Redefining Matthew Mead Style...

Aaahhh...he's back...and better than ever! Those who follow Matthew Mead and visit his gorgeous website for inspiration are in for a lovely surprise: Matthew Mead Style.com is refreshed for Spring, and , dare I say, more refined and restrained than past incarnations?? Just when you think it can't get any better, Matthew pulls more loveliness out of his design hat and shows us just what can be done when one is swimming with creativity, style and oodles of talent.

This...I am so going to do!!! I love my chalkboard paint!! I should tell him to add some simple chalkboard masterpiece patterns to his downloadables section...for people like me. Stick figures don't look very artistic, do they??


Matthew Mead Style: Spring 2008 is decadent. Its photos are beautifully artistic with a certain European flair that transports us away from the everyday, and inspires us to get out there and collect, create, and transform our homes in a way that is fresh, young, and yet mindful of the history of the treasures within our reach. Matthew Mead brings us more seasonal inspiration to prod us from our winter slumber and spring forward with the season. Matthew needs no seasonal clock to spur him into action and tell him when and how to create. You will find more inspiration at Matthew Mead Style than you will in any design mag...and it's all for free!! So, head on over there and say hello...who knows, you just might be buying yourself a copy of Matthew Mead Style in magazine format sooner than you think...!!! Don't take my word for it...go read for yourself!

Here is a sneak preview of all the goodness waiting to be found at Matthew Mead Style:

Yummy coconut cake...

I bet this is where Matthew writes all his books...do you think??

I think Matthew is a closet Seinfeld fan...this is Babka...remember that episode??

Don't all you foodies love peeking in someone's pantry? This is Matthew's...uh, oh...I don't see any chocolate!!

Here's a close-up of those tarts, though...mmmm...

Matthew is also a fan of doilies...but not on the arms of your sofa...he proposes a modern twist:

This is Matthew's new book...not yet in bookstores, but you can pre-order it here!

Uhh, yeah...I could have thought of those on my own...sure!?!

So, head on over there and see the rest! It's a trip worth taking!!

The gift of flowers...from Matthew Mead

peonies...purchased by me...for me!

Matthew Mead finishes up his guest stint this week with me, and being the thoughtful guest he is, leaves us with some flowers...all dressed up as floral inspiration from him to us!! As I visit with so many of you, I see that most bloggers are feeling weighted down by winter...tired of snow, ice, frigid temperatures, and days that grow dark far too soon. To help lift your spirits and get you in the mode of thinking of the cheerful, bright days of spring, Matthew Mead makes us heady with the scent of flowery goodness.

He said: Inspiring Thoughts of Spring...

"Spring flowers in shades of yellow, lavender, pink, red, apricot, (and many, many more) equals multitudes of color combinations and fresh possibilities for spring inspiration... " (Matthew Mead)

We have touched upon a great many things during these last few weeks in an attempt to re-inspire ourselves in the New Year. I must say, it worked well for me and today I finished a two-step process of painting the floors of my studio. I choose a chocolate-brown for my kitchen floor and I am so happy... I've still got some touch-ups to do, but the cleaning out of spaces and the resurfacing of floors and walls really breathes new life into a room and vanquishes all the cobwebs and trapped negative chi... just as placing a fresh bouquet of flowers on your desk or dining table can do for your mood... which brings me to the final topic and frontier in this series- FLOWERS.

I entered the design realm in my childhood... with flowers. My grandmother had a large garden and grew so many beautiful varieties of blossoms. Cut flowers were part of my life from my earliest memory; and I enjoyed watching my grandmother create lovely arrangements while encouraging me and my sister to place single blossoms in bottles or vases. You really discover, as you grow, not only how enjoyable it is to have flowers around... but the pure joy that is derived from the simple act of cutting stems and arranging them to best please the eye. As children, we would also pick flowers and leaves and force branches as soon as possible in early spring, all under the watchful eye and guiding hand of our knowledgeable grandmother. In the fall, we'd gather large bouquets of wild flowers for drying and weaving into wreaths and garlands.

