C&J Blog
Finally! Some more fun stuff as our contractors battle the frozen tundra at our Long Beach #subzeroreno project. Join the convo at www.instagram.com/colinandjustinslongbeach
Today (hoorah!) we're turning our attentions to certain finishing details. After considering various suppliers, we've chosen Armstrong Flooring due to their top quality, realistic pricing and reliability: important factors when renovating anywhere, right? And even better - Armstrong is available at everyone's fave big box store The Home Depot Double bubble!
You see junky we see funky!
Skis at the thrift store - or the makings of a headboard in a sport themed bedroom? The latter, obvs! And how about that hockey face grill, again from the thrift? We’d create an MDF back plate, wire it safely to accommodate a filament bulb, and attach the grill to the front. Hey presto a cute wee ‘soft industrial’ wall sconce.
Ikea Winners!
Thanks to the squillons of you who participated in our IKEA BILLY bookcase contest on twitter! #ad #partner
Return to Plan B!
Today we went back to one of our previous Haliburton cottages to show our current contractor some of the special details of the build. And hey: we managed to make light work of the twisty turny cottages roads. We were also MEANT to be picking up a washing machine and a sofa (hence taking the Silverado: its load bearing and carrying space are fantastic) but our supplier suddenly evaporated... so the biggest load we ended up carrying was some Chinese take away food and a bottle of bourbon from the LCBO! But hey - we did it in style.
ROMA
Last night's viewing: ROMA on Netflix: an astonishingly simply story about a beautiful soul who works in service for a family in 1970's Mexico.
Spruced Up With Colin and Justin
Continuing 'Spruced Up With Colin and Justin' - a fun wee Cottage Life webisode series. Click the link below and watch us make a simple table lamp from an old wine box...
CinderFELLA
Colin and Justin. Date night. Just the two of us. Aye, and to think it all started SOOOOO well. With four shoes. Two at the end of each designer.
A wee creative project to get your designer juices flowing...
Check out the Cottage Life website for more 'All Spruced Up' projects...
#SUBZERORENO
Meanwhile - on the flip side, via our #SUBZERORENO these cottaging superheroes have DESTROYED a DECREPIT fireplace.
Funky My Bunkie!
Plotting! Aye, it's an important day at www.instagram.com/colinandjustinslongbeach And hey: if we can't be inspired by one of our own projects for our #SUBZERORENO by what can we be inspired? This pic is the bunkie at Plan B - Season 3 "Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure" - Cottage Life Catch it in reruns - check schedules for times.
The new bunkie may share a few similar lines but it'll be VERY different upon realisation...
Anyhoooo - we're currently honing plans with Nicole Sokol and her team at @luxurydiscoverydreamhomes for a two bed guest wing. Join us via our new insta site for a whisper of what's in store...
Before and after living room
Before and After. First things first - we painted out the, ahem, 'flesh' coloured walls. This done, we added ample closet storage, faux hide chairs and mirrored side tables, then floated it all on a sea of dreamy ebony Amtico.
Join our 'Which style would you choose?' barn door debate at www.instagram.com/colinandjustinslongbeach
Blimey: we're already at the 'layering' stage at Long Beach...though tomorrow's threatened storm has already jeopardised week 3 of our #SUBZERORENO plans. It doesn't even look like WE can make it to the site. Short of choppering in and landing on the frozen lake, we're kinda locked out. We''ll keep you beauties informed!
Happy Birthday Justin - though it was actually 11th February...
Omg - the bowl cut. The brown hair. The impish grin. Who'd have thought this wee scamp would morph into my missing half? When two worlds collide, huh? And unique new energy is born.
CATS!!
When folk enquire as to which Netflix shows we watch, they prolly expect us to mention the big hitters: the awesome streamable series that make for classic water cooler TV.
But the show that currently has our attention is The Kitten Rescuers (it originally aired in the UK on Ch 5 where, in fact, we spend several years) hosted by Jo Brand.
Anyhooo - cue two grown men (us) weeping from the top of the show to credit roll. It's a no brainer - a series about felines being rescued from dreadful situation. Jo Brand is a fantastic host and maintains a sense of levity and comedy throughout even the darkest situations...
Note to the world - if this show ever franchises across the pond - we HAVE to host it. If, that is, Jo didn't want to travel. It's feel good, weepy, cuddly and sometimes shocking (watch through your fingers) telly with tears and laughs in equal measure. The opening ep' where the RSPCA dude goes up a chimney in search of a lost kitten and comes out COVERED in soot had us rolling on the floor.
Clothes? As much as we love design, what we wear is a major part of our lives!
Today's sartorials. Justin: jeans by @gucci Shirt by @OldNavyCA Jacket by @ZARA High tops by @NikeToronto Glasses by @Prada Colin: joggies by Kyodan at @WINNERS Hoodie by @wingsandhorns Jacket by @welcomeOVO Sneaks by @PUMA
Valentines Ideas?
Need a lil' inspo for your chap as Valentines Day looms? Look no further than Indigo, Chapters and Coles Sweet ideas! C&J xx
Cityline
Taping an episode of Cityline tomorrow with this awesome woman. Aye, Tracy Moore makes taking part a breeze for the entire Cityline fam'.
Sartorials
Today’s ‘high/low’ sartorials. Justin: jeans and trench by ZARA Marshmallow jumper (okay, okay - 'sweater') by @oldnavy and high tops by @niketoronto Colin - boots by Prada Jeans by @boss Puffer by Uniqlo Canada and jacket by @newlook_men Would it shock you if we admitted we're wearing @ginchgonchofficial Long Johns? Gotta stay warm, huh?
Back safely in Toronto...
Meanwhile - back from the cottage after an epic snowy and rainy drive through melting (and re freezing) conditions. Beamer, it should be reported, was NOT amused as the journey protracted. That said, he's now safely back in his condo with us (NB - not OUR condo with HIM: we know our place) and settled in for the evening. Aye, fed, watered... and chasing his shadows.
Currys Chevrolet Haliburton
KEEP IT LOCAL! Sliding into our second year in partnership with Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Limited in Haliburton and the convenience of driving a Chevrolet Silverado was seldom more relevant than it is today. We can’t fit ANY furniture into our Rover so the Chevy saved our skin as we moved sofas, beds, wardrobes and case goods between cottages. Yup - we’re currently playing bad ass removal men! And take it from us - snow levels like these call for a SERIOUS pick up truck. Guess we could have found a Chevy in the city but we LOVE the local service our fantastic dealership offers.
Can you do us a favour, please?
For all the bad press it receives, we believe that social media, sometimes, can actually be used for the power of real good. You know, to focus energy. To resonate good thoughts. That type of thing. Which is what this post is all about...
Mum Ryan
Happy Birthday, Mum Ryan...
Mum is seen here, perhaps four years ago, at Coul House, her favourite afternoon tea haunt. Our best girl may have slipped from this mortal coil some two years past - but she will absolutely NEVER be forgotten. And, just so you know, there's WAY more joy today, on her birthday, than there is sadness.
Mary Poppins Returns
Just back from @MaryPoppins T'was utterly EPIC. The cast, the story, the score, the fantasy sequences. EVERYTHING. We can't recommend it highly enough. So this is how it went for us: from the opening scenes to the closing credits - we wept.
Mince Pies!?
Aye, t'is almost impossible to find a good mince pie o'er this side of the pond. Any - and all - suggestions (that might draw to a conclusion our search for the British festive staple) would be more than welcome.
BEAMER!
Thanks to Janice Thompson from Niagara on The Lake Chamber of Commerce for this awsome bauble!
GIANT Candy Cane!
When you have the world’s largest candy cane...right outside your window....
Quality Street - Eat or Retreat?
So a dirty great box of QS somehow made it into our shopping cart, yesterday. It's now sitting on our office desk. And as we pass by, eyes wide, it seems to be calling our names.
Raclette
Introduced to the concept of raclette gastronomy by our Scottish neighbours Nina+Greg, we've gone on to feature the cooking style on Cityline and tonight our pal Tina Holmes cooked, chez nous, on our Hamilton Beach table top stove.
Anniversary of John Lennon's death...
December 8, 1980: an already grey day in NYC when a bullet rang out and John Lennon's life was cruelly taken. For many, the skies darkened and turned black. He died right outside his home. Tragic.
Pantone Colour of The Year
Living Coral. Yay! A beautiful colour - and one with which we can easily accessorise - from Pantone. Hmm. We STILL can't get over Marsala as a previous year's Pantone choice. Our tummies (P dot S - The McAllister Ryans do NOT say the 'b' word) heaved. That was shocking. It still haunts us. How was the decorating community EVER meant to make sense of that particularly vile shade? Hello gravy browning?
Ellenoire environmentally responsible products
The hand made nature of these products is what makes them so entirely heart felt and beautiful. Whomever receives these beauties as Christmas approaches will think they've bathed and gone to heaven!
Quebec City here we come!
Looking forward to this weekend's (as yet top secret!) adventure to Quebec City. These twoboyz are plotting something super exciting! Details, ahem, eventually!
The Handmaid's Tale
Yesterday, obsessed as we are with The Handmaid’s Tale, we attended The Commander’s House. We honestly can’t remember being so excited to visit a TV location. As there exist so many obvious parallels with today’s - oft’ terrifying - world, it was actually a relief being reminded that what we’re watching is simply a story. A tale. A fantasy. But a frightening observation, nonetheless, of the horrors facing our world. And a salient reminder (not to put too frightening a point on it) of that which we could become if malevolent forces have their way.
Vows renewed! Check the news links on our news forum for updates!
Fair to say that Mexico has proved to be the perfect setting for this trip...
We just landed in Mexico - on a secret jaunt!
We'll unravel more details shortly - save to say that we're already having a fantatstci time. We're at the wonderful Hotel XCaret on The Mayan Riviera...
Cereal rocks!
D'you ever think - "Not up to making dinner: so I'm gonna have cereal"? After an epic day with more work than we've EVER crammed into one stretch, we opted to forgo cooking.
Coffee time!
Wednesday morning... still loading. Coffee... still drinking. Medium roast, for the record, Columbian: delicious. With just a dash of cream. In a hand thrown pottery mug. How's your morning shaping up?
Mince pies - mmmmmmmmmm!
Och aye, we’d rather have a mince pie than a mince by. Oh forget it: it’s an auld Scottish joke...
Californian fires...
The devastation to human life caused by the Californian fires has been shocking, and our hearts break when we read the updates. It's just so awful. So much loss. So much distress. We pray that somehow - somehow - people will eventually come to terms with what has happened. If there's anything that any of you can do to help - please do. Whether a donation, or an aid package or whatever. Every little counts...
Whaaaaasup?
So - when we say we are SOOOO up to something.... can you, by looking at our faces, tell? Heading off into the night... #toronto #design#colinandjustin
Our special release beer in association with Boshkung is now available!
It’s seldom we ask you to open your purses and wallets - but on this occasion we’d really like to. We’ve just created a special C+J beer and ALL profits go to help those that SERIOUSLY struggle with bill payment in winter. Might you consider buying a few cans to help? NB - mail order is available.
Sue Watson
It's always a pleasure to post of Sue Watson's MANY literary successes. With several books under her belt, mainly in the 'rom com' style, this thriller might be a side step in style... but it has paid of BIG time. We read the kindle version, cover to virtual cover, and it doesn't miss a beat. And OH that twist in the tale!
Colin and Justin beer - an initiative to help the Heat Bank Charity
Seriously. It's 2018: no one should have to choose whether they heat... or whether they eat. And no child should go to bed in winter clothes to fend of the season's icy blasts. It's an utter disgrace that we live in a world where this kind of thing is far from rare.
Doctor Who. WOW!
Doctor Who, episode 3, managed, quite majestically, to recount at least a small part of the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks... and indeed her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. That boycott - ultimately - led to everyone, no matter colour, being accorded equal rights to sit anywhere on bus transport. Rosa became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation and collaborated with civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King. And the rest is history...
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House. A slow burn, sure, but, in episodic terms, it finally gets there. Normally we bale if something doesn't grip us by ep 2 or 3 but-on strong recommendation-we stuck with this Netflix series.
Taste Matters
3.30pm + we've finished work for the day. Some type of record for us! Heading to the Taste Matters event with Evas Initiatives.
The descent of the mercury continues apace...
Ah well, it's pretty out; leaves turnin' red, an' all. But clearly someone just turned off the last of that unexpectedly warm patch.
