design, travel, food
Bright colours and playful accents such as the spool “hooks” and hook rug bench give this mudroom its sunny disposition. But good looks aren’t enough. A mudroom also has to be easy to clean and resistant to the muck and rain that comes with spring’s weather. Opt for floors in natural stone (slate and limestone are gorgeous) or honed ceramics. Avoid flat paint which is difficult to clean. And have plenty of storage to keep clutter out of sight.
An outdoor urn or planter is an attractive and welcoming enhancement to the entrance. But how many of us find these arrangements quickly become neglected after the holidays are over and the temperatures plunge? Often times, lifeless boughs and tired, broken branches remain until Easter eggs are retrieved. With minimal planning it’s possible to keep urns looking fresh and seasonal right through the winter.
Photography by Simon Burn
ONE:
Jack Frost
A simple white planter suits the contemporary arrangement of silver-blue greens and Carolina Sapphire. Snow-dusted grapevine and birch branches create architecture that grounds the assorted greens. Sprigs of Dusty Miller lend colour and texture, acting as focal flowers at the centre of the arrangement.
Photography by Simon Burn
TWO:
Garden Visitor
The same planter and foliage may alternatively be presented as a preface for spring, showcasing favourite garden pieces like the metal bird and egg seen here. A trellis, obelisk or a lantern work equally well. In this version we’ve highlighted a moss wrapped cone, birch covered globes and the perched bird.
Design Tips: A resin planter is not subject to sub-zero cracking but must be properly weighted to avoid toppling over. Add a generous layer of pea gravel to facilitate re-arranging after the soil has frozen. Lay a wreath horizontally on the planter and build your arrangement on top of it.
Photography by Simon Burn
THREE:
Tradition with a Twist
A whimsical arrangement is composed with varying colours of greenery including Fraser fir, blue pine, hemlock and some minimal magnolia. Unlike spring and summer planters which have continual abundant growth, this winter version relies on grapevine, pine cones, and maple branches for structure. Moss and curly willow create added interest.
Real estate listings typically lead with stunning visual features like a bay window. Why then do designers sometimes struggle with how to dress this architectural feature? And more importantly, how to use the space found within the bay?
Interior designer Jane Lockhart turned this bay window into a destination in her client’s home. Full draperies provide physical and psychological warmth to the space so it can be used year round. Two comfortable arm chairs tuck neatly back and the large purple ottoman makes it a comfortable spot to sit and read or enjoy a cup of tea.
Do you have a trick for turning a bay window into usable floor space?
Whether you’re soaking wet or just aiming for some modesty poolside, beach towels are a summer staple. Here are three ways to store them in plain sight.
ONE:
TWO:
On a Roll
Roll beach towels and store in a short sided wicker basket. Now they’re ready to go when
you are.
Dabble Savvy: Crisp whites launder best but we still love bright stripes for summer.
THREE:
Dock Party
When the sun is shining there’s no time to make three trips into the house for towels. Keep a large stash neatly corralled in an oversized wicker basket.
Always ready to serve, the humble closet has so much potential as a design element. Ready to ditch those drab “builder’s special” closet doors? Dabble has three stylishly innovative solutions to give your entrance closet the welcome attention it deserves.
Photography by Simon Burn
ONE:
Bold Barn
Who knew anything labelled “barn” could be so sleek and modern? This industrial stainless steel barn door provides simple sliding closet access. Backpainted glass offers a gentle glow from reflecting sunlight and sultry sparkle at night.
Dabble Savvy: Tempered glass is heavy. To accommodate the weight load, it’s critical to provide appropriate blocking (support) inside walls.
Photography by Simon Burn
TWO:
Ditch the Doors
Who says there has to be a closet in the foyer? This quick and easy update takes the entry from blah to BLAM. Remove the original doors and add a bench, providing a soft landing for changing shoes. We’ve added hooks on either side of the alcove to flaunt seasonal necessities.
Dabble Savvy: If you require storage, swap out the bench for a 3-drawer chest or even an armoire.
Design Tip: Choose a highly patterned rug for an entry to hide everyday dirt.Instead of art, try a large floor mirror behind the bench to give the illusion of more space.
Photography by Simon Burn
THREE:
Perfect Portrait
Create an elegant entrance by backing tempered glass doors with a black and white image on vinyl film. The high contrast between black walls and photographic doors puts this focal point in sharp focus.
Dabble Savvy: For traditional spaces, search architectural salvage shops for interesting and original doors as an alternative to glass.
Set provided by Au Lit Fine Linens
We all have our own bed styling preferences: sometimes a ruler is involved for precise blanket measurements, and sometimes it involves merely tossing your sheets over the pillows to disguise a post-sleep sheet mess. Whatever your go-to is, there’s some essential design points to consider for your comfiest (and most stylish) sleep.
Kimberley Seldon shares her expert tips on choosing the right pieces to suit your style.
