 

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Posted in Chair, Interior Design, Shopping

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Still Alive!

Posted on March 10, 2013 | 10 Comments

Hi Friends!

Yes, I’m still here. I know, I know it’s been awhile. Let’s just say I’ve been on hiatus for a bit. Boy, have I been catching flack from a few of you, especially about Rubee Tuesday. ;)  That’s good though, it tells me that you actually like what I’m posting and that somebody is reading (and missing) this little blog.

So let’s see…Here’s a few things I’ve been up to over the past couple months. Forgive me for the forthcoming randomness.

I’ve had this old trunk style coffee table for over 10 years. It and its dingy world map finish were ready to be kicked to the curb. Instead, I gave it a makeover with FAT Paint chalk paint. Painting it turned out great and now I’ll get at least another year, maybe more, out of it. I love how much lighter it feels in this space!

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Have you heard of FLOR modular carpet tiles? Back in October I won 30 carpet tiles (of my choosing) from sf girl by bay and FLOR and I’m just getting around to putting them together. (Good score, eh?!?) I have enough to make a runner in my long, narrow front entrance and a 5 x 10ish area carpet for my living room. I’m still playing around with their arrangement. I may eventually axe the front entrance runner and make the living room carpet larger. We’ll see…

The striped carpet tiles I ordered were Parallel Reality in pink, teal and burgundy.

flor-carpet-tiles

In Hawaii over Christmas, my guy and I ate a lot of deep fried shrimp and drank a lot of mai tais! We both came home packing a few extra pounds and not in our suitcases! So, since we arrived back, we have vowed to start cooking and eating healthier.

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This magazine, Eat Well Lose Weight, has helped us lose nearly 40 lbs between the two of us! Every recipe I have tried so far has been really yummy. My guy has even said, “I never knew, eating healthy could taste so good!” Haha! Can you believe that?!?

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Oh Boy, those Greek Turkey Burgers are so good! This mag was the best 15 bucks I’ve ever spent!

Next up… I’ve been experimenting and attempting to improve my photography skills. Just like blowing bubbles, it takes practice, practice, practice. ;)

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Well, that’s about it for now. I promise not to stay away so long…

Love Meesh xo

PS. Rubee will be here tomorrow, she wanted me to tell you!

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Posted in Chair, Food, Interior Design, Photography

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Don’t Worry, It’s Temporary!

Posted on January 21, 2013 | 10 Comments

I heart wallpaper. I want to wallpaper the bedroom, the powder room and maybe even a wall in the dining room. But someone in my house is strongly against it. What he doesn’t get is, wallpaper has come a long way. It’s not the same impossible-to-get-off-nightmare that we spent weeks trying to remove about 10 years ago from our very first home. But still, he’s not going for it….for now. ;)

To give this naysayer a little taste and ease the idea of wallpaper back into his mind, I gave some bookcases a mini makeover with Tempaper temporary wallpaper. This peel and stick loveliness, brought a little flair to an otherwise boring set of Ikea bookcases. I quite like the look and when I get bored of it…Voila! It peels off, easy peasy!

I was amazed at how much abuse this paper took as I put it on and pulled it off repeatedly in an attempt to position it perfectly and remove pesky air bubbles. It didn’t tear, crinkle or stretch out of shape.

I managed this mini makeover on my own, but a whole wall project would definitely require more than two hands. Once the backing is peeled away this stuff wants to grab itself like packing tape.

I have quite a bit left over, so I’m looking to apply it in small doses elsewhere. Maybe on a vase, in a closet, on the back on a door?  Ya know, the more you-know-who sees it around the house the more he’ll warm up to the idea of a whole wall.

Temporary wallpaper is a dream for renters, those wanting to test the wallpaper waters, and those afraid of commitment. Will you or have you tried it? I’d love to hear your feedback.

Here are a few resources if you are interested. I used Tempaper, purchased from ModCloth.

Tempaper / Sherwin-Williams / WallCandy Arts / Casart Coverings

Happy Mon!

Meesh xo

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Posted in Crafty Projects, DIY, Interior Design

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A French Chair Affair

Posted on October 15, 2012 | 8 Comments

Before I travelled to France this summer, a friend told me that I would get my fill of chairs while there. I’d almost say that was an understatement. From simple bistro chairs on a Paris street to ornate fauteuils in the Palace at Versailles, I was in Chair Heaven.

In a dimly lit chateau, I’d wonder who sat there centuries before…

In a beautiful, elaborate palace…more is more. Marie Antoinette would agree!

On the street, waiting for me…

Like a little history with your French Chairs? Revisit these posts below.

Louis, Louis! Oh Baby! - Can you tell one Louis from another?

French Empire Style: A Tous les Gloires de la France – Napoleon reigns.

Chairs!

Luv Meesh xo

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Posted in Chair, Interior Design, Travel

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Interior Design Show West 2012

Posted on October 1, 2012 | 13 Comments

Good Afternoon! I’ve finally recuperated after a whirlwind weekend. Vancouver’s IDSwest 2012 was the hot design ticket of the weekend. Sorry Madonna, I didn’t have time for you. My eyes and ears were on the Para Design Stage at IDSwest with Tommy Smythe, Susan Dimma, Mark Challen and Kelly Deck presenting. It was an amazing line up for West Coast design lovers!

Here are a few of my favourite exhibitors of the Interior Design Show West 2012.

The AyA Kitchens‘ booth, created by Kelly Deck Design, was definitely the show stopper. I especially loved the sparkly reflections of the Bocci pendant lights in the polished surfaces of the marble backsplash and gold range hood. B..A..U..tiful!!!

The Montauk Sofa booth was so unique and creative, it ranked in my top three. A few select pieces of furniture showcased against a checker board like back drop of spec sheets. The same sheets of paper create a glowing canopy above. I loved it!

