Old is New

Home Sweet

Old is often seen as synonymous with tired and passé, but in home decor (as should more often be the case in our own lives) old can be beautiful, historied and glorious in its uniqueness.

Antiques and heirlooms are long celebrated, but even in modern homes – pieces of the past can breathe new life into our spaces and create personal touches. Some of my very favourite pieces in my home are hand-me-downs, and pieces that remind me of my childhood. I’m writing from my office, that doubles as a guest room, where a white-painted iron frame bed (gifted after long-use from my aunt and uncle) is piled high with white linens. In my living room, my grandfather’s World War cargo trunk is my coffee table, still bearing his name and the designation Flight Lieutenant, with international travel stickers, scuffs and dents adding to its rich history.

Some aspects of old-time decor are more substantial, and worth every penny of the investment.

A sleek curved faucet is modern and clean against the backdrop of painted tin. What a beautiful way to add texture to a kitchen. I've always wanted a gilded tin ceiling, or one with peeling, distressed paint.

A sleek curved faucet is modern and clean against the backdrop of painted tin. What a beautiful way to add texture to a kitchen. I’ve always wanted a gilded tin ceiling, or one with peeling, distressed paint. Photo: Kitchen by Auhaus Architecture

H&M knows this trend is alive and well, and recently featured a velvet daybed, quaint cushions, chandeliers and waintscotting in its (not yet available in Canada) home line.

H&M knows this trend is alive and well, and recently featured a velvet daybed, quaint cushions, chandeliers and waintscotting in its (not yet available in Canada) home line.

I grew up in a century home, in tiny Waterdown, Ontario, in a colonial center hall stone house. Our tiny second floor bathroom had a claw-foot tub. The beautiful tub, pictured here, perfectly balances old with new and the splash of graphic wallpaper makes it quite modern. Photo: Industrial Bathroom by Oliver Burns

I grew up in a century home, in tiny Waterdown, Ontario, in a colonial center hall stone house. Our tiny second floor bathroom had a claw-foot tub. The beautiful tub, pictured here, perfectly balances old with new and the splash of graphic wallpaper makes it quite modern. Photo: Industrial Bathroom by Oliver Burns

This luxe w/c includes floor to ceiling touches of vintage style, but manages to look thoroughly 'now.' From the crown moulding, heavy drapes, brick and lighting, to the gorgeous tub and old step ladder, this is a perfect marriage of old combined in a new way. Photo: Tour London's Most Lust-Worthy New Boutique Hotel via @Domaine

This luxe w/c includes floor to ceiling touches of vintage style, but manages to look thoroughly ‘now.’ From the crown moulding, heavy drapes, brick and lighting, to the gorgeous tub and old step ladder, this is a perfect marriage of old combined in a new way. And, I’m guessing those are original floors. Photo: Tour London’s Most Lust-Worthy New Boutique Hotel via @Domaine

Check out more like this on my Pinterest Page, under “Home Sweet” https://www.pinterest.com/alisonjc/home-sweet/

and let me know,

What vintage touches are classing up your modern digs?

Moving Furniture is Genetic

Home Sweet, Indulge, style

Re-arranging, specifically furniture, runs in my family. On my mother’s side. I can’t go more than a few months without moving things around. People visiting are routinely treated to a double-take when things are reversed, separated, painted, flipped, and after a while, you can hardly imagine it wasn’t like this all along.

Really though, my mom, left unattended at my house, had rearranged all the kitchen and linen drawers, texting that she’d stopped herself short at moving large furniture items, only because she couldn’t do so without scratching the floor… or possibly because she felt it might be overstepping. My aunt, recently relocated to Niagara-on-the-lake, deliberately replaced all her previous furniture (heavy, solidly made pieces) with new, light Swedish farmhouse style pieces, for the express purpose of being able to move them on a whim.

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The open concept living area, with mirror (a pre-existing feature from the past owner) and lots of light.