Thanksgiving - from our house to yours...
To each of you, today and always: Happy Thanksgiving from your wee Scottish pals.
PLEASE read this Thanksgiving post. It warmed our hearts...
As Canadian Thanksgiving approaches, we hope you beauties might be able to help us. For there are some people that we - and our pals Carol and Lewis - would dearly like to thank. We'll (try and) keep this short...
Legends Of Horror
Nadia Di Donato - your Legends of Horror experience at Casa Loma is next level world class: truly OUTSTANDING thematic horror. Last year's show was grizzly, terrifying, wondrous and dreamy - all in one horrific package - and this year's spectacle is even more amazing.
As you know, we LOVE our classic cars...
This pic features one of our collection, a 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL. But we have no favourites...
Sneak peek news story for you beauties!
We're doing a C+J own label beer (and it'll be delicious!) in conjunction with one of Ontario's premier brewers. It launches in the next few weeks and we'll report more presently. As winter approaches, we've elected to pump all profits into the community to help those battling heating costs.
Lots of new 'C+J Home' lighting arriving in stores now...
Here's one model that just landed...
Welcoming our new Silverado into the fold!
Our love affair with 'shopping local' continues. You may remember that, at the end of Spring 2018, we chose a Chevrolet Colorado from Currys, Haliburton's premier car dealership. Our plan, back then, was to enjoy the truck for a long time. Well - we did indeed LOVE the truck... but with three new cottage projects about to kick off, and a LOT of fetching and carrying planned, we decided to trade up to the Silverado. Gotta say partnering with Currys has been a dream. We've enjoyed staggeringly good service and all on the doorstep in cottage country. Aye, the 'local' angle is super important to us.
Such beautiful skies over Toronto
So beautiful to watch the water dancing below the city's famous skyline...
Portuguese Tarts
Now, for fear of alienating our Canuck pals, we'll say, sotto voce, that we're not the biggest butter tart fans. But Portuguese tarts? Hell mend us!
If you missed our Australian room makeovers - here's one to warm you up as the temperatures decline...
SUCH a dated room with that mad swirly caret, but in terms of square footage, it was fantatstic. We saw epic potential...
Listen up - Sunday Transformations with C&J!
Aye, we turned this unused bedroom / box room into a much needed second bathroom. Aye, with proper consents, a fully qualified plumber and loads of monochromatic ambition, we flushed out the past and welcomed in a new wave of glam' bathing potential.
Blimey - check out this room, as we found it...
Aye, it's before an' after time, again, peeps. We tore away the paper, peeled back the carpet and started afresh. Channeling that literary masterpiece (ahem) within which Dorian Grey resides, provided 50 shades of inspiration.
The Sinner
The Sinner is our latest top tip for your TV viewing pleasure. After getting in late last night from a work dinner, we binge watched three eps and we're already hooked. Clever TV. Who's already on board?
Pick up trucks - what do you carry in yours? Bricks? Plaster? Wood? Building materials?
We just carried almost an entire Cityline set! Nine cushions, one large floor rug, two foot stools, several ceramics, a faux cow hide chair, several faux flowers in vases, all manner of ceramics, a Pendleton style X frame foot stool, six macrame dream catchers, three table lamps, four vintage style plane propellers, a wheeled storage system and enough throws and art work to keep the most avid designers happy for a lifetime. See it all on Thursday's Cityline as we create a room inspired by the halcyon days of family cottage resorts. Dreamy!
We won't let anyone pull the rug from under our feet!
That's why we've added a large selection of floor rugs to our home line...
FRIDAY?
Howdie - just wanna thank everyone for letting us know its Friday, every single week... on Friday. It's thoughts like this that keep us here and on Facebook. Tidings to every flipping' one of you.
Is summer going? It certainly seems so...
Are we the only ones who feel the air changing today? But we're not gonna lie - we're kinda diggin' the slowly shifting climate. We're four season boys, after all, so t'is all good. Whether referenced as Fall or Autumn - we actually welcome the mercury's soft decline.
BREAKING NEWS????
Now don't get us wrong: we love a lil' showbiz gossip like the rest of 'em. But when a mindless piece of crap like this is deemed 'news', it makes us want to curl up under a rock. And malign the written word that was.
Are we really so easily pleased that crap like this is considered the stuff of a good headline? REALLY? For the record, we're actually admirers (to a certain degree) of Kylie's ascent.. and of her make up empire and billionaire status which came as a consequence. And were we required to sit down and eat milky cereal with her, or with ANY of the sisters/mothers/aunts/matriarchs to whom she's attached... we'd still pick Kylie. Guess, after all, she wasn't the author of this milky tale. Merely the subject.
A super simple DIY project for you chaps and chapesses
This one is a belter - super easy to do and a project that can be mastered in a matter of minutes...
Elte here we come...
Who doesn't like spending someone else's money? Aye, we're off to Elte with our client's credit card. Canny spend during the build aspect of a current project means 'showing out' with furniture + schematic layers. Or, in other words, we've got permission to max' out their plastic...
Cheers - find our collection in stores like HomeSense Canada
Colin+Justin Home’ spirit tumblers. To add a lil’ extra pizazz to your cocktails...
Happy Monday?
Been a great weekend and, if truth be known, we're not quite ready to kiss our Frid-Sun goodbye. Looking on the bright side, however, we're reminded that Mondays only happen once a week. So we're dealing with the prospect. Accordingly xx
Time to spend some client cash!
Who doesn't like spending someone else's money? Aye, we're off to Eltewith our client's credit card. Canny spend during the build aspect of a current project means 'showing out' with furniture + schematic layers. Or, in other words, we've got permission to max' out their plastic...
Did someone say SUNSHINE?!
In other news, we're off to do v/o for another 3 eps of Great Canadian Cottages.
#sneakpeek Part church. Part school hall. Part Danish cabin in the woods.
Super sweet respite (home to Richard+Peter) from the new show. See this one+23 others when Great Canadian Cottages airs on Cottage Life in Fall. Just DON’T expect a dull stream of homogenous McMansions: on this show we cover many budgets, all sizes and various styles.
Our wee baby 2CV
Now fully restored to pristine condition (holy moly: finding specialists for our ancient French baby in Canadashire proved super laborious) our wee ‘tin snail’ marched across Toronto today with aplomb.
Coastal chic
A wee quick simple vignette. We used an Ektorp striped chair (previously at IKEA) and a warm toned wood drawer set from The Brick to set the scene.
Lush lunch at The Westin Bayshore
H2 Rotisserie & Bar at The Westin Bayshore Half a chicken and all the fixings. SUPER delicious! In BC to host Diner En Blanc Vancouver. It’s gonna be an EPIC event! Remember our FREE contest ($9K value) to win flights for two to Paris, hotel and a 3 Michelin Star dinner at the Alain Ducasse restaurant. AND a thousand dollars to spend.
Cool garb, huh?
What? It's only day wear. Yup, this morning we're hanging out and cleaning the cars and the condo. You know - chillin' an' stuff..
Day off, family coming from Scotland, cleaning cars. Justin with his pride and joy.
Lol - if I'm very good he lets me drive this one! These wheels were born in 1968 but this wee baby drives like new Mercedes-Benz Super reliable. Shweeeeeeet! #vintage #pagoda #280sl
Day off, family coming from Scotland, cleaning cars. Justin with his pride and joy.
Lol - if I'm very good he lets me drive this one! These wheels were born in 1968 but this wee baby drives like new Mercedes-Benz Super reliable. Shweeeeeeet! #vintage #pagoda #280sl
Halliburton calling!
Quick dash to the cottage to prepare it for big sister's arrival. Beds made. Kitchen dressed. Got us thinking about you guys! Time for a kitchen update? Aye, t'is that. Grab a coffee (Coffee? Whaaaaaat - wine?) and peruse our Cottage Life guide to prepping your food prep' zone...
Dollarama versus Gucci
We've used Dollarama products (as styling props) for years on mornining shows, etc - but (until now) never as a source for sartorial matters.
Find the C+J Home line across Canada, The USA, Australia and Britain now!
Our products are on shelves now. Our line has been in existence for seven years now and, thanks to your loyal support, it's going from strength to strength.
Happy Pride!
Because it's Pride Weekend. And because it's SO important to support others, here's our own - very simple - pride story. We met in our first year at college and university and fell head over heels in love. As teenagers, we'd no idea this would be forever. But fate had different plans. 30 years later, we're happier than ever. But we're amongst the lucky ones. We didn't experience barriers (as far as we're aware, certainly) because we're gay. For others, however, it wasn't always - and still isn't - easy: the battle continues.
So saddened to hear of the Glasgow Art School Fire
HUGE respect to the brave men and women currently fighting to save anything, anything, at The Glasgow School of Art. We can hardly comprehend this is happening again, and, by many accounts, it's significantly worse than the fire which destroyed so much just four short years ago.
Quick question from us
Quick question - we have a couple of pals who recently moved to Toronto and, having been treated pretty unkindly by a landlord, they're looking for a new apartment so as to better enjoy the city we've promised them will be a fantastic place to live when their accommodation issue is fixed.
Old and New
When we asked you, some time past, to suggest which marque we should choose for our new pick up, an overwhelming majority suggested Chevrolet, so we promptly marched into Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Limited in Haliburton (come on: keep it local, right?) where we chose this sexy Colorado in inky black.
Some lovely C+J Home wares - finds our collection cross Canada and the USA now!
With the emphasis on 'ristic modern' our line is out there, just waiting for your stylistic delectation!
On June 21st, we are hosting the Evas Home For Life event in association with Evas Initiatives. It's our third year at the helm, and we are looking forward to helping raise as much cash as possible to help homeless youth.
You and we are fortunate to have a roof over our heads. And a safe place unto which we can retreat the (sometimes) stresses of life. Homelessness, however, remains a significant problem... and it happens for many reasons. In that regard, we will never judge. For ours is only to rally the forces and do whatever we can. If you'd like to attend, please visit the website. Buy a ticket. Or make a donation. Thank you.
Got ourselves a new truck! And did someone say plaid shirts?
The time was right. Having decided we needed a solid, reliable and stylish pick up truck (to make cottage country fetching and carrying a lil’ easier) we debated - and test drove - various marques. But we kept being drawn back to Chevrolet, via the Curry dealership in Haliburton. Find out more at www.currychevrolet.ca or Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Limited. Due to the fact we lift and carry so many things between our various cottage renovation projects, a reliable pick up trick was fast becoming top of oru list.
Rove Concepts
This store ships, has wonderful product - and it's fairly and sqaurely priced....
Some current C+J Home
Find our international home decor collection in stores like Homesense, Winners and Marshalls in Canada and in TK Maxx in the UK and TK Maxx in Australia...
Someone is off the wine...
Pizza. Ham 'n' pineapple, just so u know. Day 13 of wine detox. #superproud
Woooooooosh: and we're back in Toronto.
Blimey - that was a whistle stop nine day tour of the UK! Fun times in London, and a wicked time in Scotland. Great checking back in to our Scottish lives (our transatlantic existence is never something about which we grumble - but it's often exhausting!) for a while and catching up with friends.
Fully modernised one bedroom flat for rent in Glasgow's fashionable West End
We're presenting to the market, for the first time, a fully modernised one bedrom apartment. Huge double bedroom, large living room, luxuriously appointed kitchen, marble clad bathroom, laundry and storage room. Wooden floors in principal areas. Carpeted bedroom. Fully and luxuriously furnished. Weekly cleaning service included.
Glasgow calling!
Being back in Scotland is already a joy. It's dry, our lovely old house is still standing and we had dinner last night for Justin's birthday at The Rogano.
Justin's Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Mr Ryan! Taking the boy up to Scotland today (for his, ahem, 35th!!!) to check out some potential rental property and to chill out at home for a few days.
Day 2 in London
GREAT meal at The Ivy last night - it's always good checking in to one of our fave retauarants. As an offshoot of the main Ivy, the Chelsea sibling has really done well and garned a loyal customer base. We're sure the Scottish outposts will be similarly well loved.
London calling!
Seamless flight home to London on Air Canada. And now settled into Chelsea and loving being back on home from home turf.
Homeward bound
Super excited - we're heading back to ther UK for ten days. First task? We've sold one of our rental apartments (in London) so we've a hook up with the delivery company who are emptying the space.
