Get Adobe Flash player
Follow Me on Pinterest
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.decorbychristine.com" alt="Decor By Christine" style="border:none;" /><img src="http://www.decorbychristine.com/images/webbutton.png" alt="Decor By Christine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Home & Garden Blogs - Blog Rankings

Dabble Magazine

Decorate as You Dress — Flower Power!!

I am way overdue for a Decorate as You Dress blog post and the recent purchase of these fabulous floral wedge heels inspired me.  Aren’t they absolutely gorgeous for spring/summer.  And what an easy look to incorporate into your home decor this season.  Love the feminine chintz pattern on these seat cushions (image from Style at Home magazine)

 

pretty florals

Here are a few more images from the same home featured in the April Colour issue of Style at Home Magazine. 

interiors-vintage-charm-livingro.jpg

interiors-vintage-charm-pillows.jpg

interiors-vintage-charm-table.jpg

And of course, you can never go wrong with having fresh flowers in every room!!

interiors-vintage-charm-buffet.jpg

In the latest spring issue of Dabble Magazine I wrote how Florals in home decor are a constant trend during the spring/summer season.  You can read my latest column here.

Spring issue - florals

So, will you incorporate something flowery into your closet and home decor this season.  Let me know by leaving a comment below!! 

Happy Victoria Day long weekend to my fellow Canadian friends!!

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.

image

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

 

Fullscreen capture 03032012 115416 AM

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!

Fullscreen capture 03032012 115422 AM

Fullscreen capture 03032012 115428 AM

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!

Fullscreen capture 03032012 115609 AM

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.

Fullscreen capture 03032012 115544 AM

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

Happy 1st Birthday Dabble Magazine!!!!

image

Wow, I can’t believe a full year has gone by already since the very first issue of Dabble Mag was launched!!  I am so honoured to be involved with this inspiring online magazine as a design contributor.  And it’s all due to the founder and editor-in-chief Kimberley Seldon!  She is a fabulous woman with a wonderful group of Dabble team members working with her!!

So In honour of their first birthday, Dabble is having a fabulous contest!!

image

Enter to win a Design Express Trip for two to Charleston and Savannah on June 13-17 with Editor in Chief, Kimberley Seldon!

Valued at $11,000!

One lucky winner will win a Design Express Trip for two to Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA taking place on June 13-17th with Kimberley Seldon. Includes flights, accommodations at Charleston Place and customized events.

5 days, 4 nights, 2 amazing destinations!

The DE Charleston / Savannah Contest is brought to you by Kimberley Seldon Travel Group and CityTV’s CityLine.

The winner will be announced on March 28th, so enter to win!

I would love it if one my blog readers or followers on Facebook or Twitter won this contest….so please enter asap!!!

And if you haven’t had a chance to read the latest issue of Dabble Magazine and read my latest What’s Trending Column (its on page 64) on the gorgeous stone Malachite, then what are you waiting for.

image

Now let’s raise our glasses up and make a toast to Dabble’s 1st birthday!!!! Cheers!!

Glamorously yours,

Christine xoxo

Dabble Magazine & #What’s Trending!!

So, have you had a chance to soak up the latest issue of Dabble Magazine?  It’s chock full of exquisite interior design, food and travel

 

Fullscreen capture 13092011 21636 PM

 

In addition, there’s a fun little recap of the first ever Dabble Magazine Day on Cityline!!  Oh yea…who else do you see below?  It was my first time ever on Cityline and it was a total blast!!

Fullscreen capture 13092011 22619 PM

I also had a chance to talk about my favourite pattern….check it out below along with my fellow design contributors The Moggit Girls and Lisa Canning.

Fullscreen capture 13092011 22847 PM

But the most exciting thing for me in the latest issue of Dabble Magazine is my brand spanking new column called “#what’s trending” with a focus on what everyone is talking about in the design blogosphere and twitter.    Hope you enjoy reading all about this gorgeous and funky pattern called Chevron AKA the zig zag. 

Fullscreen capture 13092011 23355 PM

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into the latest issue of Dabble Magazine.  And don’t forget to subscribe for all the latest news on Dabble!!

If you want to know #what’s trending in home decor then contact me online or via twitter…I’d love to hear from you

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Welcome Back to the Glam Blog!!

