09.07.11
plop, plop, fizz, fizz

I’ve been in a holding pattern in regards to our house. For many reasons we’ve pushed the pause button on any project involving big decisions, for the past few years. Did I say years? Amazing how that happens.

Of course we’ve found life can still be quite full even without the subplot of a major renovation project added to the daily drama. Sure, our home doesn’t look as fresh as it would with some sprucing up, but life is busy and it isn’t hard to ignore those cracks along the woodwork while running out the door to a meeting. Honestly? Well then why do I even notice those darned cracks? I’d like to think I’m a little deeper than my decorating but sometimes I’m not sure!

To quote design icon, Iris Apfel, who at age 89 has lived a life centred around design, “Self expression is the most important thing in life.” “If you don’t have self expression you’re all bottled up and you choke!” (Treat yourself to a little Iris with this video (4:45) - she’s a true original.)

Most of us aren’t obsessed with design like Iris, but I do agree with her idea about creative expression, because sometimes I can feel it bubbling up inside me like I’m just gonna blow. That’s when I go outside and cut a posy for my peeling powder room; buy a new throw for the worn chair; and get out my crayon set for the scuffed floor boards. All so I can sigh a little relief while we wait for the next project to start.

Cobi Ladner, Creator and Editor, cobistyle

from my studio

I love multi-coloured sets of things - that’s why we’ve done napkins, chopsticks, throws, all in coordinating multi-colours - so you can have lots of fun colour-blocking each place setting and then fighting over who’s is who’s!