Design Bliss Interiors

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 17:02:00 -0400

Happy Thanksgiving!

A little fall entry style, inspired by white pumpkins and red wellies...

Styling and Photo by Chanele Cote

Gull Cottage Grand Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:11:00 -0400

Over the winter I designed and decorated a fabulous cottage renovation in the Haliburton area. The cottage has undergone a huge transformation including the master bedroom / ensuite bathroom, a full basement addition, and an outdoor / sunroom addition. Initially the Master Bedroom was small and shared the main floor guest bathroom.

A few weeks ago we added the finishing touches and were able to photograph the transformation! Enjoy:

The Plans:

The Elevations:

Client Requests:

Merge Sunroom and Bedroom to create Master Bedroom / Ensuite Bathroom
Freshen space and maintain cottage charm
Reuse all entry doors and closet doors to save investment
Maintain all existing window positions to reduce costs and issues with matching original siding

*A few changes were made during the construction phase to the built-in bookcase, which became a hidden television unit for the adjoining living room. The bathroom mirrors and shelving options were also altered during the final stages.

Before & After:
The original space was dated, dark, and consumed by wood panelling. With the addition of a new Outdoor/Sunroom on the other side of the cottage; the original sunroom was barely used and offered a great opportunity to expand the bedroom.

The overall space:

The Lounge:
Upon entering the room through the original french doors, a set of low cozy lounge chairs and rustic table allow the clients to enjoy their morning coffee and read a book without blocking the amazing view.

The Bedroom:
The focal wall is clad with wood panels from the original sunroom ceiling and compliment the new painted panel ceiling. Wood paddles from Mountain Equipment Co-op were sanded and painted for above the bed. Crisp hotel style bedding is paired with deep blue and toile pillows for a fresh coastal vibe.

The Bathroom:

Using the original bedroom door we were able to re-use it as a pocket-door to the bathroom to save space and costs. The new window and a frameless glass shower add additional light to the space. The rustic style vanity with cream marble top and matching mirrors were purchased from Restoration Hardware. A vintage oil painting of the clients' family cottage hangs on the wall above the toilet.

Custom Storage:

My favourite part of the bathroom is the bonus toiletry storage and hidden hamper behind the shower wall.

Living Room Storage:
The original bedroom door was converted into a hidden television and games storage. This bonus space was left after the new placement of the bed on the reverse wall. The television pulls out for viewing and the doors slide back into the unit. The lower unit houses all the family board games for convenient access.

Overall, the clients were really happy with the transformation and spend a lot more time relaxing in the lounge with a morning coffee and a good book. Their favourite part of the space is waking up each morning with a view of the lake and surrounding trees! The space is now much fresher and feels apart of the outdoors.

Sketchy Client Consultations

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Mon, 4 Feb 2013 10:12:00 -0500

I've just discovered a great drawing app for the iPad that I'll be using for client consultations from now on. The app "Paper" by FiftyThree is basically a digital notebook for quickly sketching ideas, erasing mistakes, and emailing directly. The app's basic (and fully functional features) are free and the additional pencils / colours can be purchased.

Samples of features include:

via

Amazing sample works of art on the app:

via

You can have separate journals for different projects:

via

I used the iPad along with a stylus (I bought from the Dollarama for $2)

Here are some sample floor plan concepts for my client's home that I was able to quickly/easily sketch out and email to myself to test out the app. The process was soooooooooo simple and fun that I got carried away and began sketching everything!

Hence my numerous samples:

Clark Residence - Master Bedroom

Clark Residence -Ensuite Bathroom

Clark Residence - Living Room Built-In Storage

Clark Residence - Kitchen Pass-Through to Dining Room

*Note: these are VERY ROUGH sketches eek ... but very fun to do .

* My review : loveee love loveeeeee the app and want to explore the other pencil/colour features

Starting Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:35:00 -0500

Given the arrival of 2013 and in the spirit of creating resolutions, I have decided to focus on my goal of falling back in love with Blogging. When I initially began blogging I was intimidated, concerned with perfection, and it quickly felt like a chore.... I continue daily blog reading behind the scenes and find myself always learning about so many wonderful products, companies, and design inspiration. It almost seems greedy to gain such insightful information and provide none of my own experiences in return.

