Baby it's cold outside.

Monday evening.

It's dark. It's snowing. It's cold.

What's a boy to do besides throw on his sweats and crank up the heat?

Watch some bad reality TV? Iron his work clothes? Flip through magazines? Nah....how about something a bit more exciting.

Say something like coming up with some ideas for my future digs...

Let's start with someplace that looks like this - room to roam around in, but still cute, cozy and full of character.

http://pinterest.com

Lately, I've had this thing for baths. I'm usually a shower guy, but with the cooler weather I've been finding myself wanting to just soak in a big tub. The thing is, I'm still living it up in my rental, which has a tiny tub, it's basically the opposite of a soaker tub...so, when the time comes, the papers have been signed and the moving truck has been unpacked, I'm digging out my sledge hammer to knockdown walls and make room for a freestanding soaker tub. I'll take the below bathroom please....

http://pinterest.com/pin/364186568/

Not bad huh?

What else is on the wish list?

How about a couple of Lucite 'ghost' chairs?

http://pinterest.com/pin/356055931/

As impractical and uncomfortable as they probably are, I'm in love with Starck's classic design. Perhaps they'd look great in my fictitious dining room, or in the front entry...or better yet, put to use in a study. 

And because my future digs will have plenty of storage room, I'll have a pantry off of the snazzy kitchen - complete with uber-fun wallpaper and floor to ceiling shelving for all of my serving pieces, extra bar ware and whatever I bring home on a random whim.

http://pinterest.com

Speaking of wallpaper - I don't think that I've ever discussed with you just how much I love and adore wallpaper. I don't get why people are terrified of it. Maybe it has something to do with childhoods filled with spending the night in a grandparent's guest room - complete with the ugliest of orange and pink floral prints (or ferns in the case of my Grandma's place....).


That said, times have changed and now there are amazing styles to suit every taste. I've got a couple of different ideas. Perhaps something completely out of the box like this map print (....erase those memories of the ugly map wallpaper murals that you used to see in the Sears catalogue when we were kids....) - 

http://pinterest.com/pin/253279428/

Or maybe something a bit more classic like this awesome birch print - I can totally picture doing this along side my beloved HBC blanket and a big overstuffed duvet!

http://pinterest.com/pin/249119742/

What else have I been dreaming about you may ask?

Well, I don't know about you, but I've always wanted to have a home with an attic! I know nothing about attics - really. Apparently they're cold in winter and hot in the summer, but that's all secondary! I want rooms with dormers and slanted ceilings! That and all of the cool storage spots and built-in cabinets for music and books! Swoon!

http://pinterest.com/pin/410953789/

That or what about an attic dressing room? How much fun would this be? I went to a Birthday party when I was young where the kid's Mom had an attic dressing room....nowhere near as glamorous as this one, but still....I want! (A toned down version that is....this is a bit too Liberace for me.....but still!!)

http://pinterest.com/pin/367267149/

Bathtub. Chairs. Closet. Attic. Pantry. Wallpaper obsession. What else?


A kick-ass custom designed outdoor kitchen.


Since picking up my BBQ a couple of years ago, I've developed a love of grilling - it might sound a bit nutty, but I find it relaxing. And while my little red BBQ will keep me going for a couple of years yet, I dream of the day when I can build (that's right....I can use power tools) my own outdoor kitchen. It's a little known fact that I did brick and stone work for six months out of college (secret skills!) would love to create something of my own. Something like this - 

I'm also madly in love with this set-up! Imagine coming over and having me make you my signature tequila lime chicken on this bad boy!

http://pinterest.com/pin/178927424/

Hmm....also a must - some snazzy art! 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm6FEFOin7xR5igM9BwYvXg45ZjwaGFsVvz0gpY_TcxEWZTQ-4XdVK_id0A6YmQAyDQ2QDe0HwLe8vD5V3jQ-KGSHzIiOi134WgjnrbSWu39jVo7F7mqUb7xfp8epvrY90uHxWBXYjdyw/s400/artwall.jpg

*Snazzy art does not come from the home decor aisle of Target or Homesense. Rather, snazzy art is discovered during travels, on random Sunday afternoons while wandering around markets and country auctions. Snazzy art can and may possibly include beautiful photography of far-off exotic locales.

http://houseandhome.com/blogs/suzanne-dimma?page=1

Not a bad list of ideas huh? It's going to take awhile to get there...quite a while. So before any Lucite, wallpaper, picket fences or custom grills maybe I should start with two things that I can actually afford without blowing the bank - 

and also

That's right - a blank journal, a pen and a glass of whatever I've got kicking around....ideas and doodles don't cost anything. Why not let my imagination run wild. While I'm at it, I may as well consider what I'm going to be parking in my future garage - do I go for the Land Rover in black with tan leather or in black with black leather. Hmm.....

