introducing: the ramsay remodel

you know the old adage, what comes around, goes around..? nothing could feel more true for this little project in ramsay - where one of my first clients had returned to say they’d just sold their stylish but small mount pleasant home, and were up-sizing (just ever so slightly!) to another vintage home full of character… and much like it’s predecessor, it was in need of some solid layout advice, a (brand!) new kitchen, and an overall fashionable face-lift throughout ;)

cue the ramsay remodel… where crisp black & white is paired with warm white oak, burnished brass accents, and some sculptural modern furniture & fixtures throughout - keeping things feeling fresh and, as always for these stylin’ gents, classically cool…

welcome, to mount pleasant revised… welcome to the ramsay remodel!

 

 

project profile: mount royal, part 4

i have to confess, mount royal holds a special place in my heart!  truly <3

so it seems somewhat surprising it's taken me so long to share these photos...?! it appears i fell victim to my own limitations as a photographer (of which i am not!) - and was feeling underwhelmed with the lighting and overall composition of these shots when i took them last fall :/

then before i knew it - it was winter?! and by december we were away as a family on an externded holiday, to travel around down under...! by then all things australia and new zealand consumed my thoughts?! a fantastic adventure it was (more on that to follow!) - but for now... back to these pictures!!! many months later and a fresh set of eyes have helped me compile this gallery of finished photos - and made me realize i was a a bit of a fool to wait so long to share!? turns out they weren't all bad ;)   

i will keep this intro short and sweet - and endeavor to let these images speak for themselves (there are enough of them!). if you'd like to see more of our journey over at mount royal, you can view the story behind this magnificent home's transformation here.

and now, finally, here is mount royal :)

project profile: mount royal, part 2

soooo, where to begin...!?

my last post -  the first and only to date - was a mere introduction to this incredible home, where my enthusiasm was evident and character was a plenty ;)

that was back in january of this year, where we were preparing to start this many layered and infinitely detailed project. flash forward a year and it's now december (seriously, almost christmas?! :/), complete with four seasons and a heap of work behind us!

to catch you up! as we sprung into spring demolition unveiled our task ahead and the history behind it all;  summer brought with it new foundations and a glimpse of the home we envisioned?! (so exciting!); through the fall it's been about finishing! finishing to get the walls and roof up on the addition before the weather turned?! and on the flip side, finishing some of the other areas of the home with some pretty fabulous finishes and fixtures within...  

and now, here we are... winter! where we are coasting into the final phase of this project and aiming for an anticipated completion date of early 2017. with that in mind, i thought i had better get you all acquainted on what the heck we've been up to this year!

no small undertaking, this home has undergone a top to bottom transformation - playing off it's beautiful history and cherished craftsmanship throughout. we've managed to celebrate the old all the while giving a respectable nod to the now... clean, classic, and just a little bit contemporary, this home will no doubt continue to leave a lasting impression in the years ahead...   

tackled in essentially two phases - the first involved the front half of the house, where we made mainly cosmetic changes to the existing upper bedrooms and bathrooms, main floor foyer, living rooms, powder room and den. this gave us a decent head start on things while pursuing the required permits for phase two, where we had the much more involved task of building a major addition to the back of the house (c/w all around exterior face lift) - that is now well near complete as i type!

i confess, it's been a race to make the most of the seasons - to both begin when we broke ground this spring - to the fall, where we were under mother natures good graces while we finished framing to lock up. from there (just like the turning season!) we could take a shift back inside (stay warm!) and begin the rest of  the interior finishing; bringing to life the new kitchen, mudroom, and connecting breezeway to the brand new attached garage (and all around man cave) that is to come...

so! without further ado, here is the first in a series of photos i'll be posting on mount royal through the remainder of december. in the collection below, we skip back to where we left off and hi-light some of the cherished details, history, and underpinnings revealed as we began stripping things back during the demolition phase; exquisite woodwork and detailing, fixtures and fittings with a time worn patina, and a sense of history that was impressive & comfortable all at once....  

welcome back to mount royal! 

