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Architecture and Interior Design

After | The upcycled stools

It was a long road from the blah brown stools I found at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to the stage at the Vancouver Home and Design Show.

But I made it. How? A little paint and a lot of staple gun magic. If you’re into upcycling (so fun! so green!) and you want to reupholster a pair of square stools, you’ll find a step by step (ooooh baby!) guide below. And trust me, if I can do it, you can too.

Unscrew the stool’s top and set it aside.

Prep and paint the wooden part of the stool. And don’t believe your friend Justin when he tells you sanding will take two minutes. It will take much longer, but it’s worth it to ensure the paint won’t scratch off. Prime (if you like) and paint. You may need to do two coats.

Choose your fabric and buy way more than you think you’ll need to allow for accidents and overhang. Fabrics with straight lines and/or symmetrical prints (like the one I chose, which I found at  Spool of Thread) are the most difficult to use because you have to line them up carefully so they don’t get warped. Fabrics with random prints — or none at all — are much easier to work with.

Iron your fabric if it needs it and then lay it face down on a flat surface. Lay the stool top face down on the fabric. Fold the fabric over one edge, paying close attention to make sure lines in the fabric’s print don’t warp. Then, before stapling, tuck in the edge of the fabric to create a kind of hem so it won’t fray.

Pull out that staple gun and start stapling from the centre out to an inch or so from each corner. Don’t worry about completing the corners yet. Repeat this on the opposite side, pulling the fabric taught. Complete the other two sides.

Finish the corners by folding over the triangle of remaining fabric. Pull it tight toward the centre of the stool. You’ll end up with a few pleats, but that’s a-okay. Staple until they’re secure.

Screw the tops onto the legs once the paint has dried.

Et voila! New stools!

[Blouse c/o JNBY, pants by Lifetime Collective, socks from Gap, boots by Matisse, bag by Longchamp.]

P.S. I post photos to Instagram as I go so follow Kelsey Dundon there or on Twitter @TheAnthology.

November 1, 2012 by

Diary | A one-day MINI Adventure

A sponsored post. 

Owning my own business means every day is an adventure. And right now every day is a…MINI Adventure. So what does that day look like? Well, it all depends, but the other day it started at Perry & Co. where I picked out French gray paint for the stools I upcycled as part of the Vancouver Home and Design Show Upcycle Challenge benefitting Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

Then it was off to the new(ish) Splendid store at Pacific Centre to check out the bright, colourful space and pick up a little something cozy c/o Splendid (love the displays they had in store — would make a cool bookshelf DIY, no?).

Then to Nelson the Seagull to meet Courney McGeever who was in from New York to share Lush’s newest line of handmade, animal-friendly, eco-friendly haircare products (in stores in November).

Then to my new favourite fabric shop/sewing studio Spool of Thread to pick up fabric to re-cover those once-ugly stools (not as tough as you’d think — I’ll post a little how-to soon).

Then it was off to pick up my sister in my MINI Roadster (sun’s up, top’s down even in the middle of October — thank you, heated seats!).

And that was only one day. Want to win a year-long MINI Adventure from MINI Richmond? (Of course you do!) Click here to enter to win and up your chances by sharing your entry on Facebook and Twitter @MINIRichmond  (#MINIadventure). Good luck!

October 22, 2012 by

Workspace | Erica Lam of The Style Spy

The Anthology’s Workspace column takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.

If you follow style blogs in Canada you’re very familiar with The Style Spy. Founded by the lovely (seriously, she’s a doll) and talented Erica Lam, it chronicles fashion trends, features interviews with industry insiders and highlights “Girls of the Week” (one of whom you might recognize).

In her own words, Erica takes us through all the shoes and books and nail polishes that fill her workspace…

1. I recently moved to Montreal and this is my current set-up at the apartment I’m subletting. I must confess, I’m typically messier than this, but moving cross-country has forced me to streamline. It’s a good feeling not to have piles and piles of stuff sitting on your desk.

2. There’s usually a rotation of magazines – it’s either fashion magazines like the ones you see or business magazines like Fast Company or INC.

