Alberta Ballet Home and Garden Tour 2010

Photo courtesy of the Alberta Ballet.

Every June, a variety of spectacular Calgary homes are featured on the prestigious Alberta Ballet Home and Garden Tour. The home tour is a fantastic way for Calgarian design enthusiasts to get an inside glimpse into some of the most innovative, creative and beautiful homes in the city. If you are thinking of building or renovating a home or kitchen, this event can’t be missed. Ticket proceeds go toward funding the Alberta Ballet which is an innovative and incredible group of dancers.  The tour opens to the public on Saturday June 26th and Sunday June 27th.

Photo courtesy of John Bilodeau Photography. Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design. Floral arrangement by Anne Paterson’s Flowers.

I am excited to tell you that this year, my own home will be a part of the tour! I promise to feature more photos of my home soon, but for now this photo will have to tempt you! It is a great honor to be involved and I am especially excited to open my home to the public and to support the Alberta Ballet. I must admit, I am incredibly nervous and have been very busy finishing up all the decorating and renovations. My house has been a whirlwind of activity!

Here is how the Ballet has described my home in their brochure:

“Designer’s Delight – Altadore

Definitely a show stopper, this classically elegant inner-city home designed by Corea Sotropa sparkles with a little bit of glamour.”

Talk about having a lot to live up to! All of us at Corea Sotropa Interior Design are working hard to get my house in ship shape for this tour. Tickets are available on the Alberta Ballet’s website. Please come out to this great event and support our local arts!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Modern Furniture That Works Anywhere

Many clients are afraid to incorporate modern furniture styles in their homes if they tend toward a more traditional style of decorating. However, many pieces of modern furniture are so well designed that they have a transitional appeal, meaning they can be mixed with other styles seamlessly. I have been known to mix contemporary furniture with antiques in the same room, and I like the contrast between different styles of furniture. It keeps your rooms unique and unexpected. Here are some classic furniture pieces that we will often incorporate into our Calgary interior design projects. You may have seen these pieces before in design magazines because they are favorites of many designers. Here are some ideas of how to incorporate them into your home and where to find them in Calgary.

 Photo courtesy of Coco Cozy

The Saarinen Tulip table is available in several sizes and finish options, but my favorite has the round marble top. The base is simple and sleek and doesn’t compete with an ornate chair. Kit Interior Objects carries this piece of furniture.

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

This is my own kitchen dining table. I paired my marble Saarinen table with chinoiserie-style black lacquer dining chairs from Maria Tomas. Since the base of this table is so simple the decorative chairs do not compete with it.

Photo courtesy of Nibs Blog

The writer of Nibs Blog did a lovely post featuring several different rooms with the Saarinen table. This room took my breath away. I like the idea of using it in a library space.

Photo courtesy of Nibs Blog

This table looks perfectly at home surrounded by these antique wood dining chairs. What a lovely dining room!

Photos courtesy of Sunset Magazine via the blog Material Girls

Here it is sporting a dark wood top. Again, it works really well with modern pieces like the chairs and traditional décor. Check out those candelabra on the fireplace!

The Phillipe Starck Ghost Chair has become an iconic piece of furniture. It is available through Kit Interior Objects in Calgary and works wonderfully as a dining chair, accent chair or desk chair. The modern take on this traditional style is a huge hit with designers because of its classic shape, clear finish and versatility.

Interior Design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

In this teenaged-girl’s bedroom, we used the Ghost Chair at our client’s homework desk. It’s fun and since it is clear, it’s not bulky in a small space.

Photo courtesy of  My Lavender Fields

The chair works really well in this sophisticated study too. It disappears so that the interesting bookcases become the focal point.

Photo courtesy of Decorpad

In this dining area, the Ghost is paired with other clear acrylic chairs. I love the modern farmhouse look this designer has created.

Photo courtesy of Nori Studios

I never thought to use the chair outdoors until I saw this lovely dining area!

