You may have read that feature walls are passe. I want to reassure you this is just not so! The concept and style of the feature wall have changed but their use is still going strong.
Read MorePros and Cons of Counter Finishes
A number of you have recently asked about the type of counter material you should select whether it’s for your kitchen or your bathroom. There is a wide selection of counter top materials available which can cause confusion and be overwhelming. The decision really depends on who will use the space, how often, your habits and of course your budget. The decision also depends on the style or look you have in your home or want to achieve. To assist you in your decision making process and/or support future reno decisions, I have summarized the pros and cons of each of the materials currently available.
Read MoreMaximum Style For Small Spaces
While smaller spaces simplify our living situations, they can present a challenge in terms of how to make them comfortable and livable as well as stylish. Consider these simple ‘rules of thumb’ to create maximum style in your homes and keep your spaces appearing bright, spacious and open.
Read MoreEasy Summer Refresh
While we are anxious to spend as much time as possible outdoors during the summer months we still want the inside of our homes to reflect a summer vibe that is also low maintenance. We are firmly in mid summer but a little update and refresh is in order. Try one or more of the following to instantly update to your spaces.
Read MoreSummer Updates for Your Bedroom
Along with the arrival of summer comes the motivation to make updates to our homes. I’m not talking major renos, although I know some of you are doing that, but rather simple, easy updates that will make your home feel lighter and brighter just like the weather outside.
Read MoreFurniture Versus Area Rugs – Where to Place Your Pieces
In last week’s blog post I shared tips for buying area rugs for the various spaces around your home and included some ideas for where to place the rugs relative to furniture in the bedroom and dining room. This week I want to share ideas for furniture placement versus area rugs in the living room. The same ideas and tips will work for area rugs in your family room as well.
Read MoreTips for Choosing an Area Rug
I have found that there are some misconceptions about area rug size which often results in a less than comfortable, put together space. In fact, the biggest mistake I see with respect to size is buying an area rug that is too small for the room. This makes the space appear unbalanced and awkward, like the rug was an afterthought.
Read on for tips to help when choosing an area rug that will be perfect for your space.
Read MoreTips for Well Placed Art Work
Deciding what to hang and where, how to balance the spaces with the art work, etc. can be fun but its placement is often a struggle for us and it can really make or break a space! I say placement because not all art work has to be hung. Pieces of art leaning against the wall whether on a mantel, shelf or even the floor adds a casual, informal vibe to a space and brings an element of the unexpected to the room. Read on for tips to ensure your artwork is well placed and complements your rooms.
Read MoreThe #1 Decor Tip I Learned From Living a Minimalist Life
So, how do you overcome the overwhelm and get started to create the beautiful room you have pictured in your mind? The #1 tip for starting a decor project I have learned from working with my clients and progressing toward a minimalist life myself is
Read More5 Tips for Accessorizing Your Space
Decor accessorizing is one of my fave things about interior design and decor; it’s like a treasure hunt and I do like a good bargain, as well as the fun and challenge of using items for purposes other than their intended use. This week I share tips for accessorizing as the final touch to updating and refreshing your spaces. Read on for guidance!
Read More5 Steps for Creating a Colour Palette
This week I share simple steps for creating a colour palette for the space or spaces you want to update that extends beyond the paint colour.
Read More2019 Home Decor Trends Guaranteed to Inspire You
I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2019 Interior Design Show in Toronto, Canada – this is one of the not to be missed shows for designers and decorators from around the world. A wide range of product companies descend on Toronto to showcase new products and discuss trends and new developments. While I strolled the trade floor and chatted with the company reps, I noticed a number of trends that will be informing design and decor in the coming months and years ahead. I want to share these trends to inspire you as you contemplate spring updates to your abode. Read on!
Read More5 Tips for Picking Colour
When you consider updates such as paint and décor, to our homes I know many of you are afraid of colour. Facing the wall of colour chips in your local home improvement or paint store is intimidating and can have your pulse raising, your eyes glazing over and your mind racing. How do you ever decide what is best for that room we’re making over?! Read on for tips that will boost your colour confidence!
Read MoreEasy Decor Updates for Spring
Hello and happy spring! Who hasn’t been enjoying this glorious sun and longer days?! All this extra light brings more energy and puts a smile on everyone’s face – have you noticed that when you’re out and about? I don’t know about you, but this change of seasons and increased energy make me want to make some changes from my transitional winter decor to a more spring-like look. Read on for some easy updates.
Read MorePaint Finish Cheat Sheet
Perhaps it may not feel like it but Spring will arrive soon and when it does, we want to throw open the windows to the fresh air, embrace the longer days and refresh and update our homes. Many of you may have painting on your list of spring updates and it truly is an economical and relatively easy way to update and refresh your homes. The following info will help you plan for and make decisions about the type of paint you need and what works best in each room in your home. Read on for time saving tips!
Read MoreWhy Does My Colour Look Different?
I had some great feedback and questions about colour. The one that stands out is from a reader who said “I wish I had been able to read it a year ago, I would have chosen a different colour for the apartment! It's the same colour as it was originally, which I always loved, but somehow it looks more yellow this time around – unless I'm starting cataracts!!” This got me thinking that there is even more I can share about colour and explain why it can appear differently than we expect beyond the influence of light or why we may perceive it differently.
Read More3 Steps for Finding the Perfect Paint Colour
Raise your hand if you have ever picked the perfect paint colour off a paint chip only to get the room completely done and realized it isn’t going to work. Yep! My hand is up! All that time, effort and money invested in the room, not to mention the ‘discussions’ with your significant other or the dog and you are soooo disappointed. Read on for 5 tips that will save you not only time, money and aggravation but result in a colour and ambience that you are much happier with.
Read More6 Steps for Updating a Room
Interior decor is like putting together a fantastic outfit. It starts with the basics and builds from there, ‘layering’ in items as you go right down to accessorizing. Decorating a room is really no different and this week I share tips on how to layer a room to get a look you that reflects your style and taste.
Read More3 Decor Updates You Can Complete This Weekend
I know you are often looking for ways to update and refresh your spaces but feel decor updates will be expensive or you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a project. This week I am sharing 3 decor updates that you can complete this weekend – yes, you can finish 1 but all 3 are possible, trust me - without breaking the bank. Read on for tips and motivation.
Read More5 Easy Steps for Styling a Display
Starting an update to any area of your home may be triggered by a change of seasons or special occasion, i.e. Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Sometimes it’s a special occasion called boredom that is the incentive and you are longing for an update and refresh that won’t break the bank. To help you get started, I share the following steps to get you started on the path to a new look in your rooms.
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