Eclectic Home Of A Belgian Artist

I have taken nearly 2000 pictures on my trip to the United Kingdom. Its going to take me ages to sort through all of them :)
While I do that, I thought of sharing this colorful and eclectic home. This is the home of a Belgian artist Isabelle Borchgrave. The home is an attractive mix of artifacts from all over the world, and every corner has a spectacular and exotic look.



Of course, I can't take my eyes away from the gorgeous textiles!! I hope you are having a good week, I certainly am :)

 

 

Images: Via

Travel Journal : The United Kingdom

Hello there! I know I have been missing in action for a while now :) I am on vacation in the United Kingdom and popping by to say a quick hello. We have rented a car and are driving around England, Scotland and Wales. I have been to London a few times before but this is the first time we are actually exploring the entire country.



My brother and sister in law live here. Its been a fabulous vacation spending time with them and seeing all the places I have been wanting to see for years.



I shall be back with numerous posts about my vacation :) For now I am sharing a few snapshots of my visit to Notting Hill and Portobello Market in London.



How have you all been? I would love to hear from you. I hope you have missed me??

Images: Mine and subject to copyright.

Valentines Day and Some News

Happy Valentines Day to all my lovely readers. I hope this day and everyday of your life is filled with love, laughter, and friendship!

I  have a busy and exciting ten days coming up. I might be away from My Dream Canvas for a little while. I shall try and post as often as I can. It is hard to keep me away from here! However, there is going to be so much happening that its going to be tough :) More details on that soon!



This is a picture I took last year of the cherry blossoms close to home. This image reminds me of Spring........ I hope it gets here soon :) My Valentines Day was more about writing 40 plus cards for my kids classmates. I am buried under all the paper work, pencils and rice crispies :)



Have a fun day wherever you are. I shall see you around....

 

Images: Mine and subject to copyright.

 

Joining the Aloha Friday Blog Hop at What Jean Likes.

A Design Quote I love!

I have a few minutes of peace as I head towards a busy and exciting few days ahead :) It is time for the mid afternoon ritual at my house. Quality time I spend with My Dream Canvas and my cup of caffine:) I am sharing today my favorite design quote of all time. I like so many others but for today this seems perfect!





"I don’t see boundaries between styles, such as modern or contemporary. I’ve collected each piece from a different experience or period of my life." —Fashion Designer Carlos Miele




I hope you are having a wonderful week! If you have a favorite quote about design or life in general, I would love to hear about it!

Image: My home

Clutter Free Home Decor!

On iDiva today I am talking about striving towards a clutter free home!

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry says, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”





I would love to hear your comments on this topic.
Click here to read my article.

Image : via

Satyagraha House (Mahatma Gandhi's Home in South Africa)

I was browsing the web today and came across Satyagraha House. Mahatma Gandhi's home in the midst of present day suburban Johannesburg. Gandhiji  or Bapu (as we Indians refer to him ) lived in this house from from 1908 to 1909. 



When this property came on to the market, French company Voyageurs du Monde, which specialises in exotic travel destinations all over the world, added this location to their portfolio. After extensive restoration, the original bungalow has been turned into a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. The heritage-listed site has been converted into a guesthouse. Guest rooms have been added with a strict adherence to Gandhi's principles of austerity and restraint, resulting in a meditative space.




The interiors of this home has been created by Former Marie Claire Maison stylist Christine Puech and her colleague at Voyageurs du Monde, Amit Zadok.  The white cottons used through out the home, complements the furniture that was made locally and sourced from India. Charpoys, or Indian beds, are used as additional seating and day beds, and curtains are made out of cotton dhotis which Gandhiji adopted as his dress on his return to India.



Gandhiji's memorabilia is found throughout the guesthouse. Click here to read more about this fascinating restoration and to view more pictures of this home.

 

 

Image : via

Photography By Carina Olander

I am blown away by these beautiful images. This striking room has been photographed by Carina Olander. Carina is an ex aircraft trained mechanic and now a full time freelance photographer. Impressive to say the least! Carina is based in Trollhättan, Sweden.
Click here to view her portfolio and her blog.