I've shared some of what's on my wish list. What's on yours?

D-

Why blog?

Why blog?

I've had a few individuals ask me that question as of late, both friends as well as a few other individuals who have stumbled across me while online late one night. When this question has popped up, I always have to take my time to think about what my answer is. You see, I really don't have a cut and paste answer for why I've decided to open up to you via my blog.

I'm a pretty creative guy and lack a lot of creative freedom when it comes to my current job. I'm terrible with spreadsheets, numbers and analytical information which is what I spend most of my days looking at, so I've been able to use my blog to escape to 'Dan Land' so to speak. It's a chance for me to flex my creative muscle and show the world what I'm interested in, what really excites me and what makes me tick. In a way, I guess I'm showing the world who I really am - who that typically awkward and quiet guy really is.

There are loads of other reasons. In some ways I've used my blog to try to share my love of design (albeit poorly at times), share some of the tricks of the trade that I've learnt along the way and ramble on about what I like & dislike. At times I even go as far as to hope that in some way or another I'll inspire you do try something different or to pause and reflect.

Do I care about people reading & commenting? Do I check my stats on a daily basis? Sometimes (okay, there are days when I'll post something that I think is really good and I'll check back in on an hourly basis to see what's going on); however, a lot of the time I'm doing what I do for me - to keep my wheels turning, and perhaps even to get back on track with the basics of actually writing something other than a work proposal. My grammar is horrendous, as are my choice of words from time to time, but hey, I like to think of this site as a work in progress.

Any other reasons?

How much more do you want to read?

Right now I'm really feeling inspired to make a change as far as my career is concerned. I'm good at what I do, but I don't enjoy what I do. As previously mentioned (numerous times over) I work as a retail buyer, which one would think would be a glamorous and exciting position. Not so much. Actually, not at all. I'm the last guy in the world that should be taking phone calls on electrical boxes and 14/2 NMD electrical wire. There are loads of individuals that would kill for this role, but I'm not feeling it.

I've had a few different leads, and have spoken with a few different individuals but but I'm still at a state of unease. It's kind of like I'm doing one of those log rolling competitions, but instead of my log rolling, I'm just using my hands to keep myself balanced so as to not fall in the water. I guess in some ways I've convinced myself that if I keep blogging, investigating ideas, reading, reviewing and talking with others I'll have some sort of epiphany as to where my future is going to take me.

Obviously, I've got loads of ideas; it would be loads of fun to develop a book (Dan's Guide To Stylish Living With No Coin....or Dan's Big Book of Cheap & Easy Projects...or something along those lines), or create a product line (upholstered & occassional furniture, followed by homegoods and a line of textiles) or open a small chain of shops (or perhaps one to start with)- but it's basically come to the point where I need to find something somewhat realistic that I could pursue - something that makes me want to wake up and head into the office (or wherever) - on sets me on a clearer path.

Some people dream of that 9 to 5 with a good company. They go in, they do their time, they come home and repeat. Like the movie Groundhog Day. That's not me. I thrive on adventure and change....on creativity and freedom....and independence....amongst other things.

My dreams aren't going anywhere - even if they're a bit quarky, they're mine and I know that there has to be some way that I can chase them. I guess when it comes down to it I'm trying to come up with an idea that will get me on the right track for where I want to go.

That and from time to time it's fun to just ramble on and on and on and on. As you'll have figured out, I have a slight problem with knowing when to stop writing - or knowing where to edit out details. I want to paint the whole picture....plus another one just in case you're still a bit confused. I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to some of the things that I'm interested in - sometimes it's fun to throw my thoughts out there....with the idea that hey, maybe someone else would be interested in what's making me smile.

And that's why I blog.

So there you have it - in a round-about, ramble-y kind of way....I think I've covered my reasons, and the thoughts behind this question, but if I've forgotten anything I'll be sure to let you know!

Cheers,
D-

New York state of mind.

This past weekend was insanely busy - and among other things, I found myself sitting at a wedding reception - knowing only one other person in the entire room. It was a pretty swank event with so much to take in; I secretly love weddings and this one didn't disappoint. Everywhere I turned there was eye-candy and colour - which I totally soaked up.


I ended up at a rather interesting table. Included were an engineer, some guy that worked for the government, a couple that wouldn't talk to us and a friend of the bride who is pretty much living her dream (and mine, and probably everyone else in the rooms...). 


While I'm slugging it as a hardware buyer in the suburbs of Winnipeg(I still haven't figured out how that happened),she's got a marketing gig at Chanel. In New York City. Yup. That Chanel. Yup. That New York City.


Exhibit A - 

If she hadn't been so nice I totally could have hated her, but she was far to friendly for me to feel that way. That and she was uber gorgeous. Anyways, I totally spent the evening in awe of her life. New York. Seriously. Chanel. Are you kidding me? She spends her days on the phone with the buyers at Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. For reals. She totally could have been the fifth cast member of Sex & The City...minus the slut factor.


