Sunday Links & Likes

Happy sunny Sunday morning! I hope everyone has settled in nicely into their respective September routines. It seems September is the month of refresh, a time to start something new and take on the rest of the year.

And speaking of a refresh, our mini Kitchen makeover is starting to take shape quite nicely! Last weekend we popped into Exotic Woods in Burlington, thinking we would just browse our options. Well, we ended up leaving with a beautiful slab of maple - oops! Sometimes you just have to jump on these things in the moment. Here's a tiny sneak peek of our table top mid-construction.

I just LOVE how the light wood contrasts against the black legs

I also think I've nailed down the fabric story for the bench area. I won't disclose which fabrics are going where (you'll just have to wait ;) but I'm loving where this is going! All fabrics from Tonic Living. *Note: Soother not part of the design.

In fashion-related news, Jillian Harris has officially influenced me. There, I said it. I let an influencer influence me, and I often find myself falling deep into a rabbit hole of products she suggest on her InstaStories. She recently introduced me to Brunette The Label. and I'm obsessed. I love to support Canadian, locally-made brands whenever I can and have made a serious effort to do so this year. My goal is to have a collection of clothes that I love and have a story. Brunette The Label is passionately designed by Canadian women who support other babes. Check out their #WeAreAllBabes collection HERE!

I am revisiting one of my favourite projects from last year and contributing to their 'Phase 2' on the design of their Mudroom & Family Room. Here's a little throwback to their Powder Room concept - I love clients who aren't afraid to just go for it!

And finally, if you are looking for a light-hearted podcast to listen to in the car, I'm currently obsessed with Rachel Hollis. Both the Rise Podcast & the Rise Together Podcasts are on high rotation these days! Enjoy!

I wish you all well for the week ahead! Thanks so much for stopping by ;) xo

L.

Friday Links & Likes

Welcome to the first addition of Friday Links & Likes, where I share some of my weekly findings and things that inspire me. These posts will be short & sweet, a light casual read as your prepare for your week ahead ;)

This week I came to the conclusion that I am obsessed with black and white in all forms. My clothing, home decor & even my children's blankets & toys are all colorless. I truly love the simplicity that black & white provides while still adding that punch of style.

I recently purchased THIS bow & THIS blanket as a gift and I'm instantly regretting not ordering the same for my twins. And this dreamy black & white kitchen by Coco & Jack is serious #KitchenGoals! I live for a stone waterfall island, and it is my mission in life to have one someday.

I'm currently in the beginning stages of designing a psychiatrist office in downtown Hamilton, and here is just one of the inspiration boards I've created. I will never grow tired of preparing concept boards like these. They truly are the kick-starter of any project, and it's fun to sift through Pinterest for inspiration.

Elizabeth Montilla Design

This week I had to say goodbye to one of my favourite pieces of furniture in my home. This original mid century dining console that I've had since 2010. It was a $30 Kijiji purchase for our first apartment in Windsor and has been with us through each move in the GTA. It has been well loved and went to a good home, but it's time for a change. I have big plans for this wall in our kitchen. Gone are the days of a perfectly-styled bar and time to create something a bit more family-friendly. See inspiration below! I will be creating a bench (Ikea hack, obvis) with lots & lots of custom pillows and a bench cushion from Tonic Living because the obsession is REAL.

Source: Style At Home

I'll make sure to keep you posted on this little project. My husband and I are collaborating and will be building a custom table so that should be "fun".

Thanks for reading! Enjoy the long weekend!

-L.

The Newly Designed Feminine Nursery

I pretty much started re-designing our twins' nursery as soon as we found out their genders. I never in a million years thought we were going to have twin girls, but here I am, a mom of two beautiful little girls. Their room was not fully decorated yet so after a few weeks, I realized their nursery needed some feminine touches.

Penelope (Left) & Olivia (Right)

With any good design, I started planning & pulling together some inspiration. I remember seeing THIS nursery designed by Lindsay Mens Craig and thought it was so chic yet still age appropriate for babies. I didn't want anything overly juvenile that I would have to change after a few years. I loved the soft colour palette paired with classic black and white accents.

1. Pillows 2. Wall Decals 3. Cribs 4. Hooks 5. Rug 6. Change Pad 7. Faux Sheepskin Rug 8. Chair 9. Dresser 10. Ottoman

Simple styling above the twins' changing table. I love styling with their own accessories!

I found this accent table on major clearance at Homesense. Always, always check the clearance section, people!

I chose to opt out of the traditional rocker or glider that you typically see in nurseries. I figured I wanted to invest in something I could use down the line, rather than a temporary purchase. This chair from Structube was a great price and I love the high back to rest your head during those late night feeds.

Image by Jennifer Blaak Photography

Image by Jennifer Blaak Photography

Since we needed to purchase 2, we didn't want to invest in expensive cribs. We chose the Sundvik crib by Ikea as they had closed ends and converted to toddler beds down the line. The crib sheets are from SnuggleBugz and I absolutely love them! They're by Little Unicorn and get softer with each wash.

I'm sure the nursery will evolve as they get older, and I will keep adding to it along the way. For now I like the serene & minimalist vibe it has, it is a very calming room to be in.

Thanks for reading!

-L.