LISA GOULET DESIGN

BREATHING NEW LIFE.....

2012-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

In the summer I mentioned that I picked up this chair on the side of the road in this post.

And I was thrilled in this post where I wrote about House and Home showcasing the same fabric I planned to use to reupholster it, but in red.

Here's how the chair makeover went... I started by removing the blue fabric to see what was underneath.

This was the first layer above...weird no foam just this faux sheepskin inside (no wonder it wasn't very comfortable).

Next...

This was about when I decided to use new wood for the seat frame....a little too scary for me.

And I apologize for the lack of photos of the process, I got carried away with doing it and forgot to take pictures. But here's the steps.

1. I had my big box store cut a new piece of sturdy 1/2" plywood the same size as the original piece.
2. Then I cut a 3" thick piece of foam the same size as the board.
3. I used spray adhesive to place the foam on the board. I then covered it with quilt batting to soften the edges. The batting is cut about approximately 4"-5" larger to be able to wrap it around the board and foam and staple it in place.

4. Cut your fabric piece about 6"-8"larger on all sides. If your pattern has a specific center make sure that you decide how you want it to show on the seat front before you cut.

"Measure twice, cut once".

5. Staple once on each of the four sides and ensure the pattern is straight then continue with a few staples on each side, stretching the fabric taut as you go. Continue stapling until all sides are done.
7. Screw newly covered board in place on the chair.
8. I also made a matching throw pillow with a feather insert I had hanging around. It makes the chair a little more comfortable.

Below is the seat and pillow, before I actually had my hubby put the seat in place.

I had originally planned to sand and stain the frame of the seat. But being my usual impatient self, I just went ahead and did the upholstering, figuring that I could always remove the seat easily and stain or paint the frame later. Not to mention, that I was having lots of trouble finding a gray stain that I liked.

TA DAA.....

Now that it's in place I actually don't mind the original finish as it matches the pine baseboards and logs throughout the cottage. So I think it'll stay as it is for the foreseeable future. It really is lovely in my son's room with the blue walls and carpet and they not going to be changed anytime soon. There are far too many other things to do.

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012....HOMEWORK CLUB.....

2012-03-01T18:51:00.004-05:00

This year, when Sonya Kinkade asked a bunch of us to give her a hand to do another Extreme Makeover for Kindness week, we all responded with a resounding "YES!" Especially, seeing as it was for some deserving kids, who were trying to improve their space for doing homework.

Click here to read my previous post on this year's Extreme Makeover.

And the lovely ladies who worked hard to get the space spic and span and all the items in place...(while I was being lazy, having just arrived home from a vacation in the wee hours of that morning).

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

And now the REVEAL....

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

And to top off the day, Sonya received the United Way's Community Builder Award. It was a huge surprise for her! Congratulations Sonya!

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

Photography credit - Danielle Lynn Photography

A big thank you to the many sponsors, volunteers and contributors who donated to this worthwhile cause. Here's the list of the fabulous KIND people who deserve all the credit.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS!

Design Team

Sonya Kinkade (lead Designer) - Sonya Kinkade Design

Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates - MODECOR
Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta decorate
Donna Hargrove - dh designs
Kelly James - Jax Decor & Design
Sarah Kidder - Sarah Kidder Design
Lisa Goulet - Lisa Goulet Design

Contractor

D.E. Kinkade Konstruction Ltd. - all construction, labour and materials

Contributors

Ottawa Valley Kitchens - Built in cabinetry and desk surfaces

Sherwin-Williams Store #8785 - paint

Brent Kelly Painting - painting labour

Barwood Flooring - wood flooring

Marchand Electric - light fixtures

Climate Works - Central air conditioning

Lafarge Canada - red school chairs

Tamarack Developments - Cash donation for room decor

Tag along Toys - school supplies

Smart Space Organizing - office and school supplies

Future Shop - Wall mounted tv

Marc Gagnon - Blu-ray player

Faye Fortune Drapery - all window treatments

Ikea Canada - wall clock and office and storage supplies

Matt Leblanc Abstract art - Custom art piece

Sheila Cane Sample Pencil Art - Custom art piece

Danielle Lynn Photography - All photography of the process and the reveal

Randy Little - chalk board paint

School Furniture of Canada - charitable discount for school chairs

Spotlight Hair Studio & Spa - Ikea side chair

Kristin Berit - Ikea side chair

Tina Klein Walsh - Dictionaries

Posterjack - Canvas wrapped childrens' artwork

BACK TO REALITY & SOME BOARDS....

