Looking for a bold summer update ? The Designers Guild has launched their new spring/summer fabric and wallpaper collection. Stunning fabrics, . . . from bold and contemporary splashes of color to classic and refined motifs these are sure ways to add a refreshed and vibrant look to any new room.

You could find yourself embarking on something as simple as recovering one chair, adding new draperies and a few new toss cushions. Or you could indulge in a whole new scheme for an entire room, . . . take a peek, these fabrics are absolutely yummy.

Peruse the website of the Designer's Guild for more of their new fabulous collections.

Find Your Color Inspiration In Nature Part 2

Here's another nature inspired color scheme, yellow, grey and white. This graceful country setting on PEI, is where we decided to vacation after our long drive across Canada.

There couldn't be anything more natural than this grey painted clapboard house amongst marigold yellow and white country flowers, a timber fence weathered to a grey wash from sun and the change of seasons over time.

this color scheme could easily translate into a whimsical room like this . . .

or this tailored bedroom . . .

How about this for a fresh spot to hang your hat at the end of the day. People would say "how avant garde your space is with these colors", is it really ? Nothing innovative or experimental here, just reflecting the simple harmony of nature.

Find Your Color Inspiration In Nature

This summer my husband and I drove across Canada. We're relocating to Nova Scotia for the next year and half while my husband goes back to university. So the furniture went with a moving company, we jumped in our car and across Canada we drove. . .

I am always amazed how I find inspiration in the most natural environments. If you're searching for color combinations, look to nature, it does it beautifully.

Here's a shot from our stay in Niagara Falls, and yes, it is as romantic as it's reputation ! This is a great example of a blue and green color scheme. Remember in the old fashioned saying, "blue and green must never be seen". This couldn't be farther from the truth . . .

This natural color palette could translate into a tranquil yet invigorating room. It's beautiful. Look to what moves you for inspiration and bring it into your home. Courageous color combinations can be a commitment, but offer big rewards.

Welcome to Dwell !

This summer I recently found myself fullfilling a lifelong dream to travel Europe.  An Interior Designer who hasn't been to Europe you ask ?  Well, no longer.  This summer my husband and I ventured away to the illuminating countries of France, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria and Germany !   A world rich in history and the fine art of living, . . . it really is true, . . . 

Europe is transformational  . . .

Paris, a little garden stroll in the 

backyard of the Palace of Versailles.

Arc de Triumph, a landmark at the famous shopping

street, Champs d'Elysee

Statues of this craftsmanship are at every corner of Paris,

so much expression, this one is representing 

a famous Napoleonic victory.

No oversights on detail, it's everywhere.

Saint Chapelle, 3000sqft of stained glass,

 depicting biblicial stories

A mere portion of the front facade 

of the Church of Notre Dame

Winged Victory, at the Louvre, truly takes your breath away.

The monumental figure stands alone in the vast and spacious 

entry of the Louvre, something about it's beauty 

commands your awe

For any art history lover, the Louvre is a spellbinding experience,

one of world's greatest art museums, in what used to be the world's

largest palace housing several french kings.

This complex architectural structure was added 

in the extensive renovation to make it a museum

A typical metro station in Paris,

music and people on the go.

You won't find one the same . . .

 Are any of the metros dull you ask ?  Ah no. 

If you have not found a place  born to

 fine fashion, the Parisians  just do it naturally.

There's so much more to show you than this.

I have realized though, there's just no question, . . .

Paris instantly feels like home.