Flowers and their beauty is of primal enjoyment... it is in our human nature and I would surmise that even cave people gathered them to bring a spot of beauty back to their abodes...

It has been difficult lately to summon up that "Spring fever" as where I live is so reminiscent of a frozen tundra at present! However, I persist - with trips to florists, garden centers, price clubs and grocery stores in search of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, primrose and whatever else I can pluck from my community sources. We are fortunate to have an anemone grower nearby with miles of green-house, and I am always moved to see their blossoms appear in the market-place. I must say, that incorporating flowers into your life means you will have the task of preparing and arranging them... and that very activity is obviously an actionable and involved endeavour.

Incorporating fresh flowers into your decor is an unfailing way to inject new life, colour and fragrance into your home...all the while, chasing the "cobwebs of winter" away. So, bring out your favourite vases and vessels, and hit the grocers or your local flower shop, and try some of these colorful ideas:

Potted, forced bulbs and primrose, arranged in a vintage basket and dressed with moss, makes a stunning spring centerpiece or gift for a friend with the winter blues...

Recycled glass jars or tins can be filled with water, tied with ribbon and outfitted with your favorite forced bulbs... Float primrose flowers amongst candles for a simple dinnertime centerpiece... Jenny, my wife, was inspired to create this daffodil applique using hand-dyed linens...

(all photos: Matthew Mead)

She said: "Let the flowers extend from beyond the vases...let them pull up a chair and be front and center in your decor scheme..."

photo source: www.cathkidston.com

I, too, love fresh flowers...the more natural and old-fashioned the better. I love peonies, daisies, cosmos, sweet william, stock, black-eyed susans...basically anything you'd see growing in your grandmother's garden. Unlike Matthew, my experience with flowers as a young girl was limited to buttercups, dandelions, and plucking daisies from the side of the road. I loved playing "mama had a baby and its head popped off" , but arranging them in anything but my grubby fist after a day's play outside was beyond the scope of my imagination. I remember watching my mum picking weeds from her flower beds, but after a few attempts to help, I'd end up doing more harm than good and I'd be "encouraged" to be on my way. So, off I'd go to investigate whether there were any more peas on the pea plant, and I'd hurry to pop them in my mouth before my little brother could find them first!

Flowers in decorating have had a long and variable history. Floral brocade for the more formal, versus the lovely calico prints of the more unassuming prairie-country style...right up to the decidedly "bad" eighties trend of plastering ivy and sunflowers all over one's kitchen (from wallpaper borders to oven mitts...place mats to curtains...), the use of flowery patterns in decorating can either make one swoon or shudder.

(photo source: unknown)

I am a definite blend of the two opinions. I love floral prints when they are used in a fresh, subtle palette; or when they are bold, modern, and surprising. I personally use them in only smaller doses, but when done right, they can be fantastic in a more predominant scheme. In contrast to Matthew, I think we are either flower people or not. Whether we bother to bend over and pick a stray daisy or add a flower-embroidered throw pillow to a chair... or we banish anything flowery from our homes save for stiff, perfect roses (methodically placed in the perfect square and unbending vase for only those moments when flowers are expected)...we dig them, or we don't!!

photo source: www.countrycream.com

Personally, I love flowers in their natural state, the wilder the better...and used in my decor in rather unassuming ways: not too carefully planned, and definitely not overgrown!!!

I am so thankful to Matthew Mead for collaborating with me on this series and for sharing his inspiration and advice to those of us who admire his work and his many talents. Please leave a comment here for Matthew, sending him some "blog love". Maybe, just maybe...he'll come back and share with us further...!

In the Kitchen...with Matthew Mead (part four of our collaborative series)

Well, you must have known a man of his many talents just had to be good in the kitchen, too...!!! Yep, Matthew Mead can design, decorate, style, write, produce...and cook!! Matthew is back this week to get all you foodies (and wanna-be foodies, like me..) all fired up and ready to start clanging pots and adding spices to your winter meal plans. I've spoken before of his qualifications as a dream husband, and to prove the point: Matthew Mead cooks... for his wife... almost every night!!! Go ahead...do it...be part of the collective sigh being heaved by women all throughout blog land...!!!

