INITIAL EXCITEMENT

I am beyond excited to share with you the new Legacy Letters from India Hicks. Some of you may remember India designed a collection of these prior to launching her own extraordinary company. On my numerous stops in to The Sugar Mill over the years I always coveted them but for some reason never up and bought one. A while back she told me they were going away so she could rebrand, rebuild and reboot not only the letters, but an entire lifestyle brand.  And while I was most excited to see what she was going to do next, I was sad. Shoulda coulda woulda kind of sad. I have been waiting... 

I am about to send you to a lovely video that will give you insight as to why these initials are such an integral and important part of India's life. Get to know India a little more and listen to her describe her fathers's style and the imprint he left on not only his family but the world of interior design. Meet her unforgettable mother Lady Pamela who has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.  This is their legacy. I am thrilled India is sharing it with us.  

Watch here, shop here. 

SUMMER HOURS

Back in the day when I worked full time in ad-land, we had 'summer Fridays' and even 'summer hours'. Both involved a shorter work day. Which was funny because we worked til 10pm most other days.

I am definately putting myself on my own summer clock these days and I have to say it is rather nice. Sometimes slowing down makes more room for creativity. Hard to do when you are a deadline driven producer type. Uh huh. 

I'm playing with some fun and inspiring things like marketing for Canvas Interiors, helping a friend with some creative stuff and thinking about new paths for the blog. I'm working on some India Hicks event ideas for the store. Oddly, keeping summer hours is allowing me to have a few things going all at once.  I'm percolating and creating.  In bare feet I might add. 

Here is a quick peek at our trip to Harbour Island last week. Years of memories for us continue forward now for our littles. That is a beautiful thing. 

PS: upper right - that is a Goombay Smash in a Tervis which matches my India Hicks Flamingo tassel  perfectly don't you think? 

CANVAS INTERIORS LATELY: HARBOUR ISLAND COLLECTION

As you will see in the coming days I have Harbour Island on the brain. We are counting down to our departure and the familiar feeling of happy toes in that sand cannot get here soon enough.  In the meantime there is much work to be done. So I'm indulging my excitement about our trip by tying it together with our Canvas Interiors Harbour Island Collection.

From its inception our brand was born with a personality. We are not just a computer warehouse selling furniture.  We really do live and breath Canvas Interiors and have a strong desire to create a lasting brand.  We want you to be able to feel something when you shop with us. Thus our 'shop your style' was born. It was a way for us to add a filter for you that might make your shopping experience easier. A sense of story, a sense of place.  Maybe you can identify with a feeling or a memory when you look at our collections.  Hopefully it ignites a creative spark that helps you design your spaces.

Here is how to find the 'shop your style' collections: 

And to indulge my excitement I'm sharing a few goodies from our Harbour Island collection.  This collection is light and breezy.  It has a touch of tradition with an eclectic global mix.  

Add a giant votive of sand from your favorite beach and put it on our Casablanca coffee table for instant island style.  Add  bits of color with pillows and throws and you have it. Ahhhhhhh. 

ISLAND TIME

It is no secret here on this blog that Harbour Island is a special place for Mr. K and I. We got married there 10 years ago and go back yearly.  Why Harbour Island you ask?  I can't explain it. I just knew it was where we needed to wed.  I had never been there, was reading about it from my kitchen table in San Francisco and planned the wedding from afar. The first time I set foot on the island was with my wedding dress in hand 10 days before our wedding. I was calm. Happy. Totally content. Thank goodness Mr. K is easy going and game.

I'm feeling nostalgic since our 10 year anniversary was last week so here is a peek from the pink sand nuptials.

It was only after our wedding that I put two and two together and realized that the lovely India Hicks called Harbour Island her home.  

Over time we uncovered threads that made me feel more connected to the island. Kids on the island who went to my tiny private school in Toronto. An old friend from said school owns a home on the island. Did not know that until years after visiting the island and reconnecting with her on good old Facebook. We have met wonderful new friends there who we will see again this summer. Layers of my past and future all coming together on a Bahamian beach. 

So it makes sense then, that we circle back years later to offer India Hicks' new lifestyle line in Canvas Interiors.

When we opened Canvas Interiors the first book we stocked was India's Island Life and we peppered the store with Briland shells we have brought home over the years. There is an authentic thread of this island that runs through our history as a couple and a great part of what inspires our Canvas Interiors style. One of our collections is named after Harbour Island and a few pieces in the collection have special names of things we love  there.

