LISA GOULET DESIGN

ICONIC MONDAY...... THE GREEK KLINE....

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

For this week, I thought it would be fun to go way back to the beginning of furniture, well at least what we know of the beginning of furniture.

We really get most of our furniture shapes from the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

The Greeks designed the Klismos chair which I posted about here. And they also had the earliest form of couch or settee, from around the 6th century, B.C.

This one below shows a Grecian table under the kline (couch) together with cushions and pillows.

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The one below is a reconstruction of a kline, but it shows how our modern day chaise loungers came about. These pieces were called a Kline from the Greek word Klino (cause to lean). This is also where the word clinic and clinical derived from. It was typically made from wood or bronze and was richly adorned.

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These klines were multipurpose furniture forms. They were used for reclining, for eating in a reclined position and for sleeping. They were fairly tall and required a footstool. Four short legs, sometimes with lion's paw feet, supported a rectangular top. The stool was sometimes replaced by pillows to assist in getting up on the couch.

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As you can see they had softly curved head rests and elegantly covered mattresses.

In noble households, everyday life took place on these pieces of furniture. They would even receive visitors while lying on their side and often ate or wrote while lying.

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This last one is from a marble funeral stele (headstone).

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It shows a man lying on a kline and a hoofed table in front as well, perhaps this was John Dickinson's inspiration for his footed tables?

Here's some more current chaise lounges to dream of.

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There's even one from Ikea to love.

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I have always loved a chaise lounge but I still have not had the pleasure. Which do you have and where is it in your home? Or which would you love and where would you put it?

WOODHAVEN...AN UPDATE.....

2012-02-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

My hubby and I have been very busy working away at our new cottage (named "Woodhaven" by the previous owners).

However, now I actually have some progress to report. I mentioned a few posts back about putting up my Grandfather's ice saw from the days when most people used iceboxes and not refrigerators.

My Dad brought it over to us during the holidays. He had it tucked away in his workroom but he thought it would look great at our log cottage. And he was so right. Thanks Dad!

Here it is in place in our sunroom. (Sorry for the bad exposure, it is very hard to take a picture in this room, the light is very intense during the day and then at night, the lamps do not light up the high ceiling). Santa, I need a better camera.....

My Dad is very happy that his Father's ice saw has found the perfect home.

The sunroom is where I had originally envisioned putting some vintage oars that I had but this is much better. Also, one of the vintage oars mysteriously disappeared during the move ;-( But, I still have some old water skiis that I need to find a home for.

My Father also brought over a sicle that my Grandfather used on his farm and my Grandmother's iron, the kind that you would put on the wood stove to heat up. It makes me very happy to have these items, with my family's history in them.

Do you have items that you display that showcase your family's history?

On an entirely other note, this is my 300th post. Wow, I do have alot to say don't I?

IDS 2012....TEXTURES.....

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd go through the different trends that I saw at IDS12. First up, and one of my favourites, texture.
This will overlap the organic wood and handcrafted trends we are seeing, so please excuse me if you've seen some pictures in my previous post.

**Warning - this is a photo heavy post, and I apologize in advance for saying texture about a million times in this post.

We will start off with the Bylissoni booth.

Crystal, glass, linen, soft flooring, paper, handcrafted wood and stone. It's all in here.

Next up, the Ikea booth. Which was striking in black and white with a pop of lime green.

Soft velvet sofas, textured cotton pillows, green moss, twigs, glass bowls and lacquered and mirrored cabinets. All add up to a entirely tactile space.

The UpCountry space showcased steel, fur, wod, crystal, leather and fabrics.

This union between Uufie & Corian resulted in these futuristic and unbelievably light looking chairs.

This alphabet rug was made from hides cut into letter shapes. Tons of texture, here.

More texture with a hide sofa, salvaged wood and steel table, silver chain chandelier and a lovely floral arrangement.

I showed this picture in my last IDS post and it works for this texture post with the tile, wood vanity, matte sink and twig mirror.

And of course, bedding can be full of texture, just as this one is, with the matelasse throw, embroidery, wood headboard and rustic urn.

