Mostly Modern in Miami

Who knew our condo in Miami was a hop, skip and jump away from such a fabulous block of vintage shops? I finally ventured to NE 125th to explore some of the boutiques I had seen listed and lusted over on 1st Dibs but unfortunately not all of them were open (a lot of the shops on the block tend to keep atypical hours – many owners live nearby and have phone numbers on their doors to call so they can come open up for you but I was in too much of a rush to wait). The handful that I did get to explore made quite the impression with their merchandise, reasonable pricing and friendly staff so I am excited to return on my next trip.

One of my favourites was Mostly Modern, with its funky mid century mod pieces at extremely affordable price points.

I had to resist the urge to snap up this Fornasetti ashtray with its black white and gold colouring and architectural arches on the apron.

This turquoise and white bedroom set would be so fabulous with a glam white patent upholstered tufted headboard – so over the top and delicious!

This side table reminds me so much of the brass and smoked glass beauty I have in my own living room from Chair Table Lamp.  

Like a glass of fresh squeezed Florida OJ, this bedroom set promises a pleasant wake up! I love how the traditional Chippendale lines are totally amped up with the orange lacquer!

 

This vintage pottery collection reminded me so much of Jonathan Adler. Apparently I was right on tune because the owner informed me that Jonathan and Simon had stopped by previously and swooned over it!

The shop had a great collection of black and white jasperware from Wedgewood. How great is the brass column lamp!

I am still lingering over the great original C. Jere wall sculptures that were displayed. The townhouse with its cafe chairs and umbrella in front may need to be transplanted to my wall!

Laid Back L.A. Chic

For our speedy trip to L.A. last weekend, we spent our first night at the home of our good family friends and Canadian expats who live in a lovely neighbourhood by UCLA. The house is the epitome of laid back California chic, with quirky hits of colour, preloved antiques, tastes of mid century mod and vintage charm to spare!

Here are some of my favourite spaces within the cozy home:

A vintage poster, lush orchids and one of many pieces of art depicting the family’s love of dachshunds  artfully displayed on on a shield back chair immediately greets you at the door.

The living room has a host of delightful surprises, such as a mix of caned back chairs with teal track arm sofas, bursts of orange upholstered accents and a collection of cameos juxtaposed with a mod leaning mirror.

The kitchen’s mix of carrera marble and butcher block countertop, warm cream cabinetry, antiqued cup pulls, imported French tiled-floor, pastoral tiled backsplash above the range, farmhouse table and shield back chairs was utter heaven for my sister Marlie and perfectly practical for Oscar.

The powder room’s beadboard walls are painted barn red and totally make the pale French blue gilded Trumeau mirror pop!

The family room’s blend of weathered antiques and comfy seating means you can really put up your feet and relax in the eclectic space. I love the collection of blue and white plates hung on the wall, the bead board wainscoting and framed American flag.

The dining room mixes deco, mod and French provincial with contemporary black and white photography in a diverse space that still feels warm and cohesive.

One of the most personable elements of the house is the gallery wall of treasured photographs of family and friends which are hung from floor to ceiling along the hallway of the second floor. It’s hard not to stop and look at each one and see how their amazing  family has grown up over the years!

This is the sunny and oh so comfortable bedroom we stayed in. The pale turquoise headboards are detailed with a ruched border and contrast piping and they really pop against the earthy coral walls.

Last but not least, one of the stone outdoor terraces is a  great spot to sit with your morning coffee and was especially welcome to Marlie and I after leaving minus 12 degree weather in Toronto!

Thanks again to Donna and Todd for being consummate hosts and for giving us an amazing few days in LA. (and shout out to Gilly!)

La La Land

I am feeling super dazed and jet lagged after my bizarre yet awesome foray to LA for the Grammy's – the result of a silent auction package benefitting charity that was so kindly gifted to my sister and I. I have some great pictures to post of the eclectic and warm home we stayed at for a night, but until my brain returns to normal, I will instead share some random highlights of the trip.