Photo courtesy of Herman Miller

I would be shocked if you weren’t familiar with the Eames Lounge and Ottoman. This beautiful example of craftsmanship was designed in the 50’s by Ray and Charles Eames and is arguably one of the most recognized pieces of furniture ever built. In Calgary, you can order this chair from Contemporary Office Interiors (COI).

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

In my own home, I used an Eames Lounge and Ottoman in my family room. I chose the walnut wood finish and a camel-colored leather. It sits atop a vegetable dyed traditional area rug and is a favorite place to sit with my son when we are reading a book.

Unknown Source

I haven’t seen it upholstered like this before! Usually it is covered in leather but the plaid is a fresh approach and I like its novelty.

Photo courtesy of Smart Furniture

This piece has a masculine feel, and is right at home in this study. The Eames Lounge is a terrific choice in an Arts and Crafts home because the attention to detailing suits the Craftsman aesthetic. It also would look marvelous in a more rustic home with its molded plywood frame and leather seat complimenting the architectural style.

Photo courtesy of In Design

Upholstered in white leather, this chair has a lighter, more feminine feel. It’s a perfect choice for a reading area because of its comfort. It’s also great if you have a wonderful view and want a swiveling chair. Hands down, this is the best looking swivel chair out there!

Child-sized Eames replica by Little Nest

This child-sized replica is not yet available in Canada to my knowledge, but I am hoping it will be soon! How adorable!

These iconic pieces of furniture have a timeless appeal, and are built to last if you buy an original. Of course there are stores in town like Nood, which carry less expensive knock-offs, but I am a huge aficionado of the real McCoy. They are built better and last longer. Plus, they will retain some of their value. As the above images illustrate, these pieces of furniture can work in many different styles of home. Their classic lines, interesting design, flexibility and craftsmanship make them favorites in the furniture industry. Have some fun and don’t be afraid to add some modern furniture into the mix!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Flowers on Friday – Lilacs

Photo courtesy of Fotobank

One of the greatest luxuries in life is having fresh flowers in your home. There is nothing quite like the color, texture and aroma that a lovely arrangement brings to your interior. I have decided that every Friday I am going to indulge myself and pick up a bouquet to enjoy over the weekend. Each Friday I will showcase the arrangement that will inspire my flowers on the blog. My hope is that these posts will encourage you to do the same and treat yourself once in a while to the luxury of fresh cut flowers. This week it’s luscious lilacs in shades of pink, lavender and white. I’m hoping that I can snip some blooms from an obliging neighborhood shrub!

Cheers,

Jacqueline

Kitchen Island Lighting

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Having an island in your kitchen is wonderful for a number of reasons. One of my favorite things about an island is that it provides an opportunity to showcase a statement light fixture above it. Of course, having ample light over your island is crucial, but the fixture should be something special, and complement the lighting over your dining table if it is nearby. Here are some of my favorite looks for island light fixtures.

Interior Design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

The first and second photographs are from two of our Calgary kitchen renovation projects.

Both use the same light fixture from the Pelham collection from Hudson Valley Lighting which is available in Calgary from Robinson’s Lighting and Bath Center.  This is a favorite light fixture because it works in both contemporary and traditional kitchens. It provides great task lighting and is timeless in style.

Photo courtesy of Décorpad. Photography by Brandon Barre Photography

Small chandeliers hung over your island can be absolutely charming. In the above photograph, the sparkly chandeliers are a dramatic contrast to the contemporary kitchen and commercial-style appliances. The juxtaposition really highlights how pretty these fixtures are. I think this mix is really interesting!

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

In this French country-inspired kitchen renovation that we completed last year, we used three wrought iron mini chandeliers from Jeremiah Lighting and purchased them through Cartwright Lighting. We chose more traditional chandeliers to complement the style of this kitchen.

Interior design by Gluckstein Design

Altar Light by Holly Hunt

The Altar Light by Holly Hunt is absolutely extraordinary over an island. This design has influenced many other lighting companies to come up with their own similar versions of the candle-like light fixture. One note of caution – this fixture is mainly for mood lighting, although there are two puck lights that shine down on the work surface. If you are going to use a fixture like this one, make sure there are other alternative light sources over your island.

