Decorating And Marriage...

I have been doing a lot of thinking this past week. Packing your life into 50 tea chests tends to make a person a little contemplative.And what I've realised, in between the boxes, the bubble wrap and the puppies stealing my masking tape, is that it's not enough just to decorate a house. It's not enough just to paint walls in the latest palettes, hang prints like a Parisian gallerist, screw in

Touches of Tassels

Gone are the days when tassels indicated formality in the form of elaborate drapery ties. Tassels are now fun and trendy, and I adore them (Could you tell by my header?). The fact that Audrey wore tassel earplugs in Breakfast at Tiffany's show that these can be timeless beauties as well! 1 / 2 / 3 / 4Did you catch out my bathroom reveal yesterday? If not,  check it out!There is some more tasseled

Designer Pillow Shop Giveaway

To kick off my blog birthday week, I'm excited to bring you a great giveaway today.  This giveaway is brought to you by Designer Pillow Shop.  It's a home decor company specializing in pillow covers and curtains in some of today's modern fabrics.  The pillows have the fabric on both sides and have an easy envelope opening.How about a chance to win some new pillow covers for your home?  One reader

IF I WERE BUILDING A HOUSE......

when i found this exterior shot this morning on pinterest, i was LOVING it! and it made me think.....if i had to start from scratch and build a house, what would it look like?so here it is, a tour of my imaginary house......and thank god my husband doesn't read these blogs!dontcallmebetty.tumblr.comthat front door? GOTTA have it!!!elsoncompany.comhttp://www.victoriahagan.com/

This Blogger's Bathroom

I recently had a request to show more of my living space, and so today I have a little treat for all of my readers: My bathroom!Before getting my hands on this space, it was covered in (I kid you not) floor to ceiling fish wallpaper. I don't have a picture so you will just have to trust me on this one. When my brothers moved out I knew it was time to glamify and girlify the space. I couldn't

Decorating Cents Is Turning One!

On Thursday my blog turns one.  It's hard to believe that one year ago I published my first post.  Time flies when you're having fun huh?  I had no idea I would meet so many great people and complete so many DIY projects.  When I first started this blog, I didn't think anyone would want to hear what I had to say, but you came.  This was just a way for me to document my home projects and vent

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made

One day soon, I will make it to New York. I'm so jealous that my boyfriend is heading there TOMORROW for a father-son bonding trip with his dear ol' dad...(umm..where was my invite? I'm fine just wandering around all the shops while you two do your boy things, promise!). In all seriousness though I know it'll be a wonderful trip for them, and I've decided to dedicate today's post to a little NYC

Summer Must Haves

The first day of summer was Wednesday.  With the hot weather and summer activities planned, there are a few things I have to have.Summer handbagI love this bright yellow bag from Target.  It's the perfect color to jazz up an outfit.Wedge sandalsAnyone that knows me in real life, knows I love me some shoes.  Shoes can make or break an outfit.  These wedges can go casual with shorts or dressy with

It's Sale time - 20% off storewide in my Etsy shop!!!!

It's the end of the financial year, and that means....All prints are now 20% off, but only for a limited time, so head on over to my Etsy store.Oh, and you may have noticed I'm now on Instagram - my username is @driftwoodinteriors, or just click on the link on the top right of this page. It's quite different to any of the other social media sites - more of a relaxed, 'behind-the-scenes' type

Miss Gwyneth Paltrow's Guide to Travel

Do you sometimes subscribe to completely frivolous blogs, just because you feel like some light fluff in the solemnity of your day-to-day life?  I do. Some of the blogs I like to look at – like tucking into a palette-cleansing spoonful of sorbet before the meal of life – are the ethereal delights of This is Glamorous and the elegance of DustJacketAttic. There are a few others too, that could be

Feeling Blue: Why Navy Interiors Reflect Our Mood

Life, Interrupted...In 10 days we are moving to a new home. We had intended for it to be an investment property, as we had hoped / planned to move overseas. However, life has a way of throwing a cul-de-sac at you, and so we've gone overseas and come back again. {Butterfield 8, via Apartment Therapy New York}The reason(s)? It's election year in the US and so job prospects in US politics are slim (

