Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Getting ready for the new season.....

Remember my promise to countdown to Fall and Diwali......well here is the first of many. With the cool air comes my desire to redecorate for the season. The carpets that were rolled away for the summer are back. The cushions change from pastels and lighter hues to more vivid colors. Do you re-decorate with the changing season? If you don't, then I highly recommend it :-) I am not talking about buying new things. Look around you or dig into your cupboards and you just might find things that give your space a new look!!

I bought these fall leaves last season for just a couple of dollars and now they are the centerpiece in my dining room. The silver plated two part server is a flea market find! My plan is to surround myself with hues of  Red, Rust, Gold, 0range and Yellow......it is perfect for Fall and the Festivities ahead.

I heard someone once say, a home needs to be "INTERESTING" and not PERFECT! What do you think? I agree with this sentiment completely. Make your home "YOUR" perfect haven rather than picture perfect! Hmm....okay the last few words came out of nowhere and are mine :-)




Another pick from the Shop at My Dream Canvas. A golden rose......perfect for the new season...

 




Images: My home. Please do not copy.

Back to Mallorca

The sun has gone, the air is crisp and cool this morning as I get my 6 year old ready for school. The screeching of the alarm clock after nearly three months was a rude shock to my system!! He looks excited.......I am forlorn to see him go....endless instructions, repeated goodbyes and he is off :-)

I am sitting quietly and sipping my tea and cannot help but think of summer and the holidays. I admit I have a weakness for the Mediterranean sea ........and therefore I take you back to Spain. A secluded and stunning cottage in the island of Mallorca where time seems to stand still.

Enjoy the view......





Images: via

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Anthropologie

Anthropologie has come out with its September issue and has me drooling. Oh!! Why is it that I like almost everything in the store?? Such temptations and endless inspiration............



This stunning paisley rug has been around Anthro for a while now.........but its so gorgeous ...that I keep going back to it. Its my perfect look for Fall!!

 


Images: Anthropologie.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Countdown to Festivities and Fall.....

Hello....how are you all doing this evening? For me......summer is almost over, school is about to begin and the weather should be changing very soon. Though summer is on its way out........ I cannot complain as its been a lovely few months. How are you gearing up for fall?  The orange, rust and reds.......its another season I love! Join me here at My Dream Canvas during the festive season as we countdown to Diwali (the festival of lights) and to the brilliance of fall here in the Pacific North West.

This little clock is a gift from my mom and my favorite clock in the house! We found it at a lovely store very close to home. Read more about the Well Dressed Home and you'll know why its one of my favorite places to shop!





All images: My home. Please do not copy.

Linking up with : Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday Treasures, A Beach Cottage for Good life Wednesdays, Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple, Creative Blogger's Party @ Homemaker On A Dime, Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle, Twice Owned Tuesday @ House Of Grace, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm, Summer Loving Linky party@ Modern Country Style.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

New collection for the Shop

I am really excited to present two very different looks for this week at the Shop. These are my favorites- a very traditional Indian brass tea light holder, and a pair of wooden candle wall scones in a gorgeous shade of blue with a slight distressed finish.

I think you are all well aware of my weakness for brass and candle holders :-) I hope you like them both as much as I do!

Here's wishing you a wonderful week ahead. You can contact me at anuseattle@gmail.com for pricing and other details.

A few notes about : The Shop at My Dream Canvas.
  1. I am currently shipping only within the United States.
  2. My preferred method of payment is pay pal.
  3. I am working on launching a website soon which will accept credit cards as a form of payment as well.
  4. Due to the many international enquires I plan to begin international shipping in a few months.
  5. Each product at my shop is available in limited quantities only and in some cases there might be only one of a kind.
  6. All products have been directly sourced by me through my travels both locally and internationally.

Thank you for your wonderful comments and constant encouragement.




 Dimensions: 7 1/4 inches in length and 3 1/4 inches in width.



Candle scones: 13 3/4 inches in length and 5 inches in width.

All images: Anuradha Varma

Linking to Colours Dekor The Weekly Story.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Hello Friday!

Its been a busy week for me. My son's sixth birthday, friends and family visiting from India and UK....... lots of eating, drinking and endless chatting :-) The house seems quiet today as they have all left for a week long Alaska cruise. I am looking forward to the gang getting back next week :-) My baby goes off to first grade the next week. Summer is finally over but its been a great summer and I shall treasure the past few months........

What's happening in your neck of the woods?? Where ever you are.....here's wishing you a lovely weekend from my home to yours.



Image: My home

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

House Call Apartment Therapy

I have some wonderful news to share! My home has been featured in Apartment Therapy's House Call.


To see the entire feature please click here. I am a huge fan of Apartment therapy.This is a huge honor and naturally I am delighted :-) Please indulge me as I enjoy this feeling and my few minutes of fame :-)

Thank you to the team at Apartment Therapy and to all my readers everywhere!

 



Linking up with : Wow Us Wednesdays at Savy Southern Style,  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday Treasures, A Beach Cottage for Good life Wednesdays and My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday On Sutton Place Come Party with me!

Monday, August 22, 2011

A Cottage

The images of this idyllic cottage are perfect to shake off those Monday blues. Its so feminine, pristine and beautiful. This place would make a perfect getaway . I like the combination of the shabby chic look with the charming vignettes.

I feel so relaxed and calm just looking at these pictures......
Someday........I know I am dreaming again......of a little cottage to call my own!



I love the patina on this bench......









 
Have a great day!

Images: via

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Hello Monday!

Ah! The magic of summer continues......can you believe that some of us here in the Pacific Northwest are actually wishing for some rain :-) We have been going through a dry and sunny spell. I am not complaining at all! I love the endless sunshine........streaming into my home!