Off to prep, ahead of tomorrow's Cityline taping
We're using @Ikeacanada wardrobe doors to create a chic, panelled bedroom. And we'll be showing you how to create the perfect Insta-worthy B&B space so your guests won't feel, ahem, up in the 'air'. PG's will want to rebook as a matter of critical urgency to enjoy your super lovely hospitality all over again!
WIN! WIN! WIN! This time in association with Ikea Canada
To help celebrate IKEA’s iconic IVAR shelving system (the design of which is turning 50!) we've $1000 to give away in this exclusive C&J contest. Yup, we've partnered with @IKEACanada to give TWO winners and a best friend the chance to grab $250 EACH to spend on dreamy, gorgeous things!
Homesense contest - WIN WIN WIN!
WIN! WIN! WIN! We’ve $1000 in gift cards to give away in our exclusive contest - yup, we've partnered with HomeSense to give TWO winners AND one of their best friends the chance to with $250 EACH to spend on dreamy, gorgeous things!
We're on the fashion panel for the City TV Grammys
Hope you’ll tune in - at 6.30pm - to today’s ‘City: Live at the Grammys’ and join host @dina.pugliese and her fashion panel (that’ll be uber style Goddess @jessicamulroney and both of us) as we go live as part of the music biz’s biggest party.
Where are you reading or watching us?
Good morning Sunday! Hope you chaps and chapesses are well. We wondered if you'd help us with a little 'profiling', so we can better deliver relevant info, stories, design and decor? Or, in other words, things that pertain to your particular outpost.
Jumping in to wish the boy Colin a Happy Birthday! Justin xx
Yup - clocking up another year and looking forward to the next twelve months! And, erm, 21 again!
You been watching Makeful?
It's a Canadian speciality channel that focusses on hand made and artisinal products and designs. Aye, it's a SUPER cute destination.
Today is our last festive meal of the season...
Yup, think we've cooked - or devoured - at least a dozen.
So! Our pals in Australia and New Zealand have already sailed into 2018: Happy New Year!
Next up, in less than half an hour, our peeps at home in Britain will be kissing goodbye to 2017. Then, in around five and a half hours, parts of Canada and the majority of North America will be bringing in a whole new period.
Bathrooms - some classic C&J projects...
A few different looks for the bathroom. All relatively simple stuff!
New year - new kitchen...
Need a new look for your kitchen? Here's one of our projects which we hope will inspire...
C&J's Bargain Of The Week
Our promise to showcase a weekly best buy continues - with this beauty... Down from $1200 to $260. Holy moly!
The hexagon.
We installed our first hex' tiles perhaps a decade past, although this lil vignette was part of an installation just a couple of years back - during Cabin Pressure on @cottagelife - at the point our hex' momentum was drawing to its (then) conclusion.
It's all balls...
It's all balls. An easy way to add a lil festive flair to an existing 'moss in bowls' display. Add a simple bauble to each glass vessel. You're welcome x
Special day for the Scots!
Happy St Andrew's Day tae ra lot o' yis! Knees oot. Kilts oan. An' PARTAAAAAAY!
A selection of wreaths that caught our attention
Wreaths have come SUCH a long way over recent years and are now available in many regular high street stores. We picked out a selection from some great value retailers that we thought you'd enjoy...
Beo Center 9000
HOLY CRAP! Been searching for years for a perfect 1986 Beo Center. At last weve found one!
Diana Ross fabulousness
Sometimes - sometimes - all we need is a little feel good. We DEFY anybody NOT to feel just a lil' bit gooey watching this awesome clip from The AMA's: Diana Ross being given The Lifetime Achievement Award.
So saddened to hear that the rooftop bar at The Hyatt is to close...
GUTTED! This is perhaps our favourite bar EVER.
Christmas Tree segments being taped this Thursday
Crafting wildly: with thumb tacks, styrofoam balls, packing crate 'corn' and corrugated cardboard ahead of a Christmas tree segment for Cityline.
Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here
As ITV1 juggernaut 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' rocks into the new series, we decided to have a wee browse through some 'Down Under' picture files!
Wicker Emporium - retailer of current Bargain of The Week
You KNOW we don't like overspending. And you KNOW we love bringing you cash conscious design!
Crate Expectations!
Enjoy this Cityline clip - where we use affordable crates as walls storage, a credenza and as part of a simple office desk. DIY's? We've got your back!
The Reveal - as seen on Cityline
Check our previous post to see the furniture item as we found it...
Doorstep DIY Challenge!
Here's a clip that sees us arriving at a Cityline viewer's home to grab an item of furniture that SOOOOO needs a makeover!
So tonight we keynoted The Credit Education Week Canada Gala Dinner
The evening, it's gotta be said, was a wonderful success, and the result of a huge, dedicated effort by the hardworking event organisers.
Fun times with the atom splittingly glorious Jessica Mulroney
Aye, we're DEFINITELY getting our game faces on here!
Colin+Justin Home
Just arrived in North America - some Autumn / Winter additions to our 'Colin+Justin Home' line.
Chair Affair
We're super stoked to support Furniture Bank with their fund raising endeavours.
SUPER fun day on Cityline!
Actually it's always fun but today was even more fun than usual...
Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link – a smart solution to clearer breathing
Great weather and a cleaner environment - what’s not to like?
Fun times at Land Rover Canada tonight for Velar unveiling
We've been RR drivers for years and this vehicle is SO on our dance card. One each please. And thank you.
Cityline - longest running morning show in Canada and now spreading across America too, via syndication. Check your listings guide for times!
Thought we'd pop this up on line to show how we like to 'HACK' our furniture items...
Meet us this weekend at The Fall Cottage Life Show
FREEBIE! Contest time! Courtesy of The Fall Cottage Life Show (at The International Centre) we have 25 pairs of FREE tickets to give away for this weekend's info packed event - use yours on Sunday to attend our stage presentation at 12 noon, then grab a selfie and a hug post show!
Vina Cobos
Can we recommend Viña Cobos and Paul Hobbs Wines to you guys? We attended a great wine and food pairing last night at Lena in Toronto and learned so much about Argentina and its wine industry. Hosted by Ariel Nunez Porolli, GM at Vina Cobos, and Michelle Schromm, Ambassador at Paul Hobbs Wines, we enjoyed a fantastic evening.
From the desert to Dysart.
Yup - we're back in Halifornia for the penultimate stage of our external additions at Grey Gardens.
One white laundry room and a little green paint!
Masking tape is your best friend - apply it carefully!
Still super loving our time in Abu Dhabi
Another great day of shows at Yas Mall - the biggest and best shopping mall in Abu Dhabi
So we just landed in Abu Dhabi
We've been simmering this exciting project for a while and have been desperate to tell you all what we're up to!
Mid Mod MADE!
We show you how to create the Mid Mod period courtesy of some super easy DIY projects
Soem UBER simple DIY projects to inspire you from a recent Cityline episode
Follow our guide to make these simple decor items for you home!
Summer Cabin chill out zone to welcome Fall!
We often think about summery tones and loads of light when we think about summer at the lake...
A restaurant defo worth trying
We tried out F'Amelia for dinner. Pulled the ole jalopy out of the garage and coasted through Cabbagetown and had what must surely rank as the city's best pizza.
Blue Blood at Casaloma in Toronto
You may remember that, last Christmas, we decoratated the principal tree at Casaloma in Toronto. It was around that time we fell in love with the historic buidling, wowed by the way in which Nick Di Donato of Liberty Group and his team, headed up by Holly Stewart, had reignited people's interest in the historic site.
A painting we bought in Grand Cayman a few years ago
The story of the little bird trying to help humanity is so powerful
House search Grand Cayman
So we're down in Grand Cayman again - one of our favourite places in the whole wide world. Having decided to buy up a piece of paradise we've looked at SO many properties during our last two visits. SO SO many. But it's hard to find something that works...
We HAVE to share this remarkable house with you. It was owned by Serbian born textile designer Bernat Klein and his wonderful wife Margaret.
We have such fond memories of this place...
How super dreamy do these Peace Lilies look when presented like this?
It's not what you've got but what you do with it that counts!
Do you remember boudoir photography from the 1980s?
When men and women had shadowy touched up photo sets made in an attempt to titillate onlookers?
Today we are super crushing on this simple dining chair from CB2.
So simple, yet so stylish...
Diner en Blanc Toronto
Excited to report that we're hosting Dîner en Blanc - Toronto, a dripping deluxe 'all weather event' which will take place no matter the climatic situation. The date is August 17th!
Nailing the funky farmhouse look - on a strict budget...
As seen on Cityline, Canada's popular morning show...
Cheer to the team at Collingwood Whisky for this lovely gift!
As Scots and whisky fans in Canada, it's somewhat satisfying to find an 'amber nectar' brand with such sound, local values... but such a strong, international vision.
Thibaut Design
Tonight we're spreading the love to Thibaut who've supplied all manner of dreamy wallpaper for our various UK, Canadian and Australian TV shows and client projects during the last decade.
Our guide to taking ex hotel furniture and making it over...
Follow our simple guide and jooooosh up basic items!
It's Tuesday. Guess it's just another average day. But is that how we should face it? HELL NO!
Let's embrace the week's fifth day - and 'gie it laldy!' That's Scottish for 'knock its socks off.'
A selection of C+J Home bed in a bag linen sets!
Dreamy new linens! Find our range in stores like Homesense and Winners and Marshalls...
The Italian Job - Just a little heads up from us - ahead of time - about a project we are doing with Buttle UK
We've only occasionally asked for charitable support from you guys via social media...but this is another charity association about which we feel soooo strongly.
Still searching for one of these beauties in the Toronto or wider Ontario area.
We were about to set of and look at one in Stratford the other day until we realized it was Stratford Quebec and not Stratford Ontario. Dafties!
Happy Anniversary to us!
On this day, April 28th Nineteen Canteen, dinosaurs roamed the earth. Victoria was on the throne. Television was still in black and white... and Henry Ford had just launched the Model T.
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll appreciate this pic taken in Scotland earlier this week by my sister @lettyp1
We can't stop looking at this image: such fair beauty in our homeland.
Heading to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Awards in Toronto.
Looking forward to an informative evening...
So we switched up the light fitting in our condo.
Down came the wicker fixture (we'll spray it white and eventually reemploy it at the beach house) and up went this multi armed giant with its six filament bulbs.
We have long since lived by this mantra, and other mantras like it. Birds of a feather stick together, right?
That's why, we imagine, those by whom we're surrounded 'get it', understanding, as they do, that so much of the negativity we encounter can be turned inside out - with a little massage and tweaking - to tempt positive results.
Blue for you?
So we have - literally - taken a new 18'x10' storage locker to make way for our blue period.
So - would you?
Just trying to get a handle on your affection for full throttle colour... in a world where 50 shades of grey prevail.
Matey bath foam
Today, for some reason, we find ourselves singing the lyrics. "Your Matey's a bottle of fun, you put me in the bath, I'm loved by everyone, I'm always good for a laugh. And then I pray to tell, I clean the bath as well."
Even in teutonic black and white, we took this pic' last summer, our cottage looks way warmer than it does in full colour at this time of year.
Aye, it's currently frigid up there. So we're glad to be in the city where it's way warmer.
The perfect shelfie?
Fancy a lil' DIY project? Here's an easy breezy wee job to get you started.
Colin+Justin Home - in stores like Homesense and Marshalls
Our wolf shaped burnished metal bottle openers (part of a wider animal themed range) are a HOWL!
International Womens Day, 2017
We fully support each of the good women and the wonderful girls we have the very great fortune to know and love.
Kitchen dreams.
Though maybe with a lil' more closed storage too. But this vibe, certainly.
Super nice kitchen
Can't even begin to tell you how much we love this kitchen, as featured in @elledecorationuk
By now trademark C&J - that woody sandwich of warm timber ceilings and cosy lumber floors.
With white painted drywall - and a zillion and one textural layers - between.
Good morning from The Beamer. Wrap up warm, says he!
Aye - it's a chilly one. With more cold coming....
MEIOMI Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir by @meiomiwines was introduced to us by our pal Tina Holmes @tinalovespinot - and we've been hooked ever since.
Breaking news - Terracotta? In a C&J scheme? WHAAAAAAAAAAT?
After years of terracotta avoidance (long story) we're finally ready to consider welcoming the reddish brown tone back into our roster!
Taste. Such a funny thing, huh?
Matters cyclical mean that we - just like everyone else - chop and change our schematic affections as time endures...
