Realistic Chic

Well, while I haven't been around as much as I'd like, degree completion happening within the next couple of months, I am so pleased to announce my first guest post: Jenn from Arcadian Lighting! She will be showing us just how lovely a dash of colour in the hall can be! Perfect for this lovely fall season! Enjoy...



Hello there! I'm Jenn and I'm a writer for Arcadian Lighting, an e-commerce website that specializes in top lighting ideas and trends from around the world. I had a Holly Hobbie light fixture when I was a little girl, and since then I have loved home decor and accessories. My two favourite things are perusing high-end interior design boutiques in my hometown of Montreal and scouring the net for inspiring blogs, one of which is Realistic Chic, where owner Shannon shares her favourite things about fashion, decor, and more. I'm excited to be guest posting here today about colourful halls - thank you Shannon!

A dash of colour in the hall always makes a big impact. Even though this is a transitional space it doesn't mean that homeowners should scrimp on style. A great colour scheme, a few choice pieces of furniture or wall decor elements, and a one-of-a-kind light fixture are all that are needed for a fashionable hallway. Here are eight spaces with a dash of colour in the hall.

Wallpapered bliss

A hallway covered in rich wallpaper can be extremely eye-catching - the deep reds and golds shown here match the rich woods beautifully.

Homey opening

This front hallway in delicate pale blues and white is clean and crisp, while accessories such as the lamp and scalloped detailing on the stairs gives it a homey feel.

Not mellow yellow

A loud shade of yellow gives this hallway a sunny disposition. The white doors and big puffy mod ceiling light tone down the bold hue.

Complimentary chic

Patterns and solid colours, like this two-toned hall, make an ordinary space extraordinary. The painted portrait is also interesting.

Pretty in pink

Although not a traditional hue for a dash of colour in the hall, the pink and white seen here looks very pretty and becomes a unique yet stylish choice.

Hot and bold

Flashy pink is mesmerizing in this modest hallway, while the shabby chic accessories keep the space funky and fun.

Traditional floral

What's so sweet about this hallway is that the blue and white wallpaper is mimicked in the fabric on the chair, and the wall lights are simple mini candelabras that give the set-up charm.

Running colour

A dash of colour in the hall comes in the form of a vivid striped stair runner as well as a collection of vintage watering cans on display on top of a shelf.

Do you like the post? What's your favorite color? Get the lighting fixtures to match your favorite color at Arcadian Lighting.

Image credits: { 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 }

Thanks Shannon for letting us do the guest post in her blog!

Topshop is coming to Vancouver!

Why is this such a big deal? Case(s) in point:





Gorgeous. Can't wait.

Today is the 475th anniversary of the beheading of one of my favourite monarchs: Queen Anne Boleyn (you may have taken her title away, Henry, but she'll always be Queen to me).

Here, in ode to the tyrant king's better half, is a salute to renaissance royalty:

To you, Your Royal Highness, Queen Boleyn, "The Most Happy," I wish you peace as those who meddle of your cause do know you are innocent, and judge you the best.

The first batch of cookies made with my new mixer!
They are super gooey and soft, but with a crisp edge. Just the way Grandma use to make!

Today I feel like Gollum in LOTR when he finally gets a hold of the ring and the look of sheer delight passes over his face "It's mine! My own! My precious!" Why? Because I awoke to Canada Post buzzing at the door and delivering this:

Yes, this gorgeous Kitchen-Aid Artisan Series mixer in 'Ice Blue' is ALL MINE. But that's not all: I also received the Ice Cream Maker attachment. Hooray! The best part in all of this was that I wasn't even expecting it; my lovely mister bought it for me as a (really) early birthday gift. I have no complaints with the premature nature of my new toy's arrival...after all, now I can make chocolate chip cookies without that annoying little hand mixer. Apparently this bad boy can make up to 9 dozen cookies at once! Truly it is The One Mixer of Power.

Now I am off to make the inaugural batch of cookies...with Khaleel's help!