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Bedrooms

Canadian Living & Sexual Healing

Happy Friday!!  Great news: I’m quoted in the November issue of Canadian Living Magazine.  I was contacted way back in late spring to offer some tips on “sexing” up your bedroom, and I totally forgot about it until a neighbour mentioned seeing the article.  HA!

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The article is called Sexual Healing and is written by freelance writer Rosemary Counter.  In the article I talk about how to set the scene in your bedroom with some helpful tips.  Below is a screenshot of the first page of the article.

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There’s also other great advice in this article , along with other great topics inside the November issue, so hurry and pick it up!!  Enjoy!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Glamour Friday: How to create a Glamorous Dressing Area under $1000.00

Do you have one of these?  A blank wall in your bedroom?

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This blank space once hosted a playpen.  I’m embarrassed to say that the playpen was there for over 3 1/2 years….and my youngest is now 5 years old.  It’s not like I put her in it still….I just ended up using it as a dumping ground to hang my clothes on each night.  And since I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do with this blank wall, the playpen became a fixture of my bedroom.  See, even interior decorators struggle with what to do in their own homes!

Over the summer I donated the playpen and while shopping at Homesense one afternoon I found this absolutely fabulous mirror!!  I love the ornateness of this mirror.  I have been looking for a rococo style mirror for the longest time (but wasn’t willing to spend over $1000 for one) and when I saw this one, I had to snap it up…..and of course the price was right!!!!

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So now I had a vision for my blank wall.  I was going to create my own little glamorous dressing room area. And this mirror was going to be the focal point!

I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on this area since I already have a vanity in the master bedroom which I use to apply my makeup every morning.  Therefore, the objective of this dressing area was more to display pretty accessories and jewellery.

My hubby hung up the mirror & picture frames for me this week so its finally finished.  Voila, below is my fabulous and oh so glam dressing table!!!!  High style for a fashionista on a frugelista budget!

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Another angle…..

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I am soooo in love with my dressing table vignette. It is exactly how I envisioned it and to me, it is utterly glamorous….and totally finishes this last bit of naked space in the master bedroom.  And guess what!  It cost under $1000.00 to put this little space together. It’s a mixture of hi & low pieces.  Here is a breakdown of how I put it together.

The dressing table is from Ikea.  It’s the Malm Dressing Table and costs only $129.00!! The furry little stool to the right is from Homesense and was a steal at only $49.99.  The sheepskin fur rug on my Victoria Ghost chair is only $39.99 at Ikea.  The only piece that was over $300.00 was my Philippe Starck Victoria Ghost chair which cost approximately $365.00 4 years ago.

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If a authentic Ghost Chair is still beyond your budget, luckily many stores now sell similar or`fake`ghost chairs for under $150.00.

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This chic little stool is the perfect spot to display the Chanel purse my husband bought me 2 years ago in San Francisco.  Isn’t it gorgeous?? And yes, my purse is an investment piece that will one day be passed down to one of my daughters.

A dressing table is the perfect place to showcase all your pretty accessories and jewellery, and displaying them in little bowls and trays is key to keeping the table neat and tidy.

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I wear Allure by Chanel perfume everyday.  So be sure to surround yourself by beautiful things that make you happy. Open-mouthed smile

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I love these Kvill frames I found at Ikea also and how they continue my rococo theme on the wall beside the mirror.  And they were only $6.99 each.  I bought 8 for a really simple DIY project.

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Two of my fashion icons are Coco Chanel and Marilyn Monroe!

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I cut out pictures from these 2 coffee table books that I display on my ottoman in the family room.  Two of my favourite fashion designers are Louis Vuitton and of course, Coco Chanel.  photo (2)

Fashion is one of my passions that I adore so why not display something you love (other than your family) in picture frames, especially if it is going to be in your private space.