Clear skies, Toronto. At home writing newspaper columns. And mixing cocktails. Listening to the Honeymoon Lana Del Rey album
Currently loving her melancholic, maudlin tones. Aye, we're slowly falling in love with this woman. As we do EVERY time we open a fresh bottle of bourbon...
Fresh summery holiday vibes. The ultimate shelfie?
Here's a simple project which we hope will inspire...
Hey lovelies! As much as I would like to answer each of you personally for all the lovely birthday messages, I just could never keep up.
SO - I'll use the book of face to cheer you all in one fell swoop.
Lobby at The Kimpton Seafire Resort+Spa
Now we're back in chilly Canada, it's sooooo warming to look back at our recent trip to Grand Cayman
Will the sunshine ever come back to Canada?
This summer shot of us in our old Merc' reminded us just how icy it is in Toronto of late.
Properly teary to be leaving this sanctuary, this haven from the wider world, a world which seems to be getting crazier every time we read a story or open a newspaper.
Guess we just want to send you love and light and peace.
Hotel lobby interior design gorgeousness
This vignette is in the foyer of The Kimpton in Grand Cayman. Super sweet, right?
Come on now. Seriously. How are we EVER gonna stick to our regime with sweet satanic indulgence at every flipping turn?
Yup - breakfasts at The Kimpton are deluxe!
HOT HOT HOT SUN!
Having an Alice in Wonderland moment in these giant spinning top lawn chairs at The Kimpton.
More Grand Cayman joy
Can we say RELAXED to the power of ten? Look at this view from our room. Out across the manicured Kimpton gardens and on to the sea...
Cityline! And some fun DIY from us...
Searching out some cash conscious design? Look no further!
COMPETITION TIME!
We have 30 pairs of FREE tickets to meet us at The GTA Home and Reno Show. We'll be storming the main stage at 1pm on Saturday the 18th February and YOU could be in our audience with hugs and signed pics immediately after out appearance!
Ice Hotel Quebec - continuing Colin's birthday week!
This city is proving to be utterly marvellous. Not sure what we'd expected - but it's even better than we'd hoped it would be...
Quebec - for thou art belle. What an amazing place in which to spend Colin's birthday. Yup - 21 again!
In Quebec, Christmas street decorations remain for another couple of weeks until the forthcoming winter festival is over.
Just arrived in Quebec
Jumped THE most convenient Porter flight from Billy Bishop and 90 minutes later we touched down. Just arrived at our hotel. WOW!
Taking Colin to Quebec City tomorrow. A little bit of work - but mostly for his birthday.
And don't worry: we'll be writing about the trip in our columns so we'll fill you in on our exploits - as Europeans, we're super excited to discover that which many have described as a little bit of old Europe... right here in Canada.
Lol - we do not always do rustic modern, cabin style and country, you know.!
Here's a little salon, with a traditional feel, which we created using our trademark C&J panelling, gold accents and sofas which we custom manufactured in this interesting blue shade.
Happy New Year from both of us! We're up at the cottage hence the picture of Grey Gardens
Can you believe it's 2017?
Heading back to the lake in the next couple of days. Got renters due at Plan B so that means we got a whole load of prepping to work through. But we are gonna have a few days relaxation into the bargain. Prolly stay for New Year too.
What d'you guys have planned to welcome in 2017?
This was a news story from before Christmas but we are posting it today to remind you that our tree at Casa Loma is still available for viewing!
Yup - the best part of 40 feet high and sporting 1,500 Christmas baubles and 3,000 twinkling lights, our festive arbor will remain in position as the central feature of this years "When You Wish Upon A Star' celebrations at Casa Loma.
Happy Christmas 2016
It's been a mixed year, for us certainly, but we'd like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.
This picture was taken by me on the birthday of Mum, two years ago today. The 20th of December. At Coul House, her favourite - by far - Scottish afternoon tea haunt.
I always thought she looked so wonderfully regal in this portrait. She was - and is - Queen Ryan to Colette, Carmel, Damian and me, and Mum Ryan to Colin, Alan, David and Tricia.
You checked out the Moen range yet?
Visit the website (www.moen.ca) and see some gorgeous kitchen 'jewellery' - our name for taps and faucets! if you're replacing you entire kitchen, Moen hardwares would be a great finishing touch. Alternatively, if you're enhancing a current scheme to add a few modern updates - try a spot of what we call 'counterscaping' by adding modern touches to existing space.
Before and after, you say? But of course - say we!
For our client (who asked us to create the cottage vibe in her tiny city house) we turned serious tricks.
Some alternative festive decor ideas whipped up by us of you...
Sometimes everything you need to set a Christmas vibe is already lying around.
Saddened to hear of AA Gill's death.
After a short illness the revered writer just passed away.
Blimey, is it really only 15 days until Mr. Claus pours his merry yield into stockings everywhere?
Yup, before you can say Mariah (S)Carey, it'll be Christmas Eve and you'll be panicking about last minute cadeaux whilst loading your drinks cart with enough spirit to take down the most hardened festive boozer. This in mind, we've composed there looks for you style hungry delectation - each snapped in our own condo. Enjoy!
Cityline - our Pendleton inspired room set
We're major fans of this motif so we're thrilled to see it being enjoyed by an army of new admirers!
Risky business?
So this morning we are pushing, shoving and squeezing ourselves RIGHT out of our comfort zones.
Flippin' heck!
Okay...so this one looks like it requires a LOT of work, even for adept renovators like ourselves! Jeeeeeesh!
Health kick update.
We're in seriously healthy mode (no booze for over a month) and a strict (but careful) eating plan, Justin's lost 17.5 pounds and Colin 13 pounds.
Got a day off today. And the sun is SOOOOOOO bright in Toronto...
So we're heading out in the old jalopy. Normally we 'wrap' our old 280SL by mid November, but the weather has been astounding in Canada so the soft top is still down and the wheels still turning. For the time being, certainly...
Starry Starry Night - sung by Justin. Just for fun - not a commercial venture!
Hope you enjoy the wee song. A personal fave...
It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I whisper we lost our dear Mum at 7pm, UK time, yesterday.
Sad times indeed... xx
We met the lads from The Wanted a few years back at a Sunday Mail event in Scotland and they were super nice. All of them. Shame they split and stuff...
Anyway Nathan Sykes, one of the boys, has this new release and it's sooooooo good (I know, I know, we're far too grown up to go all teeny bop, yada yada) but this boy can sing. No, like REALLY sing.
So it is the 5th of November. One month after we traditionally have our summer car wrapped and sent into cryonic suspension until the warm weather comes back.
And it's STILL top down weather. Nearly 17 degrees!
So it is the 5th of November. One month after we traditionally have our summer car wrapped and sent into cryonic suspension until the warm weather comes back.
And it's STILL top down weather. Nearly 17 degrees!
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Listen. Just listen. And let this haunting rendition of one of our favourite songs (sung by Israel, a gentle, gentle man who's sadly no longer of this mortal coil) soothe you.
Legends of Horror show at Casaloma, Toronto
Outstanding. Just outstanding. In such a brilliant background as the castle gardens - and the underground corridors that connect everything - the event organisers threw an amazing themed party.
Gorgeous tile from Saltillo
We're doing a dreamy transformation at the moment of a 'last decorated in the 1980's' Bloor West Village bungalow, and we're doing the entire rear wall and floor of the main bathroom with this tile.
Here's a wee peek at some of our new additions to the 'Colin+Justin Home' line...
Yup - long live the cottage!
Vancouver here we come!
Super excited to be appearing at the Vancouver Home and Design Show this coming weekend!
A little C&J shower room inspiration for you lovelies: a signature C&J aesthetic - cedar ceilings and black Rubinet faucets and fittings coupled with geo tile and wood look ceramics.
An outsize frameless glass screen partitions wet from dry areas.
Come join us on Instagram - the brighter, pictorial side!
Click our link, follow, and join our Insta party!
Lisa Dawson Blog
Having been away working in Canada and Australia for so long it's always lovely when we do media in Britain.
As major Merc' fans, it was fun to be featured in Auto Trader
Have a read! Most folk probably don't realise we're such petrol heads. We could take an engine apart and put it back together in a heartbeat. We learned about cars when we were skint and living in Glasgow - and studied what we need to allow us to avoid auto shop costs wherever possible.
We've always loved classic vehicles but the Benz is our fave...
So give us a basic white kitchen...and we'll go to town!
Previously a white Ikea kitchen. But we saw potential...
LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil - we attended the final evening show, last night.
Today's matinee (get a ticket if you can) will see the curtain pulled on Cirque's Mexican inspired extravaganza, right here in Toronto.
It's it's a bedroom blitz!
Take one plain white room, chop part of the space off to accommodate a bathroom and go wild with layering!
Western Red Cedar
Today we're filming a fun training video for The Western Red Cedar Association...
Cottage bedroom designed by us..
Guess it's what we do. Here's the master suite after shot from our principal cottage as featured during Cabin Pressure on @cottagelife.
Plan B - our favourite project thus far...
Will this be where YOU spend Thanksgiving next year?
A Hipster Harvest?
Thinking out of the box: literally. Taking 'one' object and repeating it many times is a greta way to amplify design...
The Wolseley - London.
While restauarants 'in favour' come and go, the Wolseley's popularity endures...
Grey Gardens - The cottage from Cabin Pressure Season 2
Blimey - it's Autumn again. Here's a wee pic of what it's like at our lakeside bolthole as the temperatures dip...
A sad though happy story. This is a little rotisserie near our first London flat. It holds a special place in our hearts.
Many years ago, when living in London, we'd venture in for dinner after filming our BBC show 'Million Pound Property Experiment'. To cut a long story short(er) we got to know a girl called Katie who worked there. Over time she learned we had a cat called Felix, the last of our 2 old boys, who was by this time 18.
Today we got werk, werk werk but we'll be making time for fun, fun fun too.
Particularly this evening. Finishing the designs for a few eps' of Cityline and then rounding off the afternoon with a Canadian Living shoot.
David Bowie on the Dick Caveat show, 1974.
We've long since loved this clip. Look our for the Bowie's uber shoulder pads, a serious amount of hair lacquer... and a very young Luther Vandross on back up vocals.
Our Huffington Post feature - what colour can do for you...
This one's from a while back but we're working on a high colour project at the moment so we thought we'd post it again...
HELP! Any of our peeps wanna shed some light on the best type of A/C for cottage? Fixed? Portable?
The heat in Hali is currently SO intense we're considering cooling. Having avoided it in the past...
Happy Birthday to the beautiful and certainly iconic CN Tower. 40 years old today!
Still a baby. Awwww!
We shall forever be absorbed by black trim, brown leather sofas, wood floors and book stacks.
That particular aesthetic courses through our veins like a bullet train dashing between cities.
Howdie to everyone on this lovely Wellness Wednesday
Dirty dawgs - will we EVER learn to hide our pins? Do we REALLY plan to behave like this in polite company? Tisk tisk.
Being that it's National Hug Your Cat Day National Hug Your Cat Day, here's a wee poem we wrote while our boy was still with us. Ten years ago, before he slipped this mortal coil...
We miss Felix and his brother Winston SOOO much...
You are the sunroom of our life!
Here's a link to the sunroom episode of our Cottage Life show... A massive from the ground up build!
GOOD MORNING CANADA!
Trumping jet lag (after a nine hour sleep *did someone say red wine?*) and waking up to a stunning morning in Toronto.
Scotland. Invergordon. 8.45pm. Wednesday.
Across a remote, craggy shore line the wind blows, relentlessly battering the hills and moving the inky waters.
It's National Karaoke Week!
Here's a wee song by us - a cover of Take That's 'Rule The World'
ROASTING IN TORONTO!
Jeeesh! Who else in their condo has been TOTALLY caught short by TODAY'S sudden temperature lift?
So Reno Rumble is getting closer to the nail biting final!
Stay tuned and see who wins this colossal renovation showdown!
Rebarn - a success story that just grows and grows...
Thrilled to see these guys getting the recognition they deserve...
So today is national Scrabble Day!
One of our fave board games at the cottage! Which is where we're heading shortly. Anyways
MAKEOVER TAKEOVER! Today we have heisted the W Network Instagram page to celebrate tonight's premiere of Game of Homes.
Dive aboard!
HOSS magazine shoot
As fans of this mag we were double excited to be asked to appear as cover stars!