Interior design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Hurricane light fixtures like this one are an elegant statement in a traditional kitchen and work especially well if you have a chandelier over an adjacent dining table. They throw a lot of light and are enduring in style. Our client found these light fixtures at an antique shop, and we had them rewired to suit modern standards, but many companies make hurricanes similar to these.

Photo courtesy of Costal Living

This is totally adorable! I love the spunky print, over-scaled size of the light shade and the introduction of a zippy pattern. It’s this shade that brings personality into this kitchen. A simple shade can be re-made very easily using a pretty colored silk or patterned fabric.

Hanging interesting light fixtures over your kitchen island will further enhance it as the focal point in your room. Step outside your comfort zone and choose one that makes a statement when you are selecting the lighting for your kitchen. Think not only about how much illumination the fixture will provide, but also how it will enhance the design of your kitchen.

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Built-In Bunk Beds

Every time my 3-year-old sees a bunk bed, he asks if he can have one in his room. He currently sleeps in an incredible antique Beidermier burled walnut bed that I got at auction. It is elegant and handsome and I keep telling him it kinda looks like a pirate ship, but he’s not buying it. I won’t be replacing his current bed for a bunk style, but we are considering purchasing a vacation property, and I will get him a bunk bed there. Bunks are perfect for vacation homes and I am especially fond of the kind that are built-in. Here are some images of bunk beds that I am keeping to inspire me when we get around to buying our recreational property.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

In Calgary, many of our clients have recreational properties in Canmore, Invermere or Panorama that we design for them. The look in this photograph is typical for the rustic, western mountain theme that is requested in these ski resort areas. This bunk bed is not built-in but a millworker or cabinet-maker could construct a customized version with some drawings from your interior designer.

 Photo courtesy of safe kids loft beds. 

A lot of built-in bunks have a Marine theme and it works nicely for children’s rooms. I love the porthole between the two lower bunks, and the wood treads of the ladder. However, I would have added side rails on this model just to be safe.

Photo courtesy of Your Design Style and Traditional Home Magazine

This is a very sophisticated version with artwork and reading lights with shades. The ladder is recessed in between the columns of beds, and I like how it is set back and out-of-the-way.

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor via Dwell in Beauty

This bunk is perfect for a modern little princess. I really like the crisp white finish and the drawers below. Bunks are a wonderful solutions for small bedrooms.

Photo courtesy of Cottage Home via My Home Ideas

These bunks are built-in but float against the wall so that the window is not obstructed. These are simple and fun and could be decorated in any color or theme.

Photo courtesy of This Old House

Here’s another example of a nautical inspired bunk bed with some very clever storage. The steps up are drawers and there is a cubby on the lower bunk for books and bedside items. I also like how the lower bed is actually a double.

Photo via Laura Casey Interiors

This example has a beautiful tapered shape and really celebrates nautical design. Very handsome.

Photo courtesy of Oh Dee Doh

For a modern bedroom, this style would work well. It has clean lines and a hip vibe. Something like this would work for a house in Palm Springs – which is where we are thinking of buying and where many of our clients have getaway property.

Photo courtesy of Oh Dee Doh

The curtains are fun and add privacy on this built-in bunk. Imagine lots of kids playing peek-a-boo behind them!

Kid’s love bunks and they are great for sleepovers. They are perfect for holiday homes where one room can accommodate all the children or an entire family. I like the built-in variety because they are interesting architecturally and unique details can be incorporated. When planning and designing your vacation home or children’s room, think about using bunk beds. Your kids will love you for it!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

The Patina and Colors of Tuscan Architecture

On my recent trip to Italy I was completely inspired by the weathered villas and homes I visited on my journey. I snapped so many photographs, trying to capture the vibrant colors and texture of peeling paint, concrete urns and balusters, roof tiles, windows and doors. Italians are not afraid to use vibrant and unusual color combinations on their exteriors. Hues like rusty orange, saffron yellow and brick-red are common for the plaster walls and turquoise, hunter green and cobalt blue are used on shutters and doors. Peeling paint that exposes layers below did not seem to be frowned upon, the way it would here in Calgary. Those exposed layers and sun bleached stucco facades were beautiful just they way they were and I admired how the textures and colors blended and contrasted with each other. I loved how the architecture in Tuscany celebrated not only form, but color and texture as well. Here are a few of the photographs that I snapped to try to capture the spirit of the patina which inspired me so much.

