You can’t open a magazine these days without seeing a Madeline Weinrib rug on the floor of the hippest spaces. I’m crazy for her rugs, especially the cotton weaves. I can see the blue and beige Mandala in a den with a breezy white slipcovered sofa and garden stool or the black and white Buche wool flatweave in a high impact living area or the purple Suzi runner in a chic dressing room. Keep in mind that natural cotton rugs would be difficult to clean in high traffic areas or under a dining table, while wool rugs are naturally stain resistant, and at these prices you want these beautiful rugs to last. Rugs as art is so on trend right now, with high impact floors, keep the walls simple to compliment.

Canvas Gallery is one of my favorite sources for original artwork from local Toronto artists. Alanna Cavanagh is an illustrator and fine artist who’s work has appeared in The New York Times and Kotama Bouabane’s photo-based work has been exhibited at galleries including Prefix Institute for Contemporary Art, Gallery TPW & Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography.  Here are a few works that would be great for adding some energy and wit into a space (from top: N is for novel (pink), London park and Mannequin small by Cavanagh, It’s not you it’s me and Can we start over by Bouabane).  

The Cross Decor & Design is one of my favorite sources on the west coast. Located in Vancouver’s Yaletown district, their store is full of well-appointed luxury items and found objects. Right now I’m coveting their fabulous moroccan poufs and pillows (especially the brown and cream italian filigree print).

When I saw the homes of these two stylish Toronto women featured in Wish magazine, I know they were most blog-worthy! Art aficionado Jane Halverson Vendittelli’s home is a modern masterpiece with contemporary art and just the right hits of color (the works from Anthony Goicolea in the dining room—a pair of students in white lab coats eviscerating squid—is brilliant!). Marlo Szellos is a personal shopper for Holt Renfrew with impeccable taste in her home and wardrobe and greatly influenced from her years living in Paris. Both women share a minimalist aesthetic with a love of art, and refuse to comprise on high style in their family home. A good tip to take away from both homes is the use of classic white walls and dark floors as the perfect backdrop for a house filled with art.

I fell in love with Katie Lee Joel’s inspirational home when featured in Domino magazine. It’s probably the style that is most indicative of my own personal taste. The proportions and scale of the furniture is just right and the palette is neutral and sophisticated. The mix of soft cool greys and warm brass furniture is reminiscent of a chic Paris apartment. The effect is both incredibly stylish but comfortable. A great tip is the use of a pair of smaller chandeliers over the dining room table in lieu of one large one, a little more unexpected but still special.