So let`s take a look at what I spent on my glamorous dressing table vignette:

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A stunning look for under $800.00!! Now that`s a Glam Slam budget!!  Of course, this doesn’t include the price of all my costume jewellery and accessories….because all of that is priceless! Send a kiss

But now I have a little dilemma…and I need your input.  My good friend and fellow designer Ana from Second Wind Interiors had a bench with Lucite legs that a client changed her mind about.  If you know me well, then you know that I absolutely love anything in Lucite.  So I bought it from her today because I thought it would look fabulous in front of the dressing table.  What do you think?

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I placed the ghost chair to the left and it actually fills that space nicely.

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Should I keep the bench as my primary seating area as in this picture or keep my Ghost chair.  Hit the comment button below and give me your point of view!!  And this my dear readers is my glamorous dressing area on a very chic budget!!

If you are looking to give yourself a little glamorous space on a chic budget this fall, then call me at (416) 859-5082 or send me an email here so I can help!!

Have a fabulous weekend!!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Love it or Hate It? Batman Inspired bedroom

I’m a huge fan of the Batman movie franchise and am really looking forward to TDKR when its released July 20th.  So when I came across this photo on Facebook, I couldn’t resist posting it on here.

 

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So tell me, do you love it or hate it??  What do you think of the bat cave inspired walls?  What about the headboard? Hit the comment button and let me know!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Glamour Friday: Purple Passion

I love anything purple and when I saw this stunning purple bedroom designed by Annsley McAleer of Annsley Interiors, I was instantly hooked!

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Everything about this room is a Glam Slam!  From the floral headboard, to its curvy sexy shape and the solid purple banding that give it that extra oomph!!  Love the fabric of the long bolster cushion with the hits of gold and orange.  And the beautiful gold-leaf chandelier is the perfect finishing touch….like long dangly earrings accessorizing the perfect outfit.

 

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The ever-popular x-bench is a staple everyone should have in their home.  The rich details of the gold mirror above bring out the gold and orange in the fabric.  By painting the legs purple this traditional looking bench now has a glamorous edge to it.  I think it is absolutely perfect!

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And then…..these chairs…Oh la la!!! I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!  I’ve been trying to find out the name of this style of chair so if you know what this chair is called please let me know.  Are they not stunning or what?  The purple stripe detailing and piping give it that glam chic look I love!!  And any mirrored furniture is definitely a friend of mine!

So what do you think?  Are you in love with this bedroom as much as I am?  Would you have these chairs in your home?  I know I would!!

If you are looking to glamorize your bedroom with some purple touches, then send me a message through email, Facebook or Twitter!  I would love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Glamour Friday: Jamie Herzlinger

In the latest issue of Dabble Magazine, a gorgeous Arizona home designed by one of my favourite interior designers, Jamie Herzlinger is featured.  And because it is so glamorous, I thought it would be perfect for a Glamour Friday post.

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This stunning 19th century Dutch corbeille shaped canapé greets visitors when they walk into this 7000 sq. ft. home.

 

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I love this very glamorous foyer  with neutral grass cloth covered walls, the fabulous marquetry commode and the stunning mirror above it make for a GLAM SLAM!

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This living room is so glamorous with all the sumptuous velvets and silks in this room.  And you can never go wrong with decorating in unforgettable plums and purples mixed in with neutral greys. Oh so very elegant!! Love it!

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The master bedroom is very calm and serene decorated in a neutral palette mixed with lots of whites.  I guess the lesson here is that it’s ok to put the bed against a wall of windows when it’s the only way to ensure that the bed remains the focal point of the room.

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This sitting area goes extra glam with nail head detail on the chair and ottoman, a large mirror and lots of gold and brass accents. 

This home designed by Jamie Herzlinger is truly a luxe retreat!

If you want to create a glamorous space in your home for 2012, then contact me online or via twitter…I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Decorate As You Dress: Tangerine Tango!!

This is the first “Decorate As You Dress” blog post of the year and I thought why not start it off with Pantone’s 2012 Colour of the year:  Tangerine Tango!!

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“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

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Now let’s take a look at how you can incorporate this vivacious colour into your wardrobe or home decor:

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I absolutely adore this spring coat as much as I adore this headboard.  Now that’s the way to add some POP into your room!!

