by Michelle on August 26, 2010
Seems that I have a whole lot of bunk on the brain lately. Last week, I posted about these Murphy bunk beds, raving about their clever design. But even those beds couldn’t solve the problem that anyone who has ever tucked in on a top bunk has surely experienced: What to do with your book after you’re finished reading for the night. Drop it to the floor? That would alarm the person on the bottom bunk. Stash it under the covers? Paper cut risk too high, among other hazards. Sew up a nifty pocket that hangs on the guardrail? Now you’re talking!
This project is dead easy, even for people who aren’t much for sewing. I also love the way you can customize it to suit any decor simply by selecting the right fabric. (I’m nursing a slight obsession with mattress ticking at the moment, so that would be my choice.) Many thanks to Betz White over at craftzine for the idea. Head on over for detailed instructions.
And while I’m at it, I thought I’d share with you another project by a loyal Cottage Style reader. Thanks to Kathryn Fallis for sending in some shots of the bunk beds her husband, Fred, made from fallen pine beetle wood near their BC cottage. Way to go, and thanks for sharing!
Posted in Accessories, Cleaning and Organizing
by Michelle on August 25, 2010
In our October 2010 issue, due to hit newsstands next week, we’re featuring a gorgeous old cottage in Muskoka, owned by Toronto couple Viki Mansell and Kevin Keeley. Viki is the stylish eye behind beloved antique and home decor shop Absolutely. If you’ve ever visited her shop, you’re familiar with her amazing ability to mix traditional and modern styles, and her clever way of making even the most everyday object look like a piece of art. Her cottage, a former lodge, is a showcase of these skills and is clearly a labour of love. The couple bought the place when it was in near-derelict condition, fixed it up using lots of elbow grease and white paint, and over the years have done most of the maintenance themselves, not to mention nurturing a beautiful garden.
I’ll keep most of the details under my hat for the moment so as not to steal from the story. But I’m delighted to share with you this sneak peak of photos that didn’t make it into the pages of the magazine (choosing which shots to feature was no easy task). I’ll also be posting more outtakes from the shoot in the coming weeks. Looking forward to hearing what you think!
(All photos by Stacey Brandford)
See them here!
Posted in Cottage Tours
by Michelle on August 23, 2010
Morning all! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend. I took this one off from cottaging and instead focused on getting some things done around the house. Hello Home Depot and Ikea! Here’s a hot tip: Don’t attempt a trip to Ikea two Saturdays before university and college students return to class. Seems like there will be lots of Swedish influence in the dorms this fall!
But all was not lost. Rich and I did manage to make a major furnishing decision and bought a gorgeous dining room table made out of reclaimed wood. I am in total love and am counting the days until it is delivered next week. I’ll be sure to share some photos of it once it is installed.
Speaking of sharing photos, have I mentioned lately how much I love it when you share yours of projects you’ve got underway at the cottage? Gold stars to faithful reader Debb for sending not one, but two projects my way last week. The first is not only functionally brilliant but brilliantly artistic too. Check it out:
[click to read the full post]
Posted in Artwork, gardening
by Michelle on August 20, 2010
Thanks once more to Cottage Life’s art director, Kim Zagar, for pointing me in the direction of another amazingly creative talent, furniture designer Patricia Urquiola. Spanish-born designer Urquiola is now based in Milan, Italy, and has a wide line of indoor and outdoor furnishings. Her stuff is very expensive, likely far out reach for most cottagers, but on this sunny Friday I thought it would be safe to dream (about winning the lottery!), and maybe gain some inspiration from a mind like hers. Enjoy the eye candy, and enjoy your weekends!
See more of her designs here
Posted in Furniture
