Schumacher 2012: Cote D'Azur

The new indoor/outdoor Cote D'Azur fabric collection from Schumacher has just been launched. These fabrics were inspired "by the splendour of the illustrious French Riviera". I especially love the seaside blues and greens, such as pool, viridian, and marine. Since these fabrics are suitable for outdoor use, I am sure we'll be seeing some very chic poolsides, patios and balconies this spring and summer!

Amalfi Damask (Pool):

Cap Ferrat Weave (Viridian):

Marbella Strie (Viridian):

Antibes Chevron (Navy):

Menton Chenille (Pool):

Cannes Awning Stripe (Denim):

Tortola (Marine):

Monte Carlo Weave (Orange):

San Remo Fret (Sahara):

All images courtesy of Schumacher.

Sarah's House 4: Entry, Mudroom & Powder Room

This first of this week's back to back episodes of Sarah's House 4 highlighted the front entry, mudroom and powder room. One of the first decisions for the entry and front hallway was to select flooring. Unenthusiastic about the builder's plan to lay standard ceramic tiles from front to back, Sarah and Tommy decided to upgrade the flooring in this area. They chose to spend a small sum ($549) to get a big impact just inside the front door, using cipollino marble tiles to add a wow factor. When I visited the space, I oohed and aahed over these tiles, proving the importance of a good first impression!!

Cipollino Bianco Tile

To create flow throughout the main level, Sarah chose to upgrade the flooring to a pewter stained hardwood. For paint colours in this area, Sarah chose to accentuate the opposite ends of the hallway by using a darker shade on the front door wall and kitchen entrance, while selecting a light, bright, welcoming colour along the hallway walls and up the stairs.

Vintage Pioneered Hardwood
Red Oak Estates Pewter:

Side Walls: Para Paints, SR5, Bubbles:

End Walls: Para Paints, SR58, Elephant:

Since the front hall is wide and long, Sarah was able to place two Jordan benches in the vestibule, along with a gorgeous custom credenza for storage and an occasional chair. A statement piece of artwork above the credenza creates an interesting focal point. Of course again we see Sarah's signature mix of fabrics, although limited to just three in this space, with a crewel, a zigzag and a lyrical woven.

Vestibule Fabric Scheme:

Just off the front entrance, a hall with coat closet serves as a mudroom. Tommy and Sarah select a slate tile for the floors, but because the colour in these natural tiles is extremely varied, they must be careful to choose just the tiles that work well together. On the walls, tongue in groove paneling topped off with a fiery orange paint colour creates an interesting sight line to the powder room. Hooks provide a spot where children can easily hang coats and school bags.

Tartuga Oro Slate Tile:

Mudroom Walls: Para Paints, SR37, Clay:

In the small powder room, there is an opportunity to use a wallpaper that would be overwhelming in a larger space. Sarah chose this bird print for a bit of whimsy and a splash of colour - notice how the birds in the paper are picked up by the paint colour used in the hallway.

Schumacher A-Twitter:

Since the pedestal sink and toilet take up most of the floor space in this room, Tommy goes on the hunt for a small shelf where guests can set down a cell phone or clutch bag. This vintage Moroccan piece from The Door Store is just the right size for the space.

All room photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Did you watch this episode? What did you think?

Sarah's House 4: Been There, Seen That

I was going to start off with "you'll never guess what I did this weekend", but I think the title of this post has already given it away. Last week I told you about the listing for a million dollar plus home in Georgetown and this Sunday I attended the open house. In a word, Sarah's House 4 is Gorgeous with a capital G! The interior of this house took my breath away, with so much attention paid to every detail in typical Sarah Richardson style.

The biggest disappointment would have to be the "No Photos Allowed" sign plastered on the front door and throughout the house, so unfortunately I have no pictures to share, but I can provide small tidbits from memory. And no one said I couldn't scan the floorplans that were provided by the builder (click to enlarge):

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I spent several hours putting this post together, but when it was almost complete I started having second thoughts about divulging too many details about the upcoming season of Sarah's House. I've pared it down to just a few snippets - a fabric here, a wallpaper there, perhaps a splash of paint. Just a taste to keep you wanting more!!

Trina Turk for Schumacher

The photo featured in yesterday's teaser post was from Trina Turk's initial indoor/outdoor fabric collaboration with Schumacher. The second collection for the upcoming warm weather season was recently launched and there is a stunning array of gorgeous patterns and vivid colours. What else would you expect from Trina Turk?

Now who's ready for summer?
Or at least a warm weather winter getaway?

All photos courtesy of Schumacher.