environmental designer home-furniture

Penthouse Showcase Media Event

2012-02-13T09:27:00.014-05:00

Saturday I held a Pop Up Private Media Open House at my Penthouse Showcase Project. To enjoy some wine and cheese with industry friends and to showcase how you can furnish an entire space with only shopping at two stores on budget with only a week turn around time. Thank you BoConcept and IKEA! (with a few w&c pieces mixed in)

Opening the party with TV personality Nicholas Rosaci, Blog extraordinaire Vitania M Liscio, Eventful PR Sharyn Smith and Moi.

PR rep Sharyn Smith and Yummy Mummy writer and City Line personality Sarah Gunn.

The stunning interior designer Jennifer Brouwer posing with City Line and Dabble DIY Nicolas and PR rep Sharyn.

City Line colour expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault enjoying the cheese platter.

My design assistant Chanele Cote enjoying the party after long hours spent at the Penthouse putting everything together with me and Maeve.

Dabble editor Victoria and Dabble DIY'er Nicolas ending the night for us at the event and posing with BoConcept's catalog.

Real Estate listing and details of the Penthouse.

http://www.venturehomes.ca/VirtualTour.asp?TourID=25831

Thank you everyone for taking a peak at the space and I want to say a special thank you to BoConcept and IKEA for the awesome furniture pieces and time spent with me on the this Project. I know it was a very tight time frame, you guys were awesome!

Make sure to watch out for the entire project showcased on City Line in the next couple of weeks!

Until the next Pop Up Media Event,

Jo Alcorn

w&c designer girl! xo

White Kitchen Inspiration!

2012-02-04T14:03:00.009-05:00

No words needed . . . .

(was searching google images for white kitchens and this is what I found)

Oh I am so in LOVE with white . . . . .

My Favorite!!! xo

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Eco-Jo: Let's talk Flame Retardant!

2012-01-25T10:48:00.003-05:00

Read the article at :

http://verdigrisvie.blogspot.com/2012/01/eco-chic-flame-retardant.html

Until next time,

w&c design girl!

My Favorite Things @ CB2

2012-01-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

So my favorite picks for the month of January is at Crate and Barrel's sister store CB2, just in time for their Queen Street East location opening very soon!! It's about time Toronto got a CB store. . . . www.cb2.com

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Guest post by Design Shuffle - Fun Walls!

2012-01-02T12:19:00.004-05:00

Happy 2012 everyone!! To start this new year Design Shuffle is sharing with us Stylish and Fun Walls and Colour trends that you will be seeing this year! Oh lala . . .

"Hi, I’m Joanna, a guest blogger with Design Shuffle, and online showcase of interior designers work from around the globe. I love all things design and fortunately, I spend my days searching the web for the most creative and beautiful rooms. Thanks for letting me share some of my finds with you today. Bold colors and big patterns are not for the faint of heart. To decorate and live with these design elements takes a fearless attitude. We love how a classic home can be transformed by simply using brilliant hues and patterns on the walls. Take a look at some of our favorite interior designs with stylish walls.

This chartreuse wall is framed in black with a soft blue background. The black makes a strong statement in a contemporary bedroom.

A country kitchen gets a splash of tangerine above the board and batten wall. This vivid shade of orange is trending hot right now.

A traditional style living room goes contemporary with brilliant blue walls. The touches of blue on chairs and tables anchor the color on neutral furnishings.

A soft silver metallic wallpaper gives this simplistic interior design a sophisticated feel. The modern lamp in silver and chrome carries silver off the walls and into the room.

Fun and feminine wallpaper dresses up this bathroom for a fresh and cheeky look. The white sink and dresser add just enough contrast against the busy pattern.

Another chic bathroom takes the pattern into the shower and out into the bathroom. Does this room inspire any interior design ideas of your own?

A peacock blue sofa takes center stage against chartreuse, black and mint green walls and doors. White trim at the doors make the other hues pop. This room is filled with decorating ideas.

