Sarah's House 3 Episode 9

The final room in the new addition is the large master bedroom at the end of the hallway. Inspiration for this room comes from the fabulous quilt Sarah and Tommy found at the Christie Antiques Show (coming up this May 29th, by the way). The quilt's hues of yellow and orange lead to the selection of more bright fabrics, including a stunning bold floral fabric Sarah uses to recover two armchairs.

Decor Budget: $15,000
Actual Spent: $18,785

Splurges: 4 Poster Bed $3000, 2 Armchairs $4000
Saves: Quilt $350, Pair of Lamps $90 (approx)

All photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Sarah's House 3 Episode 8

Episode 8 focuses on creating a large bathroom in the new addition, to be shared by the whole family. It's a large space, which allows Sarah to incorporate a deep freestanding tub, an enclosed glass shower stall and matching vanities with sinks. The colour scheme in this room once again is inspired by a fabric, and although Sarah's initial fabric choice doesn't make the final cut, the blue and sand scheme comes through in the drapery, paint selection and tile. As Sarah says, the end result is "fresh and family friendly".

This week's budget: $20,000
Actual spent: $19,060

Splurge: Tub $4000
Saves: Drapery Fabric $9.99.yard, Vanities $350 each, Storage Cabinet $250

All photos courtesy of HGTV Canada

Tray Chic

I recently purchased a small brass & glass tray to use just inside the entrance of my condo suite. In this case, the tray serves as place to gather several objects together in a cohesive group, forming a vignette.

Tray: Value Village
Candlesticks: Salvation Army Thrift Store
Bud Vase: Jonathan Adler
Porcelain Bird Box: Pearl River Mart

I got to thinking about all the unique ways trays can be used for both functional and display purposes. A quick scan through the initial 4 issues of Lonny Mag provided several images of trays and a few creative ideas about the different ways they can be used in home decor.

Ashley Putman
Tray Sits Atop an Ottoman

Office of Betsy Burnham
Multiple Trays Used as Organizers

Laurann Claridge
Fragrances Gathered on a Snakeskin Tray

Lizzie Bailey
Tray Serves as Mini Bar

Lizzie Bailey
Simple White Tray Gathers Various Objects

Ron Marvin
Coffee Table Tray Vignette

Sean McNally
Display Unique Glassware

Sean McNally
Gather Similarly Themed Items

Trays can be used in so many different ways that we can all add our own personal touch to such a simple item. Why not pick up a tray and see how you can make it your own?

Top image by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.
All other images courtesy of Lonny Mag.

Living Legacy

The vintage walnut end table in this photograph was hand crafted by my Dad while he was in high school, so I estimate it to be circa 1953-54. This special piece will always have a place in my home, just as my Dad will always have a place in my heart.

What Are You Hiding?

I have to admit that I had a shameful secret - behind the doors of my front closet there was a mountain of disorganized STUFF . I like to think that we are all the same, and that we all have a cluttered closet ready to burst at the seams. You know the one where you have to take out 27 other things just to get to what you need. I spent an entire afternoon organizing my secret shame, and now I can honestly say I have nothing to hide.

Before

During

After

While I'm on the subject of STUFF, this is one of the funniest videos ever:

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Cherish Toronto