Kimberly Seldon Seminar

Well...this has been a whirlwind weekend...2 days of Kimberly Seldon's Business of Design seminars here in Vancouver.

I met some wonderful women there; all exceptional Designers, Stagers, Architects, Organizers, Stylists and Decorators. I also met Interior Designer Patricia Gray and fellow blogger and Home Stager Albarosa for the first time. What a delight! Even a couple of college friends showed up that I didn't know were attending!

I'll be collecting my thoughts, following up with my to-do lists and posting more about this seminar this coming week. For now I will just say...ppphhhewww.

I wish now I could have chatted with every woman there... I hope a networking group comes out of this.

I dislike this picture of me so much, but had to post it...of course Kimberly looks awsome! Thanks to Nancy@ Urban Aesthetics for the pic, since my battery was mysteriosly missing from my camera....teenagers!

Dutch Seaside Home

I have been browsing through the European mags that I brought home with me, and came across this amazing canal side home near Amsterdam. It's owners, Henk and Saskia Teunissen have transformed this 1920's home with beautiful references to the sea that are present everywhere you go in the Netherlands.


Formal symmetry and informal textural siding and furniture juxtapose each other, allowing you to feel comfortable yet pampered by the spa white upholstery
There is a lack of colour palette, but one rich in texture and married to nature in an uncomplicated way

The ceiling beams and antiqued walls refrence the age of the house and to Amsterdam's past. Whites and ivories work together with the grays and browns being a buffer
Washed concrete and wide plank floors remind you of the age and location of the house. The reflective pieces provide a modern touch and another layer without adding colour. I love this home because of the way the homeowners used texture and colour, mixed in history and what works for a modern family.

Greys, browns, black and whites are mixed in a perfect ratio in the kitchen. Natural linen drapes in grey tones let some light in, but provide privacy and light control
The master bedroom includes a woven wing chair bed design; I always start with good quality white hotel linens on the bed, and add colour or texture. This throw adds instant texture and implied comfort. The room also included that punch of reflective in the lamps, table and tray service, and the drapes draw thier colour and texture from the throw and the chair...a nice mix that works well

I have been reading and while in Paris noticing this "Parisian empty" look. I think this bathroom speaks to that. There is an "under construction, pictures not hung yet" look. The old chandelier may have been purchased at the Paris Fleas, and the existing beadboard is simply painted. The floor is interesting and includes the colour palette of the interior; from greys to browns to ivories. Collected items have implied importance, and there is a restraint practiced. The home has not lost the feeling of being developed over its lifetime

Moorish Design in Elle Decor

Elle Decor featured this Moorish design on their website...I love the contrast of colour, the shape of openings and the ogee arches...you feel the warm weather just by looking at these images.