I’m always drawn to the Inform Interiors display. I can’t wait to see what chair they feature each year. A wise choice, this year it was the Owl Chair, designed by Shawn Place – Western Living Magazine’s Furniture Designer of the Year for 2012. I was also blown away by the whimsical chandelier, titled Birds Birds Birds by Ingo Maurer. I’m clearly drawn to things with wings this year. Another of my favourites was the Omer Arbel’s Bocci 28D Desk Lamp. I regret not buying one. They were offered for sale at the show at a huge discount, likely never to be seen again. I meant to go back for one and forgot. I think I was distracted by something gold and sparkly. ;)

Oh, there was so much to see. This was the best year yet! Way to go, IDSwest!

Did you get to the show this year? What was your favourite?

I also want to say a big Thank You to IKEA Canada for sponsoring Blend 2012 – A Canadian Design and Lifestyle Bloggers West Event. Bloggers from all over western Canada got together during IDSwest at the St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver for some great conversations, food, festivities and prizes. Thank you to Barbara, Nancy, Victoria, Karla and Danielle for all your hard work in organizing another amazing event!

Chairs!

Meesh xo

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Posted in Chair, Interior Design

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A Paris Apartment

Posted on September 24, 2012 | 11 Comments

It’s been almost two months since I strolled the Champs Élysée, ate pain au chocolat nearly every morning and gazed up in awe at the ancient architecture all around me. We wait eagerly for something, a dream trip in this case, and then it seems over in a flash. Memories and photos remain, but it still feels surreal. Know what I mean? I guess that’s how the travel bug bites us. We want to shake off that surreal feeling and experience all the sights, smells, and sounds again and again.

During our second week in France, we rented an apartment in Paris. It was perfect for the four of us travellers. In the Marais district, it was close to markets, the metro, tons of restaurants and the Place de la Bastille. It was perfectly Paris.

Dreamy isn’t it? I had to keep pinching myself. More Paris photos to come. I’m still wading through the mass of them.

Bonne journée!

Love Meesh xo

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Posted in Chair, Interior Design, Photography, Travel

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West Elm Decorates Vancouver

Posted on September 15, 2012 | 8 Comments

Have you heard? Have you BEEN there yet? I’m talking about the new West Elm store in Vancouver! Now OPEN! I had the privilege of receiving an advance tour with creative director, Vanessa Holden last Wednesday afternoon. Oh, so many gorgeous things from dip-dyed pillows to textile inspired ceramics to soft graphite sofas.

I’m a huge West Elm fan and have shopped at their Seattle location and on-line. A variety of clean lines, natural textures and global accents makes it fun and easy to mix, match and create your own personal style at home.

In collaboration with Etsy, West Elm’s Vancouver location showcases local handmade art and artisans. Supporting the local community is pretty cool in my books. :) Etsy designers in the photos below are Heather Dahl (dahlhaus), Justina Yang (Fiber Lab) and Grace Lee (eikcam).

I’m already anticipating what West Elm has in store for the holiday season. I see many trips to the city in my near future!

West Elm Vancouver is located at 2947 Granville Street. (between 13th and 14th)

Have a great week!

Luv Meesh xo

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Posted in Interior Design, Shopping

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Service!

Posted on June 4, 2012 | 8 Comments

Last week I had bamboo, rattan and wicker on the brain and on Friday I popped into my local Sally Ann to be greeted by this gorgeous serving stand at the door!

She’s bamboo and rattan and in really great shape, so I’m going to live with her as is for now. She’ll probably end up painted white by the end of the summer. What do you think…leave au natural or paint? Oh, did I mention her top serving tray is removable! Bonus!

Now to dress her up for a party! (I know it’s only Monday, but let’s hope the week goes by quickly!) Inspiration below…

From the top: 1. Meesh’s iPhone / 2. The Doctor’s Closet featured on  The Glitter Guide / 3. Society Social / 4. Society Social.

Have a great day!

Luv Meesh xo

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Posted in Interior Design

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L.A. Eats

Posted on May 11, 2012 | 9 Comments

Just like dessert, I’m saving the best of my L.A. trip with my sis for last. I hope you aren’t tired of hearing about it!

While I was in charge of choosing the hotel, my sis picked where we would wine and dine.  She is a serious foodie, so she really does her research before planning a holiday and making a restaurant reservation in a foreign city. Where food is concerned, she expects the best, so there’s no room for disappointment! You’d better make sure the plates are hot and that New York strip is piping on the outside, but cool blue on the inside!

Her picks were two outstanding restaurants, both within walking distance of our hotel in Santa Monica. The first, ZENGO, is a latin-asian fusion hot spot.  I’d never imagined this combo, but it was different, interesting and delicious. We split Peking Duck Daikon Tacos and Scallops Al Pastor, which included my introduction to pork belly! Never fear, tastes like bacon….

I’m a sucker for a place with cool lighting, but we decided to sit outside on the roof top patio to enjoy the sunshine.

Are you drooling yet?

The next night, after a fun afternoon of bicycling to Venice Beach we took our huge appetites to BOA Steakhouse. This restaurant blew me away visually with multi-coloured lighting and sculptural petrified trees. (You can see a hint of the trees below.) The meal, a juicy New York strip loin, was equally the bomb, once a little birdie told them how to do it properly. ;) Inside joke!

My iPhone photo doesn’t do this dessert justice…it was a delectable combination of moist chocolate brownie, toasted marshmallow and creamy chocolate ice-cream. Never too much chocolate!

Kudos to my sis for two great picks! Yum!

Is it dinner yet?

Luv Meesh! xo

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Posted in Food, Interior Design, Travel

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