the ‘Living’ archives

My latest interior design obsession is white and when I saw these apartments styled by Sweden-based real estate company, Alvehm Makleri, I was drooling. Their style is minimal and casual but not over-styled. What a dream. I have decided to only show my favourite living room spaces just because there is just way too much awesomeness to be shown all in one post (every room is pretty much eye candy).

To see more of their amazingness, go here.

I love seeing the homes of creative people. They never seem to disappoint. Kate Spade’s or (The Spade’s), home is no exception. Their house is full of fun and whimsy at every corner. The pop of colour and mix-match patterns is a nice surprise that works.

Editing at its finest and very reflective of her clothing/accessories line.

I just adore these precious illustrations by Alanna Cavanagh. Don’t they just add a touch of youth and whimsical feeling to a room?

Today, I want a vacation from this dreary wet Vancouver weather. I’m feeling like the Maldives.

The labour to lay these floors is unimaginable. The chevron/herringbone pattern just adds so much character to a room. Sorry small herringbone floors, you did not make the cut.

This week, being kind of stuck in the house in Washington has really given me a chance to 1. spend time with Marty and 2. Catch up on my RSS feeds, many of which are interior design blogs. I love all design styles and its really hard for me to focus on one because I can really envision myself living in anything that is clean, attractive and homey looking. One design aesthetic that I have been really liking lately is this black and white deal. I used to be quite opposed to white walls (mostly because my they looked bland and boring) but when paired with a nice dark wood floor or a pop of coloured wall, it can make the room look sharp. I am totally also lusting over these black eames chairs and need to somehow convince Dave that style beats comfort. They are also practical, since they are easy to clean!

I love the idea of having a countertop wrapping an island. I particularly like these glossy white cabinets with what may or may not be a concrete countertop (most likely not since it looks so smooth and poreless). Nonetheless, I think concrete countertops are pretty awesome and I want one.

Recently, I stumbled upon Kelly Deck‘s work. She is an interior designer working out of Vancouver BC and she definitely knows what she is doing. I hope one day my home would be as beautiful as these ones.

Growing up, I didn’t even know people had home offices. I grew up with my parents doing taxes and other paperwork sprawled out on the kitchen table. Since then I have learned that they do exist and that they can be lovely spaces where we can be creative and most importantly, productive. What I have right now—a coffee table/bed/couch with my laptop heating up my thighs—isn’t working. I love how these rooms look like spaces where you can enjoy them, feel relaxed and be excited to start a good day at work.