A lil 'Throwback Thursday' pic!
This was from ten years past when we hosted The Farm on Ch 5 in The UK!
A lil wee peek into our Toronto condo bathroom.
We kept everything neat and clean with Silver Wave stone cladding using Ciot marble.
Thrift store decor and hotel consignment store shopping.
If we can avoid overspending - WE WILL!
Maxing up space in a tight shower room
Here's a little bathroom reno' we did for Cabin Pressure. Wedge cute lived edged lumber vanity, amorphic stone vessel sink and slick marble tile x
Proud to be judging the new season of Reno Rumble!
Hope you guys enjoyed our arrival on last night's show!
A bedroom project - as part of Season 2 Cabin Pressure.
We LOVE the huge ceiling height in this project - but it wasn't always like this!
Thrift store decor on a budget!
Sometimes we have huge client budgets to master our reversions - and sometimes we like to show what can be done with a really tight spend...
Fancy a lil' kitchen sink drama? On a budget?
Then be inspired by our cost clipped kitchen reno!
Media tour - Vancouver and Calgary
We'll probably go a wee bit quiet on our blog posts over the next couple of days...
FINAL DAY OF FILMING the Oz show on which we're working...
Fact - we have LOVED filming in Australia. It's been EPIC...
Great Ocean Road - HOLY CRAP!
So we hired a car and went for a massive ocean side drive to see The Twelve Apostles...
Filming almost complete
We've had to keep quiet re content because the network are about to do a pro' news release...
St Kilda
We've been to Oz loads of times over the last couple of years and St Kilda remains a fave Melbourne neighbourhood...
We've started filming the new Oz show on which we're appearing...
Still can't say what it is but we're working with some STELLAR Aussie talent! A couple of faces you already know and love!
We've added a raft of HGTV Home Heist 'before and afters' on Facebook...
Click on the link below to view the changes! Hosting this show on HGTV Canada, our fondness for drama came through loud and clear!
A lil' peek into our Toronto condo bathroom...
Lots of darkest stone, ample lighting and a trough sink...
We LOVE supporting young businesses as you probably know - and we like to shop local whenever we can.
SO - we're doubly happy to recommend an awesome company who worked with us on Cabin Pressure 3.
Red alert - a jaunty kitchen by us - as seen in the Toronto Sun...
If high drama is your thing...
The lowdown on splash back versus back splash - as seen in our Toronto Sun column -
Langauge dictates that in the UK we say back splash and in Canada splash back...
Just keeping you lovelies apprised of progress at 'Plan B'.
Our build is now marching at break neck speed because the weather has suddenly turned AWESOME.
Just a few wee highlights of 'Colin and Justin Home' - in stores now cross Canada and The USA.
Dreamy affordable home wares...
HELP! We're feeling SOOOOO under pressure. We need your best wishes (pretty please?) to assist as we choose the winning couple of this season's Game of Homes on W Network
Over the last few weeks (ably assisted by a troop of celebrity guest judges) we've been shooting at a secret location, during which time FOUR couples have been redesigning formerly run down houses. And slowly turning them into homes...
We beautify, therefore we are. This grungy Australian home was recently brightening with our healing Scottish magic sticks for The Living Room.
To embrace the sunlight that abounds in Oz, we added a fresh summer palette. Sweet huh?
Blue Jays defeat. So upsetting. And yes, we know it's only sport - but to see so many people SO sad around our hood is just, well, so sad.
Sport is SO important here in Canada and it joins people together in so many ways.
There is NO way we're settling in for the night without sending out a MASSIVE shout out to this awesome company - Boys with Big Decks
Our project at Plan B is proving to be WAY more work than anyone reckoned, and our deck (or at least the prospect of building it on time) was fast becoming an issue....
In another scene today - while filming Cabin Pressure for Cottage Life - we took to the air with our electrical wizard Steve of Churko Electrical, Haliburton. Trump that, bitches!
Our sparky is also a qualified pilot with his own 1961 Piper aircraft! Gentleman that he is, he offered to take us to the skies so we could observe Plan B from a whole new perspective.
You'd tell us the truth, wouldn't you? That's why we adore our super engaged, super interactive and super friendly social media army. You don't blow smoke up our asses and you always tell it like it is. We ADORE this honest dialogue. Please and thank
Anyhoo - we just found this jumbo, touchy feely, tactile 'thingy' in a thrift store and fell head over heels in love.
An, erm, radical before and after. Our brief was to create a luxe hotel bathroom chic vibe.
We love The Savoy and Claridges - and all those other beautiful Capital outposts whose interiors transcend time - so we set to work.
Fancy a reminder of our first cabin EVER? 3 years back - but now replaying on Cottage Life ?
We hope you can catch the repeats. In the meantime, here are some still and clips to keep you going
SUPER tickled by this easy project built on set today during Cabin Pressure
FREE kayak dock storage!
Congratulations to Zeke and Sarah - winners of our 'Spend a day with C&J at their Cabin Pressure cottage' contest.
From thousands of entries, the team at The Toronto Sun pulled the winners and we all had a fantabulous time.
A simple wee thought for today
Neither of us ever had a grandfather. That said, had we been blessed, we imagine they'd have taught us lessons like this.
Well no one can say we do not enjoy a little decorative whimsy, now and then!
Here's a whacky scheme for a brave client...
So you'll need to look closely at this pic to see that which actually happened.
LOTS of changes...
Toronto house redesign...
Today, sitting at our drawing boards, initializing plans for a monolithic reworking of a client home in Toronto's Forest Hill, we're drawing inspiration from our own house in Glasvegas.
PLAN B!
Ladies and Gentlemen! It gives us GREAT pleasure to introduce you, for the VERY first time, to our new cottage: 'PLAN B'.
Sometimes the best inspiration we can find is derived from our own stable!
Here's the cottage family room we designed for season one of Cabin Pressure. It remains a favourite scheme...
Sometimes the best inspiration we can find is derived from our own stable!
Here's the cottage family room we designed for season one of Cabin Pressure. It remains a favourite scheme...
Upcycle? Repurpose? It's our stock in blinkin' trade...
It's amazing what you can do with a little time and a limited budget...
Bathroom makeovers? We tend to keep our projects really simple.
That's our best advice for 'big ticket' reversions. This project - from our studio - was conduced SEVEN years ago, yet its clean aesthetic transcends time.
Friday Fit Out? Leave it to us. We hope our simple 24 Hour Revamp inspires you!
Here's a before and after for your stylistic delectation. A simple transformation that owes more to re colouration and propping than it does 'big build'.
Do you think we can add a little summer buzz to this room?
Hello? We like to think we can fix any problem, Decoratively speaking at least!
C&J Morning Makeover - give us your dowdiest rooms and we will kick them in the butt to deliver a fresh new look.
Here's an incredibly easy bedroom makeover: an simple 24 hour fix.
Ready for a spot of indoor outdoor dining?
Here's our own wee noshing nook (as featured on Cabin Pressure on Cottage Life ) - part of our bunkie episode.
The Wassily Chair. Designed in 1925 by Marcel Breuer, a (then) Bauhaus apprentice.
We still love this chair...
Check out this before shot. Was there ever an unrulier room?
Click our next blog post for our room recipe 'save'...
Hello designistas! It's before and after time. You KNOW we loves us a spot of dramatic before and after alchemy...
And so it came to pass that, from the depths of one of the most crammed, lifeless spaces we've EVER encountered, we championed a dramatic purge and a simple redesign. We also LOVES us a bit of 'de hoarding'...
Here is our after shot - the kitchen is a crucial room to correct - working to the premise that buyers inherit this room fully furnished, it kinda has to be right.
BUT - it's not always about 'washing' the room of all personality.
Kitchen refurb? Leave it to us...
We renovate, therefore we are. Here's the same down at heels cook zone... but this time re versioned using IKEA Canada cabinetry. And a splash of Scottish magic...
Todays up cycle project? Here goes...
We “wrapped” a Malm Ikea cabinet using kitchen worktop - SUCH an easy project!
What - EVERYTHING from Dollarama?
Yup, pretty much. With the exception of the IKEA Canada console (which we striped with black satin) all components are from The Big D.
Pretty, springy wallpaper and hand painted furniture in a jaunty tone.
Oh, and a ceiling painted to match.
Here's the main elevation of the bathroom we featured in The Sun this weekend.
If your online version doesn't have this image - here it is.
So - jet lag HOPEFULLY managed by a long sleep on the Hong Kong to Toronto end of our flight.
Aye - we think we're through this....
Hello from The Sydney Opera House!
Blimey - we're having SUCH a good time in Australia. And to all of our Oz fans who've sent cards and presses to our hotels - THANK YOU! You are a determined lot and we LOVE how you tracked us down!
So - er, this room needs a re think, right?
Let's see what we can do to turn its fortunes...
#throwbackthursday design...
Come on - we're realists: we know you won't all like this one.
Lofty ambitions?
THIS is what happened when we tackled a warehouse style live/work space. On a STRICT budget.
This room, which connected through a flimsy drywall to a smaller bedroom next door - SO needed correction...
Featured as part of Cabin Pressure Season One (in Muskoka) we knew we could liberate the two awkward rooms...
Sometimes (just sometimes) it makes more sense to combine two awkward rooms to liberate one extra special room.
In this cottage project, for example, we knocked through the drywall of two side by side bedrooms to reveal this lovely big space.
Okay, okay - time for another before and after!
Lol - when WE upcycle, we truly UPCYCLE! Consider this project where we reused loads of our client's stuff.
Just LOOK at this plain living room diner...
But we created maximum visual return for minimal effort...
Weekend makeover! Here's what happened when we transformed a Canadian living room / diner.
Sometimes you need only make a small effort to effect BIG decorative change...
Want some design inspiration for your next project? Take a look at this teenager bedroom we tackled...
Clearly there were storage and order issues...
Reworking a teenager bedroom.
First we had a massive clear out. Then we added new flooring before striping the walls with navy and white latex.
Another of our before and after combos to send you, inspired (we hope!) into a brand new week!
This one is about balance.
Wanna tackle a same day reno? This is how...
This is a bedroom we created on STRICTLY limited coin.
Saturday Save! Here's a budget kitchen reno' conducted by us.
First things first - a serious gut down of clutter.
Hey good morning! Ready for some stellar design inspiration with STRICTLY LIMITED SPEND? Well then sit back and enjoy: here's a budget kitchen reno' by us.
ABRACADABRA!
This hallways is about to get a MASSIVE transformation...
Simply jump to our next post for the detail!
Wednesday tip sheet - a hallway achieved in jing time with a restricted spend...
Sometimes, just sometimes, things aren’t exactly as they seem. Now and then a spot of carefully planned artifice, a little caprice and a touch of illusion are the component parts that bring our schemes alive.
Wednesday Wonder: God, we LOVE to joosh!
Here's how we transformed a late 'Mid Mod' style cabinet into a chic lil' Pinterest bound credenza.
UPCYCLE JOY ON CITYLINE!!! Palette sofa...
Tomorrow on @cityline we're on the skids! Yup, we've designed a backyard vignette with a sofa made from skids/palettes. Each one cost $5 and we used 13 in total to make a sectional chesterfield and a coffee table on wheels.
Bunkie Blog - cheers to the team at Cottage Life for posting....
This week on the blog - bunkie! BUNKIE!!
Cheers to Tina Holmes for our inclusion in this collation of revered and esteemed instagram peeps!
Yup - fun to be in such good company and great to see uch an international mix!
House and Home TV
Hey lovely people! Early bells. We're filming today with the team at House and Home magazine. As well as their publishing are they also have a fun, informative TV show so we're off to talk about Colin & Justin's Cabin Pressureand to make a cute mirror from driftwood.
Upcycling an old sewing table into a slick bathroom vanity unit!
We LOVE anything that harvests a little of the past - albeit repackaged for the modern day!
Sshhh! Don't tell anyone. Here's a lil' peek, pre broadcast, at a guest bedroom corner in GreyGardens
And it couldn't be simpler!
Now YOU can play catch up with Cabin Pressure!
And there's LOADS of fun and design wisdom in store!
Come on - who is getting freaked out at the prospect of bug season? Black flies? Mozzies? Which type of entomological pest most scares you?
And what do YOU do to protect yourself from invasion?
Happy Monday to one and all!
Wherever you are, and in whichever part of the world, may your curtains hang floor length, and may your paint roll on smoothly!