Fun Fabric: Orange and Pink

Remember my post about orange last week featuring the home of Marlie Waks and her perfect hot pink and orange bedroom? Well, I wanted to quickly share with you all this fabulous fabric from Tonic Living that instantly reminded me of Marlie's space (and grapefruit).See what I mean?The fabric is 'Make Waves' in Sorbet, from the Modern Essentials Collection by Waverly. It's a beautiful geometric,

DIY West Elm Decorative Spheres

Look who's back with another West Elm knockoff.  Does it seem like I'm a little obsessed with the store?  Maybe a little.  I love their modern edge, bright colors, and super fun accessories.  I've seen these spheres around the web and some more versions in home decor stores.  This calls for a (drumroll)...DIY!  dun dun dun dun!Here are the ones from West Elm.To make my sphere I bought two 6 inch

The Glamour & Grace of Vintage Bathers

A few weeks ago I made one of those serendipitous discoveries that makes your afternoon a little brighter. I stumbled over a new website devoted to one of my favourite photographers, Dare Wright (below).Dare was one of those astonishingly brilliant, gifted and incredibly stunning women who seemed to be able to do anything, from modelling for top magazines to writing bestselling books, to

NAVY BLUE...MY OBSESSION!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE COLORS TO USE IN A SPACE....ESPECIALLY IN FAMILY ROOMS.... IT MASKS DIRT, CONTRAST BEAUTIFULY WITH WHITES, FEELS CASUAL AND COMFORTABLE, LOOKS CRISP AND COOL IN THE SUMMER AND COZY IN THE WINTER. I LOVE LOVE LOVE NAVY! HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY....http://thezhush.blogspot.com/2011/09/style-stalking-phillips-deveer.htmlhttp://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/

Wednesday's Doodle # 6

A work in progress - Pencil sketching of a trestle desk with an Eames dowel leg molded plastic chair!Hope your week continues to be full of happiness! xox

Snuggle Up

After a week full of somewhat personal posts, I'm back to the regular routine and this means back to interior design goodness for you all! Over the years, I've trained myself to snuggle up under a blanket while watching TV.  In fact, if I'm watching a show without one, I feel pretty naked. That's why in the middle of summer, on a hot hot day, you'll still find me snuggled up under a throw. My top

Kitchen Words

I recently received a package from Design Divas.  They have a large selection of vinyl letters and wall art.  Their mission: To bring affordable, quality Vinyl Lettering Quotes & Wall Art into as many homes as possible.   I had my choice of vinyl.  With so many choices, it was hard to make a decision on one.  I finally settled on this one for the kitchen.There was an odd spot above the

The Unexpected Elegance of Orange

If there was one colour that kept peeking its cheeky head above the Manhattan monochromes in New York last week, it was orange. Orange is everywhere over there. Everywhere. Blame it on the northern hemisphere summer. Blame it on the Pantone hype. Or just blame the fabulous whimsicality of the colour, but I saw more orange in Manhattan than at Marrakech market.Furthermore, it seems to be ripening?

Is This Week The End of Print Media?

I don't talk about my family much because, well, they're mortified that I'm not only a journalist but also a writer and a memoirist. (However, they're relieved I have a different name; this allows them to pretend, when asked, that they're not related.)  But I want to mention my brother this week (although I'll refrain from naming names), because he's caught in the Fairfax crossfire over the

oh the lazy days of summer....AND MY HOUSE IS A WRECK!! the culprits?....see below!the only reason why the shelf is neat is because R cant reach!the floor in H and R's toy closet-can barely even see the hardwoods!.....and to think that i had this totally organized last week! other people's kids are like this too, right?out of control shoe basket, and some random...ugh!my bookcase is no longer

Everyone Looks Good in a Grad Gown

Even though you wouldn't think of a long sleeved, full and loose black gown as the most flattering thing in the world, isn't it true that everybody looks amazing in a grad gown? It's a look that says success and accomplishment. I am so proud that on Friday, I got to don one of these and cross the stage to receive my diploma for my Bachelor's Degree in Honours English, with Distinction. ^ I'm also

Chanel and the Little Black Jacket

Wherever I went in New York last week, I saw publicity for this exhibition...Chanel and the Little Black JacketSadly, I missed it as I was getting ready to fly out of JFK just as it was getting ready to open, but the website and associated media have more than compensated for my bad timing. I adore black jackets – I think I have a 10 of them in the wardrobe (which I rarely use now I'm freelancing

Expedit Anyone?

