For a few weeks in April we were back in the South Shore/Indian Harbour region to work on a fun project for long time customers of ours. Their gorgeous home is set right on the harbour and has 180 degrees of ocean views.

A few years ago we refreshed a built-in media unit and wet bar in their living room. It had been painted a periwinkle colour that really clashed with the rest of the decor. The mission was to create a finish that complemented the ocean side setting as well as their stone work fireplace made up of local beach rocks. To integrate this large piece into its surroundings we went with a painted antiqued finish in this pale grey driftwood inspired colour. Much better!

Recently these homeowners built a guest bunkie over top of their garage. They did a great job of maximizing this small space and making it into a functioning guest house with a kitchenette, washroom and two built-in captains beds. They wanted to inject some colour and character into this new space, so once again they called in the henhouse team!

We worked with the customers to come up with an intense watery blue colour scheme then we set to work! We distressed, painted, and antique glazed the kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanity, and the stairwell. We also whitewashed the trim around the doors and windows. Above you can see the kitchenette in its before and after stages.

Here you can see the stairwell that we re-finished, a close-up of the whitewashed trim, and the built-in beds.

The bathroom vanity is made from an old cabinet that we painted and glazed. The front drawer is still being retrofitted to accommodate the plumbing. It’s such a sweet piece, and perfect for this small space!

After two weeks of hard work, the guest bunkie now has the beautiful rustic chic look that henhouse specializes in! It’s all ready for the customer to add their own finishing touches to complete the look.

With the weather how it is today, we thought we’d bring the shop to you through the magic of the internet! It’s like window shopping, but in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

With spring decor it’s fun to add some colour and a touch of playfulness! We think the  boiled wool bunnies and eggs are so cute. The multicoloured hobnail lanterns are bright and cheery! We also have some sweet tea lights that look like spring flowers- they’re great for a centrepiece.

We freshened up the entrance of the shop with lots of green! We have  a selection of inspirational design books and  green blown glass vases. We mounted some of our vintage crates on the wall to create unique shadow boxes.

We had fun creating this pretty vignette on the left. We like mixing old and new and different design styles to keep things interesting. Our silver standing birds are sweet and add a touch of sparkle.

We have a great selection of antique side tables in the shop right now, and some interesting nautical finds.

We have a couple of these beautiful large lanterns in the shop that would work for indoors or out. We’re also carrying Reallite candles- they’re battery operated! On the right, a vintage loveseat that we had reupholstered with a stunning ikat fabric from Kravet.

Here’s a peek at some of our sea treasures and bath products. We love Tokyo Milk- a line of bath products from the US  that’s made from crushed and distilled essences. The packing is beautiful, and the products smell amazing!

We get so excited when the sari throws arrive to the shop. Our latest shipment was filled with bright spring colours and lovely floral patterns. These cotton throws are hand stitched in India from vintage saris. They add instant character and colour to the end of a bed, or on a sofa or armchair.

We hope you enjoyed your peek at our new spring inspirations! Be sure to come in soon and take a look for yourself!

Hello again!

A couple of weeks ago we got a new sleigh bed in the shop. It’s so gorgeous we had to share it with you!

This beauty is from our Oxford Collection. It’s solid birch, done in a chestnut stain. We love the curvy, lighter look of this bed. This photo was taken in the workshop just after it was finished being built.

 And here’s the bed in place in the shop. We dressed it up with Dream Designs linens and a Sari throw. We always get compliments on how cozy our floor-model beds look (and yes, we are tempted to curl up and take a nap in it from time to time!).

What makes this bed extra dreamy are the Dream Designs linens. Durable, comfortable and hand-made in Canada, these linens will ensure a cozy, comfortable, sleep. We stock three fabrics from Dream Designs- Natural Cotton, Organic Cotton, and Hemp Ramie.

We also outfitted this bed with the most amazing down-filled duvet and pillows. Hand-made right here in NS with grey goosedown- this line of products is designed to give you the most pleasurable sleep possible. Down pillows, duvets, and featherbeds are available by special order through henhouse.

And, for a splash of colour we added a hand-stitched throw made of vintage saris, and a unique pillow sham done in a lovely ikat pattern from Kravet.

Voila! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to go take that nap now… 😉

At the beginning of the new year one of my first projects is usually getting my home cleaned up and organized. It feels great to gear up for the year ahead, but at the same time it can be quite an undertaking! Let’s all take a deep breath… relax… we CAN tackle whatever hideous mess lies beyond the closet door. Let’s face it together! 😉

We have some great things in the shop right now that can help you get your home in ship shape (while exuding a fabulous sense of style!).

Let’s take a look…

After you’ve got rid of all the things you don’t need or want anymore you’re going to need storage solutions that make everything look wonderful! How about these woven baskets? They are great for hats, mitts, firewood, newspapers, books, blankets, toys- anything! They are an instant, easy, and attractive clutter destroying device.

Check out these antique Belgian farm crates. They have many potential uses, but my favourite idea is to stack them up to create shelving. Style blog Apartment Therapy took the photo on the right of crates on display as shadow boxes- love this idea!

These glass cracker  jars are essential for dry goods storage in the kitchen- they keep everything fresh and looking neat!

Everyone has hang ups. Our selection of unique cast iron hooks add interest to your walls while keeping things like robes, towels and coats off of the floor. Also great for hanging up necklaces and keys.

Keep your family in the loop, make a list, or doodle on one of our antique slate chalkboards. Stylish and practical!

When you’re all finished organizing you’re going to want to do a bit of scrubbing right? Mrs. Meyer’s all natural cleaning products will do the trick. Available in lemon verbena and lavender, you’re home will be smelling and looking great!

Ahh! Don’t you feel so much better now?! Ready to tackle 2012?