Sarah Walker The Curated House, Author at The Curated House

The Art of Architecture: A Rural Canadian Retreat

Remember last week’s post about Sacred Spaces featuring three truly inspiring homes created out of converted, centuries-old churches? This week I am delighted to share a soul stirring, sacred space of another kind. Surrounded by evergreen and hardwood forest, this home sits poetically atop the crest of a hill. Gently blurring the lines between nature and shelter, this home celebrates the connection between the outdoors and an inspired interior.

A year round retreat that also serves as a gracious gathering place, this home was intelligently and intuitively designed by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.

The continuity of finishes throughout the home – including the truly Canadian warmth of the Douglas Fir walls and ceilings – create a harmonious palette. This serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase all four resplendent seasons through the spectacular wall of glass that faces into the valley.

Even the outdoor fire pit – one of my favourite spaces on the property – connects to the indoors through the use of the same natural stone featured on the indoor fireplaces. The restraint and consistency of material use creates a calm and cohesive property that is at once stirring and rejuvenating.

All photos by Nic Lehoux courtesy of ArchDaily

My guess is this interior will inspire you to get outdoors and look for inspiration on how to bring the outdoors into your own home! I hope the use of materials and finishes featured will offer you some ideas on how to create cohesion and a sense of retreat in your own nest.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|July 17th, 2012|0 Comments

The Art of Collaboration: West Elm

I am a big believer in collaboration. I also love seeing large companies leveraging their platform to create opportunities for individual artisans. All of this added together meant that I was truly delighted to learn about West Elm‘s new South Africa collection.

Harnessing the creativity and cultural diversity of 16 different South African artisans, West Elm has launched a collection that reflects just a taste of the spectacular beauty and inspiration that is waiting to be found in this incredible country. Having spent time in South Africa back in 2009, I can tell you that it is a country filled with story, courage, beauty, redemption, remarkable people, incredible diversity, spectacular landscape and deeply inspiring and innovative creativity.

From woven-seat furniture clearly influenced by mid-century Danish design to bright, hand painted pottery reflective of the indigenous beadwork that South Africa has come to be known for, this collection is truly diverse.

If you love to travel but have not yet had the inspiring privilege of traveling to South Africa, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. In the meantime, here is a lovely video giving you just a taste of the landscape and natural inspiration South Africa has to offer (along with a further look at some of the artisans featured in West Elm’s collection).

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Wishing you an inspired Monday!

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|July 16th, 2012|0 Comments

Indie Musician Lucy Rose – All Saints Basement Sessions

I have a heart that is easily charmed by thoughtful lyrics, a folksy acoustic and a vulnerable voice. That is why I am utterly smitten with the sweet sounds of English Indie muso Lucy Rose. How did I find her, you ask?

I discovered All Saints Spitalfields a few years ago on an excursion into town with my cousin Karen in her home town of Brighton, England. She was delighted to introduce me to one of her favourite clothing shops, and with their unexpected mix of feminine-meets-rock-and-roll, I instantly understood why she loved them so.

From girlie sequins to edgy leather jackets and tops and dresses with asymmetrical cuts and stitched details, they’ve got a distinctive look that is pretty killer.

Though All Saints has not yet moved to Canada, they have crossed the pond to settle in the US. I recently discovered that they have expanded beyond fashion to offer – to my great delight – beautiful videos of indie musicians featured in their very own Basement Sessions. A fashion company that takes supporting indie musicians seriously is worth checking out in my book!

Lucy Rose was named one of Indie Music’s breakout stars in 2012 by Vogue Magazine. Also regularly touring as a part of both Bombay Bicycle Club and Noah & The Whale, she’s just the kind of girl I’d love to chat with over a good cuppa. Hope you enjoy her just as much as I do!