I’ve been reveling in this gorgeous weather we’ve been getting! From dining en plein air to exercising my green thumb, I’ve been spending loads of time out on my patio this season. I don’t know if it’s the sunshine or the blooms, but it’s made me reminisce on the time I designed an outdoor living space for High Point Showhouse.

In the fall of 2019, myself and 20 other extraordinary designers had the honour of working with the High Point Preservation Society and the Junior League of High Point to help with the restoration costs of a stunning Craftsman-style home by designing a charity showhouse. Each designer was given a separate space of the home to design. Full independence! Full autonomy! Full fun!

Living in Toronto, we don’t get to spend a ton of time on our patios, so when I learned I would be designing an outdoor living space that could be used through October and November, I was thrilled! The weather, however, was still something I kept in mind, as the last installation I did at High Point (which happened to be the same time of year!) got soaked by Hurricane Michael. You can bet this played into my decision making when I chose the pieces for the space!

My inspiration for the room was simple outdoor living. I wanted to create a chic yet casual space that would be perfect for cocktails and conversations. With that in mind, I had three pieces that I wanted to use as soon as I learned I was creating an outdoor “living room.” The cabana striped drapery panels were an immediate go-to for keeping the hot daytime sun off and helping keep it warmer in the evenings. In a nod to the gorgeous outdoor setting, I used natural materials like cane and rattan, while layering in pops of green and pink for play and texture. And at the end of the porch, an oversized painting of blooms by Canadian artist, Laura Dick, brought it all together! 

After completing the porch and strolling the rest of the home, I have to say...this was the first showhouse that I have been a part of where all the individual rooms really felt like they were actually designed collaboratively — such a spectacular surprise to all of us designers! It was truly an amazing team to be a part of and no matter how challenging it was designing from Toronto and organizing in North Carolina, all my sponsors and supporters made it feel incredibly easy. I couldn't have done it without them! A huge thank you to Summer Classics, Gabby Decor, Kravet Inc., Red Egg Furniture and Laura Dick Art. And to my fellow designers of the house...let’s hope 2022 is our year to get back to High Point!

XO,

Cynthia 

To stay creative and at the top of my game, I love to find inspiration in colour, shape, pattern, and textures. And the one place that fills up my creative tank fastest is an art gallery or museum! I’m fascinated by paintings, sculptures, drawings - every part of the art world inspires me!

There is something incredible about art - the conversation it initiates, the emotion it generates, the memories it calls up....and then there is the discussion about the artist. What were they thinking and feeling when they first took brush to canvas. What were they trying to communicate? Am I experiencing their piece in the way that was intended?

I was absolutely obsessed with the art in a hotel I stayed at earlier this year, like the piece above! I drove the staff crazy as I appeared at their desk every day with a new inquiry about the piece I saw here and the piece I saw there and their sconces and their desk chair....it went on and on! Let’s just say I seemed to have had a taxi to the airport a lot faster than everyone else oddly.

I loved the texture and pattern play on this magnificent wall! The art installation was so stunning that I had to remind myself to keep my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t touch it! But wouldn’t this be magnificent in a client’s home?!

I am inspired to get my paints out again after seeing this gorgeous piece! Look at these incredible stripes and colours!! This installation from Sean Scully can be enjoyed near Mexico City at Cuadra San Cristobal 

Sometimes it just takes one piece of art to capture your interest in a space and make it sing! This artist Gordon Shadrach is from Toronto, and his paintings stop you in your tracks you as you walk into a room!

Keep your eyes open, because you never know where you’ll spy amazing art! This incredible mural was painted in the parking lot of a restaurant and I was mesmerized! Look at all the patterns the artist incorporated!

Art is so personal. So individual. Remember to get out to your local gallery more often and start a conversation. Stir your emotions. Enjoy the experience!

Until next time,

-Cynthia