Lots of bright color, whimsical pattern and brilliantly hued furnishings give this room an adrenaline shot.Images 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Are you inspired enough to take the color plunge? You'll find more great color ideas and inspiration at Design Shuffle. You can learn about interior design styles and connect with Boston interior designers and more!"

www.designshuffle.com

Thanks Joanne! Have fun everyone dressing your walls this year :)

until next time, w&c designer girl!

2012 Design Trends on Breakfast Television

2011-12-22T07:00:00.011-05:00

Jo was on Breakfast Television this morning talking trends! Watch the segment on

http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1342536435001.000000/thursday-8am9am/

Items supplied by:

Daniel Stuart Studio www.danielstuartstudio.com/

Bou Clair

IDEE 17 www.idee17.com/

Home Sense

Check out Jo's 2o12 Design Trend Forecast on the Home Sav Blog;

" We all have to turn to someone for inspiration. The fashion industry turns to the cosmetic companies to forecast their trends, and the Design industry always turns to the fashion world to forecast the newest trends for the upcoming year. We’ve been watching the runways, and here’s what’s in store for 2012 décor.

Colour is back! We’re exiting an era where walls were neutral and we relied on our accessories to pull colour into a room. 2012 will bring walls with actual colours! 2011 brought us blues, purples and moody hues in accessories, and 2012 is bringing that colour scheme to our paint choices. It’s an updated throwback to 80s décor: over-accessorised, textile crazy and moody bold colours will slink into our rooms. (We all remember the deep wall colours, dramatic drapes, and multiple patterns from the 80s).Of course, we’re not looking to repeat the trend exactly. Instead, we’re inspired by the 80s elements and can pair them with modern design aesthetics to achieve a truly unique look! For an example of beautiful 80s inspired décor, I have two words: Kelly Wearstler. Long considered ahead of her time, she’s now the icon for achieving this new look. Do I dare even mutter the words, wallpapered ceilings and coloured trim???Proud Patterns! Multiple patterns will be mixed and used to create humour within spaces that were once all one colour. Don’t be afraid to be quirky: pair traditional floral patterns with loose geometric patterns. Before, one bold pattern would set the tone for the entire room. Now it’s a competition of how many you can use! Tricia Guild anyone?" . . . . To read the full article http://livsavvy.com/?p=3725

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Great Speakers!

2011-12-14T16:29:00.004-05:00

We had yet another fabulous semester of speakers at Humber College North Campus this Fall term. The students and myself were able to learn so much from each speaker and what they had to bring to the table on the design industry and the products and companies within it.
I want to send out a huge THANK YOU too:

Janine @ Para Paint
Fernando @ International Logistics & Stone Distribution
Carson Arthur
Morgan @ Richelieu
Mike @ Keilhauer
Terry Edward Briceland
Michael @ IDEE17
Vitania @ Verdigris Vie
Zsolt @ Zsemba

Thank you all for helping to shape the minds of the future designers. Appreciate your time and expertise shared with us!

Sincerely,
w&c designer girl!

2012 Design Trends Forecast!

2011-12-13T09:34:00.009-05:00

Check out Jo's 2o12 Design Trend Forecast on the Home Sav Blog;

" We all have to turn to someone for inspiration. The fashion industry turns to the cosmetic companies to forecast their trends, and the Design industry always turns to the fashion world to forecast the newest trends for the upcoming year. We’ve been watching the runways, and here’s what’s in store for 2012 décor.