Roof Tiles in Siena

Facade of Villa San Michele in Fiesole

Gardens of Villa San Michele

Building in Cinque Terre

Building in Siena

Vernazza in Cinque Terre

Montrosso in Cinque Terre

Pretty balconies and green facade in Cinque Terre

Laundry hanging from an apartment in Monteriggioni

Vernazza in Cinque Terre

Turquoise door in Florence

Fattoria Maionchi in the hills above Lucca

 Garden at Fattoria Maionchi

Traditional Tuscan garden at Fattoria Maionchi

*All Photographs by Jacqueline Corea

Unfortunately, I don’t think that these color combinations and the patina of cracking stucco would work very well on buildings here in Calgary. It’s my opinion that architecture should be somewhat of a reflection of the environment. Since Calgary is such a young city, these ancient finishes would probably be out-of-place, or perhaps even make a building look abandoned and decrepit! However, it is completely charming in Tuscany and helps to tell the story of a building’s history. Viewing these patinas and colors reminded me about the importance of texture, contrast and hue in our interiors. Who knows, maybe in another few hundred years our Calgary renovations will patina as gracefully as these homes have!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

White Marble Kitchen Countertops

Photo courtesy of Kitchen and Bath Ideas

I am often asked questions about marble countertops in the kitchen, specifically about the durability of them when I am working with clients on their kitchen design. The fact of the matter is that they are more porous then granite, softer and stain more easily. But….they are gorgeous! Every decision that you make when you are considering a material for your home will have it’s pros and cons. Marble will stain- so if you want perfection then don’t use it. But it is so rich looking, light and bright, and has interesting veining patterns that are so exquisite that I think it is worth the trouble. Besides, perfection is boring anyway! What ever happened to patina – getting better with age and showing some character? Here are some amazing kitchens with marble counters for you to drool over – including my own kitchen!

Photo via Kitchen and Bath Ideas

This is the sink area from the same kitchen as the first image. It looks like carrara marble was used for this countertop, backsplash and sink. The warm dove gray cabinets, brushed nickel hardware are an incredible combination. this kitchen is elegant, rich and unique. I love that sink!!

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Bianco Carrara is one of the most popular choices for kitchen counters. It is bright white with blue-grey veins. Carrara is readily available and one of the less expensive marble choices. Also, Carrara tiles come is a huge variety of shapes and sizes, so if you want to pair your countertop with a matching tile backsplash this is a great option.

Photo courtesy of Icon Stone and Tile

Calacata marble is a little bit warmer in tone then the carrara. It is bright white but the veining is gray and beige so the overall effect is softer. It has distinct veining patterns that move across the slab. It’s also important to note that marble is available in a polished, shiny finish or a honed, matte finish. The polished finish is more stain resistant then the honed. However, the polished finish is more likely to etch then the honed if acidic products are left on the counter, like lemon juice. Marble cleans easily with a mild soap and water mixture.

Photo via Kitchen and Bath Ideas

The backsplash in this kitchen is finished with a slab of marble like the countertops. The look is simple and since there are some other important elements like the tin ceiling and checkerboard floor it makes sense to keep the backsplash simple. The Wolfe 48″ range looks great in here too.

Photo courtesy of Kitchen and Bath Ideas

A marble backsplash was also used in this kitchen to complement the marble countertops, but instead of a slab, tiny subway tiles were used. This creates an interesting texture, and is also less expensive then a solid slab. The open shelves have also been clad in marble. Notice the island countertop is a different, darker stone material in this kitchen. This is something to consider if you want to have counters that will be more stain-resistant in another area of your kitchen.

