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Architecture and Interior Design

Bookmark | An Apple a Day

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web. 

I’ll be the first to admit it: I am a creative creep. And by that I don’t mean that I find creative new ways to creep on people, I mean that I like to creep creative people. And one of those people is Amy Merrick.

The Brooklyn-based floral stylist’s blog is stunningly beautiful in a “makes me wish I kept fresh-cut flowers on my desk” sort of way.

Her photos are quiet, somehow calming.

They make me want to become a better photographer. Or at least a photographer.

If you like pretty things, and I have a feeling you do, then bookmark An Apple a Day. And bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

[Images from An Apple a Day, obviously.]

April 23, 2012 by

Bookmark | Emma’s Design Blogg

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web. 

If you’re into interior design you’re already well aware of Emma’s Design Blogg. Curated by stylist and writer Emma Fexeus, it’s a collection of exquisite homes decorated in Scandinavian style.

You’ll love it if you like any of the following: white walls, black floors, white walls, tiles, white walls, Herman Miller chairs or white walls.

And I like all of those things. Except for white walls in real life. You need high ceilings and gigantic windows if they’re going to look b-b-b-bad to the bone and I have neither of those things. Still, I find them endlessly inspiring on Emma’s Design Blogg and I think you might too.

So bookmark Emma’s Design Blogg already. And bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

Thanks, Mom!

[All images from Emma’s Design Blogg, obviously.]

 

March 25, 2012 by

Home | Braden Paul Prints

Your living room is about to get a whole lot cooler. One of The Anthology’s favourite photographers, Braden Paul is selling prints of his photographs for a very limited time (only until January 20th) and these are just a few of my favourites. You’ll find plenty more on his website, like this one and this one, which would also make rad wall art.

I’m thinking of getting a big, glossy version of the second one above. You know, so sitting in my living room will feel like being at a concert. Also, I have to admit I’m inspired by the funky oversized photos in the van der Woodsen penthouse on Gossip Girl, but don’t tell anyone because that’s the most embarrassing inspiration ever.

8×12 prints start at $100. You can order directly from the photographer at braden@bradenpaulphotography.com

January 11, 2012 by

Home | Kermodi Ornament

I have long been a fan of Kermodi Living Art (don’t you think this would make the perfect office plant?).

So I fell hard for Kermodi’s understated, almost terrarium-esque ornaments at Vancouver Special. One of them is now nestled among the mason jars (used as tea light candle holders) and cake plates (used as candle stands) on the antique rolltop desk in my living room.

It’s all part of my new grown-up holiday decor initiative. Well, that, and my inflatable Snoopy Claus lawn ornament wouldn’t fit.

December 18, 2011 by

Diary | Joe Fresh and PC Home

This is a big year for me.

Why? Because I’m finally going to ditch the over-the-top cheesy, tinsel-y, multi-coloured decorations that have been the hallmark of my holiday decor in years past (party tip: bring your tacky inflatable lawn ornaments indoors if you want to kick your house party up a notch. Take my word for it — they’re a sure-fire hit). Instead, I’m going to opt for a look that’s a little more sophisticated. Think cool white and icy metallics instead of blinking reds and flashing greens and twinkling purples and flickering blues and sparkling oranges and glimmering yellows.

And though I might live in Vancouver, a city with very few snow days, I’m dressing in winter wonderland chic. Add a faux-fur trapper hat that I borrowed from that mannequin (what? she didn’t mind) to my oversized hand-knit wool sweater and I’ll be ready for a ride in a one horse open sleigh.

Funny what one little afternoon can do. Had I not stopped by the Joe Fresh and PC Home holiday showcase, I might be inflating my Snoopy Claus lawn ornament instead of setting my table with silver bon-bons. Actually, forget everything I just told you. I’m going to do both.

[Joe Fresh hat, Ralph Lauren sweater, Rock & Republic jeans, Matisse boots]

P.S. Add The Anthology to your circles on Google+

P.P.S. Joe Fresh just opened a store in NYC (thank you, Tolek, for pointing that out!). The Canadian invasion is going according to plan…

November 28, 2011 by

Bookmark | You are the River

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web.

This week’s spot goes to the LA-based blog You are the River, a beautifully curated site filled with all things creative, inspiring and design-y.

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Especially home decor — think chic homes with white walls, rustic wood tables and lots of built-in bookshelves (my favourite kind).

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Plus, beautiful graphic pieces.

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And lifestyle-y things, like a mini review of San Francisco’s Plow restaurant.