Colour is back! We’re exiting an era where walls were neutral and we relied on our accessories to pull colour into a room. 2012 will bring walls with actual colours! 2011 brought us blues, purples and moody hues in accessories, and 2012 is bringing that colour scheme to our paint choices. It’s an updated throwback to 80s décor: over-accessorised, textile crazy and moody bold colours will slink into our rooms. (We all remember the deep wall colours, dramatic drapes, and multiple patterns from the 80s).
Of course, we’re not looking to repeat the trend exactly. Instead, we’re inspired by the 80s elements and can pair them with modern design aesthetics to achieve a truly unique look! For an example of beautiful 80s inspired décor, I have two words: Kelly Wearstler. Long considered ahead of her time, she’s now the icon for achieving this new look. Do I dare even mutter the words, wallpapered ceilings and coloured trim???Proud Patterns! Multiple patterns will be mixed and used to create humour within spaces that were once all one colour. Don’t be afraid to be quirky: pair traditional floral patterns with loose geometric patterns. Before, one bold pattern would set the tone for the entire room. Now it’s a competition of how many you can use! Tricia Guild anyone?"

To read the full article http://livsavvy.com/?p=3725

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

My Favorite Things @ Switch Studio

2011-12-06T09:46:00.010-05:00

My new series, "My Favorite Things" has brought us today a special guest Staci Edwards, owner of Switch Studio. Her products and designs are too adorable and a perfect example of the treasures that are out there, that we might not know about. I caught up with Staci and asked her a few questions to really understand her designs and what she does:

Hello Staci!
1. What does your company do/make?

At Switch Studio I’m working hard to make reupholstery and furniture refinishing cool again! I take old furniture pieces, giving them a little TLC and a whole lot of style by redesigning, refinishing, and reupholstering them into beautiful one of a kind pieces for my clients to love. I also make other custom home decor items such as seat cushions, throw pillows, and curtains to help home owners complete the look. And if you need help coordinating fabrics with your interior then you’re in luck, because my background is Design, and I offer in-home consultations too.

"MY FAVORITE PIECE!!"

2. How did you get started with this new adventure?

I’ve always been drawn to the art of upholstery and furniture refinishing; I remember redoing furniture pieces I salvaged from my grandparents’ basement as I child – I mean, who needs Barbie Dolls when you have old furniture laying around? Okay, maybe I was an odd child, but that has helped to lead me to my true passion, and to the opening of Switch Studio - Hooray!
I truly loved being a Designer, but I always felt as though something was missing, so after some soul searching I realized it was that hands on element of actually creating something {which I enjoyed so much as a child} that I was craving. So, I decided to refocus a little more on the furniture refinishing and upholstery while still offering the design services that I enjoy doing, and Switch Studio was born!
3. What is your design philosophy and approach?

I cannot say I have a typical design approach, as every piece and person is so very different. I feel strongly that people should live with what they love, so when I redesign a piece, I really take the client’s taste into consideration first. I do try and gently guide clients to be a little more daring and step out of their comfort zone, just a little, in order to get a unique and show stopping piece. Next, I get to know the piece - Each piece really has it’s own ‘personality’ so to speak, so that helps to determine how I go about recreating it into something new and improved.

4. Are there any environmental components to your products?

At Switch Studio I do what I can to make the most environmentally responsible decisions whenever possible, because it is something near and dear to my heart. I don’t encourage reusing furniture pieces you already have just because that is my business, but also because it helps to keep these items out of the already very full landfills. I choose the greenest products possible to redo your pieces such as, zero VOC paint, water based glue, natural felt, and soy-based eco-foam and use eco-friendly packaging for shipping. To continue my green focus, our bags and business cards are printed on recycled materials, and to try to keep printing down to a minimum, we do all of our marketing and communications via email whenever possible. Basically, at Switch Studio, we’re kind of like happy little green fairies that happen to makeover furniture too!

5. Where can people find and buy your designs?

Thanks for asking! Most of our business is creating or redoing custom pieces for clients, so if you’d like a piece done please email the studio at info@switchstudio.ca for more information. I’m also working on creating items for sale, which can be purchased at our Etsy Shop. You can browse and purchase from our shop by visiting our website at www.switchstudio.ca and clicking on the SHOP button.6. Do you have a design tip or saying you would like to share?

"I feel strongly that people should live with what they love…”

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

My Home Sav Inspired Pick SALE!!

