Weekend Wishes

Here's a picture from my archives. Firangipani flowers were strewn everywhere we went in Kauai. I just love them.......and  I could not resist taking numerous pictures.......

Image: Mine

The Royal Wedding

Are you excited about the Royal Wedding tomorrow? Its hard not to be.......every major news channel is going to be covering the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I admit that I too am getting caught up in the euphoria :-) Are you planning to watch it? For us in the Pacific time zone its going to be around 12.00 am when the festivities begin.........it will be a bit of a challenge to see it live!!

However, I can certainly toast to the newly weds on My Dream Canvas :-) Given to me by my parents, these flute glasses are my pride and joy. They belonged to my Great Grandfather who bought them in England for his home in India. According to my mom these glasses were purchased by him nearly a hundred years ago. It was part of a collection of cut glass for a 48 person place setting at his dining table. The glasses were transported from India to my house by plane in our hand baggage. Yes, I do guard them with my life...... and thankfully only one broke but I was still very upset!

The legacy and the memories live on.............and the sparkle in them remains till this day......

Images: My home. Please do not reuse without permission.

Linking up with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday, the party at Decor to Adore and Cindy's Show and Tell Friday.

Dar Dhiafa (guest house)

While browsing through Mixr, I came across this lovely picture and I had to know more!! I found out that this is an image of a beautiful boutique hotel called Hotel Dar Dhiafa located in Tunisia. A cluster of old and typical Tunisian village houses restored to create this stunning property. This guest house styled hotel makes me think of the Arabian Nights.........distant lands and magical moments :-)

Dreams are made of these.............

Love the pink against the blue...............exotic!!

 

Images: via

Happy flowers and Thank you

Its Tulip time and they are everywhere! I call them happy flowers. This weekend we drove to the valley for the Tulip festival and the views were breathtaking. Endless fields of Tulips in a myriad of colors, beautiful blue skies and snow capped peaks.........it was a gorgeous day. I shall leave out the bit about the horrendous traffic......why deal with reality!!

Now for a weather update....the sunny skies  have disappeared and the rain is back! However, the happy flowers fill my home and I can't help but smile. Yesterday was my mom's birthday......I wish I lived closer and could drop in and celebrate with her. A two day plane ride is a daunting prospect!!! My parents will be here in the summer and I can hardly wait :-)

This weekend My Dream Canvas reached over 500 followers....yay!! Thank you so much for all your support and the lovely comments. I am sending my happy flowers your way :-) To celebrate I shall also be hosting a giveaway soon. So stay tuned......enjoy your day and keep smiling............

Images: My home. Please do not reuse without permission.

Joining A Beach Cottage for Good life Wednesdays

Savy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Monday magic in Andalusia

Hello all...........I am starting this week in Spain! I have not been able to tear my eyes away from this gorgeous Andalusian style home. The house is lovely inside but the outdoor area is what appeals to me the most. Yes I know its probably the turquoise painted iron furniture and the antique wicker chair  that has swept me away :-) I love the vine and fruit trees combined with the pebble design on the front porch. Its all so sunny, pretty and romantic......

The interior of the house is a mix of the traditional and eclectic styles. White washed rooms with splashes of color and filled with antiques......................

A cosy and bright room to read books and magazines...

A blue tiled backsplash in the kitchen......yes I could whip up some dishes here :-) I absolutely adore the hanging light..............beautiful color!!!

 

A simple yet lovely bedroom with a four poster bed. Notice the two different nightstands.........

What I love the most about this summer home is the abundant sunshine streaming in.......

Have a good week ahead and make sure you stop by often................I promise you exciting times at My Dream Canvas!!

Images: via

Happy Friday and Earth Day

Happy Friday and Earth day!! I do blog about design and decor, however my first love is photography and my camera:-) The world is a beautiful place and I am constantly trying to capture its immense beauty through my camera lens......


I took these pictures in Kauai last year! Enjoy your weekend.............

All images : Mine. Please do not reuse without permission.

I am joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday.

and the Creative Bloggers party at Homemaker on a Dime.

Treasures of India

Hello! Hope your week has been going well? Its Thursday, and I am really looking forward to the weekend. My favorite Spanish decor magazines Nuevo Estilo has a feature called Treasures of India. Here is a lovely image.........

Image: via

My Bearded Pigeon

I am here to present my latest crush :-) These delightful eco friendly map cushions from My Bearded Pigeon. They have a fantastic collection and do custom orders as well! A cushion with a map printed of your favorite place in your living room or bedroom. What a lovely idea.................don't you think?

Images: via

What is a home?

What is a home? We all strive for an ideal home, but what does that really mean? I like to think of it as a journey.......your home represents who you are and what you become over the years. A friend that knows your deepest secrets, it knows all that's good and all that's bad :-) I know I am rambling...........but then that's just the way I am! Don't we all love our home and think of it as our safe haven? My home is far from perfect and I like it that way. The family room, the kitchen, the loft and all our bedroom's........practically the entire house  is the kid's playground :-) However, I must admit that I protect my living room a bit zealously!! It's very rarely used and only when we entertain. Surprisingly, everyone at home respects this space. It's the only area in my house where you will not see toys thrown around! This was not always the case. The kids did venture in there with curiosity and there were damages..................but I am happy to share that the fascination has worn off :-)

When the rest of the house feels like a tornado has hit it..............my living room is my sanctuary :-) I like to believe that over the years my family feels the same way. We can all live in hope :-) What do you feel?  Does it help to define spaces?