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back. It was a wonderful vacation, however, I could have done without coming back to a major snowstorm. Apparently, we picked the wrong week to be away....

I was totally thinking of this......

the entire time I was driving, white knuckled, through the snowstorm....sigh....

But I digress, I wanted to say a big thank you to my guest bloggers, Jessica from Arcadian Lighting & Kelly of Jax Does Design for doing a fab job while I was away.

I have a few little tidbits I wanted to share with you, so I'd thought I'd put them together on this post.

First of all, in our other cottage, we put in the wood butcher block counters from Ikea and when my hubby cut out the counter for the double sink, I had him keep the piece and I then used it as a cutting board for seven years. The plan was that the edges would be sanded down, but seven years later, it still had not happened.

Fast forward, to this January, when my parents were visiting the new cottage and my Dad, bless him, saw my cutting board. He asked me how I would like it finished. We decided to do two cutting boards as it was a large piece and kind of awkward.

Of course, in the rush to give it to him, I forgot to take a before picture. But I'm sure you can imagine, it was a roughly cut rectangular piece of wood with very uneven edges.

And here's how it came back to me. First, a simple cutting board with lovely bevelled edges.

And number two, with more lovely bevelled edges, grooves for any juices to be caught in and a raised edge/handle.

My Dad is so talented, I love them! I know I said I'd share a few tidbits but they were making this post far too long. I'll save them for another post really soon.

ICONIC MONDAY....KARIM RASHID'S OTTAWA COLLECTION.....

2012-02-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Being from Ottawa, I was pretty stoked when I saw that Karim Rashid had designed an Ottawa collection for BoConcept.
So for today's Iconic Monday post, I'd thought I'd share some photos of Rashid's new collection.

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The collection consists of a dining table, sideboard, storage unit, dining chairs, lighting and even tableware.

Rashid decided to honour the city where he studied 30 years ago, at Carleton University, in Industrial Design.

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The Ottawa chair above is leaf shaped with a smooth crisp profile.

Such beautiful clean shapes I'm sure they will end up being Iconic designs.

The collection will launch in Toronto on April 4, 2012.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL....

2012-02-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Awhile back, I purchased an old 1960's dresser for my daughter's room. We sanded and painted it for her room. You can read about it here.

It came with a matching mirror, which wasn't right for her room, so in the garage the mirror stayed. I figured I would figure out what to do with it at some point.

Anyways, fast forward to a few months ago and our new cottage purchase. I decided to put it up in the entrance over a dining room buffet that I'm using as a hall console table.

Here's how it originally looked.

It worked but the original wood finish just faded into the log walls. So I decided to paint it (Benjamin Moore - Black Iron).

So much better!

The Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition is being completed today with the reveal scheduled for tomorrow. Stay tuned for the reveal pictures.

And I've linked this post up to Feature Friday Free for All over at Five days Five ways. Click on the link below to add your link or to be inspired.

ICONIC MONDAY....GUEST POST...GEORGE NELSON BUBBLE LAMP...

2012-02-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today's Iconic Monday post is brought to you by my good friend and fellow blogger, Kelly James from Jax Does Design. Thanks so much Kelly for stepping in while I'm away!

The George Nelson Bubble Lamp is probably the most iconic lamp in the history of modern design. Created by George Nelson for Howard Miller in 1947, the Bubble Lamp is still as popular today as it was over half a century ago.

Photo by Douglas Friedman
Image from Douglas Friedman Photographer

The design for Nelson’s bubble lamp was was inspired by a silk covered lamp. When he saw the price tag {a whopping $125), Nelson decided he could make his own lamp for a lot less money – just like any good DIYer :-) And he did! The original Bubble Lamps were made from a self-webbing plastic that was originally used in the military. It was easy to produce, and created durable lamps that were very similar to paper lanterns and gave warm, even light. And priced from $14.75 to $90 when they went on the market in 1952, they were much more affordable than the silk variety.

The Bubble Lamp comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These are a couple of pages from a vintage catalogue circa 1968 (via atomicpear’s photostream on Flickr).

