Imagine your very own professional and personalized digital or print Design Magazine edition, showcasing your projects and unique value proposition and including articles on the value of the designer and craftsmanship in home furnishings.

This innovative magazine concept is an incredible marketing tool to give you, the designer, credibility and help reach more of your ideal clients.

We are offering 25% off through April 30, 2013. Visit shop.decormentor.com to get all the info and be one of the first designers in your area with their own edition of our professional design magazine!

I have used the language of “mutual wins” for many years.  More recently, the world is seeking to collaborate and share. Some, only for personal gain. Why worry about those select? Embracing an attitude and culture of intentional mutual win collaborations requires transparency, trust, sharing and no longer worrying about hoarding experience and great resources.

We have been collaborating with High Point Market  [ International trade only Home Furnishings Market ] and 220 Elm for the last two years with the goal of elevating other professionals through sharing. Sharing preferred suppliers, products and best business practices. Even when I have thought someone to be a competitor, having the attitude of sharing has been more positive than negative.

Decor Mentor will be launching an innovative new tool for interior designers at High Point Market during all of our sessions. If you are an interior designer attending market and want more and better business, you will not want to miss this!

I truly hope no matter the industry you are in that you seek out or start this kind of community. It’s game changing and the way of the future.

Here is what we are bringing to the table in the next few weeks:

For Anyone…..

New Home Furnishings Product Preview Chat on Twitter | Wednesday, March 20th 6-7pmEST

Anyone can join this chat! Its a great way for those not heading to market to see what the Decor Mentor team has curated as our top picks from High Point Market exhibitors! Our favorite way to follow along www.tweetchat.com/room/hpmkt

_____________________________

For Interior Design Professionals…… Elevate Your Business Workshops | April 20-22

We are sharing our top solutions to our top pain points as designers. We will share real numbers and real tools. You will also have a chance to make connections with your peers that you can carry forward outside market and to have a 15 minute mini mentor session with one of the speakers! We are very grateful to 220 Elm for sponsoring these workshops which are free for design professionals to attend!

Here is everything you want to know:

Elevate Your Business Mentorship: Perfect Pitches & Presentations

Saturday April 20, 2013 3-5:30pm in the Eilersen showroom, #312 at 220 Elm

As interior designers if you don’t see sales as fundamental to your business you are missing out on improving your bottom line. Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson, Kati Curtis and Jennifer Brouwer will openly share their own successful sales and presentation strategies and tools to attract, wow and land your ideal interior design clients! This presentation will be followed by roundtable clusters for peer connecting, elevating and collaborating [grouped by years in business]. There will also be a rare opportunity to connect for 15 minute, one-on-one power mentoring sessions with one of the speakers!  Pre-registration required olb@eilersen.eu

Elevate Your Business Mentorship: Perfect Paperwork 

Sunday April 21, 2013 3-5:30pm in the Leif Petersen showroom, #328 at 220 Elm

Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson and Lisa Kahn will openly share contracts, product worksheets, budget spreadsheets and paperless apps to help you eliminate challenges and improve your efficiency and bottom line. This presentation will be followed by roundtable clusters for peer connecting, elevating and collaborating [grouped by years in business]. There will also be a rare opportunity to connect for 15 minute, one-on-one power mentoring sessions with one of the speakers!  Pre-registration required jay@leifpetersenfurniture.com

Elevate Your Business Mentorship: Our Industry is Changing! Are you?

Monday April 22, 2013 3-5:30pm in the Design 9 showroom, #311 at 220 Elm

Just when you have identified your value proposition, your ideal client and your marketing strategy, you discover how your ideal client decorates and shops is beginning to look a lot different. Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson, Beth Dotolo, Carolina Gentry and Elaine Williamson will openly share insight into our new challenges as designers and offer innovative strategies not only to navigate the new waters but to thrive in them! This presentation will be followed by roundtable clusters for peer connecting, elevating and collaborating [grouped by years in business]. There will also be a rare opportunity to connect for 15 minute, one-on-one power mentoring sessions with one of the speakers!  Pre-registration required tricia@design9inc.com

__________________________________

Also for interior designers at High Point Market is the Designer Viewpoints Series “What Price Is Right?” panel on Sunday, April 21 at noon in the High Point Theatre, at the Transportation Terminal. We are honoured to be sharing and to have this session co-sponsored by High Point Market Authority and ASID

“What Price Is Right?”