Edmonton Cottage Life and Cabin Show
WOW!!!!! Thank you to everyone who came along to see our show!
Rose toned room high drama?
As much as, in design terms, we do the butch stuff...we can also do the bitch stuff just as well. Butch and bitch? Only one letter difference - I and U. Geddit?
THIS is how we like to do our teen transitional room basement...
On Cityline this week, we showcased several of our basement projects. In these lower level rooms, our remit is often this: to establish style and function via modest spend. We had great feedback about our downstairs projects so we thought we'd show you another. Fashioned as a secondary living zone for a couple of teenagers, this one is a fun transitional space for the family's younger contingent.
ROCK OUT PINK!!!
TO THE PIG HEADED, LOATHSOME INTERNET TROLLS WHO DIRECTED ANONYMOUS ATTACKS AT PINK. YOU TOTAL SHIT HEADS. YOU TOTAL, TOTAL SHIT HEADS. MAY THE SPINELESS CRAP THAT POURS FROM YOUR THICK GOBS BE THE VERY VENOM THAT CHOKES YOU.
Another simple wee project. A touch of brown. A little black. And a spot of yellow. It's all in the mix!
We added an extra dimension to the Ikea wall shelves by sectioning them with black painted dowel. Next, we added glossy wooden lumber flooring to bounce light, chocolate wallpaper - with golden trellis - to add drama and some sparkly finishes, via accessories, to luxe it all up.
Another lil' wee sneak peek at our bunkie - this time the shower room constructed by Canada Builds.
It's a compendium of DIY projects and reclaimed items. Waste not want not, right?
Shhhhhhh! Here's a little early look at the four bunk bedded bunkie which we created during Cabin Pressure Season 2.
Last season we went grand scale, with our 'condo in the forest' bunkie - but this time we've mastered a somewhat more intimate guest annex.
Toss pillow number 3!
All these lil' guys bear more than a passing nod to our home from home in Canadaland...
Another Colin and Justin Home cushion!
Hope you like this part of our home line. It's always fun to create.
Part of the 'Colin and Justin Home' line...
Find our full collection across Canada in stores like Homesense, Marshalls and Winners.
WATCH TO WIN one of 6 Electrolux vacuum cleaners!
Cheers to the lovely peeps at Electrolux for prize gifting for you guys!
GIDDY UP, COUNTRY COWBOYS!!!
Cheers, Carrie Ann - thanks for posting this pic' on Facebook!
A stolen glance at a corner of the living room we design on Cabin Pressure 2
We've come full circle with our love for brown leather sofas!
A wee peak at the first of a dozen reveals from Cabin pressure 2
This is a lil' wee corner of our guest room on the series...
We LOVE a fun wee selfie!
National Home Show selfie today. Our lovely audience weren't shy!!
HELLISH kids room before shot...
This scene, as we found it, was like a flippin' horror movie...
Here is the after shot!!
We don't tend to do many kids rooms as free standing projects but, when the opportunity arises as an adjunct to a principal living area transformation, we enjoy doing what we can.
ABRACADABRA! This is a guest bedroom which we lovingly created on Season 1 of Cabin Pressure.
If you like the red accent, we're certain you'll love what we did with our 'Slanty Shanty' on Season 2.
Is yours to big? D'you wanna tame it? Is your bedroom proportion simply too much too handle? We have ALL the answers. Here's our guide to making ampler scale a little more manageable...
Here's a project we prepared earlier...
Here it is - the classic bistro chair, reversioned!
We're in love with the gentle colour ways...
Here's the before shot of a particularly needy room...
But underneath the visual bedlam lay potential...
A wee blast from the past. This is our Toronto condo a few years back...
And now we're about to remodel...
A set of vases from Dollarama, updated by us...
We used Jenga style blocks and a glue gun to do this...
This time a Cityline room set, a little more masculine than the other one...
Hoep you chaps enjoy!
Soem dreamy new looks!
We created two very different vignettes using product from HomeSense.
House and Garden Books....
House and Garden raid their own stylish back catalogue for this, the first in a series of decade by decade books.
Ikea strikes again!
Today's top design tip - a five buck solution to help you shelve tricky angles, nooks and crannies.
We've composed a wee shopping list of snuggly winter blankets...
But which one do YOU prefer?
CUT AND PRINT AND WRAP!!!
After four months of high drama, Cabin Pressure 2 is finally complete!
Dreamy Colin and Justin Home rugs - available now!
This is just a small part of our home wares range. Check it out!
How to make a fab steam punked lamp! As seen on Cityline...
We've composed a shopping list and a how to guide. It's actually fairly straight forward.
Faux taxidermy...
While sourcing bits and pieces for last minute cottage styling we came across this piece...
We've just posted a few cute cottage shelf ideas on our Cabin Pressure Facebook site
Feel free to jump by and take a peek!
Who DOESN'T love a kilim rug?
We're using lots of them at the moment in our own places and in client spaces...
As much as we like all things country...
Here's a simple bathroom reno' which we conducted in the city...
Today's sale bargain
We LOVE this freeform edged dinner ware and it's on SALE at Crate and Barrel.
Fine Line Painting
This season, during Colin & Justin's Cabin Pressure, we've had the awesome pleasure of working with Mike Hart, a fantastic painter and decorator.
For this who want a little city slick inspiration to compliment our country pursuits...
As much as we've currently working on a country cottage, we will never let go of our urban inclinations! Here's a basement job to give you a little inspiration...
We'd love to hear from you!
'We' being both of us - we do all our own social media ourselves...
Working on a corporate event recently in London, UK, we used a load of similar feathered head dresses as wall art...
They're attractive in isolation but especially cool when used en masse...
Regardless of season, many folk are looking at selling their homes in the currently buoyant market. This in mind, perhaps our counsel will provide a little extra inspiration...
And a chance to make more dose. Read on...
West Elm cuties. These would be so sweet as a wall montage at the cottage...
And better still - they're on sale!!
The Floyd Leg...
Many of you will know of our fascination with Detroit. And our hope that this declining city may once again flourish....
We LOVE the current trend for all things hare and bunny...
Here's a sale bargain that caught our eye...
Getting back in character ahead of heading back over to Canada tomorrow!
Yup, plaid shirts rock!
How to decorate for a style conscious teen...
It's actually rather straightforward! Here's how...
Some cute bedroom ideas from the Cabin Pressure website
Cheers to Laura, our Art Director, for collating these pics. Simply click on the Facebook page as posted here then scroll through the images...
TIFF 2014
Double excited to meet the SPELLBINDINGLY beautiful Priyanka Chopra on the red carpet tonight.
Some simple custom drapery advice, collated by the peeps at Apartment Therapy.
Great ideas to allay any curtain crisis...
ALWAYS look for the bunny ears in your peanuts...
Here's a fun wee blog by Mark and Laura at Fathom...
The Cross Keys in Kippen - this place will always be special to us.
SUCH a lovely destination...
Our Huffington Post column - this week we raid the past to deliver a VERY modern interior scape.
Just a wee heads up - it's a BRIGHTLY toned project! Popspex at the ready!
This is our before shot during a Colin and Justin transformation...
Simply click on the next posting for the after 'reveal'...
Crate and Barrel dining table sale bargain...
Okay, so it's still not exactly cheap, but this is actually a good deal...
You been checking out our Cabin Pressure website?
Now that Cabin Pressure Season TWO is public knowledge, keep checking back on our site for updates and teasers!
Tonight on 'Cabin Pressure', just for the record, there will be no further mention of 'white truffles'. There. I said it.
Jeeeeeez!
Help US suss YOU out? What's YOUR cottage style?
We'd love your involvement - use your Facebook page to take part. Cheers! x
Just a little bit of chatter, penned by us. If you recognise yourself in any of our categories, it's time to REPAINT, sinners!
Yup, bad taste is a sin but you CAN be saved. The confessional is open...
Melbourne. Thank you to a beautiful city for playing perfect host...
We are so touched by this city..
We KNOW we've said this before - but THANK YOU for being the best face bookers, TWeepers and readers of our websites in the biz.
Seriously, your 'engagement' with us, post updates etc, is spell binding.
A grimy grizzly before shot...
Watch as we turn chicken poo... into delicious chicken pie...
Arden - changing times. We are BEYOND PROUD to read this article...
The local people rallied to effect massive change...
Throwback Thursday???
Am I crazy? Now you know i'm really mouse brown haired! And I'd tried SO hard to convince you that I'm a natural peroxide blonde...
Another simple - and very achievable - make over to inspire...
As is always the case - our projects are all about careful planning...
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here retrospective...
Here's a wee clip of a fish gutting challenge undertaken with Hollywood legend George Hamilton...
Note the weight loss - I was NOT built to be 13 stone! 15 stone is much more my territory!
Ikea before pic - MALM cabinet...
Scan down into our next post to see what we did with this flat pack furniture piece...
Cabin Pressure Episode 2
Hope you liked the red toned guest room which we featured on last night's show...
More cottage clips - here's a sneak peak into our brand new bunkie...
But no major spoilers - this is just a wee peek. You'll need to tune into the show for the full reveal! x
World Master Card Fashion Week
An exciting time lies in store. As fond ambassadors of Grand Cayman (and, in fact, all three Cayman Islands), we're thrilled to support this event and wish Matthew Gallagher's all the best for his input to fashion and the Cayman Islands...
Talking in tongues...
Aye - 'Colin and Justin's Home Heist has broadcast in virtually every country we can think of!
G'Morning world!
Hope you're all well. We've had an influx of new followers these last few days, particularly from Australia, New Zealand and all over Europe. Welcome!
Cult Design - Melbourne Magic...
Working on one of our first residential projects in Melbourne and just HAD to tell you about this awesome store which will be a wicked resource for us...
Colin and Justin Home products...
Our website only allows one pic per posting so scroll through the images on each indiv' posting...
Dollarama Divas!
If you're on an especially tight budget - here's a little C&J inspiration to get your juices flowing!
Kelly Hoppen and her brand new online store...
SO SO many wonderful things from which to choose...
Here's a before shot PRE up cycle...
A very average piece of furniture is given a second chance!
Colour me crazy? Here's our latest puff in The Huff.
In this week's Huffington Post column, we've turned our attention to what colour can achieve, mood wise, on the home front. Simple mind bending tips...
Here's a before shot of a particularly dull salon...
Check the description and next posting for info...
However grim, we can correct any room. Dat's aright!
Here's another wee moment of decorating salvation!
Before shot? Hellish to the power o' ten
But we have magic in our wands... Magic, we tall ya...
Happy New Year to New Zealand and Australia...
And any other countries where the bells have already tolled...
Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure - coming soon on Cottage Life TV
Informative and somewhat entertaining!!!
Vive la difference... With OUR guidance, YOU can do this!
Here's a fun yet simple transformation...
Kelly Wearstler lovely things....
Have a wee look at Kelly's website. We've been fans ever since we stayed at The Tides - a gorge hotel on South Beach in Miami...
Fancy a little guide to decorating a kid's room?
We have all the answers. Here's a guide we penned which should help you create gorgeous junior domains!
Sitting comfortably? Being that this very week we're working through sofa needs for a couple of new clients we thought we'd share with you some simple tips to get the best from couches, settees and chesterfields.
Sofa so good...
Announcing our new column at Cottage Life - commencing 2014
Certainly having fun so far! x
Blue jewel box - just part of Colin and Justin Home
We had SO much fun creating these boxes!
More C&J product - here's our new Champagne bucket.
Availability as before! In 'super deal' stores like Homesense and Marshalls and Winers
Yay! Our new range in stores like Homesense, Winners and Marshalls just landed!
Find it in stores now!
PINK AND BROWN
LOVE this company. You'll see loads more from us about them when our new show 'Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure' launches on The Cottage Life TV network in spring!
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Blimey - we really feel for the new intake of camp mates!
Holy crap!
This store is awesome! And we double TRIPLE loved these Toronto and Muskoka cushions. LUSH!!
National Honey Month!
Did you know it's the month to celebrate the sticky oozy sweet tincture? Well it is!
A small precis of our design, shot by Brandon Barre
Just to keep you going in the meantime...
Pout, baby, POUT!!!!
Having a load of fun... though the pic suggests we're a pair of gloomy buggers!
More TIFF2013 activity.
Two wee boys from Glasgow are having a wicked time at TIFF. All good!
We just adore this cute light...
