VERSATILE DECOR ACCESSORY: TRAYS

I often use a tray when decorating. A tray can be great in a kitchen – because it's quite functional! I also always have one on my coffee table. It's a simple accessory to incorporate into any decor to create a layered look. The image above is the tray I currently have on my coffee table. It adds some texture and defines the area, instead of just having those items on the table.

This year – I'm seeing all kinds of lacquered trays in bright colours – what a great way to add a pop of colour for spring! I also love the white with a rattan inlay and the square walnut tray below.

Trays:

1. West Elm 2. Serena & Lily 3. CB2

DESIGN INSPIRATION: COMFY SLIPCOVERED CHAIRS

I've always been a fan of white slipcovered chairs. I find the white cover is easier to keep clean than other colours because you can always add a touch of bleach when washing, if you need to. I have several white slipcovered chairs around, and recently I've seen a few that are slipcovered and have a swivel feature. I have two chairs in a sitting area off my kitchen, there's an amazing ocean view out the window here. The picture above is a close up of the chairs and here is the shot of me sitting in one.

These chairs above are from Ikea and I had the seat cushions filled with down instead of the foam that came with them. This improvement really changed the chairs and made them a lot more comfortable.

Here are a couple of other chairs that I like – with slip covers and they swivel. For this area I have my eye on chairs that swivel since then you can easily face the view out the window or spin around and chat with people in the kitchen. These are a couple I'm looking at.

This is from the Pottery Barn but it's too big for my space.

And these are both options that swivel, from Crate & Barrel.

ROUND UP: VERSATILE OVERHEAD LIGHTING

I look at a lot of lighting and recently I've really been into the West Elm Arc Mid-Century chandelier. It's a stylish fixture that is at an incredible price point. Here it is on it's own.

It reminds me of another overhead fixture I've recommended for several clients; the Bryant chandelier from Circa Lighting shown below. It comes in a few different colours/finishes and 2 different sizes. It has a classic look that can fit work with many different styles.

I've always liked it in this room from Domino magazine, this looks like it is in the bronze finish.

Here is the fixture in the hand rubbed antique brass finish.

And now Circa has this version, called Farlane, which also has a similar look but is a higher price point.

BATHROOM ROUND UP: 3 STYLISH & AFFORDABLE SINKS

Over the years when designing bathrooms, I've looked at many different sinks and vanities. Each bathroom is unique in the style and the size you can fit. In my bathroom above I was fortunate to have the original pedestal sink to use and I love how it looks. The only draw back to a pedestal sink is the lack of storage. I've had lovely vanities custom made for several clients, and lean towards a white vanity with marble tops and nickel faucets – a classic, timeless look for any bathroom. These vanities (shown below) are some store bought options, and two even come with marble tops. All you have to do is make sure it fits, buy a faucet and get the plumbing hooked up. Retailers seem to have a better selection to buy off the floor, and there are a variety of styles and sizes. These are 3 I think are stylish and affordable:

1.  Pedro 60" vanity with double sink and marble top/backsplash for less than $800, doesn't include the faucets but comes with everything else, for a double vanity this is a great price. From costco.ca

2.  Malaga 27" vanity – comes with everything except faucet $519 marble top and backsplash.  From rona.ca

3.  Hemnes white sink, 31-1/2" – this doesn't have a marble top or faucet, but comes with white sink for $299. I'd personally add on two back legs.  From ikea.ca