Map for Antique Shopping in Ottawa

I am so happy to announce that I finally put together a map for antique shopping in Ottawa! Have fun and let me know if I am missing any shops :)

Sarah Richardson in Ottawa

"Are you a Designer or a Fan?" asks a young woman sitting next to me. Later, I learn it is Paula McCooey, Home section journalist of the Ottawa Citizen. We quickly chat about home decor, our kids, and our love for Sarah Richardson, as we patiently wait for her arrival.

All of Ottawa's beautiful people were dressed to the nines, some in sky-high stilettos and most with a designer bag clutch to their sides.

Sparkling Perrier and a healthy assortment of delicious sushi were on the menu. Macaroons and mini desserts with coffee followed.

I had the privilege of attending a launch party hosted by Elite Draperies and Home Decorating (Ottawa) on Wednesday, April 9. "Kravet Collections" is a print and weave fabric line by Sarah Richardson, HGTV star from Sarah's House, Design Inc. and Sarah's Cottage. Her classic, timeless, abundant, clean, colourful and bright styles are what she is best known for.

Sarah's reputation includes repurposing, refinishing and recycling old furniture, which requires talent, a good eye and confidence! Not everybody is willing to be seen picking up an old chair off the side of the road. I've done it, but it takes courage.

The designer world has a reputation for its exclusivity, riches and vanity. This competitive industry is filled with amazingly creative talent and considered a luxury for most common folk. But after carefully taking in all of Richardson's advice and talking to a few guests, interior design seems more attainable and built for real living. I like that.

Richardson, powerful female entrepreneur with international panache, shared great advice with her guests.

When you create a room, Richardson suggests using the following formula: 1 part to 1 part ratio.

- feminine vs masculine

- new vs vintage

- calm vs fun

- beautiful vs practical

Richardson says she designs rooms for living. "There shouldn't be any 'off-limits' rooms for your kids. Your space should be youthful and make a statement." she says. “Use a monochromatic colour scheme for each room, but invest in big-ticket items that are neutral tones. This way you can change up the decor by one replacing the smaller coloured items” she advises.

Richardson suggests starting by drawing inspiration from creativity like art or fabric. “Use texture and layer different patterns” she says. Reinterpreting and repurposing are a huge part of Richardson's design.   

"It's not about where you get, it's about how you use it" she says.

A powerful female entrepreneur, Richardson suggests to use fashion as an indication to help describe and understand the client’s design taste.

Richardson highlighted the importance of building relationships with suppliers.

She admits to being a perfectionist, and expects everyone that she works with to give it their best. She also stressed the importance of being vested in your own work and to be responsible for all the details.

To close, Richardson shared one of her favourite quotes by Charles Eames "The details are not the details, they are the design."

We think that’s great advice for any “fan or designer” to follow.

Ottawa 2014 Garage Sales

Think of this as a gift from me to you!

I've decided to compile this years Ottawa Neighbourhood Garage Sales. Here we go:

- May 31 Riverside South Garage Sale

- May 24 Glebe Garage Sale

- June 7 Awesome Alta Vista Garage Sale

- September 6 Old Ottawa South Porch Sale

I found this website http://gsalr.ca/garage-sales-ottawa-on.html that compiles estate sales and garage sales. Don't forget to check Kijiji for a local listing too ;)

These Neighbourhood garage sales are not to be missed!

Please let me know in the comments below if you have any to add.

Antique show Spring 2014

It's that time of year again!

Print this coupon and receive $2 off admission to the bi-annual Ottawa Antique Show on April 5-6 2014!

The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, Bronson & Sunnyside  K1S 5B6    

Regular admission $10 

Saturday April 5 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday April 6 11 AM to 5 PM

Visit www.ottawaantiqueshow.ca for all the details 

Don't miss out on these shoes, contact the show manager at antiques.show@sympatico.ca to get on their mailing list!

Antiquing Weekend at Fieldhouse- Oct 19-21

Hello my O'Valleyers!

Just a quick heads up that the bi-annual Antique show is on next weekend! Here is the message from Catherine Knoll, show manager. Please contact her to be added to the email list.

Hope to see you there. Let me know what you end up getting in the comments section below.

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse is coming on October 19-21, 2013

Print this page only (or simply show the ticket taker on your smartphone).

Hello Everyone:

It's a lot! Country pine, Deco, Manhattan glass, reclaimed antique lumber furniture, gorgeous art, designer handbags (typically including Gucci, Fendi & Ferragamo), fun fleas, vintage watches, Persian carpets, haute couture, Maritime carvings, cottage quilts, fine furniture, book & paper conservation, silver accents, vintage clothing, fashion jewellery and fabulous fine jewellery (typically including Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels), plus more (much more)! Retro. Vintage. Antique.

The Fall Ottawa Antiques Show has everything from decorator finds to one-of-a-kinds, from designer stock to just plain fun. For you, your home, condo, or cottage- 40,000 square feet of fabulous awaits you!

Hope to see you there.

Catherine Knoll
Show Manager

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse

Carleton University, Bronson Ave. & Sunnyside Ave., Ottawa K1S 5B6

Friday October 19, 5pm-9pm Saturday October 20, 10am-5pm, Sunday October 21, 10am-4pm

Regular admission $10 Free re-admission Under 18 free (613) 521-1970

Lots of parking available, but no longer free. Please check directly with the venue for rates.

Old Ottawa South Porch Sale- Sept 8 2012

If you are like me and love digging in people's junk, the Old Ottawa South Porch Sale is where it's at!

