No, I'm not excited about Oktoberfest, but just delighted that happy little dots seem to be all around these days! There's something playful and quirky about this classic pattern that I've always loved. Unsurprisingly my favourite combination is classic black and white. Whether you choose to use a little or a lot, it always seems just right for adding the perfect little bit of punch!

Get spotted with lovely finds from Club Monaco and Kate Spade.

It was the perfect dream - all white walls with beautiful dark wood accents. Flooded with light from large windows. The look was at once clean and refreshing but
without bordering on austere.

There was plenty of space to showcase beautiful art and artfully designed functional furniture. (Really loving this simply, striking black and blue canvas!)

A comfortable window seat with a view upholstered in a dreamy shade of pale grey. With white orchids, lots of books to choose from - and look, even my white tea cup set out for me...

And in the bedroom, a little drama with dark ebonised floors, dark wood furniture and of course, all white bedding (it is my dream, afterall). The feminine romance of a beautiful French chandelier that casts little beams of sparkling light like diamonds across the room keeps the place from becoming too severe.

A very elegant writing desk serves as a little vanity and hosts a collection of beautiful objects - a simple vase, and some framed photos of people and memories that always
bring on a soft smile to glance at.

And then finally - it's very own library! Equipped with wall to wall built in beauties with enough muscle to hold all my most treasured books and enough storage to satisfy my inner obsessive complusive organizational junkie. (Yes, some days it's very inner - and currently hasn't seemed to find it's way into my home office situation!)

And finally, a light filled workspace that's bound to stir up some creativity. With a few shots of red to add a little energy, which I'll need to get going after all the lounging around and reading, perhaps another cup of tea too...

And then... I woke up. In perhaps a little less dreamy apartment,
but the man of my dreams at my side.

{Photos: D.KArchitects}

I've talked extensively about my love of all white interiors. One of my favourite ways to balance out this all-white look and add a bit of dramatic flair is painting a wall black. I'm currently debating this in my all white living room, I just love the look but it is a big commitment, especially in a rental apartment, as it will require several coats of paint to un-do if and when the time comes to move. However, especially in light of my upcoming wedding, now is hardly the time to shy away from commitment and I think it's time I took the plunge and solemnly swear my lifetime devotion to black and white. What better token of my love than a little black paint?

I think the room below will be my inspiration point for my living area, I actually
already have almost all of the elements (minus the paint).

This room with it's weathered paint, well-worn carpet and casual seating with sheets over the chair, suddenly becomes a chic, sophisticated space with a coat of black paint.

How perfect is Ruthie Sommer's kitchen, rather than making the space look smaller - but extending the black paint all the way up to the ceiling, this small space looks much larger. That aqua door is such a refreshing splash of colour. The white chandelier and cupboards keep the space looking fresh.

You can always count even a small black accent to add a touch of sophistication and glamour. Think of it as the little black dress for your home, your hair, or any other little space.

{Alek from From the Right Bank has issued the "What's Your Style in One Picture challenge" - this whole space pretty much sums it up for me. If I were to pick one - perhaps the living room in number 1 and 2 or the last photo of the bedroom.}

I almost gasped in delight when I saw the cover of this month's Canadian House and Home. I was immediately captivated by the cover could not wait to see the rest of the home. I could happily move right into Jennifer Ferreira's beautiful Toronto home. This is precisely how I would see my own personal style - a classic, clean white and neutral palette with strong black accents. As an interior designer who has worked as a set designer for Martha Stewart Weddings and as a buyer for Tom Ford, her classic, glamorous style is evidenced through each detail of this space.

A beautiful mix of romantic French and mid-century modern furniture. Lots of natural light. Books, art and personal touches throughout the space - but not cluttering it.

Glamorous luxe details - the ornate gold mirror, the gilded inside of the pendant lamp.
The Hermes blanket! I love how playfully the bicycle is positioned in the corner.

The bold, graphic zebra print continues the simple black and white theme in the home study Jennifer created for herself. Someday I'd love to have a library with a ladder.

I smiled with delight when I saw this photo - I just bought the very same desk for my own little home office area. I also have a bulletin board above mine. While I do love this West Elm chair, my own desk chair is a glossy white Eiffel Eames. (See, told you I could move right in!)

The simple black trim adds a sophisticated touch to the white curtains.
I love the light flooding into this elegant yet understated space.

My favourite colour combination is no secret, combined in the style of the country that in my opinion, does Christmas best. The result - clean, serene yet still a sophisticated glamorous touch. All set and ready for the holiday festivities.

I had to, of course, return to my favourite colour combination of all. I was so inspired by this clean and modern, yet surprisingly warm space found at Moodboard (she always has the best scanned archives!). Simple un-fussy details make this space peaceful and calming - and easy to transition to the holidays and beyond!

Lots of sparkle with tea lights and twinkling fairy lights everywhere! Love the soaring ceilings in this space, with simple artwork leaned up against the low white console.

Another easy Christmas tree alternative - definitely delivers all the sparkle, but not still not sure I can part with the delicious scent of fresh pine.

Really love all the plush textures that keep the space from looking cold. This glowing little fireplace setup may just be the perfect solution for my non-working fireplace mantle.
A cozy rug and some throw pillows (+ wine!) would make for a lovely romantic evening by 'the fireside'.

Love this simple and stunning wrapping paper called 'Diamonds and Stars' - I think it would make whatever's inside a little more lovely!As apparently it's almost impossible to find, I thought I'd include a lovely black and white wrapping alternative for the holidays or whenever - and immediately available with these fantastic downloadable templates from Blueprint magazine. Get them here and just print them out from wherever you are!
(Thank you Martha!)

Just a spot of black and white on a rather grey day.
(yes, the black + white addiction continues...)

A dramatic bedroom by designer, Larry Laslo. Charcoal walls in the bedroom
and white carrera marble in the bathroom - so striking!

Spots, stripes and tea - three favourite things from Kate Spade.

P.S - More lovely black + white
A gorgeous apartment that has me wanting to move to Sweden
Pia's simple, lovely Paris apartment