3. The book Creative, Inc. is a guide to running a freelance business. It was actually recommended to me by The Anthology’s Kelsey herself [Glad you like it! – Kelsey]. I left my advertising agency job as a social media strategist in Vancouver and am now working with clients on a freelance basis.

4. The Holstee Manifesto poster sits right above my desk. It’s a great daily reminder to really go after what you want in life.

5. Brands regularly send over products for me to try, the red suede booties are from Call It Spring’s fall collection and the nail polishes are from Essie’s winter line.

6. Don’t you love checking stuff off lists? I do. Hence the weekly things to do notepad from Chapters. I always have a Moleskine notebook next to me where I jot down all my ideas.

7. Attending events and networking are part of the job. The invitation on the desk is to Aldo Shoes’ 4oth anniversary, they’re hosting special pop-up exhibit at the Aldo Flagship store in Montreal.

P.S. Click your way to The Style Spy to see the fruits of Erica’s workspace.

P.P.S. Check out the first post in The Anthology’s Workspace column and find out how Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess smells when she blogs. Click through the second post to find out where Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl started her footwear obsession. Find out how Kumiko Ide of Tribal DDB keeps her workspace fresh to death. Take a look at jewelry designer Justine Brooks’ works in progress and her favourite places to work very, very remotely. Take a look at Lisa Wong of Solo Lisa’s cat-decorated desk and Anna Cohen’s converted stable in Denmark. And Alicia Quan’s yellow suitcase desk storage is definitely an idea worth stealing.

October 12, 2012 by

Giveaway | Tickets to the Vancouver Home and Design Show

These ugly stools are about to get a whole lot less ugly. I hope.

I’m going to DIY my little heart out and rework these babies as part of the Vancouver Home and Design Show’s Upcycle Challenge in support of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Want to see my finished pieces (and Jillian Harris and HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler) in person? The Anthology has teamed up with the show to give away three sets of two tickets to the show, which takes place October 11-14 at BC Place.

The first three people to email me at KDundon@TheAnthology.ca with the subject Vancouver Home and Design Show win!

UPDATE: Congratulations Heather, Stephanie and Dilara — you’re going to the Vancouver Home and Design Show!

P.S. Speaking of giveaways, you could win a MINI Adventure from MINI Richmond! Enter here.

October 3, 2012 by

Workspace | Alicia Quan of Alicia Fashionista

The Anthology’s Workspace column takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.

Her last name isn’t actually Fashionista, but if you follow Alicia’s blog Alicia Fashionista, that’s probably how you know her. And it’s no wonder — with her love of all things sartorial, and a site that chronicles that love affair, she’s known for her personal style.

In her own words Alicia Quan takes us through her workspace — suitcases, third wheels and all…

1. I work from home, but was forced to improvise an office setting in our one bedroom apartment.  I turned an antique vanity into a desk in our living room and spruced it up with a printed place mat.

2. Since my work could technically be 24/7, I’m always glued to a computer screen!  I’d say my time is split between my giant Acer PC and my trusty iPad.  It’s a running joke in this apartment that my iPad is the third member in our relationship, as it often gets all my attention.

3. Call me old fashioned, but I still write my to-do lists and scribbles in a lined notebook.  I simply love writing out notes and then crossing off completed tasks!


4. My favourite Anthropologie mug.  There is always a cup of coffee near my workspace.

5. I get all my business cards printed at Moo.com, and always have some handy at events.  I also hold onto all the cards I collect while networking, all kept in this simple card holder.


6. Another favourite antique find was this mustard yellow suitcase.  I’ve turned it into a mini display of things that make me smile, and a spot for current documents and/or product samples.

P.S. Click your way to Alicia Fashionista to see the fruits of her workspace.

P.P.S. Check out the first post in the Workspace column and find out how Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess smells when she blogs. Click through the second post to find out where Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl started her footwear obsession. Find out how Kumiko Ide of Tribal DDB keeps her workspace fresh to death. Take a look at jewelry designer Justine Brooks’ works in progress and her favourite places to work very, very remotely. Take a look at Lisa Wong of Solo Lisa’s cat-decorated desk and Anna Cohen’s converted stable in Denmark.

