Second Wind

10 Reasons to Love Grey Home Decor

2016-05-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

Grey is my new favorite colour for home decor!

The endless options of how to use this colour

in terms of decorating style, to create a mood,

as a backdrop or a focal point,
are what make it so appealing for design aficionados

Here's 10 reasons that I love it.

GREY IS NEUTRAL

This soft grey paneled wall is a backdrop to showcase a fantastic staircase

Gorgeous custom staircase

GREY IS CLASSIC

Brass cabinet hardware adds warmth to these dark grey cabinets

GREY IS WARM

luxurious texture makes this bedroom so inviting...

shag rug, velvet ottoman, mohair bedding, grass cloth wall paper

all add to the feeling of warmth calling you in.

Luxe Bedroom

GREY IS COOL

This modern space works for a warm climate,

but it would be sad in the winter in Canada!

A green plant or wooden side table would warm it up a lot.

GREY IS FORGIVING

The perfect colour for flooring in natural stone tile, wood or concrete

Grey plank wood floors

Copper inlay on concrete floors

GREY IS ARTISTIC

Grey is the second most recommended wall colour
(only behind white) for clients with a vast art collection

Walls appear to be drifting clouds

GREY IS MASCULINE

An almost black shade makes this tall space also dark and handsome,
the perfect backdrop for caramel leather and quirky accessories

Masculine chic den

GREY IS FEMININE

The opposite effect happens when a soft grey is used along with lovely trim and millwork, creating a pretty space that feels serene

Feminine living room

GREY IS GLAMOROUS

If there was any doubt that grey can be glam, this spectacular dining room demonstrates that the right sheen and texture makes all the difference.

Over the top glam and sparkle!

GREY IS RUSTIC

Any other colour on the fireplace tile would not have blended so well and may have taken away from the real feature of the room, the massive beams above.

Fireplace tile looks like reclaimed wood

I could go on and on.....

but you get it.

If in doubt about how to get started with your design scheme,

get into a grey area and something wonderful is sure to happen!

Bedrooms to Dream About

2015-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

The most intimate space of the home

where we retreat after a long day of work and busy lives
then later wake to the possibilities of a new day

Such an important room but it's often the last space in the home that is decorated

after the kitchen is done, the living room furnished and the kids' rooms taken care of,

we may then, finally submit to giving ourselves a space of our own to enjoy

I believe a bedroom should be one's sanctuary

a place of calm and respite

a beautiful space with luxurious textures -
great sheets, fluffy pillows & duvet, a soft rug at the edge of the bed
that pampers tired feet

But it doesn't have to be boring

and when it comes to furniture there is no reason to stick to the old-school

matching bedroom set!!!

Like most rooms, a good layout is important.

Lighting requirements are very different and based on personal preference
to wake with the sun or with the alarm clock in darkness.

Since the bed is the focal point of any bedroom

it will often determine the style for the space.

The headboard and frame can be made of wood, metal, upholstered

or for the adventurous spirits, a re-purposed door, a vintage window or a screen

pretty much any interesting object can be used to ground the space

and define it as the main feature in the room.

Go big or go home with this headboard below.

The scale works in this space because the ceilings are very tall - it helps to make the space

more cozy. Clearly this bold space exudes confidence
to also have padded fabric walls AND plaid wallpaper above .... just WOW!

Gorgeous wallpaper as accent wall is not new - but this one is stunning!
A mural can make a huge impact and now you can even create your own.

via Bloom Papers

This rustic bedroom loft gets a cool street-wise vibe
with the addition of mural behind the bed that depicts
torn advertisements.

Second Wind Interior Design

Blue and red is not a colour combination for the faint of heart - especially in a bedroom.

It really works here because the wall colour continues in a lighter shade on the ceiling, enveloping the space to make it cozy. The red accents make the space feel regal - clearly the vibe this room is going for with that classic French antique carved headboard.

The charm of the wood beams and exposed brick walls sets the tone for this bedroom.
The lovely water colour painting softens
the harsher elements and gives this room an ethereal quality.
No room for side tables or lamps? Wall sconces work perfectly in bedrooms placed just above shoulder height when sitting in bed to read.

I love bringing in vintage elements to a space to give it personality
and character. These beautiful windows add charm while keeping the space light
and farmhouse chic. All the other elements in the room take their cue from the
feeling and inspiration of the headboard.

If you lucky enough to have a large bedroom, then creating a cozy
reading nook is a great way to escape

If there's a fireplace...well! you may never want to leave.
The trick is to treat it as another room and decorate with necessary elements to make it work - a great chair, lighting, side table, soft pillows and artwork.

For smaller spaces - create a cozy nook with drapery fabric
or frame out a window seat with a seat cushion and lots of pillows.
It's really about pulling together soft textures and soothing hues to create warmth and serenity.

If you're dreaming about a cozy bedroom sanctuary
that you would love to retreat to, there's even more
inspiration on HERE

or just call me...

All image sources via Bedrooms

Cozy Chic Family Room

2015-04-29T11:35:00.000-04:00

When you get to start with a blank canvas like THIS

you know it's going to be a great room!

My client's are a young couple with two dogs who want a casual but sophisticated space

to entertain and hang out with friends. This family room spans the back half of the house with the kitchen being adjacent.

We want to keep the space light and airy but also cozy.

The inspiration photos (client provided) below demonstrate the feeling they were going for.

Transitional, elegant, calming, comfortable.

I started with this floor plan to allow maximum seating and a very big screen TV

as my client is a huge cinema buff.

The room is a great size for entertaining and TV watching.

I gave them lots of seating with a large sofa, 2 swivel chairs, 1 chaise in front of the fireplace

to curl up with a book or a bevy.

TV is on the right side and two consoles flank the sides of the fireplace wall.

They didn't want large built-in cabinetry and don't have lots of storage needs (yet).

Round end tables keep the space from feeling too boxy.

Here's some of the pieces that will go in the space.

Deep sofa with feather-filled back and seat cushions for maximum chillaxin'.

The low, square arms have just enough room to rest your head and take a nap.

This chair will have a swivel base that rotates 360 degrees

which is great to keep an eye on the happenings in the adjacent kitchen.

A chaise like this one is being made to fit perfectly in front of the fireplace.

It's a great lounger for one person, or a place to perch for two when extra space is needed.

This coffee table ottoman will be custom made to fit the large space -

a whopping 48"x 54" allows for table top access from all seats in the room.

It will be covered in a fabulous cobalt blue weave fabric to add a punch of colour

(and hide the dirt, really).

I love doing a soft top coffee table because it encourages people to put their feet up and relax when watching TV. A large tray on top will enable a glass to put down with ease.

The lower shelf is a great place to store books, games or just display some pretty storage boxes.

For the console tables, I wanted something sculptural with a light wood

that would complement the dark floors but also work well with the stone.

I found this marble topped beauty and it fits perfectly.

All the upholstered pieces will be done in various coordinating, neutral fabrics

with the exception of the blue ottoman.

so we're bringing in some colour and pattern on the window coverings, accessories and area rug.

Drapery panels and roman blinds will be made from this lovely printed linen.

Joanne Fabrics

For the rug, I want to introduce a muted blue tone

that will also be picked up in the pillows and artwork & accessories.

Some of the options being considered:

The design concept overview

A light wood media cabinet (lower right), painted wood accent tables (round table shown above),

artwork and other little goodies to make the space come to life will be added in the

finishing round.

Looking forward to getting this one all pulled together.

Glam Living Room

2015-04-08T18:42:00.000-04:00

via Traditional Home, Gerri Wiley Design Group

Whenever a client asks me what to do with their "designated" living rooms

I always ask them "what would you like it to be?"

It's often a decent size space at the front of the house with good natural light

It could be an office

it could be a den

it could be a tea room

it could be a lounge

The last one is my favourite and often the direction the client takes

A space to serve drinks & apps before a dinner party

or for those that don't entertain formally

it can become a lounge for hanging out with a bevy and some friends
before going out or relaxing at the end of a busy day with a stiff drink!