He Said: YUM... TRY SOMETHING NEW

I love to cook. It is really an integral part of my lifestyle and the colors, textures and style of food are as important to me as the welcoming new paint color for the front hall and the perfect bedside table lamp for the guest room. In fact, food and its preparation is paramount and engaging to me because it occurs daily... several times a day, and I try to savour every aspect of the experience. Now like everything in one's life, creating food can become mundane and utilitarian and I, too, am likely to fall into a slump of repetitive dishes and leftovers. I know when my kids lived at home, I would prepare a plethora of meals on Sunday afternoon... pot pies, chicken and broccoli divan, American chop suey... all light on the garlic and short on onions (little ones don't always love the savoury flavors imbibed by the allium family of vegetables). Nevertheless, my family was well-nourished by typical comfort foods and when they return home for visits, it is these dishes that they most request.

Sauteed and seasoned, rice and beef steamed in a cabbage leaf is as close to the ultimate comfort food that you can find... (photo: Quentin Bacon)

(clockwise from top left): Fresh produce and simple flavours lead the way: Bacon and kale stir-fry is a delicious meal as a side dish or on its own; pita pockets stuffed with chicken salad, almonds, and fresh greens with a splash of seasoned rice wine vinegar; seasoned, ground turkey rolled into grocery store pizza dough is excellent with a simple salad; steamed edamame is an excellent snack anytime.

(photos: Quentin Bacon)

Today I cook for Jenny and myself, occasional groups of friends and family, and quite often my team at the studio. My office environment is like a lab for lifestyle ideas and while we are often crafting, painting and decorating, we also spend a fair amount of time creating and testing recipes. I'm inspired by many things... a trip to the market is always a good "pick-me-up" and I am of course "moved" by seasonal themes and produce. Lately, however, it is actual cooking vessels and serving plates that really inspire me to make something new and different... or at least a variation with a twist. My new book titled ENTERTAINING SIMPLE due out this coming October, is filled with the simplest ways to prepare oneself for any gathering... at any time. I can't wait to share it because I believe it is perhaps the most detailed picture book of how to entertain and what to prepare with easy ingredients found at your local grocery store. It also focuses on the nuts and bolts of presentation... how to serve and arrange food in the most pleasing of ways. So, whether you roast the chicken yourself or pick it up at the gourmet take-out, you have the tools and ideas for making it look and taste pleasing and delicious.

For me, much inspiration comes from objects. Have you ever seen a turkey platter and not visualized the perfectly roasted bird... or a pie plate without a flaky crust filled with a saucy fruit filling...? The way our senses fill in the picture is magic! The other day I found these green transfer plates which reminded me of a local Chinese restaurant I had enjoyed as a child. I decided a stir-fry of tender chicken, orange peppers and pea pods was in order. For a saucy finish I added a tablespoon of peanut butter, a splash of cream and a drop of orange juice... meld over medium heat and you have an instant Thai dish with exotic flavors! Served on my new plates with a fragrant Basmati rice, it really took me back to Mai Kai.

I also discovered a Mary Jane pan at the local Crate and Barrel outlet (it has a well baked into the top for an easy way to fill the finished cake). I made a chocolate version for a recent client shoot which I filled with chocolate mousse and topped with nuts.

Then, I was inspired to fill it with blueberry muffin batter and thawed Maine blueberries that had been blended with 1/4 cup melted blueberry jam. Beautiful and delicious! I love a pan that can give you multiple options in one... (above photos: Matthew Mead Style )

So, take a look around you, sift through your pantry, and be inspired by your serving dishes and the ingredients you have on hand. Take a leap of faith: try something new, glean from your favourite recipes and try a new twist on the tried and true. Make mealtime enjoyable by injecting some creativity into that which you serve...and that which you serve it upon!!

