New blog for La Mode Design

To those of you who have been following me on Blog Spot, I am now blogging through my website. Please feel free to read my latest posts at: http://lamode-design.com/home/blog/

Thanks for following me! I appreciate it,

Stefanie Westerberg
La Mode Design

Bathroom: Wish list

If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom, here's some inspiration to get you started:

Lighting is important in this space, to highlight your face with task lighting or ambient lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. I love these wall sconces because they mix modern materials with more traditional styling

http://www.lightinguniverse.com/wall-sconces/et2-lighting-e20291-10-chic-wall-sconce-metal-chrome_g369248.html?isku=3511371

If style is your main priority with this bath room, then a floating vanity would be a perfect choice. I appreciate this option because it has a warm wood tone, but contemporary and simple lines. You can also take an inspiration image to your local cabinetry shop to see if they can replicate what you are looking for:

http://www.vanityconsoles.com/bathroom-vanities/duravit-9574-13-fogo-unit-bathroom-vanity_g265617.html?isku=2303434

If you have a custom shower base, this "guitar pick" option would add an unexpected twist to your shower floor:

http://www.juliantile.com/Petrus_pebbles.html

I like to use lighter shades for wall tile, so it has an airy feeling. Then to create some contrast I like to go a few shades darker with the floor tile. Using a different shape or size then the wall tile is important for me as well:

http://storefront.amestile.com/storefrontB2CWEB/itemdetail.do?action=prepare_detail&itm_id=16585&itm_index=0

For your shower start with a large scale wall tile on the shower walls, with minimal pattern and texture for a simplistic look:

http://storefront.amestile.com/storefrontB2CWEB/itemdetail.do?action=prepare_detail&itm_id=19971&itm_index=0

This mosaic tile will work brilliantly with the large scale wall tile by being similar in color, but contrast material and pattern wise. You can use it on a whole shower feature wall, or as an accent band throughout your shower

http://storefront.amestile.com/stylefrontB2CWEB/itemdetail.do?action=prepare_detail&itm_id=20883&itm_index=0

Glass: Timeless material

Glass is a timeless material in any space. My parents have had the same glass and metal coffee tables for over 25 years and they still look perfect in there living room. Here are some pieces that are current, but would stand the test of time:

Although this chair isn't glass, it still fits the requirements! The style of this chair is traditional, the material is modern meaning it would fit into many spaces flawlessly (the price is great too!)

http://www.urbanbarn.com/products/Dining-Room/Dining-Chairs/aurora-transparent-chair/559

Glass jars can be used to hold item's in the kitchen or bathroom throughout the year, or would be perfect at Christmas to hold some of your preferred decorations

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-glass-apothecary-jar/?pkey=cvases-urns

A pair of these bookends would add a touch of sparkle to your open shelving

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1438012&categoryId=cat1623016

This vase is so stunning it could sit empty and grab your attention, or be a perfect home for a bright bouquet of your favorite flowers

http://www.eighteenkarat.com/icevine-vase-7-clear3369.html

A pair of these textured glass lamps will make a sophisticated focal point

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/table-desk-lamps/venezia-table-lamp/s634514

If you have lots of other things competing for attention in your room, these side or coffee tables will do a great job of fitting in and standing out subtly.

http://www.magnussen.com/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?catId=4&proId=T1595-12&groNumber=T1595&lifStyle=4

It color: Yellow

Add sunshine to your place with yellow:

Spice up your open shelving with this bright vase

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/vases/large-peridot-vase/s686797

This bold pattern would be ideal for a few toss cushions or seat covers

https://secure.designerfabrics.ca/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=22949

Let this coffee table stand out amongst the usual neutral sofa's and chair's:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=1210&f=5955

Your room will feel cheery and bright no matter what the season with these patterned curtain panels

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-CURTAINS-PRINTED&id=880068&catId=HOME-CURTAINS&pushId=HOME-CURTAINS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=35&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=och&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=hybrid

This funky pendant would add personality to a kitchen nook or island

http://www.designpublic.com/paper-cloud-pendants-petals-field-pendant-in-goldenrod-on-beige

Barely there

Tone on tone wall paper can subtly add an elegant look to your space. I am thinking of doing my dining room in one of these options and think they are beautiful!

This circle option could be busy in a more dramatic color combination, but I think in this metallic option would add a perfect amount of sparkle to a space

http://www.designpublic.com/shop/graham-and-brown/12242

This pattern would be a striking addition to any room, commanding attention but still letting other options and materials be noticeable in your space

http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/17791/Helsinki%20:%20Beige%20Wallpaper?show=

A modern geometric will instantly create a contemporary atmosphere in your quarters

http://www.designpublic.com/graham-and-brown-cubix-wallpaper

This "spider web" pattern is a statement, not every house on the street would have the guts to pull this look off, but it will be worth the risk choosing an original style

http://www.designpublic.com/julia-rothman-for-hygge-and-west-pieces-in-silver-wallpaper

Color Scheme, Photo inspiration

I find it difficult sometimes to come up with a new fresh color scheme. It helps looking through magazines, websites, etc. for inspiration or you could also turn to nature and your own photo's. I took this photo on a weekend away during this summer and immediately thought this would be a beautiful color scheme.

