Wednesday, September 23, 2009

my inspiration from my favourite movie








































This morning I woke up and realized how we are truly influenced by our surroundings. When we go through major changes it is good to get a fresh start. what better way than to redecorate. Recently I was given an opportunity to redo my whole house or at least my living room. I thought a new splash of paint would do. However I realized that new furniture was in order. So I hauled it all away in a Uhaul van. I kept a few choice pieces such as a black and taupe striped cabinet, a chinoiserie hanging cabinet, a 19th century Chinese scholar's chair and a coir area rug.
over the past year while recovering from STAGE THREE COLON CANCER. I have made some major changes in my life. I also watched my favourite movie over and over again. The Devil wears Prada
My inspiration for my new living room is The classic scene at the beginning of my well worn DVD disc. Our heroine,Andy, makes light of two "identical belts". Her employer, Miranda Priestley soon sheds some light on her ignorance about the belts. I just love how she informs her about the colour Cerulean with her vast knowledge about the colour and how it is used in fashion.
So my challenge begins, As anyone that knows me it will be all about the eclectic mix. It will be a fun blend of chartreuse, rust,gold,silver, black,taupe,old and new. This time I am going to have a feather and down wrap on the sofa cushion.hey why not.



Cerulean, also spelled caerulean, may be applied to a range of colors from deep blue, sky-blue, bright blue or azure color through greenish blue colors.

The first recorded use of cerulean as a color name in English was in 1590.[1] The word is probably derived from the Latin word caeruleus, "dark blue, blue or blue-green", which in turn probably derives from caelulum, diminutive of caelum, "heaven, sky".[2]



Please take care all and have a HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

love, john

I think I found a photo of one of my blog readers, Patricia Gray, an Interior designer from Vancouver. thanks Patricia for the great inspiration.

Friday, September 4, 2009

calm and serene







I have been thinking about Labour day weekend all week long. I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend away. I thought I would leave you with some serene photos of some interiors and gardens. Please take care and seek serenity and peace throughout your life. What better way than your surroundings in your home.

take care,

love, John

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

broaden your horizons







There is something about a horizontal stripe that I find intriguing. Often it is used in a contemporary setting. In actuality it is a classic concept. The Florence Cathedral is a prime example of the classic horizontal stripe.
I know this is short and sweet, but nothing needs to be said other than start thinking about stripes and life in a different way. You never know what exciting adventure may come your way when you open your mind to a different thought process.

FYI:I am starting a new project for a client's bathroom. so I will be taking you all on a crash course on tiles.

TB with you all later,

john

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

it's time for a change















Autumn is right around the corner. The other day I noticed Halloween candy in the aisles at the grocery store. Soon Christmas will be massed produced. We will be bombarded with the glitz and glitter of the season. All of this reminded me of how I am trying really hard not to eat candy.I actually almost drowned myself in a mountain of candy earlier this year after I finished chemotherapy.
I am making healthy choices for my life feeling better than ever before.
The other day, a friend of mine told me that I have actually made such headway in my efforts in bicycling. As an avid cyclist, that means a lot. especially since I haven't been able to ride in almost two years because of my poor health that I have had. FYI to those who are just getting into my blog. I AM A COLON CANCER SURVIVOR. My goal is to stay healthy and to continue to be fit and trim. so with all of that and a
little bit of an imagination I decided that I would write about trim. Trimming, gimp, cord on tape, tassels and tie backs are all about the detail that is given to our interiors.it is this attention to detail that give our rooms, furniture, pillows and drapery excitement and power.

Passementerie or passementarie is the art of making elaborate trimmings or edgings (in French, passements) of applied braid, gold or silver cord, embroidery, colored silk, or beads for clothing or furnishings.

Passementerie worked in white linen thread is the origin of bobbin lace, [1] and passement is an early French word for lace.[2]

Modern passementerie includes the gold braid on military dress uniforms, the elaborate trims on used on some lampshades and draperies, and for decorating couture clothing and wedding gowns.

Fringe and tassels are categorized as forms of passementerie

Get trim, stay healthy and add a little detail to your life.

love, john