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On the other hand, this kitchen is definitely over the top orange which is something I would NOT recommend doing in your home but I would definitely wear that cute orange outfit above.

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Pops of orange like these counter stools or the dining room chairs below is a much palatable way to go with decorating your home in this hue!  And used with whites is a sure-fire way to garner positive attention.

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Definitely much more refined looking when such a bright colour is used as more of an accent!

But if you want to stop traffic at your next gala event, then this gown is the way to go!!!  STUNNING!!

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And just as stunning is this front door.  What a way to welcome guests to your home!

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I’m actually coveting this glorious wallpaper along with these oh so glam Steve Madden shoes!!!  Be still my beating heart!!

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In case you want to run out and paint a feature wall in this colour, Benjamin Moore has a similar colour called Tangerine Melt CC-091.

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If I have inspired you to incorporate this wonderful colour into your home or closet, here are a few tips:

1)   This hue is magical when used as an accent against a neutral background, especially with greys!

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2) Don’t be afraid to use in colour combinations such as blue & orange or pink & orange!

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Wow, I love this glamorous girly look for my Glam Cave!!

3)  Don’t be shy about incorporating this colour into your wardrobe or home decor…start off small, then go from there!

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Like this or like this……

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4)  This colour is not for everyone so if it doesn’t suit your skin tone or you absolutely hate anything orange in your home, then DON”T DO IT!!  Instead try Benjamin Moore’s 2012 colour of the year: Wythe Blue (HC-143).  I’ll blog about this colour later this week.image

So tell me….are you ready to tango with the tangerine?

If you want to know how to decorate your home for 2012, then contact me online or via twitter…I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

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Couldn’t resist this last image!! Want this look for spring!!

 

Picture sources:

pantone.com

bourbonandpearls.tumblr.com

decorpad.com

From casadevalentina.com.br

digsdigs.com

bhg.com

encoreuneminute.tumblr.com

sayyestohoboken.com

access.decorati.com

stevemadden.com.au

http://www.benjaminmoore.com

marthastewart.com

quintessenceblog.com

houseofturquoise.com

empireoffashion.tumblr.com

blog.shopbop.com

What Are Your Decorating Projects for 2012?

Happy New Year Everyone!!  Now that we are almost one week into 2012 have you started to think about what you want to accomplish with your home decor this year?

Well, I definitely have! Besides finishing up a some client projects and continuing to write my What’s Trending column for Dabble Magazine, I have a few personal home decor projects that I have been putting off because 2011 was a busy year for me.

The 6 projects I want to start or complete are:

-  Converting my master bedroom retreat into a ‘glam cave’

- Purchasing a few furniture/accessories for the master bedroom to finish off the room

-  Revamping my home office a bit

- Finish decorating my 2 daughters’ bedrooms

- Converting my daughters’ playroom into a homework room

So here’s a sneak peak into some of the rooms and how they look right now:

This is my retreat that is right off of my master bedroom and it is boring with a capital B!!

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Right now we only use it for watching TV some nights when the girls are in bed.  The only things that are staying is my leopard print chaise because it is oh so glam!  And my capize shell chandelier because it is stunning.  My husband doesn’t know it yet but his god-awful recliner is so outta there!!

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The TV and the stand will stay of course – but those speakers and clutter on the floor are gone!!

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When I’m done it will be a purple passion glam cave with a stunning desk and chair, lighting and dramatic wallpaper!!

Next room to revamp is the kids playroom on the second floor.  When we bought/built this home it had a nook on the second floor called the ‘homework room.’  But we made it into a small playroom for the girls to play in.

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When I’m done with this room room it will have 2 side by side desks, an art wall one one side and a chalkboard wall on the other side with lots of shelves and storage.  I also found the cutest wallpaper for the main feature wall.  It’s going to look fabulous!

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My oldest daughter’s room is another room that needs to be updated.  Her current colour scheme is black/white & pink which will stay the same.  When she’s a bit older I will paint out the pink walls.

