Old Town Victoria

Some lovely outdoor vignettes around Victoria's old town...I love the combination of this mint green door and with crisp white - so fresh!

These doors at the Duchess and Duke are the perfect shade of red.



I love the look of painted brick paired with warm wood materials. We have the same bistro set sitting in our garage. Remind me to stain it before spring arrives!

These outdoor lights look magical amongst the lanterns hanging across Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown. 

Spring is certainly in the air around here. Hope it's the same where you are. Time for me to get outside and start arranging my planters and decorating the front door for the new season!



Painted Ladies

I've been holding out on you with some of my favorite photos from our trip to San Francisco last October; the 'Painted Ladies'! If you aren't familiar with the term it is a nick name of sorts for Victorian and Edwardian houses painted in various colors to show-off their unique architecture. 

Are you having your house painted this summer? Why not add some interest by adding a second and third color! If you're too shy for all that, you can always use an additional color just on your front door. Either way, have fun.... And enjoy the gorgeous week ahead!

Prairie Manor House

Welcome to 'Lougheed House' which was once the grand home of Sir James Lougheed and Lady Isabella Lougheed. Built in 1891, this elegant sandstone masterpiece just sneaks into the last decade of the Victorian era. Each year around Christmas time, various designers decorate each room in the historic home as a charity fund-raiser. A few highlights from the event last weekend....

This grand front room must have been wonderful for receiving guests and entertaining. I may need to track down that elegant round ottoman-cocktail table for my own living room!

The elegant main staircase below is adorned with detailed stained glass featuring local wildlife.

The two photos below are of the 'gentleman's parlor'. I really liked the feel of the this room. I would have been quite comfortable sipping a brandy on that chestnut leather sofa!

This bedroom has such a welcoming feel. The rustic oil painting over the antique bed echos prairie life.

A nutcracker stands guard at one of the many fireplaces throughout. This one is in the basement ballroom where many events were held by the Lougheeds.