I've seen so many of these great Ikea Expedits.  Seems like every home has one now.  There are numerous ways to use them. They make great storage in an office. sourcesourcesourcesource  How about for shoes?  Yes, please.sourceIn kids' rooms.sourcesourcesourceUse it as a television console. sourcesourceSuch a versatile piece that can be customized to fit your home.  We have one and thinking about

Bali beauty

As a teenager, one of my prized items of clothing was a white, oversized Stuart Membery shirt. Worn with leggings, slouchy boots and requisite bandana tied in my hair (did I mention it was the late 80's?) I was loving myself sick. As you do. Anyway, nowdays I'm still a massive Membery fan, and although my shirt is sadly no more - worn to death until it was beyond help - my focus has shifted to

Another Year Older..

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to..Okay, I don't actually want to cry, but I must admit that I am a bit sad to see my 21st year coming to a close as I turn 22 today!I feel like at 21 I grew up so much. I made some important life, schooling, and career decisions, and took a risk by changing my entire life plan from school teacher to interior designer. I also completed my (first) undergrad

NY's BookExpo (And Books To Buy In 2012)

Last week, I took a break from photographing New York for a new book and instead went and looked at other people's books. Lots and lots of them. I went along to the great, gargantuan, carnivalesque event known as BookExpo America (BEA), the publishing industry's big trade show.There were 1200 exhibitors in the cavernous space, most of them publishers, and more famous authors than you could shake

Curb Appeal

I haven't done much to outside of the house.  I've never been one to do yard work.  I was made to do it as a kid by my parents and decided it wasn't something I wanted to do ever again as an adult.  Why force myself to sweat and overheat while doing any labor?  Well, we bought a house with a yard so I guess that means we have to do something.  Our neighbors have started sprucing up their yards so

New Blog Design is Live!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Wednesday's Doodles to bring you an exciting message!:Some of you may have noticed that the little blog looks a WHOLE LOT different today. I am so thrilled with the new design! It is soo much more me! I have Melissa, the creative genius behind 20 Going on 80 and Cherry on Top Blog Shoppe to thank for the amazing makeover. She completely captured my vision and

Connecticut: The Anti-Hamptons?

"And then one day in 1976, Billy Baldwin and I were out looking for houses for sale in Connecticut, something we did a lot together, and I saw this wonderful old stone house.  It had such a dignity about it.  The place was built in 1770 as a tavern n the old Albany Post Road.  The house came with six acres, and I bought the adjacent apple orchard, or what was left of it.  Twenty-one acres in all.

Orange You Glad I Changed my Mind?

 My friend Rachel is going to love this post. While it has always been her favourite colour, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I have never been a huge fan of orange. BUT THEN Pantone named Tangerine Tango as the 'it' color of 2012 and suddenly I was seeing orange everywhere...and surprisingly, I didn't hate it. In fact...I was kind of loving it. I was particularly head over heels in the June

Cottage Style

This weekend, I took advantage of the warm weather and headed up to a friend's summer home. There's nothing I love quite like cottage country. I feel so at peace on the lake, and boating always puts a huge smile on my face. ^ Here I am basking in the front of the boat (and channeling my inner Elle Woods in a sequined bikini top). I also love me some fabulous nautical inspired interiors. Take for

Hello Little Birdie

Do you ever look through the catalogs of some of your favorite home decor stores and wonder why things cost so much?  I don't know about you, but this family is on a budget.  I want nice accessories but not at a cost that's gonna stop me from putting gas in the car.You see this cute little bird from West Elm?  He would look nice sitting on my coffee table but not for $14.00.  I like a bargain and