OMG….it’s the middle of September and I have finally gotten myself in some kind of order to begin blogging on a regular basis again in the Glam Blog. 

DSC03470

After returning from my fabulous trip to Portugal (I’ve included some pics my hubby took during our trip) I had to jump right back  into client projects that had been on hold until my return. 

DSC03664

In addition, I had to finish up my new column for the latest issue of Dabble Magazine and tape a new decor segment on Cityline.  More about this in my next blog posting. And then of course, there was the dreaded week of back-to-school!

DSC04220

I hope you all had a fabulous summer and are raring to go for a fantastic fall season!!

DSC04399

Welcome back and thanks for sticking with me and the Glam Blog!!

DSC04797

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

DSC03711

 

DSC04805

 

 

DSC04875

 

DSC04919

 

DSC04920

Cityline & Dabble Day: Tips on Styling an Étagère

WOW!  What a fantastic week it has been for me professionally and personally! 

1) The Dabble Magazine Day show on Cityline aired on Tuesday, July 12th!!

2) I had a group of great women join me for breakfast that morning with lots of champagne and OJ to watch and celebrate my debut on Cityline!

3)  I’ve had wonderful feedback and comments from many, many people on Facebook and Twitter!.  So thank you very much!

So if you didn’t get a chance to watch it live, then you can click on the link to see it via the Cityline website

Oh, and this really excited me also!!

Fullscreen capture 13072011 15913 PM-1

It may seem insignificant to some but it’s a big deal to me –  especially when you are trying to build up your business –-  my name and company name was on the website as a Guest Expert!!  Whooo Hooo!

Fullscreen capture 15072011 121536 AM

So just to quickly summarize the styling tips I shared in this segment:

· Think in layers when placing items on the bookshelf and in different heights (i.e.: glass bowls layered in front of the picture.)
· When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Beware of adding too small decorative items that will just end up looking like clutter

Fullscreen capture 15072011 121804 AM

· Books are wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection.

Fullscreen capture 15072011 122051 AM

· You can arrange the books by size, subject and color. And don’t forget to place books horizontally as well as vertically – it adds a nice rhythmic pattern to the shelf

Fullscreen capture 15072011 122308 AM

· Most people love symmetry when styling their shelves….it provides some structure and balance to the room…especially if the rest of the room has more chaos – like kids toys, etc. – this can be accomplished through matching book ends
· When grouping objects together – just remember the basic rule of threes — objects tend to look better when gathered in odd numbers, like 3s or 5s

Fullscreen capture 15072011 122516 AM

· Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually appealing and personal.

Fullscreen capture 15072011 122728 AM

And because I was so nervous I totally forgot this last point I wanted to mention which was:

· Don’t forget about the background of your shelf….in this case; the shelves are open so you can see the dramatic painted dark wall…which helps your decorative pieces stand out stand out.
· Or you can paint or wallpaper the back of bookshelves to add a pop of colour and really bring the shelf to life

Fullscreen capture 15072011 124930 AM

Well I hope you enjoyed watching this Cityline/Dabble Mag segment as much as I enjoyed taping it.  Have a lovely weekend!!  Cheers!

Christine  x0x0

Dabble Magazine, Cityline and ME!!

What are you doing tomorrow at 9am – that would be Tuesday, July 12th at 9am or if you prefer afternoons…than how about 2:00pm?

Why you ask?  Because one of my career aspirations is coming true tomorrow!!  I’m appearing in a design segment with other fabulous Food & Design contributors from Dabble Magazine on Cityline.

It’s an action packed hour with Kimberley Seldon  and her daughter Raleigh on stilts!!  yes, that’s right – stilts!!  Dabble Chef Corey James Burgan  prepares a Caesar Salad to die for and great tips for having a great picnic!

264737_357981454948_514474948_1431764_6979490_n[1]

In this photo: , Corey James Burgan, Raleigh Gilliam Seldon, Nicholas Rosaci (photos), Christine Da Costa (Erin Mercer

 

Dabble’s DIY guy AKA Mr. Chic-ster Nicolas shows everyone how to create a funky étagère

268582_357980554948_514474948_1431746_2324859_n[1]

And I get to provide tips on styling a modern informal étagère versus a formal more traditional étagère.

