Living Pretty

It's a little bit sad that 2012 is coming to a close. One reason I'm a little glum is because my Bookhou printed linen 2012 calendar will have to come down from my wall. Luckily I have found a smart replacement. Over at Ship & Shape Fine Goods you can purchase a wonderfully celestial, 2013 Full Moon Calendar. The print is beautifully drawn by Isa Gagarin and it let's you know when to be wary of a full moon. Perfect. 

J.

Living Pretty

Can you say perfect? The Aura pendant light from Ladies & Gentlemen is just that. Pared down to a simple construction, this light is functional and stunning. In fact, all of the designs from Ladies & Gentlemen are meant to be functionally clever. Just check out these fab salt and pepper shakers. A must buy for anyone on your Christmas list.

L.

Living Pretty

Maxhedron     Bec Brittain

Panarama Chandelier    West Elm

I've tried to write a few lines for this post, and I guess I'm just speechless. Words do not do justice to these stunning light fixtures by Bec Brittain (via Identical Eye). What an elegant combination of retro and futuristic glamour. If I actually owned these, I probably would sit around all day in utter awe. Luckily, since I can't afford $10,000 light fixtures, I can still go on living a productive lifestyle. Although, West Elm does carry a fixture with delightfully similar effects.

J.

Living Pretty

Originally found over at Bored Panda, this re-purposed bathtub is a stunner and a half (get it?). We love a good DIY project, even extremely ambitious ones like this. Personally, I would throw a couple more pillows on there to make my back more comfy, but otherwise, I'd love to spend an afternoon reading in this tub.

L.

Living Pretty

I can't believe it, but it's almost that time again. Time for the One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale in Toronto! If you're looking for a unique gift for someone (or yourself) you should definitely check it out. It opens on November 22 and their site is already featuring artisan of the week. This week the spotlight is on Jana Bookholt. Jana creates beautiful, dare I say, one of a kind, charcuterie and cutting boards. She also has a personal wood care product line, which obviously sport equally beautiful labels. I'm sure Laura and I will be doing follow-up posts to share a few more of the lovely finds at this amazing show, so stay tuned.

J.

Living Pretty

My mom just sent me my desktop computer from home and one of the first things I did was hit up the bookmarks I had saved in an attempt to find this week's Living Pretty. Luckily it didn't take long to stumble upon this little gem. At first glance, the Underfull tablecloth looks like an ordinary piece of fabric. However, it's anything but ordinary. One spill and a pattern is revealed turning what some might consider a stain into pure poetry. Over time, each spill will meld into a shadowy figure that will continue to change and transform. Designer Kristine Bjaadal is still trying to get the tablecloth into production and since I am about as clumsy as they come, I hope it happens soon. 

L.

Living Pretty

I have decided I don't care that this wallpaper is clearly marketed towards children because it is amazing. Sian Zeng's magnetic wallpaper seems like the perfect way to spice up a powder room, bathroom or even entrance way. The wallpaper prints themselves are enough to make any girl swoon, but the super fun part of this is adding, let's say a flying pig magnet to the mix. Who doesn't love a flying pig?

J.

Living Pretty

Scissor String and Spool Set

Box on Casters/Pastel

New Zealand company Father Rabbit subscribes to the philosophy that things should be done right or not done at all. I for one, wholeheartedly agree. Taking the mundane out of everyday tasks and appreciating the simplicity in them is something I try to aspire to and Father Rabbit will certainly help with that task. Every item in the general store is simply designed, functional, utilitarian, and inspired. The blog is also something to be admired over and over. If I could live anywhere right now, it would be with Father Rabbit.

L.

Living Pretty

I have to say, this is one of the best, easiest and prettiest decor projects I have seen in awhile. Vintage tea trays used as message boards is only one of many amazing finds on the design blog, Poppytalk. I would also highly recommend stopping by their home base, Poppytalk Handmade, an online curated market for arts and crafts. I am especially partial to these fun pillows by Evie Kemp.

J.

Living Pretty

Industrial Pipe and Rope Shelf

I love a clever idea when I see one. I also hate them because it makes me wish I had come up with it. Usually the idea is so simple and obvious, it actually makes me want to puke a little. These shelves from DirtyBils prove my point. Industrial and contemporary all at once, they are one of the best re-purposed items I've seen in a long while. The best part is, they look like you just made use of some exposed piping in your home. So actually, you end up being the clever one.

L.