This tub had to be one of the most beautiful items in the entire show. I couldn't stop staring at it. It just gleamed. It is hand hammered and is actually made of copper but then nickel plated. So gorgeous!

Saltillo had some beautiful tiles on display, these two in particular caught my eye. The white bubble one just popped off the wall and the leaf imprint had such a textural feel.

The Elte space showcased so much that was lovely, leather (another common theme - the use of skins and leather), wood, metal and of course, a shaggy poof.

More texture with a matte wall, large metal clock, detailed and carved chest, wood bed, linen bedding, worn and faded area rugs, crystals and metal chairs. You just wanted to reach out and touch everything.

Of course, these salvaged tree tables are the utmost in texture that you can see and feel.

Last but not least, Mazen Studios and L'Atelier showcased a soft shag rug, velvet stools, glass table and chandelier in one space. And then in the other, a midcentury modern look with an organic wood coffee table, leather sofa and chair, mirror and chrome.

Everywhere I looked this year there was tons of texture, in many different shapes and forms. Texture definitely makes the room!

PHOTOS - LISA GOULET DESIGN

ICONIC MONDAYS....JOHN DICKINSON'S DESIGNS

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Source - O at Home
Today I'm looking at John Dickinson's iconic designs. Specifically, his tables.

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John Dickinson was born in 1920 and was raised in Berkeley, California. He studied in New York City at the Parson's School of Design before moving to San Francisco in 1956.

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Here's one of his interiors above.

“To me, the dullest room in the world is furnished in nothing but Louis XV or Chippendale or Queen Anne,” he said. “A house should be a very personal composition of things you can’t live without--not a museum." John Dickinson Source

I really love this quote. Something we should all keep in mind when decorating our homes or our client's homes.

His designs were produced in galvanized steel and plaster. He designed both furniture and lamps.

Here's one of his plaster twig lamp.

You can see his domed lamp as well as some of his stools and one of his chairs in this picture.

All photos above via

Some more of his tables -

Footed table

Table with rope tie

Hoofed table

Etruscan table

His galvanized table.

All above photos via

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Etruscan table

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Dickinson's 1970 Plaster lamp and African table.

Here's his 1977 Bone Cigarette Table.

Source via

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This photo above is taken at his famed "Firehouse", which he transformed into a home.

This Firehouse was famously photographed by Fred Lyon for House and Garden. These photos are what John claims put him on the map.

All above photos taken by Fred Lyons. Sourced via

This last picture shows his large domed lamp in the center of the table.

He was also a cat person...just wanted to point that out...I like him even more now!

Source via

Unfortunately, John passed away in 1983, but he left us with some beautifully design furniture to remember him by.

Update - Just saw this image on FB via Damask et Dentelle via Mustard Ceiling and I had to add it. Showing a version of the stools in a modern, rustic setting.

IDS12...EVENTS....

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

The IDS weekend started on Thursday evening with the Kimberley Seldon Business of Design Website launch. It took place at the beautiful Modern Weave store on King Street.

Lovely peeps, wine, appetizers and design talk, what more could a girl want?
Opps, didn't take any pictures here. But trust me it was lovely and those gorgeous carpets were a great backdrop.

Next up, The Party, the opening gala of the Interior Design Show. More wonderful people to meet and mingle with, lovely IDS eye candy and, of course more food and wine.

Up bright and early the next morning (insert whining here), and off to Blogpodium which was a fabulous panel discussion with Kimberley Seldon, Editor and Chief of Dabble Magazine, Kate Moore, Cityline Producer, Margot Austin, Senior Design Editor for House and Home Magazine, Jennifer Flores from Rambling Renovators, moderated by Leigh-Anne Allaire Perrault and hosted by Lindsay Stephenson from Little House Blog.

This is my crappy Iphone camera shot. Jason Hudson took much better photos.

These below are all his.

BlogPodium images by Jason Hudson

It was so very interesting and thought provoking to hear what these lovely ladies had to say about design blogging.

BlogPodium image by Jason Hudson

The Ottawa gang photo even made the Blogpodium website. Did I mention that it was early?

Check out Kelly's post on the details of Blogpodium on Jax does Design. She did a fabulous wrap up of the session.