261247_357980254948_514474948_1431742_1062612_n[1]

Do not ask me what Tracy and I were laughing about after my segment….I swear to god it is all a blur to me right now.  When I watch the episode tomorrow it is going to be totally new to me also!!

263667_357981039948_514474948_1431756_7097229_n[1]

In this segment Nicholas and I were teamed against Kimberley and Tracy and Corey and Raleigh to see who could set up a picnic table the fastest.

 

267567_357981144948_514474948_1431758_827538_n[1]

I won’t tell you which team won!!

263452_357981209948_514474948_1431759_6562056_n[1]

Then we showed Tracy what each of our favourite item was to bring to a picnic!!

269567_357981259948_514474948_1431760_1654076_n[1]

A great pic of Dabble contributors, Kimberley and Tracy

264867_357981369948_514474948_1431762_4916504_n[1]

End of the show Kimberley and I were all smiles!!

270567_357981794948_514474948_1431774_501124_n[1]

Thanks so much to Kimberley for this great opportunity and to everyone at Cityline for making my first time on Cityline so much fun!

Hope you will be watching tomorrow!!

Christine xoxo

Dabble Magazine & Cityline

Hey, did you catch the latest summer issue of Dabble Magazine?  It’s full of amazing design, travel and food.  If you have never been to Seattle, then this issue is a must read!!

260325_214004591968487_139058006129813_567540_5796730_n[1]

Now turn to page 14 – 15 to see what Dabble contributors are up to.   Do you see or read anything that catches your eye?

Fullscreen capture 08072011 123242 AM

Ok…maybe it’s too small to read….so here’s a bigger snapshot!

Fullscreen capture 08072011 123841 AM

Now can you read it!!  Yes, that’s right I will be appearing on Cityline next Tuesday, July 12th for Cityline’s first Dabble Day!!

Whoo Hooo!!  So please watch it or PVR it.  And don’t worry, I will l send you a reminder blog post on Monday!!

Have a super weekend!!

Christine xo

Dabble Magazine – 2nd Issue is Live!!

Hi Everyone, 

The 2nd issue of Dabble Magazine is live!! The latest issue focuses on Santa Monica, Kimberley Seldon’s hometown….so be sure to read the latest issue here

Fullscreen capture 28042011 103642 PM

And then of course, be sure to head over to page 32 and catch my latest Industry Profile with Jeffrey Herr, the Curator at Hollyhock House in Hollywood.  Hollyhock House was the very first project in Los Angeles that Frank Lloyd Wright designed — It’s quite fascinating!!

Fullscreen capture 28042011 103444 PM

Fullscreen capture 28042011 103545 PM

Hope you are enjoying Dabble as much as I am and please share…..what do you like to dabble in??

 

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

Glamorously yours,

Christine xo

Dabble, Kimberley and Strike a Pose!!

Last Thursday night the party to be seen at was held on the second floor of the ultra glam Elte store.   This party was all about Dabble Magazine, Kimberley Seldon and striking a fierce pose!!

So here’s a mini play-by-play of the evening’s events:

First, we had to get there!!  Tamara from Wondermoms and I drove in together and fought the gridlock on the 401 expressway.  Fortunately we made it to Elte in good time and even got a parking spot right in front of the main doors!!   Score 1 for the killer high heels!!  When we arrived the bar was still being set up with the absolutely to die for ‘’dabble-tinis” created by the very talented Cocktail Deeva!

Then I got my name tag identifying me as a Design Contributor for Dabble – exciting times!!  Check out my “Dabble blue” nail polish!

rPm Dabble-2000

Since the Media presentation wasn’t going to start until 6:30 the design contributors decided to kill some time by pretending to walk the Dabble catwalk and “strike a pose!”

IMG_5483

Nicholas Rosaci, Me and Nyla Free

 

IMG_5486

Me and Lisa Canning another design contributor

 

By 6:30pm the room was starting to fill up with a mixture of media folk and avid Kimberley Seldon fans!!  Then it was time for the media presentation to begin….and the guest of honour to take centre stage!!

IMG_5491

Kimberley took the media crowd through the thought process of how Dabble Magazine came to be born and how the name Dabble was chosen (following is an excerpt from the Dabble website and very close to what she actually talked about)

“Dabble Dabble Dabble.  Let’s face it.  It’s just fun to say.

