Photographer Lust: Mark Roper

As we edge closer and closer to the Winter Solstice here in North America, I thought I'd share some favourite images from the portfolio of photographer Mark Roper. His interior and still life shots are bathed in the most vivid light, a perfect anecdote to the short, dark days of November. I'm totally stealing this feather and catkin arrangement for my Thanksgiving table…and I love how the wicker nightstand below perfectly complements the smidge of rust on the bed below. Iron oxide as decorative element? Sure, why not!

Can't you just imagine waking up in this bed, the glow of the morning sun warming your skin as you lounge under the covers? I wonder what's outside that window. I'm picturing the bright green waters and smooth white sands of a Bahamian beach…

I love the monastic simplicity of this setting. It's all about those sky-high chapel ceilings and a few well placed pieces of furniture. And how ingenious is that little bookshelf tucked into the corner?

Same room, different angle. Those polished floors are just about killing me—the way they reflect the light from that window is magical! Plus the opulent gold chandelier contrasts beautifully with an otherwise otherwise spartan interior.

I don't usually take baths in the daytime; I much prefer the cover of darkness and a single lit candle to romanticize my pale, wobbly flesh. But I could be convinced to bare all if it meant a soak in this masterpiece of a tub. And hello marble tiles!

The pairing of rustic blond wood with industrial metals in this space really appeals to me. Plus I know a cat or two that would love to nap in that pool of sunshine on the floor!

Finally, one last shot to keep the dream alive. If that tropical bedroom looks onto a beach in the Bahamas, then this massive picture window boasts a priceless view from atop the cliffs of Malibu. The waves of the Pacific crash onto the rocks below, and if you look closely enough you can see Jen strolling with her dog Norman. Okay, now I'm getting delusional…but what a pretty delusion it is. Oh, and for dreaminess of a different kind, be sure to scroll down for today's scrumptious recipe!

All images courtesy of Mark Roper Photography.

On the Fence About: Fly

I've not been sure what to make of French retailer Fly since discovering it a few months ago. Their furniture is touch and go for me—some is quite cool, some a little tacky—but it's their styling and merchandising that I can't get enough of. This table setting reminds me of a trip I took to Basel years ago…can't you imagine sitting here and eating muesli before a brisk hike in the Alps?

I do love the clear lucite take on the classic Eames Eiffel chair. And check out the wide bleached planks on the floor!

The combination of grey slate and warm wood is completely seducing me here. Do you suppose those floors are polished concrete? I wonder…

Doesn't this table look like it was just dragged in from the barn? Simply brush off the straw and the chicken poop and you're good to go.

Two words: pendant lamps.

I never thought I'd like wicker furniture, but there's something about this banquette that really appeals to me. Though you could dress up anything in vermilion silk and I'd squeal like a little girl.

Wicker again. But it works, right? It's got this lovely, sultry, hazy 1970's vibe that I'm totally digging…

I think if I saw this room in real life I would hate it. I generally detest that style of blocky, pedestrian wood furniture. But the lighting, the white brick walls, the mile high ceilings, the giant 'M'…they're all persuading me that maybe the furniture's not so bad after all.

I'm scheming about how to get my husband's Aussie relatives to send me a bunch of sheepskins so I can create a bedroom as lush and dreamy as this one.

And there's nothing controversial about this nursery. A not-too-sweet pink on the walls, clean white furniture with heart cut-outs for handles, and paper lanterns to keep things fresh and modern.

Head to Fly's website and tell me what you think. Is it just a trumped up Ikea, or are we missing out here in North America? And if anyone's been to one of their stores in Europe…DETAILS PLEASE!

On the Fence About: Fly

I've not been sure what to make of French retailer Fly since discovering it a few months ago. Their furniture is touch and go for me—some is quite cool, some a little tacky—but it's their styling and merchandising that I can't get enough of. This table setting reminds me of a trip I took to Basel years ago…can't you imagine sitting here and eating muesli before a brisk hike in the Alps?

I do love the clear lucite take on the classic Eames Eiffel chair. And check out the wide bleached planks on the floor!

The combination of grey slate and warm wood is completely seducing me here. Do you suppose those floors are polished concrete? I wonder…

Doesn't this table look like it was just dragged in from the barn? Simply brush off the straw and the chicken poop and you're good to go.