Similar to it's sister "Glebe Garage Sale", I personally enjoy this event a whole lot more. In the spirit of making lists - here's why:

1. September 8th is cooler weather than May 28th, so you can go farther and longer!
2. Less people around, less crowded so you can take your time a look
3. Less people means you can bargain more ;)
4. Less people means you have access to parking
5. Access to parking means you can bring your car around with you and buy huge things like furniture
6. Less garage sales per capita means you increase the number of garage sales attended (sorry this is my science brain talking! hahaha)
7. The demographic is...older. Which means you have better items for sale (if you like antiques and more interesting things)

So, as much as I want to support this event and invite people to come, I may be shooting myself in the foot by increasing attendance! Just kidding, it's for a great cause! Sellers are asked to donate a portion of their proceeds to OSCA (the guideline is 10%) to help cover costs of various community initiatives.

Don't forget to take advantage of the street sale on Bank street too! Last year Taylor's was serving delicious take-out pulled pork sandwiches for $5! Wonder what they will be serving this year!

Hope you can make it!
Here are some treasures I found last year.

Jumbo mason jar! Great for punches or lemonade.

Copper pots worth big buck$!! Paid $5 for both! Great for even cooking (like making sauce and melting chocolate)

Cute antique storage box for beauty products.

It's Antique Show time again!

People always ask me where I get my antiques and why I didn't tell them about it! I want to ask them why they don't read my blog!!

There will be lots to see and buy at the Ottawa's Antiquing Event. Bring your cash and your imagination! This three day event come twice a year and will definately keep you coming back for more. Make sure you book October 21, 22, 23 2011!

Loads of parking (No Longer Free, sorry!!) available at the Carleton University Fieldhouse.
Print this coupon to save on your admission fee.

Contact Catherine Knoll (show manager) to be added to their email list.

Spring into The Ottawa Antiques Show

This has to be one of my favorite events in Ottawa! I've posted lots of posts in the past about this event. I have even shared pics of some of the furniture I bought in the past.

Finally it's here, the Spring Ottawa Antiques Show! Print this coupon and save $2 off your entry fee. Admission is $8 for adults over 18.

Friday March 25: 5 pm-9 pm
Saturday March 26: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday March 27: 10 am- 4 pm

Location: The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, at Bronson and Sunnyside Ave. Free parking!!

For more information or to get on the mailing list, email the event here. The event manager is Catherine Knoll. Check out their website.

Out with the old and in with the used!

Hello my O'valliers,

Just a quick reminder that this weekend is the "Ottawa Antiquing Event". October 22-24 2010.

Here is a $2 coupon!

You can also subscribe to get this email at antiques.show@sympatico.ca

Here is a past post about the things I bought at this show:
Antique shops in Ottawa
Things I bought


Hope to see you there!

b&b'ing in style

I'm not sure if you have ever B&B'ed, but if you want to start, I highly recommend doing it in style.

Merickville is about 45 minutes (South West) from Ottawa and is a great place to spend the weekend. It's a little kitchy, but fun. Lots of country antique shops, artisan glass blowing and jewellery, leather, fudge, homemade icecream... your typical Canadian tourisitic site.

The advantage of being in a place Merickville is taking the time to walk around, go site seeing, check out free historical sites and museums.

They have ruins too, which make for excellent picture taking.

Enough about Merickville, Here are some pictures of The Bed and Breakfast at 142 Rideau.

The service was amazing (Bob and Jon are such great people). They made you feel like you were visiting old family friends. The food was delicious and so fresh... fresh from the garden in fact! The beds were so comfortable and were even monogrammed!

The pool area and graden were spectacular! Every space was well decorated. I wish I took pictures inside the house... what a gorgeous home!

I guess if I had to give an honest review, I think the only downside to staying in the loft above the garage is that the bathroom is locate din house. But they provide you with cozy slippers and soft bathrobes, so need to worry!

I really hope you get a chance to go!

oh, that, it's an antique...

According to Wikipedia, "Antiquing" is the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating or barganing for antiques. Items can be bought for personal use, gifts and in the case of brokers dealers, profit. Antiquing is performed at garage sales, estate sales and resort towns, antique districs, collectives and international auction houses.

According to me, it's a lovely Sunday afternoon treasure hunt to decorate your house with one of a kind items that hold a certain value. Antiquing is not for everyone. You must have imagination, desire to be unique and be capable of creating a story behind each peice that you own.

Lucky for me, I work right by an antiquing strip in the Old Ottawa South, on Bank Street. As you can guess, I like to go to these shops once in a while on my lunch break!

Here are a few pics of my journey to " The Ottawa Antique Market". I have only recently discovered this gem. It's kinda hidden, but it's an underground maze capable of travelling back in time. From retro teak furniture to old smelly books, there is something for eveeryone!


There is something about old linnens and quilts that just resonates cozy. I love the colours and the softness of natural materials.

I think old lady hats are so decorative, I would never wear them, I just love to look at them.

I have my eye on the blue cabinet ($1,575) and the copper bucket hanging on top ($65). Wish I could afford it!

I like this book shelf if I was decorating a baby's room... not for a long time!

I don't have any use or space for this bench, but.... I WANT IT!!!!!!! $300 thought? Is it worth it?

There are a few more antique shops walking distance to this market:

- Yardley's Antiques

- Upper Canadian Antique Mart

- Find Design (Lots of retro and teak furniture)

- Champagne dit Lambert Antiques Ltd

I may be missing some... please feel free to complete my list!


Ottawa Antique Show October 22-24 2010

Carleton University- Click here for contact information