How do you bill for your goods and services as an interior designer without overcharging, or worse, undercharging? Designers struggle with that question as they work to balance their hard costs with payment for their intellectual property, creativity and most importantly-experience! A panel of Principal designers from various companies through out the U.S. and Canada will discuss what they have found to be the best options for their businesses. They will discuss new ideas that can aid you in getting optimal dollars for the goods and services you provide. The panel, led by Decor Mentor founder Lisa Ferguson, includes designers Jennifer Brouwer, Kati Curtis, Lisa Kahn and Elaine Williamson. 1 CEU Credit

Meet our team presenting at Market. All with at least 10 years experience each:

Lisa Ferguson | Toronto, Ontario | Lisa Ferguson Interior Design 

Lisa Kahn| Naples, Florida | Kahn Design Group 

Jennifer Brouwer | Markham, Ontario | Jennifer Brouwer Design 

Elaine Williamson| Dallas, Texas | Elaine Williamson Designs 

Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry Dallas | Texas and Seattle, Washington | Pulp Design Studios 

Kati Curtis| New York City, New York | Nirmada 

 Like many of you who are learning new and innovative methods to streamline your design business, I have started referring to this phrase after reviewing a Facebook post, and subsequent blog post, by a colleague discussing how sales representatives can more effectively service interior designers.  Taking those thoughts one step forward, how can our respective sales people become more integrated within our design business?  How can we harness their knowledge and value for more effective ordering processing?  One answer is to build a teamlining approach and integrate them as part of your team, your collaborative staff.

I recently made staffing changes and for the first time in many years was without the services of a design assistant.  Without this assistant to oversee details and keep projects on track, utilizing a teamlining process fulfills (even if just temporarily) the need for additional team members on various projects.  The concept is simple, getting collaborative reps involved, provides more oversight on project progress and drives accountability.  Even clients can be involved by sending a digital magazine of the project.

Every week I send an email to all reps with open orders requesting a status update. By working together, they have come to understand my processes and requirements, and often times already have their replies handy.  This collaborative teamlining allows me to keep in constant communication with my reps, stay top of mind within the management of their territory business, continue to foster our relationships and provides them an opportunity to be part of the solution and service to a client.  As the designer interacting with a teamlining group, you are not just a name, you are a face.

It has truly become a win-win situation. The reps and manufacturers who participate, stay involved in the process and avoid being overlooked when specification times rolls around for our next client.  The reps and manufactures consequently sell more product and gain our firm’s loyalty.  Whether your business is at full staff, re-organizing or preparing for staff increases, the process of teamlining is an effective means to ensure direct, and desired project participation.  In the past reps, dropped samples and took orders.  By teamlining, the reps are now working for the designer.  By making them a part of the team requires reps to keep track of orders and respond weekly to order status. This change from streamlining to teamlining may also work for your continued business success and be a mutual win for the sales representative and manufacturer.

Elaine Williamson, author of this feature, is a full service Interior Design firm in Dallas, Texas. Elaine would love to talk to you about designing a space expressly for you. Elaine opts not to go for a signature style but takes her lead from her client’s personal style!

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

I am very thankful that I have such a great job.   I LOVE what I do.  It’s not as glamorous as one may think, there is a lot of work that goes into renovating a space.  There are a lot of ups and downs, surprises along the way, delays, and days when you just want to start over.  But there is that one moment, the one you see on tv where the room is at it’s final stages and you think to yourself, “ Damn, that looks great!”

This is one of those projects.  It turned out far better than I ever imagined despite the ups and down moments.  I had an amazing crew of talented craftsmen who worked on these details with me , making sure it was all perfect, safe and super kid friendly.

This is the ultimate in kids spaces….

Bedroom or Rumpus Room…

I designed this kid’s room to grow with the kids. I kept it contemporary, with clean lines and modern fixtures.  We combined white lacquered cabinetry with cherry wood cabinetry details for a timeless look. 

As I started to space plan, I immediately realized that simple architectural elevations were not enough to see the varying heights and angles in the space. So we simultaneously designed the room in 2D and 3D. It was the only way to get the design perfect.

