One Busy Week

I just knew that this week was going to be a hectic one!  I hope everyone has had a good week and survived the incredible heat wave we've had here! 

Here's a quick look at how the week started...ripping out a bathroom!  It's so exciting to see a project get started after months of planning!  I"m hoping to get some more 'during' pictures for you without becoming too much of a pest to the guys that are so busy working away....

We're all in masks because of the lovely fibre glass insulation in the ceiling...what a messy job!  I really give these guys a lot of credit; they work tirelessly through some very unfavourable conditions and still seem to be smiling at the end of the day.  Here's to a great (albeit busy) week and a restful weekend ahead!

Ubabub

Well, it must be baby week!  In the past 2 days I've found out that 2 of my friends are expecting (so exciting!!)  So in continuing with yesterdays cutest diaper ever post, today I would like to share what could possible be the coolest new nursery furniture.  Have a look!

Ubabub via The Design Files

The line comes from an Australian duo who created the pieces after their search for modern baby furniture left them empty handed.  Currently only available in Australia, we can only hope they make their way into stores in North America soon!

Felt Floor Cushions

I came across these fun and fabulous floor cushions yesterday via The Purl Bee.   I love these for a playroom or even a modified version made from outdoor fabric for a backyard oasis!

There are instructions here if you're up for trying these out!

Fletcher-Rae Interiors + Design

Hello, hello!  Fletcher-Rae Interiors + Design is the name of my company and I'm so excited to give you a sneak peak at some of my interiors that I've had photographed recently.  Two very different locations and two very different clients.  The first 3 shots are from an avid art collector's house who wanted to showcase her collection and have a more streamlined decor throughout the living area.  With a fresh colour palette, new lighting, custom cabinetry and comfy yet modern furnishings we certainly got exactly what she was aiming for!

photos by Andrew Grinton Photography

The above photo is from my former business partner's converted garage.  Streaming light from the hinged garage door.  Glassy, polished concrete floors (love), the most stunning table from E15 and a shot of colour, care of the Moooi chairs.  An industrial space done right!

I'm in the beginning phases of planning my interior website and capturing my various client's homes is step one!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on your favourite, most user-friendly design sites.  Are there elements that you love or that you feel have been done to death?  What are you looking to see when you visit these sites? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Home Love

I love this place!  The wooden beams, built-in shelves, clean decor with natural elements and tons of natural light.  Perfection!

via The Selby

A Fresh Start

I wanted to give you guys a quick peak into one of the projects that I've been working on.  I'm sure you've heard me mention working on a teen's room.  Well here is the before...

and here is where we are now!  

The millworkers installed the units (including a built-in bed, window seat and fantastic desk/wall unit!) and now it's time for the fun to start!  We'll be spending the next little while re-organizing everything and getting some fun new textiles and storage items.  I'll be sure to keep you up to date on our progress...

 I love that my client at 13 years old embraced such a bold print and hasn't looked back.  What do you think so far?  Would you do this for your room or let your teenager take the reins on a bedroom project?

Around The House

What an amazing morning it is here.  The sun is shining and there is the most perfect breeze blowing in through the kitchen window.  Today I wanted to share with you a few of my favourite spots around the house.  The first spot is at the top of the 2nd floor landing.  This whole floor is dedicated to the kids; their rooms, their toys, their playroom....

and their art.  I have chosen to display these fantastic canvases that the kids have done over the years above this simple Ikea cabinet that houses DVD's + Blurays.  The lamp has moved with me from house to house and was made by my grandfather from an old bottle of Vat 69 whiskey.

This is one of the bookshelves in Olivia's room.  She is an avid collector of nearly everything and although at times it drives me round the bend, I love how passionate she is for all things small.

This butterfly mobile is a new addition to the house.  My mum recently returned from a 2 week cruise through the Panama Canal and she brought this back for Olivia.  I love the simple design of the butterflies and the easy neutral tones of the shell.  This is something I'm sure Olivia will cherish her whole life and a piece that she can always display no matter her age or her living arrangements...

Wide World of Wallpaper

Has anyone else noticed how many gorgeous wallpaper designers are popping up?  I love wallpaper as an option to bring some life to a room and inject a bit of mood or playfulness.  In fact, I'm on my way over to a client's this morning to drop off her wallpaper from ModGreenPod and let the talented wallpaper hanger get to work.
Here are some new designers that I've been introduced to in the last 2 days!

Fine Little Day wallpaper collaboration between 8 yr old Otto & his mum Elisabeth via Bloesom Kids

Aimee Wilder Wallpaper + Design

Aimee Wilder Wallpaper + Design

Bespoke digitally-printed wallpapers by Istabul-based Studio Nommo via The Design Files

Have a fantastic day!!  Hope this starts it off on an inspired note!

Mod Green Pod

Oh - I'm having a bit of a crush on Mod Green Pod and their fantastic line of eco-friendly products!  

I found the Texas-based company while searching for a greener alternative wallpaper for one of my clients.  Co-founded by sisters-in-law Nancy & Lisa Mims in 2005 in the hopes to fill the gap of high style products that are healthier for our homes (and loved ones!).  How these two have delivered!!

Mod Green Pod offers textiles that are woven and printed in the US, on 100% certified organic cotton that is produced in the US as well.   The prints are fun, graphic and sophisticated at the same time.  Offered in a soft but sturdy upholstery weight cotton making it perfect for everything from your throw pillows to an upholstered chair or headboard.  I am seriously considering a re-do of my dining chairs as an excuse to get some of this!!

The wallpaper is about as great as it gets!  Fantastic motifs and colour-ways that are printed in non-toxic inks with a water-based glaze and absolutely no vinyl or PVC's!!  Yeah!  We're going with the Grand Jubilee in licorice/natural...stunning.
I just want to add as well that my client's daughter chose the pattern and colourway in the end.  She is 13 years old and this is for her bedroom!  As a designer, I knew she couldn't go wrong with any of the options and the room creator feature on the website empowered her and allowed her to trust her instincts.

Have you been toying with the idea of wallpaper but can't imagine it or are turned off by the PVC content?  Hop over to Mod Green Pod and have a look and try the interactive feature...such a brilliant idea.  Oh and if you have any questions, they have super-friendly and on top of it all, Valerie.  I had an inquiry and had such wonderful prompt service.  I think that it is so important and I applaud them for this.  
Hope this product and site inspire you too!
Find them here, here and here too!

A Day Late

I spent the day yesterday shooting a couple of my interiors with photographer Andrew Grinton.  Andrew is one of my favourites!  He's got a great eye for composition, a wonderful sense of  flow and the ability to make a difficult shot work and he does it all with a smile on his face! I grabbed a few quick shots (they are unstyled!!) to show you and can't wait to see the finals.  I'll be sure to keep you posted...

detail on pillow

Andrew contemplating angles...

Andrew's work is diverse, covering the areas of food, lifestyle, still life, interiors, kids and travel. Check out some of his work here.

Black & White

Just a couple of examples of black and white living spaces done right.  All three of these rooms have elements that make living with starck contrast colours easy and inviting (which is not always that simple).  I personally love the first room with the only colour being the pop of green in the floral arrangement.  I also love the addition of texture through the wood and coral accessories...

modern and minimal

a conservative take on black and white with shots of bold colour using accessories

all images vie decorpad