She said: I do confess to being a fairly good cook, but my repertoire is definitely comfort food all the way! In winter, this means roasts, stews, hearty soups, meat pies, basically everything that has the potential to make you fat, if consumed in the proper amount. I confess to not experimenting in the kitchen enough and being a bit predictable. However, complaints are not accepted as supper is served piping hot and plentiful each night. I guess I am more Ma Ingalls than Rachel Ray, culinary speaking...! Indeed, I graciously acknowledge that I will be leaving the recipes to Matthew Mead and he has happily inspired me to shake things up a bit and try something new. Stuffed pita pockets, anyone??

me...just kidding, of course...

Some Painterly Advice...from Matthew Mead

"Paint something with color... could be a wall... but why not reinvigorate a chair, a table, a shelf with a great color...?" Matthew Mead

Matthew Mead is back, and he's here to inspire us to pick up those paint brushes (which so many of you have been doing lately) and get ready to create your masterpieces! Your canvas is awaiting, and a pretty picture we will paint, but think sturdy: think furniture, metal, walls, wooden floors... anything that needs a splash of colour or a warm, neutral base to showcase the best features of your home.

Matthew Mead, style editor at Country Home magazine, is not afraid to pick up a paintbrush - indeed he's not- and use it as a wand to spread his magic...here is Matthew's advice for using colour to transform your space:

He Said: Paint is the easiest way to add color... it's fun, quick and can transform something that seemingly has no redeemable function. I can't tell you how many things I have painted in my lifetime and how it always provides me with a new perspective. I started painting watering cans on my mother's washing machine in the basement as a kid. I love washed color and found that diluting an oil based paint with a cherry stain makes the sheerest coat of paint for metal... it works well on all types of galvanized items like wash tubs, french flower cans and buckets.

I went through the "paint it white" phase which I truly feel still works in some circumstances... but I certainly appreciate a warmer hue these days and lately have a real fondness for gray or "grayiege". Its a real natural brown-gray that is warm and simple and makes me think of those rustic Swedish farm houses filled with their time worn furnishings. My assistant often paints these pieces for me and does a lovely job "spattering" the final coat with a dark brown glaze. She does an absolutely fantastic job and although it can be a "bone of contention" (I often line up a half dozen pieces at a time) she revamps each one with great ease and style.

Painting a wall, a door, or a floor can easily reinvigorate a space with little time or planning. A paneled door can be base coated with one color, while the inset panels can be painted with a coordinating color in a similar hue, or a contrasting color. I use all types of items for color inspirations... pieces of china, old pottery- even book covers and their bindings often have great colors and coordinating hues that lead to inspirational interiors. Try painting a wall two colors, with a change in hue 3/4 of the way up the wall at "plate rail" height. Reinvigorate a floor with a single shade of color topped with a coordinating stencil or create a traditional pattern by marking off the floor into squares and selecting two or three colors to create a checkerboard or plaid design.

I am very fortunate to have a great studio space where I can experiment with colors and designs everyday. The great thing is that you can be the beneficiary of my trials and errors... here are a few of my tried and true tips:

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  Always check out the sources in any of my stories for paint color names, numbers and manufacturers.
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  Glean color palettes from your favorite collectibles and take them to the paint store for exact matching.
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  Shop locally owned paint stores... the dealers know exactly how to mix and match and have years of knowledge and experience with matching hues, applying products and best finishes for whatever you are painting.
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  Use test samples to paint wall patches if you just aren't sure, and watch the color throughout the day to see the changing hues.
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  Paint often... it is easy and can change your whole perspective.

