MY ANTIQUE FIND

I have been pining for the right antique Persian rug for our living room for what feels like years. My search was haphazard in nature with a quick peek in a warehouse here or a stroll through an estate sale there.

On a whim, I stopped by a consignment shop last week and I'm sure you can imagine my giddy surprise to find THE rug for me (pictured above)! It is handmade with bold colours, imperfections that make it truly unique and it has a history, having been made by a nomadic tribe in Iran. It was also spotless and affordable, which make it a rare find indeed.

I find that a Persian rug adds warmth to any room -- especially a bold patterned rug in a white or otherwise monochromatic like our living room.

Here are just a few images with rugs I adore ...

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CURRENTLY LOVING: THIS HOUSE

How lovely is this mid-century modern home of LA fashion stylist Jessica de Ruiter (and a fellow former Torontonian)? It is bright, stylish and welcoming with enviable outdoor spaces.

Take a peek . . .

 

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: FIG TREES

Our house plants had to find new homes with friends when we moved to Bermuda -- two weeks in a shipping container would have not been kind. Despite the lush flora outside every window, I miss the greenery and air purifying benefits of plants in our home.

I'm obsessed with fig trees right now. Large or small, I love how fig trees resemble a living sculpture ...

(Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6)

DESIGN INSPIRATION: WHITE AND WOOD

I find that the pairing of white walls with medium-toned wood -- whether flooring, furniture or accents -- creates a warm, inviting and relaxing environment for any room ...

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: THE HUDSON'S BAY POINT BLANKET

The Hudson's Bay Point Blanket is an icon in Canadiana design. Its green, red, yellow and blue stripes are instantly recognizable, and its wool embodies the Great White North. Here's some design inspiration using this iconic blanket ...

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: BLUE VELVET HEADBOARD

Our master bedroom is giving me a case of the blahs. The dark taupe no longer feels like the cozy cocoon I had intended. I long for bright, white walls to happily greet me each morning. I'm also coveting a blue velvet tufted headboard ...

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: BOOKSHELF ART

Art hanging on a bookshelf is unexpected. I like it. A lot. I adore collecting books, so this idea makes for an interesting floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. What do you think?

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: WINTER WREATHS

From boxwood and magnolia leaves to red berries, fresh balsam fir and even moss, a simple natural wreath makes quite an impact this season.

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DESIGN INSPIRATION: VINTAGE BAR CART

My husband's grand plan is to have a bar in our basement. He envisions friends coming over, pulling out a stool, propping up their elbows and grabbing a beer. And I'm sure, a hockey or football game factor in too. Unfortunately, our small basement is not conducive to making his dream a reality as play spaces and toy storage become a priority.

Instead, I'm trying to convince him that a vintage bar cart in our dining room is the solution. He can become a mixologist, serving our friends after-dinner cocktails all while having a cool piece of furniture that also functions as storage -- how practical is that?

Here are just a few images that are inspiring me to search out a vintage bar cart of our own at the flea market ...  

  

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