Some time ago I reached out to India to see what new business she was teasing us with on Instagram. In March we were delighted to host her at Canvas Interiors for a launch party  of her new India Hicks lifestyle collection.

Today we are hosting an India Hicks Island Escape pop-up-shop in our Winter Park Location and introducing a few new pieces in her collection. We will have the products in-store (only in-store, not on our website) for 2 weeks after each party and then pop up from time to time again when a group of new products are released.  It should be a fun way to have a few parties and we are excited to continue the feeling of creativity and camaraderie that India brought to our lunch.

Here are my personal favorites from the collection:

We just got back from San Francisco (celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss) and I had all of these items with me. The scarf is a divine cozy piece on an airplane, the beetle bag was perfect for all of my cords/headphones/chargers in my carry on, the perfume roller ball made airplane travel smell better and the Love Token reminded Mr. K who's boss. Happy Anniversary honey! 

*see and shop the: India Hicks collection and feel free to email me with any questions*

LUNCH WITH INDIA HICKS

Heartfelt fun was had last Thursday at a luncheon to celebrate the launch of India Hick's new business venture. We hosted a gathering of 40 friends at our new venture - Canvas Interiors in Winter Park FL.

As you may or may not know Mr. K and I have soft spot for a particular island in the Bahamas.  As a longtime lover of and visitor to Harbour Island, I understand where India lives. I can tell you that the beetle you see on her packaging means something to her. That the fragrance and body care products are reminiscent of the island.  

India's new line of products are luxurious and approachable. Well crafted and affordable. These traits are a direct reflection of who she is and the path she has taken to get here. From a life imbued with tradition and history to family life on an island in the Bahamas you feel her sense of adventure and that her journey has shaped her unique sensibilities.  

Her natural charm combined with her ambition to stand on her own two feet have met in full force in her new lifestyle brand.  India has taken what is special about her past and present and put it into this collection.

Passionate about empowering women to live life on their own terms India is forgoing the traditional shopping experience and creating a network of entrepreneurial women selling the line in their own homes.

We had a lot of laughs, drank some wine and shopped. Look at our sweet friend K below getting a hands-on tassel tutorial from India.

To host her here in our new venture, Canvas Interiors was a poignant and warm experience. I feel a kindred spirit with India and admire her drive. We brought together a fantastic group of people. Women blazing new trails, working hard, creating something. It was a perfect fit.

Learn more about India's new business and products here, on IndiaHicks.com 

images ©canvasinteriors / canvasstyle

BACK TO THE ISLAND

Today I am taking you back to Harbour Island. We have only been home a few weeks and I am already dreaming of next summer's trip. In one of my dream states this gorgeous room popped up in my instagram feed and I had to share it with you. It is the beautiful work of designer Alessandra Branca (follow her for inspiring insta-images). 

The Dunmore (site of our wedding 9 years ago) underwent a fresh-faced makeover and reopened at the end of 2010. The last few years have seen continued growth and refinement including new-construction residences on the property. This is one of them and Alessandra Branca has has created a stunning island home for her clients. 

In my life stateside I am all about white, light, neutral decor but when I get to Harbour Island I appreciate and gravitate toward the colors of the island. What I love about this space is the white backdrop and incredible balance of color and pattern throughout.

On a side note I was tickled to see my favorite mirror above. You know I never do this 'get the look' thing with interiors unless I'm using my own images, but I was so excited to see that this mirror  had found its way to Harbour Island that I had to share that we carry it at Canvas Interiors. It looks absolutely perfect in this island bath. 

Always inspiring, this island never fails to find its way back to my heart.

LINKS

Alessandra Branca

The Dunmore Residences

Lonny Mag - Alessandra's decorating tips

images: Douglas Friedman || Lonny Mag. 

HARBOUR ISLAND: CHAPTER 2 THE SUGAR MILL AND TALENTED FRIENDS

My favorite stop when we arrive to Harbour Island is The Sugar Mill. Of all the places on the island I savor this place the most. India Hicks and Linda Griffin own and curate this treasure chest of a store. 