So if you haven’t yet bookmarked You are the River, hop to it. And bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

[All photos from You are the River.]

September 15, 2011 by

Bookmark | My Vibe My Life

Each week in The Anthology’s Bookmark column we’ll explore some of the most inspiring corners of the internet.

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For the inaugural post, it’s only fitting that we turn to Kelly Wearstler’s My Vibe My Life.

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The interior designer turned designer designer balances over-the-top glamour with rock-and-roll cool so beautifully, I’m addicted to her aesthetic.

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And I think you’ll also love the behind-the-scenes look at her designs in progress.

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So if you haven’t already bookmarked My Vibe My Life, what are you waiting for?

Have an idea for a feature in The Anthology’s Bookmark column? Send a note to kdundon@theanthology.ca.

P.S. Bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it. Duh.

July 8, 2011 by

New Anthology Headquarters!

In other words, I have a newly decorated home office.

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My new desk is stocked with all the things I love. Antique tins make the perfect storage space for office supplies (who needs drawers?). If you look closely, you’ll notice the one on the right features an illustration of Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge (long before traffic became an issue, apparently). The Voluspa candle and alabaster stag are both from the Cross.

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This new (to me) carpet is actually a blanket my mom brought back from Mexico in the 1970’s.

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And even though organization isn’t my forte, I can fake it in style with beautiful folders (also from the Cross).

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So does this new setup mean I’m going to be even more productive? Who knows. But it certainly makes me want to throw my hands up in the air and rejoice.

P.S. Quit procrastinating and add The Anthology on Facebook.

February 20, 2011 by

Colour! Colour everywhere!

It’s makeover season, so I’ve been putting on my Tim “the Toolman” Taylor belt quite a bit lately. My latest project? My dining room.

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It all started with the chairs.

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Because they used to look like this. And the table was the exact same yellowy pine. (Both were hand-me-downs from my in-laws.)

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All they needed was a little paint (high gloss spray paint for the chairs and purply grey house paint for the table). They work. In fact, I’d even argue that they’re kind of funky. Almost as funky as that power carpet, which I found at a church thrift sale. (I don’t know where or when it’s from, but I’m obsessed with it.)

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With all that painting, my colour palette consisted of a dusty rose carpet, glossy black chairs, royal blue painting, and purply grey table. Would “Milk pail green” walls be too much? I started looking at the palettes that artist-turned-designer Julian Schnabel used at the Gramercy Park Hotel, and those that the glamourous Kelly Wearstler uses in everything she does. Which made me realize even a small space can be big on pattern and colour.

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So I pulled out the roller and went for it.

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The result? A room that is just shy of every colour in the rainbow. Dinner party, anyone?

P.S. Don’t be shy — add The Anthology on Facebook.

January 9, 2011 by

Say you’re off to a party

You’ve picked out the perfect dress, found some sparkly new shoes and even got your hair did. But what on earth do you bring for your glamourous hostess? I have no idea — but Courtney Starheim, event planner and principal of C Star Events does. She shares with us part two of her gift guide. Read part one here.

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Let it Snow
For the hostess who manages to cook a gourmet four-course meal after a long day of work, yoga class, and finishing her book club book (two weeks early).

7.  Cozying up with a Wool Throw after a long day is just what the doctor/ Santa ordered. I love this one from The Cross. [$205]

8.  Paperwhites are a joy to watch bloom and a breath of fresh air over the (long) winter months. The bulbs can be arranged in pebbles or in stones, as pictured here.

9.  Tree Ornaments are both festive + fun and a unique option for that hostess who has everything. Paloma’s Nest has a great holiday collection. [$28]

10.  Holiday Music is meant to be shared.  For a quick-yet-thoughtful gift, pick up a copy of your favourite album or gift the download on iTunes. The Winter Songs compilation gets my vote (check out the title track and “Auld Lang Syne”). [$7.99]

11.  Warm Drinks (think special coffees, hot chocolates, and teas) are a cozy treat that complement gift ideas 7 and 9, brilliantly. The “Perfect Tea Mug” by David’s Tea is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received; I use it every day. [$19.50]

12.  Scented Candles are a popular choice for hostess gifts as they are a lovely little indulgence. I’ll take one from the new Dirt Candles collection at Body Politic, please. Specifically, “Bah Humbug” because it makes me smile. [$31.50]

Hooray for parties and presents! Thanks again, Courtney! Love, love these ideas.

P.S. You’re invited to our Twitter party. Follow Courtney here and The Anthology here.
December 11, 2010 by