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Mackenzie is going to get a new double bed with a  headboard that I am designing for her.  And of course, new bedding.

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This little table & chairs is going to the basement but the shelf will stay

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That bare pink wall will be full of pictures – probably a gallery wall of her competing at horse shows since she is a budding equestrian.  Also her dresser will move to this wall and she will need a funky mirror on the wall.

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Her black velvet chandelier is definitely staying.  When I purchased this glamorous piece it was because it was a piece that would grow with her – it’s not juvenile at all.

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The Candice Olsen wallpaper called “Daisy” on the feature wall will remain.  I love this wallpaper so much, and again it is something that can grow with her into her teen years.  Her funky Homesense lamps will also stay!

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The bookshelf will stay but I want to style the shelves and get rid of most of those stuffies.  I’m also planning on doing a DIY project above the shelf to hang all the ribbons she has won so far participating in the horse shows.  And of course her window seat will remain.

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The last project I will highlight today is the bedroom of my youngest daughter Mya.

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Over 2 years ago the crib above converted into the daybed below.  But now she to big for it and needs her own twin bed.  Which she will get when her sister gets a new double bed.  Now that’s what I call recycling!  Smile

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Mya’s room decor is light pink with chocolate accents – which will stay the same except I’m going to add some orange accents through wallpaper and some accessories. Also her beautiful rose chandelier will remain….that piece will grow with her.

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Because a twin bed will be coming into this room the layout will change.  That rocker will also be heading to the basement to donate.  (I have lots of fond (and not so fond) memories of nursing both babies in that rocker).IMG_5228

I’m going to keep this adorable bookshelf just change its location.  The shelf will also remain.

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Her change table which became a dresser in the short-term will be donated and she will get a big girl’s dresser.  The armoire will go to the basement but I will keep it.  It’s a beautiful piece that I will eventually paint out and keep for one of the girls or use in our future cottage.

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Mya’s room has a cathedral ceiling so she has great natural light coming from her 3 large windows – although with this dark picture you wouldn’t think so!!  I’m going to add some architectural detail to the other walls by adding paneled moulding and wallpapering inside the panels.  It should look amazing when its done..

Okay, that’s it for now.  I’m exhausted just looking at what I need to accomplish in the new few months.  My office will have to wait for another post.

So tell me, what decorating projects will you be working on in 2012?

 

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Glamour Friday: Big Brother 13 House Revealed

Are you one of those people who readily admit to watching Big Brother each summer or are you too embarrassed to admit it?  I’m the former and have been watching Big Brother since the first season.  Yea, I know….I’m hanging my head a bit sheepishly…but hey, it makes for great mindless entertainment! (insert irritating Rachel laugh here!)

So besides irritating houseguests and good strategic game, I do look forward to seeing how the producers change up the house decor each year.

This year the theme of the house is Venice Beach complete with fortune tellers, skateboards, graffiti and lots of bright bold colours. If you didn’t watch the first episode last night, here’s a peek into the house.

The kitchen:  I love the butcher block countertop mixed in with a stainless steel countertop in the breakfast bar area. You can see surfboards sticking out of the walls high above the sliding door.  And of course the large round dining table where many meals and  nominations will take place.  Note the bikes…very Venice beach….now we just need a board walk!

The layout of the kitchen hasn't changed since the previous season, but there are a few new features to point out: Butcher-block counters replace last year's blue Formica ones; a window (you can actually see out of and into the backyard) is next to the fridge; and 17 (not that we're counting!) surfboards protrude from the wall above the sliding glass doors.CBS/Sonja Flemming - Tuesday, June, 28, 2011, 12:28 AM

 

And of course, the BB13 living room where 2 guests to be nominated for eviction each week will sit.  They definitely brought the outside into the inside this season – note the outdoor furniture!

Big Brother 13 house – living room

I’m loving the colours of the lounge or parlour room (as CBS calls it).  A bold colour combination of purple and black and the checkerboard floors.  The large daybed will be perfect for strategizing against other players.  Oh, and the fortune teller is in the bottom left corner – very spooky!