It was a complete renovation! Removing and adding walls to make space more functional.  It is very important to keep in mind while designing these types of loft beds that you have the right amount of support for people to walk on the second level.  In our case here, we had to add blocking in between the 2×4’s for the extra support.  

Very often you will hear designers say “ it is all in the details”.  Well, we went to town detailing every square inch of this space, creating those details.  We installed a rock climbing wall and added warehouse caged lights under platform and put them on dimmers.  Adding dimmers to any light fixture adds flexibility to create different atmospheres. There’s an incredible amount of storage and built-in drawers.  The drawers are dressed with leather and chrome pulls adding warmth and texture.  A corner library under the windows, rope to climb down or up from loft platform, Wish I could show you all the details of the entire room, but then I would be giving away all my secrets. 

This Kids space featured in Dwell Magazine July/August issue 2011

Erica Islas founder of EMI Interior Design, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Los Angeles. Erica would love to talk to you about designing a smart thoughtful space expressly for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

Often we work with clients who are avid art collectors and have extensive collections that we’re lucky enough to be able to feature in our designs. But now and then we come across clients who seek our advice on where to start. There are no rules for collecting art – as long as it speaks to you we say do it. However, there are some simple things to remember when buying, framing, hanging and enjoying your art collection.

Here are our 10 simple rules for art:

1.    The art should be the star.  Don’t let your frame compete with your art. An ornate frame can highlight an ornate piece, but could overshadow something modern.

2.    Always use a professional to mount or frame your art – don’t insult your art with anything less!

3.    Don’t buy art to match the furniture. A truly curated art collection speaks for itself.

The art need not match the furniture

4.    Photography is more than black and white. Ansel Adams’ are beautiful, but color photographs can be sophisticated, stunning, and add interest to your interior.

5.    Buy art that speaks to you personally. The amount you paid for it is irrelevant! If you love it – it’s right.

6.    You are NOT Andy Warhol. Please don’t insult his name by “Warholizing” photos of yourself, your kids or your pets. There is a time and place for everything and you don’t need to memorialize yourself just yet. Buy what YOU love!

7.    You don’t need everyone’s opinion. Don’t ask your friends or co-workers if they like or approve of your art. Art is extremely subjective, and what matters is if you’re happy with it.

8.    Hand art at eye level. Most people hang art too high. 60” on center above your finished floor is a great rule of thumb.

9.    Photography can be a great less expensive alternative. Fine photography can be a sophisticated and high-end addition to your home or office.

10. Whatever the cost make sure you preserve your pieces. Use high quality, museum grade mounting boards and non-glare, UV protective glass when framing your art.

Our team of experts at Nirmada is always available to help you procure and develop an art collection you will love for years to come.

Nirmada, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in New York City. Kati would love to talk to you about designing a space expressly for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

A pillow is just a pillow…

I can not tell you how many times I get to see an ah-hah moment in person or hear it over the phone when I say to clients – your home is meant to be lived in.  Yes, it is meant to have paint scuffs, toys on the floor from time to time, and signs that life occurs within those walls.

In Feng Shui- a house that displays “perfection” contains little Chi.

So often clients are afraid to have the quote, unquote Good Stuff if they have children or pets or whatever it is they are using as the reason why.  Here is what I say:

A pillow is just a pillow.

Meaning that when implemented wisely you can indeed have silk pillows and children.  Shocker! Why is this? Because at the end of the day you can have your pillow cover dry cleaned or better yet have an extra cover in the linen closet for the days your soiled on is being cleaned.  It is really not that difficult.

Moreover, is it the end of the world if your best friend spills red wine on that pillow? No. It’s a pillow and your friendship is more valuable than a whole bed full of down and feather goodness. There are FAR more important things in this world and your world than worrying over a pillow.

Or take this example- remember a time when you have been invited to someone’s home and you’ve sat on edge because you know you best not drop that deviled egg or spill that drink? That was good times right? Wrong!

As I say- the most important element of any room is how you FEEL inside of it and nobody –host and guests alike- want to feel uncomfortable. My opinion is that a room should always be sophisticated and approachable.

You achieve sophistication (among other ways) through the inclusion of luxurious touches and you remain approachable through keeping things in perspective and embracing the perfection of imperfection.