Bubble Lamps have always been made by hand at the Bubble Lamp Factory in rural Michigan. In 2000, Modernica took over production from Howard Miller. But the process is still the same – first, pieces of wire are bent and attached to a ring one at a time. {Images from the Modernica blog}

A completed frame.

Then multiple layers of vinyl are sprayed onto the frame.

And voila, a completed Bubble Lamp!

The completed lamps are hung to dry and cure.

* To read more about how Bubble Lamps are made and to see more pictures, check out the Modernica blog *

Over time, the white vinyl acquires a yellow patina.

Image via The City Sage

Bubble Lamps truly are timeless. Here’s a Saucer Bubble Lamp hanging above the dining table in a 1953 ad for Republic Steel Kitchens:

Image via Mid Century Home Style

And here it is in a dining room today:

Image via Rex Kelly mid century via Plush Palate

A pair of Saucer Bubble Lamps are as much at home in this blue & orange mid century modern bedroom…

Image via retro renovation

…as these Cigar Wall Sconces are in this breezy beach bungalow.

Architect, Glenn Keyes Architects | Designer and home owner, Amelia T. Handegan
Image via Architectural Digest

A Round Bubble Lamp then…

Image via myspace

…and now…

Designer Charles Mellersh Design Studio | Photographer Chris Tubbs
Image via Remodelista

Image via House Beautiful

There’s a really interesting story about the Opdhal Residence, the home of Joyce and Richard Opdhal and this Round Bubble Lamp. {Click here to check it out}

Architects Edward Killingsworth | Photo by Catherine Ledner
Image via dwell

And one last Bubble Lamp in yet another shape:

Homeowners Brian Sevy and Michael Richardson | Designer Michael Richardson | Photographer Ivan Hunter Photography | Image via Style At Home

And if that’s not enough Bubble Lamps for one day, I just finished creating my own version of a bubble light. Head over to JAX does design to check it out!

Thanks to Lisa for having me as a guest poster today. It was a great learning experience for me, because I really didn’t know much about George Nelson Bubble Lamps before. Hope you learned a little something from my post too :-)

SERENE IN LILAC - GUEST POST......

2012-02-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say a big Thank you to Jessica from Arcadian Lighting who is guest blogging for me today. Hope you enjoy her post!

Hello! I'm Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful source for lighting fixtures and interior design inspirations. I'm delighted to be guest posting for Lisa today because I'm going to be sharing some beautiful interiors that incorporate the lovely color lilac. Lilacs are traditionally associated with spring and the thrilling emotions of young love. I think this color adds a fresh, serene quality to any room. Enjoy!

The soft lilac bedframe and gingham and floral pattern on the canopy headboard add a gentle feminine atmosphere to the very opulent, luxurious details throughout this bedroom. I love the framed mirror and candle wall sconce.

Lilac is a wonderful color for a girl's bedroom. The floral wallpaper and long sweeping curtains add a bit of drama and romance, as does the charming window seat.

A mix of lilac furnishings and pillows give this petite living room a serene quality. I love the chic, modern shade on the table lamp.

The gorgeous velevet head and foot board on this sleigh bed is an especially luxurious detail. The pale lilac color of the bed picks up beautifully on the deep purple in the abstract artwork.

In a room full of patterns and textures, the lilac frigidaire in this kitchen stands out as the focal point. I love the mix of shabby chic textiles and furnishings, particularly the wooden bench.

A soft lilac and white color palette will help transform any bathroom into a peaceful retreat. The clawfooted tub and chandelier for a bathroom light aren't bad touches either.

A pair of floral metal scrollworks painted in a silver color makes an unique and interesting headboard in this lovely bedroom. The silver paint reflects the lilac colors from the bedding and fresh bouquet of lilacs. A wonderfully relaxing sanctuary.

Purple and yellow are a perfect color combination because they are complementary colors. The single lilac chair in this office space really sets of the bright yellows in the rest of the room.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Would you go for a completely lilac colored room or do you favor simple lilac details? For more colorful inspirations and a beautiful pendant light or two to transform any room in your home, stop by Arcadian Lighting today!

IDS12....HANDCRAFTED AND COLOUR......

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Next, to talk about from IDS12 is the use of wood and colour for this year.

It wasn't a great shock to see that the handcrafted is still "in" for this year. The more organic the better.

Lighter wood is everywhere and dark stained wood is officially "out". Sorry, to everyone who has dark wood...don't worry though...it'll be back again...at some point.