This home is located close to a gorgeous Norwegian fjord lined with steep mountains. What is your favorite element in this room? I love Scandinavian design....don't you?

 

 

Images: via

Chasing The Light At My Dream Canvas :)

Happy Monday my lovely readers! The title of this post is not far from the truth :)  I try and chase the sunlight constantly in my house. I sometimes wonder if I lived somewhere other than the Pacific Northwest, I would probably take the sun for granted :) While I would love to live in a house bathed in sunlight.......that brief glimpse of the sun at home is like walking into a candy store and not knowing which way to look :)



Okay, I know I sound silly but please humor me! Chasing the light is actually a big part of my life :) I am from India.  I grew up in in Delhi and Rajasthan.  I  have lived with abundant sunshine all my life. Subsequently, I lived in North Carolina and Georgia so it was never really an issue. However, here it is a completely different story!

I know I am getting a wee bit obsessed about this topic :)



What can I say.......I love the sunshine and even more so in the winter months.

My Grandmother's old silver tray!

 

 

The promise of Spring......Tulips in my home!

 

 

 

 

 

Images: My Home. Please do not use without permission!

Refreshments On The Verandah

The thought of refreshments on the verandah sounds like the perfect way to begin a new week. It is even better when its by the water :) This lovely seaside cottage is located in Culburra, Australia.



Culburra is a small seaside town and a popular holiday, fishing and surfing destination.
Here coastal and country living blends together to create the perfect getaway for the owners.



The picturesque verandah......I could sit here for hours!

The owners collection of bark paintings and her childhood hula skirt hang over a re-upholstered vintage sofa in the sitting room.

The pretty floral bedroom.

You can view more images of this home by clicking here! Have a great week ahead!





Images: via

A Few Of My Favorite Things

If I were to make a lit of things that I love to do........this would be on the top of my list. For me, its heading to the lake close to home with my family to watch the sunset. On a brilliant day there is nothing prettier than this spot in the Pacific Northwest. My kids love running around and chasing the ducks. I walk a little, play ball with them and then just sit around and enjoy the view!

We never get tired of this!



I took these pictures last evening. I am always thinking that we should spend more time outdoors and enjoy the simple joys in life!

What do you think?



What tops your list? Have a Happy Friday everyone!

Images: Mine and subject to Copyright



Joining the Meet and Greet Blog Hop at 2JustByou

 

Peacocks At The Shop At My Dream Canvas

These little trinket boxes have been a popular item at The Shop At My Dream Canvas. I have a few more pieces left in stock. These peacock boxes are hand crafted in India. I do not carry any of the items in my store in large quantities. Do grab them while you can :)

For pricing and shipping details within the United States please email me here! These pretty boxes will be a lovely addition to your home. Use it to store trinkets or simply use it as part of your decor!





To view the current products available at the Shop, please click here. My Shop carries a limited collection of decorative accessories handpicked by me for your home!




Do join my Facebook page for regular updates about the Shop!

Images : The Shop At My Dream Canvas. Subject to Copyright

A Tea Party at My Dream Canvas

It was a busy day for me today! The highlight was that the sun was playing peek-a-boo all day. I managed to get a quick shot of the sun streaming through my window! In the Pacific Northwest that is a big deal :) I ran errands the entire day, dragged myself to the Gym and then ran for my physiotherapy appointment!

Okay,
I am allowed to crib once in a while right :)



Frankly I don't mind a crazy day and I am grateful for everything I have! However, I do get cranky when I don't get to enjoy a cup of tea in peace :) Heating and reheating my tea numerous times in the microwave is just not fun :) Do you do that as well?

I would like to invite you over for tea today! It would be perfect if we could drink it in style and in peace!! No microwaves please!!



This would be nice....

We could sit here and chat for hours, laugh endlessly and enjoy the moment!

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed the little tea party at My Dream Canvas :)

 

 

Image 1 : My Home, Image 2 : via, Image 3 : via

Fabulous Find " Zenza Home Accesories"

Wow!! is the first word that came to my mind when I saw the exquisite collection of home accessories at Zenza. I stumbled upon this site while browsing the net for lanterns. I was instantly hooked :) Obviously Zenza has to be my pick for the "Fabulous Find" series on MDC this week!