My clients just bought a newly built custom home
and we are furnishing their front room as a lounge for drinks or tea

We start with this chic boxy tufted loveseat with chrome nailhead trim
in a luxe cream coloured velvet

Then we will add in a couple of stream-lined, sloped arm chairs

in a textured cream chenille fabric

I like to mix up the shape of the seating to create interest,

the clean lines of the chairs is a nice contrast to the "busyness" of the tufted sofa

A patterned rug in muted blue and cream tones

these two are being debated

A glass coffee table with lucite & chrome legs feels light

in the room but still sculptural

anything that goes on this table looks amazing

For our bar cabinet

a mirrored piece with patterned doors to store bottles and barware

while lovely glassware is displayed on top

A large mirror on top and maybe some sconces

Cap off the space with a contemporary crystal pendant

this one is definitely a statement piece

One wall behind the bar cabinet will have wallpaper

we are considering something like this with a soft grey background

and a metallic pattern

We are looking at various artwork options

we may keep ethereal with muted blues, creams & grays

or bump it up a notch with some deeper indigo and cobalt pops

Drapery fabric is going to be a luxurious silver damask I'm still sourcing

The overall plan looks luxurious and inviting

Drinks anyone?

Colourful Rooms

2015-04-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

As much as I love my neutrals, there's nothing like a blast of colour in a room to really make it come alive. And, I don't mean just throwing a few colourful pillows on the sofa or putting up a bold piece of art in a beige or gray room, I mean colour like you mean it... in commitment pieces!

A large sofa, floor tiles, kitchen cabinets,

massive rugs and glorious wallpaper!

See what colour can do to impart drama, infuse energy, create interest and establish a sense of mystery in these rooms, and then see how it stacks up to plain old neutrals.

via Apartment Therapy

Better Homes & Gardens

Amanda Nisbet

Ellie Cashman wallpaper

Geremia Design via Rue Magazine

Kelly Wearstler

Second Wind Interior Design

Miles Redd

Ok, so pink silk walls and high gloss navy kitchen cabinets may not be for the faint of heart,

but it's what makes designer's like Kelly Wearstler and Miles Redd legendary artists.

Consider all the many ways that colour can make any room feel really special, and go for it.

Decorating your home should be fun, not scary, and certainly not something that gives you angst when it comes to choosing the right colour.

Start with at least one new colour on a piece of furniture

(a painted cabinet or an upholstered chair) and go from there.

You may just find it lifts your spirits when you walk into the room and makes you smile.

Don't be afraid to colour your world!

Check out more colourful spaces on my Colour Blast pinboard

Ceilings Treatments that Make You Look UP!

2015-03-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

That fifth wall up above
that's so lonely and overlooked at times can be a real gift.

Especially when it looks like this!

Rarely do I get the chance to do something really interesting with the ceiling because it can be an investment to create beautiful architecture and often the client wants to focus the budget on furnishings that they are going to be sitting on and using every day.

But part of Interior Design is to enhance the good qualities in a room, while downplaying or improving the not so exciting elements.

I'm working on a project now with a beautiful 14 foot ceiling in the dining room (pictured below)
just crying out for a stunning chandelier to replace this boring shade.

And a gorgeous coffer ceiling in the family room (below)

oh joy, oh bliss I get to start with this!

I MUST do something to enhance these beautiful surfaces.

There will be a stunning crystal fixture in the dining room for sure, client wants a very formal space. I'm thinking a metallic finish of some sort in the central coffer, perhaps antiqued gold or silver leaf as a backdrop to the crystal fixture, like this

Or we could simply apply a dark paint to enhance the trim work

But fret not if you don't want to change the architecture of your room, you can still get major bang for your buck with high gloss paint and a fantastic chandy, of course!

This black lacquered ceiling reflects the soft glow of the chandelier so beautifully as well as the sconces. It truly creates a mysterious backdrop for this room with textured wallpaper and beautiful millwork.

Speaking of millwork...

How creative is this ceiling below?

Some trim strategically placed to form a circle then painted gold and sunbeams added

make this room feel very special and again enhances the chandelier while providing

a whimsical feeling to this lovely space.

A little bit of tape and some metallic paint... eh Voila!

A boring white ceiling is now a piece of art.

Or something as simple as a vintage ceiling medallion on a dark painted surface

even the simplest pendant looks fantastic.

This ceiling helps give the dining room an outdoor garden feeling

echoing the lines of the floral area rug

Add a zingy lemon yellow to a neutral colour scheme and BAM!

Why not create the illusion of a coffer ceiling with patterned wallpaper?
Love this geometric pattern in a very modern room office space.
The contrasting gold chandelier creates a bit of tension but they work well together.

So the next time you walk into a room, look up and see the possibilities!

All images via Accents & Details board on Pinterest

Lower Level Living - Basement Renovation

2015-03-18T10:53:00.001-04:00

You think you have a big house, until your teenagers, pets, hobbies, and active social life start to make it feel cramped. This is the point where you think about moving, right?

But wait, what about all that space down there.... in the basement?

It's not just for storage and hoarding great deals on detergent and paper towels.

Especially if you have a larger home, it could be hundreds of square feet or more that are wasted.

That's what happened to my clients.

They have a 10-year old home with a large basement (about 1000 square feet) that was merely storing bikes, sporting equipment, and lots of boxes of stuff that was barely touched in years. They needed more function out of all that space; more room to entertain, and for the kids to hang out with their friends.

So, they asked me to help them make the most of the space

WISH LIST

A full size kitchen with an island

separate dining area

media space with a large TV

3 piece bathroom

exercise space

a large laundry room

a crafting space

lots and lots of storage

No problem!! I'll have the plans to you next week (HA!)

Here's the BEFORE of the unfinished basement

I had a pretty good brief and spent lots of time getting to know my client's needs and the specifics of how they wanted to use the space. I started off creating zones for all the activities required. We had a couple of options for where the kitchen could be located, but all the other areas were determined based on the architecture of the home and working around the endless bulkheads, plumbing and HVAC that is a necessary evil in every home.

Here's the overall floor plan and the furniture layout I came up with.

Note: red dots show where the lighting goes - potlights & ceiling fixtures

As you can see, every inch of space has been allocated to this highly functional space.

So after some new plumbing, HVAC, electrical, framing, dry walling,

installing floors, doors, cabinetry, fixtures, tiles, lighting and paint....oh my!!

Here's the AFTER

KITCHEN

I designed this kitchen without upper cabinets because of the low ceilings. I prefer to see open shelving and a beautiful back splash all the way up the wall; this one is a glass mosaic.

There was lots of room for two open cabinets on either end of the kitchen and a very large pantry (far right) for all kinds of storage. The island houses a dishwasher and microwave oven.

I had custom live-edge walnut shelves made to float on the tiled backsplash and along the side wall

to add warmth and display pretty dishes and glass ware.

White quartz counters in Calacatta Nuvo from Ceasarstone provide contrast to the espresso brown cabinets and help brighten up the space .

Sleek grey, backless stools with chrome legs invite guests to hang out with the cook.

Glass pendants with industrial bulbs are light and airy, adding artisan quality.

Rustic wood-look laminate floors in a warm greige tone were installed throughout.

They are great for basements, and durable enough for teen gatherings & the family pets.

DINING / BAR ZONE

Adjacent to the kitchen is an eating area / bar hangout.

The space between the two pillars was the perfect size for a table and created a cozy nook

that would otherwise just have been a hallway.

I chose a bar height table so that it could facilitate watching the TV while having a brew

and by altering the height from the counter height of the island,

it creates more interest and feels like a distinct "room".

The table is reclaimed wood and the white powder-coated steel stools can be tucked away

under the table when not in use.

A single industrial ceiling pendant helps ground the space while adding to the pub vibe.

An overview of the kitchen and bar area from the stairs (shown below).

MEDIA ZONE

The main colour of the basement is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter with a couple of accent walls in Van Deusen Blue. Low media cabinets from Ikea were selected to create a modern, sleek design where the TV could sit on while a single side tower cabinet offers some height in the space and a contemporary look for additional storage. The client's sofa and loveseat were reupholstered in grey/blue coordinating fabrics. Pillows in lemon and aubergine add fun pops of colour.

The reading nook wall was given an accent colour and dedicated lighting to create it's own zone.

A large graphic area rug in light blue and cream grounds the space and makes it extra cozy.

Only artwork still remains to be purchased. There will be a series of black & white photographs from the client's travels framed on the large side wall (right) and a few more accessories.

CRAFTING ZONE

This area at the bottom of the stairs houses a custom built cabinet with chunky shelves that store craft supplies and the home owner's treasured vintage books.

A cork craft project in progress (featuring the letter T) shown on the table below.

The wall behind the bench is painted in chalkboard paint.

The light fixture was a vintage flea market find the client was holding on to

until it found the perfect spot right here. A grey tufted bench offers more storage.

Pedestal table and chairs are durable, easy for clean-up, and stylish for this hard working space.