This rope light above got lots of attention. Very interesting!

And I apologize for showing this tub yet again but it really was one of the most beautiful items in the show. I can't get it out of mind, obviously...

They also had these beautiful sinks done in the same type of hammered finish. Isn't the barrel sink unique?

Now, these ones are about the colour at IDS 12. I really didn't find there was tons of colour but what colour there was, was quite bold. They are saying we will be seeing the 70's colour out this year...so are you ready for NEON? Yikes, definitely not one of my favs.

Here's Jardin de Ville's booth with a beautiful translucent blue floor.

I really liked this cool little fireplace.

I have to include Andrew Richard Designs again, the pink and orange were seen from very far in the hall.

And Rubinet showcased some lovely red shower and sink faucets.

And Alfred Sung's Outdoor set up was gorgeous and sunny in orange or should I say tangerine!

Last but not least, Dee Dee Taylor Eustace's small scale living set was adorable in orange and gray.

Hope you enjoyed this little wrap off of the handcrafted and the colour at IDS12.

BTW - I'm off for a little R and R in sunny Mexico, but not to worry I have a couple of guest posts lined up for you to read while I'm away. Hope you enjoy them!

ICONIC MONDAY...... THE GREEK KLINE....

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

For this week, I thought it would be fun to go way back to the beginning of furniture, well at least what we know of the beginning of furniture.

We really get most of our furniture shapes from the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

The Greeks designed the Klismos chair which I posted about here. And they also had the earliest form of couch or settee, from around the 6th century, B.C.

This one below shows a Grecian table under the kline (couch) together with cushions and pillows.

Source
The one below is a reconstruction of a kline, but it shows how our modern day chaise loungers came about. These pieces were called a Kline from the Greek word Klino (cause to lean). This is also where the word clinic and clinical derived from. It was typically made from wood or bronze and was richly adorned.

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These klines were multipurpose furniture forms. They were used for reclining, for eating in a reclined position and for sleeping. They were fairly tall and required a footstool. Four short legs, sometimes with lion's paw feet, supported a rectangular top. The stool was sometimes replaced by pillows to assist in getting up on the couch.

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As you can see they had softly curved head rests and elegantly covered mattresses.

In noble households, everyday life took place on these pieces of furniture. They would even receive visitors while lying on their side and often ate or wrote while lying.

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This last one is from a marble funeral stele (headstone).

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It shows a man lying on a kline and a hoofed table in front as well, perhaps this was John Dickinson's inspiration for his footed tables?

Here's some more current chaise lounges to dream of.

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There's even one from Ikea to love.

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I have always loved a chaise lounge but I still have not had the pleasure. Which do you have and where is it in your home? Or which would you love and where would you put it?

WOODHAVEN...AN UPDATE.....

2012-02-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

My hubby and I have been very busy working away at our new cottage (named "Woodhaven" by the previous owners).

However, now I actually have some progress to report. I mentioned a few posts back about putting up my Grandfather's ice saw from the days when most people used iceboxes and not refrigerators.

My Dad brought it over to us during the holidays. He had it tucked away in his workroom but he thought it would look great at our log cottage. And he was so right. Thanks Dad!

Here it is in place in our sunroom. (Sorry for the bad exposure, it is very hard to take a picture in this room, the light is very intense during the day and then at night, the lamps do not light up the high ceiling). Santa, I need a better camera.....

My Dad is very happy that his Father's ice saw has found the perfect home.

The sunroom is where I had originally envisioned putting some vintage oars that I had but this is much better. Also, one of the vintage oars mysteriously disappeared during the move ;-( But, I still have some old water skiis that I need to find a home for.

My Father also brought over a sicle that my Grandfather used on his farm and my Grandmother's iron, the kind that you would put on the wood stove to heat up. It makes me very happy to have these items, with my family's history in them.

Do you have items that you display that showcase your family's history?

On an entirely other note, this is my 300th post. Wow, I do have alot to say don't I?

IDS 2012....TEXTURES.....

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd go through the different trends that I saw at IDS12. First up, and one of my favourites, texture.
This will overlap the organic wood and handcrafted trends we are seeing, so please excuse me if you've seen some pictures in my previous post.

**Warning - this is a photo heavy post, and I apologize in advance for saying texture about a million times in this post.