 

Images: My home

Linking up with The Key Bunch Spring-Summer Fest!

Good life Wednesday at Beach Cottage!

Savy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday!

Hello Monday and a trip to a Farmhouse!

Hello! A new week at My Dream Canvas begins with a trip to an ancient  farmhouse! I was completely captivated by this image of an armoire filled with fabrics from India. A riot of colors, it tempts you to look deep within to find an unexpected treasure!  The only problem with it is that you need to travel to France to do that :-) A young couple discovered this farmhouse in 1992 and decided to call it home!

As you move from one room to another..........the rustic and ethnic touches draw you into this old farmhouse. From the little that I understood from the magazine, which is in French, the owners travel all over the world and especially to India to collect objects from a bygone era. World travelers and bargain hunters, Xavier and Morgan, buy and sell these delightful artifacts and curiosities. Their home reflects this passion and hosts their fabulous collection.

I do hope you enjoyed your visit!

Image: via

Weekend wishes and a Conversation!

Its Friday.......yay!! This week seemed a bit too long for me. I am ready for a weekend where I have to do absolutely nothing!! Well, if only that was true....

My 5 year old and I are having long chats these days! Trust me when I say this..........a conversation with a inquisitive 5 year is tougher than anything you can imagine!! One of his questions - If a heart is like a machine that takes care of our body, then what does it have to do with love and feelings?? I know I am digressing from the usual decor related topics..........but what can I say I am completely flummoxed :-)

On another note, the rain finally dissipated, and the sun came out in the evening. My home was bathed in light, and my camera had to come out :-) The simple beauty of shadow and light on everyday things can be almost magical...............

Have a lovely Friday and a fabulous weekend.....

Image: My Home

My day today...

This is so lovely, and very accurately describes my day today :-) What have you been up to???

This tea cup from The Peacock Shop is so adorable! Now all I need is for my loved ones at home to get me this...........anyone listening :-) The shop has some cool things, so make sure you stop by!

Image: via

An Artists haven in Netherlands!

I am always excited when I have a home tour for my readers. I think you will be as mesmerised by this home as I am :-) The lady of the house is Ingrid Jansen and she lives in this lovely house in Dordrecht, Netherlands with her husband Henk and two children. Ingrid is a lady with an incredible amount of talent. She runs a small business called Wood and Wool Stool. Ingrid also works  part time in a hotel in Dordrecht, where she does flower arrangements and works in the market there.

Ingrid weaves magic using wool and wood to create products that are both unique and beautiful!  I asked Ingrid to tell us about her company which she started in 2008.


In Ingrid's words " A few years ago I designed my first recycled wooden stool with a crocheted cover for my home. After some requests, I decided to make custom made stools for other people and that is how it all started. Since then I've made a lot of stools and designed several other interior products. The products are all handmade and they all have something to do with (recycled) wood, wool, crochet and color."

Fascinating......don't you think?  Ingrid is an avid photographer and that is obvious when you see the lovely images of her home. Her home is charming and delightful with a dreamy feel to it! Welcome to  Ingrid's colorful world......... 

One of the many fabulous stools..........I want one too :-)

You must visit her Etsy store to see more of her creations. Ingrid is also a fellow blogger and you can visit her blog here. Thank you so much Ingrid for welcoming us into your home.

Images : Ingrid Jansen

TRADhome - My picks...

There are so many lovely images featured in TRADhome. These are just a few that I have picked for you...........

My two loves Ikat and turquoise feature prominently:-)  Indian and Moroccan inspired interiors, beautiful patterns, unique decor accessories and furniture....it is a design extravaganza!!

 

I absolutely love the round table....the cushions are pretty too!!
 

Notice the Ikat chair in the corner, wish I had a better view!!

This is a stunning dining room. I love the dark wood, the chairs, and the intricately carved mirror!

A John Robshaw duvet is the inspiration behind this room. Notice the peacock motifs on the wall?

Images: via

TRADhome!

A collaboration with Lonny and Traditional Home and we have TradHome! I love the fresh new look of their premiere issue!! I am still browsing through the online edition but I just had to share it with all of you :-) Enjoy!

Image: via

Decor musings...

What is the most favored and universal decor accessory around the world? Flowers of course! I too love flowers at home - not elaborate bouquets, but a few sprigs here and there. I try not to use conventional vases to display them. A few stems in colorful bottles and in pretty bowls with some water can create a different look.

Yes, my turquoise crush continues :-) These inexpensive bottles give my breakfast nook a happy feel......
A table layout with flowers in a few bowls or even glasses can make  an interesting centerpiece! A good decor idea is simply what appeals to you and works for your home. Experiment, create, have fun, and keep sharing your thoughts:-)

Images: My home

I am joining A Beach Cottage for Good Life Wednesdays!, Wow us Wednesdays at Savy Southern Style , the party at Somewhat Simple and Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello.