Blog: Velvet

Spring Trend - Citrine

On my way to the market for fresh flowers the other day, I found myself perusing window displays that were all about spring. One in particular jumped out at me - the citrine-infused shop window at Zara Home.

Citrine and yellow shades are popping up all over the place and personally, I love it! Yellow is bright, energetic and vibrant.

Spring is the perfect time to update our living spaces with splashes of colour, nature inspired objects and fresh designs.

Via Zara Home

Take a look at some of Modern Karibou's zesty products - like DwellStudio's 'Zebra Citrine' pillow. 

Gus* Modern's 'Carmicheal' Sofa in Laurentian Citrine adds a vibrant focal point in a living room.

DwellStudio's 'Peacock Citrine' 400 thread count cotton sateen duvet set is eye-catching and incredibly inviting.  

Form and function meet in DwellStudio's 'Elephant Lemon' bookshelf. 

Create a feature wall, or add significant impact by hanging this French American Wallpaper in your living room, powder room, or bedroom. 

Bulbo for Kähler - a stylish vase with soft shapes and an industrially artistic design.

DwellStudio's flat woven cream and citrine 'Facet' rug will complete any room in your home. 

Summer Outdoor Entertaining

Summer is the perfect time to entertain. There is something magical about sitting outside, eating barbecue, lighting candles and having that cool breeze blow through your hair. If you're looking for a quick way to spice up your patio set before having the Johnsons over, try these MK quick tips.

1. If your table is looking weathered, cover it  with a long tablecloth and put down a few "nature inspired" place mats.
2. Most of the time you will need additional lighting when eating outdoors, so in order to create a cool ambiance, use a couple hurricane lamps on the table and place a few torches and lanterns strategically around the yard.
3. Although plastic seems like the obvious choice for dinnerware, break out some nice glass tumblers and some simple and elegant plates to keep your outdoor "dining room" classy.
4. Lastly, decorate your table with various wild flowers from your garden. Check them twice though, or you might have some unwanted dinner guests!

Herb Garden

Gardening can be a real challenge if you work full-time or are planning on vacationing over the summer. However, if you would like to exercise your green thumb without worrying about harbouring the neighbourhood weeds, keep your gardening simple and focused.

Try growing a small herb garden in some planters or in a couple of smaller pots on your windowsill. Herbs are very easy to maintain, smell great, are fun to nibble on and can really spice up your cooking. Basil, chives, oregano, thyme, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and many more simply delicious herbs can be found in your local market and usually cost very little at this time of year.

If you feel like you aren't taking advantage of all your planted specimens, try making some herb infused olive oil! Click on the read more link below for our famous infused olive oil recipe!

Fall Inspiration

Fall is officially upon us.  It happens every season, my attraction to colours and textures is strongly influenced by the changes that take place with the weather outside.  This must be a human thing or perhaps something that is more prevalent in a country where seasons vary so drastically.

Last spring, I was into fresh and lively colours.  This fall, and it’s inevitable every year, I am drawn to deep hues and warm textures.  Some people are into the classic fall colours that are reminiscent of the changing colours of the leaves.  I like unexpected tones and surprising materials.

My advice to you?  Be bold and don't be afraid to branch out and be impetuous this season.  You never know, you might be thrilled with the results.  If not, there’s always next season to erase any signs of temporary insanity. 

Here are some images that I find inspiring and that I hope will do the same for you.

Moody room with accents of 'Dijon' mustard yellow by stylist Lucyiana Moodie 

It can be as simple as colour blocking one wall with paint or wallpaper for dramatic effect and adding thick velvet curtains for instant warmth.

Black chalkboard in the kitchen - Source: Livingetc.

Flock Text wallpaper by Tracy Kendall.  Photo source: Rachael Smith Photography

Use textured accents for a quick and easy update.  Think wool and felt accessories.  molo’s felt rocks are quirky little pieces that add lots of personality to a space and that ‘attract children and adults alike’.  LoooLo’s organic wool cushions will have you sinking into warm goodness.  Both Canadian designers!

Felt rocks by molo

Organic wool cushions by LoooLo 

A grouping of loyal loot collective's log bowls will inject colour and texture to your space.

A few shots of 'pumpkin' will help bring in the season.  That pillow on the sofa looks familiar...  Photo source: Hallie Burton Photography

Throw in gorgeous wall art and you’re all set!  Love this dark and moody underwater pic by Ric Frazier.  Just picture it in giant format.