That dreaded word...

That dreaded word... comprimise.  Kurt didn't like the look of the Decor-Rest button tufted settee. He wants something cozier.  We've reached a middle ground with a few finds from The Bay.  The first is from Bretwood Classics and is available in a small love seat and the colour purple.  I wanted some colour.

See what colour can do?

(La Maison Boheme)

(James Merrell via Plush Palate)

The second is a button tufted sofa that is, apparently, also available at Macy's down in the states.  Unfortunately, it is NOT available in purple.  But, I do love the velvety texture and I could cover it in bright coloured throws and pillows to MAKE it exciting.  And then mount a big piece of art right on top of it. I also found a table from Ikea with the correct dimensions and attractive lines. We could also go with the Docksta table from Ikea as a placeholder until I can splurge on a small Saarinen table.

(Ikea)

OR

(Ikea)

Figuring out the landing...

Decor Rest Settee

A wrought iron and crystal chandelier.  How I love wrought iron and crystal chandeliers.

Settee Lust

I'm really leaning towards either two oversized chairs or two very small settees flanking a nice sized table in the library.  So pretty and I'm thinking likely more comfortable than an office chair.  And, of course Elte has the perfect settee but it's likely nine million dollars and are located no where near Regina.  *sigh*

(Elte)

(Elle Decor)

Libraries, Landings and Art Walls

I am just collecting some ideas for our landing and library area.  Right now, I'm thinking that we'll do an art wall on the east wall coming up the stairs as that area is so blank at present.  On the north wall, which has a lovely window, we will do flanking book shelves.  In front, I see two big, comfy chairs or even very small sofas with a table in between that can be usable as a workspace.  I'd like the walls to be a creamy white to allow the artwork to pop.  I'd also like to go with a rich colour for the window treatment and upholstered furniture.  And, of course, I'd like to hang a sparkly black and crystal chandelier above the table. 

(From Ando and Friends via Pretty Lovely)

(Melanie Acevedo Photography via Pretty Lovely)

(Elle Decoration via Desire to Inspire)

Also, some helpful reading thanks to Discover Interior Design on hanging art. Part one and Part two...

Paint Colours to Test

I've been doing some research on the best whites.  This weekend, I'm heading to Benjamin Moore with this list of paints so I can get tester pots.  Then, I'll be painting swatches of my walls to see what whites work best in our light.  Here is the list of the best of Benjamin Moore white paints by Apartment Therapy:

Benjamin Moore Super White
Benjamin Moore Linen White
Benjamin Moore China White
Benjamin Moore Ballet White
Benjamin Moore Cloud Nine
Benjamin Moore Decorators White
Benjamin Moore White Dove
I'll also need to track down my April 2009 issue of House and Home as there is a great article on Lynda Reeves favourite whites!  In the meantime, here are a few other House and Home white paint pics.

Benjamin Moore
Floral White (OC-29)
White Dove (OC-17)
Cloud White (CC-40)
Oxford White (CC-30)

Ralph Lauren
Picket Fence White (WW57)
Poncho White (WW58)
Mother of Pearl (WW21)
Studio Cream (UL01)
Sail White (WW49)