There is always a new mix of merchandise, never a dull moment visually. It is a happy place, made more so by the sweet staff and cheeky accessories. Delicate India Hicks jewelry rests beside skull and crossbones towels. It all just works. Their eye for merchandising never disappoints, in fact, always entertains. An eclectic mix, a clean cool edit. Elegant and island-perfect clothing hangs next to India's new bedding line - makes you want to put on a floaty caftan and recline in bed on cool sheets.

I always say the same thing when I write about The Sugar Mill. It inspires me and makes me stop and look at every little thing. There is spirit of creativity and inspiration that runs through the threads of our time on this island. It then becomes more than just a vacation, it becomes part of our journey.

In that spirit I am also sharing photography (lifestyle images above) by Brittan Goetz who has shot India and her family numerous times. Brittan's work is lovely and captures the The Sugar Mill perfectly. Her visual sensibility is simple and clean. I must thank India for putting us together and knowing we would get each other's visual language. Please take a moment to look at Brittan's site it is lovely.

The most special moment of the trip was the beautiful 90 year old woman sitting in a chair under the shade of a tree who spoke to Mr. K and Small K. She handed them a water bottle filled with pink sand and said "take this home and tell your friends about Harbour Island".

So there you have it friends. I did what the beautiful lady asked. The beauty of this island fills my heart.  

lifestyle images: Brittan Goetz
product images: indiahicks.com
the sugar mill facebook page
read more about The Sugar Mill in this canvasstyle interview with Linda Griffin

ps: there is a sale going on now at indiahicks.com

HARBOUR ISLAND FAVORITES: CHAPTER 1

This year's trip to Harbour Island was a whirlwind of activity including stopping in to a few old favorites and discovering a couple of new ones. 

Dinner at the Dunmore was absolutely delicious. Of course Mr. K. and I get a little nostalgic when we are there as we remember our I Do's. After being sappy for a minute we enjoyed a delicious meal.

The Landing was as always, a cozy and comforting stop for a drink and a good sit-down with friends in the bar. I decided at 9:30pm as they were closing the kitchen that I could not leave with out eating the grilled lobster and they happily made it. Which I happily devoured sitting at said bar.

Da Vine Wine Merchants is a new wine bar and store designed beautifully with grasscloth wallpaper and stunning wood everywhere. Expertly merchandised by Linda Griffin of The Sugar Mill fame it is most impressive. Cozy and inviting, stop in here for a glass of wine or a few bottles to go. We did both. More than once.  

image #2: Davine wine

The expertise of Captain Bob (GM) Linda Griffin (Design/Merchandising) Alexander and Jennifer Alexiou (IT/Research & Design) Paul King (Buyer) and Rita Miller (Photography/Sommelier) have come together nicely. A perfect mix of casual and elegant, it is an ideal spot for a cold glass of something after a beach day. An impressive choice of wine, champagne and artisanal spirits means there is something for everyone. And we loved the friendly staff.  :)

Bahamas Coffee Roasters was a nice new surprise. Locally roasted coffee, organic ingredients, great vibe and soon to come cold pressed juice.  We had a delicious lunch and a nice big outdoor area makes a good stop for either coffee in the morning or an afternoon bite. And what I believe to be the first 'food truck' on the island ... the mobile Daiquiri bar was a treat.

Bahamas Coffee Roasters // Daiquiri bar // Queen Conch

The lovely ladies at Queen Conch made lunch a special adventure for our kids. Our two youngest guests (age 6) sat at the bar and watched them prepare food. When we left the kids told us the ladies had made them their 'security guards'.  Fun memories for our littles. A big new covered deck made it all the more fabulous. I love watching this place succeed and thrive over the years. 

The Blue Rooster, Pink Sands hotel boutique and Miss Mae's are always a pleasure. I always find a little something at one, two or all 3 of these stores.

Blue Rooster // Pink Sands boutique // Miss Mae's

I'll be back soon with a little more on this special place and then I'll stop. Until next year. 

all images ©canvasstyle unless otherwise noted

RAN AWAY FROM HOME

We are back from Harbour Island - laundry and groceries and work in full swing. While I catch my breath, here are a few scenes from last week. It was an amazing trip as always. This one was made all the more sweet by some truly lovely new friends. Oh, and some mischievous ones too. My phone spent a girls night out on the town (without me). It saw things. It took pictures of things. It was slightly naughty.  Note to self: use passcode lock on phone. 

I'll be back tomorrow with a few new places, old favorites and some more pictures. 

