Happy Halloween

Dianna Vreeland was quoted as saying:

"You've got to have style, it helps you get out of bed in the morning"




Posted from Pink Wallpaper, this is Shannon's 5 month old. Do you think this little one will have any trouble getting out of bed when older, with such a stylish Mom setting the pace. Way to go Shannon.

New Lay Out

I've changed the look to the blog. Let me know what you think. If you like the old better, I can be talked into changing it back! Thanks!

Pretty Dining Rooms

Although these rooms are not small small they do show how simple can be perfect for the dining room. I'm not a big fan of the table that has hardly any room for the food. I myself do not have a formal dining room, but I think a eat in kitchen can have as much style as these rooms do, just scale down to the must haves and good conversation. Do you have a formal dining room and if so do you use it everyday?

Contemporary Kitchen Design In Vancouver

What could be better than a kitchen custom designed especially for you with all the right appliances, lots of counter space and storage, perfect lighting and a place for everything. A kitchen that is functional and beautiful, where you want to spend time, create special meals, share precious time with family and friends.

Award Winning Kitchen Design by Vancouver Interior Designer Patricia Gray [contact]

As Featured in Architectectural Digest

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

As Featured in Western Living Condo

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

As Featured in Western Living

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

Since 1982, Patricia Gray Inc. has worked with clients to achieve dynamic living environments.
Patricia's Gray's award-winning interior design and kitchen design is distinguished by its signature warmth,
personal approach, and use of a variety of innovative materials.

Visit Patricia Gray's Web-site

© 2007 Patricia Gray Inc. All Rights Reserved

More Zebra Chic

In my ongoing theme of " All Things Zebra" this week, I am featuring in this post the magnificent zebra used in ways other than carpets. Zebra prints on stools & ottomans seem to be the most predominant way to get a little zebra into your room.

Home of a Houston purse designer via Cote de Texas
I love the black walls. In another photo further down in this post Miles Redd has also used black walls.

This fabric is a classic that Brunschwig has done for years called "Le Zebre"

A classic French fauteuil chair covered in zebra
Above 3 photos Miles Redd

An interesting diversion from the black and white - Miles Redd used zebra pattern to cover two chairs in taupe and cream. Note the black walls.

Another colorway of Brunschwig's classic "Le Zebre" print used on a headboard

Zebra cushions used by Mary McDonald

How about zebra used as a wall hanging. Photo Cote de Texas from Round Top market, Texas

And what about a zebra striped ceramic stool?
O Magazine Sept 2007 spotted at Fresh Pallette

I love the way that Miles Redd has used zebra with studs to cover the doors in his own apartment

In my own office I have zebra totes to organize client samples

For my new guest bedroom I am using "Safari" sheets for the bedding mixed with chocolate silk shams & coverlet. I think I will want to sleep in my guest bedroom when it is finished.

And lastly I have just purchased this yummy pair of Steve Madden moccasins lined in sheep skin.

What do you think...could a touch of zebra be used somewhere in your home or wardrobe?

Fireplace Mantles

Fireplace mantels (for me anyways) are one of the hardest things to decorate. Basically a simple shelf to adorn however you see fit. Yeah, fits alright. I've gone months trying to figure out what to do with mine. For me I've found the simpler the better. I start trying to get cute and it just turns out bad. I look at pictures to inspire me. Right now I have 2 candles on holders and a long bowl between them. Come Christmas, I'll be back to the drawing board! How do you like your mantel done??

Most Influential Blogs

I must tell all of you who haven't had a chance to visit this Blog: Cote de Texas written by Joni what you are missing. Joni is an Interior Designer living in Texas and writes the most robust, interesting, informative and well researched posts. She continues to amaze me with the depth and breadth of her research. I find myself re-visiting and re-reading her posts and always learn something new with each visit to her site. As well Joni is friendly and charming and always has a good comment to share.

Some of my favourite posts of hers are:

Vermeer and Camera Obscura I was fascinated by this post and the theory postulated on the use of the Camera Obscura by Great Artists. I learnt something new and my interest is piqued to read more on the subject because of this post.

Round Top , Texas
An excellent round-up of photos of the famous Round Top market that is held in Texas twice yearly. This post makes me want to go there next year.



Farrow and Ball
A great review of the new Farrow and Ball book as seen through Joni's eyes.

Paris in Houston Part 1
At the same time that I go to the Round Top market I want to visit this store in Houston that Joni takes us on a tour of. She has the great ability to make you feel like you are right there with her looking at all the treasures.

Living with Dogs and Slipcovers
This has to be the best resource that Joni has compiled on slipcovers that I have ever come across. I love the casual elegance of slipcovers, so this post was especially appealing to me. Don't you love the picture of this Lab all comfy in his (or hers) slipcovered chair

My Design: Family Room Joni walks us through her design process for her own Family Room. I would love to visit her and sit in this room. It is charming, comfortable and totally liveable, exactly what a family room should be. And the last picture on this post is of a bowl of pictures that Joni keeps on her coffee table. A perfect way to get those photos off the computer and get everyone looking at them and reminiscing.


Joni's latest post Most Influential Blogs - Her Picks:

My pick to be added to this impressive list is:


My thanks to you Joni for all your hard work and research. I am continually inspired by you!!!

Decorating Chic with Zebra Carpets

Following my post on Zebra carpets, I started to see similarities between certain designs. Do you see the similarities in the following pictures???

Both have off white sofas and side chairs w/ zebra area carpets under the coffee table

Both have skirted cream chairs, traditional scheme w/ zebra area carpets

Both have green walls, patterned sofa/patterned cushions, dark coffee tables, floating side chairs w/ zebra area carpets

Both have dark blue walls, dark floors w/ zebra area carpets

Both have black & white geometric print on chairs w/ zebra area carpets

Photo credits in previous post