greyed wood + pastels = scandi beach house perfection

Cottage and wood panelling are practically synonymous here.

For some reason everyone feels the need to line their weekend retreats with copious amounts

 of sometimes-garish pine and cedar planks.

So how to keep the rustic vibe but bring the panelling up to 2011?

Grey it down by applying a "wash" to the wood.

If the wood has a pre-existing finish, it has to be sanded first,

and calling in the professionals may be your best bet.

Simply apply watered down pale grey latex onto the bare planks, 

rubbing into the boards (with the grain) as you go, 

almost like a stain.

Saw it first in this stunner

and I'm loving it here...

The floors were actually stripped and left completely unfinished, to weather naturally.

That jaw-dropping wall of tile, which was already here, 

was originally orange and so was given the same treatment as the walls. 

Love, love, love the artisan feel.

The owners of this beach house are the founders of Ochre...

look at this office they've set up -

oh, to work with the sound of crashing waves in the background!!

With all the greyed down tones in the wood, 

clean, pale tints are the perfect accent colors - 

pastels are BACK.

It's a bit like driftwood and sea glass, translated into an interior, isn't it?

The outdoor space remains as equally low-key...

a modern table tucked under a homemade roof of bamboo poles lashed together - so totally clever...

sigh. so lovely.

How was your weekend?

I made it to Kempenfest,

our local arts and crafts extravaganza down by the lake.

Picked up an adorable baby gift for a friend (you're going to want one, and she is on Etsy - yay!)

and discovered a very cool sculptor / furniture designer that works with unique upcycled bits, 

will show you the pics later this week.

Have a great monday!

summer blog crawl: a lake classic

This post is part of the summer blog crawl linkup from Brittany of Gallery no 8.

Where I live summer is all about the cottage.

Each friday the highways are packed with overloaded cars 

driving to the water to grab their slice of canadian heaven...

While modern cottages tend to skew more grand home than cottage,

I like the feel of the old, simplistic, wood-panelled cottages.

A place where sand and water are as welcome as guests.

A place to put your feet up.

One of the best classic modern getaways I've seen is Thom Felicia's lakehouse..

I'm sure you saw it when it was featured in Domino.

It's one of the few interiors where I actually like the antlers :)

Take another look - years later, and it still feel fresh and completely perfect.

That's good design.

The view from the lake... I'm never leaving.

the entry, with it's ubiquitous workbench console/bar.

This was pre-pottery barn knockoff - the inspiration, perhaps?

Thom whitewashed the walls - a transparent finish that still allows a rustic bit of grain to show, 

but softens the palette and keeps all that wood from taking over.

At the time, the grey seemed slightly unusual, but today it's at the forefront of trends.

The main living space - every lake house would do with a stone fireplace like this one.

Love the black accents.

Again, by painting the trim and doors black Thom upped the chic factor 

and kept that wood overload under control.

A chic wee kitchen tucked in under the industrial feeling stairs...

and a dream view for dining.

Look at the flagstone floors!

I like the fishing weights he's used as accents, 

bringing in nautical bits without overloading on shells.

A small den - that daybed would be the perfect spot to curl up during a rain.

Heading upstairs....

more black metal, reclaimed wood.. and antlers :)

How about black + glass doors with burlap privacy panels?

Yes, please.

The boho bedspread is still masculine without being stark.

I like how Thom created a sleeping nook with two closets on either side of the bed - so clever.

The loft is all set up for guests - think he'll mind if we drop by?!!

And this is end of day perfection, a fire, friends and the serenity of the lake.

Ahhh....

can't you just feel your pulse slowing.

(and why did Ikea stop making those chairs? they're pretty sexy!)

I would love to see pictures of this space today - I'll bet not much has changed.

Happy Fourth of July, to all of you south of the border!

And a belated happy Canada Day to all my Canadians girls -

we were out on the boat, at the beach, bbqs and firework celebrations for the past three days.

It was wonderful... now if I can just get my head back into work mode :)

Have a great Monday, everyone - x

Source 1 Domino

if I had a cottage..folding cots

if I had a cottage

these would live there...

1 2 3 4 5 6

bare feet and fancy free

Imagine starting every single morning right here.

getting closer...

ready?

have a peek.. ahhhh...

Yup.

That will do.

More?

Straight into the dreaming-of-a-cottage folder.

Why Don't You.. Blow Up Some Family Photos

Family photos are one of the best accessories a home can have.
Captured moments in our own stories.
But sometimes the way they are displayed doesn't do them justice-
the collage frame? Guilty!
I love that this homeowner chose two images that made her happy, then just went for it..

Truth be told, the photos aren't the only thing I love here...
This playful pallette and mix of textiles create a relaxed vibe,
and mixed with the dark wood, it feels tropical.
How much do you want to sink into that sofa,
with all it's plush, happy pillows?
The pale aqua on the walls emphasizes the warmth of the fabrics without stealing the show..
perfection.
This space has all the layers that create interest - but those photos are the best bit, aren't they?

Roman and Williams: Perfectly Unique and Personal Spaces

Day two of Roman and Williams love.

Yesterday I posted about their commercial work, 

but today the real gems - residential.

Anyone remember this incredible space from Instyle?

Kate Hudson, in her posh hippy haven, designed for comfortable lounging.  

Thank you to Shayna (The Ruffled Snob) for taking me back to this..

No pretentious entry here, but sophisticated choices bring a dose of drama to the laid back vibe.

Warmed hues welcome while the lush textiles invite lounging..

The most spectacular chandelier..

Kid and popcorn friendly style.

Sunday afternonns, here I come..

After all the color and pattern - a dreamy white bedroom..

Really. If I could cut an paste that entire space into my own I would!

So that's Roman and Williams in Cali,

check out how they do Montauk:

In every direction this room offers gorgeous vignettes

The Main living space continues the industrial/organic feel..

Not your usual white beach kitchen :) I love this! 

With all the light here, it's the perfect opportunity to venture into the dark side..

Bedrooms kept simple, with the emphasis on comfort.

note the bureau - how clever is that?

Lastly, the designers set free in a loft.. this is a more typical setting for their design style,

but they rock it!

I think that these pics may eat up the majority of space on my inspiration boards.

I love design that celebrates the occupants of the home,

instead of bowing to what is trendy at the moment, or design "rules".

I hope that we see more people claiming their space as their own, 

and creating spaces that bring them joy!

til next time..