We will start off with the Bylissoni booth.

Crystal, glass, linen, soft flooring, paper, handcrafted wood and stone. It's all in here.

Next up, the Ikea booth. Which was striking in black and white with a pop of lime green.

Soft velvet sofas, textured cotton pillows, green moss, twigs, glass bowls and lacquered and mirrored cabinets. All add up to a entirely tactile space.

The UpCountry space showcased steel, fur, wod, crystal, leather and fabrics.

This union between Uufie & Corian resulted in these futuristic and unbelievably light looking chairs.

This alphabet rug was made from hides cut into letter shapes. Tons of texture, here.

More texture with a hide sofa, salvaged wood and steel table, silver chain chandelier and a lovely floral arrangement.

I showed this picture in my last IDS post and it works for this texture post with the tile, wood vanity, matte sink and twig mirror.

And of course, bedding can be full of texture, just as this one is, with the matelasse throw, embroidery, wood headboard and rustic urn.

This tub had to be one of the most beautiful items in the entire show. I couldn't stop staring at it. It just gleamed. It is hand hammered and is actually made of copper but then nickel plated. So gorgeous!

Saltillo had some beautiful tiles on display, these two in particular caught my eye. The white bubble one just popped off the wall and the leaf imprint had such a textural feel.

The Elte space showcased so much that was lovely, leather (another common theme - the use of skins and leather), wood, metal and of course, a shaggy poof.

More texture with a matte wall, large metal clock, detailed and carved chest, wood bed, linen bedding, worn and faded area rugs, crystals and metal chairs. You just wanted to reach out and touch everything.

Of course, these salvaged tree tables are the utmost in texture that you can see and feel.

Last but not least, Mazen Studios and L'Atelier showcased a soft shag rug, velvet stools, glass table and chandelier in one space. And then in the other, a midcentury modern look with an organic wood coffee table, leather sofa and chair, mirror and chrome.

Everywhere I looked this year there was tons of texture, in many different shapes and forms. Texture definitely makes the room!

PHOTOS - LISA GOULET DESIGN

ICONIC MONDAYS....JOHN DICKINSON'S DESIGNS

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Source - O at Home
Today I'm looking at John Dickinson's iconic designs. Specifically, his tables.

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John Dickinson was born in 1920 and was raised in Berkeley, California. He studied in New York City at the Parson's School of Design before moving to San Francisco in 1956.

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Here's one of his interiors above.

“To me, the dullest room in the world is furnished in nothing but Louis XV or Chippendale or Queen Anne,” he said. “A house should be a very personal composition of things you can’t live without--not a museum." John Dickinson Source

I really love this quote. Something we should all keep in mind when decorating our homes or our client's homes.

His designs were produced in galvanized steel and plaster. He designed both furniture and lamps.

Here's one of his plaster twig lamp.

You can see his domed lamp as well as some of his stools and one of his chairs in this picture.

All photos above via

Some more of his tables -

Footed table

Table with rope tie

Hoofed table

Etruscan table

His galvanized table.

All above photos via

Source via

Etruscan table

Source via

Dickinson's 1970 Plaster lamp and African table.

Here's his 1977 Bone Cigarette Table.

Source via

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This photo above is taken at his famed "Firehouse", which he transformed into a home.

This Firehouse was famously photographed by Fred Lyon for House and Garden. These photos are what John claims put him on the map.

All above photos taken by Fred Lyons. Sourced via

This last picture shows his large domed lamp in the center of the table.

He was also a cat person...just wanted to point that out...I like him even more now!

Source via

Unfortunately, John passed away in 1983, but he left us with some beautifully design furniture to remember him by.

Update - Just saw this image on FB via Damask et Dentelle via Mustard Ceiling and I had to add it. Showing a version of the stools in a modern, rustic setting.

IDS12...EVENTS....

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

The IDS weekend started on Thursday evening with the Kimberley Seldon Business of Design Website launch. It took place at the beautiful Modern Weave store on King Street.

Lovely peeps, wine, appetizers and design talk, what more could a girl want?
Opps, didn't take any pictures here. But trust me it was lovely and those gorgeous carpets were a great backdrop.

Next up, The Party, the opening gala of the Interior Design Show. More wonderful people to meet and mingle with, lovely IDS eye candy and, of course more food and wine.