I spent the evening asking her goofy questions. Most of us at the table did - with the exception of the snotty couple that showed no interest in anything...and left after their helping of chocolate mousse.


She talked about her job. She talked about the subway. About how she hates Times Square (too touristy), randomly seeing celebrities. How her apartment is the size of a shoe box (dishwasher or extra closet space....). How she was in a store and ended up admiring the same earrings as Candy Spelling.


I've always been fascinated with New York City. Probably since seeing Breakfast At Tiffany's for the first time... It seems like it would be a very 'Dan Place' to visit. If that makes any sense. I love the idea of wandering around the city. Hitting up all of the goofy tourist spots, but also viewing the city through the eyes of someone who actually lives there - or as someone who has had the chance to spend some real time discovering the city.

Having yet had the opportunity to actually hop a plane and visit I'm sure that my ideas on thoughts on the city are more than a bit exaggerated. But hey, why not. Why not dream of a dream marketing gig? A walk-up, rent controlled apartment - with the square footage and character of Rachel & Monica's apartment? Of the endless nightlife. Of plays and unique individuals. Of the food and drinks to be had. Of the endless photo opps.

A guy can dream can't he?

Someday Mr. Mitchell. Someday.

That and a trip would totally give me reason to listen to this track while flying over the city...

Where's your dream destination?

D-

Inspired by...Samantha Pynn.

It's been awhile since I shared with you a designer whose work inspires and excites me. While there are loads of individuals for me to share in the coming future, there is a designer whose portfolio and designs I checked out this weekend that really has me excited.

While flipping through my back issues of Style At Home magazine I kept coming across beautiful spreads created by designer, HGTV Canada TV personality and eco-living guru Samantha Pynn. While I've admired her work for years, it's only been recently that I've realized that so many of my favourite rooms and looks have been created by the same individual.

http://decor8blog.com

Her rooms are classy without being stuff, airy without being sparse and filled with cool design elements without feeling cluttered. She's a huge advocate of 'reduce, reuse, recycle' with many of the pieces showcased in each room being upcycled and given a new lease on life.

http://jpmdesign.blogspot.com

I love that Pynn's spaces always have a bit of glam thrown in - without looking like over the top, ol' Hollywood glam. Being a guy, the last thing that I want to do is be stuck in a room that feels to well, 'frou frou' for lack of better phrases and her spaces never appear that way.

http://decor8blog.com

It's amazing what she can achieve while sticking to a tight budget, working with thrifted pieces, Ikea dresser and can after can of paint. I'd gladly hang in any of her spaces! My absolute favourite thing about her rooms - she's not afraid to mix and match style, period or texture. She'll gladly through a carved French chair in the same room as Ikea dressers and pieces picked up at the dollar store....her design style is accessible and I can achieve a lot of her design techniques in my own abode.

Here are some more of my favourite looks from Ms. Pynn -

http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com

http://decor8blog.com

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

http://cdn.decorpad.com/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com

http://www.google.ca

http://2.bp.blogspot.com

Note to self - after checking out all of these pictures, and others from her portfolio, I must get my paws on two of the Asian ceramic garden stools that Samantha has used in a gazillion of her rooms. The perfect alternative to the giant coffee table that I want, but can't afford / don't have room for!

Who are your favourite designers / decorators?! Let me know...I'd love to check out their designs!

D-

Inspired by...Eddie Ross.

When it comes to the world of design, I find that I'm continuously discovering individuals that have dedicated their lives to creating amazing, yet functional spaces.  Obviously there's the names that come to most people's minds - one Martha Stewart for instance.  And while I admire her style, there are countless other individuals out there that are forging names for themselves in the industry.  They're thinking out of the box and taking design to a whole other level.

One individual that I've come to follow closely over the past year or so is Eddie Ross.  He's one of those guys that's capable of throwing together an amazing room scene with pieces that most people wouldn't give a second look.  I really admire the way that he and his team think outside of the box...and how with a mix of paint and elbow grease they can great spaces worthy of glossy magazine spreads.

http://www.eddieross.com

Eddie's blog has inspired me to take a second look at pieces that I'd normally pass by.  That and he's the reason why I now randomly check out cut glass and old crystal when I'm wandering around.  Also, he and his guy are on the top of my mental list of people I want to hit-up a flea market or two with (besides my own guy that is....).

Here are some of my favourite Eddie Ross looks.  Classic, but fresh with just the right punch of unexpected!

D-

http://www.eddieross.com

http://www.eddieross.com

http://www.eddieross.com

http://www.eddieross.com

http://faveprettythings.blogspot.com

http://www.eddieross.com

http://nestegg.typepad.com

http://www.eddieross.com