Peek Inside: Playroom

Amanda, I was so excited to gain a basement in our new home. It was one of those things that I realized was important after M1 and M2 came along. I had spent countless hours in  Catherine's basement, amazed that all her kids toys were in one place and not visible to friends and guests. So I was giddy to get one of my own and anxious to set up a playroom away from the main part of the house.

Here's a sneak peek.

Things I love are the carpeted floor, the big windows (which you can't see in the pictures because its on the media side of the room) the ikea storage and the chalkboard that Brianna bought me because she saw it on Queen st and said that it reminded her of me.

The room was a collaboration of bits from Mila's nursery, pillows from our old living room, the kids table is our old kitchen table (cut down to kiddie size.) The bunting I made and the toys are all courtesy of friends and family on birthdays and celebrations. Note the cabbage patch dolls and my child's.

The room is fun and appeals to both genders and best of all, hidden from the rest of the house.

-Kate

Peek Inside: Alexis and Mike

Lex and Mike bought their home in a west end downtown Toronto neighbourhood a few years ago and did extensive renovations on it.  They have two rental units, one on the main floor and one in the basement, and they turned the top two floors into their own perfect pad.  If only you could see the before pics!  They added brick to add architectural interest to the long wall that runs through the apartment, ripped out the wall below the staircase to add openness and flow in the space between the dining and living room, built my dream pantry and a fantastic kitchen.  Lex has a great eye for small details and is a super hands on crafty person. An example, her headboard was actually an old mantel from the restore repurposed. I love going over there because of it's warmth and style and of course for the awesome company that goes along with it!

Project: Thompson Orchard

Michelle and Greg built their dream house in an idyllic west end neighbourhood. Hours were spent picking windows and doors, planning a layout and picking all the finishes of their dreams. Michelle approached us in January with her dilemma. She needed her house to become a home.

When we pulled up to Michelle and Greg's home to assess what needed to be done, without words, we looked at each other and smiled. What an honour to decorate such a breathtaking space.  From the ravine views to the cathedral ceilings, from the expansive windows to the perfect open concept layout, we were awestruck.

Michelle has a modern aesthetic and gravitates toward a "less is more" approach to decorating. With that in mind, we embarked on Project Thompson Orchard. We started by flipping their dining room around and got inspiration for a colour scheme with West Elm's coral pillows.

The rest fell in place. You can see for yourself below.

-Kate and Amanda

Peek Inside: Jan's Florida Home

Don't you just love getting a peak at someone's home?  We do!  We wanted to share the wealth and let you get a peak inside homes we love. Jan's Florida condo was a serious reversal in every way.  Prior to Jan's reno the condo was carpeted, the kitchen was walled in with yellow appliances and laminate countertops.  It looked closed in and dark.  A far cry from the sophisticated and airy place it is now.  With the walls down, new marble countertops, tiled flooring, a fresh coat of paint and a touch of Paris, Jan transformed it into a place anyone would want as a getaway!  Most of the furniture is from Toronto with a few pieces from Florida.  Come and take a peak inside.

Florida Sneak Peak

Kate,

There are a few things that we are still waiting for to complete my parents condo in Florida but I thought I would give you a sneak peak at the buffet in the dining room section before I do a complete post.  We found the piece of art at our equivalent of Homesense. (Which is awesome here!)  My parents are going for a sophisticated beachy look and I think this achieves that perfectly.

-Amanda

Peek Inside: baby shower

Amanda, Julia's baby shower was lovely. It was the perfect number of people, a relaxed time of the day and the mom-to-be was very happy.

Julia is a fashionista. She is always dressed impeccably and often wears some sort of animal print. So naturally our theme incorporated a bit of leopard and we added a bit of blue since her sweet pea is a boy.

Here are some pics.

A great afternoon with great friends and a beautiful mom-to-be. Thanks Heather, Bri, Ange and Olga. Can't wait to meet baby Montesano!

-Kate