Drawing inspiration from vintage hand held electric lanterns, this is one seriously cute shade...
What's not to like about this light cluster?!
Sydney based, these designers have played with form and function.
Where's the fire? Where's the fire? In your eyes, big boy. In your eyes...
Cracking wee night!
Trish House by Matthew Heywood
Nestled in Kent, in the UK, this interesting property caught our attention...
Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez! This takes us back!
Just HAD to post this. The wall mounted ironing station reminds us of laundry days when we were kids!
Today on eBay we would buy...
Hell mend us we just LOVE this Mid Century ceiling pendant...
Lakeisde and lovin' it...
As much as we're devoted city boys, it's SOOOOO energising to be at the cottage...
It's hard not to fall in love with these wee lovelies!
A little bit of twinkle, a wee bit of candle light...
HOT News! We have a 'special' on HGTV in July...
Get ready for a little 'give and take' - Colin and Justin stylee!
Graham and Brown sale
Okay, so you KNOW we LOVE wallpaper and that's why we're thrilled to remind you of this sale...
Wishbone Chair
We still adore this chair. Even though it may seem a little over played due to its regular use in restaurants and bars...
Fresh from New York Design Fair
Lighting is always hot at this event and here's our fave...
Spotted this on the Apartment Therapy blog and HAD to repost!
We've long since been Ercol fans and, this in mind, reckoned this paint treatment invigorates an old favourite piece...
Hammocks
SOOOOO many of you write to us to ask about outdoors styling and products and, for some reason, there has been a wall of enquiries about Hammocks!
New York and Los Angeles. And another chance to visit one of our fave hotels...
Blimey! Are we really back in Toronto already?
This is a GREAT buy for a tap such as this.
Okay, it's now a generic style BUT this is a great buy, nonetheless.
Blimey - it was a bit of a stampede today at The Spring Cottage Life Show!
Wow! Really excited after a fun day!
Another mixed bag of our fave rooms...
Every one of our projects is put together with love and a warm Scottish smile...
Today on eBay we would buy... these dowdy pine bedside cabinets.
A simple and inexpensive project...
Our wee dinner date with Sir David Frost!!
Here's this weeks Toronto Star column, with the power of the petal...
After shot - Lofty lovely
Open up that space, ladles and gentlegerms; you KNOW it makes sense!
Jeeeeeeeez! Does our room make you wanna take a vacation or what!??
Aye, Spring is just around the corner!
Our new crockery. Simple, babies, simple!
No fuss - just good quality product at affordable price points...
Really cute hall table
We've always been big fans of William Yeoward and this piece, The Paula Console, doesn't dissapiont.
Spotted these GORGEOUS white marble plates in Chicago last time we visited...
This store has all manner of gorge things so get browsin'!
Dowdy with a capital D!
Our girl needed a serious kick in the butt - but we were happy to oblige! Look at our after shot in the next post to see what we changed....
The after shot! Hells bells, pull cord and stand WELL BACK!
Yup, this is how we rock. Our girl had gone through a split and this was the room we created for her to help the next stage of her life inravel...
Here's the first half of the dining room before and after...
Anything can be fixed. Anything, we say!
Our definitive sofa guide!
Reading our article should ensure you're sitting comfortably...
Packed day. Just how we like it!
GREAT start to the day having come together with Colette and Alan, to blend, pour and pack zillions of handmade soy wax candles ahead of Valentine's Day!
Here's a wee scheme to keep you going...
One of our simpler projects, but fun nevertheless.
What's not to like about this collection?
Well priced and boasting more than a hint of retro charm.
Here's a slightly more sedate shelving option...
Super lovin' the dreamy mustard schematics...
Really like the lines of this Mid Mod style table...
Both black and white top finishes are lush but we're all about the latter...
OMG - bad joke alert...
WARNING!!!! Exercise a little caution! Should you get a message from us with a link asking you to look at our tinned meat.... PLEASE; don't open it! It's SPAM!
Colour us crazy...
Sitting in a dreich wet Glasgow, the thought of this camera is really perking us up!
The Brixham Light Pendant
Jeeeeeez. Double, in fact TRIPLE, lovey loverton this soft industrial fitting.
Grey striped bedding at Next, UK
OMG - in another world (while still at Uni) we worked for this company. Hells bells that's going back twenty years!
Swoon. Iroko top AND hair pin legs...
We really like this type of stuff thought we appreciate it's a specialist and somewhat niche market...
We're often asked for advice on cookwares and pots and pans....
So we thought we'd post details of this set which is available at Marks and Specer...
Jeeez Louise, these are gorgeous...
Life without these little beauties would be a lesser life indeed...
Home Heist Pinterest blogspot
Cheers to this lovely lady for categorising a load of our Home Heist rooms via Pinterest!
LOVE this sexy wallcovering...
We've renovated a zillion homes with genuine tin ceilings so we know this metal product really well...
Today on eBay we would buy...
This affordable wee shelf cabinet. And what would we do with it? Well, we'd lacquer it black and detail it using antique gold hardwares. Very Wolseley Restaurant, London, UK! Aye, at the moment, we're all about 'The Grand European Style'.
JEEEEEEEEZZ!!
GORGEOUS! Super HWP lovin' the French styling of this cute wee laundry basket.
LOVE these little hand made bowls...
As any of our friends will attest we love the modern aesthetic. BUT...
Table dressing without stressing...
Hope our virtul scribings inspire you to make your table top tip top perfect!
Getting top dollar at sales time...
We're regularly asked to comment on things that help homes sell... and with this in mind we composed this document to answer all your questions! READ IT AND REAP!!!
Got our sale snoopers busy!
Friends in Chicago have been raving about this store for ages!
Subduing, sleep inducing, relaxing Muskoka...
For the love of paint charts and wallpaper samples we just can't stay awake...
Finding good credenzas can be tricky but this DWR range is cool.
Really like the slatted nature of this collection...
Handmade for Branch
Super HWP lovin' these solid Black Maple Christmas tree dec's. What's not to like?
Poppy Talk Detroit based soft furnishings
Love the clever use of retro maps and such like in the manufacture of these sweet products...
Zebra wallpaper
Yay! Just specified this stunning paper for a private client project in London, Great Britain...
Corinthian, Glasgow, Scotland.
As we're heading in there this week for a party, we thought we thought you'd like to have a peek. If you're from outwith Glasgow - this is how it rocks in The Dear Green Place!
Kitty heaven?
Searching for a cat home as a final finishing detail for a private client in London we stumbled across these guys...
The OK store, Los Angeles
We had to scan this company website earlier today for an LA client and we were reminded just how fabulous it is. We've been in more times than we've had hot dinners...
Jump on line and have a look!
HWP - we LOVE this wallpaper company.
Really cute designs. Mid with a little mod. Lovely jubbly.
Just back from Toronto and already into work mode...
It's WICKED being home to Glasgow for a while...
Yet more C&J bargains are arriving in store!
With the party season looming, we hope you find our cocktail trays useful! x
Table mats fit for even the glossiest Thanksgiving dinner...
This company focus mainly on linens and table wares but they also stock a curated selection from other designers they admire...
Michael Robbins
This manufacturer hand makes all these gorgeous things in New York's Hudson Valley.
Catkins tattoo - here's a pic'...
OUCH! Still a wee bit nippy but otherwise healing nicely x
Handy find furniture store - right by our hotel!
Working on behalf of a private client in LA we stumbled across this store...
Jonathan Adler Los Angeles
We make a point of going to Jonathan's stores wherever we happen to be! HWP!!!
Dine ceiling fixture.
With more than a nod to the classic Danish Loui Poulsen light, this one gets our vote.
Our top tip from the current flock of butterfly wallpapers?
Well, there are certainly loads of options from which to choose...
Homesense Spadina branch, Toronto
D'you know what? We NEVER cease to be amazed by these guys...
Great day in Oakville and Burlington. Now heading off to New York City...
Heids all o'er the place!
We love reclamation and repurposing so this lamp caught our eye.
Okay, so it's a bit kooky but we love it.
Today on ebay we would buy...
This simple piece of Whitefriars glass. Yumma and UUUZZZAAA. Happy days...
Some cute finds from our pals at Fathom!
Really lovely ideas to help you enjoy the rest of summer.
Today on ebay we would buy...
Just think of this sitting on a cool set of drawers. Hey presto - instant Welsh Dresser...
Yield coffee table at CB2. So fancy.
Featuring a pop of our beloved yellow we're smitten with this wee table...
Morning troops...
Up and at 'em. Gotta feeling that today's gonna be a fun and VERY productive day...
Today on eBay we would buy.... Muskoka chair? Florida Keys chair?
All manner of names apply to this design ...
Today on eBay we would buy...
One for our pals in Oz; a 42 piece silver plated cutlery set.
SUCH a great range of flooring options...
We always feel excited, even jumpy, when we run into an interesting flooring supplier...
TABLET RECIPE!
Here it is, folks. HWP!! It's GORGEOUS! And NO NO NO this is NOT fudge. It's a totally different confection and, properly mastered, your wee Scottish Granny would be proud.
National Theatre of Scotland production of Macbeth - Glasgow Tramway.
If you only see one show this year, make sure it's this one.
Well, it appears that it took just one girl to save the British royal family...
Isn't this an amazing picture? Hard to believe that, just 15 years past, the family was in turmoil and highly unpopular in the UK and beyond...
We are aff oot and leaving our legwarmers behind...
Aye, we're making the most of our time in Glasgow!
We're forever being asked for good lighting leads in the UK...
Here's a great company and we particularly like this blocky wall fitting.
Fish tanks
As fish lovers, we're more than happy to see some inventive new homes for our water bound pals...
Found this monochromatic paper on Wallpaper Direct
Just decided to use this to paper a basement bathroom and an accent wall in our Glasgow home. The product has wee touches of metallic silver which bring it alive. And, while you're on the company website, check out all their London themed product. Very Jubilee!
Jeeeeez! GO CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE!!!
If you do only one thing today, visit this awesome company's online resource.
Knesting
Just imagine being able to tailor your Ikea furniture, thereby affording it a whole new look on a budget?
Really beautiful lighting.
You already know we are suckers for a cute light fitting and this is a hot current fave.
ABC Carpet and Home
Further to our New York postings we thought we'd express a bit of love for ABC...
New York - a round up of last weeks New York trip
Excuse the pagination issues with this - due to the length of the article it's doing odd things to layout and leaving gaps etc, especially wherever we position a website. And we've no idea why parts of our text are blue! But you get the drift!
Busy wee day!
We've had a fab day, with a good pal, helping decorate her downtown condo. Now back home getting ready for glitzy do...
Really taken by these ceramics...
We've long since been admirers of this company but the recent stock is the best yet!
Today on eBay we would buy...
We've long since been suckers for this type of rug, and this guy is a bargain. And NO - it's not an antique...
Anthropologie
We're hit and miss with this store but we really like this geometric bedding.
Today on eBay we would buy...
This is a really lovely 'junktique' piece. At a good price, so far...
This has really touched our hearts...
A truly moving story of a young woman who lost her life raising money.
Super HWP for these cute little Lapin food pedestals!
What's not to like. As fans of useful whimsy, these bunny eared bablies hit the mark!
Homesense
Lots going on! We're always VERY careful to associate with brands we really love and Homesense SO fit this bill. We've been propping our TV, magazine and newspaper projects - and our own homes - with Homesense merchandise for years!
Howdie! Is it reallly Tuesday already?
Trust this missive finds you all well, hale and hearty x
What a gorgeous family time near Inverness with family.
I never under estimate how luck we are to have a lovely family.
Digital clock
Walll mount it or use it desk top. We triple lovey loverton this fella. Cool retro styling that takes you right back.
Candles
Just to let you know that all our various candles aromas are now fully re stocked!
Really liking this Hans Wegner style chair.
The 'classic' Wegner Wishbone chair is now everywhere (in its various reproduction forms) but this Wegner style has always been more up our street...
Made In Design Furniture
These beautiful chairs caught our eye - we tend to be much more about wooden construction that pre moulded plastic, etc.
Today on eBay we would ALSO buy...
This cute cocktail shaker. Love the retro brass detailing...
Today on eBay we would buy...
LOVE this retro brass ice bucket. A steal at less than £8...
Made furniture. We can NOT get enough.
Love this mildly retro shaped sofa. And the colourway is divine!
We loves us a good party!
Great wee weekend in Glasgow with family and friends old and new...
