Eight Hundred Sq. Ft. Loves...

Good Morning Small Space Dwellers! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. For me this weekend was totally about rest, which is something that I sometimes have to force myself to do. Double blanketed in my favourite spot in my living and a BIG bowl of grapes.

It wasn't completely a design free weekend though, that might be too much to ask. I did find a space that I absolutely LOVE. Now this is not a small space by any means, but Lisa Rogers' lakeside home was one that I just had to share. Her design sense is impeccable and her home oozing with elegance. I love the freshness of the space. White walls with hits of grey and black strewn about so effortlessly.

This look would be very simple to replicate in a small space. Less furniture and design on a smaller scale but the essence of her space is definitely something that can be introduced in any space. Join me as Lisa invites us into her beautiful lakeside home. (Home tour video below)

                   

More videos can be found at House and Home

This Year's Trend: Break the Rules!

Small Space Dwellers, I must start by sending my love to each of you and wishing you a Happy New Year! I am truly grateful and blessed for the gifts and lessons of 2012 and am excited to see what is in store for 2013! I don't do the resolution thing, mostly because I never keep them...lol, but I do step into each year with a theme. Last year was my year of 'Nakedness' - Living freely without fear of showing who I am and what I love. From this Eight Hundred Sq. Ft. was born, among other wonderful things. This year my theme is 'Limitless'. I am venturing courageously into this 2013th year breaking away the boundaries I used to set for myself about what I can achieve.  This year I am going to live the BREADTH and width of it!

So it was very fitting when I saw this months issue of Style at Home Magazine. They have declared the trend for 2013, 'BREAKING THE RULE, DECORATE THE WAY YOU LOVE', which I completely resonate with. I have always been an advocate for living the way you love and this includes your space; especially when your home is small and space is limited.

To kick off this year of decorating the way you love, I've decided to showcase Designer and Stylist Nicola Marc's 900 sq. ft. 1920s Montreal apartment, a re-feature from Style at Home. Nicola's space immediately evokes a sense of comfort and playfulness. Her choice of an aubergine and mustard palette with pops of moody accents is a definite "swoon". I love her audacity for mixing geometrics, stripes and paisley. She has wonderfully executed a bold yet harmonious design. Definitely "breaking the rules" worthy.

Cheers Small Space Dwellers! Here is to a year of rule breaking and life loving!

XOXO,

The Painted Bench

So, I'm about a week or so away from finishing my "Single Girl" bachelor apartment and I am really excited to introduce you to Ashely (the single girl) and her newly decorated bachelor apartment. I just need to tweak a few things and find a piece or two. One of the pieces I have been looking for was a bench for her desk, but couldn't find what I was looking for. So, I decided to pass along a piece that I had bought from a second hand shop about a year ago. When I bought it it was peach and brown and of course needed to be revived. I reupholstered the top with a fun black and white striped fabric, painted the base to match the striped fabric and added a hot pink colour on the inside.

To fit Ashley's place, I knew I had to change the piece to compliment her new colour scheme of purple and grey. Since I was unable to find fabric that I liked, I decided to paint the bench (and the fabric) to go with what I have already introduced into her space.  After three coats of paint, this bench is going to fit right in. Can't wait for you all to see her space!

Diamonds are Forever. Emeralds are for 2013.

The verdict is out! PANTONE has released the 2013 colour of the year. PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald - "Lively, radiant, lush. A vivid verdant green which enhances our sense of well-being and promotes balance and harmony. Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious." ( - PANTONE)

#SSSSS - Six Sexy Shoe Storage Solutions

For the past couple of months I have been itching to change my front hall closet. Currently I have one of those builder basic closets with the sliding glass mirrors and I just feel like the space could be featured in a better way. I've been thinking about how I would store all that currently live is that closet, including my shoes and found some AWESOME shoe storage solutions along my internet travels. We will have to see what becomes of my dreaded front all closet, but in the meantime enjoy these #sssss six sexy shoe storage solutions.

Shoe Cabinet

Shoe-case

Box it - Tag it

Wall Mounted

On the Ladder

Feature Them

Yes, I know...lol. The last one is not at all practical, but it is so damn cute I had to share. Needless to say. This is a great way of using what you have as art. :)

Have a great day #SSD (Small Space Dwellers)