Colourful Guest Cottage

Yeah, I am back! We were without internet for a total of 5 days. I think it was the longest I have unplugged since the internet was invented. I didn't realize I was so dependent on the juice until it was taken away! I am a little shaky and my eyes hurt from trying to do everything on my itty-bitty phone screen...how exactly did we function before the world wide web?!

Things are moving along in the landscaping department...
This is where we are now...
The pool is dug, stone work has begun, new fence is up and the structures are starting to take shape.

 And one day soon it should look like this....with less mature plantings, that is.

We can hardly wait!

As I was standing in the cabana/change room (not sure what to call it) I got thinking that if we had a larger property it would be really neat and practical to have a little guest cottage. It doesn't have to be big, maybe 150 square feet with a bathroom and maybe a little mini kitchen; perfect for visitors or just as a place to escape to.

I love this bright and cheerful guest cottage I found on Apartment Therapy. It's 320 square feet and has been renovated using all reclaimed materials.

 Adorable little kitchen.

 Lots of built in storage.

Loft sleeping area.

 I love this vintage Murphy bed.

Love of the Week

This weeks "Love of the Week" is a gorgeous lakeside cabana, designed by Anne Hepher. I love how the crisp white paint contrasts nicely with the navy siding to lend a nautical feel to the space. I also really love the modern interpretation of a traditional lantern and the super comfy furniture. That sofa looks like it would be the perfect place for a long afternoon nap! And doesn't that mirror look like a painting? LOVE IT!
Below you can see a preliminary 3D rendering of our proposed pool and cabana. I am definitely using the lakeside cabana as inspiration for our landscaping project. I would love to incorporate a similar lantern and comfortable furniture is also a must. There are still a few details to iron out, but hopefully if all goes well the construction will begin on July 22. (That is if the rain stops!?)

 Have a great day.

Around the New House: Landscaping

This is our new back yard. It is much larger than our last yard and when considering landscaping the possibilities are endless.
I know for sure that we are doing a pool, some sort of structure for sitting under and a shed to be used for storage and as a change room.
I want the design to be more linear than our last yard that had a kidney shaped pool and curvy gardens. To help me narrow down a style and overall look for the yard I have been saving lots of inspirational photos. I always find that whatever project I am working on, whether it's decorating, renovating, or even planning a party that compiling a file of images is a big help.

Here's what is inspiring me lately in the landscape department...

All photos from Canadian House and Home.

As you can see, for me it's all about rectangular pools, square cut stepping stones and multiple sun loungers.

We have a landscape designer drawing up some initial plans so we can get an idea of what the main aspects will look like. Still need to determine materials, stone finishes and plants/trees. I am looking forward to seeing what the final plan will look like and hopefully if all goes well we will be breaking ground in June.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!