inspiration for decor

There is nothing better than a fresh cut tree brought into the home at Christmas time. That unmistakable  scent puts you in the holiday spirit with just one whiff.  The real downside of an artificial tree in my opinion, is that you miss out on that wonderful holiday smell.  But Bath and Body Works has come to the rescue!

“Holly Wreath” smells JUST like the REAL THING!  It’s awesome.  We’ve been burning it day and night.  Faking it with a candle and my nose and spirit can’t tell the difference!

I love many of Bath and Body Works’ candles (but not all – some are just gross – I guess it depends on your taste).  Their candles, unlike many others, actually give off a strong aroma and fill your home with a lovely scent.  I buy several of their candles seasonally. “Leaves” is my #1 fav, especially through the Fall and Winter.

All candles are currently on sale at Bath & Body Works (2 for $25 CDN), so make sure to pick up a couple while you’re out doing your last minute shopping (click here for locations in Canada).  Happy Holidays everyone!

That’s right, EIVOR and VILMIE are my new friends from IKEA.  This past weekend I dropped by my local store to pick up the EIVOR throw I’ve been meaning to buy for a while now.

I originally saw it online and while I loved the graphic black and white stripe, I was a little skeptical on the quality, given the price was only $29.99. Well, let me tell you, for 100% polyester or whatever its made of (sorry, cut the tag off before checking) it is pretty darn nice. It’s cozy, it doesn’t look like it will pill, and I love the look!

And see that black and white pillow?  Also an IKEA find. It is the VILMIE FIGUR ($13.99) and I love it!  You may have noticed the corner sticking out of one of my Christmas decor shots, as I haven’t decided where I like it best – on the sofa or on my bed. What a dilemma.

(images: 1&2-IKEA, 3-me)

This weekend we finally went into our storage locker to pull out 4 Rubbermaid bins of Christmas decor. After digging through our collection, I decided on what would be appropriate for Christmas with a toddler (think non-breakable, colourful, and fun).

In years past, we always had a large real tree that I decorated just so, but this year we went with a small, condo size 4-foot, pre-lit, artificial tree that will eventually become the “kids tree”. Since the lights are multi-coloured, I used a few strands of red and gold beaded garland and dug out all my bright ornaments, most of which are cloisonne teapots, balls, and fish, as well as a few ornaments from when I was a kid. Overall it looks nice.  Not really my style, but it’s festive and it’ll do for this year.

And for the little man, I purchaed a small potted Norkfolk Pine  for his room.  The soft branches really can’t hold any weight so I attached just three gold balls with thread.  And I have run out of pots, so I simply wrapped the pot with a brown paper bag.  It is very cute… kind of like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree.  He is also in love with a small blow-up tree that he’s been carrying around like its a stuffed animal.

Christmas is just two weeks away!  Do you have your decorating done?

Dear Santa,

If you happen to swing the ol’ sled by Indigo on your way over on Chistmas Eve, I would really really appreciate any of the following books, chock full of inspiration. To make your job even easier, you can simply click on each of the images below to purchase online.

I have been a very good girl this year.

xox,

Today I took a vacation day to indulge in a little “me time”.  Pre-lunch at Mercatto with my man and an afternoon at the spa, I treated myself to a belated birthday gift:

La-ti-da, I know. (So not like me)

Since I am really feeling the Tiffany blue + white today, and since it is December 1st (!), here’s some holiday inspiration for you:

I can’t believe December is here already!  Despite today’s post, I haven’t given Christmas a thought. Eeeek!

(images: 1-me, 2-pinterest, 3-style at home, 4-better homes & gardens, 5-better homes & gardens, 6-target, 7-better homes & gardens, 8-the lennox)

Did anyone else REALLY enjoy the 25th anniversary issue of Canadian House & Home?  There were a number of articles and features that I just loved!  One section that really hit a chord with me was a re-cap of six timeless decorating tips from past issues.  Reading through the tips, I couldn’t help but agree – they are timeless words of wisdom and are as relevant today as they were at time they were published.

I thought that over the next few weeks I would highlight each of these timeless tips for you.  So let’s get started!

“Bold colour is the perfect remedy for a small, dull area” (Kevin Fitzsimons, Fitzsimons Design+Build, Toronto, House & Home Nov. 1995)

Case in point – check out this ultra bold office nook design just featured on design*sponge:

Colbalt blue, hot pink, and red. Wow! Maybe a bit too bold for you?  How about painted dresser in a bright hue to cheer up a corner vignette? Or aquamarine tiles in an otherwise white-on-white kitchen?