WEDDING

I have been thinking about weddings lately. Tis the season and I always love looking at dresses, decor, flowers and trends. Mr. K and I got hitched on a beach surrounded by conch shells and loved ones 9 years ago today so it seemed like the right day to take a trip down memory lane. 

Here is my dress which 9 years later I still love. Check out Reva Mivasagar for more. Truly unique dresses, traditional with a twist. 

A few more wedding pretties to inspire you today 

images: 1 // 2 // 3 

Happy anniversary Mr. K.

I heart you.

our wedding images: Charity DeMeer Photography

COLLECTIONS

One of the things I love doing is cooking up the Canvas Interiors collections. We have fun putting them together imagining the person who might identify with each place or style we have curated. We have imagined homes in different parts of the world to spark your imagination for your own home. 

Today I will take you to Harbour Island which is near and dear to us. Mr. K. and I got hitched there, we visit yearly and feel rather happy when we do. We took S and XS last summer and are doing the same this summer. They have not stopped talking about it. It affected them just the way I hoped it would. There is a spirit there that speaks to us, and now to our littles. It is an island with an eclectic, understated and creative vibe that takes some time to unfold. Its gentle elegance is very special.  

Here are a few pieces from our Harbour Island collection. We define these pieces as relaxed, a touch global, a touch exotic, and a touch elegant. They all meet nicely with a slipcovered sofa or two and a sisal rug. 

clockwise from upper right: chandelier // pillows // hurricane // cabinet // console table 

clockwise from upper right: bar cabinet // bed // pillows // dresser // cloud art // ottoman // mirrored tray (with India's book of course) outdoor sofa (works well indoors too)

You can find all of these items on our website and search other collections as well. Hope you have enjoyed the little trip to the Bahamas. Perhaps next week we will go to Belgium?

all images Canvasstyle & Canvas Interiors

THE SUGAR MILL, HARBOUR ISLAND

I have been noticing some covetables in the Sugar Mill Trading Co.'s Facebook feed lately. And I always love a little India in my inbox. Her writing is so refreshing in a sea of online chatter. Her posts always make me smile, especially the funny note about ntandy's belts which can now be found on her site (go ntandy & MF!).

Seeing both of these bits of communication in one day prompted me to send a quick email to the lovely Linda Griffin to see what their favorites are right now.

Co-owned by Linda Griffin and India Hicks, The Sugar Mill is my first stop once my feet hit the ground in Harbour Island. The store has such a special charm, a true reflection of the women who own it.  

This is the list... India and Linda's current favorites:

The website India Hicks.com is a well edited collection of things from The Sugar Mill and more of India's jewelry line, bedding line and other treasures.

Here are a few of my favorites:

If you are new to the blog you can read more about Linda, India and their friendship/partnership here.

Thanks ladies! Wish I could kick off my shoes and shop in person.

stole // necklace // blouse available in store only **// striped top //
ntandy belts // sparkly top // budhha case

**the store is happy to ship or send back to the US with someone

back to Harbour Island

Hello and happy Monday.  Hope you had a fabulous 4th of July weekend.  We spent the week last week in our 'happy place', Harbour Island.  This summer we took the kids and rented a house. Good friends, good food, and the kids loved every minute of it.

Rather than go on and on about all of my favorite things, you can read about them here,  here, here and here ... I posted quite a bit from the island last year and these are still my favorite stops.

We went to the Dunmore for cocktails and revisited a wedding moment or two which is always nice... and we had a great afternoon 4th of July party at the Coral Sands with the amazing Daddy D who dj'd our wedding.  He is a special soul and radiates joy - a nice treat to see him again. 

Counting the days til the next trip.

Tom Scheerer's idealic saltbox

As some of you may have read here in the past our favorite place to be is Harbour Island. It was the place of our wedding and has held many a happy gathering for us and our friends since then. It is with great excitement that we head back there this summer, for the first time with the little K's.    

Which brings me to this image...

...which you may have seen here and there, most recently in Elle Decor.

Tom Scheerer's 200 year old cottage is the perfect blend of old and new, high and low. The charm of the island is maintained with a thoughtful eye.  He has created a peaceful, happy welcoming place.

 A soak in the tub and an early evening cocktail in the backyard sounds perfect to me.  

I can't wait to get back to this magical place and stick my toes in the sand.

It is going to be very hard to get me to leave.  Maybe someday... our own little saltbox... 

You can see more of Tom Scheerer's beautiful work here