Kitchen design by de Guilio Kitchen Design

Here is another great example of using marble in just a small quantity in your kitchen. This furniture style island has a beautiful slab of marble with an ogee edge that makes the unit look like an antique credenza. The rest of the countertops are a darker color with a really simple square edge. This treatment makes the island stand apart making it the feature.

Kitchen design by Christopher Peacock Cabinetry photo via Home Porfolio

This kitchen was in an ad for Christopher Peacock Cabinets and has been in all the design magazines. Again, the marble countertop is only used in a small quantity around the perimeter of the cabinets and as a backsplash detail. The light cabinets and counters are a dramatic contrast to the rich wood floors, island top and stools.

Photo courtesy of Kitchen and Bath Ideas

There are many options when it comes to countertop edge profiles. This countertop has an ogee edge detail which makes it feel more traditional and furniture-like. A contemporary kitchen would look better with an extra thick, simple squared off profile.

Photo courtesy of Kitchen and Bath Ideas

Marble countertops can work in contemporary kitchens too. I love the interesting furniture style islands in this kitchen. The white marble tops are such a nice contrast to the rich, dark stain on the lower cabinets and island detail making this room feel crisp.

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home Magazine

This sleek, contemporary kitchen has marble counters and a backsplash that pop against the dark Macassar ebony cabinets. It’s a dramatic combination and shows that marble can also be paired with wood cabinetry.

Kitchen design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Just to prove that I practice what I preach, I recently installed lovely honed Calacata marble counters in my own brand new kitchen. Wrapping the marble over the edge of the island really highlights the veining in this slab and Icon Stone and Tile did an incredible job of matching up the pattern so that the vein just rolls over the edge. The honed finish is soft, and irresistable to touch! It does stain but I like the character. It reminds me of antique marble counters in Europe.

Kitchen design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

One of my favorite details in my kitchen is the hidden spice racks on either side of my range. I had my wall built out so that I could squeeze in 4″ deep shelves that are concealed by sliding marble panels that match the countertops. The panels slide across behind the range to reveal the spice shelves.

I absolutely adore my white marble kitchen countertops! Marble is such a lovely surface to prepare food on, and personally, I think the patina that marble gets with age and use adds to its appeal. Generally, I find that when we are working with clients on their Calgary kitchen or home renovations they are attracted to the look of marble but afraid to use it. Marble does require more careful attention then granite, but its worth the effort. I think the above stunning kitchen photos prove that point!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Family Friendly Living Room

We have some absolutely terrific clients. We really do get to work with some amazing people. The living room concept that I am going to share here with you is for a family that we have worked with several times over the last few years on their Calgary and Canmore homes. Recently, they purchased a new home and the very traditional furniture we used in the last home would not work in this more contemporary new residence. The trick was finding a way to incorporate the rustic casual look of the new house with the traditional furniture style they are drawn towards while still making the room family friendly. Here’s how we did it.

Photo of the Quartet Sofa by Kravet Furniture

Photo courtesy of Kravet Fabrics

Photo courtesy of JoAnne Fabrics

For the living room we started with this sofa, upholstered in a combination of saddle brown leather with the small toss cushions in light blue linen and the larger loose cushions in a mocha colored chenille. Our clients specifically requested the sofa be a combination of leather and fabric so finding a style that would suit this was a logical place to begin. Leather is of course easy to wipe down, looks better with age and extremely durable – perfect for a room where children will play!

Photo courtesy of Duralee Fabrics

The drapery fabric will be this handsome paisley of taupe, brown and steel-blue. It’s the perfect backdrop for the sofa which will sit in front of the window. This fabric set the tone for the color scheme, and the overall look.