Two words: pendant lamps.

I never thought I'd like wicker furniture, but there's something about this banquette that really appeals to me. Though you could dress up anything in vermilion silk and I'd squeal like a little girl.

Wicker again. But it works, right? It's got this lovely, sultry, hazy 1970's vibe that I'm totally digging…

I think if I saw this room in real life I would hate it. I generally detest that style of blocky, pedestrian wood furniture. But the lighting, the white brick walls, the mile high ceilings, the giant 'M'…they're all persuading me that maybe the furniture's not so bad after all.

I'm scheming about how to get my husband's Aussie relatives to send me a bunch of sheepskins so I can create a bedroom as lush and dreamy as this one.

And there's nothing controversial about this nursery. A not-too-sweet pink on the walls, clean white furniture with heart cut-outs for handles, and paper lanterns to keep things fresh and modern.

Head to Fly's website and tell me what you think. Is it just a trumped up Ikea, or are we missing out here in North America? And if anyone's been to one of their stores in Europe…DETAILS PLEASE!

Absolutely Loving: Walls Grown Wild

The eighties and nineties were unkind to many things: American waistlines,
VHS technology, Milli Vanilli. Even wallpaper did not escape those decades' wrath.
But a new day is upon us! Gone are the fussy, prissy Laura Ashley wallpapers of
my childhood, and in their place are these grand, ebullient prints. So sit back,
crank up the volume on that Guns 'n' Roses, and enjoy!

The ancient lines of a classic klismos chair contrast brilliantly with the controlled
chaos of an orchard. Who says you have to keep the flora and fauna on the walls?
Check out the bamboo print on the carpet below!

A rose trellis is more mid-century than Miss Havisham when paired with a sleek
console and rectancular prism lamp.

A mauve and fuchsia jungle looks all the more vibrant when complemented by the
real thing in a stunning vase!

Shades of orchid and ecru tone down an otherwise outrageous retro print.
And why limit yourself to flowers when you can throw in some feathers, too?

Dogwood blossoms bring spring to a background of icy grey, while Starck's Louis
Ghost armchairs say 'six more weeks of winter'.

I just adore the burnt umber tones of this bedroom—both in the gridded lines of the bed
and in the wild curves of the branches. And touches of salmon pink inject just the right
measure of warmth.

A sauvage smidge surrounds a doorway and bookshelf: a shot of bold color for those amongst
us who would be afraid to paper a whole room. (Guilty as charged!)

Of course you can still rock the Laura Ashley styles if you like…after all, an air of faded and timeworn elegance can cover a multitude of decorating sins!

Are you feeling these florals? Or better yet, what are your worst decorating sins from the eighties and nineties? And be sure to scroll down to today's recipe while you mull it over 🙂

Image Credits: 1. Kristen Perers 2. Paul Costello 3. Decorology 4. Source Unknown This is Glamorous (Thanks Laura!) 5. Wild at Heart 6. Source Unknown 7. Decorology 8. Gemma Comas 9. Tinyk 10. Roland Bello

Absolutely Loving: Walls Grown Wild

The eighties and nineties were unkind to many things: American waistlines,
VHS technology, Milli Vanilli. Even wallpaper did not escape those decades' wrath.
But a new day is upon us! Gone are the fussy, prissy Laura Ashley wallpapers of
my childhood, and in their place are these grand, ebullient prints. So sit back,
crank up the volume on that Guns 'n' Roses, and enjoy!

The ancient lines of a classic klismos chair contrast brilliantly with the controlled
chaos of an orchard. Who says you have to keep the flora and fauna on the walls?
Check out the bamboo print on the carpet below!

A rose trellis is more mid-century than Miss Havisham when paired with a sleek
console and rectancular prism lamp.

A mauve and fuchsia jungle looks all the more vibrant when complemented by the
real thing in a stunning vase!

Shades of orchid and ecru tone down an otherwise outrageous retro print.
And why limit yourself to flowers when you can throw in some feathers, too?

Dogwood blossoms bring spring to a background of icy grey, while Starck's Louis
Ghost armchairs say 'six more weeks of winter'.