design 101: story of a chair

as a designer i often joke with my clients about my many "afflictions"- slight OCD, a dash of ADD, and often... borderline hoarding tendencies?! (truth). 

all of which, however, seem to serve me well in my chosen profession?! case in point is this story of a chair...

first discovered in a crowded and dusty antique shop on the drive; it's solid construction and graceful lines drew me in immediately, speaking stronger than the obviously timeworn velvet blue upholstery. i didn't waste time snapping it up! with grand plans to build on it's potential, soon it was living a new life in my prized kits apartment - decked out in fresh white ultra suede and fancy brass finishing nails... love!  

fast forward 15 years and this beauty of a chair was definitely looking a little worn again. we were bursting at the seams on the home front (a growing family and that aforementioned hoarding were taking their toll); and while parting ways with things i grow to love is not an easy task, this chair was looking like it needed to move on... 

as fate would have it, kelvin grove was in full swing - and in planning out the furniture and decor for their soon to be stunning front room, the stars aligned and it seemed a new home was calling out to this beloved piece! we were already pretty committed to the absolutely gorge cisco brothers luccia sofa - and it's soft lines and sublime character were a perfect fit for this classic chair. cue a little TLC (and a striking new fabric!) and this little beauty is back to it's former glory, and enjoying the next chapter of it's life (in serious style if i don't say so?!).

when designing a home i almost always look for a way to impart some history or meaning in the decor - be it through collections, heirlooms (or simply a fantastic garage sale find?!) - and i just love that i can share my own quick story of a chair; re-imagined and re-purposed - to perhaps inspire you to look around your own "attic" (or head out on a hunt for the perfect piece from a bygone era!?) and see the hidden potential within...

 

inspired by: barry dixon

as a creative being, i always enjoy being in the company of other like minded industry peeps...sharing each others knowledge, experience and insights is a fantastic way to grow as a designer and i always feel so recharged after!  

today i was fortunate to have spent the morning listening to renowned interior designer barry dixon speak... and finding common ground with such an accomplished professional was both inspiring and reassuring! much like him, i love creating classic interiors that are layered with texture & history... by drawing from my clients own unique experiences and respecting the vernacular surroundings - i often aim to create interiors that are timeless, natural and rich with personal meaning...

my love for antiques probably comes as no surprise, and i am often asking clients about their history... what possessions or experiences do they treasure? family heirlooms? trinkets and treasures from their travels? collections and curios... there is always something from which we can invoke inspiration and ultimately incorporate into the design. this approach often connects me with the client on a more meaningful level, and allows me to then design a space that is intrinsically genuine to them.  

barry's philosophies were enlightening, entertaining and  a nice reminder of my own design sensibilities. special thanks to walls alive and hotel arts for making it happen (lunch was fabulous!).  it was an inspired talk and i just couldn't wait to share :) 

project profile: mount pleasant, part 4

well it's been a seriously long overdue update for mount pleasant...! we last checked in on this little gem  last spring, where the homeowners set to work on a few lingering household projects. not one's to disappoint, they've since created a much needed kitchen pantry, added new drapery, lighting & decorative bits throughout the living areas, and thoughtfully amassed a small gallery of mementos & memories to display with pride. i say, nice work boys!

i finally reconnected with the clients last fall, and was pleased to see all the wonderful additions...! the bold new stripes in the living room add a dramatic hit of pattern that defines the small dining area - and the new lamps in the bedroom are perfect - satisfying my insatiable love for mid century styling and anything brass right now ;)

but not surprisingly, it was the personal items that had been collected & curated over the course of the year that were my favorite change! maps & medals from wars past were hung neatly in the den; while plates & pottery passed down from family were incorporated into the bright & cheery kitchen... add a good dose of well worn books throughout and you've got a winning mix of personality and presentation! my combination for a pleasing vignette to be certain :)

thanks for stopping in, and welcome back to mount pleasant...!

project profile: mount pleasant, part 3

summer is generally a time to kick back, enjoy the warmer temps - and head outdoors for some fun in the sun!  amiright? 