Photo courtesy of Kravet

Photo courtesy of Kravet

Two accent chairs upholstered in this cozy chenille will flank the sofa on the right. These chairs will be perfect for curling up in and reading a book! The fabric is durable and the texture is great for hiding stains and wear. The chairs are elegant, simple and comfy with a capital “C”!

Photo courtesy of Lee Furniture

Photo courtesy of Kravet

This living room is large enough to also accommodate two smaller chairs. These will be upholstered in the menswear inspired hounds-tooth pattern. Adding chairs with a wood arm and slightly different leg shape will break up the styles of furniture in this room. The smaller pattern is a great complement to the texture on the other chairs and the solid fabrics on the sofa.

Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair

Photo courtesy of Kravet

The shape of these hassocks is so interesting and they will be stunning upholstered in this fun blue and khaki zebra print. These will sit in front of the fireplace and provide extra seating when the family entertains. Of course I adore anything animal print! I like this one especially because of the unusual color combination. Hassocks in general are really functional pieces of furniture. They can be moved easily around the house, can have storage built-in to them and are nice to look at!

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware

The coffee table has to be something that can stand up to the harsh conditions of a toddler! This lovely model from Restoration hardware will look better with more bangs and bruises – a patina of sorts.

Photo courtesy of Vanguard Furniture

Weathered wood is all the rage these days (check out my previous post) and this table sports this finish beautifully. It has a traditional look but with simple lines.

Photo courtesy of Vanguard Furniture

Adding a different material, like metal, lightens up all the wood furniture pieces and provides a different texture. This little side table has a different colored wood top and a terrific base that lifts up and down.

Currently, all these pieces have been ordered for our clients and now we are patiently awaiting their arrival. I can hardly wait to see the finished product! These clients are such a joy and I was so happy when they called on us once again to help with this new project. I know that the room that Corea Sotropa Interior Design has created for them will exceed their expectations!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Some Inspiring Images

As an interior designer, I am constantly looking for things that inspire my designs. Often times it’s a fabric or a painting. Sometimes it is a homeowner’s treasure or a colorful area rug. I also travel a lot to get inspired and take in different cultures, styles and architecture when I am there. Visiting design centers in other cities has been a great source of ideas too. But over the past year, I have found a completely different source for my inspiration. The internet! I follow a lot of different blogs and read many magazines on-line that feature incredible work by other designers from across the world. These projects are a great source of ideas for interior design renovations and custom furniture for our Calgary clients. Here are a few images that have recently caught my eye and may become the inspiration for some up and coming projects.

Kitchen design by Matthew Quinn photo via Things That Inspire

Recently this kitchen photograph was posted by Things That Inspire. It is in designer’s showhouse in Atlanta, and not something that I would have ever seen if it wasn’t for the brilliant writer of this blog. I find that the kitchens she features in particular are stunning. This kitchen has some incredibly beautiful details, like the curved paneled doors on the cabinets, double islands, sculptural metal hood fan, rich wood island countertops and simple but dramatic marble backsplash. When I saw this kitchen it took my breath away. Perhaps a design element featured in this kitchen will make its way into a future project of ours. There are so many lovely details featured!

Interior design by Warner Massucco Miller via House Beautiful Magazine

The work of the up and coming design team Warner Massucco Miller based in California was recently showcased on the cover of House Beautiful Magazine. I was completely taken with the above living room. The light palette, and combination of pale blue and bright coral really caught my attention. This room is youthful, fresh and still sophisticated. If I were to suggest this color scheme to a client they might not fully be able to picture the final outcome. Showing this photograph would help them visualize how a small bit of bright color and light walls still feels warm and inviting.

Interior design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design

One of my favorite blogs to follow is by the very talented interior designer Tobi Fairley. Often I have featured photographs of her work because I find her style to be very appealing, current and inspiring. What I like so much about this room is the pop of yellow accents and the fabulous geometric pattern on the furniture. Normally, I would select a solid or a textured fabric for a large upholstered piece like this and leave the pattern for the pillow. I adore how she has done the exact opposite, and it looks incredible. It reminds me to think outside of the box and that going bold usually results in an amazing space!

