Monthly Archives: January 2012

Hand Block Fabric

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

 Fabric is a great way to change the feel of a room.  Galbraith and Paul have a new fabric collection for Spring 2012.  Their block print fabrics are a refreshing change for Spring.  The patterns are hand block printed in their Philadelphia studio.   Fabrics are available … Continue reading →

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Monday Blues

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

The NY Giants and the New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl.  For the next few days, I’ll be waking up and thinking blue.   Photograph: Gordon Beall   I’m thinking of beautiful kitchens.  Entertaining on Super Bowl … Continue reading →

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HOMEGOODS PICK OF THE WEEK

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

HomeGoods has a great selection of furniture and accessories right now.  I couldn’t  leave without taking a few of the items and showing you that with the right combination you could easily decorate a complete room.  I hope you find these … Continue reading →

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Decorating Via Email

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

After years of  answering decorating questions via phone, I’m embracing E-Design.   I prefer person-to-person communication; however, times are changing.  E-Design is a great way to customize your home decor.  E-Design is the process of communicating through email to style and decorate your space.  Do … Continue reading →

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Year of the Dragon

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

It’s the Year of the Dragon, the greatest of the Zodiac, according to the Chinese calendar.   In Chinese culture, the dragon is highly respected since it is seen as a symbol of  power and luck.   The dragon comes along every … Continue reading →

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Checkered Floors

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

A checkered pattern floor can add dimension and visual interest to any room. The flooring is usually made from durable tile or laminate, making it easy to clean.  I have a checkered pattern floor in the mudroom.  It’s very practical for muddy, winter … Continue reading →

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HomeGoods Pick of the Week

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Happy Friday!   I have an amazing find.  A beautiful Drexel Heritage computer desk.  It was love at first sight.  It has pullout extensions on the side for extra space, an electric cord, to plug in your printer, and a key to … Continue reading →

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Convex Mirrors

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

One of my favorite mirrors is the convex mirror.  I like the way it forms a virtual image of the space.  An early application of using the convex mirror is Jan van Eyck’s 1434 painting,  Arnolfini Marriage, showing the convex mirror placed on the wall behind … Continue reading →

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Thrifting

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Thrifting has always been a part of  my growing up in New York City.  I recall when I enjoyed exploring the East Village at night and bought vintage clothing, records, and Ray’s Pizza.  Those days were great.  Finding one-of-a-kind pieces, mixing and matching, repurposing and … Continue reading →

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Fireplace Style

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

On a cold night, we like to snuggle and get comfortable at home.  Nothing compares with the coziness and smell of a real wood fire.  Andirons hold up the firewood so that a draft of air can pass around it, allowing proper … Continue reading →

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Gardening Inspiration

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

I love, love,  gardening.  When January comes around with cold weather and long winter days, I search for refuge by attending  indoor garden exhibitions.   Beautiful terra cotta planters via Seibert Rice. Chinoiserie inspired terracotta planter by Charlotte Moss.  Hand Thrown Cloche Vase by Bunny Williams   Charlotte … Continue reading →

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HomeGoods Pick of the Week

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Last night I visited HomeGoods.  After rush hours, is a good time to shop the store.  There are  less drivers on the road and less crowds in the store.  It is easy to get distracted by all the merchandise.  If you are a savvy shopper,  decorating … Continue reading →

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Floor Patterns

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

 While visiting Miami Beach,  I came across these Spanish style floors in one of the retail stores.  I like the pattern, but prefer something more modern and classic.    The floor options are endless:  painted floors, tile, wood, stone, bamboo, etc.  Here are few … Continue reading →

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Organizing and Thrifting

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

It’s the middle of the week.  A reminder to gather my thoughts and my home.  Wednesday is a good day to straighten up, review my schedule, and adjust my weekly goals.   One of my goals is to stay organized.           … Continue reading →

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DesignTrend 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

One of my finishing touch, in my designs, is adding a “living” plant or tree in the home.  Plants are inexpenisve and provide sculptural elements and texture.  Ficus trees and high def paintings are just two of the design trends for 2012 in Canadian House and Home.  For a modern … Continue reading →

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