On Saturday, after a day of shopping, we headed out to the Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup.

It was held at Brassaii.

A look at our jam packed swag bags! They had fabulous sponsors like House and Home Magazine, Ikea, Delta, CIL, Cottonelle, Gluckstein Home and Aya Kitchens,

Here's the Ottawa gang enjoying a few beverages...
Maureen of Modecor Muses, Sonya of Sonya Kinkade Design
Me, Kelly of Jax Does Design, Nicole of Solace Interiors,
and Donna of dh Designs

Gee, I wonder what we did for our photos to make it on both the Blogpodium and Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup websites?

As you can see it was a very well attended event, thanks to the hard work of organizers, Vitania of Verdigris Vie and Daniella of Daniella Marie. Here they are with Glen Peloso!

We got to listen to some fab speakers, including Cameron MacNeil, Senior Design Editor at House and Home.

Lisa Murphy, Online Director at House and Home.

And Coco+Kelley's creator and now editor, Seattle's Cassandra LaValle.

However, what we didn't know was that there was a surprise guest speaker. None other than Brian Gluckstein!

And here's our picture with the famous Brian Gluckstein! And yes, he is just as charming in real life as he is on Cityline.

If you'd like to know about the next Canadian Design Bloggers Meet up (it's happening this May), click on the link.

All in all, a engaging, entertaining, educational and very inspiring weekend! It will certainly take me awhile to absorb it all.

A PARTY AND MAYBE A NEW DISORDER......

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

I just finished throwing a big 50th birthday celebration for my hubby.

As much fun as it was, I get so stressed over everything that isn't perfect in my home. It really needs to be called something, like maybe OPD - Obsessive Perfectionism Disorder.

I ended up totally rearranging every decor item in my home including artwork! Seriously, I am crazy.

Some of the photos I took over the holidays got enlarged and I put them up, which then ended with me moving all my artwork around. The good news is all I bought new was some frames. I resisted going to Home Sense with all my might.

I have to be in the mood to do this total kind of rearranging or under a serious time constraint, which this was. However, I always end up finding a new place for something that I think looks better than where it was before. Here's my redone mantel with a framed photo of mine from the cottage. I apologize for the crappy images, but it is hard to take any mantel photos without a serious glare from the window above. Anyone know how I can fix this?

How about you? Do you go crazy before a big celebration at your home?

IDS 2012....RECAPPED.....

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today I'm going to focus on the design trends and interesting products that I saw at the IDS this past weekend. In order for this not to be a ridiculously long post, I'll be doing a few more IDS posts in the near future, that will specifically deal with these in more depth.

The first thing that I noticed was there was texture everywhere. Here's the By_Lissoni booth.

Lots of organic and items obviously created by human touch.

Wood was a definite feature and the more natural the better.

Colour was also present which was such a welcome sight on a drizzly, cloudy January day.

Small spaces were also showcased in a number of booths.

The industrial trend is going strong and metalwork was a feature.

Lots of brushed brass and soft gold as faucets, on hood fans, hardware. Nice to see the warm metal for a change.

Bathroom design was prominently featured and matte sinks, tubs were a definite trend item (this was also the case at last year's IDS).

Lighting was also showing hand crafted and original pieces.

And finally, tons of overscale pieces, from furniture to floral designs. This huge floral piece was displayed in Nord South Interiors' space.

BTW
Kelly of Jax Does Design, Sonya Kinkade Design, Nicole of Solace Interiors and Maureen at Modecor Muses all have their posts up today as well.
And we were lucky to be featured on House and Home's blog post all about the Design Bloggers Meetup.

That's enough inspiration for today. Stay tuned for more posts coming up...

ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY ME!

ICONIC MONDAYS......JAMAICA BAR STOOL

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today's Iconic Monday's post is the Jamaica Bar Stool.

The Jamaica stool is available in bar (32") and counter (28.25") stool heights.