Back wall is done in chalkboard paint - a large, vintage white frame will hang here

FITNESS ROOM

My client is very active and exercise is important to her.

This space is her sanctuary for yoga and TRX training, so it also had to be ZEN, which is why

it's the only closed off space (with double doors), other than bathroom and laundry.

I chose a light grey wall colour, Benjamin Moore Marilyn's Dress, to coordinate with the floors.

Built-in cabinets are finished in the same colour to keep the space feeling very calming.

Custom built panel door covers the home's electrical panel.

Off camera on the other side of the room is a small wall-mounted TV.

LAUNDRY ROOM

The original laundry room was located in the main floor mudroom that was the family's main entry access from the garage. It was small, dark and always cluttered with the necessities of daily life. So we moved it to the basement and created a large, bright hardworking room of its own.

We created a fresh, modern and highly efficient space with a quartz countertop in Frosty Carrina, large light gray porcelain tiled floors, white subway tiles above the stainless steel sink with an industrial faucet for washing the pet dog.

The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Grey.

Large glass canisters hold soap and detergent keeping the counter free of bulky plastic bins.

The white organizer rack on the wall serves as the dedicated "lost sock" destination.

Stainless steel drying racks installed on the wall to the left (and off camera) make maximum use of some awkward corners. Lots of pot lights make this space bright and super functional.

My client actually loves doing laundry in this space now.

BATHROOM

The floor is a wood-look porcelain tile to coordinate with the rest of the basement.

Countertop is Frosty Carrina quartz, cabinets were painted Benjamin Moore Stormy Monday

walls are BM Cement Gray. Mosaic tile laid in 12" wide vertical pattern helps make the narrow space feel taller.

Still needs some art and a couple of bathrobe hooks on the back wall.

The quartz-like door handles and "bubbles" mirror add a touch of whimsy

to this modern chic space.

The bubble-glass finish of the sconces is echoed in the etched glass mirror surround.

A sleek chrome faucet with single "joystick" handle is cool and fun!

At the end of it all my clients are using the space daily and bypass the main floor living space often to hang out on the lower level. It's now a space that the whole family can enjoy,

although Mom tells me that the kids have taken it over!.

It just goes to show that the basement is an untapped goldmine when left unfinished.

When you take the time to think about what kind of space you need for your lifestyle and invest in the design of the basement with the same care and attention that you give the rest of your home,

lower level living can truly rise to new heights!

Basement Media Room

2015-03-11T16:16:00.002-04:00

via

I've recently had a couple of requests from client's to create cozy media rooms.

For movie lovers, the perfect setup is critical to enhance the movie watching experience.

But it's also a space where people are entertaining more often in a casual environment and want to accommodate larger groups on occasion (the overflow party room, as it were).

This particular client is a young professional that recently purchased a newly built town home and is on a tight budget to furnish the entire space. Most of the funds will go to the main floor living and dining spaces. The media room will be set up in the above-ground basement in a relatively small space about 13'x13'. So, I have my work cut out for me!

It has a nice wood floor, wooden staircase and a bathroom finished in black tiles with a light brown zebra wood cabinet. I'm going to work within this palette to create a cohesive space and keep it contemporary.

He wants a modern rustic vibe in this space, so I will be sticking with a black and white palette with hits of reclaimed wood, some metals, and blue/grey accents.

This is the casual feeling we are going for.

I also have to work with the existing black leather theater seating -

not my favourite, but the client spent a lot of money on a sofa that looks something like this

In this basement like most, the ceilings are lower than the rest of the home. We have about 7 1/2 feet in the middle, with less under the bulkheads around the perimeter of the room.

There are some design tricks that help give the illusion of height and I'll be using them all.

Firstly,we'll be doing a birch forest effect on the walls in a grey and white look with a stencil.

We are doing a stencil instead of wallpaper because the client may be moving in 1-2 years and we don't want to turn off any potential buyers with the prospect of having to remove wallpaper if they don't like it (something to consider if you are redecorating with selling in mind).

source

On the floors, we'll place a large area rug in sisal or wool to warm up the space. Something with texture but no pattern, in a neutral grey/taupe. Maybe a dark border.

For furnishings, I will bring in a reclaimed wood tables.

The glass top on this coffee table helps the piece feel a bit lighter and more airy in the space.

I love the texture on this side table (below) with chopped wood pieces.

we may be able to squeeze in one or two extra chairs in the plan

The classic Ikea Poang armchair fits the budget and
is comfortable enough for TV watching yet compact and streamlined for this small space.
This medium brown finish with grey fabric works well with the vibe of this room.

A large sliding patio door will be covered in a rich cobalt blue velvet drape from floor to ceiling to create that vertical line that helps make the room feel taller.

Not only will it add a lovely hit of colour to the room, but the fabric will absorb sound, which is good for the accoustics in a media room. The lined fabric will also provide added warmth while blocking out any light while movie watching.

There is a small nook in one corner of the room that has just enough space for a Bar Area.

I like using a cabinet with doors (or drawers) for extra storage of bottles, bar gadgets, napkins, candles, or munchies. I will style the top with a tray of glasses, an ice bucket and a few bar essentials. Above will be some open shelves or a large mirror.

For artwork in this room I will curate wall with black and white prints

of architecture, abstracts and some fun images, something like these

Now here's a conversation piece!

It's going to be a fun space to hang out with the guys and watch a game or a movie.

Looking forward to this one.

Reading Room... and a Coffee

2015-03-04T14:31:00.002-05:00

The one thing I probably enjoy most about winter is not feeling guilty about spending time on the weekends flaking out with a coffee and my favourite reads.

I love getting lost in a good book, or learning something new, or going to far away places without leaving the comfort of my chair.

I remember the first time I walked into a "real" library in University with leather bound books and overstuffed chairs with deep cushions showing their wear.

The smell of old books still conjures up the great poetry and literary classics I was introduced to back then, when I first developed my love of reading.

Making the most of this scarce time starts with having the right set up to fully enjoy it.

The right chair or sofa, with chunky rolled arm rests, that invites lingering for a couple hours, lots of fluffy pillows, a cozy throw blanket, good lighting, and a side table to rest my coffee, of course!

A place like this...

Surrounded by floor to ceiling shelves of leather bound books has a spiritual quality to it.

Here are some of my favourite reading rooms

This space feels very much like a reference library of an artist or designer, a creative thinker.
It may look cluttered, but she knows where everything is. There's lots of reading and working going on in this space.

This one feels like it belongs to a serious literary connoisseur who takes out one good book at a time then places it neatly on the shelf once it's finished.

It looks to be a reading nook at the end of the room or in a hallway perhaps.
The massive dark wood trim that frames the bookshelf, as though a piece of art itself, gives the space importance and creates a lovely feature in this space alongside the very awesome leather Egg chair.

What ancient stories of far off lands lie behind the velvet curtains?
This is where the very special books are stored - away from peanut butter and jelly fingers!

This one is probably owned by a stylish lady that loves her books as much as her decor.
OR perhaps, said books were even chosen just for their colour scheme...gasp!!

YES, people actually do that!
I do love the high gloss black lacquered walls and shelves with gold inlays on the door fronts.

Masculine chic library/office - uncluttered, few trinkets, crystal decanters (why are they empty?)
There are not too many books, but they have all been read and enjoyed.

Enough writing ... I have some reading to catch up on.

All image sources on my Library-Den Pinterest board

New for Spring Decorating

2015-02-24T19:31:00.001-05:00

I was sourcing some wallpaper for a client and came across so many great ideas that it spawned the need for a post about what's new for Spring decor.

If you have an aversion to wallpaper because it conjures up images of your grandmother's tiny floral print wallpaper all over the house - get over it!

The new wallpaper's that are out there are printed on paper that is easier to install and some are removable (for renters and non-committers).

The advancement of digital imaging has infiltrated all aspects of design including walls.

These wallpapers imitate the look of metallic cork (left), the Canadian Shield rock formations (top) and the look of textured grasscloth on a vinyl (aka commercial grade durability).

I'm also excited to see what's on the horizon for outdoor furniture.

I came across these at one of my supplier's and I just love the unique shapes.

This chair comes in several bright hues and a coordinating footstool to dress up any backyard.

If bold colour isn't your thing,

check out these great options in outdoor furniture.

Can you believe the amazing designs for outdoor rugs!

Another thing I'm excited about seeing more of is COPPER.

It goes really well in the Industrial - Rustic - Reclaimed look that's very appealing to so many people.

I love the mix of burnished copper with polished and sections of brass on the table top (right).

Goes well with leather, cowhide, forged iron and all kinds of interesting wood pieces I'm seeing out there.

This is just some of my findings.

I will have to do a few of these posts to capture all the new Spring decor I'm loving right now.

You'll have to contact me to get the deets on these goods for your space.

Places to Spaces - French Bistro

2015-02-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

I love to sit at an outdoor cafe with a friend and just watch people,

especially if it's in a quaint little town in a rustic setting amidst antique shops and artist galleries

... in the South of France!

Of course, we would comment on what people are wearing, and then "What were they thinking?" is always fun. The cool jazz in the background, the bicycles going bye, the fresh air.

But mostly, it's about the downtime from our busy lives to catch up and savour the quality moments with people we care about while enjoying the hot beverage ritual.

To create this feeling at home it's about comfort, with easy pieces that are not too precious and invite you to linger. Furniture that's been curated over time with history or patina, natural fabrics, and a calming colour palette that let's you just breathe. Throw in a few little luxuries to encourage yourself to do it more often.

Start with the perfect reclaimed wood table with beautiful aged iron base

and classic woven black bistro chairs

one kings lane black bistro chair

Make sure there are lots of interesting vintage vessels for your lavender or thyme.
Adding herbs or plants to any room immediately brings a sense of calm.

Must have a large chalkboard or an entire chalk painted wall to add daily menu,

witty comments (or the kids soccer schedule)

Chalkboard print Via Etsy

Coffee Menu print Via Etsy

source

How beautiful is this unit?

A piece of art that I would happily display on my counter

(This post is quickly become about my love of coffee - Ha!)

Pretty dishes make even the shortest break feel special - I like to treat myself once in a while.

A chocolate biscotti or colourful macaron makes it even better!

I love the juxtaposition of the crystal chandelier in a rustic environment -

this one has French blue teardrop crystal and a burnished brass finish LOOOOVVEEE!!

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Finish off with a natural fiber rug, like sisal or seagrass

and linen curtains trimmed out in red or black.

Toile fabric works nicely too and gives a real French countryside appeal.

Here's the final product. Feels inviting and comfortable but still chic.

All images and more inspiration on my Pinterest board Country Home

Before you go...

Another shot that captures the moment.

This fashion illustration by the fabulous Inslee Haynes reminds me of my trip to Paris with my BFF a few years ago. One day at lunch across the street from Luxembourg garden while I drank cafe chocolat and she sipped rose as we watched the sunset in Paris (minus the pooches) ...

très merveilleuse

Let's have a latte and chat about how I can breathe some bistro chic into your space!

Black & White...is always right!

2015-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

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The appeal of black and white interiors has never gone out of style and I think it's in part because of it's simplicity and mass appeal but also that this colour scheme offers so much versatility in terms of style and palette combinations.

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It looks great in modern, minimalist and streamline spaces

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or rustic, eclectic and casual places

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KITCHENS

The white cabinet has been the number one choice in kitchens for decades.

Add in black quartz countertops, chalkboard paint, checkerboard black & white tiles or wrought iron door knobs and white subway tiles -- it's an instant classic.

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BATHROOMS

It's the ultimate colour for the perfect bathroom retreat inspired by the divine, ever popular white marble tiles that come in every shape and size you can imagine. But if you want to add some edge to that white room, touches of black will really add drama to wake you up in the morning!

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Hotel du Russe in Rome

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ACCENTS & DETAILS

Add pops of ANY colour to a black cabinet to instantly set the mood for your space

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Black high gloss doors create a sense of mystery and elegance - and show off vintage brass hardware

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But what I love the most is when a black and white room is mixed with lots of texture for warmth - reclaimed wood, velvet, linen, luxurious cashmere throws, metal accents and vintage mirrors

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And for those with bold taste and adventurous spirit...

there's over the top black and white by super fab designer Kelly Wearstler

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It's

classic and modern

elegant and whimsical

warm and cool

refined and rustic

Black & White...

it's always right!

Interior Design Show IDS 2015

2015-01-27T17:39:00.002-05:00

I look forward to this show every year because it sparks my creative juices to see what's new and happening in the design industry. With all the information coming at us so quickly and all the time, it's so nice to be able to take some time to appreciate innovation in design ... and spend a day looking at pretty things too!

A new to me lighting shop called Lightmaker Studio had some very chic handcrafted fixtures inspired by modern organic shapes and mid-century design. Featuring lots of solid brass and blown glass with matte black and innovative contemporary shapes. These pieces are truly works of art.

A favourite of designers and merchandisers for innovative and funky furnishings is Camilla House. Every year I can count on finding new looks in furniture and accessories that are on trend and appeal to the modern and stylish looks my clients are after.

At Olympia Tile's booth was a showstopper Alabastri by Rex - large tiles of porcelain stoneware custom cut to intricate patterns to create works of art for floors and feature walls.

I would love to use this product to create a fabulous room for a client.

Another favourite supplier is Mettro Tiles that was featuring a new product line called Hive Tiles by Realstone Systems. Made of recycled, engineered Marble and Travertine stone to recreate the look of barnwood, driftwood, chiseled and etched stone that are fit together in various configurations of convex and concave hexagon patterns. The top picture is a 3D-hex pattern on porcelain tile.

Not only has tile come a long way, but the options for wood are endless as well.

Gemss Enriched Wood Surfaces from Natural Veneers of India was showcasing their imaginative use of wood. Mosaics with inset acrylic pieces for backlit applications (above top pic) were beautiful and modern. Large slabs of exotic woods (above bottom pic) create art walls with texture and warmth.

Wood-look mosaics come in all shapes and configurations.

Imagine any of these on a feature wall behind a bed, in a wine room or accent wall in a large room.

Who would have thought that doors could be so interesting?

Hand carved by artisans and designed with unique materials, these doors from ScanWest Design are designed to be eye-catching works of art instead of typical interior doors that blend into the decor.

The standard in kitchen and bathroom sinks has gone to new levels too!

No need for the old standard white or stainless steel models when there are amazing options in

hammered metal, concrete, integrated stone and even prehistoric wood!

Yes, prehistoric petrified wood found in the depths of the jungles of Indonesia.

It's a fascinating story I heard directly from the Owner's while at the show.

Check out their website for more details and beautiful pieces.

I love it when furniture is not only functional, but also serves as a work of art.

Which is certainly the case with the work of German designer Sebastian Herkner.

Case in point the stunning award winning Bell Table (top) created for ClassiCon.

Among other faves are porcelain vases and pendant lights with shades made of copper, steel and textiles - all of which add artisan quality to any room.

Finally, I couldn't leave out the annual Ikea booth. Always high impact and a show favourite.

This year with the launch of the new Ikea kitchen series Sektion, they featured 3 kitchens designed by House & Home and Style at Home magazines as well as their own ultra-modern design (too yellow for my liking). Both magazine's booths were so packed that I couldn't get great pictures, so I'm using the ones from Ikea's Pinterest board.

Ikea kitchen design by Style at Home.

This kitchen feels very French country chic, love the floors, the large mirrored wall (left) and the touches of aged brass and crystal chandeliers. Very elegant while featuring tons of practical storage and display solutions. The bicycle hanging above the island was a contest prize.

Ikea kitchen design by House and Home.

This one has a sophisticated cottage vibe. I love the blue walls and the vintage looking tiles. The brass sconces and pendants add modern flair. While the concrete slab farmhouse island alongside the quartz topped cabinets on the other end of the island are unexpected but so charming and practical for a busy family kitchen. A large pantry behind glass doors on the other end (not seen) was lined with pretty wallpaper adding a punch of pretty to an otherwise practical space.

After a couple hours of pleasantly perusing and one great cappuccino,

I left the show a bit tired and hungry but full of inspiration and new ideas for upcoming projects.

Ready to create some amazing spaces this year ... who's with me?

Places to Spaces

2015-01-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

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We all know interior design is often inspired by the fashion world.

I love seeing the runway trends that are translated into room decor

around the Pinter-sphere.

So I wanted to show how inspiration comes from many places - like travel.

When I came across this beautiful island shot I was immediately inspired by the colour palette and filed it away in my Inspiration board on Pinterest.

I wanted to show how this picture can inspire a mood for a room

and inform the colour scheme and design concept as well.

It could be a picture you took on your honeymoon or anniversary that conjures up feelings of serenity, comfort and sheer bliss! You want to bring that feeling home after the vacay.
So, how do you do it? Here’s my take.