2011-12-05T09:58:00.004-05:00

My Home Sav Inspired Pick SALE starts TODAY!! Must have pieces for under the tree!!! https://www.homesav.com/
https://www.homesav.com/catalogue/vendors/inspired-picks-by-jo-alcorn

Luxury Home Decor for Inspired Living - HomeSav.com
www.homesav.com

Make sure to check out my blog post on the 2012 forecasted design trends!!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl. xo

Jo's favorite things! @West Elm

2011-11-03T09:32:00.005-04:00

A series is born, Jo's favorite things! Once a month I will pick a store and my favorite things within the store and showcase them to you! My first stop .... West Elm,

Decorating 101 Workshop - Nov 26th

2011-10-25T12:19:00.001-04:00

www.whitewashco.ca

support@whitewashco.ca

Steven and Chris show - Chaz on Charles!

2011-10-20T09:44:00.009-04:00

Did you miss the Steven and Chris show yesterday? Watch online! Jo takes us on a tour of the fab Chaz on Charles model suite and later shows us some cleaver one wall storage solutions!

Many Thanks to IKEA, West Elm, Bou Clair and Montauk for suppling the pieces for the "One wall storage" segment!!

Wondering where Jo's necklaces are from?? Make sure to Check Out Stella & Dot!!

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/jordilee

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Eco Jo Series - breaking down the GREEN marketing terms!

2011-10-19T12:56:00.005-04:00

I have been writing a new blog for my good friend at Verdigris Vie, Eco Chic, where I talk about the controversy behind green labels and the environmental movement. Once a month I break down a Green marketing term and hopefully help open eyes and raise questions to the Greenwashing that is happening within the stores we shop in. Here is part one to the series, and remember to be truly green you must be constantly asking questions!

http://verdigrisvie.blogsport.com/2011/02/eco-chic-jo-alcorn.html

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Oh LaLa to Italian Floors!!

2011-09-21T16:41:00.009-04:00

I had the pleasure of being introduced to this Stunning new Italian Floor line, which has just made its big entrance into Canada!! And I say BIG entrance, because they are bringing a whole new look and style to how you lay your hardwood floors.

The fashion world has now collided with the floor world!!

"Gazzotti was founded in 1910 in Bologna, Italy with the goal of reviving the traditional craft of wood flooring. Their distinctive hardwood flooring quickly became renowned through Italy for the quality of wood and caliber of skilled craftsmanship. In fact, Gazzotti eventually became know as the favourite flooring supplier to the Italian royal family, and its floors have been installed in Prada stores throughout the world."

"Over the years Gazzotti has revolutionized the art of fine flooring with the new techniques while remaining faithful to tradition. For example, in 1978 Gazzotti introduced ProntoParquet, a new pre-finished two-ply engineered floor that revolutionised the world of hardwood flooring and drastically changed its construction. Always ahead of the curve, this same innovation flooring received the Ecotop 20 prize in 2000 for the best wooden flooring with an eco-friendly finish." Which we all love to hear an eco-friendly solutions to flooring!

IDEE17 is the Canadian representative of this unique and stunning brand. When Micheal showed me the pieces in person, I was even more impressed, let alone the endless styles of laying flooring now. This is definitely going to make a statement and change the way we design spaces!

www.idee17.com

It's all about the floor!!

Oh LaLa!!

until next time,

w&c design girl!

Small Space Nursery

2011-08-09T11:30:00.009-04:00

AS SEEN ON THE STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW

Watch this episode online now

How do you make room for baby in a home with tight quarters? Jo Alcorn shows us her favourite furniture pieces for a "small space" nursery!
A lot of us live in lofts/condos and smaller homes these days - or maybe you're a grandparent looking for the perfect crib to have on hand for visits - there are some incredible pieces on the market that are perfect for these situations.
This multifunctional piece from Ikea serves as a change table with storage and then becomes a great little bookshelf when your baby is older - just remove the table attachment!
The wall-mounted Nathi Folding Changer is the perfect solution if you're pressed for space or just don't want to see a change table in full view at all times.
We just LOVE this bassinet by Stokke! A simple kit converts it to a crib, toddler bed, junior bed and a desk!
The Alma crib is brilliant in so many ways! It's light-weight and easy to move, folds up in a jiffy making it perfect for small spaces and travel- not to mention being the ideal piece for proud grandparents!
We instantly fell in love with the Monte Grano glider for its clean lines and simple, uncluttered design. Not only is it design-savvy and ideal in a small space, it's a dream to sit in.

