PlaidFox

As a blogger, a lot of the sponsorship and collaboration opportunities that come my way are geared more toward my American readers.  I have a certain fondness for America because I grew up - and have recently returned to - a border town, just minutes from Minnesota.  I have logged many hours stateside and the majority of my readers are actually American!  Love you guys!  But I'm also super proud of being a Canadian and am always especially thrilled when I can work with a brand or company that is uniquely ours.

I'm really excited to introduce PlaidFox, a chic Canadian company comprised of wholesale designers, buyers, and salespeople dedicated to bringing Canadians designer home furnishings - always at a price lower than the MSRP.  But this isn't just a simple online shop!  PlaidFox is committed to helping you get the most out of your space.  They don't just want to sell you something pretty, they want to help you find your look and help you love your home.  I recently took a tour around their newly launched website, starting with their Style Test.  

Normally I hate quizzes (three decades of education will do that to a person), but this one was chalk full of gorgeous spaces and felt more like my Pinterest boards were having a conversation with me.

Unsurprisingly, the PlaidFox Style Test was spot on: Mid-Century Modern.  My secondary style?  Coastal!  If you're curious, take the quiz yourself and let me know your style.  I'm really curious to see how many of my readers will have the same style as me...

Once you know your style, you can exclusively shop that look, which is an easy way to sift through all of the beautifully curated items to narrow in on the pieces that will complete your space or define your style.  Here's a sample of a few of the items recommended for me:

Black Tweed Teddy Bear Chair & Ottoman:

Colorful Scale Pattern Pillow (down fill):

Angelholm Walnut Veneer Table:

One of each, please.  You can also search by product, if your style is too eclectic to capture or you're on the hunt for the perfect dining chair and can't be distracted by dinosaurs and cog mirrors (I'm seriously pining for that mirror, and trying to work it into my bathroom plans because Hubby is equally smitten).

Not in the mood to shop? 

Then check out The Den, where you can explore inspiring spaces and find sweet DIY projects like this (you'd-never-guess-it-was) potato stamped pillow:

Take a peek at PlaidFox, whose style I would describe as quirky, Canadian cool.  The website is beautiful, and definitely worth a peruse whether you're in a shopping mood or not.  They're just getting started over there too, so expect more great finds and exclusive designs.  American friends, don't worry, PlaidFox ships to you.

 
This post was sponsored by PlaidFox but all opinions, editorial decisions, and commentary are my own.  I actually went a little nutty pinning things from the shop to my Pinterest boards and I started following them on Instagram - neither of which were requested for this post.  I'm just genuinely excited about some of their products and can't wait to see this online shop take shape.  Full disclosure: there's a chance that 2% of my appreciation for PlaidFox stems from my love of foxes (exhibits A and B).  Their logo is so adorable!!   

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Audrey + Gem Prints

You might have noticed Dans le Townhouse has a new sponsor: Audrey & Gem.  Longtime readers will know Gemma: we did a my take/her take DIY project together and have even shared our thrifting adventures (I found my seagull when we were thrifting together).  Some of you even won her beautiful prints in a giveaway we did!  Since then, Gemma has added some gorgeous new designs to her Etsy shop:

But don't worry, Gemma still offers her signature vibrant watercolour prints too:

Isn't she talented?  I especially appreciate how affordable her prints are ($16) and that she welcomes the chance to personalize prints for people, to commemorate an event or celebrate a place.  If you or someone you love needs a dose of something pretty and uplifting, take a peek at her Etsy shop here. 

If you're curious, you can also see some of her art in her own home on her blog, The Sweetest Digs.  For Ottawa folks, Gemma has a second business too (she's one busy Mama!), renting vintage finds for weddings and events.  Check out her Pieces of Love shop here.

Speaking of advertisements, you might have noticed I've scaled back on my sidebar ads.  Although I certainly appreciate the perk of being compensated for the time I spend writing, editing photos and dreaming up cute projects, I just didn't feel good about promoting companies I knew little about.  Now I'm trying to reserve sidebar ads for companies I personally know are completely awesome and have switched gears to do more product reviews so I can actually see and use the products from companies that support my writing. 