My first response is an emotional one – how would I feel being in this space (aka water’s edge at dusk). It immediately feels very serene and peaceful; a lovely sunset over gently rolling waves.
At the same time, it evokes an edgy, modern, sophisticated vibe; and a sense of mystery as the evening transitions to night and all the colour fades into the darkness.

If I was decorating a living room inspired by this picture,

I would see light silvery blue-grey walls with a steely-grey ceiling & trim
to pick up on the colours of the approaching night sky and make the space feel cozy.

Benjamin Moore - Glacier Lake & Tweed Coat Paints

The bubble chandeliers in multiples provide the lightness and ethereal qualities
of the billowy clouds accenting the vast evening sky.

A curved charcoal sofa with silver nail heads and the graphic lines of the side table
feature asymmetrical shapes similar to the side of the cliffs.

The black shades on this modern brass floor lamp
repeat the edges of the spiked rocks that accent the water's edge.

The linen tufted ottoman with bleached wood legs and base
adds contrast to the dark sofa and brings in another texture
like the sand against the water.

The wavy dark grey lines on the rug create the foundation for the room and
mimic the waves of the ocean, giving the whole room a sense of fluidity and motion.

Lavender, cream, pink and metallic finishes splashed about in accent pillows, flowers, and accessories lighten the space like the night sky’s showcase… as it sets.

What do you think?

Does this space look like that place?

If you can't get to the oasis, bring the oasis to your home.

All it takes is a little inspiration to get you started.

Kitchen Design Tips

2015-01-14T18:36:00.003-05:00

House Beautiful

Every kitchen I've designed, although all different in style and space, all started with the same issues:

dated finishes
not enough storage

not functioning well

poor layout

In every case when I start a project it always starts with the 20 questions!

Although it's obvious that the main function of the kitchen is to cook there are many nuances that go into a good design plan that works specifically for you.

How many cooks in the kitchen?

This is a baseline question because if the answer is more than one, than I have to consider multiple work zones or stations are required to be used at the same time.

Or, it may simply mean we take turns cooking, or we cook with the kids on the weekends, or I want to be able to bake with my grand kids when they come over.
All of these answers feed into the plan and each one translates into a different feature of the kitchen that changes as a result.

In this client's kitchen I added a second sink for prep, with the main sink on the back wall for clean up next to the dishwasher. There's also 46" between them so that two cooks can easily work simultaneously. I've also separated the cook top (left) from the wall oven (not shown) to ensure lots of space to move around.

Do you like to entertain?

If so, how often, and how large a group?

Based on this conversation, I may create an island with bar stools so the cook can be part of the fun or we take down a wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the entertaining space.
I may bring in a free standing credenza or sideboard that can act as a buffet to accommodate frequent large cocktail parties or a small bistro table for small dinner parties for four.
For someone that has frequent dinner parties, I may recommend coordination or extension of kitchen cabinetry into an open plan dining space.

In this client's kitchen (pictured above), I actually removed the raised bar counter on the peninsula because the client's never used it and their top priority was storage. I was able to extend the cabinetry behind the sink to add an additional 7 foot x 12 inches of storage space that was just used for bar stools.

If you have the space, a Butler's Pantry between the kitchen and dining room is the way to go. Leave some shelves open for display and easy access to items you use often. This is also a great place for a small wine fridge.

Do you need to have a dining table in the kitchen?

You may think this is an odd question, but in a small space forgoing a separate table for a large island with required seating could be the best option.

See below Before picture (with table) and After (with seating for 4 at the island).

This was an IKEA kitchen makeover. See the whole project HERE

Change the material of the counter top and the height to create a cozy dining space. The reclaimed wood on the back wall helps keep the white space with concrete floors from feeling too cold. And check out that view!!

Nothing like Black and White and Marble all over to create big drama!
Over sized pendants are the right size for an island this large.
Keep in mind scale as well as function when designing your space.

What small appliances do you like to use?

Bread maker, toaster oven, food processor, stand mixer, crock pot,

all of these items can be stored out of the way if they are considered up front in the design plan.

Notice a coffee maker was not on the list? In my world this daily use appliance should be out front and center, and space permitting, should be housed in a Coffee Station with lovely mugs, pretty serving pieces and a chocolate shaker for your latte.

This coffee station would wake up any kitchen! Open shelves above give it a Bistro feeling.

This is a design concept I did for a client with a cabinet wall built to hide all the kitchen gizmos

Here pocket doors are installed so you can choose to display or hide the appliances.

Do you want a desk or computer area?

This is a big one! Almost every client I work with has some requirement for a space to sort mail, pay bills, store paperwork, to place a computer or laptop, store cook books or other books. Depending on the age of the children in the home, this may be the place for homework as well.

A dedicated area can be built into the design of cabinetry if you plan ahead, even small kitchens can use a practical space like this that may have been otherwise unused.

These are just some of the basics for planning your kitchen design.
Find all the links to pictures above and lots of great ideas on my KITCHENS board on Pinterest.

The most important thing is to give yourself lots of time in the planning stage to consider all your options. Spend time visiting showrooms and looking at lots of pictures so that you can really hone in on your desired style once the practical elements are figured out.

Of course, if it all feels overwhelming please contact me for some professional help!

Eclectic Style

2015-01-07T11:25:00.002-05:00

some boho
a bit beachy
cottage library chic
add lots of vintage vibe

mix it all together ... feels eclectic to me!

My client's requirements for her open plan living room was first and foremost comfort, nothing precious; family & dog friendly, barefoot country living with cozy places to play guitar or plop down to read a book, which the whole family of five love to do.

This is the BEFORE

On one side of the room, lots of mismatched and recycled pieces of furniture that had seen their time. A dull brown rug that weighed down the room and leather sofas on their last legs... literally. The aluminum window blinds and drapery sheers did nothing in terms of function or style.

The other side of the room hosted this lovely old piano that sat lonely in the middle of the space with only a few minutes a week having her ivories tickled - a smaller keyboard in the daughter's room had taken its place. Random furniture placed about but it didn't feel cohesive with the adjoining space. So the task was to make both spaces separately functional while still complementing each other.

The only piece that had to stay was this beautiful cabinet that stored a ton of cherished books.

The first task was to create a functional layout for both spaces that worked better for this family's specific needs. A games table was mandatory and comfortable seating with good lighting for reading. This was also going to be a teen girl's area for writing and crafts.

I designed two distinct but complimentary spaces to accommodate everyone at the same time,

and created functional areas that could also be cozy enough for just one person.

The space is 33 feet wide by 13.5 feet deep.
Front entry door at bottom center with adjacent dining room (top right) and hallway to the kitchen (top center).

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The original dull yellow walls were painted a crisp Benjamin Moore Cloud White and all the traditional trim in a contrasting dark grey, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal for a nice pop. Matching sisal rugs with red border trim define each space but still link the rooms together. A gorgeous navy velvet tufted chesterfield sofa is the best spot for lounging with a good book or taking an afternoon nap. Client's vintage farmhouse cabinet (bottom right) provides additional storage. The desk was an antique find that was painted to work in the space.

Client's artwork inspired the accent colour for the throw and pillows on the sofa. They also kept their cubby bookshelves.

Daughter's desk hosts her prized vintage typewriter and lavender tea set.

The other side of the room showcases my client's vintage art posters that tie into the red rug trim.

I brought in a new daybed with classic styling and great patina on the wood frame.

The rustic wood table is just the right size for card games and works well with the two vintage Queen Anne chairs; we are still looking for two more side chairs that can be pulled up to the games table when needed. The fireplace was freshened up with paint for now, with plans for a vintage surround in the future.

This is the front entry door that has no adjacent closets. The nearest closet is 16 feet clear across the room, which makes no sense at all in a home this size. So the solution was two hall benches flanking the door with hanging coat hooks and drawers for shoes. We added baskets above for scarves, mitts and the dog leash. It now helps define the space as well as keeping it tidy. The frame of the door was also painted dark grey to match the window trim, it really makes the solid wood front door look richer.

There were three beautiful vintage chandeliers that came with the house but were located in hallways, so I wanted to move them into these spaces (two flanking the chesterfield shown below)

but unfortunately they needed to be re-wired to meet electrical code requirements, as did the rest of the room, so we held off for now on the lighting upgrade until budget permits.

So sad...

The original design concept was to hang the vintage chandeliers on either side of the sofa...so decadent!

The definition of a successful project is not only to have extremely happy clients that give you wonderful referrals but, when the homeowner's teens give up their beloved media room to hang out here with the family instead. Quality family time in a beautiful and cozy space.