The grammy’s of course were cool to attend, but our less than stellar seats meant you probably saw more sitting at home on your couch than we did way up in the rafters of the Staples Centre. The sound was still great though and it was very cool to see so many varied names in music under one roof (and so many Canadians!) It was even more amusing to see so many people dressed up in satin gowns climbing the steep concrete stairs of the Staples Centre in their high heels. It’s a miracle no one broke their neck!

A post-grammy dinner of steak tartar and mac and cheese at Boa was quite tasty - and it turned into quite the scene when barricades of paparazzi started to catch celebs like Drake, Elton John and Jamie Foxx coming in for a bite.

The night continued to turn around when we walked across the street to Trousdale, where the always amazing Kings of Leon were hosting a crazy after party, which apparently was the best of the bunch, a little rowdy with more than one person being escorted out, and had a host of random guests from glee guys to glam American idols drinking and dancing up a storm in one furious bunch. I have to agree with all of the above that’s been written about the epic night - in fact I agree so much that I couldn’t get out of bed and missed a day’s worth of shopping and exploring because it was just too much fun. Oops!

I promise more normal decor posts later on in the week once my head adjusts…

(image of arcade fire via grammy.com, mac and cheese via amber eats LA, Followill boys via Just Jared )

The Rug Company in Miami

Everyone knows The Rug Company – how can you not considering the brand’s drool-inducing catalogue with its impeccably deigned roomsets… Even though I kind of know the catalogue by heart, I still find myself drifting into one of their showrooms whenever I get the chance and the Miami Design District location is no different.

Not to be outdone by the piles of rugs you can peruse with their enigmatic colours and patterns, the cushions are drool- worthy too– I find Vivienne Westwood’s and Tara Bernerd’s to be especially divine!

Of course the infamous LOVE wall hanging is also another reason to stop in and see the beautiful handmade works of art in person.

All the showstoppers are there to see and feel in the flesh; witness Paul Smith’s infamous swirl and the gorgeous yet slightly askew Papillon by Tara Bernerd..

One rug which was great to see in person was Peony by Helen Ann Murray- the texture is divine and you can’t truly appreciate the motif until you see it in its three-dimensional glory.

Highlights of the McQueen collection are everywhere, including the awe-inducing gold and black rug with its chinoiserie feel and the signature needlepointed skull cushions.

Now if only I could find room in my apartment (and in my pocketbook) for this, this, and this..

Miami Design District Highlights

As planned, I made my inaugural visit to the Miami Design District while I was on vacay. I had a pathetic 2 hours to try and squeeze it all in, but of course I missed tons so I am planning a return next visit ASAP for my next trip!

Not just for the trade, the design district boasts gourmet dining destinations and high-end fashion boutiques that draw a regular crowd of non-design professionals. I will share some more in-depth looks at a few specific showrooms later this week, but to kick off my adventures, here are some brief highlights:

The trompe l’oeil backdrop of the Maison Martin Margiela store.

The candy coloured furniture, rugs and cushions at Missoni Home.

The to-die-for black and white stripe étagère displaying lovely white china at Tomas Maier. 

The spotted fur throw at Raul Carrasco

The delectable antipasto feast my mother and I attempted to tackle at Fratelli Lyon (4 layers: cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood…utter heaven!)

Provincetown Shopping: Yates and Kennedy

I’ve been bad not posting about all the awesome shops I explored while in New England in the summer. One place that would be a shame to keep to myself is Yates and Kennedy in Provincetown.

A series of show stopping vignettes displayed against playful patterned wallpaper hold a collection of well- edited accessories in mainly neutral palettes, which makes it easy for the customer to imagine incorporating into their own space.

There is a masculine edge to the designs, with some glam thrown in for good fun. A nautical theme runs through a lot of the merchandise, which plays to the town’s seaside locale.

A fabulous collection of limited edition T shirts with nautical themes were so soft and cozy – I picked one up for my dad.

Here are some of my favourite picks from Yates and Kennedy:

Marseilles door stop, $44

Mermaid box, $26

white vase with flower appliqués, $42

framed cameo, $28

Cargo Ship Silhouette, $48

     

Pirate thank you notes, $22

Pacific Connections black and white lacquered square tray, $118