Up bright and early the next morning (insert whining here), and off to Blogpodium which was a fabulous panel discussion with Kimberley Seldon, Editor and Chief of Dabble Magazine, Kate Moore, Cityline Producer, Margot Austin, Senior Design Editor for House and Home Magazine, Jennifer Flores from Rambling Renovators, moderated by Leigh-Anne Allaire Perrault and hosted by Lindsay Stephenson from Little House Blog.

This is my crappy Iphone camera shot. Jason Hudson took much better photos.

These below are all his.

BlogPodium images by Jason Hudson

It was so very interesting and thought provoking to hear what these lovely ladies had to say about design blogging.

BlogPodium image by Jason Hudson

The Ottawa gang photo even made the Blogpodium website. Did I mention that it was early?

Check out Kelly's post on the details of Blogpodium on Jax does Design. She did a fabulous wrap up of the session.

On Saturday, after a day of shopping, we headed out to the Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup.

It was held at Brassaii.

A look at our jam packed swag bags! They had fabulous sponsors like House and Home Magazine, Ikea, Delta, CIL, Cottonelle, Gluckstein Home and Aya Kitchens,

Here's the Ottawa gang enjoying a few beverages...
Maureen of Modecor Muses, Sonya of Sonya Kinkade Design
Me, Kelly of Jax Does Design, Nicole of Solace Interiors,
and Donna of dh Designs

Gee, I wonder what we did for our photos to make it on both the Blogpodium and Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup websites?

As you can see it was a very well attended event, thanks to the hard work of organizers, Vitania of Verdigris Vie and Daniella of Daniella Marie. Here they are with Glen Peloso!

We got to listen to some fab speakers, including Cameron MacNeil, Senior Design Editor at House and Home.

Lisa Murphy, Online Director at House and Home.

And Coco+Kelley's creator and now editor, Seattle's Cassandra LaValle.

However, what we didn't know was that there was a surprise guest speaker. None other than Brian Gluckstein!

And here's our picture with the famous Brian Gluckstein! And yes, he is just as charming in real life as he is on Cityline.

If you'd like to know about the next Canadian Design Bloggers Meet up (it's happening this May), click on the link.

All in all, a engaging, entertaining, educational and very inspiring weekend! It will certainly take me awhile to absorb it all.

A PARTY AND MAYBE A NEW DISORDER......

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

I just finished throwing a big 50th birthday celebration for my hubby.

As much fun as it was, I get so stressed over everything that isn't perfect in my home. It really needs to be called something, like maybe OPD - Obsessive Perfectionism Disorder.

I ended up totally rearranging every decor item in my home including artwork! Seriously, I am crazy.

Some of the photos I took over the holidays got enlarged and I put them up, which then ended with me moving all my artwork around. The good news is all I bought new was some frames. I resisted going to Home Sense with all my might.

I have to be in the mood to do this total kind of rearranging or under a serious time constraint, which this was. However, I always end up finding a new place for something that I think looks better than where it was before. Here's my redone mantel with a framed photo of mine from the cottage. I apologize for the crappy images, but it is hard to take any mantel photos without a serious glare from the window above. Anyone know how I can fix this?

How about you? Do you go crazy before a big celebration at your home?

IDS 2012....RECAPPED.....

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today I'm going to focus on the design trends and interesting products that I saw at the IDS this past weekend. In order for this not to be a ridiculously long post, I'll be doing a few more IDS posts in the near future, that will specifically deal with these in more depth.

The first thing that I noticed was there was texture everywhere. Here's the By_Lissoni booth.

Lots of organic and items obviously created by human touch.

Wood was a definite feature and the more natural the better.

Colour was also present which was such a welcome sight on a drizzly, cloudy January day.

Small spaces were also showcased in a number of booths.

The industrial trend is going strong and metalwork was a feature.

Lots of brushed brass and soft gold as faucets, on hood fans, hardware. Nice to see the warm metal for a change.

Bathroom design was prominently featured and matte sinks, tubs were a definite trend item (this was also the case at last year's IDS).

Lighting was also showing hand crafted and original pieces.

And finally, tons of overscale pieces, from furniture to floral designs. This huge floral piece was displayed in Nord South Interiors' space.

BTW
Kelly of Jax Does Design, Sonya Kinkade Design, Nicole of Solace Interiors and Maureen at Modecor Muses all have their posts up today as well.
And we were lucky to be featured on House and Home's blog post all about the Design Bloggers Meetup.