Dried or fresh? There’s only one answer for the enthusiastic home cook. Herbs from the garden (or the kitchen window sill) make the meal. Dabble’s in-house design team dug up three display worthy herb garden ideas.
ONE:
Beyond Basil
If you’re ready to go beyond basil it’s likely you need a large vessel to contain your choices. This rustic barrel inspired pot is ideal for a country setting.
Dabble Savvy: Starting with the vessel you want to fill simplifies the decision process when it’s time to purchase herbs.
TWO:
Glass Hothouse
Any glass container is ideally suited to hold an herb garden. The angled opening of this contemporary vase makes reaching in for clippings a snap…a snip?
THREE:
Vintage Pots
If you crave order, you’ll love placing your herbs in individual pots.
Dabble Savvy: Use a label, such as the vintage tin ones seen here, as decoration or as a tool to teach children about herbs.
Set provided by ELTE
Kimberley Seldon shows Cityline viewers how to decorate around a hobby without going over the top.
Originally aired on Cityline: June 12th, 2014
Set provided by Designer Inspired Interiors, Wallpaper by Mural Unique
Kimberley Seldon shows Cityline viewers how to transform a room with industrial-inspired furniture and accessories.
Originally aired on Cityline: June 5th, 2014
There is nothing like vintage silver pieces to add texture and a soft lustre to display groupings. Use vintage silver sugar and creamer sets as bud vases or try a footed tray on the kitchen island to hold your pepper mill collection and everyday spices. An old silver basket piece, makes a great holder for bath salts or cotton balls in a bathroom. Prices start as low as $5 dollars for small items.
For four more great items to collect, read the June issue of Dabble, available May 31st, 2014.
Set provided by West Elm
Want an inexpensive way to update the art in your home? Why not try some DIY projects?
Kimberley Seldon shows us three easy projects, including using Washi tape as a frame, a clever way to use wallpaper scraps and a stunning framed butterfly piece with supplies bought from the dollar store!
See how you can re-create these projects at home.
Don’t miss Chatelaine Day on Cityline: Tuesday, May 20th.
A Gen Y native, Gloria grew up digital. She began her career in public affairs, pivoted into the not-for-profit, then private sector before redefining herself as an entrepreneur. In her quest to do what she loves she has worn many hats, including policy advisor, international project manager, and market research consultant.
Dabble gets advice from Gloria on becoming your own boss.
1- DAB: Did you Dabble your way to success?
GRM: Success is such a juicy and personal word. To me, it means doing things that I love every day, with people that I love, and enriching the world because of it. I’m passionate about designing my life on my own terms, and serving people in the process. So I went through 21 different jobs and 4 different career sectors before finding my definition of success. It’s being my own boss, and turning what I love to do into profitable services that I can offer others. Today, that includes an Amazon.ca best-selling book, BYOB: The Unapologetic Guide to Being Your Own Boss, a paid speaking career that I love, four years in business as my own boss, co-owning a digital strategy company, Wedge 15, with my amazing husband Ricardo, and working with some of the most amazing clients across Canada.
2- DAB: How can someone Dabble into a career?
GRM: Literally, one step at a time, with unwavering commitment, and the willingness to try new things and pivot as you learn and grow. There is a myth that I hear from nearly every one of my entrepreneurial clients, that success is supposed to happen over night. I have never seen an overnight success that sustained the test of time, or had any qualitative longevity to it. I think about it this way: we each have 24 hours in a day; we are each given an average of 85 years on this planet; and, we are each given natural talent that can be honed into profitable skills. The key is, you have to practice, practice, and practice until others want more of what you have to offer. That’s when you make what you dabble in your career. It’s our job to figure out why we’re here and make a positive impact while we are. I believe in Malcolm Gladwell’s assessment, that after about 10,000 hours of honing a craft, you can turn what you’re dabbling in, into expertise. Then, sell it.
3- AB: What’s your advice for people who want to BYOB?
GRM: Practically speaking, buy my book, and do all the worksheets. Not even kidding. That alone will set you up for success as a boss. Also, prepare yourself mentally for the most challenging and rewarding exploration you’ll ever have. Downscale your cost of living, ensure you have a means to cover your basic cost of living should your business take a few months or a year to yield any profit. And equally critical, assemble your team―a support squad who understand the roller coaster world of entrepreneurship and boss hood, who will encourage you and support you on those tough days. Being your own boss is way more responsibility than having a boss, and the leadership it will require, necessitates the importance of having a support group of friends and colleagues. Last, take care of yourself. It’s a long race. It takes time to build your tribe, your brand, your customers.
4- DAB: List of 5 things you can’t live without.
GRM: High speed wireless Internet; the loving and supportive partnership of my husband and business partner; a solid latte, European style; travel and variety; and my Apple devices. I can change the world with those 5 things.
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