Archive | November, 2010

Playing catch up with my diary

November 28, 2010

I have met and spoken to so many beautiful people and have seen so many beautiful things. With this blog opening these new channels for me, I can’t help but feel fulfilled, giddy and appreciative of everything that has come my way in the last few months, but more importantly in the last few weeks.

It began with a media invite from Bluecony, a young company based in Montreal opening their showroom doors for the very first time. I met with Aurélie Périé and her partner Philippe Funez who couldn’t have been any more charming in their ways or more passionate about their products and their new venture together. Their mission: to share modern and sleek furniture which promotes not only style, but also health and good posture.

The following week Marie-Eve Best, from Lake Jane and more recently Maison et Demeure, invite myself along with Bess Callard from The English Muffin Blog, to the celebrate the Montreal launch of the Paul Smith for Stelton line at Jamais Assez. We gathered and listen to the story about how the collaboration began simply with a written letter and resulted in a colourful and updated collection.


I would call this event my ‘coup de coeur’, The Nutcracker Market which was put in place to support and fund Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. Artisans of all over Quebec have set up their booth around a true fairy winter wonderland and would recommend visiting this market to find all things rare and unique to complete your holiday shopping.

And finally, a sneak peek at a Christmas vignette which was really inspired by my little family. The entire picture of my decorations will be revealed on the 8th of December on a guest post. A look into what my nightstand looks like as well as a wish list pick for this year will also be coming up on other fabulous blogs as well.

It truly feels fantastic to get out and enjoy like-minded individuals who, surround themselves with design and exude the passion for it as much as I do. There are plans for many more events and meetings for me, so here’s to new adventures and to meeting the people behind them!

The people and places: Bluecony, Jamais Assez, The Nutcracker Market, Monde Ruelle, Aquaovo, Un point c’est tout

About us, Canadian, Guest post • Comments { 16 }

An end always leads to a beginning

November 14, 2010

The moment has arrived where we reveal our final products from our studio and as Jan from Daisy Janie put it, it is bittersweet.


When I think back to a year ago, it was all but still an idea in my head. It simply came to me one night when I was lying in bed redecorating our bedroom in my mind for the millionth time. I kept thinking that the headboard is a piece that anchors the room and sets the tone of its design so why couldn’t I find one that wasn’t either made of micro-suede or upholstered in velour. I wanted more.


I began my quest to make it happen on my own with the continued help and support from my willing husband and business partner, Conrad. I started sketching and not long after found a local silkscreener and upholsterer. These two women, I soon found out, truly shared my vision and had the same high standards as I did. It was a match made in Montreal heaven. The process was incredible and I learned a great deal throughout it all, a definite success in my eyes.

However, with any process comes realisations during them and I certainly made a few here. I’m in a place now where I don’t have to be as worried about where my feet will land. They are firmly planted and in the next few weeks and months to come they will be wearing several different shoes as well.


Holley & Gill will be embarking on a new venture and path in the decor world! I am excited, motivated and really and truly happy. So before I can move on, here are our cushion covers as an ode to the very first headboards designed by H&G.

(They will be up on my Etsy site this week, couldn’t wait to share them with you here first.)

About us, Process, Provenance • Comments { 24 }

Simply interiors - an indulgence

November 11, 2010

Living with design on a daily basis can work for you in two ways. When it inspires, your mind explodes with ideas and the creative possibilities have your heart racing. Just the thought of being able to apply them makes you feel empowered and totally in tune with your artistic soul. However, too much of it can throw you into a creative rut as it seems to have done with me recently.


So, in this case I’ve decided to indulge myself here which, I’m afraid, means there will not be any particular focus on this post. As you can see, it consists simply of interiors. With rooms like these, I’m reminded of what I truly love: comfortable, rustic, real and attainable home designs.

Sometimes it’s just great to appreciate decor on its own, without any specific reason or agenda and these are the ones that speak to me today. After any rut, the inspiration will come and because of places like these, I know and trust it will.

Images from: covetgarden, convoy.tumblr.com, creamylife, the inside stoop, the inside stoop, emily johnston anderson, thisisglamorous, decorpad, solid frog

Creativity, Inspiration, Interiors • Comments { 14 }