Mr.

Father's day is just around the corner so I thought I would put together some great pieces for the home to suit the male personality & then a little something from the professionals. Enjoy!

Two Toronto designers transform their century-old townhouse into a stylish masculine retreat.

Malcolm Patterson and Rodney Smith know a thing or two about style. As design afficionados who work with private clients, dress windows for top retailers and contribute their expertise to TV shows (you can see Malcolm's work on HGTV's Pure Design, hosted by Style at Home contributing design editor Samantha Pynn), these guys have the inside scoop on where to shop and how to pull it all together. They've embraced their own open-concept small space and created a mood of high style while maintaining the comforts of home. Carefully pairing luxe elements with some real deals from the local antique market brings an eclectic feel to their space.

Everyone needs a chair when putting on boots or shoes. Malcolm and Rodney were drawn to the humour in this artwork. Viewed up close, the oversize piece is pointilistic; it's only when you stand back that the image reveals itself.

Graphic lines and strong accents give a small space big presence. The vintage chair was an antique-market find. It took homeowners Rodney and Malcolm about 5 years to find the right fabric to re-cover it.

The cabinetry blends into the exposed brick, making the space look less like a kitchen and more like an entertaining hot spot that flows with the rest of the home. "The mirror just ended up there when we moved in," says Rodney. But it tricks the eye by visually expanding the small space.

Create balanced tension with a mix of soft and hard lines. For sculptural interest, the oval table is paired with the iconic Cord Chair, designed by Canadian Jacques Guillon in 1953. Custom drapery and layered rugs add comfort and warmth.

"Our bathroom is so big you could park a Mini in it!" says Malcolm. The vanity, a repurposed stereo cabinet found at an antique sale, provides storage and is a great conversation piece. Sculptural sago palms make a style statement.

Dark enveloping walls -- perfect for cocooning in a basement -- and oversize lamps frame the teak bed, topped with a blue Hermes throw for a luxe touch. Glowing cubes add form and function: they're both bedside tables and lighting.

Rodney Smith (left) and Malcolm Patterson share their small space secrets.

Style at Home: What's your design philosophy?

Malcolm Never compromise; keep hunting until you find the perfect item. Stick with classic, timeless looks.

S@H: How do you set the mood?

Malcolm We make sure our home feels calm, warm and inviting. We insist on putting dimmer switches on everything.

S@H: How do you maximize space when entertaining?

Rodney We use the kitchen island as a bar, which frees up the dining table for eating. If we have more than six people over, the dining table becomes the hors d'oeuvres table. The trick is keeping the flow going.

S@H: What do you tell clients who live in a small space?

Malcolm You don't need to buy small things. A larger sofa will carry your eye farther, giving the illusion of a bigger space. The same goes for drapery. Don't just cover the window -- do the entire wall.

http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/small-space-interior-masculine-chic/a/29968/8

http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/furnishings/marble-coffee-table-match-off/

http://interiorshowoff.com/2011/05/unique-design-elegant-curving-leather-chair-by-verpan/ib_s_basic_copyright-2/

http://wuoohniture.com/classic-brown-leather-plywood-lounge-christmas-single-chair-design/modern-classic-single-chair-sleeper-design

http://dornob.com/cutting-rugs-creatively-shaped-area-carpet-designs/?ref=search

http://www.amara.co.uk/blog/top-valentines-gifts-for-him/

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?start=153&um=1&hl=en&biw=1163&bih=650&tbm=isch&tbnid=M0WWaA8ZJzuMDM:&imgrefurl=http://www.buy.com/th/sofa-sectional-set.html&imgurl=http://ak.buy.com/PI/0/1000/233880999.jpg&w=1000&h=1000&ei=muo7UJicGMiUiAepy4HwBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=117&vpy=314&dur=751&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=128&ty=165&sig=114518638122943269562&page=8&tbnh=139&tbnw=139&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:153,i:247

http://www.likecool.com/cate-Home-53.html

Mr Bazaar

I have been waiting a little while now to share these creative colours with you. The blog Bright Bazaar is captioned, "because beige is boring", and although I do love the blacks and whites the colours "Mr.Bazaar aka, Will" features in his blog are really enjoyable.

The 2 articles below are taken directly from Mr.Bazaar's blog.

He also manages to style IKEA furniture perfectly! Have a look at the second post for proof!

Aura Summer Bedding Collection

Being based in Australia means that Auru Home's seasonal homeware collections work on the opposite cycle to us Brits, but thankfully due to the overlap we are still able to enjoy their offerings. A case in point is the brand's summer collection which is released this month. A fresh and zesty collection of bedding designs, the summer range is a sure fire favourite for Mr. Bazaar. How pretty is the combination of block turquoise with the orange peony print duvet cover?! You wouldn't have to ask me twice about introducing these designs into my bedroom. Also, the lifestyle shots are beautifully styled, don't you think?

Monday, 2 July 2012

Instant Update: Bemz IKEA Furniture Covers

Since I graduated from university I've furnished the majority of my apartments with IKEA furniture. Granted, I like to save up and buy a few investment pieces into include in the mix (namely my Decker bookcase from Anthropologie) but the majority of my furniture is from the Swedish brand. As a renter it makes sense: the pieces are easy to move and often offer space-saving solutions. However, the real benefit that comes with IKEA pieces is the opportunity to personalise them, whether it be with paint, hardware or upholstery. One example of the latter is Bemz who offer a range of upholstery and fabric options for IKEA furniture. The shots here alone show how one can personalise their space with fabric updates in a variety of different styles. Gravitate towards a country style? The relaxed fit linen covers from Designers Guild are ideal for you. Or, perhaps you're more preppy in your approach? The fitted Stockholm Stripe in Candy Pink fits the bill perfectly. Do you own any IKEA pieces and would you update your pieces with Bemz upholstery?