Janna Brown's Dreamy Home & Decorating with Memories

Hello November! Join me as we tour this gorgeous home today........

Where do I begin with this home?  I am completely besotted by its effortless elegant charm.  Sigh! I would love to explore every nook and cranny of this home! The space evokes so many wonderful feelings. I am transported into a delightful world filled with drama, intrigue and romance!  Look around. There are  many interesting elements that come together to create the perfect mosaic! 

Janna Brown, an event stylist, is the owner of this lovely home.  Her description of her decor style echoes my sentiments about about what a home means to me.  According to Janna:

"My treasured pieces include hand written framed letters from my ninety-three year old grandmother, dried flora from the fields of Provence, tiny photographs of my grandfather in his youth posing by the Eiffel Tower, and tattered books I purchased in Africa. My wardrobe holds three generations of wedding gowns, and some of my favorite garments that have traveled with me on my adventures. Over the years, I have learned to collect things with a purpose, pieces that tell a story. Isn't that the beauty of one's home? The small details that make it unique, that's what holds the magic!"

Beautiful words don't you think? I have said this in numerous posts in the past and I say it again.  It's more important to make your home "your own"  than to make it picture perfect :)  Weave your memories into your decor. Make it stand apart.  Give your home, "YOUR" personality. This will make you smile every time you think of your home, even when you are thousands of miles away :)

For me, my treasured possessions are the postcards my Dad sent me from Moscow. I was five at the time, and had stayed back in India with my mom. He made these cute illustrations on them and till date they make me smile :)  My Great Grandfather's collection of etched and cut glass is all shapes and sizes for his dinner table of 48. I have some of those glasses in my china cabinet and we use them on special occasions. My Grandmother's silver powder puff is the logo for My Dream Canvas.  A vintage coal iron which I bought from an old lady on the side of the road while driving around the Dolomites in Italy....... to my daughter's endless sea shell collection :)
The sentimentality and the history around it all, makes the simplest of things so meaningful.

This is so me!  I am forever collecting family memorabilia even when I have no place to keep them :)

The image below is dreamy.  I love the glimpse of what's inside and I adore the design of this armoire. The look makes for an unforgettable showcase.

I want to snatch up this pretty vintage chandelier. I have been trying to find vintage light fixtures for my home but have not found anything I truly love.

Glassy reflections.....

Crushing on these Vintage books.....

Do you love this home as much as I do ? Have a wonderful weekend my lovely readers and see you around!!


Images via and subject to Copyright.
Photography : Janna Brown Design Co.

Earthy Meets Modern in NSW

Do you think Earthy and Modern can co exist? I think so! This striking bungalow in Australia's New South Wales is a perfect example. Designed by Interior Design expert Louise Walsh, the home has a unique vibe. What struck me the most was the dark charcoal wall contrasting with the stunning red rug in the foyer. It does create quite the drama! There are pretty textiles beautifully layered in the bedroom and it all looks so appealing.

This home has a moody yet clean and airy vibe. A combination that is hard to achieve but here it seems pretty effortless :)

How are you doing this week? I am inundated with Diwali orders at the Shop At My Dream Canvas. While its been hectic, I can't afford to complain. I am grateful for the response to the new collection. As a small business owner, the  appreciation and support is what keeps me going :) So a "Big Thank You" to all those who have made my "finds" a small part of your lovely home!

Images: Louise Walsh and subject to Copyright.

The Story of A Secluded Cottage And Its Adventurous Owner

I glanced upon this dreamy image below and absolutely loved it. It somehow reminds me of the rainy, brooding beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In my mind, a cottage on the Puget Sound on a rainy afternoon would look like something like this! To my surprise, this is actually a secluded waterfront cottage halfway around the world in Tasmania. 

On another note, I worked for the Australian Tourism board and made multiple trips to Australia but alas could never make it to Tasmania. Its something I regret deeply and I know I want to make it there someday!

While the image above is utterly captivating, the story of the owner and her home is even more fascinating. Sarah Andrews embarked on a journey ten years ago which led her to this charming cottage. It sounds like a plot of a thrilling film. Her journey to get to this cottage is a must read! Sarah ventured on a solo journey across the Pacific Ocean in her boat from Mexico to Australia. I quote  the writer who tells her story "One dark night, in the middle of the ocean, a harrowing storm caught up with her and sunk the boat she called home. “[I] got very lucky and was eventually picked up by the Mexican navy — sounds like a tall tale but it’s all true,” Sarah confirms the incredible turn of events"

Since that fateful night at sea, Sarah has spent years looking for ways to replace that boat and the unparalled feeling of seclusion and being one with the water. “There’s no greater feeling than living on the water, surrounded by those who are living a life cast off from society,” she explains. One day, flicking through a magazine, Sarah spotted a little Tasmanian cottage that was up for sale. She knew in an instant that it was the home that she had been looking for all those years"

To learn more about Sarah and her painstaking restoration of this heritage cottage click here! For me, its like the movie Under The Tuscan Sun where the home and the owner are simply meant to come together :) This is even more exciting as its real!!