It's a great little stool if you are looking for a modern bar or counter height stool.

via Houzz - modern bar stools and counter stools design by dwr.com

It was originally designed by Pepe Cortes, in 1991, for the Big Ben discotheque. Since then it has adapted and moved into many homes.

via Houzz - design by seattle architect BAAN design

It has a classic tractor seat, but it's polished and together with its chrome plated tubular structure, gives it a futuristic look. Old and new merges in this design, which has allowed it to stand the test of time.

via Houzz - design by austin architect Webber + Studio, Architects

This cute little low stool is the Cortes Jamaica Low Stool by Knoll, it swivels and rolls on casters.

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Source: google.ca via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: buckboardhill.typepad.com via Lisa on Pinterest

So do you have a place where you'd like to use these?

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TOP TRENDS FOR 2012......

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am a little behind in talking about the top trends of 2012 but better late than never. These are some of the ones that House and Home recently announced.

Feminine details such as oversized chintz and floral fabrics;

Source: houseandhome.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: homebunch.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Watercolour wallpaper

Source: thefabulousdesignfile.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Center door knobs and in gold of course!

Source: thedeskofannie.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Camel back sofas are back (which is wonderful for me as I've had mine since 1990 ;-). This is part of the formality trend for 2012.

Source: google.ca via Lisa on Pinterest

Imperfection, specifically handmade objects that showcase their originality.

Source: fromzurichwithlove.com via Design Scout on Pinterest

Linen remains but now it's rumpled and dyed in rich colours such as indigo and purple. It's showing up in bedding.

via - Canadian House and Home

Traditional forms of art are back in style, such as sculpture, paintings. Great news for artists.

Source - Canadian House & Home website

Also using foundry as art. I actually just did this at my cottage, by putting my Grandfather's ice saw from the early 1900's on the wall. I'll be posting pictures soon.

And gold metal is officially back.

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: worldmarket.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Move over Mad Men, the 70's will be hot this year. Be prepared for large plants and overscaled patterns.

Source: elledecor.com via Lisa on Pinterest

So what trend will you be visiting this year?

House of Fifty's new issue is out - click on the photo to read. Happy Weekend!

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012

2012-01-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

This year for Ottawa's Kindness Week - we will be doing a makeover of the Homework Club at the Foster Farm Family House in west end Ottawa.

This initiative is headed by the United Way and the Yummy Mummy Club. Sonya Kinkade is the lead designer, again this year and another 7 Ottawa area designers (including me) are helping her out. Click here to see what we did last year.

From left to right

Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates – Modecor
Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta decorate!
Donna Hargrove - DH Designs
Kelly James- Jax décor & design
Sonya Kinkade – Sonya Kinkade Design
Lisa Goulet – Lisa Goulet Design

Joining the EMKE team this year is Sarah Kidder of Sarah Kidder Design (not shown in the above photo).

We had such a wonderful slate of volunteers and donations last year and this year is proving to be even more fruitful.

Our returning sponsors -
D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD., who generously supplied both labour and materials last year has signed up again this year. Danielle Lynn Photography has also agreed to do all the photography again, and Matt LeBlanc is donating another beautiful original painting.

This year we also have the following companies and individuals who are showing what Kindness Week is all about -

Sherwin-Williams Paints, Orleans, Ontario is providing all the paint and paint supplies.
Ottawa Valley Kitchens is providing custom-made cabinetry and work surfaces.
Tag Along Toys is donating an Intelliglobe and other educational materials.
Canvas Pop is donating some custom canvas art pieces.
Marchand Electric is donating all the lighting for the space.
Faye Fortune Drapery Design is donating the window blinds.
Tamarack Homes has made a generous donation.

Thank you so much everyone!

The Homework Club is used by school aged children to study and receive help with their homework. The Club is a work room and computer room that runs from 5:30-7:30 three times a week, with approximately 30 children using the facility. It is staffed by patient individuals, who can speak four languages. Snack time is provided through the Ottawa Food Bank. Anything that will help children succeed, is a wonderful thing in my book.

If you would like to be a sponsor for this year's Makeover please contact one of the designers mentioned above.

ICONIC MONDAY POSTPONED............

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Iconic Mondays post is postponed today in honour of IDS 12 and all the soon to be iconic designs showcased there.