Where To Get It:

Hensvik cabinet from Ikea
Nathi Folding Table from Ella and Elliot
Stokke Bassinet to Crib from Moms to Be...and More
Monte Grando Glider from Moms to Be...and More
Alma Crib in Green from Moms to Be...and More

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

In the news UPDATE for July!

2011-07-22T10:07:00.006-04:00

www.dabblemag.com

http://www.staciedwardsblog.ca/2011/07/jos-favorite-interior.html

http://verdigrisvie.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Chic

Until next time.

w&c designer girl!

Canadian Blogger Event Was Another Success!

2011-07-06T16:07:00.023-04:00

"Two Saturdays ago, Canadian Design bloggers united for a fun evening in Toronto. We gathered at Brassaii restaurant, where Tommy Smythe joined us with an inspiring presentation of a recent trip to Scandinavia. It was so fun to get this really great group of talented bloggers together to catch up in person. The night was a huge success, and it is with much thanks to Ikea for their amazing support, Delta for their support and generosity, and new sponsor CIL, that contributed to a magical evening. I have been working away at getting this night together for months, and I am so pleased a the result. Thanks also to Daniella of Dress Design and Decor for all her work pulling this event together."

http://verdigrisvie.blogspot.com/2011/07/design-social-cdn-design-bloggers.html

Tommy's Slide Show was GREAT!

Food was AMAZING!

Catching up with Friends, so much fun!

Winning a door prize, icing on the cake!!

Here's our stunning host in Blue .... Thanks Vie and the CDN Blogger group for a great night!

And thank you to Delta, Ikea and CIL the sponsors! Great showcase.

Can't wait till the next one!!

Until then,

w&c designer girl!

Delta’s Smart Solutions!

2011-06-22T14:15:00.005-04:00

Okay if you haven’t bought a touch faucet from Delta yet – you better go get one!!

I just love them. They are such a show stopper in any space and so user friendly when you’re cooking! I had the pleasure of using the product first in a clients home and then on my pilot for a new design show. They come in a few different colours and styles and all I can say is:

“how did I live without one before!” http://www.deltafaucet.com/smarttechnology/touch2o-technology.html

Those who have issues with touching surfaces with your hands after working with meat, or if your hands are always covered in baking goods, this will be your best friend for sure! It just makes life that easier in the kitchen and who doesn’t need that. The technology is unbelievable, you can touch any spot on the faucet and it will work, at first I thought there would only be certain areas, but nope the entire unit has this smart technology built into it! I almost feel that we are in the space ages with this technology in the kitchen, living like the Jepsons! hehe

Well I really don’t have much to say but that I love it and I just wanted to

share it with all of you!

P.S: it helps conserve water too!! Stay Green!!

Until next time
w&c designer girl!

Montreal - Bouclair

2011-06-14T16:01:00.010-04:00

Had the pleasure of traveling to the stunning city of Montreal last week and while I was there I was able to meet up with the talented crew of Bouclair Home!! It was a true pleasure to meet the very charming and young may I add President and his very talented support team, who has turned the image and feel of Bouclair completely around. For many we still remember Bouclair as a fabric store with a few accessories, however if you haven't been to a store lately, it is completely different!! You will find well organized, colour coordinated aisles, cute and well priced fun accessories and of course a bit of their staple trademark, rows and rows of ready made drapery!! They are the perfect stop for those finishing touches on your make-over. http://www.bouclair.com/ Apparently there are even some more exciting additions and changes still to come to their new brand face lift. The young and zesty attitudes for life and fun is just the start of the 2003 business change over at Bouclair headquarters. "At Bouclair Home, we are focused on three things: Home, Fashion and Value. Our people are constantly traveling the globe in order to make sure we have exciting new products for you every single week. We work hard to ensure that we can offer you the best price."
And on a side note I took in a bit of the Formula 1 events,

and the Rihanna Concert!! Amazing!!! Drake as the surprise guest :) Plus had the pleasure of meeting Lynn Spence a long time admirer of her CityLine segments!