I'm back with a new style of blogging; complete with less fuss, pressure or routine.

Every so often I am asked about my "hobbies" - which don't stray far from my career:

Travel & Photography: exploring diverse lifestyles, landscapes, and food - with a camera in hand
Outdoor Exploration: Spending time at the cottage, outdoor sports, and wandering
And of Course... Antique/Vintage Sourcing - searching for one-of-a-kind furniture and decor

Luckily for me (and the rest of the design obsessed) - Online "Garage Sales" like Craigslist and Kijiji fuel my addiction for fairly priced, unique finds. I've also stumbled upon a great local (Toronto) blog called Take This Sofa that scours the sites for weekly finds and of course Bijou and Boheme who always seems to score the most fabulous treasures for her home or clients.

Recently I've noticed Habitat for Humanity on board with some great pieces:

( Find detailed information for these items HERE )

Score fun, vibrant, and versatile pieces like these....

Diamond Veneer Round Dining Table | Coffee Table

Originally from Elte - Some veneer damage / character but could be repaired

$65 or $125

Classic Cobalt Blue Armchair | Sofa

Promptly remove armrest covers and or paint frame - electric!

$175 or $195

Mad Men-esque Emerald Cocktail Chair

$95

Carved Solid Wood Cabinet

Great for storage and shallow depth - would likely paint

$295

7' Contemporary Sofa

Clean lines - would replace accent pillows

(Matching love seat also in store)

$175

Abandoned Solid Wood Desk for Adoption

Looking for a good home, new hardware and appreciation for sweet drawer liners

$70

Handsome Woven Armoire

Inquire to store for details

*All Photos via

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Also announcing the First Toronto ReStore DIY Upcycle Challenge

From January 21 - February 8, 2013

Visit a Toronto Restore location and purchase an item in need of love
Take a "before" picture
Work your magic
Upload your before and "after" picture to their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/HabitatforHumanityToronto

Each entry will automatically be entered to win a CIL Paint Package
Top 5 Finalists will win National Home Show Tickets
Final winner prize to be determined; includes bragging rights

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I'll leave you with photos from my personal experience volunteering for Habitat for Humanity - it was a great week filled with inspiration, education, and enlightenment!

The only photo I captured of myself, adorned with a hard hat & plaid shirt

French Garden Party- Summer of Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:40:00 -0400

With three weddings, two bachelorette parties, two engagement parties, and my own engagement- this is the Summer of Love & Celebration. The next party line up includes a French Garden "Hen Party" for a friend of mine which I will be helping to decorate. I have designed a simple style board for the party which will include:

via 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

French Garden theme
Classy cocktails
Baskets of French Bread
Fromage & Figs
Red, White, Blue Canopy
French Macarons
Newspaper Wrapped Flowers

Salvation Army Window Display

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Tue, 3 Apr 2012 13:23:00 -0400

I wanted to follow up with a post I made earlier about a project to convert a Toronto Salvation Army Window Display. My partner Amanda,(blog) and I had the privilege of transforming their window display into an art installation!

The previous window display can be seen below:

The project was initially inspired by a school display case project:

Overall, the project was such a great experience and really gave me an appreciation for the amount of work required to produce such elaborate window displays. The process of creating window displays is really an expression of Art, created by talented artists.

Whitewash & Co Penthouse Showcase

noreply@blogger.com (Chanele) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:47:00 -0500

Bloom Table Runner by Selina Rose	Felt throw by Ronel Jordaan

[via]	[via]

Design Bliss Interiors

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gull Cottage Grand Reveal

Sketchy Client Consultations

Starting Fresh

French Garden Party- Summer of Celebration

Salvation Army Window Display

Whitewash & Co Penthouse Showcase

The Art of Window Displays

A Love Affair with all things French

[packing my bags]

[caught my eye - floorplans for food]

[figuring out the design industry]

[guest post- design shuffle–classic accessories]

[posterjack winner!]

[teeny tiny - galley house]

[gallery & giveaway]

[guest post]

[ for the love of our new brick wall ]

[design bliss–for the love of Montréal]

[design bliss–for the love of felt]

[horror vacui]

[lower bay station]

[sharing space]

[humpback wednesday]

[dabble mag launch]