Are you struggling to have a cleaner, more organized, and beautifully decorated home? Maybe you keep moving things around, trying to achieve a cohesive, uncluttered look, and it doesn’t seem to work. And you feel the harder you try, the worse it gets. For over 20 years, I’ve helped clients turn messy, chaotic spaces into … Read more
Choosing cabinet hardware is like accessorizing your outfit with the right jewellery. Whether repainting a chest of drawers or building a new kitchen, the hardware can make or break a piece or the entire space, so choose thoughtfully and carefully. Repurposing Furniture I love nothing better than reusing a piece of furniture for a different … Read more
Wow, talk about a reality check when planning a home renovation in a post-pandemic world. In Nova Scotia, we have been hearing for the last year or so about supply chain issues and the increased costs of home construction. I’m not seeing a whole lot of supply problems, but prices are certainly up there. More … Read more
As more and more of us declutter and downsize, we find ourselves having practical and philosophical discussions about the purpose and meaning of life. Life and stuff are so intertwined that at some point, we may very well think about what makes a life well lived as we deal with our stuff. Recently, I attended … Read more
There’s a big difference between a house and a home. A house (or, for many of us, it’s a condo or apartment) is simply a roof over your head, a place to sleep, somewhere to cook, and a location to store your stuff. On the other hand, a home embraces you, helps you relax and … Read more
A recent vacation at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel in Punta Cana, featuring photo-worthy Greco-Roman design, inspired me to write about repeating elements in design. I also became slightly obsessed with the gorgeous limestone walkways and iridescent tile surrounding us in this beautiful resort. That was most likely because those are elements that we cannot … Read more
Many experts tout the need for symmetry in design, whether it’s used in graphic design or home design. However, many spaces do not naturally lend themselves to symmetry, so in these cases, using asymmetry in home design makes more sense. Why Use Symmetry? You can’t go wrong if you use symmetry to design your spaces. … Read more
During the past 20 years working as a Professional Organizer and Interior Decorator, I have decluttered and designed dozens of home offices. Having a functional and beautiful space to work from home is absolutely crucial, whether you are working for someone else, running your own business, or managing your household. If you enjoy being in … Read more
Laundry is one of those many household chores that many of us dread. Most likely, that is because your laundry room is in total chaos. That certainly does make a tedious task seem even more overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to help you manage laundry. Establish a Laundry Routine I know you don’t like … Read more
I’m not sure I’ve told you yet about my true obsession (besides organizing, of course). I am totally, completely, over-the-top obsessed with mid-century modern (MCM) design. This quote sounds like a mission statement for simple and functional living and certainly speaks to me. It could almost be a motto to live by. “If it is not … Read more
The start of a new year can be a great time to recommit to having a more organized, functional, and beautiful home. Many of my clients avoid a much-needed decluttering, renovation, or redecorating project because there is just too much confusion in their homes. They feel their life, in general, is chaotic, and they don’t … Read more
Having worked on dozens of renovations with clients over the last 20 years, I can share with you these ten things to do before you start a renovation that should help you avoid the pitfalls and bring your project to completion on time and within your budget. The key components of any renovation project are … Read more
In my experience as an interior decorator, I believe most windows need some type of window treatment. Blinds are an extremely popular and functional choice for most rooms and are sufficient on their own. However, curtains as window treatments add something special to the design and are worth the investment. Why You Should Add Curtains … Read more
Who knew there was so much to learn about lighting? What does that have to do with organizing and design, you might ask? A lot, actually! Proper thought, planning, and choosing the right lights and lamps can make or break your space. You know how much I love lists, so here are ten tips for … Read more
In my last blog post about kitchen design one of the things I shared is not to be afraid of adding a little color or a lot of color. Well, I must tell you I saw some fabulous color while on vacation in Prince Edward Island last week. At the suggestion of my dad’s girlfriend … Read more
I read a fascinating book entitled The Kitchen by John Ota. The book is a series of stories about the authors’ tour of kitchens across Canada and the United States, not only in search of design ideas but also to fulfill his love of cooking. As an architect, he has a keen eye for detail, … Read more
There are three decorating no-nos I suggest you avoid in your home if you want to make it feel more pleasing to the eye, more cohesive, and more comfortable. Interestingly, I have this conversation with almost every client I work with, whether it’s decorating or organizing their space. Choosing Paint Colours In my opinion, paint … Read more
I was thrilled to attend a seminar with the author, TV show host, and professional organizer Peter Walsh. One of the benefits of the pandemic lockdown is that everyone is open to teaching online – even famous people. Peter Walsh is one smart person, that’s for sure. He seems to spend hours thinking about how … Read more
Small space design, especially on a budget, requires a creative approach to blending esthetics and functionality. When my boyfriend sold his four-bedroom house and moved into a 500-square-foot apartment, I enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to help him style his new home. The only things he took from the house were a double bed and … Read more
Many everyday items can inspire interior design, from artwork to furniture. Interestingly, I am finishing a project with a client who asked me to design their powder room around a toilet roll holder. Yes, it’s true! Now that’s a first! Of course, there is nothing I enjoy more than an unusual challenge. As you can … Read more