Here's wishing you a great week ahead! My weekend was busy....... however more on that later. Keep smiling..............and see you around!

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Weekend is here!!

The weekend is here and this is how I plan to spend it! Seriously, I wish somebody would believe me......anybody??? Well, I guess nobody bought that one :-) Sigh! to be by the beach....... and simply do nothing. That would be idyllic!! I hope you get to enjoy your weekend. Mine promises to be action packed and fun. I am looking forward to it :-) Next week I have some exciting news to share and loads of design inspiration coming your way.......

See you back here on Monday!!


Image: via

A Huge Crush!!!

I have a little decor related crush that I may never recover from!!! This gorgeous Ikat rug is so drool worthy. It has all the shades I absolutely love. The Ikat rage continues.......and I am no exception :-) It is way beyond my budget ......and at some point I have to get over it!! However, for now.... I can't help feel what I feel :-)
 Image: via

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Afternoon Sun

Its one of those quiet afternoons.....at home!! The household is asleep and my son is playing in the park outside. I can hear the endless chatter of at least ten kids enjoying the last few days of their vacation. The sun is streaming in and with a cup of tea....I contemplate, day dream, write and enjoy this lovely day. My breakfast nook is finally presentable :-) The afternoon sun gives my home a warm glow and my camera keeps clicking away.........

Have a wonderful day.....






All images: My home.

Joining these lovely parties: Shelf stories at Colours Dekor, Wow Us Wednesdays at Savy Southern Style, A Stroll thru Life for TTT, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday Treasures,  A Beach Cottage for Good life Wednesdays and My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday, Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple, No Minimalist Here for Open house Party.

Monday, August 15, 2011

A Silver rose just for You!

As you all know by now.....I love flowers :-) Well, who doesn't, right? A few stems here and there brighten up your living space. They make my home look cheerful and make me smile :-) Despite my weakness for fresh flowers, I am totally in love with this rose dipped in silver. A single stem or a few stems in a vase can give your room a very elegant look. Yes, its an actual rose coated with silver. This is my new pick for the Shop at My Dream Canvas. Over time and during my travels I have collected many special things for my online boutique. This one is definitely a  personal favorite...........

Please contact me at anuseattle@gmail.com for further details and pricing. Each stem is approximately 12 inches long and no two stems are identical.


Image: Mine

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Summer Dreams and a new week!

A new week dawns......hope your weekend was fun? Mine was action packed with tonnes of yummy food and walks by the lake! Summer for us seems to be slowly fading away and I want to make the most of it.  I have to get ready for the new school year, lots of errands to run, a birthday to plan........my list of things to do is endless. However, today I want to focus on the best of summer....alfresco dining! These lovely spaces......make my summer dreams come alive:-)

Have a lovely week my friends.......



 


Images: via

Friday, August 12, 2011

Dahlia filled Morning.....

Good morning everyone!! All set for the weekend? I have woken up to a dull and grey morning but ........I have a remedy for that :-)  My dahlias add that much needed sparkle and cheer to my home!! Remember the house with a tiny farm near my house? The Dahlias come from there......aren't they pretty? The lady who owns the farm gave me an extra bunch for free!! She had a big smile on her face. Wasn't that sweet? She brightened my day with her kindness and generosity:-) 

Thanks again for all the comments and emails regarding the "Shop" at My Dream Canvas. I am shipping out a few packages this morning and its a lovely feeling:-)

Have a fabulous weekend and come back soon!!





All images: My home.

Joining the party at My Romantic Home.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Shop at My Dream Canvas.....My picks

While I work on getting the online shop up and running, here is another look at my picks for "The Shop" at My Dream Canvas. With Diwali (the festival of lights) and Christmas coming up in a few months, these are lovely gifts for "you" or for someone else!

Each of these items are special to me and I am thrilled to share them with you..........


A pair of mother of pearl inlaid metal bowls......




One of my favorite pieces in the shop, I have one in my home as well. A large beautifully detailed white metal vase.




A set of 5 unique and handmade brass coasters. Please note that there are subtle differences in the design of each one of them.



A lovely Kalamkari silk wallet. Kalamkari refers to the Indian craft of painting natural dyes on cotton or silk fabric.


To know more about the items showcased above, please contact me at anuseattle@gmail.com. I will be happy to provide you with more detailed information regarding the prices and the shipping costs. Please note that I have  limited quantities available of each of these items. In some cases I have only one of each. I look forward to hearing from you..................

To view the products showcased earlier, click here.

Joining the party at Very Merry Vintage Style!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Welcome to Anitha's home...

A home with a heart and a profusion of flowers. I bring you Anitha's gorgeous home in Bangalore. I have admired her home for a long time and I am really happy to share it with all of you today. Anitha and I seem to share the same passion for flowers. The lovely floral arrangements all around her house gives the home such a warm and beautiful look. I would love to see more :-)

In Anitha's words. " I am a Software Architect by profession, and I live in Bangalore with my husband and my 6 year old daughter. Like any other working mom I try my best to balance work and family. I love to decorate my home just because I feel happy doing it. Its a kind of stress-buster for me to do little arrangements whenever I find time. Though not picture-perfect , I make sure that any time of the day the house looks neat."

Anitha, you seem to have certainly managed that and more. The home looks like a lovely haven for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your home with me and my readers.


Welcome to Anitha's home.............

 



Flowers everywhere you look.........
 


 

 




 
My absolute favorite........Anitha and her little one made this Ganesha with wheat flour during the Ganesha festival. Its so perfect......I am totally in awe!
 


All images: Anitha K via