But that’s not exactly why we picked the title.  It has more to do with Dabble’s subject matter, encompassing interior design, travel and food. Diverse topics that work in tandem to create Life Well Designed.

And that’s what Dabble is.

While I’m an interior designer by trade, travel is my muse. I learned early on that great design has roots that can be traced around the globe, speaking a universal language.  The same is true of great food.  How fortunate I’ve been to build a career that allows me to hone my skills working directly with clients, on television as a design expert, and as Decorating Editor of Style at Home magazine, all the while traveling the world for inspiration. You might say, I’ve Dabbled.

We want you to Dabble too.

Each bi-monthly issue of Dabble brings you inspiring design from around the world, immerses you in cities ripe for discovery, gives you a taste for far-flung cultures, and brings all of this together in an interactive magazine, so you can discover your own passion for travel, design and food.”

IMG_5490

That’s the back of my head as I’m trying to get a good shot of Kimberley!  Laughing out loud

image

By 7pm, the throngs of Kimberley/Dabble fans had entered the building and the party was in full swing as we all rubbed shoulders with celebrity designers, bloggers and non-design folk!  Ohhhh, and there was amazing food and wine to keep everyone ‘s tummy happy and full!

Maple Leaf Food supplied all the yummy food for the party!!

 

By 8pm the room was packed…you could barely move!! Just the way a good party should be!

 IMG_5498

IMG_5497

There even was an area set aside where you could get your picture taken as if you were on the cover of Dabble – it was a popular spot…and where you could catch a lot of “posers” in action! Open-mouthed smile

Now let me introduce you to some of the key members of the Dabble Team”:

IMG_5514

Kimberley Seldon – the Queen of Dabble!!  I have 5 words to describe this great lady:  CLASSY, SUPPORTIVE, MENTORING, TALENTED and HUMBLE!!  I’m so proud to call her my friend now.

Cheryl Horne, Managing Editor and her significant other,  Jay Van Pelt

IMG_5520

Victoria Drainville, Associate Editor.  You can read all about the rest of the Dabble Team and contributors here

And of course, this blog posting wouldn’t be the same without my usual posse of Design Bloggers and all the outrageousness that follows us wherever we go!!  Winking smileIMG_5499

Ana, Vanessa, Sarah, Leigh Ann, Kate, Me and Christine 

IMG_5503

These are my dear besties from Oakville who came to show their support for Dabble and I:  Cindy and Linda!!

IMG_5509

Sharon Grech and I finally meeting in real life

IMG_5492

Leigh Ann, Me, Tina Holmes and Dee Brun Gow AKA Cocktail Deeva!

IMG_5494

Wendy Russell and Leigh Ann (again……lol)

IMG_5527

Christine, Vanessa, and Vitania

IMG_5518

Hanging out with my new blogger friend Pam Graham

IMG_5529

Lisa Ferguson and I hanging out still at the end of the night.

Now let’s all strike a pose!!!

Dabble Magazine Launch Party

That’s Simon Burn, the Creative Director for Dabble in the orange top.

Work it ladies!!!!

Dabble Magazine Launch Party1

Whew, I’m exhausted…..are you???  Now,if you hadn’t had a chance to check out Dabble Magazine live, then please click HERE!! 

Dabble Cover

And don’t forget to go to page 32 and read my interview with Diane von Furstenberg! Embarrassed smile

Fullscreen capture 28032011 35645 PM

Thanks for hanging out till the end….I know it was a very long post!!

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

Glamorously yours,

Christine  xo

 

P.S.  For those that asked about my shoes…I bought them in San Francisco and they are from Velvet Angels.

image

Yup….that’s my foot!!!

 

 

 

Photo Sources:

Decor by Christine

Simon Burn for Dabble Magazine

Racheal McCaig Photography

Subscribe to my Blog

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Cityline Nov 8, 2011

302623_10150345536075976_504990975_8705392_118490360_n

Watch Me on CHCH TV

 

Fullscreen capture 07112011 112226 PM-1

What’s Trending Pg 47

image

Cityline Sept 12, 2011

 

image

ShesConnected Conference 2011 - I'm Going!
Getting Corked Teaser!
Getting Corked – Pt 1

Getting Corked – Pt 2