The Glamour of New York (In 10 Easy Lessons)

Rule No 1: Wear good shoes. Unlike their Parisian cousins who prefer flats, New York woman are serious heel girls. They prefer their shoes like their architecture: high-rise and dripping with glamour. The only flats around here are those packed for the beaches in the Hamptons.(NB No, I don't know how they do it, either. One day in this pair and I was ready for a week with my feet up. I don't

VIRGINIA'S OPSAIL 2012: DAY 2

 ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR EVENTS I HAVE EVER SEEN..... INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC SHIPS SAILING IN BOAT PARADE FROM THE CHESAPEAKE BAY INTO DOWNTOWN NORFOLK FOR OPSAIL 2012. WE THOUGHT THE SAILORS WERE FAKE AT FIRST.....UNTIL THE SHIP GOT CLOSER.....CRAZY!SAILING DOWN THE ELIZABETH RIVER IN THE PARADE OF SAILSJUST ANOTHER DAY ON THE BOAT FOR R? LOOK BEHIND YOU!!!THE INDONESIAN SHIP WAS

The Glamour of New York: A List

"He adored New York City. He idolized it all out of proportion...no, make that: he romanticized it all out of proportion. Yes. To him, no matter what the season was, this was still a town that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin." ― Woody Allen, Manhattan. No matter how you feel about traffic, noise, rude people, expensive rents (and hotels), and general

Feeling Pink (and Green) in Old Town Key West...

Dream House Alphabet: F

F is For Farm House SinkRemember in Dream House Alphabet E when I called the foyer an entry way to save my F for something special? Well this is it people. I LOVE the classic look of a farm house sink (also sometimes referred to as an apron front sink).  ^ Designer Alice Lane proves that you don't have to go uber country with a farm house sink in this beautiful kitchen.^ Okay, double farm house

22 with Wishes

In exactly one week, I turn 22. I hope it brings many exciting opportunities my way (and maybe a few bday goodies). I've put together this little list, just in case anybody in my life needs some ideas (aren't I thoughtful?):1. Domino's Book of Decorating. All of my fave design blogger's go to book, and it looks fab on a coffee table vignette!2. I See Noise Prints. I like the Chanel No. 5 and the

Barn Light Electric

I just found out Barn Light Electric is having their annual lighting giveaway.  The prizes are one (1) $1,000.00 and one (1) $500.00 (USD) Barn Light Electric Gift Certificate.  That's a lot of money I could spend.  I've seen several bloggers use them as sponsors and Michelle won the contest last year.  What have I got to lose.  I would love to win some new lights.  Their name led me to think

Driven to abstraction...

Working on this today.....while the Mr works on the redesign of my studio. Pics to follow of both projects as soon as they're finished.

Wednesday's Doodle #5

 Since spotting this chair via Design Darling and her feature in Adore Home Magazine I've been busy imagining what kind of a cooky (yet fabulous) room could host such a strong statement piece.  It's the Katie Maennle Birdcage Chair.Would you be brave enough to put one (or a pair!) or these in your house?! I think they're so fun!Hope your week is going well...just think, it's almost Friday!

VIRGINIA'S OPSAIL 2012

OH I LOVE A GOOD EXCUSE TO PLAY HOOKIE....TODAY WE HAD A GREAT EXCUSE....LOTS OF SUN, 75 DEGREES, A BOAT, AND OPSAIL 2012!! OPSAIL WILL LAST A FEW DAYS BUT TODAY WAS THE PARADE OF MILITARY SHIPS. REALLY COOL SEEING THE WORLDS LARGEST NAVY BASE SHOW OFF THEIR BEST.  HOW LUCKY AM I THAT I GET TO LIVE HERE?I LOVE THIS TOWN!http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/CANNONS TOO LOUD FOR R.H THINKS ITS FUNNY!I

Take That West Elm

I love getting the West Elm catalogs in the mail.  So much inspiration and drool worthy stuff in there.  I was looking through one day and noticed these baskets.  In the picture they have them holding plants.  Pretty neat idea I thought.  Seeing that they were $99.99 a piece, I moved on and didn't dwell on them too long.  We were in West Elm one day and they were on sale (don't remember how much)