These metallic vases bring in a shiny version of the rustic boulders in the image

http://www.urbanbarn.com/products/Room-Accents/Accents/hammered-bulb-vase/806

Although this area rug is quite colorful, to me it has a subtle peaceful look to it

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11032&f=6049

Pillows in bright bold patterns are a prefect way to interject some personality to your space

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/decorative-pillows/geometry-20%22-sq.-pillow/s506535

A sofa is usually the largest piece in a room. Upholstering this piece is a dark charcoal gray will ground the space (and be functional for stains, etc.)

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/sofas/lounge-93%22-sofa/s278630

This funky chair will contrast beautifully against the charcoal gray sofa

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=106&f=5930

Old but new!

The vintage feel is all the rage right now. Add some character and charm to your space with these finds:

Adding a set of these wheels to an existing cabinet, coffee table, trunk, etc. will give it character and charm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53649744/vintage-swiveling-8-inch-caster-wheels?ref=cat2_gallery_29


Replacing existing knobs on your new or old furniture, with this hand painted beauties will instantly give your piece an aged look

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53131554/handpainted-vintage-porcelain-door-knobs?ref=sr_gallery_20&%3Bga_search_query=knobs&%3Bga_search_type=category&%3Bcategory=furniture&%3Bga_page=2&%3Border=&%3Bincludes%5B0%5D=tags&%3Bincludes%5B1%5D=title

I don't often suggest item's from "big box" stores, but if you mix a few things in no one will ever know! This mirror would be adorable above an antique make up vanity or in a front entrance hall.

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00091967

Use a grouping of these jars to hold your soaps and beauty essentials on your bath or make up vanity, being organized never looked so elegant

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-ROOM-CONTAINERS&id=690035&catId=HOME-ROOM&pushId=HOME-ROOM&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=260&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=one&colorName=CLEAR&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

This table could be used as a dining table, or an over sized side table in a large scale room. Mixing it with a collection of different chairs will add to the feel of creating this look over time, instead of buying a perfect set from a "box store".

http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Furniture/Furniture/tabid/519/CategoryID/155/List/0/catpageindex/1/Level/a/ProductID/1839/ProductName/Marchella-Dining-Table/Default.aspx

I love the bold, vibrant print on this bedding. The material is in a quilted style, but the application is current for today's trends

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?itemCount=6&pushId=HOME-BEDDING&selectedProductSize=&id=HOME-BEDDING&startValue=7&defaultSort=&navCount=140&sortView=&prevVisit=true&templateType=hybrid&navAction=top&displayNumber=6&selectedProductSize1=&sortby=&prepushId=&popId=HOME

Occasional Tables

Side & Coffee tables are functional but can also make quite a statement in your home. They can be used as storage, an area for display, a resting spot for your feet or a cup of tea. Here are some options that catch my eye:

This coffee table is an absolute show stopper! The material, scale and design details would send any space to the next level of sophistication

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1671104&navAction=jump&navCount=1

Using a trunk as a coffee table will instantly add character to your room. It's also quite functional, as you can use it for storage as well. You could buy this new, or check out the thrift stores around for something that has years of experience

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/expedition-trunk/?pkey=ccoffee-tables

These graphic side tables can be the perfect spot for a book and a beverage or double as an extra seat for a party

http://www.westelm.com/products/martini-side-table-g057/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with glass. It will add a subtle shimmer to your space without being over powering.

http://www.urbanbarn.com/products/Living-Room/Occasional-Tables/que-coffee-table/905

Nesting tables give you multiple layers to accessories, but when needed you can separate them to maximize function. This pair is a chameleon in style, it could fit into a traditional home or mix in beautifully with more contemporary pieces

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1471160&navAction=jump&navCount=2

Mission Hill Winery

I visited Mission Hill Winery this past month in Kelowna, BC, and was amazed at this gorgeous spot that over looked the lake. Here are a few of my favorite shots:

I love the mix of the smooth concrete, chunky wood details and tailored landscaping

This door is stunning on it's own, but the installation of having a hinging unit in the center of the door, instead of the standard side installation makes it even more unique.

I love how all the wood details contrast against all the smooth concrete,

working well together but not competing

The bell tower really adds a sense of history to the Winery

These white dishes that mimic berry containers really caught my eye. I love how these pieces are an every summer day product but turn into something you would want to display on your table (Retail Shop)

For more details on Mission Hill Winery, visit there website: http://www.missionhillwinery.com/default.asp

DIY: Pillows

I often get bored with my pillows and want to change them out. Using your existing feather filled pillow forms can save you some money, so you can spend a little extra on some fun new fabric.

Step 1: Choose your fabric, ribbon and/or buttons for decoration. I chose a green linen (with gray and white ribbon detail) and a polyester white and gray stripe fabric. For all these materials, I spent approx. $30.00 at my local fabric store, for a total of four new pillow covers. I did two different pattern layouts of ribbon on the green pillows. Choose your layout, pin the ribbon on and sow on the ribbon!

Step 2: Fold over and iron your unfinished exposed edges of fabric (these edges will be exposed if you create an opening in the back of your pillow cover)

Step 3: I like to create an opening in the pillow (so I can change them out easily). You can do this by leaving extra length of fabric and have the ends over lap and not sow this area closed

Step 4: To make sure your new pillow cover is a snug fit over your pillow form, wrap the fabric around the pillow (fabric right side in), gently remove the pillow and pin the fabric to the size that fit the form and sow the remaining two edges closed

Step 5: Turn your pillow case right side out and place on your forms!

For more tips on sowing pillow forms, check out: http://sewing.about.com/od/homedecprojects/ht/pillowcover.htm