Take your favourite object and turn it into a room - that's exactly what Susie Sheffman did with her favourite Miu Miu belt. With it's bold chocolate brown, orange and yellow graphic tones, it provided the perfect colour scheme for Susie's home. This beautiful space has been one of my favourites since I first saw it in Canadian House and Home last year.


As the fashion director of Fashion Magazine, Susie has seen her share of fads and trends come and go, so she tries to focus on classic styles that are "modern and quintessential". The white Barcelona chair, the waterfall coffee table, the Eames lounger - to name just a few at a glance, her home is a gallery of midcentury iconic pieces all in simple, neutral tones. They provide the perfect backdrop to show off trendier styles - like the citrus hued accessories.

Of course I was immediately drawn to this home with it's all white interior (Benjamin Moore, Decorator's White), and graphic black and white Marimekko pillows. I have a similar look at home with all white and Ikea's Hedda cushions. Susie's sees the zebra print rug as 'the little black dress' of modern decor.


Susie's other inspiration for her space was one of her very favourite destinations - Palm Springs. She admits to an obsession with water and pools, you can see this reflected in the shots of aqua and of course through all the water inspired art. Above the fireplace, the photo was an outtake from a fashion shoot at a Palm Springs pool taken by friend Adam Levitt.


I love this bold, colourful statement - so simple but such a powerful way to make an impact and showcase your colour theme. This would be a very simply DIY tip to try at home.


Susie has collected this lovely rainbow of vintage glass over her trips to Palm Springs. They look so pretty sitting in the window of her dining room.I love this perfect little Miu Miu dress hung so artfully on the closet door. Of course, right next to it there's a lovely big beach photo hung in a simple gallery frame.

Black and white make a powerful statement, but in this all white bedroom with the mirrored wall behind the headboard, the simplicity of this combination is calming. A perfect place to end or begin your day.

I've been so inspired by the simple, chic style of this space. And what's best of all - it would very attainable to achieve with a selective eye and a clean, simple theme.

This bedroom is just dreamy - grey cowhide rug on the floor. Classic French furniture in white with rich pewter upholstery. Very luxurious yet comfortable. In my eyes, pretty much perfect.

One of my very favourite features of the loft? The amazing library style ladder (above and below), it has a industrial vintage look that blends perfectly with the loft aesthetic and the warm wood balances out the greys in the concrete and upholstery. I love the soft palette of soft pewters and lavenders. You know right away - a girl lives here! It's glamourous and feminine without being too precious.

Speaking of the talented Michael Penney - he is this month's 'cover boy' at Canadian House and Home. A big part of Michael's genius comes from his ability to scout out bargains and with a little retro-fitting and DIY savvy, create fabulous, chic space.



I was very inspired by so many of Michael's clever ideas - like the kitchen pegboard (above). I currently like in a cute apartment with the world's smallest kitchen (trust me, I've checked) - I'm constantly trying to find ways to maximize on storage - this just might do the trick... I also love Michael's woven basket - it has inspired me to go to my mum's and steal one of hers :) - I meant borrow...


I love that he chose open cupboard spaces - with a great collection of eclectic dinnerware, why keep it all locked up inside cupboards?


Ah - the charm of a claw foot tub. The open wall mounted unit was a vintage find that Michael found and sprayed it black to anchor the space. Michael says that he chose the polka-dot shower curtain because of it's 'quirky Kate Spade vibe', I agree - it's charming.


A beautiful light filled space and indoor plants would be the perfect spot to relax on the chaise with a good book or a lovely cup of tea. The lamp (above, right) was a Value Village find.

I was instantly smitten with this chic ski chalet in Collingwood, Ontario. Unlike many cottages that quickly become inundated with kitsch and craft, Toronto designer Michele Haber has created a clean, chic palate with lots of rustic details that stay true to it's ski chalet status.