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Small Scale Renovations: Let's Start with Wallpaper

If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have been alarmed by all the miniature things that have been filling my "DIY to Try" board.  I haven't lost my mind and won't force you on to the Spruce Moose.  You remember how much fun Hubby & I had making the play kitchen for my cousins.  Now we have an even tinier project in the works: we're making a dollhouse!  I already found some fabulous 1960s dollhouse furniture that I'll be revamping and and I'm on the hunt for some more pieces, either to rework or make from scratch.

Here's my inspiration:

Mouse House

Young House Love

I am going to selfishly turn this dollhouse into my dream home before handing it over to a wee one in our family.  What will my dream dollhouse look like?  Well, lots of white walls (of course!) but I'm going to inject interesting colour and pattern in the form of wallpaper, something I secretly lust after.  That's why when the folks at Total Wall Covering approached me about writing a post exploring beautiful wallpaper designs and trends, I jumped at the chance to think more about what kind of patterns and textures I want the dollhouse to have.  Whether you're planning a small scale renovation like me, or looking to add a little zest to your full-size space, enjoy a little patterned eye candy, including some inventive uses for wallpaper.

I'm planning to pick some vintage-inspired patterns for the dollhouse, to go with my retro furniture finds.  I love a fresh interpretation of vintage aesthetics. 

Via HGTV

Contemporary Sidewall from Total Wall Covering

Via Handmade Charlotte

Children's Sidewall from Total Wall Covering

Via Timothy Sue

Archway Wallpaper from Total Wall Covering
This has to be one of my favorite designs!  I love the simplicity and the colour pairing.

Via HGTV

Sidewall from Total Wall Covering

Some of the patterns that have caught my eye are pretty bold, but I'm emboldened by how great Nicole's dollhouse turned out with such brave wallpaper choices.

Making it Lovely

Avian from Total Wall Covering

Although I'm excited to pick bold patterns, I may toss in a few more neutral patterns, in softer colours.  I'd like some of the furniture and accessories to shine too.  Patterns like the ones below will be a perfect backdrop to say, a mint green fridge or bright aqua table!

Via Houzz

Silhouette Ashford House from Total Wall Covering

Via Houzz

Tuxedo Wallpaper from Total Wall Covering

Via Decor Pad

Lollipop Leaves from Total Wall Coverings

Fine

Miniprints from Total Wall Covering

 Polka dots will be a must, am I right?

Polka Dot from Total Wall Covering

I'll have to remember to keep my project kid-friendly, with patterns that are quirky enough for little design enthusiasts to like too.

Via Jeannie Jeannie

Robot Wallpaper from Total Wall Coverings

House to Home

Tron Wallpaper from Total Wall Covering

Instead of just putting wallpaper on the walls, I think I'll experiment with other applications, using wallpaper to cover stair risers, shelves and more.

Wallpapered Stair Liners, Lonny

Wallpaper Lined Drawers, Made by Girl

Wallpapered Shelved, Martha Stewart

Framed Out Wallpaper, Via Apartment Therapy

Using wallpaper as a headboard, either affixed directly to the wall or a piece of plywood, is a fabulous idea, big or small.  I found a great pattern for making a wee little bed, but if that project doesn't succeed, I might make try a dollhouse version like one of these fabulously inventive headboards.

Wallpaper Headboard, Better Homes and Gardens

Floral Sidewall from Total Wall Coverings

Wallpaper Headboard, Better Homes and Gardens

Contemporary Wallpaper from Total Wall Covering

If you're jealous of my impending mini wallpaper projects, try a small scale project of your own, like this sweet tray.



This post was sponsored by Total Wall Covering, but the theme, content, design, words, and decision to highlight wallpaper products are all my own.  I was simply approached with the idea to chat about wallpaper, and knew this would be the perfect chance to share inspiration for my impending mini-renovation.  I'm not sure about you, but I have been left with a serious urge to wallpaper something.

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