Escaping to The Village of Islands

I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all of The Library's beautiful readers, and especially those who have taken the time to post thoughtful comments these past two weeks. Reading them has made my heart sing as we've travelled through the US. I also want to apologise for the pathetic lack of posting from this end. It's never nice (or polite) to neglect a blog for too long, but I hope you'll bear

Pretty Little Liars Returns: My Fave Bedroom

I've been cramming in all of PLL's season 2 episodes to get caught up before season 3 kicks off tonight. Do any of you watch Pretty Little Liars?To celebrate the new season, I thought I would reveal my favourite bedroom in the show. Spencer's Bedroom {and why I love it} #1) The Wallpaper How gorgeous is this floral wallpaper? I love the subtle pallet! I can picture using it in a glam dressing

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

This weekend, my boyfriend and I made the short trip to Toronto to see the Blue Jays take on the Boston Red Socks. It was the perfect outing for rainy day weather (although I always prefer to go when the Skydome is open..such a great view of the CN Tower!). Even though the Jays lost, it was a fun day trip. Don't blue jays have the most beautiful colour pallet in their feathers? Sometimes the most

Happenings...and house stalking

Do you ever sit back and realise how lucky you are? I try to take the time out to appreciate all the good things, and lately I've had plenty of reasons to be grateful. It's been really busy on the work front, but when work means meeting up with lovely clients, in their gorgeous homes, I'm not complaining. Over the past weeks, I've taken a couple of road trips to the beautiful Byron Bay region.

Striped Curtains In The Office

Since the beginning of the office project, I have wanted bold patterns and colors.  The grey wall is the perfect background to add pops of bright colors so it doesn't feel too dark.  This office space is for both of us so we are having to compromise on some things.  The things I like, he doesn't and vice versa.  We've been bouncing ideas off each other until the both of us agree it's a design

BEFORE AND AFTER: MY LIVING ROOM

OKAY, SO I AM KINDA EMBARRASSED TO POST HOW MY LIVING ROOM USED TO LOOK A FEW YEARS AGO......I KNOW THIS IS UGLY!!! WE HADN'T HAD THIS HOUSE LONG AND I KNEW IT WOULD TAKE A WHILE TO GET IT HOW I WANTED IT......WELL, 8.5 YEARS LATER, I FINALLY LIKE MY LIVING ROOM...YAY!BEFOREBEFOREAFTERSTILL NEED SOME PILLOWS

Raising a Cocktail to Her Maj

We are down in Key West this week, a tiny island floating between Cuba and Miami. It is about as far from London and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations as you can get.In fact, the only link between here and Her Maj are the glamorous drag queens who live in the Old Town and perform at the Crystal Room at La Te Da. (I suspect The Queen would no doubt love those names as much as we do.)(And

Reign of Rain

viaThis weekend's forecast calls for rain, rain, rain. While I obviously prefer sunshine, there is no reason to despair! Without rain, we'd be in big trouble.. Yes for important reasons like drought and such, but also for pretty reasons like cute rain boots, umbrellas, and umbrella stands.1. MoMA Sky Umbrella - $482. Pink Hunter Boots Original Tall Gloss - $1353. Z Gallerie Boot Umbrella Stand -

BEFORE AND AFTER: BEACH HOUSE FAMILY ROOM

THIS WAS A FUN PROJECT....MY GOOD FRIEND'S PARENTS DECIDED TO RENOVATE THEIR BEACH HOUSE AND KINDLY ASKED FOR MY ASSISTANCE. WE CAME UP WITH A COLOR PALETTE OF COOL BEACHY FABRICS AND WENT TO WORK. TODAY WAS MOVE IN DAY.....AND THE  MISSION?   FIGURING OUT THE BEST FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FAMILY ROOM. THE RESULT? AN INVITING SPACE WITH TONS OF SEATING BUT DOESN'T LOOK CROWDED! HERE ARE A