Rug Crush!

I am completely in love with the rug in the image below and the chairs :) The space looks lovely. I am drawn to the the beige,copper and gold hues.....the getaway for Autumn! 

So what's your favorite element in this room?

Images: via

Pillow Love: Maud Interiors UK

I have a weakness for pillows/cushions! I can't help it :) I have an entire closet filled with pillows much to my husbands dismay :) I can't buy everything I like but I can certainly admire them :) So when I spotted these striking cushions, I had to share them with you. Available at Maud Interiors these cushions are inspired by Morocco and made in Marrakesh. Designed by Sylive Pissard, the cushions make quite a statement in my opinion! The cushions are crafted from vintage kilims, using ribbons, silk screened  patterns and silk screened images of  Berber women.

To browse the entire collection, click here. Maud interiors is an online boutique offering an eclectic mix of travel-inspired, quirky, contemporary and vintage home accessories and gifts all handcrafted by global artisans.

So do you love them?

Images: via Maud Interiors and subject to copyright.

Istanbul Beckons...

I've got travel on my mind as I am heading to Istanbul in a few weeks. Yay :) Turkey has been on my list of places to visit for a while now. While there is so much to see in Turkey, for now we are focusing on Istanbul. As a family, we do a fair amount of research before we travel. However, we are not big on conducted tours. The Rick Steves Guide Book is a constant companion and of course some extra research on the web always comes handy.

I would love to hear from you. For those of you who have traveled to Istanbul, please do share your experiences with me. Any tips and suggestions would be welcome.......favorite attractions, restaurants, shopping advice or anything else that comes to your mind??

I am eagerly waiting to hear from you :)

Image: via

Monday Musings

Hello there! I am looking forward to an exciting new week at MDC.  It has been a busy month and October seems to be whizzing past :) I have some travel plans in the near future and I am really excited.

Will keep this post a short one or now. I am popping in to wish you a great week ahead. I would love to sit in this beautiful veranda with a good book and a cup of tea :) 

Image: via

"The New Bohemians" Cool and Collected Homes

Happy Friday people!  I am so looking forward to the release of this book and had to share it with you. Justina Blakeney's much awaited book called " The New Bohemians" is now available for pre order on Amazon. So hop on over and grab yours :) Here is a bit of information about the book. 

"In The New Bohemians, LA-based designer Justina Blakeney defines the New Bohemians as creative individuals who are boutique owners and bloggers, entrepreneurs and ex-pats, artists and urban farmers. They embrace free-spirited, no-rules lifestyles and apply that attitude to all areas of their existence, including their homes"

Sounds interesting, don't you think? 


Image : Copyright Justina Blakeney

Reminiscing With Mom ( Diwali Edition)

Hello! I am back with a Diwali post :) Blogging is indeed a fascinating medium. I am thrilled that I can talk to you all, sitting at home, and from any part of the world. I have to thank modern technology and my daughter for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Believe me, I am enjoying it immensely :)

  The beautiful glow of warm colors, twinkling lights and fall hues look so attractive, be it here in India or around Anu's home. Here in Delhi, the sun has a mellow golden tinge, with a welcome nip in the air after a long hot summer. It is time for fun and festivities, for shimmering diyas and colorful rangolis, hectic shopping, goodies to feast on and warm exchanges with family and friends. In all this, lets not forget the busy streets and traffic snarls :)

        As I look back, I remember Our first Diwali in my new home 41 years ago. My In laws were visiting me those days. I had long letters from my mother with instructions. The letters took more than week to reach to reach me. I certainly needed it :) The letters were my lifeline and my only reference in those days. Those were the days when you could not get ideas and inspiration with the click of the mouse but from experienced elders :) I remember being happy and excited and yet a wee bit nervous . It was important for me to ensure that my first Diwali goes off well. Luckily, it did :) Thanks to the helpful participation of my in laws, and my enthusiastic planning.  I have always loved to write things down on paper when I am planning something. I did it then and do it even now. This amuses my children a lot. They have now tried to make me " savvy " and adept at using my Ipad or mobile. I do manage to an extent, but I also like being in my comfort zone with my paper and pen :)

          The warm enthusiasm  of my In laws put me at ease, and we collectively worked towards making it a memorable Diwali 41 years ago. It was a fun time. I do remember us all working together. I helped my Father In law mould and cast beautiful earthen Diyas. Yes, we actually made them :) We then had an idea to place the diyas on the pegs and shelves of a mirrored coat and hat stand. The stand was a pretty standard piece of furniture in most homes those days! It was usually placed right at the entrance. On that day, it was the perfect backdrop for our handmade diyas. The diyas were meticulously painted in vivid colors.The effect, I have to say was quite stunning! It looked unusual and the vignette we created as a result was extremely attractive. The diyas sparkled against the backdrop of the mirror on the stand. It caught the eye and fancy of all our friends. I wish, I had some photographs to show you, but I guess the description will have to do :) 