Living Pretty

I kept seeing wire baskets everywhere online, but wasn't sure where one could actually purchase these amazing vintage pieces. House Doctor, an online shop, appears to have just about any wire storage item you could ever want or need! Smaller baskets with handles to hold cosmetics or washroom essentials, larger ones for storing pretty quilts and blankets, and the list goes on and on. Too many to choose from actually. I might have to buy more than a few...

J.

Living Pretty

Jelly Fish by Terrence Payne

Daydream by Julia Rothman

There are days where I wish I had my own house. Today is one of those days. Only because I have discovered Hygge & West. A wallpaper company based in the USA, Hygge is all about living better, living beautifully, and living joyfully. Each wallpaper collection in their inventory is designed by a different feature artist with a different aesthetic. From birds to jellyfish, flowers to skyscrapers, you are bound to find a paper to fit your home and your lifestyle.

L.

Living Pretty

I have discovered another wonderful DIY project. I really enjoy sitting, especially in pretty chairs, so this project seemed to really speak to me. I think all lovers of sitting will also appreciate it. Contributor, Christine Wisnieski for Design for Mankind shows us how to transform a boring folding chair into a bright and cheery thing of design beauty. I am drooling over the colour palette she chose for this one! There are so many different combos you could experiment with. Thanks, Christine!

J.

Living Pretty

Obviously, we here at Pretty Things love a good DIY project. And since I myself have been living on a budget in a new province, I've been all over the scene for some cheap DIY items for the home. This modular shelves tutorial from Daily Candy is just the thing I need to store some of my accessories and add a little panache to my bare walls. Depending on the size and number of tubes you use, this project can come in under $25 if you wanted it to. Not only that, but it's durable enough to hold heavier items and still look modern and unique.

L.

Living Pretty

I am currently fawning over these tables from birdloft. I have been lusting after a large wooden table for awhile now and I can definitely see these pieces finding a place (or several) in my apartment. They are completely gorgeous, from the hairpin legs to the reclaimed wood. Their process is really quite remarkable as well and super forest friendly. Birdloft typically salvages wood from old barns and industrial sites or from unfinished construction projects - saving it from the landfill. The wood is then harvested in a biodiesel-breathing truck and only locally produced oils and waxes are used to protect the wood. And when paint is used, you guessed it, it's 100% recycled. As my hometown is presently fighting off the invasion of a large landfill, businesses like birdloft make me smile. 

J.

Living Pretty

As most of you know, I recently made a big move across the Great White North and landed in the wonderful city of Calgary. Since arriving, I have acquired my very own little apartment and have been slowly filling it with items here and there. Last weekend I visited the Inglewood neighbourhood and stumbled upon DaDe Art & Design Lab. Dubbed as a provider of innovative and exclusive products that enhance your living space, DaDe did not disappoint. While most of the items on display were drastically out of my price range, there was one designer's work that really caught my eye. Calgarian ceramic sculptor Juliana Rempel, explores the relationship between objects and the space they inhabit, creating functional yet ambiguous items. I invested in a porcelain wheel thrown jar with cork lid. Upon purchase, I intended to use it for tea bags, but now I am considering getting a second and using the pair for some bathroom essentials. Either way, it is a great addition to my new home and I cannot wait to see what other surprises the artists of Calgary have in store.

L.

Living Pretty

Time to hit the patio! And by patio, I actually mean my apartment balcony. While doing my routine peruse of Happy Mundane, I found a seriously happy outdoor bench that will instantly turn my little balcony California cool. I love a neutral with a bunch of bright colours thrown in. I may not be able to leave the building if this piece of furniture is actually purchased. Who says that's a bad thing?


J.

Living Pretty

My new favourite place to visit is Living With Lindsay, a DIY, home decor, and idea generating blog that keeps me wishing I had a home to call my own! This recent post on a hanging bed frame planter is so clever it makes me a tad jealous I didn't think of it myself. However, I will have to stick with smaller projects until I have the space for such an idea. Perhaps this zebra print plate will be a better project for the time being.

L.

Living Pretty

I'm pretty sure everyone's dream is to work from home. Well, mine is at least and if I did my office would definitely have to look something like this. Emma Reddington's Toronto Victorian home, featured on Design Sponge is simply lovely. I am immediately copying the "clothesline" of inspiration above the desk and the sheepskin chair cover for my own little office. 

J.

Living Pretty

Julia Dely has a goal to take ordinary porcelain dishes and make them special and unique. Her Etsy shop Zuppa Atelier showcases this goal. Each plate, cup, and bowl has a hand drawn and painted illustration that screams with love and child-like wonder. I'm a big fan of the vintage wall plate above, but am also being swayed by this espresso set. I just know that my coffee will taste better in it.

L.