Covet Garden - a modern Victorian

I seem to be a little slow trying to keep up with the latest in blogs, magazines etc. these days, but I was grateful last night to catch up on the last couple of issues of one of my favourite online magazines, and Canadian to boot, Covet Garden. Last month's issue ROCKED, featuring the Toronto home of Shaun (co-owner of a shop selling handmade works by mostly Canadians) and Todd (owner of a flower shop). It's an 1875 Victorian that they have spent 13 years renovating, and pimped it out with an eclectic mix of mid-century (ie. grandma's couch) and modern furniture and art. Now this is an inspiring and creative home! 

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Opposite ends of the winter retreat spectrum

It's been ages since I blogged Montreal photographer Claude-Simon Langlois, so I was pleased when he emailed the other day with news that he had new photos on his site. Coincidentally and in keeping with the winter retreat theme, some of his new work includes a lodge in Lake Placid, New York that is at complete opposite ends of the spectrum of the "cabin" in my last post. The decor of this cabin may be a bit too traditional for my taste, but Claude-Simon really captures the essence of the beauty of winter and this typical winter dwelling. Which would you prefer chillling (literally - LOL) in for a winter vacay?

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Evelyn Eshun

Lovely contemporary interiors by Toronto interior designer Evelyn Eshun. She seems to be a whiz at kitchen designs in particular - her portfolio is filled with several that are so well laid out and make great use of space. 

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Tanya Collins

Tanya Collins is an interior designer located here in Ottawa and I am so pleased to have found a local designer that has talent and a keen eye! (They seem to be hard to come by around here). Her kitchens and bathrooms are divine, and her spaces have a wonderful energy. Maybe I should hire her. :-)

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The garden pavilion

Just in from photographer Brenda Liu this beautiful garden pavilion she shot for Shawn Freeman Architect.

"This pavilion is designed as a three-season living room from which to enjoy the views of an exquisite urban garden. The room opens fully to the garden surrounding it, and frames views back to the house, pool, great lawn, woodland, and fire circle. It is purposefully built in a simple elegant palette of materials including polished concrete floors (with concealed radiant heating), zinc clad exterior in a black patina, simple plaster ceiling, and an aluminum & stone bar. A dark exterior helps it blend quietly with the surroundings, and also contrast to the light Indiana limestone and stucco main house. In every respect the pavilion is a quiet retreat from the main house; there you can feel as if you have left the city behind, and relax surrounded by a beautiful woodland garden, and the sounds of nature."

A woodland retreat at the end of the garden. How perfect! As are Brenda's evocative shots!

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