Today, we have a lot available to choose from, but it was not so then. Though, with a bit of ingenuity and creativity we managed pretty well. While, this entire process made our home look attractive, I was pleased about something else as well! Working together with the In Laws was great bonding for a new bride. We certainly broke the ice and made some great memories :)

I have enjoyed reminiscing and sharing my first Diwali with you. I would like to wish you all a very Happy Diwali.

Best wishes

Madhu

The coat and hat stand in those days looked something like this!

Images: My Dream Canvas Image 2 : Pinterest

The Festival of Lights at My Dream Canvas

Its that time of the year! Diwali -The Festival of Lights is just a few days away! For me Diwali  is all about family, love, laughter, blessings, happiness and twinkling lights :) 

How I miss being in India and my parents home for Diwali. Diwali was always so special at home. Numerous parties, shopping, lights, rangoli, new clothes and gift from parents!  My mom cooked up a lot of yummy food and the mithai (sweet) supply was endless. My Grandmother being my roommate was an an added bonus. She pampered me a lot:) My job during the festivities was to decide on the decorations..... and fuss about clothes to wear :-)  I have fond memories of all the Diwali's growing up at home. I tend to reminisce a lot this time of the year. I want to carry on the traditions I grew up with.  My children too look forward to Diwali and love it as much as I do :)

My inspiration for Diwali this year was simple. A subtle palette of amber hues, silver and gold!  I made a trip to the farm close to home to scout for the perfect flowers. I wanted the flowers to remind me of the colors of Autumn. These dahlias are the perfect blends of the fall colors outside my window :)

The dahlias are floating in silver plated ice cream cups that belonged to my Grandmother. My mother gifted these to me a few years ago!

I have used my Grandmother's silver anklets to add a touch of bling to my tablescape! The candle stands are an antique store find!

This is the first painting that I hung on my wall as a new bride in my first home. My mom gave it to me when I was leaving India. My Ganesha watches over my home and my family!

A few Instagram pics taken earlier in the day! So what's your favorite Diwali tradition or a fond memory??

Images. My Dream Canvas and please do not reuse without written permission

Autumn Hues and Diwali

Hello there! Today was one of those days where we did not look at the forecast before we stepped out. Yes, we are a crazy lot in the Pacific Northwest :) We check the forecast numerous times before making any plans! We dress according to the weather, right down to the shoes and the thickness of the jacket :) A hood is a must, umbrellas are a big no..no despite the incessant rain.

We got into the car to run the usual errands....Costco was to be the first stop! Two miles down the road from home, our plans got derailed!! We parked the car on the side of the road and I began to take pictures. My kids humor me for a while, they pose for me, even scout out the prettiest tree etc. However, soon they have a pained expression on their faces. They realize that a 5 minute stop drags on quite a bit! They smile on cue, but I can sense their frustration :) Thankfully, a big fat squirrel appeared from nowhere and they got distracted :) God bless the squirrel!!

Back to the weather now, it started off as dark and gloomy. The clouds were threatening to burst and then suddenly it was as if a veil had lifted. The sky became blue, the clouds looked happier and I got to take many many pictures. So you are getting to see the before and after pictures!

I was mesmerised! These are the colors that I have picked as my inspiration for Diwali. So stay tuned for an Autumn inspired Diwali post on MDC :)

Keep on smiling and have a great week ahead!

Images: My Dream Canvas

Home Of A Florist Turned Artist

Sigh! This was my first reaction when I spotted this weatherboard country cottage located in New South Wales, Australia. It manages to look quirky and dreamy all at the same time! The cottage has been rented by Laura Jones who is a florist turned artist. This is a home full of color, passion, love and warmth.

Do you love it as much as I do? You can view the entire home here!

  

Images: via

Gemstone Jewelry By Sanskara Designs

 The cough and cold continues to bother me! However, with the festive season knocking on my doorstep.............. its hard to step away from all the excitement :)

Sanskara Designs is all about exquisitely designed gemstone jewelry with a story to tell. Each design is a work of art . Handmade in UK by Josephine Nirmala, her creations are one of a kind. Connect with Sanskara Designs to browse the entire collection. You can also have a piece made exclusively for you. Now what's not to love about that!

