the unexpected chic

Interior design and style news, views and ideas from the principal of Magnolia Hill Interiors in West London

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DIY Decor: gorgeous colored mason jars

One of the things that never fails to catch my eye and inspire me in home decor is the combination of light and color. That’s the reason why I am absolutely in love with this mason jar DIY from...

Oct 4, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Case Study: Key tips on how 4 small bedrooms became ridiculously chic, plus a sneak peek into my bedroom!

This weekend I finally realised that the weather is really cooling down a bit. I think I’ve been in denial, but yes, it is time to get my autumn jacket out of the cupboard and start wearing it! I...

Sep 28, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Outfit to Fitout: fall fashion translates to beautiful interiors

One of my favourite colour combinations for chic cooler-weather days and sultry evening affairs is black and gold. Every-classy and fresh, this season is seeking simple-cut shapes accented by rich...

Sep 13, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Outfit to Fitout: My dream colour for Fall 2012 fashion and interiors

A brief return, during a very busy fall…I’m doing my best to keep The Unexpected Chic going! I have a few other projects on the go as well which are stealing time, not to mention my ‘real’ job!...

Sep 7, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Green Genius: Clever and stylish uses for old suitcases!

With my general lack of self control when it comes to shopping and thrifting, I’ve accumulated a number of cool old suitcases over the years. They’re kind of just chilling out in my parents’...

Jul 21, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Trend Spotlight: Ombré is my fave on anything and everything

I remember back in the day one year at summer camp we were assigned the project of making tie dye underwear. Why underwear, I have no idea! And of course, our newly dyed projects had to be put out...

Jul 21, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Freshly Squeezed: Ideas for a beautiful summer party

While my abode is sadly lacking in the outdoor space department (a smallish balcony with more pidgeon poop than furniture) I can still dream of what exactly I would do if I did have a little bit...

Jul 18, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Perfect Picks: The loveliest paint colours of the moment

Personally, I think we’ve had enough of robin’s egg blue and mint green. There comes a time for trends to die and when it starts to look run-of-the-mill rather than...

Jul 18, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

What the Magpie Saw: Delightfully Quirky Cottage Decor!

I had the good fortune of spending the weekend at some friends’ charming cottage by Lake Cecebe near Magnetawan, Ontario. A town of only a few hundred where there is a pub and an LCBO but no...

Jul 11, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Ten Best: Patio laaanteeeerns (you know the song!)

Candles are a must for any patio party, as I’m sure you know! The candle-lit glow makes everyone just that little bit prettier and the conversation just a bit more enthralling (or was that the...

Jun 11, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Outfit to Fitout: Ikat prints from your wardrobe to your walls

THE IKAT TREND HAS OVERRUN THE EARTH. It’s true. You can basically find any product you could ever imagine in an ikat print. Which is a good thing, cuz I totally love it! And there are lots of...

Jun 9, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Perfect Picks: Jonathan Adler takes the human body to new creative lengths

In my random browsing today whilst utterly bored at work, I stumbled upon some super fun imaginative designs from Jonathan Adler! I found this boy and girl vase on The Glitter Guide and loved it –...

Jun 7, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Green Genius: Cheap and fabulous DIY wall art to save the planet!

Having recently moved into a new place and being on a (to put it lightly) small budget for making it feel homey, I’ve been scouting ideas for DIY art and accessories. Wall art can take a home, and...

Jun 6, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Perfect Picks: Casual lunch on a sunny patio

Seeing as it’s almost the weekend, patio time is on my mind! As I’m sure it’s on yours! The weather has been freaking awesome here in the T dot lately, solid sunshine for more than a week. It...

Jun 1, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Decor Voyeur: the simple yet complex home of dress designer Heidi Merrick

It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these, and I thought it was about time when I stumbled upon this cool post on The Glitter Guide! I’ve basically just stolen my fave pictures from their post,...

May 25, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Trend Spotlight: Saturated shades from the deep

Today (and for the last while in general) I’m loving deep, overdyed, bottom-of-the-sea shades like indigo, inky navy blue and deep plum purple. I’ve been on a quest to find indigo shoes for like...

May 19, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Freshly Squeezed: 5 Beautiful Front Door Ideas

I just love checking out aspects of other people’s homes, whether it be for inspiration, as fodder for debate, or out of just simple nosiness! One of the parts you can observe without alerting the...

May 18, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Green Genius: bulletin board re-vamp!

Check out this multi purpose front hall organisation piece I’ve been revamping! Before and after plus some instructions coming very soon! Filed under: Green Genius Tagged: black and white, bulletin...

May 9, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Featured: Liivi writes for Dot Dot Dash on the Pantone Colour of the Year!

Check out my guest post on my friend Katrina’s blog Dot Dot Dash today! It’s about Tangerine Tango, the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2012. Enjoy! Filed under: Featured Tagged: 2012, Color of the...

Apr 27, 2012 Like

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Freshly Squeezed: Juicy ideas for a fabulous outdoor space

The patio furniture has been unpacked and there have already been some gorgeous days this spring. It’s a waiting game now for when summer is actually going to hit! Although the last few days have...

Apr 26, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Check this out: Dot Dot Dash

I just wanted to quickly share my friend’s design and architecture blog, Dot Dot Dash. Katrina writes almost every day sharing a fun mix of fashion, creative inspiration and everything design...

Apr 25, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Decor Voyeur: An inspiring peek inside Sarah Seven’s new San Francisco dress shop

Just a quick titbit of inspiration today! The topic? Nouveau boutique design. I’m loving The Glitter Guide lately – I signed up to their daily newsletter and am really enjoying their down-to-earth,...

Apr 19, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Trend Spotlight: Pale, powdery and oh so pretty!

It’s in all the design and style magazines, and can be spotted walking the streets of the world’s swankier cities: the pastel trend is here and thriving for Spring 2012. I love the soft shades and...

Apr 10, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic

Trend Spotlight: Nautical design – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Along with animal print, LBDs and dark boot cut jeans, nautical-inspired design is one of those things that never really goes out of style. I know I’m talking fashion here, (and for those are you...

Mar 28, 2012 Like

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Featured: Liivi writes about the botanical spring decor trend for West London Mum

A few weeks ago, I was once again featured on West London Mum (thanks to the lovely Monique!) talking about botanically-inspired interiors products. Just in time for spring! I can’t believe I...

Mar 7, 2012 Like

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Perfect Picks: the prettiest new dinnerware from West Elm

I must admit: tableware is one of my weaknesses. Along with stationery and cake. I find them hard to resist, and am liable to purchase excessive amounts! Especially when they’re as cute and stylish...

Mar 4, 2012 Like

the unexpected chic