Satori Design for Living

Decorating Crush {Blue & White}

Apr

2013

Every once in a while I seem to be drawn to certain look, and lately it’s the combination of blue and white. Perhaps it’s because days at the lake are a stone’s throw away (let’s hope), and blue and white is a palette that always reminds me of summer. I’m so ready for the sun to wash down on my face (sunscreen smeared, of course) while I’m taking some time to hang out with friends and family. Are you with me?

Let’s take this blue and white bedroom that’s simplistic in design, but so refreshing. The best thing about this color palette is its purity and the need for only a tiny bit of texture to be mixed in for it to look finished.

If I didn’t have a messy dog, busy teenager (with slough of friends), and a coffee-spilling husband in the house, this living room with white upholstered sofas and blue accents could be a contender in our new main floor decorating plans. Perhaps the next house…

Porcelain definitely comes to mind when I think about blue and white. I adore how this collection of plates adds a pop of color and creates interest in an otherwise neutral kitchen. So granny chic.

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Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: Blue, Decorating Crush, Decorative Accessories, White

10 Ways to Decorate With Glass Cylinders

Apr

2013

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Glass cylinder vases are one of the most versatile accessories in decorating. With their simple and classic shape, as well as accessibility at a variety of price points, it’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite amongst decorators and a staple in decor. If I think about how many glass cylinders I have in my own home, I’d have to say there are at least half a dozen. Some of these are always on display, and the others are pulled out from time to time for seasonal decorating or entertaining.

I thought I’d gather together some of my favorite ways to make good use of glass cylinder vases in almost every room in your house. Chances are you have at least one or two sitting around.

Use one small glass cylinder within a larger one to create interesting candle holders with items sandwiched between. This wine cork candle holder is perfect for a table centerpiece.

Showhome Tour {A Few Highlights}

Apr

2013

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Although we planned on making our way to visit our new baby niece this weekend, freezing rain forced us to stay fairly close to home. I was itching to get out of the house for a bit, so my husband and I decided to check out a few showhomes we hadn’t been through yet in our area. Although there are few homes I walk through that I absolutely fall in love with, I often find there are parts of homes or certain features that give me ideas for client projects, our current home, as well as the one we plan on building within the next couple years.

The first home we visited had great flow, and we particularly liked how open the kitchen, breakfast area, and living room were to each other. It would be the perfect space for entertaining. We also liked how the stools tucked neatly under the island.

The warm color palette was also appealing for the snowy/rainy day we were having. Although I tend to like light and airy spaces, they can feel cold in our Canadian climate. Achieving the perfect balance can be tricky.

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Filed Under: Decorating, Inspiration Tagged With: Backsplash, Bathroom, Ceiling Finishes, Dressing Room, Kitchen, Lighting, Living Room, Paint Colors, Showhome

Farmer’s Market Basket {Friday’s Fab Find}

Apr

2013

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I have the Katy Perry “T-G-I-F” chanting in my mind today. Anyone else glad it’s Friday? I definitely don’t have those kinds of plans for the weekend, but I am itching to get out of the house for a while. I’m also excited about getting to meet my baby niece on Sunday (I’m a great aunt now, but let’s just stick with aunt!).

I was flipping through May’s Style at Home mag earlier this week and came across a cute porcelain berry basket from Crate and Barrel that I definitely need to check out.

You may remember the brightly colored farmer’s market baskets I showed you from Antrhopologie a couple months ago. As fabulous as they are, they come with a price tag of around $20. This comparable one from Crate and Barrel for around the same size is about $8, which I think is a little more manageable. I also love the matching milk bottle, egg crate, storage containers, and colander.

If white is what you’re looking for, this is a great alternative. Plus, once you add your fruit or veges, you’ll get the pop of color you may be looking for.

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Filed Under: Fab Finds Tagged With: Anthropologie, Friday's Fab Find, Kitchen

Decorating My First Apartment {A Look Back}

Apr

2013

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My son is on Easter Break this week and we’ve been working on registration for his post-secondary classes next year. It seems like not that long ago we were buying kindergarten school supplies, but that’s the way it goes. When I think back to my first year of college, I remember it being an exciting time. I shared a two bedroom apartment with a friend, and I was thrilled to “set up house” for the first time. It’s a memory that’s still so clear to me.

Back then finances were tight, and my decorating budget was basically nothing. If it wasn’t for garage sale fix-ups and a few items purchased by my parents, our living room would’ve been empty. My grandparents even helped out by going through their cupboards and closets, and giving me the stuff they never used (at least that’s what they said). I still have a set of sheets from back then and the odd pot and pan kicking around (some things just aren’t made the way they used to be).

The following years at university continued to test my skills as a decorator, as frugal living became the norm. I bought sheets on a major discount and sewed them into curtains, I painted my own artwork, and recovered a chair or two.

Decorating Your First Apartment- Create Your Own Watercolor Artwork

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I also began to “rescue” furniture from the side of the road and the odd dumpster. I guess I was repurposing and upcycling before I even knew what that meant.

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Filed Under: Decorating, Life Tagged With: DIY, Frugal Living, Repurposing

Bold Rug Choice for Our Front Entrance

Apr

2013

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How was your Easter weekend? We celebrated my son’s 18th birthday (still can’t believe he’s that old already!), caught up on a few things around the house, and did a little shopping. With the changing seasons, our wardrobes all needed a little freshening. Unfortunately I came up empty-handed for myself, but it means I have a little more money to go towards our front entrance makeover that has been put off for far too long.

I haven’t finalized the design details for the space yet, but I’m using this blue ombre rug I found on HomeSav as the jumping off point. A bold choice for me perhaps, but I’m craving color after the long winter we’ve had. I’m thinking light and airy on the walls, dark grey tile on the floor, and pops of blue and green in the artwork and accessories. HomeSav is a member’s only site where you can purchase home decor and furniture at a discount, and shipping is often free. If you want to check it out, here’s a personal invitation from me (I earn a reward for every member I refer, and you can too!).

Everyday Made Easy {Household Chore Tips}

Mar

2013

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Last week I posed a few questions regarding household chores, and I wasn’t too surprised when so many of you chimed in. I often go in waves when it comes to the day-to-day tasks of managing a household. Some weeks laundry really gets on my nerves and I want to go on a cooking strike, and other weeks I’m inspired to try new recipes and I find cleaning somewhat therapeutic. Whatever mood I’m in on any particular day, the thought of making any household chore easier is very appealing. That’s why I asked a few other bloggers to share some of their best tips to make the everyday tasks a little easier.

Gluten-Free Greek Almond Cookies

Mar

2013

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My husband and I are part of a dinner club that meets up once every 6-8 weeks along with eight other couples. Over the weekend the theme was Greek food, and I was on dessert detail for this go-around. We have two people in our group (myself included) who eat gluten-free, and one more who doesn’t eat dairy. It does pose a few challenges, but I was able to find the perfect Greek-inspired cookie recipe that met all the requirements. Served with a mixed fruit platter, the cookies turned out to be a huge hit.