I just adore the burnt umber tones of this bedroom—both in the gridded lines of the bed
and in the wild curves of the branches. And touches of salmon pink inject just the right
measure of warmth.

A sauvage smidge surrounds a doorway and bookshelf: a shot of bold color for those amongst
us who would be afraid to paper a whole room. (Guilty as charged!)

Of course you can still rock the Laura Ashley styles if you like…after all, an air of faded and timeworn elegance can cover a multitude of decorating sins!

Are you feeling these florals? Or better yet, what are your worst decorating sins from the eighties and nineties? And be sure to scroll down to today's recipe while you mull it over 🙂

Image Credits: 1. Kristen Perers 2. Paul Costello 3. Decorology 4. Source Unknown This is Glamorous (Thanks Laura!) 5. Wild at Heart 6. Source Unknown 7. Decorology 8. Gemma Comas 9. Tinyk 10. Roland Bello

Really Really Want: Poppies from Foundling

How brilliant are these poppy hairpins from Foundling? Each one is handmade from scraps of reclaimed vintage ribbon. They'd look so cute nestled at the base of a tousled bun and would even be exquisite as a bridal hairpiece. Simple, sculptural, and such smashing colors: I don't know how to choose! Fortunately, because each pair is only $12, I don't have to 🙂

Betsy, the artisan behind Foundling, not only does amazing work but also has a terrific blog so take a gander! Thanks to Ellie at Mint Design for the fab find, too! And to my readers celebrating Remembrance Day, may the spirit of the poppy be with you in honoring the sacrifices of our veterans past and present.

Really Really Want: Poppies from Foundling

How brilliant are these poppy hairpins from Foundling? Each one is handmade from scraps of reclaimed vintage ribbon. They'd look so cute nestled at the base of a tousled bun and would even be exquisite as a bridal hairpiece. Simple, sculptural, and such smashing colors: I don't know how to choose! Fortunately, because each pair is only $12, I don't have to 🙂

Betsy, the artisan behind Foundling, not only does amazing work but also has a terrific blog so take a gander! Thanks to Ellie at Mint Design for the fab find, too! And to my readers celebrating Remembrance Day, may the spirit of the poppy be with you in honoring the sacrifices of our veterans past and present.

Absolutely Loving: Mustard Yellow

In the coloring book of life, I do not often reach for the yellow crayon. Yellow is a tough color
to work with. It is bold, outrageous, not for the faint of heart. Like a jealous lover it commands constant attention; and like a virulent flu, it sallows even the heartiest of complexions. But lately
I'm admiring a particular shade of warm, spicy mustard whose appeal is positively infectious…

Put it on your walls and conjure the vibrant heat of the East Indies—the lush, relentless sun of
the tropics. Or tone down its intensity with a splashes of cream and pistachio, then bring it back
up a notch with a fab chair in aquamarine!

Of course a color this demanding is often best consumed in small doses. A rumpled bedspread
raises the temperature on a chilly November morning…

A sumptuous settee in tufted velvet projects the sassy, outspoken charm of a spinster great-aunt.

So many of us have ugly chests of drawers hiding away in our closets—or at least I do! How 'bout
a shot of mustard on the drawer fronts to inject new life into these dejected pieces?

I especially love mustard when contrasted with shades of grey. A shag rug and punchy pillow add pizazz to a room dominated by cool slate walls.

And despite its timeworn appearance, a mustard wall hanging brings life to a serene mantle
setting in chalk grey. 

Pile the mustard high with glorious floor cushions—I adore the juxtaposition of their boxy,
angled edges with their warm color and cozy knit texture…

Or for an unexpected hint of spice, slip a single dollop of mustard into an faded, neutral interior.

Mustard has too big a personality to stay confined at home. If you're blessed with a
skin tone that can wear yellow, rock it in stunning silk chiffon… a slouchy boot in
cognac is the perfect complement.

Or if you're really feeling the mustard vibe, make it the backdrop to your special day!

What do you think? Have you caught the mustard bug, or is it too much zing for your taste?

Oh, and in case you missed it over the weekend—please scroll down for the first installment in my Blogger Book Love series…Jora from Domestic Reflections started us off with a bang!

