Backyard

Our yard is an adult space (think manicured bushes, pebble walkways and a slate patio, and no grass), so making our large two level patio as baby friendly as possible for Tom this summer. is a priority. Sure we have two lovely playgrounds (including one with an outdoor pool!) within 5 minutes walking distance of our home (yay for living in an urban neighbourhood)!, but we also want Tom to enjoy being closer to home occasionally.

The upper level of our deck, which is accessible by patio doors from our kitchen, will be the perfect space for the boy to play while we bbq, so we're going to buy a wooden gate system to make the space safe and outfit the deck with some weather resistant foam mats to prevent splinters and bumps.

I'd also like to hang a swing from the upper level of the patio so that it is accessible on the lower level (I love this baby swing!) and to buy a standing hammock for us to take naps in the shade together. This bench would also be the perfect cheerful addition to our space.

When Tom's older, I hope he has a tree house (but that's a plan for a larger home and a bigger yard). Do you dream about making changes to your outdoor living space now that you have a child?

Viva & Co

I'm reading Tom Frank Viva's children's book, and am also adoring his packaging design and identity development. There's something in me that really appreciates when a company presents their wares and identity in a thoughtful and pleasing way.

Torngasok Cultural Centre

While one might certainly expect to find beautiful modern buildings in Toronto, Nain seems less expected. Saunders Architecture has drafted the following stunning plans for the Torngasok Cultural Centre in the Inuit community, which is the northenmost town in my province and the administrative capital of the autonomous Nunatsiavut Government. The Centre is expected to be completed in 2013 and will include exhibition space, an artist studio, auditorium, gift shop and cafe. Images via Saunders Architecture.

Mini-Series: Canadiana

I'm excited to note that next week's posts will have a theme - I'll be sharing some of my favourites in current Canadian modern art and design. I hope you'll check back for my posts. xo

Images of Thom Fougere's Tyndall Table designed in 2011 via Thom Fougere. If you're in Toronto, you might want to head out to the IDS12 Interior Design Show from January 26 to 29 where the Tyndall Table will be showing.

Bird Feeder

Do you like to bird watch? We often see many varieties perched on our deck outside out kitchen window. These homes look like the perfect place to welcome Blue Jays and Robins. After all, birds appreciate modern design too, no?

Playroom

Our guest room is going to go through a metamorphosis in the coming months from cozy rest place for visiting family to a play space for our boy (we'll move the guest space to our present third floor den). Right now I'm in the inspiration gathering stage. I want to include a child sized table and chairs set, fun wallpaper, and a rotating art display place (plus lots of storage and white walls). We'd also like to keep things as green as possible by purchasing recyclable cardboard large toys such as this play hut, where possible, though I have to admit I'm feeling tempted to purchase this play kitchen (which is presently available at a floor model discount from a local shop). I know Thomas won't be ready to play with the kitchen for awhile, but some of my happiest memories are playing with my toy kitchen as a child. Plus Erzi makes the most amazing wooden play food. Speaking of play kitchens, Kids on Roof also has a fantastic cardboard version. Plan Toys table and chairs via Baby Naturopathics, city wall paper via Studio Nommo and art work line via Ikea.

Nursery

If curious, here's a glimpse of the room we designed for little Thomas. As a nursing mother, with a son who feeds best in his poang chair, I'm quite glad we took the time to add visual interest and colour for adults as well as tykes as I presently find myself spending many hours a day and night sitting in there.

Varpuen

Great design and motherhood? Check out Varpuren for some amazing photos if you're interested in both (and want to practice your Finnish). xo I'm so excited about having found this blog after "meeting" this family via Dwell a few months back.

Josef Frank

I'm newly obsessed with Josef Frank's textile designs from the 1940s and 1950s. Aren't they divine? Images via Just Scandinavian.

Before

If curious, here are some before photos of our new home. The only design decision we've finalized yet is to hang a substantial Nelson pendant in our dining room, but I'm feeling inspired by this house (I'm even debating adding some grey walls to the mix) and I'd love to find this fixture for our living room or front hall.

Bunting

Today, I'm loving all things bunting over on Svpply! Pillow found via Cup of Jo and available for purchase at Annily Green.

Alvhem Makleri

I'm back to obsessing over Alvhem Makleri. Swoon!

Nest II

Two things: one, Covet Garden is the perfect Canadian(!) online magazine to peruse on a sunny Saturday morning with a cup of orange juice (this morning fits the bill); and, two, Shelley, Brandon and Clover's home is my new favourite nest and I'm imaging 100 Circular looking similar.

P.S. I also love the artwork displays in Greenwood in the first issue of Covet Garden.

Posters

This more we delve into our Love it Or List Adventure (no decisions yet!), the more I find myself daydreaming about new rooms to decorate (I am so in love with Lara Hedberg Deam's home). These 'And I Love You She Said' posters fit the bill, for sure.

Clock

Upon his return from Ottawa, Greg presented me with the most beautiful, colourful clock - an Ultra Thin Wall Clock by Thomas Buchheim (which is speculated to be the world's thinnest clock). I'm excited to hang it in our home. I love the colours. Thank you, Gregory. Image via Apartment Therapy.

P.S. Today is our four month wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary, Gregory!

Carpet

I had no idea that office carpet came in so many colours. Isn't this office beautiful and inspiring? I love the spectrum. It makes me want to write briefing notes all day long. Image via 2modern.

Architecture

Modern homes in St. John's and other towns in NL? I am super excited about the work of Robert Mellin. Isn't it beautiful? Found by Greg and photo via Robert Mellin.

I'm particularly smitten with the modern jelly bean fusion house.

Bookshelves

In carrying out our den's mini makeover this morning, I took inspiration from these bookshelves. For more great book storage ideas, look here. Images via Design*Sponge.

Maps

Speaking of maps, aren't These Are Things maps fantastic? I love the pink one!