{eco} style: Gray Works Design

I came across this today, and fell in love.  These are so beautiful and made with salvaged wood by Gray Works Design.  Can you get much better?  So lovely... and the photography is fantastic too.

Happy weekend everyone!

Customize it...... yes please.  This is going to be a christmas gift for my hubby for sure!!!

{eco} design: NYC Penthouse

Hello again.  So... like last week, I've had a little trouble fitting everything in. But, you can expect good things to come of my absence. This week PGL mag travelled to Hamilton and then to Niagara on photo shoots... can't wait to share that little bit of fun with you!   In the meantime, I found this LEED Certified penthouse, designed by Joel Sanders Architects, and thought you might like to dream.... for like, you know, when we're all millionaires!  Green can be uber stylish.

{green} traveller: Boca Chica

 

Gee willickers......  I have a love hate relationship with this column.  I LOVE finding these amazing hotels, with so MUCH charm!  I swear, I'm never staying in a chain hotel again!  Here's the hate: all I want to do is go visit!  I want to drop everything, pack a bag, hop on a jet plane, and go relax!!  But I can't just now.... here lies my problem.  Too much temptation.  Don't those lounge chairs look irresistable?  Last week, I thought Portugal was my next destination, for sure, but after finding this latest gem, Hotel Boca Chica in Acapulco, Mexico, I'm not so sure.  I think I may have to cruise the internet for cheap flights.  At any rate, all temptations aside, Hotel Boca Chica has been revitalised to offer a contemporary take on 1950's glamour.  Built in that era by then leading Mexican architect Francisco Eppens, designers Frida Escobedo and Jose Rojas specified vintage glamour for the hotel's revival.  The result is stunning: iconic architecture and period details have been effortlessly integrated into an updated, refreshing hotel that lacks nothing in terms of style and personality.  I like it because the original building and details were kept intact, minimizing the environmental impact of the revitalization - leaving us with a modern throwback to a glamorous era, and reminder that new isn't always better!  And, I was pleasantly surprised at their rates.  Not exactly budget, but it won't scare you either.

{eco} style: Hans Blomquist

As you can imagine, these days I'm paying particular attention to styling.  European stylist Hans Blomquist is among my favourites.  His affinity for vintage is obvious, and his creations are outside the usual.  Love.  I dream of creating something like this! A little eye candy is always nice.

{the} Mag: Behind the Scenes

Hello again!  Sorry for my absence, again.  I spent the weekend running errands for yesterday's shoot, with all the time between that obsessing over our shoot styling.  I'm happy to say I'm THRILLED with the results, and I can't wait to share.  I wanted to share a teensy, weensy behind the scene's look at our shoot... Meet Erin, PGL Mag's indispensable, incredibly talented photographer, and a great friend.   What goes into a PGL Mag shoot? 

1. Concept Design

2. Sourcing

3. Prop Design & Styling

4. A Healthy Dose of Obsessing Over the Details

5. Coffee

6 Lighting

7.Editing

8 And tons of fun!!!!!

Next week we're travelling to shoot one of the home features in the Holiday issue.  I'm planning to bring a video cam and document more carefully.  I love behind the scene's stuff, and I'm hoping you do too!  In the meantime, without giving too much away, here's a closer look at some of the amazing vintage pieces we used in the shoot.  (photos taken my moi while Erin worked her magic)

{green} traveller: Hotel Favorita

I was really excited when I came across this lovely little hotel, called Hotel Favorita, located in Portugal.  I really, really want to go to Portugal, and I'm thinking that, well, perhaps this is the year!  I'll combine it with a photoshoot forPure Green Living and it'll be "business"!  Right....well maybe!  Anyway, this adorable space is actually a remodeled home, creating a cozy, seven room hotel decorated by the legendary Sam Baron.  A solid mixture of vintage design classics, defining architectural elements and a considered minalist approach has created a space that is cozy yet design savy.

These tiles are fantastic.

The solid yet soft palette of white and soft grey throughout has created unity and lends a peaceful, quiet and relaxing feel.

{eco} design: off-grid in El Paso

Whew!  Sorry about my extended absence!  I was away at a very long trade show and underestimated the degree of exhaustion I was facing!  I had intended to post... but alas.  However, I'm back to regular posting, and you were on my mind!  I don't think you realize what a creative outlet this is for me and I missed it!  So, to kick off I've got a super cute, diy, off-grid haven to share with you, located in the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park in California.  What started as a birthday camping trip for owners Edmund & Lizet ended in ownership of this run down home, seeing potential in the spectacular views and not letting themselves be discouraged by the junk, old linoleum and purple walls.  Here's the good part: doing yourself and having being handy with a hammer really pays off: Edmund & Lizet did this entire home for $10,000!  True, Edmund is a furniture maker, which helped save a few bucks.  And, if you like the look of this home, you can rent it!

The wall art are actually the old linoleum tiles that they ripped off and liked the random pattern the glue made on the back!  Make art with totally unexpected, upcycled things!

Source

{eco} design: Petra Bindels

Hey! Just a quick one today, late at night.  I'm pretty tired right now as I've just finished setting up my booth at a massive trade show for my store, Sustain.  Very exhausting, but exhilerating! So many people! 

Anyway, I thought I would share these images full of vintage inspiration from my latest find as of late,and I think one of my all time favourites, Petra Bindels.

Tomorrow: Hotel Favorita!

Images via: Elle Decor Sweden