Junky.

Do you have a junk drawer? Believe it or not, we didn't until last week. Our house is extremely storage-challenged. Instead, our bar was littered with crap and there was a large bamboo bowl to contain messes. It wasn't pretty. Then I had the brainwave to using a good-lines-but-crappy-veneer bedside table as a living room piece. It's the happy home to recipe binders, Laptop Lunches bento boxes (review forthcoming!), and...junk!

I also love having fruit at child height for easy snacking. It's made a huge difference to us! And, if you're curious, here's what the drawer looks like inside:

Can you believe this was all out in the open until now??

New CB2 Outdoor Collection

Nothing gets you thinking patio like 20 degree weather in the middle of March! Canada just got its first CB2 in Toronto early this year, so I think the new spring catalog warrants a trip to check it out:

 I especially love the new outdoor rugs in zesty colours. Maybe a good end of March break weekend trip? (you know I'll need it...). Check out the catalog Here.

Pinch Design

A little while ago, I was searching for the perfect cabinet to fit on the wall of my bathroom when I came across this picture:

Pinch

Immediately I clicked the link to their site and was amazed at how many beautiful pieces they design. I mean, I love every single thing. Was I the last person to hear about this company?

Pinch

Pinch

Pinch

Beautiful, although shipping overseas would probably be insane. A girl can dream though, can't she?

The Landing Strip

Our hallway is probably the worst area of the house. What was originally the foyer has had chunks shaved off it for a Powder Room (totally worth it!) and a large Coat Closet that blocks light from the sunroom and makes the foyer almost unusable as a mud-ish room (said closet should be leaving soon!).

In any case, we certainly have to create some sort of Landing Strip so I have been scouring the internet for some inspiration.

There seem to be some essential elements:

Hindsvik Blog

Coat Hooks. We have a lot right now and this is what we use on a daily basis. But I like these ones quite a bit. And then of course one can always dream of an...

Design Sponge

Eames Hang-It-All. I especially love them when there are multiples!

Martha Stewart

A boot tray is essential kit for Canada's winters, but as much as I love this pebble filled one, this is definitely an item that isn't babyproof!

Jonathan Adler via chairsmith

Somewhere to sit, combined with storage? Yes please!

What do you do to fight foyer clutter?

My $2 Porch Perch

I've been looking for some porch furniture for quite a while,  but nothing's really piqued my interest. I didn't really want to do modern (unless it was teak, lovely, and probably from DWR) and I hadn't come across a nice, inexpensive vintage set.

That is, until recently. There's a guy on my street who casually deals in Mid-Century Furniture. I'll call him Marty because, well, his name's Marty. I bought my orangey armchair from one of his garage sales. Anyway, I was driving home after a concert the other night and screeched to a halt because he'd put this lovely vintage chair out for pickers (like me). Perfect! The seat needs a bit of work (which will be very difficult!), but for now it's fine. I love the lines of it and it is very, very comfy!

The little table came from a rummage sale for $2 and I think it's just charming. I think it's supposed to have a glass top, but it's fine as is. I especially love the pattern on the tabletop!

What's on your porch?

Father's Day Poufs

Flocks

My husband has long legs. Really, really, really long legs. He likes to put them up and if I want any part of the couch he is forced to improvise. Exercise balls (great for the core, not so good for relaxing), dining room chairs, piles of throw rugs...none of them do the job that a decent ottoman, footstool or pouf would do.

Now the real issue at hand here is that I loathe most ottomans, especially the large ones that people use as an ersatz coffee table. I know that they are practical, especially with kids, but to me they are about as stylish as an 80s recliner.

So he has asked for some sort of pouf-like objet for Father's Day. How can I disappoint. Here are some realistic options:

West Elm

I could make one like this using high-ish density foam and a cool fabric. These particular ones form West Elm are sold out.

Pickles

Because the Flocks poufs at the top of this post are too spendy for me, I could try my hand at making a "Puff Daddy" pouf. Pickles has a free pattern here.

Marrakesh Trading House on Etsy

The ubiquitous Morroccan pouf. I love it.

Ikea

Several of these stacked on top of each other would look ok, but I don't think he'd quite go for it!

Design Sponge

And finally this awesome DIY on Design Sponge using a cast off electrical cable spool. I'd love to do this if I have the guts! Full instructions are here.

How have you solved your weary-footed dilemma? Have your forgone style in favour on comfort or have you splurged on an Eames Lounge and Ottoman?

A Very Special Late Birthday Present

Yes, some of you know my birthday is in August, but this was well worth the wait. For years I have searched for the perfect antique armoire to match my taste, but have failed. My Dad and his friend Stan who builds beautiful cabinets and kitchens built this colossal armoire to make up for the lack of storage in my house...

My parents asked me to design it so that it would be a custom fit for the items I want to store. It took me a while to decide, but I am so thrilled! It finally means I have one closet upstairs for clothing. The colour is a gorgeous match to Farrow and Ball's Pavilion Gray.

I must admit I am a bit spatially challenged (remember the couch purchase?) and thought this armoire, which sits at 8 feet, would fit anywhere in the house. It took up too much space in the front hall so is now next door in the dining room; not a problem, just another design challenge for me! Right now I am busy trying to decide what type of hardware to use on the cabinet; here are my top choices:

 

Lee Valley 

I love the industrial look of these.

 

Lee Valley 

These may be too traditional, would use the chrome or black. Sometimes I like to play it safe!

Lee Valley

J is my favorite of these, I used the satin chrome finish in my kitchen. Too matchy?

Richelieu

These could be cool, the oil rubbed bronze would look neat.

Summerhill Hardware

Or I could just go with a completely different look and not use a pull! Not sure if the size of the cabinet would dwarf these though.

So what's your verdict? I would love to hear your opinion so I can put away some of my mess!