A Brooklyn rowhouse for booklovers and cats

Most of you will know why I wanted to share this post with you. Being a cat mom to many, it's a dream of mine to have a house that coordinates some designs for the cats within the architecture. Design and architecture firm Barker Freeman was asked to convert this Brooklyn rowhouse into a series of lively, light-filled spaces and to provide accommodations for the homeowners two shy but inquisitive cats — including ways for the cats to slip away from unexpected guests. My ferals would totally appreciate that, and they would love this home as much as I would. 

I must point out the fact that the bookshelf wall not only has the top accessible to the cats but they can get up there via shelves that project to create invisible steps.

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Spaces of note

I was perusing sköna hem this morning and came across these spaces that caught my eye. Awesomeness in the form of a fat Pug, some stacks of tied up old weathered books (I want to do this in my living room), a cozy living room and an eclectic kitchen (love the plaster treatment on the wall and sewing machine table base).

A sitting room with a sophisticated and party vibe

How fun is this sitting room?!?! Divided with a steel and glass wall, 2 spaces were created. A sophisticated sitting area and a funky media room complete with built-in bar! LOVE THIS!!! By London-based Tor Interiors. 

New in - trivets and books

Some goodies have arrived lately in my mailbox that I wanted to share with you all, so here we go. First up are some gorgeous trivets from Canadian designer, artist and printmaker Lorraine Tuson. Her patterns are sooooo fun, and this one is my favourite. It's called Fingerprint Flower as it started off with her own fingerprint! She currently carries lumbar cushions, coasters, table runner, pouches and a few others, all made from 100% wool felt. While I plan to use my trivets just for decoration they have a cork backing so they don't slip and are water repellant and can be easily spot cleaned. She is selling her products at one of my favourite shops in Toronto, Green Light District Design, if you want to go check them out in person. We spoke about some new projects she's working on and I'm super stoked to see how they turn out! 

This first book I received is total eye candy and a perfect coffee table book you're going to want to flip through a couple dozen times. Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons is published by The Vendome Press, is written by Jennifer Ash Rudick with photos by Tria Giovan.

Out East captures the enduring appeal of shingled houses, modernist oceanfront designs, artists’ compounds, and Montauk surf shacks. Jennifer Ash Rudick, a long-time Southampton resident, leads an insider’s tour of more than 25 houses, cottages, and pool houses. Tria Giovan, a Sag Harbor–based photographer, captures extraordinary gardens, verandas, lakeside pavilions, farmhouses, and converted barns. This book is fabulous because it features such a wide variety of decor styles: from super traditional, to country, to mid-century modern and Scandinavian. This book has only been out since July 4th so go get yourselves a copy - trust me you will love it!

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Books and bulbs

I received some really great books recently that I wanted to share with you today (I LOVE BOOKS!!!) and I didn't think I could ever get excited about light bulbs, but it happened!

I will start with a book by Sara Emslie, a London-based interiors stylist and writer, called Urban Pioneer with photos by Benjamin Edwards and published by my favourite Ryland Peters & Small. 

The book features incredible interiors that take their inspiration from industrial design. It provides an in-depth look at twelve inspiring homes that were originally non-residential and have since been converted. Exposed brick, copper piping, bare roof trusses, concrete floors...all the elements of industrial spaces that make my heart skip a beat. I adore this book and am adding it to my coffee table pile. 

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