Here is photographic evidence of Matthew's masterpieces:

A tray is coated with a thin layer of oil based paint and then stamped with a rubber stamp... the same technique could dress up a floor, wall or table top. (photo credit: Charles Maryia)

Cast-off furnishings get a fresh new look with pretty paint colors and a brown glaze called "touch of mink" by Pratt and Lambert. (photo credit: Charles Maryia)

An early pitcher inspires a breakfast nook color makeover. (photo credit: Reed Davis)

The finished room is simple but sophisticated with modern touches and old world charm...(photo credit: Reed Davis)

Old metal garden chairs get a fresh coat of inspiration, courtesy of a vintage yellow ware bowl...(photo credit: Charles Maryia)

A home office gets a fresh and perky spring yellow to provide punchy relief to country pieces in various shades of red. (photo credit: David Meredith)

She said: Not to be left out I, too, can wield a paintbrush - even though it's one of my least favourite things to do! In fact, I have now (to my credit) painted three sets of kitchen cabinets for my own homes...which has served me in two ways: I am quite good at getting a smooth paint finish, antiquing and varnishing...and I will never undertake such a project again!

Still, I find myself examining my furniture pieces for those that could use a spruce up or even a colour transformation this spring. Like Matthew, I rarely use white on my furniture - opting instead for warm creams, or grey-based neutrals like Silver Sage and Atmosphere Blue from Restoration Harware. I have also been experimenting with adding dashes of colours in my preferred palette on different pieces around my home. I am loving the bolder yellows that have been popping up in everything from home decor to Spring fashions. I will likely forever love the muted turquoises and aqua shades, robins egg blues, and (of course) pink! In fact, I have received many emails over time asking for a list of my favourite colours, so this will be my contribution to this post about paint!

Neutrals/Naturals: some of my favourites...

Sag Harbour Gray (Benjamin Moore HC-95)...this is a taupey-grey

Stylin' (Beauti-Tone : Home Hardware *Cdn*)...a fresh, cheery taupe

Silver Sage (Restoration Hardware)...a greyish green that works with so many colours!

Oyster Bay (ICI: 90YY63/044)...can appear green, grey or blue, depending on the light...very pretty..

Pale Moon (Benjamin Moore OC-108)...a lovely, natural creamy yellow. Subtle and fresh...

Cookng Apple Green (Farrow and Ball #32): great on furniture, especially kitchen chairs and islands.

Skylight (Farrow and Ball)...just like it sounds...a cool, blue-grey...lovely paired with crisp, white trim and mouldings.

Kickin' it up a notch? These shades are a bit bolder:

Dijon (Benjamin Moore CC210) or its more subtle companion: Vellum (CC200): both earthy, wheat shades of yellow packed with a more colourful punch.

Cinnabar (Pittsburgh Paints: 330-6). This muted reddish-brown shade is great for a dining area and looks amazing paired with touches of black or dark brown. Use it as an accent wall if you don't want to go all the way...

Wainscot (Farrow and Ball #55): a warm brown that is well suited to a room that you want to feel cozy or elegant).

Orangery (Farrow and Ball #70): Now I confess that I haven't seen this colour anywhere other than in print, but it looks fantastic, bold and gutsy. Anyone have those guts??

Pink Peony (Benjamin Moore 2078-70): any color named after the most beautiful of flowers must be on this list. This shade of pink is breathtaking...fresh, pretty, a bit shy...a lovely shade for a little girl's room or even a powder room. I'm tempted to paint a piece of furniture this colour...

Brown Horse (Benjamin Moore 2108-30): This brown is rolling off the greys so you can be sure it is a fresh take on the colour. Cool, sophisticated, not hokey...I think it should be called "Dark Horse"...!

Well, that's my short list. If you aren't inspired by Matthew or me to pick up a paint brush, then you must really hate painting! If you can't convince those who live with you to do it, start saving your pennies and hire the job out...there is nothing like a lick of fresh paint to perk up a room. As a bonus, there's no rule that says that you have to be the one holding the brush...!!!