That's enough inspiration for today. Stay tuned for more posts coming up...

ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY ME!

ICONIC MONDAYS......JAMAICA BAR STOOL

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today's Iconic Monday's post is the Jamaica Bar Stool.

The Jamaica stool is available in bar (32") and counter (28.25") stool heights.

It's a great little stool if you are looking for a modern bar or counter height stool.

via Houzz - modern bar stools and counter stools design by dwr.com

It was originally designed by Pepe Cortes, in 1991, for the Big Ben discotheque. Since then it has adapted and moved into many homes.

via Houzz - design by seattle architect BAAN design

It has a classic tractor seat, but it's polished and together with its chrome plated tubular structure, gives it a futuristic look. Old and new merges in this design, which has allowed it to stand the test of time.

via Houzz - design by austin architect Webber + Studio, Architects

This cute little low stool is the Cortes Jamaica Low Stool by Knoll, it swivels and rolls on casters.

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Source: google.ca via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: buckboardhill.typepad.com via Lisa on Pinterest

So do you have a place where you'd like to use these?

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TOP TRENDS FOR 2012......

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am a little behind in talking about the top trends of 2012 but better late than never. These are some of the ones that House and Home recently announced.

Feminine details such as oversized chintz and floral fabrics;

Source: houseandhome.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: homebunch.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Watercolour wallpaper

Source: thefabulousdesignfile.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Center door knobs and in gold of course!

Source: thedeskofannie.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Camel back sofas are back (which is wonderful for me as I've had mine since 1990 ;-). This is part of the formality trend for 2012.

Source: google.ca via Lisa on Pinterest

Imperfection, specifically handmade objects that showcase their originality.

Source: fromzurichwithlove.com via Design Scout on Pinterest

Linen remains but now it's rumpled and dyed in rich colours such as indigo and purple. It's showing up in bedding.

via - Canadian House and Home

Traditional forms of art are back in style, such as sculpture, paintings. Great news for artists.

Source - Canadian House & Home website

Also using foundry as art. I actually just did this at my cottage, by putting my Grandfather's ice saw from the early 1900's on the wall. I'll be posting pictures soon.

And gold metal is officially back.

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: worldmarket.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Move over Mad Men, the 70's will be hot this year. Be prepared for large plants and overscaled patterns.

Source: elledecor.com via Lisa on Pinterest

So what trend will you be visiting this year?

House of Fifty's new issue is out - click on the photo to read. Happy Weekend!

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012

2012-01-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

This year for Ottawa's Kindness Week - we will be doing a makeover of the Homework Club at the Foster Farm Family House in west end Ottawa.

This initiative is headed by the United Way and the Yummy Mummy Club. Sonya Kinkade is the lead designer, again this year and another 7 Ottawa area designers (including me) are helping her out. Click here to see what we did last year.

From left to right

Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates – Modecor
Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta decorate!
Donna Hargrove - DH Designs
Kelly James- Jax décor & design
Sonya Kinkade – Sonya Kinkade Design
Lisa Goulet – Lisa Goulet Design

Joining the EMKE team this year is Sarah Kidder of Sarah Kidder Design (not shown in the above photo).

We had such a wonderful slate of volunteers and donations last year and this year is proving to be even more fruitful.

Our returning sponsors -
D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD., who generously supplied both labour and materials last year has signed up again this year. Danielle Lynn Photography has also agreed to do all the photography again, and Matt LeBlanc is donating another beautiful original painting.

This year we also have the following companies and individuals who are showing what Kindness Week is all about -

Sherwin-Williams Paints, Orleans, Ontario is providing all the paint and paint supplies.
Ottawa Valley Kitchens is providing custom-made cabinetry and work surfaces.
Tag Along Toys is donating an Intelliglobe and other educational materials.
Canvas Pop is donating some custom canvas art pieces.
Marchand Electric is donating all the lighting for the space.
Faye Fortune Drapery Design is donating the window blinds.
Tamarack Homes has made a generous donation.

Thank you so much everyone!

The Homework Club is used by school aged children to study and receive help with their homework. The Club is a work room and computer room that runs from 5:30-7:30 three times a week, with approximately 30 children using the facility. It is staffed by patient individuals, who can speak four languages. Snack time is provided through the Ottawa Food Bank. Anything that will help children succeed, is a wonderful thing in my book.