so on my recent visit back to mount pleasant, i was somewhat prepared to see the renovation momentum...stalled out!? in addition to our expected wait for the furniture - the clients were hit with a renovation "surprise!" when an electrician discovered knob and tube wiring throughout - covered up with a cheap disguise of about 5" of new wiring at the source...! not cool. the entire electrical system needed to be replaced - and our beloved hicks pendant lay waiting in darkness for the foreseeable future  :(

upon returning from our travels last month i made a date to stop by - as i knew the furniture had arrived...and reports were circulating that the nathan anthony polo sofa we ordered was a stunner ;) 

it was a "pleasant" surprise to see just how busy my clients had been these last couple of months..! much of the furniture had arrived (the sofa didn't disappoint!), pictures had been hung (including several family heirlooms and a beautiful pair of rocky mountain prints they had plucked from a nearby thrift shop for $25 - score!)... and most impressive!? the lighting was all hanging in place and looking fabulous!

i was pretty pumped.

the momentum not only kept going...but had completely exceeded my expectations...good job guys! ;)

we are still working on some finishing touches throughout - drapery, lamps and general accessories that will pull everything together...so i am saving the BIG reveal for then! but i hope you find the latest gallery a sweet hint as what's to come over at mount pleasant...

enjoy :) 

notable noms: thai chowder

it seemed fitting that my first 'notable noms' post should highlight a recent purchase from nanton; this beautiful dutch oven!

a cast iron piece from the 60's, it was designed by micheal lax for copco denmark, and has an unassuming, easy style. as a recent addition to my kitchen it is already loved for it's clean lines, sturdy make, and vintage vibe.. and i just know it will be put to good use! the stove-top to oven ability & easy clean up make it a practical addition too...form and function at work ;)

the beautiful micheal lax designed dutch oven for copco, denmark. 1960's

the soup i'm about to share below has recently been one of the many shuttled back & forth in the reisinger 'soup jar'  - a mason jar that has become a portable  'vessel of flavors'. frequently filled and shared among us, it is a new "tradition" i quickly became a fan of :)

this particular soup garnered enough positive feedback that i thought it was worth sharing!? it was also a timely post, as i was just about to heat up a bowl of this exotic fare for our lunch - and decided to use my new copco prize for a photo op!

converted from a recipe i found in the wild rose cookbook (so it is cleanse friendly if you happen to be on it!) - this is my version of their seafood chowder; done up thai style by swapping out the herbs for lemingrass, ginger & coconut... and the results were rather delish!

i tend to follow recipes loosely (often doubling them in the process!?), so my quantities below are listed kinda loosely too...but it's an easy one to throw together - and a recipe i'm sure you can play with it to taste :) 

seasoned with lemongrass, ginger & coconut, then topped with fresh cilantro...! yum.

THAI CHOWDER

serves 6-8

ingredients: 

  • 2-3 lbs fresh seafood (firm fish like cod, salmon, halibut, seabass, snapper etc. work best) , cut into large chunks
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1-2 cups carrots, diced/sliced/julienned 
  • 1 large red pepper, diced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 19oz can diced tomatoes (i am a big fan of aylmer accents - and used the spicy red pepper flave in this one!)  
  • 4-6 cups stock (vegetable, chicken, or a combination of both)
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced
  • 2 cans coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp vegeta powder (a flavor enhancer found in the spice aisle) 
  • lemongrass & ginger to taste - don't be shy!
  • cilantro to garnish

directions: 

  1. saute onions, carrots, red pepper in olive oil over medium heat, 5 minutes
  2. add garlic, tomatoes, stock, potatoes, lemongrass & ginger
  3. bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 7 minutes
  4. add fish, bring to simmer and cook until fish is just cooked through, about 5 minutes (try not to overcook!)
  5. adjust seasonings and serve...top with cilantro if desired :) 

snapshots: nanton 2013

june 1st marked our long awaited return to nanton...yay!

an annual trip that is much anticipated as spring sloooowly advances - after the last week (or two?!) of rain we were thrilled to be donning our sunglasses as we hit the road in search of new treasures!

