These are a few of my favorite things...

    Kitchens.  I dream of the day we redo our kitchen.  Ours is a functional, basic builder kitchen.  It just lacks any character at all, whatsoever, none.  We didn't go for any of the upgrades when making our choices for the kitchen, we knew we couldn't afford what we really wanted at the time.  So, we just went with the basics.  Anyways, I thought I would share a few of the inspiration photos that I've collected.  I tend to lean towards a bit vintage, not too fussy( ok, a bit fussy).  A great place to bake cookies with the kids.  Here they are:

Which is your fav??

Beadboard Entryway

    Our house is a new build home, or it was when we moved in 9 years ago.  Since that time we've been working hard to infuse some character. I like old, vintage things and old vintage houses, so I keep coming up with these projects to give the house some architectural detail.  A couple of years ago I was having a conversation with my cousin about his victorian home in downtown Toronto. He had been interested in putting some wainscotting in the front vestibule.  I love those old vestibules! And I love beadboard and old coat hooks.

before

Before

    Anyways, my imagination took over and next thing I knew I was having one of those conversations with my husband.  The kind that starts off with " You know..." Our hall lacked any detail other than the slate floor and the custom trim we installed when we moved in.  So we created a transom and slapped up some beadboard!

    It still needs a nice ceiling light and some glass in the transom window,  but I'm pleased with the way it has come along so far.

    I have plans for a vintage door to replace the builder's steel door ( it's a work in progress) and probably some curtains, etc.  More to come...

The Start of Something...

My "crew"

Hi,  my name is Michelle and I'm addicted to design.  It started with a heavy interest in art, drawing and painting.  I took art throughout high school and even applied to the Ontario College of Art.  However, I ended up changing direction and eventually ended up in health care???  Looking back now I can't believe I didn't pursue an education in interior design.  My mom was always taking on DIY jobs around the house and eventually I got involved too.  Refinishing antiques, hanging wallpaper, redesigning the deck and re-doing my room over March break were all jobs we took on.  I guess I'm a late bloomer.  Anyways, now I'm married with 2 kids, a home of my own, a part-time job and a crazy interest in all things home.  That doesn't mean I have the time or the cash to see all of my "visions" through to completion as of yet, but I'm working on it.  Our home is one big work in progress and the Company in DeFoe and Company would be my family, mostly my husband.  He helps me out where I need him.  This blog seemed like a natural progression from just being an interest in design to possibly something more, we'll see where this goes... So, welcome to my blog!