Thanks Bouclair for a fabulous meet and greet in Montreal!!

with love and until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Double Duty Furniture

2011-06-01T17:56:00.015-04:00

AS SEEN ON THE STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW
Watch this episode online now
Watch this segment online now
If space is a commodity in your home, we've got the answer for you! Designer Jo Alcorn shows us 4 very clever double-duty furniture pieces- ideal for any home, whatever the size!The best thing about double-duty furniture is discovering what its second function is. Take this gorgeous coffee table, for instance...Slide the top off the table and it instantly becomes a bed! The Gustavian End Table is perfect for that space needing an end table - or a cute bedside table...And a desk! We love this because it takes an unused corner or small space in any room and instantly transforms it to a functional workspace.This coffee table has another surprising feature...it opens up to become a desk!And finally - our personal favourite...This drop-leaf table makes a perfect sideboard when folded down.But open it up and you've got hidden seating for four and a table large enough to feed 8!Where to get it: All double-duty furniture pieces: Julia West Home
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Home Office Solutions

2011-05-16T14:16:00.003-04:00

AS SEEN ON THE STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW

Watch this episode online now
Watch this segment online now

With laptops as the most popular form of computers now, people don't need that traditional clunky ugly computer desk anymore. Design Specialist Jo Alcorn says, "Home offices have become a part of the room's decor and stunning work areas are created every day, either because people don't have a separate room to designate to the office or they want to be part of the main living quarters."

Jo showed us three examples of how to incorporate a home office into our homes.

Dressing your desk like it is a hall table is an easy way of making the workspace a stunning area and not an eyesore within any room. And when you're not using it you have an extra chair for entertaining.Placing your desk behind the sofa as if it is a sofa table is great addition to any room that can handle it. Most of the time that is wasted space so take advantage of it and create your dream office.Have fun with it and layer it against windows or other pieces of furniture for a unique look that takes advantage of useless areas.

As Jo says: don't just put furniture in a room for the heck of it, make every area of your room work for you! Using that extra space for a desk or creating a space for a desk allows you to enjoy your space that much more! And, who knows, you might get more work done if your desk is in the room of the house you love!

Metropolitan Home:

Elle DÃ©cor:

Kim Jeffery:

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Book and Magazine Storage!

2011-04-25T10:35:00.008-04:00

AS SEEN ON STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW
Watch this episode online now

Designer Jo Alcorn showed us some cool ways to display books and magazines. Jo says: treat your books and magazines as art - here's how! Let's face it, when you live in a small space, your storage options are limited. And, if you love to read and collect Decor magazines (or any magazine, for that matter!) the way we do, you'll be in the market for cool, compact shelving upon which to display them.

Bonaldo's Babel is by far the most unique storage shelf we've come across in a very long time. It comes in a variety of cool colours and adds instant interest - and storage - to any space!

The Gus shelf takes up zero floor space, making it both functional and practical. We just love the way it looks! Would be great in any room - even a powder room.

The Ikea LACK is a wall shelf that easily fits into any space- we've seen it used as a small room divider too - comes in black, red and white and is a very affordable storage option.

Caligaris' Blade is both sleek and stunning. We could see this working in any modern space.

Where to get it
Jo Alcorn: http://www.whitewashco.ca/

Gus, Modern Karibou

Babel by Bonaldo, One Twenty Modern

LACK, Ikea

Blade, Calligaris

Until next time,

w&c design girl!

Small Balcony Decor!