So uncork that Poe Pinot and pour me a glass because I love me a good red wine!

Saavedra Design Studio, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Los Angeles, California. James Saavedra would love to talk to you about designing a commercial or residential space expressly for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

“If you think its expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”  – Red Adair -

When you look around your home, is it dated, tired or perhaps both.  Have you torn hundreds of magazines to shreds in the hopes of finding the perfect picture that epitomizes your “design vision”. Still no success? Now what?

Here is a list of tips that will help you uncover the secrets to design success.

1. What is your focus: Frequently I hear “I’m not sure where to begin”. Well, needless to say everyone’s philosophy concerning this topic is different, however, I believe the hub of the home is always the kitchen so I often start there. Next I typically address family room, the living room and finally, the dining room. I believe that you should start with the rooms that you live in first. You can tackle the more formal, less often used rooms later. Families today tend to live less formally and we are busier than ever so make sure those areas in your home that are used for day to day living are functional and pleasant to be in.
2. Budget:  Do you know how much you would like to invest in the project? Is your budget realistic? Have you done your homework? Do you know the true cost of renovating a space? Have you consulted with a professional, a designer or contractor to find out how they can potentially save you thousands of dollars?
3. Plan: Have you thought this through? Have you specified your selections and weighed your options? For example, have you compared the cost of prefab vs. custom fabrication, re-facing cabinets vs. new?  Make sure you gather as much information as possible and come up with a plan that is executable.
4. Organize: Organize the list of tasks to be done and make sure you are realistic with timelines. Contact trades at least three months before you want to begin your project. Good trades are busy and you may need to push back you idea start time, but exception workmanship is worth the wait. Knowing what you want and finalizing details accordingly keeps your project on schedule. Indecisiveness and changes cause unnecessary delays. Contractors may send crews to other jobs if they have to wait for re-ordered products or for you to make final construction decisions.
5. Preplan your Decor: Consider finish details early.  Research various floor plans and cost out each furniture arrangement. Keep in mind that some choices will be more costly than others for example, a sectional will be more expensive than a sofa but it may but more appropriate for the space. If you plan well, organize and make these decisions early on you will have the flexibility to redirect funds into other areas if the need arises.
6. Choosing Finishes: Check out various websites to research lighting options, art work and accessories early. Each decision you make that helps to define the  finished space will keep your budget on track.

• -Think about whether you would like wallpaper or a faux finish as a fabulous feature wall to add wow a room!
• -Properly sized rugs, hide flooring that may require a little tender loving care
• -Gorgeous lamps and furnishing can distract you from noticing unappealing architectural structures like small baseboards or awkward duct work boxes.
• -Window treatments frame windows and also have several fabulous options for increasing UV protection and decreasing energy costs

7. Consider Investment Value and resale potential: Although I am a advocate of “prepping your home” for sale, staging a house, as a philosophy, disheartens me terribly. Why anyone would wait to beautify their home until they are leaving is beyond me. If you are going to spend money at least enjoy it! Love it! Reap the benefits of a newly renovated space. This being said, regardless of whether you are staying or leaving, always consider- how your renovation, modifications will effect the resale value of your home. 

Jennifer Brouwer Interior Design, author of this feature, is a full service Interior Design firm in Markham, Ontario. Jennifer would love to talk to you about designing and managing a renovation for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina, is like the New York Fashion Week for interior design and home furnishings. Designers, retailers and media descend on the small town with big furniture clout, to the tune of nearly 80,000 from across the globe, to be the first to see the new goods and purchase them. The fact that this upcoming fall market has a huge fashion focus makes the anticipation for Oct all that much greater!

Decor Mentor is such a huge fan of market that we collaborate with High Point on several initiatives with a purpose of elevating our peers.

Pre market: Tues September 11, 2012 at 6pm ET we are kicking off the market countdown by sharing a preview of favorite items of some of our Decor Mentor team [ Kati Curtis, Erica Islas, Elaine Williamson, Jennifer Brouwer and Lisa Kahn ]. Join us for the Market Preview Twitter Chat and use #HPmkt hashtag to be in the know!