After having all our ducts, dryer vent, etc., cleaned, the urge hit me to rid the whole main floor of dust. The vent guys paid us a wonderful compliment, saying that it was obvious that ‘cool’ (‘hip’ I think he said) people live here, and that he loved all our art. So, the newest incarnation of our living space involved separating the sectional and replacing a rich, woven tapestry with a lighter spring one, as well as flipping the vertical Ikea shelving units onto their sides.

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Felix loves the newly upholstered leather cushion for the ‘zen couch,’ which replaced the velvet cushions (major cat hair attraction). Hand-sewn fabric cushions are easily changed-up for a fresh look.

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I created large-scale art to brighten the space, featuring the lyrics from “Sugar Sugar” (one of our favourite songs). The shelving is home to records, ceramics, an “A” made from all the wine corks of our courtship, and the paper bouquets from our wedding.

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Felix loves a spot to stretch out, in front of the Urban Outfitters tapestry that makes its way from tablecloth, to bedspread to wall-hanging.

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Brutus, the controversial (to my mother) long-horn skull adds some macabre irony to our very feminine space. We like to imagine that he dialogues with Betsey (who now lives as an area rug). What I like, however, is that the skull was sourced from a friends farm where all parts of the animal are utilized and animals roam free in large pastures.

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A tagine hides the remotes, and colourful coasters protect the surface of Granddad’s WWII trunk.

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Separating the sectional gave us a nice new arrangement for hosting, or t.v. viewing.

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All lit-up: our custom ampersand and ‘A’ marquis lights help to illuminate the space in the evenings, and make the vintage cut crystal decanters sparkle. Mirrors make it possible for art to be seen from every angle.

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Chester, our girl-cat, isn’t quite sure about this arrangement.

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The dining table, and make-shift marking area, is warm and colourful, with art done, by request, by my mother.

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Looking back into the space from the dining room, the living areas are divided, but open.

At the very least, the benefit of all this moving around is a solid calorie burn, and thoroughly cleaned … everything. Plus, it reminds me that my wife loves me very much when she puts up no fuss at all as she comes home from work, only to find me requiring her help to put the finishing touches on our space.

What inspires you to move furniture?

Spring Fever Dreams

Home Sweet, Indulge

When the weather gets teasingly beautiful, I start to fantasize about throwing open the windows and getting the yard ready to move life outdoors. After a Friday night dinner party, and the end of last week hitting 8 degrees Celsius (which, in Canada, means that people were out on patios) I start to dream; one day, when I grow up (because phrases like that still make sense at 33), I will have an outdoor space that makes me feel like I’m on vacation. A girl can fantasize, right? What landscaping or outdoor living spaces make you salivate? Here’s a peek into my house-porn collection (courtesy of Houzz.com)

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A spot to swing, lazily, under the shelter of trees

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Lunch and hangouts, ironic signage, and plenty of seating for friends

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Whimsical and eclectic with statement indoor features brought outdoors

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Covered seating, casual landscaping and lanterns to light the way.

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Does it get more luxurious than custom lighting, turquoise water and a swanky area to chill, in your own backyard?

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Cozy, and practically a Canadian pre-requisite, a fire pit, lots of greenery and comfortable seating

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With a view from indoors, this courtyard keeps luxury front and center, recliners inviting you to take a moment for yourself, perhaps to contemplate ‘how did I get to be so lucky?’

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Hip, casual and cool, but cheeky in its effortlessness, this bright spot is just begging for foodie guests and an al-fresco lunch

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Again, with the lights, the overhanging architecture and comfy seating. Trying too hard? Hardly.

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Truly the space of my dreams. Fair skin protected by custom shade panels and lighting for evening, … perfect view of the pool

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This space has the best of all things. Hammock. Fire pit. Seating. Dining area. Greenery. I’m in love.

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Sensing a theme? The sitting and dining areas with shade-cover, romantic lighting and water views. I’m pretty sure the cabana has room for guests.

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If I, for some reason, found myself in an arid climate, this mod-zen look would keep me house happy.

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Vacation vibe? Check. What’s behind curtain number one?

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Obviously, every dream home has its own bocci court.

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Sigh.

Sweet dreams, folks. Houzz.com is a Pinterest users wet dream.