Images: Sanskara Designs and subject to copyright!

New At The Shop At My Dream Canvas

A quick update! We have just added a new item to the store. A beautiful find from one of my flea market/antique store jaunts :) A pair of intricately carved wooden candle holder.  Its vintage styled, boho-chic, rustic and pretty :)

Visit The Shop At My Dream Canvas to  get your hands on it!!


Image: My Dream Canvas

Hello From MDC

Hi, Just popping in to wish you a Happy Monday. My posts for this week and the countdown to the Festivities is derailed at the moment as I am sick! However, I hope to be back here soon. 

Sharing some images from around the house....................

Keep on smiling and have a great week!

Images : My Dream Canvas

Fabulous Finds " Bangdar Sarali"

I am delighted to feature "Bangdar Sarali"  based in New Delhi, India as this week Fabulous Find on My Dream Canvas! This venture has been started by two friends who quit their regular jobs to pursue their passion. Together they have embarked on a journey to create exclusive Experimental Fused Glass Jewelry - "Art that can be worn"

Bangdar Sarali endeavors to marry ancient European glass art techniques ( like Murano) with Indian motifs to create contemporary jewelry that is a true fusion of the two cultures. The vibrancy of colors and fluidity of shapes of fused glass art come alive in contemporary handcrafted designs, which are elegant and wearable. These distinctive accessories are truly unique by virtue of the technique of fusion used to create the pieces, which makes it impossible to recreate a design that is identical.

The two creators of Bangdar Sarali are Ikroop Dhillon, the fused glass artist and Pooja Roy Yadav, the jewelry designer. 

Connect with them on Facebook and visit their Website for more information!

Happy Shopping! 


The stunning Devi collection................  

Images: Bangdar Sarali and subject to copyright!

Diwali Inspiration and A Fabulous DIY

I am astounded by the immensely talented people I get to know via the blogosphere. I am DIY challenged, hence when I get to know creative people I am completely in awe :)

Given that Diwali and Christmas is coming up soon I am thrilled to share this fantastic DIY with you. Roopini of Lets Make It Lovely wrote to me recently. She was searching on the web for Diwali decor ideas and came across my lotus tea light holders( shown in the second image). I remember many of my readers loved these lotus shaped tea light holders on stakes. I bring them out every year during the festive season! Roopina created her own lotus tea light holder shown in the first image using coke cans!! I am so impressed with her creativity and glad that she reached out to me!

You can view the entire tutorial on how to make these here. Roopini is a bundle of talent and her wonderful blog is filled with creative ideas. Thank you Roopini for sharing your DIY with me! 

Are you inspired to try these out for yourself ? 

Image 1 : Lets Make It Lovely and subject to Copyright
Image2: My Dream Canvas and subject to Copyright

Fall Hues At My Dream Canvas

Every season I make subtle changes around the house. I no longer make dramatic changes as things seem to have fallen into place at home! I like the familiar now :) Most things have found finally found a place! I like the way things have settled in. For me, aesthetics play a big part in my decor but at the end of the day comfort has to come first. 
Striving to find the right balance between aesthetics and comfort is the key, don't you think? 

Its been a while since I took pictures around the house. The sun was shining, and I happily clicked a few pics to share with you :) I brought in some fresh flowers, added a new Moroccan pillow into the mix, brought in a few orange colored tea lights and in a small way brought the autumn hues indoors :)

What's your favorite thing to do when you re-decorate to usher in a new season! Do you make big changes or little ones?

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright!

Autumn Days

Just popping in to say a quick hello and to wish you a great week ahead! I am enjoying the gorgeous Autumn days in my part of the world. I wish these days would linger on for a while :) I am so not ready for winter to set in! Coming up this week tonnes of ideas and inspiration for the festive season..........hope to see u here!

An update: Shot this on my walk today and the love affair continues...........:)

Image: My Camera phone!

Falling Into The Sea!

You have to check out this awesome photo shoot for Calyspo St Barth. Its absolutely stunning! Justina Blakeney and Dabito created this picturesque beach soiree and have called it "Falling into the Sea"! Sigh! What's not to love about that! 

The images showcase gorgeous home goods from the Calypso Maison collection. There are layers of pretty textiles, rugs, pillows and throws all thrown together along with the crashing waves to create a spectacular setting! 

It looks perfect and is just the inspiration I need to kick start the weekend :) 

So are you a beach person or a mountain person? 

Happy Friday people!

Images: via

Entertaining in Style!

Spotted this table setting recently and I instantly fell in love with it. Setting a beautiful table is an art and I love looking at a pretty table :)


Image: via