montreal -- part deux

I promised more from my recent trip to Montreal...so here's a look at the wonderful little boutique hotel we stayed in....excellent design, fantastic location and good price!

Hotel Zero 1 has it all...and I'm sure many like me are tempted to stash some of their mid-century modern furnishings into their luggage to take home!

Alas...a design that captured my heart and was just perfect for our little trip.

Check in next  time to see the last blog from Montreal...featuring some of the goodies found at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Enjoy!

blasted with inspiration

So...hey just a little rouge readers!

My apologies for not posting as often as I have been in the past...in truth, I've been suffering from a lack of inspiration. Yes, there are things that "inspire" me almost every day, but I mean it's been a little while since I've been INSPIRED.

Well...I just went to Montreal for a few days and was literally BLASTED with inspiration.  

Beautiful old buildings that are incredibly lit at night, the modern boutique hotel we stayed in, the crazy window displays in Chinatown, the beautiful public art on practically every downtown corner and in the lobbies of corporate buildings, and of course, the interior design of restaurants, resto-bars, bistros, diners and practically every place that offers delicious food.

Just the whole feel of the city is bursting with creativity, art, enthusiasm and energy. Suffice it to say that my batteries are recharged.

Excited to show you some of what I saw...especially at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the interior design of the Hotel Zero 1.

First though, enjoy a few random Montreal pics...

Check in for the next post for more of my Montreal adventure.

xx rouge.

antique settee with designer twist!

This fabulous antique settee is a designer show-stopper! It's a one-of-a-kind find and now priced to sell at $775.

Features:

* solid wood construction

* beautiful wood scroll work on back, front, arms and legs -- painted a high gloss black to give it a modern kick!

* golden yellow upholstery is in perfect condition -- soft and comfy!

* overall like-new condition (except it's an antique!)

* smoke free and pet free home

* buyer must pick-up. No delivery available.

Much loved and very gently used by interior designer. 

Serious offers will be considered...please contact me (suzanne@littlered.ca)

Thanks!

xx rouge

where i wish i was right now...

The 15th annual Interior Design Show is taking place right now (Jan 24027) in Toronto.

The Interior Design Show/IDS is Canada’s design fair. Since it's inception in 1998, close to 660,000 design professionals, consumers and media have attended. 

The newest and most innovative in international and Canadian products are annually presented by 300 exhibitors. 

Inspirational exhibits feature both emerging and established designers; and highlight international interior design, architecture and industrial design trends. 

The most influential architects and designers from around the world share their design philosophies and experiences within the international keynote speakers program.

IDS is more than just a fair. It is the total design experience.

www.interiordesignshow.com

Although I'm not there in person, I am there in mind and spirit. I'll be taking some time to cozy up to the computer, and take a really good look at the list of exhibitors where you'll find a TON of new and exciting websites that will keep you coming back for more. Be sure to check out the articles about this year's guest speakers and up and coming designers, too! 

So, so much information. I think my head might actually explode if I was there in person...on second thought, maybe it's best I'm not.

I dare you not to be inspired.

xx rouge.

pallet houses

Yep...that is indeed a home made out of used pallets. Did you know that there are about a gazillion (don't quote me on that) pallets used and discarded in North America every day?

Brilliant and simple thinking from i-beamdesign created a sustainable /recycled use for them. Why not build homes in disaster stricken areas? Or for refugees? These plans are available to the public for purchase as well. To check out more about this incredible design, check out their website and videos here:

www.i-beamdesign.com/projects/refugee/refugee.html

As you can imagine this can make a HUGE difference in many parts of the world.

AND, from a strictly creative perspective....you can go anywhere from this basic idea...weather proof homes, cottages, shelters...and yes, even furniture.

Here are a few more pics to prove that one man's trash is another man's treasure. And that sustainable building and living are indeed the best way to go on our planet!

Upcycle, recycle, reduce, reuse...go on, get creative!

Relove!

sparkly bits....

Hey readers!

Here are a few bits and pieces to think about over the holidays....

• The above is holiday artwork courtesy of my nephew, who is pretty sure that the reindeer chuck presents with parachutes off Santa's sled, so they land in your chimney. Not a bad idea for efficient delivery, don't you think? This was drawn on the outside of a Christmas package that arrived today. The Canada Post person loved it! I love it too. 

• Style at Home magazine says the hottest color trends for 2013 are: stony taupe (really...shades of grey), electric blue, powder pink, and grey-blue. In my humble opinion, these are MUCH better than the pantone "color of the year" as mentioned in my previous blog posting.

• I'm thinking about re-doing my bathroom in early 2013. Seriously thinking about pink and grey. Not little girl pink...but a more adult, deep, rich pink. Still girlie? Indeed. More grown-up?I think so. These are things I will ponder over the holidays...

• I knew "rouge" was a super fantastic name for a company such as mine...apparently I'm not the only one, as evidenced by the new Air Canada discount carrier called "rouge" that was launched yesterday. Looks like I may have to change my little company's name....so sad about that. I was here first!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season full of love, laughter, goodies and surprises! 

See you in 2013!

xx rouge.

emerald...oh my!

PANTONE ANNOUNCES 2013 COLOR OF THE YEAR: 

17-5641 EMERALD

In a 180-degree turn from 2012’s spunky Tangerine Tango, the Pantone Color Institute introduced Emerald as its color of 2013 “to promote balance and harmony.” Citing gemstones, the environment, and the association of green with regrowth, the Institute is touting it as the perfect hue for design, fashion, and beauty. Tangerine reigned supreme this past year and we expect to see a burst of green hit the design scene.  

Read more: http://www.dwell.com/articles/pantone-announces-2013-color-of-the-year-17-5641-emerald.html#ixzz2EmCDayw9