Canadian Originals

I had a wonderful lunch today with some very talented ladies, and much was discussed. We are all from the greater Vancouver area, all either Interior Designers, Decorators, Craftspeople or Design Enthusiasts. But the biggest similarity is that we blog…this wonderful world of design blogging. 

Anyone interested in joining the Design and Lifestyle Bloggers (West), please contact us, and come out to our next gathering in Vancouver…it’s growing…started at 5…today we were 20, and we have 39 on the list. Lets start to spread the word…heck maybe a West Coast Digital Magazine or Show one day! Lets start showcasing our amazing west coast talent.

Another peek into my recent photo shoot with Heather…they will all be revealed soon.

Heather Ross photo – Interior Design, Michelle Morelan Design

 

On that note, this is a two part post, because a new Canadian Blogger has interviewed me for her new blog http://canadianoriginals.net/ how appropriate :) I love her header quote “a celebration of creativity” Joyce is a published writer; the National Post for one, creating the most stunning interiors (check out her portfolio) and I would like to formally introduce her to you all! I was honoured that she wanted to interview me, and she is as warm as she is talented…please leave Joyce a nice comment when you go and visit…her most recent post is on the Iconic appeal of birch bark…intrigued?…I thought it was delightful…Thanks Joyce…can’t wait to meet you in TO one day :)

Best, Michelle

Coastal Cottage

I have been a fan of a particular little Japanese fishing shack on the water in Ucluelet's harbour for a long time, and a few weekends ago, the owner gave me a tour of her home and the darling little cottage she rents out during the warm season. We will be styling it for professional photos soon.

Interior of the cottage; I would keep the interior white, add watery blues and greens, retain the dark floor, and add a larger desk area that faces the water. The owner didn't want me to show pictures of the interior, since it didn't look it's best, so I sketched the intent for you instead. Once we have our styling day, I will share the pictures, and contact info, so you can book a week!

This is the ultimate escape, to bring a great novel, a favorite blanket, and leave your worries behind in the city. Spend the day, walking the beaches and trails listening to the sea lions and gulls. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine near the fire, and watch the fishing boats go by.

There is a darling little loft up above, and a small kitchen and bathroom at the back. The view is of Port Albion; it's calm, being in the inner harbour.

Ucluelet was a series of cedar walkways with little cedar shacks like this a hundred years ago. It's quite an interesting history...one of First Nations (the Nuchanuth people), Japanese fisherman and their families, and early logging, establishing a resourced based economy.

There are only a couple of these little fishing shacks left, and you are no longer able to build so close to the water, on this side of the peninsula. That's what adds to the charm...and the building is original...grandfathered in, as they say.

Owner's home just up from the waterfront cottage.

The entry to the waterfront cottage...can you imagine the styling possibilities? The owner is actually very savvy, and hangs fishing floats by the front door, and sets out a cute little bench during warm season. You can fish from the dock.

The view out the kitchen window...yes, that is frost on the inside of the windows... brrr.

More to come with this little cottage...