Chabrol

I've been absent on here for a bit.  Busy working on several different projects.  One of the most exciting ones is a new restaurant!   Meet Chabrol right in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto.  I have been lucky enough to style and brand this little gem.  While working with some elements that were left behind from a previous cafe, we worked to create a cozy little space with some Southern French charm. At only 20 seats, it's a petite boite packed with flavour!

photo credit: Toronto Life

We wanted to create a space and atmosphere that was classic with a hint of art deco. The Bally Blonde is one of my favourite vintage prints and I think she is just perfect looking over the room. Below is my branding... oh and a brass business card tray I couldn't resist. 

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

One of my favourite parts of the job, flower arranging. Right now I'm obsessed with Ranunculus:

Stop by and say Hello if you are in the neighbourhood!

ikat aqua

I've been working on this antique lady's parlour accent chair for the past few weeks and I am pretty happy with the result.  I love this Robert Allen ikat giving this very traditional chair a modern spin.  I finally mastered my own double welt chord for a polished professional upholstered look.  This beauty is for sale if you know someone looking.  It would also make a lovely christmas or housewarming surprise.

Quirky Kitchen

This kitchen is quirky.  When I moved in my landlords assumed that they would have to buy a new stove for the tenant.  I imagine they were somewhat overjoyed to find out that I was really excited by the old Findlay model - four years later and it's still cooking with gas.  The layout of the kitchen isn't  the most convenient space to work in, but what it lacks in function it makes up for in cheerful charm.  I love the character of the old 50's cupboards and wouldn't trade them for the sleekness of any new model.  They just wouldn't work in here.   

Saving the Daylight

Tonight is the night when the clocks slide forward and we get to have a little more light in our lives.  The city is shifting - warming up to spring.  I have been busy puttering around the house and have found a lot of joy in having some springy flowers about to muffle the sights of melting snowbanks.  I image we will see some flakes again before it is totally safe to put away the puffy coats for good, but still something has shifted.

Second Spring

I think it's the second spring since I started writing this blog. I'm reminded of how much I love the light in my kitchen at this time if year and how lucky I am to have such a whimsical space to call my own. I'm going to endeavor to write more as the summer unfolds. Toronto is full of many dear people and lots of adventures.

Spring has Sprung...in my kitchen at least.

One of the things that gets me through these dreary days filled with what seems like an unbearable abundance of sleet, snow and taxes is that it somehow feels like it's spring in my kitchen.  I picked up this lovely pale pink dress the other day.  It fits like a glove and I can't wait to wear it when it's not just spring in my kitchen....but spring everywhere.

Ready for Service

Here's some of the things I like to collect on my Goodwill ventures:  Milk glass (always) I'll someday fill this entire shelf.  Fancy old martini glasses.  Gold rimmed shot glasses perfect for Akvavit.  Deep mauve mini-goblets and pastel coloured creamers, tea cups and saucers.