Interior design by Amanda Nisbet

Another interior designer whose work I find irresistible is Amanda Nisbet. If memory serves me correctly, I first learned about her work from the first blog I started to follow, All The Best which happens to be an incredible source of information on the design scene. This lovely little bathroom is high on style even though it is short on space. The shelf hung above the tiny sink is the perfect solution providing a place for display or storage and the damask wallpaper is a show stopper! I am currently working on a renovation in Calgary where the powder room is miniscule, and this photograph helped my client to visualize the design I was suggesting. Now, I think it is important to note that although I often show these photographs to our clients, we NEVER copy what is in the photograph! For instance, the bathroom I am working on will have a different sink and faucet, instead of wallpaper we will use vertically laid, large-scale marble subway tile, the shelf will be painted white with a glass countertop, and the lights and mirrors are completely different. The only thing that is the same is the idea of a shelf mounted above a wall hung sink. This photo enabled my client to understand what that could look like.

Interior design by Victoria Hagan via the blog Habitually Chic

This incredibly gorgeous bathroom is simple and serene. I can picture it in a Victorian house in Elbow Park or Mount Royal – two very picturesque neighborhoods in Calgary. The small-scale hex tile on the floor has lovely texture, the narrow cabinets flanking the tub are ingenious for storage and the vanities are simple and that chrome adds a touch of sparkle. Then there’s that glorious tub with lots of space around it. This bathroom was featured on the blog Habitually Chic written by the fabulous Heather Clawson of NYC. She always showcases the most elegant rooms and her blog is a constant source of information and inspiration.

I constantly find myself studying architectural and design details everywhere I go. I think of it as part of my job – keeping current on what is happening on the design scene and analysing what works and what doesn’t.  Having incredible images like these from blogs and magazines readily available for me to examine and learn from has been a wonderful resource for our projects at Corea Sotropa Interior Design. If you are considering renovating or remodeling, I highly suggest that you check out these blogs and designers or some of the other incredible images available on the internet so that you can compile some ideas and concepts. It’s inspiring seeing what is happening in interiors today!

Cheers!

Jacqueline

Design Destination – Tuscany

Photo of Tuscan Countryside courtesy of Luxury Italian Weddings

About a month ago my design assistant, Ashley, and I both received a strange message on our Facebook page.  The Italian Chamber of Commerce was taking interior designers on a tour of Tuscany to learn about Italian made products and they wanted to know if we were interested in going along. Honestly, I thought it was a joke at first, but Ashley decided to look into it more seriously. Much to my surprise and delight it was absolutely legitimate and an incredible opportunity not to be missed! I couldn’t believe our luck!

Photo of Florence courtesy of Flickr

Photo of Siena courtesy of Destination360

Photo of the Cinque Terre region courtesy of A House In Tuscany

The trip includes a tour around Tuscany, meetings with local craftsmen, manufacturers and suppliers, a visit to a European trade show and the chance to meet other designers from around Canada, the United States, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. We were able to extend our trip for a few extra days so that we can see Florence, Siena and hopefully get up to Cinque Terre as well. We will see some incredible works of art at the Uffizi Gallery, have dinner in an amazing restaurant at Villa San Michele over looking the red tile roofs of Florence, and hopefully get to see a marble quarry or two. I know, it sounds like a really rough business trip, but someone has to do it!

Photo of Botticelli’s Venus at the Uffizi courtesy of HistoriaWeb

 The Loggia Restaurant  at Villa San Michele

The Heart of the Marble Quarry. Photo courtesy of Travel Pod

Needless to say, both of us are extremely excited and honored to be selected to go on this adventure! We can’t believe our good luck and are just so happy that we were contacted. This is such a generous gift from the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and we are so looking forward to finding some wonderful things to bring back with us to use in our renovation projects here in Calgary. I’ve prepared some blog posts for you while we are away, and I’ll have lots of new material to share with you when we return. See you soon!

Ciao!

Jacqueline