Modern Home, Natural Christmas

Now this is my kinda home, and my kinda Christmas. Home to a family of four, it's been decked out for the holidays by interior designer, Sophie Burke. I have so much love for this home, and the pretty and low key festive decorations.

This 1920's house was was renovated by architect Elizabeth MacKenzie, and the interiors were finished by Sophie. I shot this story for the November issue of House and Home magazine. Here's a peek...

A perfectly calm and inviting bedroom. Artwork by Angela Grossmann.

I'll be keeping this bathroom in mind as inspiration for my reno. Love the pretty little wreath that Sophie created too. 

The family room is just off the kitchen. Loved everything about it. 

Speaking of the kitchen.....

....it was a pretty great one. 

Loved the mix of the comfy, classic sofa, with a Saarinen coffee table and an Eames rocker. Sprigs of fir tree, pinecones and candles are festive, without screaming Christmas. 

This really makes me want a separate dining room. Perfect backdrop for more woodsy, natural, Christmas decor. 

What do you think? Are you a nature lover when it comes to Christmas decor? Do you think you could live in a fairly minimal house? I'd love to know. 

Have a great day!

janis

A Look at Love It Or List It Vancouver

Hello! It's been awhile since my last post, but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day. I doubt I'm the only one who feels this way?

Some of you may know that I shoot the "reveals" on a show called Love It Or List It Vancouver, on WNetwork, hosted by Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot. It's pretty incredible what Jillian, and her design team, get done in the space of just a few weeks...and this is a weekly show. Thought I'd share a few pics from one of the more recent reveal days. You can click here, to see some of the "before" pics, the entire resource guide and story.

What do you think? Could you see yourself hanging out in this house? 

Check out Love It Or List It Vancouver, for pics of the bedroom, bathroom and office as well, along with all the before pics. It was a massive transformation. 

Have a good day!

janis

Minimal for Friday

Hello weekend! Hope you all had a good week.

I shoot a lot of homes. The best part about it is, I have the opportunity to meet so many homeowners and see their different styles and tastes. It's so interesting, to me, to see what makes a perfect home for someone. Minimal, country, vintage, or maximal (new word?), etc.

This home was shot for Style At Home, propped by Stephanie Vogler (The Cross) and it's featured in the current issue. The homeowners are minimalists, and don't like to live with a lot of stuff. At all. Lots of white and concrete but, with some carefully selected vintage and antique wood pieces, along with their collection of McCoy pottery, it feels warm.

Homeowner, Patty, has a beautiful collection of McCoy pottery and had built in shelves created to  display it all. Still manages to keep it spare looking. 

I actually shot this couple's last home, a few years back, for a magazine called Canadian Home and Country. Take a look at the new issue of Style At Home for a few pics of their last home, mixed in with this one. It's quite a change. 

Do you think you could live minimally? Let me know!

Have a good weekend!

janis

A Sunshiny Kitchen for Friday

Hello weekend! It's been a very golden day for Canada at the Olympics, and our hockey team is heading to the gold medal game on Sunday. Can't wait. Will you be watching?

To end off the week, I thought I'd share a few pics of Lisa Moody's, of Grapevine Designs, kitchen. I shot it for House and Home magazine, and it's on the stands now.

What do you think of Lisa's kitchen? I loved her counter top with a built-in cutting board at one end of it. The table, with a window bench seating, was pretty great too.  I also can't believe how incredibly organized this busy mom of 3 is. Wow. 

Have a great weekend! 

janis

Modern Warmth

Hello! How's your week going so far?

I wanted to share a home with you that I shot for Denise Ashmore,  a very talented interior designer. The home itself was designed by architect, Paul Phillips. It's also in the current issue of Western Living magazine.

Denise has created a beautiful mix of warm walnut, throughout the home, with mid-century furniture and pops of blues and greens.

Here's a peek...

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Christine Breakell-Lee

For more images and the whole story, click here.

Are you a warm wood person, or do you prefer it a bit lighter? Would love to hear from you. 

Have a great day! 

janis

A Beautiful Blend

To start off this sunny first day of August, I thought I'd share a very pretty lane way house, that I shot for House and Home magazine. Homeowner, Jo, brought in Joanna, from The Cross, to help her out in this small space. Jo has brought back many beautiful bits from her travels, and wanted some help in mixing them with custom pieces, and mid-century furniture. I love what they came up with...

A custom settee upholstered in contrasting fabrics. Pretty perfect. 

The large lamp, with clear glass base, and acrylic coffee table are great choices for a tiny space. 

I have put in my request, to Jo, for this entire dining set should she tire of it ;) 

I want to move this kitchen right into my home. Loved the grey subway tiles, happy paper lined cupboard, and that Smeg. I'll take it all. 

Last, but not least, the bedroom. Sweet dreams. 

What do you think of Jo's home? Do you like the blend of materials, fabrics, and styles? To see more, pick up the September issue of House and Home magazine. 

Happy August 1st! 

janis

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Kitchen Love

Hope you had a nice weekend! We're on day 32 of no rain here in Vancouver. Not the norm, but I'm quite enjoying it.

Thought I'd start off the week with a little kitchen love. I shot this beautiful space, designed by the team of The Cross, for Style At Home magazine.

I'm especially loving this dining area. Light, airy, with windows that open up to a forest.  "Love" prints by Jen Ramos. 

Could you hang out in this kitchen? I know I could. 

Have a great day! 

janis

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