Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Latest Project

I apologize for the delay in posting. The lazy days of summer are gone, and the crazy days of fall are here! But there are new and exciting things happening for Grapevine Designs. One of them being the completion of a project. This basement bath went from dated to delightful. The all white scheme is so refreshing. The addition of the unexpected navy and yellow accents brings this room to life. It goes to show you that there is no such thing as out of date colours. (Although the jury may still be out on peach and mint!) But I believe it is all about the application. To increase the "visual" size of this room we added frameless glass to the shower and wrapped it around the corner. The room appears larger, and you don't feel like you are showering in a cave. The pebble floor of the shower feels spa-like under foot.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. And hopefully I won't be absent from my blog for so long this time!
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Friday, July 17, 2009

White on White

My husband would say, "white is the new grey which was the new brown which was the new black". Its true that white is the latest big trend in interior design. It is by no means new, but it has become mainstream - "everybody's doing it". White interiors are fresh and inviting. White can be paired with anything. Add bright citrus colours, pale pastels, nautical red and blue or anything in between. This scheme is not for the faint of heart! I've been told that white slip covers are great because they can be regularily washed and bleached, and they come out like new! (Although I can't convince my family of this). Its the rest of the white that would worry me with my little ones.white-wall-for-blog>white-kitchen-for-blog
The rooms featured here are from Atlanta Homes Magazine. The scheme is very monochromatic, bringing colour in mostly in the wood tones of the floor, furniture and beams. Notice the custom octogonal panelled walls of the living room. They open up to a bar, television and even a hidden door. The kitchen looks like every (design savy) cooks dream! I love that the cabinets go right to the ceiling and the complimentary hardware and paint/wood finishes. Notice the French inspired islands: one for prep, and one for pastry. One of the reasons I loved these rooms were for the Oly Studio pieces that are featured: The mirrored side board with white fretwork in the living room, and the round resin coffee table in the screened porch. I just saw the coffee table featured in another article. The owners said that the coffee table is very practical, and confessed that they pressure washed smushed banana out of it right before the photo shoot!
Oly Studio will soon be available through Grapevine Designs, so stay tuned!
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Friday, July 10, 2009

Capri Blue

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I want to introduce to you a line of jewelry that I you can get right here at Grapevine Designs! You can take a look at what I have in stock, or take a gander through their Capri Blue website, and I can have something specially made. Her designs make great gifts, and could add a lovely sparkle to your own jewelry collection! Also, stay tuned for an in-house shopping event featuring Carpi Blue.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Delightful Nursery

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I couldn't help but feature this delightful nursery. It belongs to Ashley Campbell of Ashley Ann Photography. Along with the colourful and playful pallette, what makes this room so great is the things that mean something to her and her family. Many of her family member have contributed something to make this room special, and Ashley has included numerous things passed down from her Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Fortunate for Ashley, her family seem to have a good sense of style! But it shows you that you don't have to break the bank to create a wonderful room to look at and live in.
She create the bed out of 2 pallets, and added cool wheels. Her husband was nice enough to let her tear out good carpet to put in white painted floors. If only I could be so lucky.
I know you are all wondering where she got her arrangement of paper lanterns! She made it herself from laterns she bought from WallMart in their Martha Stewart Collection. It might be a USA thing...
Hopefully this room inspires you as it did me. Thanks Ashley for sharing!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Its Back

wallpaper-blogMost homes that are updated in any way have finally gotten rid of any trace of wallpaper! Just in time for it to come back in a big way. Big, bold, graphic prints are all the rage. You can even find something similar to the flocked papers of my youth! Contemporary or tradiational, there is something for everyone. I've just put up a beautiful grasscloth in a inviting, and very traditional family room. It adds such warmth to the room. (you can check out the family room in the portfolio section). Have a look at Ontario Wallcoverings new line. There are still some rules to follow when picking a wallpaper. Its not "anything goes"! And borders are still in the dark ages. But wait.... I'm sure they'll come around too!

New Lighting Just In!

Lighting is the forgotten design element in many homes! Not only does it provide neccessary illumination, but adds character to any room. It is often one the last things on the budget in new home construction or a renovation. Instead it should be the crowning jewel of the project. And "jeweled" it can be! If you are looking for something pretty, have a look at Bethel International. Some of their lights can be seen in such stores as "The Cross" or "Stella Bleu". Here is one I think would be gorgeous in a girls room with blue accents! This particular one I have in stock, and I'm selling it at a discount: Regular $400, Sale $275.
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Thursday, June 4, 2009

American Home &
Patio Company
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The trend in the lower mainland is to expand your space to the outdoors. I think our winters are so dreary that once the sun come we can’t get enough of it. Expanding your living space onto your deck is a great way to increase your square footage without knocking down walls. American home and patio offers high quality pieces that withstand the elements without having to cover your furniture up after every use! The foam they use, Easy Dri reticulated polyurethane foam has open pores that allow any water that enter the foam to drain out quickly. The Sunbrella fabric doesn’t allow for much moisture penetration, and resists fading and mildew. Therefore the rain or dew dried quickly, and you can enjoy your furniture all summer without covering it. If you need to wash the cushions you can just take a hose to them! Check out the American Home & Patio website. The sectional shown above is the Sara sectional. They also offer many other seating and dining styles, as well as a great selection of Sunbrella fabrics. Contact me for Grapevine pricing information.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Welcome

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Thanks for taking the time to have a look at my new and improved website.    I hope you can learn more about me and my company here.  I endeavor to provide a resource for everyone in the lower mainland who is wanting to decorate, renovate, or buy furniture, accessories or anything else they may find here!  Hopefully it will become a spot of creative inspiration as I showcase new products from my suppliers, new trends, my latest projects, and other inspiring rooms.  Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or comments you may have.