Saturday October 13

• Saturday at market: Long time market attendee Lisa Kahn and I will lead the Designer Orientation Seminar. A must attend for the inside scoop on how to work market and what not to miss! Saturday October 13, 2012 11-11:45 am at High Point Theatre, in the Transportation Terminal
• Saturday at market: The Mutual Mentorship Model: Peer Sharing for a Collective Win Seminar. A unique way to exchange tips, tools, and ideas with other designers and retailers through peer mentoring. Decor Mentor design pros Kati Curtis, Jennifer Brouwer, and Lisa Kahn will share best practices and case studies, showcasing how working with your competition can actually elevate your business. Saturday October 13, 2012 12-1:30 pm  at High Point Theatre, in the Transportation Terminal
• Saturday at market: Elevate your Business Workshop. Our team of mentors have over 100 years of combined experience and will offer proven, yet fresh, tips and tools to elevate your design business. This intensive workshop for design pros will show you how to work through top “pain points”. [ Panel  Lisa Ferguson, Elaine Williamson, Kati Curtis,Jennifer Brouwer and Lisa Kahn ] Pre-register editorial@highpointmarket.org. Saturday October 13, 2012 4-4:45pm at 22o Elm building in the Innovation Showroom Suite 300
• Saturday at market: Elevate Wall Kick off Party  We will kick off the interactive and educational installation titled ELEVATE. ELEVATE will allow design pros to post their business cards and take cards left by others in an exchange of expertise, encouragement, and inspiration. Saturday October 13, 2012 4:45-6pm at 220 Elm 3rd floor . The wall will be up through all six days of Market, Oct. 13-18

• 

And some of the great brands and people we work with came through with $18,500 worth of prizes. Most to help designers elevate their businesses!

• $10,000 Strategic Sessions & Communication Analysis Package from All Strategy’s founder Carla Wood  www.allstrategy.net @allstrategy
• $5000 Custom logo package from Joel Clements at Brainstorm Studios www.brainstormstudio.ca @brainstorm411
• $1500 worth of Gelaskins gift cards [ they made our fabulous ELEVATE iphone and ipad cases ] www.gelaskins.com @gelaskins
• $750 Social Media Consulting package from Social North’s founder, Julia Rosien www.socialnorth.com @SocialNorth
• $500 Innovation Set of 3 Grid Tables with solid wood tops with mocha maple finish and silky black metal legs [ showing at 220 Elm ] www.innovationliving.com
• $500 Staffing Coaching Package from Architect and Design Recruiter, Karen L Fisher [ 2 hours ] @KarenLFisher
• $250 Photography Consulting Package from professional photographer Stacey Van Berkel [ 1.5 hours ] on either “How to get your work published” or give you styling critique for your portfolio. www.StaceyVanBerkel.com @StaceyVanBerkel
• 100 Elevate iphone and ipad cases made by Gelaskins

And you thought market was just about new product! Wondering what other seminars we will be attending? Here is a peak at our seminar calendar:

• Saturday Oct 13
• Saturday Oct 13 10-11:30am Seminar: Design Dollars: Mobile and Social Commerce: Prepare To Win with Leslie Carothers–at Market Square – Antique & Design Center- Lecture Room on Mezzanine Level . We really wish we could attend this one, but alas havent perfect the art of being in two places at once!
• Sunday Oct 14
• Sunday Oct 14 7:30-9am Withit Breakfast with Kathy Ireland and Angelo Surmelis- Bootstrapping Your Brand in a Challenged Economy– at IHFC – Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A
• Sunday Oct 14 12-1:30pm Seminar: Using Social Media to Define and Establish your Presence as a Designer with the lovely Traci Zeller at 741 W. Ward Ave. – ZAAR Design Center
• Sunday Oct 14 2-4pm Seminar: Profit Mystery Solved: Simple Solutions to Reclaim Your Value and Your Money at High Point Theatre at the Transportation Terminal [ geared towards designers ]
• Sunday October 14 4-6pm Celebration of Sanctuary Party- The Lisa Kahn Collection for Chelsea House at 200 N. Hamilton St. – Chelsea House, Suite 104
• Monday Oct 15
• Monday October 15 11-12pm Seminar: Partnering With Interior Designers to Increase Volume & Profit with Mary Knackstedt at 414 North Wrenn – McKinley Leather Showroom
• Monday October 15 12-1:30pm Seminar: What Your Clients Want with VP of Marketing for Houzz at High Point Theatre, at the Transportation Terminal
• Monday October 15 2-3pm Seminar: Business Development and the Business of Interior Design with Mary Knackstedt at 415 W. High Ave. – Red Egg Showroom

High Point Market is from October 13-18, 2012 and is open to media, retailers and designers.