I'll be off to the IDS 12 show in Toronto, later this week. I am so excited. I go up with a group of interior designers from Ottawa and we make it a great girls' weekend as well.

The Interior Design Show has so much eye candy and information it can be a tad overwhelming but so worthwhile for anyone in the business of design.

Our weekend starts with the Business of Design Launch and IDS Tweet up with Kimberley Seldon on Thursday afternoon. This promises to be a fun and informative session talking all about the Business of Design.

Then it's off to The Party.

“Fifty caterers and beverage suppliers, 4 DJ's, a dozen dancers and performers, over 20 sponsors, 300 exhibitors and 5000 guests. It truly takes an industry to make a party."

Shauna Levy, Co-founder and Vice President of The Interior Design Show

Celebrate design and preview the 14th annual Interior Design Show IDS 12 at an event so spectacular it can only be called THE PARTY. Presented by The Globe and Mail, Dekla and Scavolini, THE PARTY brings together an explosion of music, fashion, cuisine and art on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 7PM – 11PM. With plenty of surprises, this is one party you won’t want to miss.

During this evening you get to smooze with the who's who of design. And there is always something to see, drink, eat or listen to.

Next morning, with very little sleep, we are off to IDS 2012 BlogPodium: BLOGS + MEDIA. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Then we spend the rest of Friday, along with thousands of others, taking in Trade Day at the IDS 12. Here's a video showing some of the loveliness.

Saturday promises to be a day of shopping, lunching and fun and then Saturday evening we are attending the Canadian Designers Blog Meet Up. It will be so nice to actually meet some of the bloggers I have become friends with over the web.

Sunday will probably hold more shopping and lunching and then it'll be time to head home ;-(

I'm looking so forward to a weekend full of design, inspiration, networking, dining out, dressing up and of course lots of wine and laughter.

Stay tuned, I'll be posting a ton of pictures in the next while.

GARAGE DOORS AND A LITTLE JEALOUSY........

2012-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

I went by my old home a few weeks ago and was thrilled and a little jealous to see they had installed new garage doors. That was something I had wanted to do, but at the time the old doors were perfectly good and there was no budget for frivolous purchases....boo....

Anyways, after seeing the nice ones they added, I thought I'd take a peek at the many different styles that are available now.

LISA GOULET DESIGN

ICONIC MONDAY...... THE GREEK KLINE....

WOODHAVEN...AN UPDATE.....

IDS 2012....TEXTURES.....

ICONIC MONDAYS....JOHN DICKINSON'S DESIGNS

IDS12...EVENTS....

A PARTY AND MAYBE A NEW DISORDER......

IDS 2012....RECAPPED.....

ICONIC MONDAYS......JAMAICA BAR STOOL

TOP TRENDS FOR 2012......

EXTREME MAKEOVER KINDNESS EDITION 2012

ICONIC MONDAY POSTPONED............

GARAGE DOORS AND A LITTLE JEALOUSY........

ICONIC MONDAYS.....THE SPUTNIK LIGHT....

BRIEF HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN......

BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS......

ICONIC MONDAYS....THE CHESTERFIELD SOFA.....

WINTER SCENES.....

ICONIC MONDAYS...THE TOLEDO STOOL.....

VINTAGE WOODEN CRATES........

MERRY CHRISTMAS........

A FEW CHRISTMAS IDEAS AND A PILLOW.....

ICONIC MONDAYS.. HISTORY OF HOLIDAY EVERGREENS.....

RED, GOLD AND CHARTREUSE AND A WINNER......

HOLIDAY DECOR..............

EVERGREEN INSPIRATION...........

ICONIC MONDAYS....EAMES ELLIPTICAL TABLE......

MANTEL MAGIC.......

DECEMBER'S RUE IS HERE.......

TEAL & BRONZE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS...........

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY.....

Ambiente Handmade Decorative Large Tlaquepaque Salad Container in Bright Silver

ICONIC MONDAYS.....PARIS BISTRO CHAIR

MY MEMORIES....

CHRISTMAS URN & SWAG....................

ICONIC MONDAYS.....LEM PISTON STOOL.........

WELL, IT IS OURS NOW......