Dabble Feature: Dave Benbow

The July/August Dabble Mag launched today, and as I started to flip through the issue, it wasn't long before I was entranced by the comfortable and stylish home of Dave Benbow. Dave manages the LA design emporium, Mecox Gardens, and it's obvious that he likes to take his work home. I love the look Dave has created in his home - it's an enchanting blend of styles and price points in a colour palette which reflects the California landscape: Sand, Sea and Sky.

Thanks for such a great feature, Dabble!!

Special Delivery

If you follow me on Twitter, then you may have wondered what this Sunday morning tweet was all about:


Inside the big orange bag was a special delivery - a slightly belated Mother's Day gift which I've been working on for a few weeks. While my mom was here in Toronto over the Easter weekend, I dragged her to Designer Fabrics to help me search for fabric to create a trio of store window panels. Surrounded by so much selection, it's always a temptation to make impulse fabric purchases, but I resisted - instead suggesting a pink & green print to my mom that I knew she would like. "Wouldn't this make great toss cushions for your couch?" An idea was born, and soon we were at the checkout with a yard of said print and a yard of a textural woven solid.

My mom's condo is decorated in soft green and chocolate brown with dark woods, highlighted by a few hits of shrimp/coral. These cushions tie right into the existing scheme and add a punch of print and colour to the living room. Hope you enjoy your gift, mom!!




Now then, who's next? I'm looking for projects!!!

Home to Keep: All New Peter Fallico

Heads up, everyone!! For those of you who have been waiting with anticipation for Peter Fallico to launch a new series, Home to Keep premieres tonight on HGTV Canada at 9:30 pm EST - sorry for the last minute notice!

Photo courtesy of HGTV Canada

As I may have mentioned in the past, Peter Fallico is one of my favourite Toronto renovators and designers. His signature look has a clean, classic and modern aesthetic, all rolled into one. Even better, Peter works within a reasonable budget, which I think most of us can appreciate. For this series, Peter once again works with talented designer and stylist Elizabeth Wharnsby (pictured above). The concept of Home to Keep is to work with a new family each week, re-purposing a particular area of the home which doesn't meet the family's needs.

Can't wait to watch tonight's premiere episode!!

Summer Home with Karen Sealy Premieres on HGTV Canada

I was super excited to be invited to a launch party for the premier of Karen Sealy's new tv series Summer Home on HGTV Canada. The event took place at the offices of Sealy Design Inc. Whoops - did I say offices? I meant to say sleek design studio and relaxing backyard oasis, cleverly masquerading as a successful design business. Karen was an exuberant hostess and her talented team were all extremely gracious!!

The group was treated to the first episode of the series, "The Snug", which features Karen's brilliant transformation of a rather sad and neglected bunkie into an inviting guest cottage with space for eating, lounging and sleeping. The series airs Sunday nights at 9 pm (EST) starting this Sunday, June 5th on HGTV Canada.

Until then, feast your eyes on these pics of the stylish backyard at the Sealy Design Studio:

Lady of the half hour, Karen Sealy
with Elana Safronsky of HGTV Canada:

A big "thanks" to Sealy Design for the fabulous gift bag!!

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.