2011-04-02T13:30:00.011-04:00

AS SEEN ON THE STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW!

Watch this episode online now Watch this segment online nowThe minute the weather gets warmer, we can't wait to be lounging outside! Designer Jo Alcorn showed us her 5 favourite outdoor loungers.The Paris Chair from Alfred Sung redefines outdoor elegance and style- not to mention unique design!If it's comfort you want, the Lotus Lounger is your perfect outdoor lounging companion. The indoor/outdoor fabric makes them perfect for any space and the bright colours will give your dock, patio or pool deck an amazing pop of colour. We can't wait to spend hours and hours crashed out on these poolside!The Luft Chair from Fute Design is the ultimate in chic outdoor design.The PS Vago Easy Chair by Ikea, is another unique looking piece - with its low, wide seating and variety of fresh, fun colours!The Cane-line Acapulco chair was the biggest surprise of all! With its cool design we were certain it would be an uncomfortable sit, but nothing could be further from the truth. These also come in a variety of colours- talk about cool design!

The only thing we love as much as lounging outdoors is dining! These days a lot of outdoor spaces are quite small but don't let that discourage you from entertaining on yours! As you can see, you can pack a lot of both colour and utility into a small space if you choose your items wisely!We just love the bright colours and fresh summer vibe of this small space balcony set up.

We used faux grass outdoor carpeting on our balcony, but another great option are these Platta deck tiles which come in packages of 9 and easily click together to create the look of a stunning outdoor deck!Happy outdoor dining, everyone!

Where to get it: "OUTDOOR LOUNGERS" Alfred Sung Paris Chair - http://www.sungoutdoor.com/ Lotus Loungers - http://www.lotuslounger.com/ Luft Chair, Fute Designs - http://www.futedesign.com/ Ikea, PS Vago Easy Chair - http://www.ikea.com/ Cane-line Acapulco chair from Fresh Home & Garden - http://www.fresh.ca/ "SMALL SPACE BALCONY" Andrew Richard Designs - http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/ Claire Bistro Dining Set - Snow White Solartex Weave, $2105.00 (for 4 side or arm chairs with customizable cushions and a 32" folding table) Grass Mat $7 per square feet Green polka dot cushions: Indoor/ outdoor cushions made to order $49 per cushion Stainless Steel Torches $79.95 for a set of 4Bamboo Panels Orangeville Furniture: Lanterns, green throw - http://www.orangevillefurniture.ca/ Ikea: Platta deck tiles& Stenstorp Kitchen Cart - http://www.ikea.com/ Bodum: Fyrkat Picnic Grill - http://www.bodum.com/ Fresh Home & Garden: Woven baskets, Galvanized Steel Can with Faux Grass, Orange & Green Pillows - http://www.fresh.ca/ The Bay: Capri side tables (in white) - http://www.hbc.com/ Crate & Barrel: all outdoor dishes, glassware, trays & cutlery - http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ Until next time, w&c designer girl!

Meredith Heron!

2011-03-28T15:41:00.005-04:00

We were graced with Meredith Heron's presences when she visited my students at Humber College North Campus last week! Well what can I say about the principle designer at Meredith Heron Design, the HGTV's Restaurant Makeover extraodinaire, spokes person for design and a mother of a newborn, well what can't I say!! This spit fire of a women is ready to talk and spill the nitty-gitty of the industry and she will make sure the truth is told! The well known red headed out spoken designer, made sure she didn't sugar coat any aspect of the business when talking to my students about the business end of the design world. She definitely opened their eyes to the not so glamorous part of any career, the business back end. She spoke to them about getting jobs and be respectful to those that you are working with and beware of those clients that are just out to get free stuff. The business part of the industry is just as important as the creative side, and you must have a good balance of both. It was very enjoyable and engaging and of course a true pleasure! http://meredithheron.com/

Thank you Meredith for sharing your lunch hour with us! Also I loved your comment that "we made for the perfect hair candy cane" !!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!