In Captains Rest, Sarah has finally found what she was looking for all these years — an escape by the water, a haven from the storms, and a place to call home. —Sofia

I believe that a home is what you make of it. The brick and mortar means nothing "as is" but means everything if you connect with it. While, a home is all about the people who live in it, I do think some spaces call out to you more than others. I have been living in my current home for nearly 12 years now! Surprisingly, from the moment I set foot in my home for the first time, it was just one room that appealed to me instantly! My family room with the green belt behind it. The rest of it mattered very little :) My home is far from perfect and yet it has been my sanctuary all these years. If the walls could talk, it would speak of my high and lows, my memories and my hopes and dreams. 

I am a dreamer by heart and Sarah's story is truly a dream come true :) Be adventurous, dream a little and seek out what you are looking for......it might just be waiting for you :)

Images: via

Take a trip to the Captains Rest as you can rent this cottage and dream away:)

Eclectic Living in Wisconsin

When a home comes together beautifully like this one and every niche has a story to tell..... I absolutely love  it! I have always been inclined towards homes with an  eclectic flair. I bookmarked this home to share with you as I was drawn to many elements in this space!

This delightful home is in Wisconsin and belongs to Megan Schlachtenhaufen and her family. Her home is vibrant and cozy. A boho abode mixed with a touch of modern. A DIY addict and a lady with a green thumb, her creativity spills into every corner of her home! The unique wall hangings on the walls in her home are created by Megan herself. 

Prepare to be swept away by..............

Do you have a favorite design feature you love from her home? 

Images: via and subject to copyright.

Design Crush: Wooden Elements

Hello there!! Do you have a recent design crush ? I would love to hear about it. I am happy to share mine:) Recently, I have been obsessed with wooden elements in a design space. If its reclaimed wood then even better:) I am so taken in by the simple, yet effective way wood and wooden props can add beauty to a space. In my mind, it makes the space look warm, organic and makes all the colors around it pop!  Here are a few lovely images where wooden elements have been added to the decor! 

Do you like this look ? I hope I have managed to shake off your Monday blues with these images :) Here's wishing you a lovely week ahead.....

In this space the simple tray on the coffee table does the trick...

This wooden 'love' sign is delightful :)

The perfect Fall vignette on this distressed rustic wood table looks so dreamy....

The neutral wooden end table is a perfect fit in this bright and classy space!

The wooden stool looks adorable with all the house plants....

This rustic wooden dresser makes me want to grab it right out of my laptop screen :)

Images: via and subject to copyright.

The JASSA Collection By IKEA

Have you heard of the limited edition called Jassa by IKEA? Wow....I am blown away by the colors!  Its a boho lovers dream come true, with its myriad hues and an eclectic vibe! This collection will be available in store by March this year! Just in time for spring and a seasonal makeover :) Inspired by Indonesian and South Asian designs this collection is both vibrant and fun!

Will this make you head to IKEA?? I for one, am looking forward to March:)

Images: IKEA an subject to copyright!

A Boho Porch Makeover

Hello there! We are getting ready to face the biggest windstorm in almost a decade here in the Pacific Northwest. I can hear the rain coming down as I sit by my window! The wind will surely blow the  autumn leaves off the trees around me! I shall miss the myriad hues.....the crimson, rust and golden leaves will slowly disappear as the wind lashes against them.

I am prepping my home for Diwali ( The Festival of Lights) and I am excited :)  I am adding layers and a few new colors into the mix ! The pictures will be up in a few more days. With the stormy weather outside  today.......I am drawn towards this warm and cozy boho porch by Laura Mazurek. 

She has done a brilliant job. I especially like the warm and earthy tones. This space is pretty and has a relaxed vibe! I want to curl up here with a good book and a cup of tea! 

Sheer bliss!

That rug......

Love this teacup :)

What's your favorite element in this space?

Images: via and subject to copyright

A Backyard Soiree

There are some images that speak for themselves and need no explanation :) With Spring around the corner, this Moroccan inspired backyard soiree is just my kind of thing:) Featured on Style Me Pretty Living, I had a tough time choosing images to share with you. I am going to file this away in my inspiration folder to drool at them every now and then!

Here, we have been in the midst of a windstorm, the endless rain and howling winds are getting on my nerves! Just looking at these images I feel relaxed and happy :) My own little escape from reality! 

What about you? 

Images: via