That makes me a very happy lady indeed!

Modern Rustic Loft

2014-10-28T18:02:00.000-04:00

You know you're a designer when....

an empty room makes you squeal with joy!

That's what happened when I first saw my client's loft.

Not just any loft, but an authentic schoolhouse built in 1894 that was converted into 66 unique apartments - featuring a towering 22 foot ceiling with timber beams, exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, a skylight and an open railing across the top floor bedroom.

That's the BEFORE (above)

Only the kitchen was installed when my client took possession of the 1100 sq. ft space.

There's a bedroom and bathroom in the upstairs loft.

We had medium-tone hardwood floors throughout and creamy vanilla walls to work with.

This is my client's first home that she could decorate any way she wanted.

She liked all the rustic elements that came with the space but wanted to ensure it was still very comfortable and a modern space for entertaining.

The crazy thing about this cool space is that it lacked two very important elements,

lighting

storage

There were only 2 hall fixtures in the whole place, along with the bathroom and under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. So, that was a big priority!

Also, this client is a Fashionista,

so we started in the bedroom by expanding the closet doorway to allow her to take advantage of the 10 foot height of the space. The closet doors were removed and the opening raised 3 feet higher (they would be draped for privacy instead of getting custom made larger doors). By not removing the center piece of drywall, we saved the expense of having to repair the floors and it allowed us to mount a new closet light switch on the outside center wall as well.

We also opened up the space under the stairs to create a huge 6 foot storage closet and extra crawlspace under the stairs landing. This is where the luggage and seasonal items get stored.

I created a floor plan that allowed for 3 distinct zones

Entertaining/TV watching

Work space / home office

Dining + Kitchen Area

Once all the structural and electrical needs were addressed, we focused on creating a comfortable space that was part rustic, part chic and very unique.

Reclaimed wood dining table with a metal base is accented by black Eiffel chairs with chrome legs.

The old bronze "sticks" pendant over the table is pretty huge and is a statement piece that can be seen from anywhere on the main floor. I was ecstatic when I found the dramatic artwork hanging in the background and knew it would be perfect for this space and the client's style.

Cozy curved back sofa and an over-sized reclaimed wood coffee table with huge drawers provides great storage. The huge window's frames were painted black to work with the space.

I created an 8'x8' chalkboard wall to help ground the office space as well as for function.

The framed picture is a wallpaper print I found of statistics formulas via Spoonflower.

(the homeowner is working on her PhD in Statistics - fun, right?!)

I'm still looking for a nice saucer to put under the concrete plan pot.

Love these asymmetrical steel mesh pendants over the kitchen island.

Staircase railings and posts were painted black to play up the architectural feature.

Custom made live-edge shelves were installed between the pillars for more display.

I found the perfect vintage red cabinet for added storage and a splash of colour.

We will be adding a mirror on the back wall behind the shelves and removing the coat rack that's there now.

I framed some vintage magazine ads and created a gallery wall on the staircase landing.

Some small mirrors with metallic frames add a little bit of sparkle and add light to the space.

A view of the dining space from the staircase landing.

The view of the art and live edge desk from upstairs is even more dramatic against the black chalkboard wall.

A little Yves St. Laurent clutch and Jimmy Choo heels for extra glam styling (client's own).
I told you she was a Fashionista!

The vision for the bedroom upstairs was a bit more edgy than downstairs.

I found a cool wall mural of Torn Advertisements that created a dramatic backdrop for the bed.

For a bedside table, I found a wooden vintage school desk with black iron base that fits perfectly.

I had sleek metal sconces attached to the wall for night time reading.

Organized and filled closet space.

Custom drapery panels in a black & white stripe on a simple iron rod keeps the room tidy.

We went for a "Rocker Glam" vibe with this vanity table.

The chrome sconces are not only very retro-cool,

but they are practical when putting on make-up here.

This was a very fun project that came together in record time.

It helps to have an easy-going client with a great sense of style; a reasonable budget that aligns with the requirements, and my skilled trades to help with the technical details.

Next project is the builder's basic powder room.

Living Room for Entertaining

2014-04-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

When I first met this client at her midtown home in Toronto I knew that her space was not a reflection of her personality at all. She's a busy family physician who loves to golf, travel and entertain regularly. But, her living room was lackluster and hardly being used. She also loves art ... which is why she called me.

She was looking at making a major purchase in original art and wanted to know how to decorate her space not only to show off her colourful 40"x60"purchase, but to make the space more inviting, more interesting and definitely more sophisticated.

Here's what the living/dining room looked like BEFORE:

beige walls

bad furniture proportions

poor layout

dismal lighting

no pizzazz!!

I knew what to do with the layout right away, but the colour scheme was going to come from the diverse selection of ART

The original horses and east coast red farmhouse paintings were destined for the living room.

Marilyn was going to be in the glamorous dining room, already decked out with a modern crystal chandelier.

There was also a series of nautical photographs of my client's east coast home town that were grouped together in the family room. Artwork all sorted out, on to the furniture.

We decided to keep the fairly new slipper chairs and have them recovered.

I also took the black striped side cabinet to get a fresh coat of paint and some new blingy hardware.

Here's the before shots of both with the client's mirrored coffee table that was also staying.

I wanted a streamlined sofa to be placed on the longest wall that would accommodate the two largest pieces of art. So I selected this piece with a cushion back and a narrow sculpted arm in a navy blue chenille fabric.

Now I had the opportunity to bring in two more chairs that were a bit more sculptural and add some sophistication to the space.

I chose a dark peppercorn finish for the wood with a powder blue velvet for the fabric and pewter nailheads. This chair is one of my favourite pieces in the room - and there are two of them!

I wanted the pillows to bring in the colours from the artwork... pumpkin, gold, turquoise and cobalt. So I came up with a fabric scheme to complement the upholstery fabrics selected.

It started with this textile festival ...

and was narrowed down to this final selection of 50 shades of blue,

golds, and a bold hit of pumpkin orange in a floral medallion pattern.

A geometric art silk rug sits in the background.

Once all the main piece were selected and fabrics for pillows and drapery chosen, we moved on to the accessories and I found some fun pieces that my client loved

Here's a closer look at the custom drapery in a luxe silvery chenille fabric with 6" fabric banding

to match the pillows on the chair... so yummy!

Client already had the custom roman blinds in a graphic silver & gold pattern,

so I worked with them when choosing drapery fabric.

The final reveal comes in two parts

Part one - without drapery

(note to self: don't order them so close to the holidays!)

It's amazing what a bit of paint and some new hardware can do for your dated furniture!

Part two - some new pillows added but without the rug

- it was accidentally soiled by the family dog the night before I arrived for the photo!

Love ending the post with these gorgeous chairs!

My client has been entertaining a lot more since this room was completed.

Just goes to show that living rooms can be transformed for contemporary, real-life living!

Interior Design Show IDS 2014

2014-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love the annual trek to the Interior Design Show in Toronto to see what's new in the world of interiors and what some of my favourite suppliers are showing. This year seemed to grab me as an exceptionally creative one; maybe it's because of the long cold winter we've been having so far - but I really enjoyed the vast range of colours, the myriad of textures, and the evolving organic shapes as I moved from booth to booth.

Here is a showcase of some of my favourite things from IDS 2014.

Beautiful photographic images on traditional furniture.

Introducing Montreal artist and furniture designer Corinne Campenio.

Born in the South of France, Corinne's travels are the subject matter of her creative works as she transforms her images into works of art on chairs, pillows and benches.

The good news is that she has just opened a showroom in Toronto so you can see these pieces first hand.

With no need for an introduction, well established LLADRO, the Spanish luxury porcelain brand since 1953, continues to thrive on its innovative heritage by expanding into unique product lines that explore function and whimsy for a new generation.

The matte and high gloss pieces in black, white and gold from the Naturo fantastic line would be striking statement pieces on a coffee or dinner tabletop in any home. I love the organic shapes and fluid textures of these handcrafted pieces on their own or as a collection. I can picture any of these pieces used in a contemporary or traditional setting.

Naturo fantastic

Also from Lladro, I couldn't miss the striking and intriguing porcelain characters from The Guest line. Created by Jamie Haydon for Lladro Atelier and given unique personalities by cutting-edge artists invited to make their mark, these pieces are sure to promote smiles if not curious conversation at your next dinner party. These are designs truly fitting the mandate of "a world of new experiences in porcelain".

The Guest

When it comes to lighting, there is always an opportunity to make a statement and elevate a space with so many creative options out there. It's a weakness of mine when it comes to sourcing, I have to restrict the amount of time I spend because I could look at light fixtures for hours.

