THIS OLD LANTERN

This old lantern has been with me for many years and has traveled around to a few different places. I found it in Toronto many years ago, and it wasn't wired, so I had the wiring and internal chandelier components added. Originally it was in my dining room in Toronto.

About 7 years ago, I was very inspired after working on this shoot with Suzanne Dimma, for Style Department. I found my lantern shortly after this!

I had it my kitchen for many years (below). I still love the fixture, it's a classic piece that can work in different rooms and I like the character it adds.

SIMPLE HOLIDAY DECORE WITH BRANCHES

I like the look of large branches in vases through all seasons, but during the holidays you can easily create a festive centrepiece or display using a few decorations. The image above from House & Home magazine shows how easy it can be. You can DIY a simple display by getting some branches (maybe even in your own backyard like I do!) and find a few decorations to put on them. You can also do a vase with a red bow tied around it. Lot of different options!

I've also done my own version of wool wrapped branches, this is a fave of mine from Domino magazine many years ago. When I made this I wrapped individual branches in cream wool – very easy.

Images: House & Home magazine (top 3) Domino magazine

COLOURFUL FLAT WEAVE WOOL RUGS – ON SALE

These rugs from Capel Rugs are a line of wool, flat weaves that I carry. I have the blue Puhalo stripe and you can see it here in my entry and in my bathroom. This style is now on sale 25% off, making it a great deal. These rugs are 100% wool and are reversible – so you get double the wear.

Here are a few other styles also on sale. They come in these sizes and various colours: 3' x 5', 5' x 8', 7' x 9' and 8' x 11', if you're interested in a price email me at info@debnelsondesign.com

HOLIDAY IDEAS FROM ETSY

If you don't have time to make your own holiday handmade items, Etsy can be a good resource – or a place to get some ideas and inspiration to make your own items. All the items shown here are from Etsy, so whether it's stockings, wreaths, tea towels or tree skirts – there are many cute holiday themed homemade items on their website!

BEFORE & AFTER: KITCHEN ISLAND

When I was renovating my 1844 house, the main floor under went a huge transformation. I really wanted to open up the main floor, there were many small rooms and doors throughout the space. There are great views at the back of the house, so I wanted more windows and doors to access the back area. I was also trying to contain all the plumbing in the original foundation of the house, which meant the kitchen sink had to go within a certain perimeter. The results took a long time to evolve to where it is now. Here are some before shots from the very beginning, looking back to the window at the back is around where the double doors are now. The original kitchen was small and narrow and was the yellow room at the back.

When the walls started to come down and the renovation was underway!

Now the posts are in, as you can see here.

Then the double doors are put in at the back of the house.

Now the doors are painted black.

Getting close, the cabinets, counter and faucet is in.

And here is how it looks today! So happy with how it looks now, and hard to believe where I started!