They have so many gorgeous images and beautiful things. I had a tough time picking just a few! Zenza is based in Holland. However, Zenza's story is linked with Egypt and you can read more about it here! It is a lovely story :)



I warn you that this is a picture heavy post :)  Feast your eyes and prepare to be swept away!

Images via :  Zenza and subject to Copyright!

Some Introspection

While this is a design blog, every once in a while, I introspect. I have been living in the United States for over twelve years and this is now my home.  However,  I consider myself lucky to be able to call two countries home. My roots are in India and Delhi is my haven. I am fortunate that I get to visit Delhi every year. My ties with this city are very strong. My parents live in Delhi and this city is a part of me. It is a treasure house of memories!  My husband often tells me that "you come alive in
this city".  I have to admit that he is right :)

 

This afternoon as I sat by the window in my living room, nostalgia set in. This year I decided not to go to India for various reasons. As a result, it will be a two year gap, when I next visit India.  It has been a year since I visited, and I can't help but miss home. For those of you who are not from India or know nothing of Delhi...please forgive me as I ramble along. However, we all share a common bond of childhood memories and places close to our heart. I am sure you will understand and relate to my longing to be where I spent some wonderful years.

 

I miss those carefree days. Hanging out with friends, going to the numerous exhibitions, and attending the music concerts that my parents dragged me to, are some of my treasured memories.  The lunch ritual at the Delhi Gymkhana club, shopping at Khan market,  and eating spicy momos (dumplings) at Dilli Haat, are still the highlights of my annual pilgrimage to Delhi.  I could go on and on. For those of you who did not get a word of what I have been talking about, I apologize.  These are some of my favorite haunts in Delhi :)

 

As I look back, I remember that amazing feeling of invincibility. One thought that one owned the world. As the years go by, these memories become even more special.  I might be reminiscing with rose colored glasses, but that is my prerogative. Isn't it beautiful when one look back at life, and simply smile :)

 

What are some of your favorite memories ?

 

 

 

Image: My Home this afternoon...

 

 

Come Fly With Me to Costa Del Sol

As a new week dawns, I invite you to "Come Fly With Me to Costa Del Sol". This beautiful home is located in a small town in Costa Del Sol, Spain.
Villa Mandarina  belongs to Ana T. Béjar who owns  ETNO Design. In classic Andalusian style, this white washed home is a haven of light and peace. The owner refers to it as an oasis and calls it a dream come true! Sigh! I could not agree more!  I think I have mentioned this many times before,  and here I go again.....the Andalusian region in Spain is one of my favorite places on earth and I yearn to go back :)



Here's wishing you a wonderful and productive week ahead! For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the view :)

The home in all its glory!!

 

 

 

 

Images: Via

Sunshine and My Casa :)

I am a happy gal today for numerous reasons. One of them has to do with the fact that today was a sunny day in my neck of the woods!

It has been a long winter and February means that we are slowing moving towards Spring....yay :)  I have moved my Suzani chair by the windowin my living room. I think it looks better in its new place. I will share pictures of my living room with all the new changes soon.



I am all set to enjoy my sunny weekend. Do you have some fun plans? I will be back with a interesting post soon. You all have to participate once the post is up so that we can all have fun :)



Have a super duper weekend my lovely readers!

 

 

Image: My Home

Weekend Inspiration: Windows

I like taking pictures by my window. I do it all the time. I love the light by my window. Even on cloudy and overcast days which is so typical of the Northwest, I gravitate towards my window as the light there is beautiful. I do believe that composing a shot in natural light is the best way to go!

So you see, when I saw these images, I had to share them with you :)



A reading nook, pretty knick-knacks, tea and cookies all next to a pretty window. Ah! that is life :) As the weekend approaches this seems like the perfect weekend inspiration.





Step back, relax and unwind with the people and the things that make you happy this weekend. Enjoy!

 

 

Images: via