Crushing On

One of the best ways to determine your personal style and design aesthetic is by pinning (or cutting, snipping, saving) anything and everything you like without much thought. Then go back and see the common threads. I recently went through my Decor Pins and saw that almost all of my kitchen posts and likes included open shelving. I love the relaxed vibe and the personal touch open shelving can add to a space.

Shelving

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True, open shelving is often feared by those of us living a not-so-tidy, not-so-picture-perfect lifestyle, but I believe with some planning and editing, it's possible.

1. Pick a theme. Perhaps it is a coffee/tea station (like Martha Stewart's Espresso bar below!), or a bar featuring your prettiest glasses and tumblers.

Coffee Station

2. Design the shelving around your pieces. Highlight your most cherished collections.

Collection

3. Edit. This is a great excuse to go through your kitchen supplies and narrow it down to only your most used items.

Edit

Check out all my Pinterest Boards here.

Bookmark

GIRLBOSS

You could read Sophia Amoruso's #GIRLBOSS in two nights easily, but if you're like me and try to spread out a good book for as long as possible, you might like to take a few days. Amoruso takes you on her journey from a dumpster-diving teen, to Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal--a wildly popular online shopping destination, featuring both new and vintage women's clothing. Written in no-fuss, short and sweet chapters, she manages to inspire without bragging and teaches without condescending. It is witty and real, and I promise you, you will wish Amoruso was your bad-ass bestie.

Next Bookmark: Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham. 

 

Trending

This may be the Penney rubbing off on me...

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but I am loving mint! It is one of those accent colours that seems to work with everything--grey, white, purple, even coral.

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It's an easy way to add interest to a neutral palette, like these mint tea cups in my kitchen.

Mint chair

This vintage mint-green rocking chair at my friend Emma's house is perfection.

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It's also popping up in the baking world, as seen in Butter Baked Goods, by Rosie Daykin.

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I helped my girlfriend with her wedding decor last summer. The theme? Mint of course!

Are you using mint?

Trending

I have seen burlap being used in decor for awhile now. In fact, I have a burlap pillow from Restoration Hardware in my living room!

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I have also been eyeing this burlap ottoman from the 'McPherson Boutique.' It looks great in here, doesn't it? Wink. Wink.

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But it was when my girlfriend asked me to help her with her wedding decor, and presented me with this spread as her inspiration, that I knew it was a trend worth mentioning.

Can't wait to see how this rustic-feminie wedding comes together!

A quick search on Pinterest and I am already full of ideas. I am loving this elegant table number--it is the perfect balance of feminine and rustic.

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Looking for a subtle and cost-effective way of incorporating this trend into your home? Try using a burlap table runner, available at Pineapple Street.

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Crushing on... White Decor

White decor is more than a crush for me, it's a lifetime love! I have always dreamt of one day "summering" in a white-washed, Cape Cod style beach house (who doesn't?). Living in white does something to the soul--it's fresh and crisp, leaves room for inspiration and calms the spirit.

However, mastering white in decor can be tricky, which is why I was excited to pick up a copy of House & Home's bookazine "Decorating with White."

House and Home

I recently switched over to my Summer bedding, a feminine palette rooted in soft whites. The key for me in this white space is the mixing of textures--linens, lace, faux-fur, quilting and wood. Of course, I cannot resist a pop of purple (my favourite colour) and some vintage pieces to add character. Also, it's important to remember to include things, regardless of colour or room, that mean something to you. Plain and simple. If it puts a smile on your face, it's the right piece!

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Product list: Purple throw, Chapters; White quilt, similar from Sweet Violet; Decorative pillows, similar from Penney & Co.; Grey poof, similar from CB2 .