(both photos are of my own home)

Think like a stylist...think like Matthew Mead!! (week two of our collaboration)

With the continuing trend toward plunging temperatures, those of us in colder climes are forced indoors to escape the freezing cold. This of course leads to thoughts of decorating, for those of us who share this passion. As we attempt to warm ourselves by the fire, we start noticing the predictability of our rooms, the tired arrangements, and the pillows and blankets that have seen better days. Suddenly, a lightbulb goes off: what if we were to actually add a little spark to our decor...add to our collections (or start new ones), and repurpose that which we already have?

Who better to look to for style inspiration than our good friend (and style guru) Matthew Mead? As promised, Matthew is back with another good kick in our decorating pants (although he's too nice to actually deliver a real kick) to spring us into action and vamp up our spaces.

Here is Matthew's tip of the week and for those of us who like to shop...well, we just have to follow his advice. After all, if Matthew Mead tells you to do it, that should be reason enough!!

He said: Collect something new

"There is no better way for me to rebound from a style slump than to get out and look for something beyond my comfort zone. I am a huge fan of British and Australian magazines and often try to emulate their exceptional sensibility for mixing old with modern. In that effort, I go on a hunt for items with a colorful and shapely pedigree from the 60's. Jenny (my wife) has a penchant for Eva Zeisle pottery and dishes... I always pick up Russell Wright dining sets in great colors (chartreuse is one of my favorites). I like art, Eames inspired chairs and tables and all types of modern hanging light fixtures and graphic objects (my new web site debuting in February will be a real glimpse inside how my style is influenced by this design period.) These scavenger hunts become an inspirational game for me as I search for these objects amongst the myriad of collectibles out there. Its fun to see how many of one thing you can find in a day to create an instant collection and to see how similar items can be priced so differently. So try it for yourself... purchase a few new surprise antiques that bring a breath of fresh air to what you already have and makes your vignettes a bit more unexpected."

Here are some fine examples of how adding to our collections can perk up our home. This is Matthew's weekend bounty...(all photos courtesy Matthew Mead, unless otherwise noted):

"I discovered these new modern elements on my antiquing foray this weekend. The colors and shapes are just the "kick" that my traditional collections need."


"This mini chartreuse vase is perfect for flowers or greens on my desk... look at how the shape and color mix well with an early yellow ware bowl, old porcelain knobs strung on string and a classic gold leaf picture frame... all the items in the mix get a breath of new life."


"The blue translucent bowl provides "pop" and relief for country transferware... I feel like I have a whole new set of dishes!"


"An Eva Zeisle creamer is at home with ironstone mugs made decades and decades earlier."


"I just love bringing in "new" old things to my collections... a great and easy tip for blending... think about coordinating colors for a seamless mix of generational items."...Matthew Mead


She said: Speaking of vignettes...

Enter the stylist...and in this case, I mean you! I have always thought that the stylists have the best jobs in the magazine world. Dreaming up themes for the photo shoot, hunting down the appropriate props and treasures, tweaking and adjusting, guiding the photographer...really who wouldn't want that job? Well, maybe it's not as glamorous as it seems, but there is nothing stopping us from being the creative director of our own home.

As Matthew suggested, have another look at what adorns your walls. Have you had the same tired artwork on your walls? Even if you love what's there, why not try something else for a short time? Artfully arranged plates, collectibles, even your child's framed artwork...you may be surprised at just how easy it is to change style directions even if it is just for a season or two.

Finally, never ignore the style impact of the vignette. Examine all your landing places: do your shelves, tables, dressers, sideboards and countertops simply serve as a holding spot for clutter, half-hearted attempts at accessorizing, or accidental displays? If so, think like a stylist: pretend you are actually thinking of photographing the vignette. Do the items displayed complement each other, are they to scale, or could they be rearranged to have more impact? Peruse your own home for items to try. Simply moving items to another spot can enhance their appeal. Think like a stylist when decorating your seasonal home! Seasonal decorating is not a permanent fix; rather a way to rediscover your treasures, the features of your home, and incorporate elements particular to that season. Embrace the season...and all it has to offer!

Here are some examples of great styling:

photo sources: (above ): Matthew Mead Style; (top right): source unknown

photo source: Pottery Barn