September 28, 2012 by

Pinstagram | Love It, Lose It, Drink It, Wear It

The Anthology’s Pinstagram column marries the dream (Pinterest) and the reality (Instagram).

Cue the cards! Getting ready for my trend presentations at Metropolis at Metrotown + a trendy print.

Ladies of lines. Lovely illustrated packaging at Matchstick Coffee + a century-old illustration.

Foxy kitty. My cat Estelle Getty + a piece of origami.

Paint the town pink. Holt Renfrew celebrated 175 years by popping open bottles of bubbly + a bubble-gum pink look from Oscar de la Renta.

On point. A woodsy sunrise in Whistler the morning of my friends’ wedding (congratulations Jen and Pete!) + some spike-tacular art by Fredrik Akum.

The view from the ferry en route to a wedding in Victoria (congratulations Corrine and Dave!) + a waterfront seat I could spend hours in.

A sequins of events. An itty bitty beret from a back-to-school spread I styled for The Province (it’s from Children’s Place at Brentwood Town Centre) + sparkly gowns at Ellie Saab.

Two takes on modernism. A new(ish) forest up in Whistler + a probably-much-newer building.

Love fest. Me (squared) in the Love It or Lose It Lounge at Metropolis at Metrotown + a neon <3.

P.S. Follow Kelsey Dundon on Pinterest and Instagram, or if you prefer a more traditional route, add The Anthology on Facebook and Twitter.

September 13, 2012 by

Home | Kartell’s FL/Y Pendant Light Sure Beats This Old Ugly One

I’ve hated this light fixture since I moved into my house almost five years ago.

But the thought of dealing with this was daunting. And, to be honest, I had no idea it was something one could tackle without the help of an electrician.

Until I ordered the FL/Y Pendant by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell from Design Within Reach and discovered that, with many YouTube tutorials and a lot of safety precautions, I could install it. All by myself.

Take that, New York Times.

August 28, 2012 by

Home | Spark Change with Sir Elton John’s New Candles at Holt Renfew

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about The Anthology’s Workspace feature it’s this: the creative creatures we’ve featured have sweet-smelling creative spaces. In Kumiko Ide‘s case it’s thanks to fresh-cut flowers but in Anya Georgijevic and Niki Blasina‘s cases it’s thanks to scented candles.

Speaking of the latter, Sir Elton John, David Furnish and NEST have just created a collection of scented candles for Holt Renfrew ($50 each), with a portion of proceeds going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Available in two scents — the floral Jardin de Fleurs, and the citrus L’Orangerie, they’re available now at holtrenfrew.com, and on September 8th in Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.

Your desk — and the Elton John AIDS Foundation — will thank you.

August 27, 2012 by

Pinstagram | The lion, the loft and the location

Pinstagram is a mashup of Kelsey Dundon’s Pinterest and Instagram feeds. In other words, the dream and the reality.

Sand on sand on sand & my trip to the beach in White Rock, just outside Vancouver (I was location scouting, which technically makes this work).

Smizing with Melissa Knight and Alicia Quan at the London Drugs Fall Beauty Preview + beautiful, beautiful nail polish polka dots.

A stunning all-white loft & lovely letters at Gastown’s new L’Atelier Home (which I wrote about right here).

My friend Nadia’s garden decor (these things really need to make a comeback) & a colourful little planter box.

The king of the jungle & the queen of my house, who just discovered my desk drawers.

A geometric terrarium at Old Faithful Shop & the coolest way to house an air plant.

P.S. Follow Kelsey Dundon on Pinterest and Instagram.

July 4, 2012 by

Home | Milk Glass Flower Pot

Does this count as a DIY? Taking a cute little plant and putting it in an even cuter little pot? I’m going to say yes. It’s a great combo — the ladylike (vintage milk glass) and the lady killer (Venus fly trap).

My grandma gave me dozens of pieces from her milk glass collection and I usually use them for dips, crackers and lime wedges when I throw parties.

But it works well as a flower pot too. I can’t believe milk glass isn’t more of a thing. All the pieces are the same colour so it’s a foolproof way to mix and match cheaply and chicly. Grab some before everyone catches on, there are quite a few on eBay.

The silver potted succulent is from Kermodi.

May 31, 2012 by