Today on eBay we would buy...
It's £199, but that's actually a fair price for this type of table.
A Mini adventure to Edinburgh
With the big car in for a service we polished up our wee Mini and went for a fun spin East...
Today on eBay we would buy... these Tulip chairs and matching table. VERY good value...
We've seen single tulip chairs for nearly a grand a pop, so this is a great deal. $479 for the whole lot? Blimey!
Fish bowl with inbuilt mountains...
Can't help but like this bowl. A cute wee find at The Conran Store.
Wow! A great wee design and decorating info resource...
Read it wherever you are in the world.
Restoration Hardware Ceiling Light
Cute, eh? Impressed by the 'planatarium' nature of this fixture.
Today on eBay we would buy...
Okay, so the mid century / art deco description is bizzare...
Kids rooms.
Not sure why so many people have asked us this week about designing kids rooms - have we missed something in the press or wider media?
Ciggies...
Okay, so I mentioned this in a previous posting but I just wanted to tell you a wee bit more!
Homesense
Spent a chunk of the day sifting through bargains at the Sherway Gardens branch of this store!
Today on eBay we would buy - this industrial shelving unit.
At $107 it's a very good deal.
Adam Levine's home, Architectural Digest
Not just his, but loads of other lovely homes to see in this month's magazine. Property porn at its best!
The PERFECT home office!
Here's a project where we inserted a fab work environment under the stairs...
Today on eBay we would buy...
This chair shape would work well in a modern or, for that matter, traditional environment.
Pinterest Pinnings!
We haven't yet joined but we see that some of our work is already been virtually pinned!
Fascinating showing of Casablanca at The Revue Theatre
Great seeing so many people out in force to help care for this grand old theatre.
Tiffin eating on the go set.
We stumbled across this wee set and reckon its a clever little system.
Nood closing down sale
In BC and Alberta we've sourced from these guys on many occasions. They have carried a great stock for many years.
In response to your requests for affordable projects here's a gallery to one particular whole house client job.
We dodged big costs with this one - hope you like it!
Bike shelf
This is a super smart idea, esp' where space is limited, perhaps in a condo hallway.
Deelish fabrics from Clarke and Clarke
These guys have some super ranges. Perhaps just what you need for that upcoming upholstery project?
Today on eBay we would buy...
We love this charming trunk. And at 75 bucks it's priced very well too...
Today on eBay we would buy... Equine statuery
Today on eBay we would buy - http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-MID-CENTURY-MODERN-ART-POTTERY-TABLE-HORSE-ITALIAN-RAYMOR-BITOSSI-EAMES-ERA-/120862977097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c23feac49 These, perhaps, are the kind of shapes that inspired the wonderful Mr Jonathan Adler. A very good buy for just a few dollars xx
Today on eBay we would buy... these red mid century dining chairs - a very good buy.
With red gathering momentum as a big colour for late summer/autumn you'll be well ahead of the pack.
Love these wine glasses.
Trends come and go, and wine glass shapes change, but the popularity of this award winning stem ware is sure to endure.
Today on eBay we would buy...
Getting a wild response to our eBay purchases so we'll keep them coming!
An inspiration shot we stumbled across on the Rona mag site.
Really like the bold statement here. And we've tracked down something similar for you guys; Ikea have a lime green kitchen so have a peek and create this look for less!
FAB' store in sunny Spain
We're helping with a wee project in Barcelona and recently stumbled across these guys!
Today on eBay we would buy - Jonathan Adler
This seahorse ceramic on a shiny chrome base would be a great way to start your collection.
GREAT sofa buy at MADE.
With a thousand pounds off high street price this is a wee cracker!
Matthew Hilton Profile chair.
We had the good fortune to interview Matthew some time ago on our Ch Five UK programme 'The Home Show'.
Today on eBay we'd buy...
This is a fab' metal piece that has a multitude of flexible applications.
Cafe Salma, Charing Cross.
One of Glasgow's best kept foodie secrets! And that's an actual factual.
Well we can hardly believe it - we're off to Toronto again tomorrow but our time in Scotland has gone more quickly than ever.
Looking forward to getting back to Canada!
Having a great time with my Mum in Inverness.
It's SO good spending relaxed time with family and this has been a particularly lovely trip...
Really like Jasper Morrison and his uncomplicated products.
This phone is a great cord free fella and features pared back no fuss features.
Heads up about last few days of Wallpaper Direct sale
Stick 'em up! Some great deals to be had on slick wallcoverings. We use these guys throughout loads of projects.
Jonathan Adler London
OMG - the new 3,000 square feet twin level Adler store in South Kensington is ASTOUNDINGLY gorgeous!
Loo roll holder
Finding good design solutions with smart design lines can be tricky when the subject is as mundane as a loo roll holder!
Great wee night in Chelsea
Can we just say that life in Chelsea is not ALL like it appears on 'Made In Chelsea', Towie's sister show...
New Toronto Star blog by our pal Gale.
Some more great ideas from last weeks interior decor event!
IDS - Toronto
Oops - we had meant to post this when the show was still on but we've been extra busy these last few days. Sorry!
Part of the Stockholm range...
We've got these in our homes in Canada, England and Scotland and just love 'em!
Great wee spinning top desk organiser from our chums at Alessi
Fifty two buck will bag you this wee cutie.
Rona Mag
We do an online column in Rona Magazine - here's a wee project we recently showcased in their virtual pages.
NOBODY pulls the rug from under our feet...
In response to your requests for good value floor rugs we've tracked down this one from EQ3.
Get your FLAP on. Classic multi analogue clock...
Shit happens and we still malign the ever shrinking Habitat brand.
More Agony Uncle questions have been landing at C&J Towers!
Thanks for all the questions you've been sending - we're trying to cover off as many as possible but due to volume it takes some time! Keep 'em coming! Cheers, C and J x
Cute art work at Strcutube
We don't normally go for mass produced art, and opt instead to support young emerging artists as their careers take off. But this piece is nevertheless fun.
Roger Hazard from Sell This House - this is his cute as you like living room.
Really like this guys style. On his show, due to budget and time span, the make overs are quite basic...but when he has budget and an open diary... this is what he can achieve.
Para Paints
Used this company recently for a wee job uptown and the coverage was excellent.
Restoration Hardware
Just bought some of these BEAUTIFUL wall lamps for a client and now thinking how we can incorporate a couple into our own condo.
Shelter Furniture, Toronto
OMG - we LOVE this image. Reminds us of our Glasgow drawing room....
Great sale at Windsor Workshop, Toronto
This hand made furniture collection is beautifully artisan and VERY well crafted.
Win a design consultation by us and $1000 FREE Rona vouchers!
One of you HAS to win this fab prize... so go on; get entering!
Homesense
You've gotta get in to Homesense - we've spotted some great deals on picture frames and artwork...
Marcel Wanders at Graham and Brown
This guy is is a C&J hero and this paper is particularly cool, esp' on discount!
ADAPT your wallpaper? Aye - we've had a bright idea!
Just because your paper is monochromatic, it doesn't mean you can't change it... without removing it!
Good morning from LA!
It's not like us to have left so many days without updating our blog - we're truly sorry!
Good morning LA on this, the last day of 2011
Blimey; in just a matter of hours it'll be 2012
Heck it is SO chilly in Toronto
Even though we've only been back half a day we can feel the chills settling into our bones x
Some cute wee Christmas 'make' projects as seen in our Toronto Star column.
With the holidays almost upon us, here are some simple ideas.
Fabulous French interior design book
As lovers of French interior design, this book really grabbed our attention when we reviewed it recently for one of our columns. DEF' worth a look! Gorgeous and dreamy schemes, all displayed in a wonderful coffee table tome.
Oh no! Our second last day in Grand Cayman!
We can hardly believe this trip is going so quickly...
More Grand Cayman
It's wonderful to find somewhere where we feel we could spend loads of time. Cayman is SO ticking that box!
Our Cayman journey continues...
Note to self. Open diary; mark out time to revisit Grand Cayman again in 2012 or 2013. End of.
Had a glut of folk in the UK asking us about sofas and where to get them!
So we thought we'd post some deets...
Today if money was no object...
...we'd buy one of these tables for our Toronto condo'! Blimey it would look lush in our dining room! Sadly, it's still a little on the, ahem, 'pricey' side for us! Hey ho; we can dream...
Just one more sleep till Grand Cayman!
SO excited to be heading off to this dreamily gorgeous island.
Miracle soup recipe by our good friend Cherri who has achieved STAGGERING results with this potage potion!!
First things first - remember you are already beautiful. Only try this if your want to lose weight for YOU! This soup is amazing. In just a few days we've lost a few pounds each and the recipe is delicious. As with any diet we'd counsel that you seek medical advice before starting and that you augment the soup with plenty of protein; we enjoyed grilled chicken as we ran the diet and had as much soup as we could eat every time we were hungry. It's worked really well and we haven't felt hungry. If you're fit and well - give it a go! Blimey; we're almost beach ready! And remember to excercise too! Good luck!
Our Toronto Star column, as seen in today's biggest selling Canadian newspaper.
To uphoster or not reupholster your squashy (less than) lovely? That is the question.
Our candles and your questions answered!
There are NO artificial waxes or synthetic aroma's in our waxy lovelies! Pulease!
Here's how to make a mood board.
When we wrote this we tried to be as clear as possible in a step by step way. Hope it helps you plan this important stage of room planning!
Blimey it's good being home!
Even though the weather is a wee bit on the, ahem, 'cool' side, we're not grumbling!
Our close encounter with Prince Philip - LOL!!
Here's a wee story to brighten your day on a gloomy evening!
More of your problems! Hope we can help!
Here are some double takes on some of the questions we're asked...
Styling your home with Indian influences
Hope you find our editorial interesting,
Cheers,
C and J x
More agony uncles questions
Here are some more Q&A's, and this time answered with different perspectives from each of us. Hope they help you guys! Feel free to send us your questions via our forums and we'll try and address your problems WITHOUT publishing your names or details. Cheers!
How to create 'Classic' style at home...
Here's a feature from us for Toronto readers that should help you up the ante at home.
It's question and answer time at C&J Towers! Agony Uncles time!
We're asked all sorts of questions by folk; here are just a few by example. Anonymous, of course! Today we're all about helping couples!
Abbotsford Women's Show promo clip...
Gosh - weren't we subdued ahead of a very UN SUBDUED live appearance! Calm before the storm and all that...
Question - who are you at home?
Here's how to determine YOUR decorating style. Having written this editorial we hope it helps you work a gorgeous new scheme!
Reno'ing for gain - here's how...
Hope our editorial helps you achieve top dollar or profitable pound!
Some tips for selling your home in a tricky market.
We put this editorial together recently and hope it will help you sell your place!
We've finally come through our jet lag...
Been home in The UK for a few days and finally feeling alive again after SO much travel!
Australia
With another trip to Australia planned for early 2012, we've dedicated today to our Ozzy pals.
Great night at Tosca Delfino Fashion Week after event...
And we're feeling surprisingly fresh this morning!
We've been enjoying a relaxed few days!
It's good to chill, even if only for a couple of days...
Intanza flu jabbing!
Thought you guys would like to see some footage of our interesting project...
CB2
Even though we're on the beach on vacay, we're still working. We're working on a private client design for a Toronto home and just stumbled across CB2...
Our new bathrooms!
At long last, after three years of planning, they're finally happening!
Caribbean Vacay!
Yup, at long last, we're having a TRUE holiday. Not a work junket, just a fab' seven day break!
Wallpaper Direct - new ranges and a fab magazine.
Have a look at these guys; some brill new collections!
Working from home in Toronto.
Yup, we're housebound, trying to clear work before heading off on a jaunt...
Museum Of Contemporary Canadian Art - MOCCA!
Go check this place out, it has a constantly revolving selection...
Yowsa!
Can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had at The Toronto International Film Festival this year!!
Success! We landed our interview with Nicholas Cage!!!
Blimey - this one was a close shave!
Working from our condo this morning, then another couple of red carpets!
Peter, Cat and James who are staying with us are off to Niagara with our lovely pal Gale but we've stayed at home as we have a truckload of work thorogh which we have to pile!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We can't even begin to tell you how much fun we're having doing this gig!
OMG - we WANT these NOW!!!!!
These aren't in store till early October but here's a sneak peak....
Leaf door stopper by Home Garden Living
With our Canadian association we couldn't resist blogging this!
