One afternoon not long ago, I found myself on an historic stroll of downtown Calgary. Not on purpose mind you – it so happened I was trying out a new hairstylist on the same day I was attending a seminar, just blocks from each other. It seemed every where I turned, gorgeous chandeliers, mirrors, and windows greeted me! Here are some highlights from the day.

My first destination was the Corner Salon in the Alberta Grain Exchange Building. Incredible carved doors guarded the entrance to the building. The leaded glass windows were simply divine! Feeling like a tourist in my own city, I stopped to take a photo.

Just inside the foyer I was greeted by this substantial marble-framed mirror and marble-topped bureau. The doors were reflected beautifully and the clocks above let me know I was in a building of national import! Well, the fellow holding the elevator was pretty sure I was a tourist now anyway – what’s a few more snaps?

On the top floor, I found my way to the Corner Salon. A lofty space that was indeed in the corner of the building, the salon had views in two directions. Also, someone with a really cool sense of style had personalized the place. I loved this unique chandelier and the bold colours behind it.

The stylist informed me that this was quite the historic building – the province’s first skyscraper! At just 6 floors high it still held enough beauty and character to stand tall among the latest builds, in my opinion.

On my way out I took note of the original hardwood floors (they don’t engineer them like they used to!) and the vintage lamps that lit my way:

Rather less ornate than the rest of the lighting I’d encountered so far, but with a classic, streamlined charm.

Onwards to the seminar! Pleasantly it was to take place in another of Calgary’s historic buildings: The Palliser Hotel. This former CP Rail hotel opened its doors in 1914. For a time my grandfather was a baker there, and to me the place has always oozed elegance. I couldn’t help but snap the grand chandelier in the main lobby:

Isn’t the reflection extraordinary? I love to see how designers incorporate over-the-top chandeliers like this in more modern applications, for example in contrast to a simple wooden harvest table. But it’s also lovely to see such a beauty where she feels right at home, with a ceiling designed to frame the light she emits.

One last snap before I’m off to the seminar: the neo-classical entrance to the Oval Room. So very pretty.

Yep, while I love the refined, unfussy offspring of function + form that mid-20th century designers produced, and the many iterations inspired since … there is something about the rich craftsmanship and old-world elegance of our historic buildings that gets me every time.

Hope you enjoyed this little tour too!