The Blog

I have a new client and we are converting half of the existing garage at the cottage into

a guest house, and it has been lovingly named,

The garage is pretty big, 24′ x 24′ to be exact, so we will be converting the back half

so we have a 12′ x 24′ blank slate, and we will be taking advantage of the open rafters.

I was given some inspirational photos, for the most part everything was shades of white & natural wood tones. There was also a list of wants that went something like this:

1) add a toilet
2) have a sink in the kitchenette area

3) sleep a minimum of 4
4) an outdoor shower
5) access into the garage.

Here are just a few of the inspiration photos I was sent
I love the overall feeling, and I am running like the wind with it!

I began working on the floor plan, this is what I came up with.

In this space there are no windows or doors so I began by adding 3 sets of french doors  along one of the long walls to allow for lots of light and access.
This area backs onto a very large and private side yard, which is perfect for the outdoor shower.
There is also the other long wall that is all a mix of open and closed storage.

In the bathroom area I added a bump-out to allow for the toilet and added a bifold shutter door.
I also proposed a wall to help separate the bathroom area from the rest of the space.

The kitchenette will have straight run of counter. I’m thinking butcher block, subway tile and open shelving, super simple. The eye candy will come in with the styling of the open shelves.

A wall to separate the living area from the sleeping area will also act as the headboard for the queen size platform bed, and 2 sets of built in bunk beds with open shelving on the ends.

My overall plan has been approved, now it’s off to find all the pretty stuff!!!
I’ll be showing you my design boards of the awesome stuff I found tomorrow,
so come back again!

Hollie xo

This is the kick off of a new series here at TPZ.

A few times a month I’ll assemble a medley of bewitching images in a distinct colour.

I don’t know about you but I’ve had it with winter and am wishing for warmer weather, 

not a middle of July scorcher, but a light jacket wearing May.

Neon’s are on tap today,
because what says “beat it cold weather” better than super brights on a gloomy winter day.

This is how you do a fun and sophisticated table scape!

String Art

Funky dip dyed Easter eggs, I’ll be DIY’ing these for sure

Nothing says welcome quite like neon lime

This is my all time favourite shade of pink

Amazing Art, I might need this one to add to my collection!

This chic is most certainly confident

I love this painting on paper with the lace imprint and the drips

Classic jewellery pieces with a fresh and exciting twist

This tea towel will brighten up any kitchen

Multi coloured dipped wooden bowls

How brave are you in the neon department?

Hollie xo

Demo is completed and now we have to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. 

Floor has been levelled and a larger shower has be framed.
Plumber and electrician have done their bit.

Here is my design, we like it, and it’s ALL been purchased.

The only thing I am unsure on is the waterfall counter, solid surface or marble?

Here are the options, what’s your vote?

All of the millwork and the glass and metal shelving tower is going to be sprayed in 

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10

My local HomeSense had some beautiful crystal canisters for display, so I nabbed them

&

The Super Store had luxurious towels in white and grey, I grabbed them too.

Seriously, I had no idea the towels there were so good… go there if you need some,

the prices were great !

I’ll have some progress pics later this week.

Hollie xo

Eskayel was founded in 2008 by artist Shanan Campanaro and is based in Brooklyn, NY.
They are dedicated to making eco-friendly made fabrics, wall coverings, custom rugs,
pillows, art, scarves & more.

I love how every item is one of a kind.

If you stick around with me you will soon discover that I like to be
distinct in my design choices.

Wall Coverings

Art

Pillows

Scarves

You can see more of their awesome stuff  http://eskayel.com I can’t possibly show it all!

Eskayel’s offerings reminds me of this little number
Sarah Michelle Gellar wore to the Golden Globes in 2012.
It had rather mix reviews, but I LOVE it!

Inspired by Eskayel I created a Spring Design Board based on one of their offerings.

Hollie xo

When we built our home 9 years ago 

we knew the neighbourhood we wanted to live in and raise our family. 

Funnily enough, we ended up buying the house next door to where I lived when I was a kid. 

So, we began by taking a wrecking ball to it and started from scratch.

We love our home, but I have to admit my taste has really changed over the years, so there is usually some sort of project going on.

The master ensuite is something that has been on the list for a few years but as we all know 

bathrooms are

 a 

MAJOR EXPENSE 

so we agreed to wait…do it once…exactly how we want.

What we started with was corner shower with white subway tile, one sink with a wall mounted faucet, a free standing claw foot tub with floor mounted faucet & ceramic tile on the floor.  

Before

My thoughts are veering towards this:

lots of pretty items to display, wall sconces

glass shower, great ceiling fixture & drapery

steam line freestanding tub

lots of marble

black millwork

And these are what the other half desires

As you can see we are on completely different pages other than the black and white colour scheme.

Wish me luck on merging our distinctly opposite styles!

Hollie xo

I’m taking the plunge.

via pinterest

I can’t believe I’m, actually going to do this.

via pinterest

I decided to create this blog as an outlet to share my thoughts, not just on interior design,
but there will be lot’s of that!

My hope is to divvy up my

design crushes
&
adversions

exploits

current projects

the never-ending parental odyssey
&
 to help make the day to day grind a little more beautiful,
with a dose of humour!

Why are you saving the Gramdma’s china for a special occasion anyways?
You’re special aren’t you?

I’ll also fill you in on my everyday life with my husband of 12 years
&
 my 4 year old twins

Plus all of the other great stuff that goes on in these parts.

So basically what makes me, me!

Hollie xo