This is a letter to those at Lonny, Rue, High Gloss and Matchbook… and everyone in between. I typically do not write about personal feelings on this blog too much, I typically post all my lovely finds from the decorating world that bring me absolute joy.  To be transported from inspiration to inspiration, discovering new artists, talent and of course, the coveted objects.  But as I’m sitting here watching my PVR of tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance, a show that celebrates movement, originality and how beautiful human beings are, in every shape or form, and specifically in a positive light, I had to hit pause and write this down.

I today received in my inbox an email from Lonny and Rue letting us know the exciting news that they were featured in The New York Times today. I was elated for the recognition to all the hard-working talents behind these amazing online publications.  When I saw the email, my initial reaction was ”what great exposure”.  While reading the four page article I did come across some comments that were interestingly phrased and did not always come across in a positive tone. I “hmm’d” to myself a few times. Thinking, wow, good for them for this great step and well deserved recognition.  During the rest of the day, certain things lingered and wasn’t sure if they sat well with me.  Simply the tone of certain areas of the piece were not to my liking, although it’s definitely a great way to get people talking and also letting the world know about these beautifully put together online publications.

When I got home from work, I logged into my Twitter account and really noticed a flutter of conversation that had been going on in our social circle all day, I didn’t realize the reaction it had stirred.  I took a step back to read through the back-and-forth of tweets and then proceeded to read Grace Bonny’s comment from Design Sponge on her thoughts.  This post is very well thought out and well articulated… I only dream of being such a good writer and I appreciate a peer of mine to articulate a positive and reflective comment.  I completely and adamantly agree with Grace that we are not put on this earth to pit ourselves against each other, I personally believe we are here to work as a collective community. 

I personally would like to commend everyone at Lonny, Rue, High Gloss and Matchbook for all their hard work and dedication in the pursuit of creating excellence.   I’m inspired by each of you.  These folks had a dream and pursued it, and this should be applauded, setting fear aside, they had the guts to get up and start.  I simply can’t get enough when any of these magazines are presented to us.  I’m not going to write all the negative impressions from the article mentioned, I simply will focus on the good that you and everyone is doing.  We should all applaud and support each other, and that’s seriously clear from the comments I’ve been reading.  I thank all those that stood up and raised their voices to be heard and that took the time to post the positivity that we all deserve.  I embrace each of our talents and the chutzpah to go after what we love.  One of my passions is design and this blog gives me the opportunity to express my personality and share with the world and connect with like-minded people.  Let’s continue to support each other, inspire each other and continue on to greatness.  Much love.

Chantal

{Image credits: Lonny, Rue, High Gloss, Matchbook}

Take care and thanks for dropping by, hope you like what you see!
Chantal

I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year!  It’s been a wonderful year and I’ve enjoyed posting my latest finds in modern home decor and I hope you have enjoyed reading them.  I wish you all happiness and success in the upcoming year. 

Download this lovely Subway from Tip Junkie, it’s very chic and perfect for tonight’s dinner party!

Happy New Year and see you all in 2011!

Overall it was a great show and I look forward to coming home every evening and watching this show. I think we are lucky to have a positive, kind and superbly creative talent like Nate Berkus gracing our television.  We need more of this kind of programming, so thank you Nate! 

If you already haven’t done so, have a look at Nate’s book Home Rules: Transform the Place You Live Into a Place You’ll Love.  A wonderful book to take advice from the master himself. 