If you would like to be a sponsor for this year's Makeover please contact one of the designers mentioned above.

ICONIC MONDAY POSTPONED............

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Iconic Mondays post is postponed today in honour of IDS 12 and all the soon to be iconic designs showcased there.

I'll be off to the IDS 12 show in Toronto, later this week. I am so excited. I go up with a group of interior designers from Ottawa and we make it a great girls' weekend as well.

The Interior Design Show has so much eye candy and information it can be a tad overwhelming but so worthwhile for anyone in the business of design.

Our weekend starts with the Business of Design Launch and IDS Tweet up with Kimberley Seldon on Thursday afternoon. This promises to be a fun and informative session talking all about the Business of Design.

Then it's off to The Party.

“Fifty caterers and beverage suppliers, 4 DJ's, a dozen dancers and performers, over 20 sponsors, 300 exhibitors and 5000 guests. It truly takes an industry to make a party."

Shauna Levy, Co-founder and Vice President of The Interior Design Show

Celebrate design and preview the 14th annual Interior Design Show IDS 12 at an event so spectacular it can only be called THE PARTY. Presented by The Globe and Mail, Dekla and Scavolini, THE PARTY brings together an explosion of music, fashion, cuisine and art on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 7PM – 11PM. With plenty of surprises, this is one party you won’t want to miss.

During this evening you get to smooze with the who's who of design. And there is always something to see, drink, eat or listen to.

Next morning, with very little sleep, we are off to IDS 2012 BlogPodium: BLOGS + MEDIA. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Then we spend the rest of Friday, along with thousands of others, taking in Trade Day at the IDS 12. Here's a video showing some of the loveliness.

Saturday promises to be a day of shopping, lunching and fun and then Saturday evening we are attending the Canadian Designers Blog Meet Up. It will be so nice to actually meet some of the bloggers I have become friends with over the web.

Sunday will probably hold more shopping and lunching and then it'll be time to head home ;-(

I'm looking so forward to a weekend full of design, inspiration, networking, dining out, dressing up and of course lots of wine and laughter.

Stay tuned, I'll be posting a ton of pictures in the next while.

GARAGE DOORS AND A LITTLE JEALOUSY........

2012-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

I went by my old home a few weeks ago and was thrilled and a little jealous to see they had installed new garage doors. That was something I had wanted to do, but at the time the old doors were perfectly good and there was no budget for frivolous purchases....boo....

Anyways, after seeing the nice ones they added, I thought I'd take a peek at the many different styles that are available now.

LISA GOULET DESIGN

BREATHING NEW LIFE.....

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012....HOMEWORK CLUB.....

BACK TO REALITY & SOME BOARDS....

ICONIC MONDAY....KARIM RASHID'S OTTAWA COLLECTION.....

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL....

ICONIC MONDAY....GUEST POST...GEORGE NELSON BUBBLE LAMP...

SERENE IN LILAC - GUEST POST......

IDS12....HANDCRAFTED AND COLOUR......

ICONIC MONDAY...... THE GREEK KLINE....

WOODHAVEN...AN UPDATE.....

IDS 2012....TEXTURES.....

ICONIC MONDAYS....JOHN DICKINSON'S DESIGNS

IDS12...EVENTS....

A PARTY AND MAYBE A NEW DISORDER......

IDS 2012....RECAPPED.....

ICONIC MONDAYS......JAMAICA BAR STOOL

TOP TRENDS FOR 2012......

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012

ICONIC MONDAY POSTPONED............

GARAGE DOORS AND A LITTLE JEALOUSY........

ICONIC MONDAYS.....THE SPUTNIK LIGHT....

BRIEF HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN......

BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS......

ICONIC MONDAYS....THE CHESTERFIELD SOFA.....

WINTER SCENES.....

ICONIC MONDAYS...THE TOLEDO STOOL.....

VINTAGE WOODEN CRATES........

MERRY CHRISTMAS........

A FEW CHRISTMAS IDEAS AND A PILLOW.....

ICONIC MONDAYS.. HISTORY OF HOLIDAY EVERGREENS.....

RED, GOLD AND CHARTREUSE AND A WINNER......

HOLIDAY DECOR..............

EVERGREEN INSPIRATION...........