Two standouts at the show for me include AM Studio of Toronto

These simple glass pendants are so striking when you hang them in multiples at various heights. This effect can be used in almost any room: in a corner over a side table, kitchen island, bedroom or dining room.

the sleek linear ceiling fixture at top of picture is called Manhattan - Flying Lines from AM Studio

A group of 15 leading edge Quebec designers joined forces and formed a collective to exhibit their unique lighting and furnishings and QC Design was born. Always original and often eco-friendly, some of these artists have already gained critical acclaim and continue to promote the creative culture of Quebec's product design scene. I love to see emerging artists receive good exposure, go Canada!

via QC Design

Kitchen and Bath

I love to design these spaces because good design can really change how people live and enjoy their homes. Once thought of as purely functional spaces, the kitchen and bath industry has literally exploded with hundreds of vendors and products that continue to surpass our expectations of what these spaces can be.

Cranberry Hill Kitchens caught my eye with the huge statement range hood, the interesting door treatment (intricately carved but only on the bottom third), and their use of mirrored inset panels with vintage hardware.

Blanco is always innovating and I loved their new Modex sink in Cinder Silgranit with colour-matched Blanco Alta dual spray chrome/cinder faucet (shown below). This one also has built-in butcher block.

So chic, low maintenance, and extremely durable - everything you want in a kitchen!

via Blanco

How beautiful and sophisticated is this bathtub! Have you ever....? I love the contrast of the white acrylic tub against the reclaimed wood backdrop wall.

Personally, I would love to see this tub floating in the middle of a huge luxurious bathroom,
or set against a wall of high gloss black and mirror mosaic tiles.

Tomlin Group - Acryline tub

On the opposite spectrum, also from Tomlin, is this beauty in a stainless steel exterior with a mirror finish.

I would classify this tub as rustic-glam! The vintage faucet is a really nice touch.

Tomlin Group - Slik Portfolio

Also in the Slik Portfolio is this beautiful vintage shower door enclosure in polished chrome,

it really adds to the vintage vibe of the black and white space, and much more stylish than a solid glass door.

via Slik Portfolio

Another established name in bath products is Fleurco, predominantly known for their shower doors.
They recently launched an integrated shower base with seat incorporating shelves for storage inside and outside the shower. I think it's going to be a big hit with both designers and contractors because it's easy to install, it's very functional and looks great too!

via Fleurco

Sometimes you want a unique vanity for your luxe bathroom but don't want to wait the required several weeks or have the funds for a custom designed piece.

Along comes Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry to provide an option that gets you the best of both worlds.

They produce limited editions of semi-custom vanities offering a custom look without the price tag.

White quartzite countertop and hand-forged iron door handles give this little vanity a luxe look for less.

If you want something really different, and your wallet is bulging, check out Unik Stone bathroom fixtures.

Made of one solid piece of limestone, these products are both solid and seductive - not to mention heavy! The oak drawers add interest and warm up the sleek chrome legs while adding function.

And finally, the miles of tiles from various suppliers are always fun to check out.

It's amazing how they can transform a space - just consider it the jewelry! Here's some of my favs.

One of the other unique features of this year's IDS was the use of experiential displays. There were a few vendors that provided a walk-through experience of the their products in a multi-sensory and all-encompassing way, through the use of interactive product displays, mixed media presentations and with help from some very well outfitted salespeople!

A memorable venue that stood out for me was Korhani home. I've seen their entertaining runway shows at Fashion Week in Toronto where models strut the runway in floor coverings made into extreme fashion.

But this was their first time at IDS and they made it a true experience with a 3 minute walk-through with live, animated broadcasts coming from still mannequins with "digital faces" dressed in various themed rugs.

The mannequins are wearing designer RUGS!

I always leave the show wanting more and carry off a bag full of product info that I explore later.

The best part however, is the creative stimulation that every designer needs and being in an inspiring environment that encourages me to keep pushing the creative envelope and expanding my horizons for the next project!

Decorating with Blue

2013-11-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

I must say that I haven't used a lot of blue in my own decor except for the Tiffany blue accents in my office.

So when my client asked me to zhush-up her already lovely living room, my first instinct was to ramp up the intensity of the blues she loves to add some drama to the space while still keeping it very sophisticated.

As you can see from the Before shot above, the floors are a beautiful dark hardwood, the trim work and paint colour is classic, and the shapely ceiling is a great feature - but the room is relatively "boring" according to my client and really wasn't comfortable for entertaining.

So the challenge was to create an inviting space that would accommodate several people at once for drinks before and after dinner but also to function as the spot for their upright piano (off to the right side of the above photo) and as a quiet, weekend reading spot.

One of the other key issues that makes this room "not quite right" is the scale and proportion of the furniture.

All the furniture, except the sofa, was purchased for a previous, smaller home. The accent Persian rug (below) is a sentimental piece for the client, so we are keeping it and using the colours as a jumping off point for the room. We'll place a much larger, wool sisal rug underneath to help visually expand the space, keeping the Persian as a focal point on top.

The coffee table is also too small and will be replaced with a larger one.

The settee is going to another room, and we'll bring in two larger chairs and some side tables to accommodate the long, narrow room.

This was one of the inspiration images that really spoke to my clients in terms of the feel for the room.

They wanted to keep a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces; some sparkle with their existing crystal sconces and aged finishes like antique brass and weathered silver; luxurious fabrics, and artwork that creates interest but is complimentary to the colour palette in the rest of the room.

So once the floor plan was done, I started to pull fabrics for the upholstery and pillows.

Here's the fabric scheme we landed on

The damask and leaf patterns are from Joanne Fabrics as are some of the blue/green velvets.

We are adding two of these modern wing chairs that will back onto the dining room

with the sage green velvet on the front and the damask on the back - can't wait to see it!
(a similar pattern is on the dining room end chairs in a gold fabric)

The clients existing tufted arm chairs will get a big beauty boost

upholstered in this gorgeous cerulean blue velvet - YUM!

I also found this great fabric that will be used for a couple of pillows. The client has an affinity for French decor and loved it as soon as she saw it.

The other big change in the room will be larger scale art pieces.

We'll add something colourful above the sofa working within the colour palette

but adding some depth and interest to the well-lit space.

Here's a few pieces we're considering:

I think I see an image of a person in this one - do you?

Decorating with art really takes a space to another level (as I've noted in another post here).

Given the main purpose of the room is to entertain, a place to store and mix drinks was key. I looked at open bar carts, but this room really needed a larger piece to sit next to the sofa instead of an end table.

We're going to use this antiqued mirrored cabinet and then glam it up with styling...

via

Oh, the beauty of filled crystal decanters at the office!

via

And on that note, I'm suddenly feeling thirsty.

Art Inspired Design

2013-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Playful, powerful, delightful, colourful

energy, strength, whimsy, joy

However you define this painting - it's impactful

and I have to design a space around it!

Midnight Moon Promenade by Helene Caron from Beauchamp Gallerie

My new client has a passion for original art.

Her tastes are quite varied, including several pieces that are East Coast inspired,

echoing back to her Nova Scotian roots.

There is also a huge black & white painting of Marilyn Monroe's face

with blood-red lipstick and diamond earrings!

I'm going to definitely let the art be the COLOUR in the space and cover the large upholstered pieces in neutral shades of gray: stone, oyster, mushroom and cream with hits of turquoise (my client's favourite colour) and some silver metallics to add dimension.

I always tell clients to work around the main feature or focal point in a room, like a fireplace for example, or if there isn't a focal point, large scale art can certainly fill the role.

With a large statement piece like the one above, it's important to consider balance and proportion in the room. If this piece is hanging over a tiny sofa, it will feel off-balance. In fact, this particular work is 60"Hx40"W so it would actually come down behind the sofa because we have eight foot ceilings to work with. So, I'm suggesting it gets placed on the largest wall in the room between the living and dining room spaces. That way it can hang at the appropriate height for optimal viewing and be enjoyed from both spaces.

Given my client's collection, I'll be grouping some of the work to create a gallery wall in her living room and in other parts of the home. I love the idea of filling an entire wall with various images you love - they really tell a story about the homeowner.

Clearly, in this image below, the modern art is the star of the show in this very neutral, otherwise traditional space. However, note all the luxurious textures on the upholstery and rug that hold their weight against the art. I love the idea of mixing a bold, contemporary art piece in a room with classic furnishing.

Sometimes, a piece of art informs the entire colour scheme of a room - as shown below.