 

Co-ed bathroom have never been my thing.  Just thinking of all those prying eyes on you makes me want to gag.  But I love the colour scheme and the flooring.

The HOH bedroom has a circular bed this year…very glam!!!  And I continue to adore the pairing of turquoise blue and orange in anything!!  I see a lot of West Elm and Crate And Barrel with smidges of Jonathan Adler’s ceramic animals in here.

Love the trellis-style wallpaper in the HOH bathroom – it’s much more striking in blue then it is in the brown in the photo above.  And I want that elephant!!

Wow…every time I look at this bedroom on the main floor I begin craving ice cream and dancing to Katy Perry’s hit song ‘California Girls’  — not surprising that it has been nicknamed the Katy Perry bedroom!

This other bedroom featuring 3 twin beds with stunning bent brushed steel was inspired by architect Frank Gehry.  Amazing…I love it!

The outside lounge area has gorgeous pops of colour – so vibrant and full of energy – perfect for dissing another housemate!  And it looks like they brought the inside furniture outside in this case.

The Venice Beach inspired graffiti wall. 

Big Brother 13 House

All pictures courtesy of CBS/Sonja Flemming

 

So what do you think of the BB13’s House decor this year?  Will you be watching?

If your home is craving some glamour, then contact me online or in person! I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Glamour Friday: Creating a Glamorous Bedroom Retreat with mirrored furniture

As you know, I love all things GLAM – especially a glamorous bedroom.  And one of the easiest ways to create a glamorous bedroom is to add a piece of mirrored furniture into the room.

And it doesn’t have to be over the top.  This Master bedroom belongs to Nancy Corzine may be a bit much for you with all the mirrored furniture….but for me it is a total GLAM SLAM!!

Nancy also wrote a beautiful book called “Glamour at Home” – it’s on my coffee table at home.

This mirrored four-poster bed was inspired by the Chrysler Building.  Wow!!

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Really, all you need is one piece of mirrored furniture to add some glam to your bedroom….and these pieces are easily accessible and affordable from West Elm

Parsons Mirror End Table

How about this mirrored end table  at $349.00

Parsons Mirror Console

This gorgeous console table ($549.00) also is going to end up in my client’s living room once I’m finished decorating the main floor of her house.

Faceted Mirror Side Table

This little stool or side table is stunning also….and so is the price at $199.00.

So as you can see, creating a glamorous bedroom is as easy as  saying “mirror, mirror, on the wall – who has the most glamorous room of all?” Flirt female

Hope you all have a glamorous weekend!!

If your home is craving some glamour, then contact me online or in person! I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Decorate As You Dress!! My Summer White Toy Watch!

 

Wow……it’s certainly been a while since I posted a Decorate as you dress blog posting.  My sister was visiting from British Columbia so we spent some quality time together and I’ve been crazy busy with decorating projects for clients – which I can’t wait to share with you. 

But now let’s get to my most favourite fashion accessory of the moment:  my gorgeous white Toy Watch!!  It’s such a fun accessory and every time I look at that huge white face I just think of beautiful layers of white drapery billowing in the wind.

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So when I saw this all white home in Style at Home Magazine designed by design editor Ann Marie Favot , it so reminded me of my Toy Watch!! 

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(all photography by Stacey van Berkel-Haines)

So crisp and clean….like my watch!!

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Love this vignette!! And the hit of colour through pretty flowers in a small vase!

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What a pretty mudroom.

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I’m so in love with all white kitchens…I can’t wait to reveal Lee Ann’s Kitchen reno to you all!!

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How gorgeous is that hanging light fixture……a perfect example of mid-century modern lighting.

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How glam is this bedroom???  Ohhh yes, it’s a GLAM SLAM!!!  This room almost makes me want to switch my bedroom over to an all-white colour scheme.

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Love her creative use of IKEA chests placed together at different heights. What a lovely dressing/vanity area.

Hope my White Toy Watch inspired you as much as it inspired me!!

If your home is craving some all-white glamour, then contact me online or in person! I’d love to help!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

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