Inspiration 10.26 (Emma Cassi Styling)

As promised, here is a little peek into some of the styling work Emma Cassi has done (many of the photos are actually from her own home). Per usual, everything has that distinctive British style -- clean, homey and warm (even with all of the white).

I seriously think they pump something into the water here...

Weekend Shopping: Butter and Cream

Last week was one of those weeks that can only be cured by spending a boatload of money. Of course, the post splurge guilt kind of a buzz kill, but those brief moments between finding something you love and owning it cure all ills, I'm telling you.

In an effort to keep myself somewhat accountable for my purchases (and maybe because you might find them interesting) I wanted to share some of my recent favorites.

From left to right, 1. Santa Rosa Church Candles which are clean-burning and give off the prettiest glow 2. Thomas Paul Luddite Collection Envelope for corralling odds and ends in my handbags. 3. Drifting by Dress and Nexxus Top for strolling around Paris (where I'm headed in six weeks!) 4. Spectacle Necklace 5. Paris Made by Hand from blogging fave Pia Jane Bikjerk.

My favorite buy was definitely the specs necklace -- which interestingly enough, I'll probably never wear. I actually bought for its styling potential. I was so inspired by Michelle Adams use of specs in the photo below, and am thinking of wrapping it around lamps, or around a ceramic bust on my bookshelf.

Of course, I can't close out a post about specs without a shout out for Tommy at Specs Appeal... who is basically one of the nicest, coolest and most thoughtful folks I've gotten to know through blogging.

So did you guys indulge in any retail therapy this weekend? Any good finds?

Inspiration 3.4

Yup, that's right. I'm going to start rolling event styling ideas into the daily inspiration. When else can you create something as awesome as this? Love this idea for a lush, bright wedding inspired by India.

Image Credit: Chris Everard

MODERN DESIGN: PROVIDE HOME

Where to start ... with my recent relocation to the gastown neighborhood, it is the community of creative individuals that have drawn me in and helped me find my new love for Vancouver. Immediately from street scape PROVIDE HOME caught my eye. A sophisticated white interior complimented with local fir paneling and a unique custom line of fir furniture. A modern interior that features unique home accessories from some of my favorites: beautiful modern pottery from Rina Menardi to hand blown glass light fixtures from Niche Modern, to glass candle holders from Laurence Brabant, Paris, or the glass collection from Anna Torfs or Lawrence. For those who appreciate the art of Pottery, each of the pieces produced by Rina Menardi are sculptural pieces, seeing them in context with modern furniture will give you a good sense of how they compliment modern interiors, even the family at Inform Interiors showcases them in their B&B Italia room settings. I first came across the beautiful hand blown light fixtures in New York when I attended ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and was in awe of their modern translation of the traditional exposed bulb, what a pleasant surprise to see that Provide Home introduced this New York design company to Vancouver by providing a couple of my favorite restaurants Chambar & Medina Cafe with their accent lighting.

In contrast to a previous negative comment about this retail space being "pretentious?" - it does take a sophisticated eye to appreciate good design. There are no knock offs or cheap representations here, only fine investment pieces that are all about quality. What I love about this neighborhood boutique is that the Owners Robert Quinnell and David Keeler feature a number of local designers and artists as well. Too often our local talents are missed, Provide Home provides a platform to showcase the local creative community. Check out the jewelry designed by Shereen de Rousseau or the resin vases of Martha Sturdy or the stationary designs of The Pink Door Company.

As an interior designer constantly sourcing unique product for clients, what a pleasant surprise to see this lovely modern interior become my lifestyle specialty boutique right here in Vancouver.

Provide Home carries a selection of unique home accessories that exclusive to their showroom - some of my favorites to add to my list above ADONDE, TICHELARR ceramics, DAFF FELT, CALEB SIEMEN, MAISON ET OBJET to EX VETO, ENO, MUUTO to JUDY ROSS textiles.

To learn more about exciting new products from Provide Home, Robert  recently joins the blogging world through Provide's blog where he shares with readers his favorite modern design sources.

MODERN TRANSITIONAL - KELLY HOPPEN

Feature Interior Design Firm: KELLY HOPPEN
Location: London, Britain and Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, commissions including hotel, restaurant, office, aircraft
Project Highlights: Private Residences, British Airways, Royal Mougins Golf Club, Cartier
Photography by: Thomas Stewart, Vincent Knapp

I am inspired by world-renowned British designer KELLY HOPPEN, whose work over the years has motivated me to pursue my love of interior design as a profession. I admire Kelly as an excellent role model for her ability as a talented designer and creative stylist to turn her passion of design into a successful business. The Kelly Hoppen signature style has transformed the art of consulting into a brand of it's own. Recently, the firm has re-launched the KH website to feature the KELLY HOPPEN HOME line with BHS. Kelly now leads a team of 30 with offices based out of London and, more recently, Paris. I am excited to see her signature line of product accessible to a client market that has long admired her sophisticated sensibilities and approach to design. Kelly has been highly-influential in my career as a source of inspiration and as a professional leader.

INTERIOR LUXURY - KELLY HOPPEN

London is a beautiful source of inspiration for me. From the modern minimal architectural details of my favorite architect JOHN PAWSON to the interior styling of one of my favorite interior designers - KELLY HOPPEN. Her amazing signature style with the skill of layering luxury materials, rich textures fabrics with dark woods ... her eye for creating and incorporating the craft of cultural artifacts and amazing merchandising ... repetition, balance, symmetry, organic mixed with solid forms, bold shapes and surfaces ... the difference in her style is the refinement in her presentation and the combinations she brings together - love reading her new book STYLE - THE GOLDEN RULES OF DESIGN. I share with you some of my favorite examples of her work.