My sister is moving into her own place, so that means another no-holds barre decorating project is on the horizon!
With a list of obsessions that includes Iris's cottage from The Holiday, flamingos and shabby chic -- it is going to be a very fun and eclectic project!
I'll be posting about our sisterly decorating adventures, so stay tuned to see how we turn the dated-looking interior above into a chic and cozy abode for a young twenty-something.
![EK_WinterJacket-HAIR[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LP1Sy5RNnTJBr9mfHGi739SJvKfdeWtn3R2kCKFdWrmVykXEjDGxLaMImNgLG3HmlevQueIXFUXOY5fmuSLOjbtazEPLpwf6rExDzQhQekdEvByVfypl3XZLbQ7CqXgBJo488aIFeBq/s1600-h/EK_WinterJacket-HAIR%5B1%5D%5B3%5D.jpg "EK_WinterJacket-HAIR[1]")
Those of us living in Northern climates are well aware of the challenge of finding a warm winter coat that doesn’t resemble either a puffy garbage bag or an arctic explorer’s jacket. One label I have turned to in the past for stylish options is Canadian company Johnny Yiu - so when I heard that one of Toronto’s rising fashion stars Erin Kleinberg was teaming up with the outerwear company for a new collection of edgy outerwear, I was jumping at the chance to see what their collaboration would yield.
The result is the practicality and craftsmanship of Johnny Yiu’s water-repellent nylon shell and ethically collected goose-down filling, spiced up with Kleinberg’s signature of-the-moment detailing, such as quilted patches, military-style buttons, zippers and more.
My favourite is the Magdalena Parka with its blend of luxe quilted patches, punky horizontal zippers and soft coyote fur trim hood. You can buy the Magdalena for $815 at Holt Renfrew, Saks.com and Canopy Blue.
There are some books out right now that I would love to be able to thumb through -- namely two that focus on the past history of star decorators, and one brand new tome that features a current designer whose work I adore: Mary McDonald:
Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style
Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator
The Great Lady Decorators: The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955
Even though I have no shortage of beautiful design books I plan on adding these to my library very soon!
Here is some interior eye candy courtesy of New England photographer Michael Partenio. I stumbled upon his beautiful work when I picked up some local decorating mags in Cape Cod and am loving his light and airy images:
Those of us in the biz know how hard it is to find a sectional that doesn't turn into a vacuous "L" sucking out every last ounce of style from the room. I do have some favourites I return to now and then that I have used for clients in the past that are sure-things, but I was super excited to finally come across a sectional that really stands out from the crowd.
The 4800 Sectional Series by Lee Industries has a fabulous tall tight back with a side profile akin to a modern rectilinear wing-back chair. It's nailhead detailing and tapered legs add a glam element to it as well.
I had suggested it to one of my clients for their family room last month but they passed because it didn't look comfortable enough, so you can imagine my delight when I went to visit ELTE's recently revamped showroom and saw it on the floor! Not only does it look super festive in real life, but it was soooo comfortable!Usually people shy away from tight backs thinking they won't be cozy, but the angle of repose, deep seat and lumbar cushions make it snug and stylish!
The affordable price is another bonus: $6,595 as shown from ELTE (not including the patterned toss cushions).