Abigail Ahern is a master of bold colour set against moody dark walls:

A pop of colour in a small space goes a long way when it is unexpected, like these great pendants or this red ceiling:

And look what colour does to these two neutral space! Emerald curtains ooze style and a coral ottoman and bright floral make this sitting area so cheery.

So go on, add a bit of bold colour to your home.  ‘Tis the season to decorate, so if anything, try out some bold colour in your holiday decor.

*********  Announcing the winner of The English Muffin Shop map giveaway  *********

The winner is Stephanie! Congratulations!! I will be in contact to arrange delivery.

(images: 1-design manifest, 2-Pinterest, 3-House & Home, 4&5-abigail ahern, 6-design*sponge, 7-magnus anesund, 8-veranda, 9-house to home)

One year ago today I started this blog. In secret. Yes, it was about 3 months before I told any family and friends that I had a blog. Looking back, I’m not really sure why I didn’t tell anyone. I guess I wanted to see how this whole blog thing worked and I was self-conscious of sharing my views and putting myself out there as an interior decorator. One year into it, the secret is out and I am happy to be sharing my thoughts, my inspirations, and my work with you.  In celebration of this mini-milestone and because I want to give back to my readers, I am offering a giveaway.

I originally stumbled across The English Muffin Shop on Etsy while looking for nursery artwork.  It is a Canadian shop based in Montreal and their prints and posters are designed for the young (or young at heart). I absolutely love their maps and if you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that I love maps.  And I also love decorating for little people. And supporting small Canadian businesses.

So here is my giveaway – - enter to win one of these sweet educational maps (which -BTW- will look great in an IKEA RIBBA frame)

How to Enter:

You can have one chance to win for each of the following, just leave me a comment to let me know….

1. Subscribe to Inspiration for Decor, either by email or RSS (or let me know if you are a follower already!)
2. Follow (i.e. “Like”) Dayna Simpson Interiors on Facebook
3. Visit The English Muffin Shop and tell me which print you like best
4. Share this giveaway with family or friends by email or Facebook

That’s it!  I will announce the winner next Monday (11/28) and I will ship anywhere in Canada or the US.

Thank you once again for your support and good luck!

Let’s get all fancy-schmancy today and look at some divine tufted headboards….

Though tufted headboards are commonly considered traditional, they are becoming more mainstream and are appearing in more modern and youthful applications. Such as this eclectic bedroom:

Or this headboard from West Elm’s Allegra Hicks collection:

And finally, the most adorable tufted headboard for a shared girls room (what inspired my post today):

Can you believe this was a DIY? Read the full tutorial over at the Little Green Notebook.

Do you have a tufted headboard?  If you do, I’m jealous.

(images: 1-thefrench bedroom company, 2-decor8, 3-graham and greene, 4- roco rennie, 5-house & home, 6- my paradissi, 7- style at home, 8-west elm, 9-little green notebook)

A fiddle-leaf fig tree.

Don’t you think these fig trees add so much to the overall vibe of the rooms?  The ultra-large leaf is bold, organic, untamed, earthy. Just right.

This tropical plant is gaining in popularity, as I’ve seen it popping up more and more often in home decor.  So the question is – where can I find one? I’ve read they can be quite pricey at specialty nurseries but  I’ve also heard they can be found at Home Depot. Hmmm, doubtful in Canada but I am definitely going to look into it.

If you are interested in other hip house plants, check out this article from Elle Decor.

(images: 1-grant k gibson, 2-angie hranowsky, 3-emily henderson, 4-peter dunham, 3-the marion house book)

I have a new Etsy addiction: pillows.

It’s not the worst addiction I suppose.

The versatility of pillows render them a key design element in a room since they can be changed up on a whim.  Don’t make the mistake of upholstering a large piece of furniture in the latest trendy fabric or colour that you may regret next year.  Instead, go with something neutral and classic, then add personality to your room with colour, texture, and pattern with pillows!

Here are eight of my favourite pillow vendors on Etsy:

• The Cottage Cupboard – a Canadian shop with lots of lovely suzani, ikat, and modern designer fabrics
• Sukan – amazing collection ethnic/global  pillows – think suzanis, ikats, and kilims
• {me}longins studio – gorgeous Eco-friendly handprinted textiles
• Nicole Tarasick – for a good dose of chic Canadiana
• Turquoise Tumbleweed – huge selection of modern and traditional designer fabrics
• Lajoyade – I am obsessed with this silk ikat
• Woodyliana – nice selection of Schumacher, Robert Allen, and Kelly Wearstler prints
• Aletafae – ok, so these aren’t pillows but awesome fabric ottomans! I just purchased one for a client

Do you have any favourite pillow sources? Do share!

(images: 1-country living,