We love to spend our downtime exploring our beautiful province of Nova Scotia. A few times a year, we book a two- or three-night stay somewhere close to home. Unless we leave town, it’s just so difficult to relax because when we’re at home, we feel there is always something we should be doing. Staycation … Read more
What is it really like to work with an interior decorator? Is it just about picking out nice paint colours, lighting, and a few throw pillows? In some ways, yes, but there’s more to it. It’s common to feel a little nervous about reaching out to an interior decorator. A lot of what you see … Read more
In nearly every client’s home, we find cherished family photos and beautiful artwork tucked away in closets or hidden behind furniture instead of being enjoyed. It always makes me a little sad. That’s why I make it a point to hang pictures so they can truly shine. If you’d like to take on this project … Read more
There is certainly no right or wrong way to create a space you love. However, starting any project, whether it be designing (or organizing) a space, is often the most challenging part because there are literally thousands of choices for finishes, fixtures, and accessories and many ways to get to the end result. For this … Read more
One of my favourite things to do is to stay in a hotel or inn. It doesn’t have to be far from home. When I decide to take time off, staying at home just isn’t relaxing. Because I work from home, it is exponentially more challenging to avoid work or household tasks. If you work … Read more
As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, our thoughts naturally turn to spending more time outdoors. But what if your outdoor space is tiny? Don’t worry; limited size doesn’t mean limited potential. With the right mix of organization and thoughtful design, you can design and decorate a small outdoor space that’s functional … Read more
When it comes to interior design, it’s often the small, thoughtful touches that transform a space from bland to beautiful. While furniture and layout form a room’s foundation, design elements such as lighting, accessories, artwork, window treatments, and cabinet hardware truly bring it to life. Let’s explore how these finishing touches add personality and make … Read more
A few months ago, we received a gorgeous piece of artwork as a gift. When it comes to artwork, depending on our individual taste, some of us think a piece is fantastic, and others do not. We love this large, bold piece now hanging in our living room, but some of our friends and family … Read more
Transforming my client’s small bathroom into a functional and beautiful space was a challenging task. Working with only 3.5 square metres (38 square feet) is more complex than working with a larger room because every detail matters. The key to success is achieving the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics. Here are five factors to … Read more
Negative or white space is a fundamental principle in interior design involving leaving empty or open areas in a room. Negative space helps to shape and define the positive spaces, or the areas filled with furniture, decor, or other visual elements such as artwork. The balance of negative and positive spaces enhances flow and focuses … Read more
One of my favourite interior design projects to work on with a client is choosing fabrics for window treatments and furniture reupholstery. As you know, there are thousands of choices for colour, texture, and pattern. So, the question is, how should you choose fabrics for your home? Keep in mind the colour, pattern, and, perhaps … Read more
There are several ways to use interior decorating techniques to bring more light into your home. Many people think paint is the only way to do this, but furniture choices and lighting are equally important. If you are a long-time reader, you won’t be surprised if I say that a good decluttering before designing any … Read more
I do so enjoy a powder room makeover. It’s an exciting project, but planning carefully is essential to ensure the process goes smoothly and the results meet your expectations. A typical powder room renovation project is quick and easy. Having said that, you will likely require a handyperson, plumber, and electrician in addition to an … Read more
Home renovations can become complex endeavours, no matter how simple they seem – even a small renovation project can be complicated. It might appear straightforward, but as one of my clients recently discovered, managing a bedroom closet makeover requires a lot of work to coordinate the schedules of multiple trades. For this very reason, most … Read more
Strictly speaking, a kitchen backsplash is optional. However, it does help protect the walls above the counters and behind the stove from splashes and stains. It can also add an element of style. That’s why you should consider various factors when choosing backsplash tile for your kitchen. Here are some tips to help you make … Read more
There has been a lot of talk in the interior design world about maximalism being “in” and minimalism being “out.” From what I’ve seen, the maximalism trend harkens back to the décor of the 1990s. It seems to be about mixing patterns – and a lot of them – in one space. Even though this … Read more
If you are in a slump at this time of year with the shorter days and incoming colder weather, a few inexpensive design updates in your home might cheer you up. Here are a few of my favourite decorating ideas for a fall refresh. Create Visual Interest with Texture Using texture in your home décor … Read more
I didn’t think I would ever see the day when Nova Scotians would live in tents on sports fields and public parks because they can’t afford housing. I know the situation is complicated, but if we don’t speak up, the situation will only become worse. The housing shortage is serious, that’s for sure. Mini Houses … Read more
If I had a dollar for every time a client said to me, “I don’t know where to start!” I’d be rich. Whether it’s an organizing or design project, getting started is half the battle. I’ve written about how to start decluttering your home. However, knowing where to begin when choosing finishes for your renovation … Read more
As mortgage rates increase, some of you are choosing to renovate your home and add a furnished income suite (sometimes known as an in-law suite) to offset housing costs. Builders and contractors write plenty of articles about building these independent rental units. They include lots of valuable information for you to consider. For example, Bob … Read more