this is a trip i share with my sister in law (a fellow gemini and lover of deliberation!) where we enjoy browsing each shop top to bottom, and often twice around. reminiscing over the items we'd bought the years before, and hoping for that rush of finding something just as special this year :)

nanton rarely disappoints: this years haul included a nod to the 60's with some vintage pyrex, a micheal lax designed copco dutch oven (love!), and a playful monkey to hang around max's room. it was a good day's work indeed :)

i will be busy working these new finds into an upcoming feature on how old items can be integrated into your home in fresh new ways; stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!

in the meantime, below are a few scenes from around town - snapshots from our day down south...

til next year...thanks nanton!  

a~ 

project profile: mount pleasant, part 2

things are just starting to take shape over at mount pleasant so i thought it was time to post an update - first and foremost giving props to these two clients for all of the serious sweat equity going into their new home! over the past 6 weeks they have carefully restored all of the beautiful brass hardware; refurbished the existing hardwood floors throughout; and completely repainted their home (which is no small feat when covering purple crown mouldings & hot pink doors!). if that weren't enough? the original kitchen cabinets have all been painted over (inside & out) - and are now awaiting new counters, backsplash and hardware. good work i say!

we are now almost ready for the furniture & fixtures to arrive. one of the pieces we'll be seeing soon is the beautifully tailored (and thankfully slender!) nathan anthony sofa - which will anchor the seating area in the living room. chosen for it's perfect proportions - it allows us to maximize seating in this tight space while still being relatively compact in design. plus it's one sexy sofa. how could we resist? ;)

for the "jewellery" - the hicks pendant. which i am absolutely obsessed with right now! it's vintage flavour and clean lines are a perfect fit for this makeover -  and i cannot wait to see it hanging in the new kitchen! 

be sure to take a peek through the new gallery and let me know what you think... :) 

project profile: mount pleasant

sometimes a project comes along and you know it will be a gem!

for this mount pleasant home, the ingredients are all there: great clients, a small & challenging space, and it happens to be a 1912 bungalow that is full of character...just waiting to be painted & polished to a rediscovered glory! 

and what makes a "great" client? the answer could actually constitute a whole new conversation (perhaps a future post?), but in this case both homeowners have an eye for style, an appreciation of the old & new, and are keen to restore their home with a little time, a little more elbow grease, and an always appreciated sense of humor ;) 

the project is just getting underway, and we have decided to run a series of posts on the transformation. to get us started, here are a collection of  'before' pictures - revealing just a few of the details that are going to make this small home big on style!

stay tuned for more - updates will be tracked and shared as we dive into things over in mount pleasant...! 

introducing: nanton, ab

it might seem early, but i have it on good authority that spring is just around the corner.  although there is still snow on the ground, and the trees are still bare...whenever my thoughts turn to nanton, i know spring is close! 

nanton, alberta is a quaint town about an hour south of calgary - where my sister in law and i go every year to slowly and meticulously comb through each and every one of the antique shops that line it's few downtown blocks. we began this annual ritual about 5 years ago, and both eagerly await it's return every spring! in addition to the absolute thrill of discovering a hidden treasure in the shops (so much fun!) - we both like to let our imaginations loose, wondering about the people that lived behind the belongings we are so carefully browsing; who owned that pretty ring?  how did these postcards end up here? who wrote them?... and of course all those stern faces that peer back at us from the old portraits and pictures (some of them a bit creepy?!) - could they ever have imagined their possessions and memories would find their way here? and in some cases, such as ours, off to a new home to be used & cherished all over again!?  

i have to admit, i have hoped on more than one occasion that something i own(ed) could one day find a similar fate? perhaps my hoarding tendency to collect old magazines, vintage cameras, and kitchen crockery will one day result in one of these prized possessions experiencing a reincarnation into another home, a generation from now....? ha! a romantic thought...

in preparation for spring, and our mini road trip south, i thought i would share a few photos from last years visit...

welcome to nanton!