Book Description: Nate Berkus, regular contributor on The Oprah Winfrey Show, contributing editor of O, The Oprah Magazine, and nationally renowned decorator, has created a book inspired by his belief that everyone should love the way they live. This step-by-step guide to achieving your own beautiful rooms is based on Nate’s signature style and innovative approach to design. As a small boy, Nate could often be found rearranging his room (as well as helping his mother and the other neighborhood mothers rearrange theirs). Throughout the years his passion continued to grow, and soon Nate was heading his own award-winning firm with an elite roster of clients. But it was Oprah Winfrey who gave Nate the chance of a lifetime-the opportunity to go into millions of homes around the world and join her mission to help people live their best lives. It has been a dream come true that has absolutely changed my life, explains Berkus. Not only has working with Oprah helped me redefine my own vision and purpose-but she continues to challenge me to use my own life to help others live better. And there is nothing that makes me happier or more grateful than to be a part of that. As Oprah always says, -your home should be a reflection of who you truly are. Nate says, no matter how much money you have, he believes that is so very true. I am honored to share my love of design to help everyone make that dream real for themselves with this book.

He also has a home collection available, here are tons of great finds on eBay.

I would luv to hear what you think….

Talk to you soon,
Chantal

I think I’ve found my online blogging decor bff’s, everything I’ve found on this blog I absolutely luv!!!   Holley & Gill is the blog name and they’re Canadian too, how lovely.  I discovered their blog via twitter the other day and it was instant blog luv.

About  

Holley & Gill is a Montreal based design office led by Conrad Buck and Michelle Carangi. Buck and Carangi bring together two distinct approaches and disciplines to their work. While Carangi’s artistic work is strongly influenced by her fine arts background amalgamated with modern design, Buck’s work is driven by product development, marketing and branding.Together, this partnership forms the solid basis that is Holley & Gill.

Here are just a sample of the recent amazing posts:

From Art in Architecture, isn’t this beautiful.  It’s always been my dream to own a home similar to this with the garden in the middle, so very zen.

I think their post Are you practical in your style? is oh-so-clever.  Yes I’m one of those people who would buy something more for it’s beauty than it’s practicality.  If it adds that special something to my decor, I would definitely add it, whether it’s practical or not.  It’s the same thing as buying that gorgeous pair of shoes that make your outfit but may not be the most comfortable shoes to wear.

They also sell beautifully made head boards via their Etsy shop, displayed below is their headboard called  “Beaux Reves” in dark brown and ivory, it means “sweet dreams”.

That’s just a minuscule sample, there is so much more to discover.  I’ve added them to my official blogroll, this site is a definite keeper!

{Image Credits: Holley & Gill, please see blog posts for respective photo credits}

Also, I wanted to share my new adventure, I started another blog called The Chic Office.  Basically I was always the one in my previous job to decorate my office.  Why not, people always commented about my different file folders or my grass-cloth tack board full of pictures.  I’ve always thought that since you work in your office five days out of seven, why not make it your own.  So I thought I’d create a new blog about decorating your office, inspirational photos and beautiful products.   I’ll be updating it over the next month, it’s brand new so there is so much more for me to add.  Have a look at The Chic Office, hope you enjoy it.

Happy New Year to you all!

Hi everyone, hope you’re enjoying your holidays.  I would luv your vote for the exciting Apartment Therapy for The Homies 2009 contest in the home decor category.  I hope you enjoy reading my blog and appreciate the votes.

Click here to vote:  Vote for luxxury livving

Thanks everyone and happy holidays!

I wanted to wish you all the very best this holiday season.  Thanks to all my readers and support this year, it’s meant a lot to me.  I hope that this season brings you much joy and happiness.  It’s been a rough year with the economy and job loss (I too lost my job this year and still looking) but I have faith and keeping positive.  This year has been a lesson to all of us and I too am finding what’s truly important, family and friends.  Let’s keep a positive attitude, support each other in every way and I look forward to a new and bright beginning in 2010.

Happy Holidays!
Chantal

Brands

• Alessi 
• ferm Living – Pillows, decals, wallpaper and more.
• Knoll – Tables, chairs and more.
• Le Klint – Fabulous lighting designs.

Stores

• Pottery Barn 
• Restoration Hardware  
• West Elm 

To see all my eBay sections, click here.  More to come, enjoy and I hope you find a fabulous find.