In this room, the feeling is very subdued and relaxing because the muted shades of forest green, silver and cream are all working together to create a serene atmosphere.

The hallway is a fantastic place to showcase art and special treasures

because there is often little architectural interest in these spaces and it can make such an impact.

Like this piece - just striking, against all white furnishings.

The pink walls in this space really let the black and white over-sized sketch stand out

despite not being framed or mounted. I love the casual effect of the art being Pinned to the wall.

Feels like someone just finished working on it and hung it up (a little crooked).

This next room below is just ALL OUT GLAM!!

Everything is equally stunning and the intensity of colours works together because they are all very rich.

As is the brass and glass lighting.

Well, I could certainly spend a few more hours looking at gorgeous rooms inspired by art.

Next step is to work on the floor plan so that the art is placed to enjoy,

while the furniture is placed to accommodate the client's love of entertaining.

This is going to be a very creatively inspiring project.

All images on my Pinterest boards Art & Interiors

Kitchen Makeover - Family Edition

2013-09-23T12:38:00.000-04:00

They often say that working for family is not a good idea when you're a Designer because your personal attachment to people means that you may not be as receptive to their ideas and feel like you know best.

However, when it came to doing my Mom & Step-Dad's kitchen, albeit stressful - I actually enjoyed it.

My mother has never had a really nice kitchen, and when they moved into their current home a few years ago, it was only 10 years old and was well maintained by the previous homeowners. But, the boring white cabinets, white floors and counter tops were not only lackluster, but the layout and hard to reach lower cabinets were taking the enjoyment out of cooking that my mom normally loved.

While perusing a decor magazine one day, mom saw an Italian sleek red kitchen that sent her into action.

She set off to Home Depot the next day and came home with some paint and brushes,

and sent step-dad to Bingo for a few hours while she got busy.

Nice variety of red kitchens here

This is what happens when someone takes out their white kitchen frustration with paint:

"Hmmm?? This colour looked great in the paint can!" said Mom.

My step-dad said "if it makes her happy, it's fine with me"

but it was certainly a "statement" of the wrong kind. Sorry Mom, but nice try!

With small upper cabinets under an empty bulkhead, white laminate counters, poor lighting, limited counter space, over sized fridge, awful flooring in a ridiculous pattern open to the family room,

unused space in the eating area, dated white appliances,

and now, it was also the colour of my favourite toenail polish!

She really needed me!

After a couple of months of living with the Berry-Blast my mother finally convinced my step-dad that a paint-job alone was not cutting it, and it was time to rip out the old kitchen and bring in something functional.

They had a tight budget as retired seniors, but they had 2 important things most people don't have:

a Designer for a Daughter

a General Contractor for a Son

I interviewed them (aka my mom) as I would any other client and reviewed their needs, the issues that needed to be addressed, the wish list and booked a slot in the Contractor's schedule (aka my step-brother).

I pulled the design plan together and reviewed it with the Client. They approved with "minor" tweaks.

This is one of the inspiration photos she really liked - back to the white kitchen, but with dark counter tops, stone back-splash, and light wood floors to match the adjacent family room.

She really wanted a large island with counter space to prep and eat with up to 4 chairs, a pantry, glass doors on some cabinets to showcase her collections, and lots of drawers for easy access to the back of cabinets.

We headed out to Ikea to see if she liked the options available and then input the design plan into the Ikea kitchen planner. They selected the Akurum cabinets with Lidingo doors.

If you want a kitchen in a hurry, here's where you can get one in a couple of days!

Within a couple of weeks the demo started and then plumbing, electrical, flooring and painting were done. The kitchen cabinetry was put together and installed a couple of days later, followed by granite counters, marble mosaic back splash and under cabinet LED strip lights. Drapery and pendants in the final stretch.

And Voila!!

Drapery custom made with fabric from Tonic Living

They are very happy with the results and my mom has been entertaining a lot more and baking up a storm!

Final Before & After

At some point, I would like to add some trim to the island to dress it up and get new bar stools,

but for now - my mom has the kitchen she's always wanted and that makes me happy too!

Magazine Feature - Our Homes

2013-09-13T11:48:00.000-04:00

I love what I do mostly because I love to transform people's homes into beautiful and more functional spaces. There's nothing better than having a client shed a tear of joy or squeal with delight at the final product, and being told "I couldn't have done anything like this without you".

But the absolute cherry on top for any Designer is to be recognized by being published.

Today I have accomplished a goal I set out to achieve when I started my business,

thanks to Our Homes Magazine.

Our Homes Magazine, Hamilton & Area

This is my client's backyard on the cover.

Although I can't take credit for this gorgeous stone fireplace, I take full credit for the s'mores tray!

You can enjoy the entire Fall issue of the magazine here, for free.

There are many editions from all around Ontario that feature local businesses, services and artisans -

what a great way to support your community!

Thank you to Laurie, Melissa, Kelly and Lisa for making this a great experience.

How to use Red in your Home Decor

2013-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

In honour of Valentine's Day, I thought I would do a post on how to use red to decorate your home.

It's a colour people love to wear but can't figure out how to use it in their decor

without it looking tacky or childish.

The thing I love about red, is that there are so many shades of this colour

that it can pair well with almost any other colour to create very distinct mood for any space.

Let's do a walk through the home.

Starting with the front door

nothing pops the curb appeal like a great front door...painted red

especially with black trim and white windows. It works for modern and rustic homes.

Red doors work just as well indoors.

This one is from Sarah Richardson's century farmhouse featured in Season 3 of Sarah's House

This muddy red looks fantastic against the white beadboard, wicker baskets,

vintage hall cabinet and the grey stone floors.

Staying in the hallway...

it's always been a favourite of mine for a gallery of family photos in black & white

As you make your way into the living room

you could be a bit more daring with a piece of furniture

look how amazing the red sofa looks against a dark wall with cream and white accents!

I would call it "masculine chic" yumminess!

Of course, red works well against white walls too

the grey, reclaimed wood floor and ceiling beam in this room

help to make the space more casual against an eclectic mix

of modern and classic furniture pieces

Kids rooms can be a lot of fun to decorate

and red is a perfectly neutral colour that's great for boys and girl's rooms

Red is known to stimulate the appetite

making it also great for dining rooms and kitchens

If you just want to try it on for size go pick up a gallon of

Benjamin Moore's most popular reds

and

< < PAINT SOMETHING > >

And Finally...

From the front door to the backyard

this painted concrete is absolutely amazing against the grey stone tiles and teak wood

So, as you can see

there are so many ways to incorporate red into your space - just give it a try!
If you need some help, just call me.

All images above and more ravishing red ideas

can be found on my RED ACCENTS Pinterest board.

Architectural Allure

2013-06-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Most of us can appreciate interesting design when we see it -

a beautiful building, a cool tech gadget, a streamline car, or even a sexy shoe.

I've become increasingly particular about the topic since I'm exposed to so much all the time and with the volume of fantastic online sources for interior design and architecture - I just cant get enough.

So, once my Pinterest page reached a nice critical mass, I decided to share.

Enjoy!

Grab your favourite latte here when in Japan

Can you imagine going to work in your office in Abu Dhabi?

Simple but so elegant

Right in your own backyard - love the great use of vertical lines

in contrast to the organic shapes of trees, rocks and bushes

From the organic ... to the surreal in Japan

Train station in Lisbon, Portugal

Twin towers in Spain

Just the simple lines of wood grain

And the crazy curves ... of a rotating room!

I could go on and on...or you can visit my

Architecture or Accents & Details boards on Pinterest

Second Wind

10 Reasons to Love Grey Home Decor

Bedrooms to Dream About

Cozy Chic Family Room

Glam Living Room

Colourful Rooms

Ceilings Treatments that Make You Look UP!

Lower Level Living - Basement Renovation

Basement Media Room

Reading Room... and a Coffee

New for Spring Decorating

Places to Spaces - French Bistro

Black & White...is always right!

Interior Design Show IDS 2015

Places to Spaces

If you can't get to the oasis, bring the oasis to your home.

Kitchen Design Tips

Eclectic Style

some bohoa bit beachycottage library chicadd lots of vintage vibe

Modern Rustic Loft

Living Room for Entertaining

Interior Design Show IDS 2014

Decorating with Blue

Art Inspired Design

Kitchen Makeover - Family Edition

Magazine Feature - Our Homes

How to use Red in your Home Decor

Architectural Allure

some boho
a bit beachy
cottage library chic
add lots of vintage vibe