Image Credits: 1. Twig Hutchinson 2. Anna Williams 3. Sandbox Studio 4. James Merrell 5. Denise Grunstein 6. Paul Costello 7. Lucinda Symons 8. Tanya Goodwin 9. Anna Williams 10. Airspace 11. Haute Hippie 12. Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Writing on the Walls: Chalkboard Paint

This month's Domino magazine feature on the home of Jenna Lyons is just stunning. Most intriguing to me is the bedroom, which Jenna and her husband painted using chalkboard paint. The effect is deep and dramatic, a serene yet striking retreat. And it makes me wonder about the uses of chalkboard paint in decorating. It always looks so darn cool…

The rich, opaque finish of the black paint contrasts so nicely with the dusty, ephemeral chalk writing—such a unique textural layer.

Here the paint contributes to the cool feeling of metal and marble, but it also adds a playful dimension to this angled industrial space.

Different shades of paint create a calendar grid for a decorative element that is functional too. And I love how they've teamed up the chalkboard paint with that great clock and a high-style interpretation of a teacher's chair. Perhaps we can call this 'Schoolhouse Chic'?

Green paint looks earthy and organic on this refrigerator, tying in an otherwise ordinary appliance with the slate tiles on the floor. Though I have hard time identifying with a household that has champagne and goat cheese on their shopping list…mine would read something like 'Kool Aid and Velveeta'.

Rather than painting a whole wall, what about doing just a slim horizontal panel? It breaks up the space without overpowering it, and provides a nifty focal point that you can change on a whim.

I just adore this children's room. Not only does the bright green chalkboard paint inject an element of whimsy that both kids and adults can appreciate, but the application has such graphic appeal. LOVE those woodland silhouettes where green meets white!

But I'll be honest, guys. Knowing my brainy husband who loves to tinker, I'm skeptical about how chalkboard paint would go over in my house. I fear it would end up looking more 'Mad Scientist' than 'Martha Stewart'. So I pose the question. Is chalkboard paint a Do or a Don't? And while you're mulling it over, be sure to scroll down for today's tasty recipe!

Image Credits: 1. Domino 2. Erik Johnson 3. James Merrell 4. Marie Claire Maison via Erin Wilson
5. Noisette Family 6. Nibs Blog 7. Domino 8. New York Times

Writing on the Walls: Chalkboard Paint

This month's Domino magazine feature on the home of Jenna Lyons is just stunning. Most intriguing to me is the bedroom, which Jenna and her husband painted using chalkboard paint. The effect is deep and dramatic, a serene yet striking retreat. And it makes me wonder about the uses of chalkboard paint in decorating. It always looks so darn cool…

The rich, opaque finish of the black paint contrasts so nicely with the dusty, ephemeral chalk writing—such a unique textural layer.

Here the paint contributes to the cool feeling of metal and marble, but it also adds a playful dimension to this angled industrial space.

Different shades of paint create a calendar grid for a decorative element that is functional too. And I love how they've teamed up the chalkboard paint with that great clock and a high-style interpretation of a teacher's chair. Perhaps we can call this 'Schoolhouse Chic'?

Green paint looks earthy and organic on this refrigerator, tying in an otherwise ordinary appliance with the slate tiles on the floor. Though I have hard time identifying with a household that has champagne and goat cheese on their shopping list…mine would read something like 'Kool Aid and Velveeta'.

Rather than painting a whole wall, what about doing just a slim horizontal panel? It breaks up the space without overpowering it, and provides a nifty focal point that you can change on a whim.

I just adore this children's room. Not only does the bright green chalkboard paint inject an element of whimsy that both kids and adults can appreciate, but the application has such graphic appeal. LOVE those woodland silhouettes where green meets white!

But I'll be honest, guys. Knowing my brainy husband who loves to tinker, I'm skeptical about how chalkboard paint would go over in my house. I fear it would end up looking more 'Mad Scientist' than 'Martha Stewart'. So I pose the question. Is chalkboard paint a Do or a Don't? And while you're mulling it over, be sure to scroll down for today's tasty recipe!

Image Credits: 1. Domino 2. Erik Johnson 3. James Merrell 4. Marie Claire Maison via Erin Wilson
5. Noisette Family 6. Nibs Blog 7. Domino 8. New York Times