Autumn is making an entrance

Fall always feels more like the ‘New Year’ than the first of January for me. As summer fades away and children settle in to school days, it’s time to look again to our homes and get them ready with some fall decorating.  Treat yourself to a new set of coloured pencils….in the form of accessories of course.

One of the best ways to welcome fall is by creating a vibrant and layered entrance to your home.  Introduce warm fall colour  to greet your guests and say hello to your neighbours.  Add texture through autumn friendly plant materials and shots of colour with a few pumpkins and gourds.

Welcome fall colour to your house’s entry:

• The sun sets earlier and twilight falls quickly. Use candles in large hurricanes to light your entry and guide your guests.
• Outdoor cushions in fall colours reinforce and repeat the tones in flower pots and the turning tree leaves.
• Add a new mat at the door to wipe wet and muddy feet and prevent too much of the outside coming in.
• Use combinations of the abundant colours available in potted mums. Pansies, Black Eyed Susans and some grasses all thrive until well into late fall.  Add dried flowers or other embellishments to round out colours or textures.
• Incorporate pumpkins and gourds for their shape, colour and texture.
• No room for a pot or a chair? That’s OK – add a leafy wreath to your door

elle design, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Calgary, Alberta. LeAnne would love to talk to you about designing a space expressly for you. 

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.

A great kitchen design is set apart from others because of small but important details. Interior designers know this, and therefore pay attention to these little intricacies that make their spaces come alive. Without these special elements a room becomes flat and basic. This holds true for all parts of the house including the hardworking kitchen. Since the kitchen is the room we spend the most time in, it should be sprinkled with unique design components making it a beautiful space to work in. Today, I’m going to show you ten ways in which my design firm added special details to this small kitchen giving it big style.

1} Oversized light fixtures in sparkling polished nickel create presence and give importance to the island as well as provide illumination. Instead of selecting small pendants for your island lighting, go big and bold.

2} Make your hood fan an architectural element by using a unique shape, moulding and brackets. Centre this element to create symmetry.

3} Further enhance your range by adding a tile feature above it in a contrasting material. For this kitchen, we installed a glass mosaic accent above the range while the balance of the backsplash was tiled with a simple ceramic.

4} Use pretty hardware like these crystal knobs to elevate the design of the kitchen. Hardware is one component of a kitchen that is touched, so select something that feels good to hold and also looks great on close inspection.

5} Drop some of your cabinets down to the countertop to frame your range and provide extra storage. This keeps your counters uncluttered by providing a space to tuck small appliances and other kitchen items that are normally left on the counter.

6} Consider the shape of your island countertop. The eating area of this island is arched making it more comfortable to sit at by deepening the leg room below.

6} Take your cabinets to the ceiling to accentuate height and provide extra storage. Try adding some architectural detail here too, like arching the cabinets which in this kitchen echos the shape of the island.

7} Add some glass to break up the cabinetry. If you are not planning to display items in these cabinets, use obscured textured glass. In this case, we designed pretty bevelled glass inserts to mimic a curio cabinet so our client could display her crystal collection.

8} Don’t forget about the base of the cabinets. Incorporating furniture details like this decorative kick below the microwave gives a sophisticated look to this utilitarian area.

9} Design your island like a piece of furniture. We were inspired by a piece of furniture we found with decorative legs. We had our cabinet maker incorporate this detail on the island. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece that makes a bold statement.

10} Set the island apart from the rest of the cabinets by constructing it out of a different material and finishing it in a contrasting colour.

When looking at a room, it’s not always apparent that it is the small details that make it an inviting, beautiful space. By paying attention to design details even in the kitchen, you can create a unique and interesting room for you to enjoy.

Corea Sotropa, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Calgary, Alberta. Jacqueline would love to talk to you about designing a space expressly for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.