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
In my experience working with my interior decorating clients, most windows in your home need some type of window treatment. Blinds are an extremely popular and functional choice for most spaces in your home and are sufficient on their own. However, drapery treatments add something special to your design and are worth the investment. Why … 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
There are three things I suggest you consider in your home if you want to make it feel more pleasing to the eye, more cohesive and more comfortable. I find myself having these conversations with almost every client I work with whether its decorating or organizing their space. Choosing Paint Colors Paint color, in my … Read more
I was thrilled to attend a seminar with author, TV show host, and professional organizer Peter Walsh recently with a group of my professional organizing colleagues. One of the benefits of being locked down with this pandemic is that everyone is open to teaching via Zoom, even famous people. Peter Walsh is one smart dude, … Read more
Two years ago my boyfriend moved into a 500 square foot apartment after selling his four-bedroom house. It was meant to be a temporary stopping point for a year to re-think his next steps. The only thing he took from the house was a double bed and mattress and a bunch of bins and boxes … Read more
Yes, it’s true. Really. I am finishing up a project with a client who asked me if I could design their powder room around a toilet roll holder. Now that’s a first and perhaps a last. However, there is nothing I enjoy more than an unusual challenge. As you can see, said “inspiration” piece is … Read more
This blog post was inspired by a conversation I had with a client a few days ago. She and her husband have been working on a DIY reno of their house for months and months and months . . . However, they did hire a cabinet company to design and install their kitchen. Good news. … Read more
It certainly has been an interesting year so far. You may choose to call it something else a little less positive such as challenging . . . stressful . . . or just downright awful. I’m sure, like so many of us, you are inside your four walls, however large or small those may be, … Read more
I’ve always loved a car show and I had the chance to attend one during my trip to PEI this September. Mark it in your calendar for next year. Labour Day weekend 2021 you must go to the Brackley Drive-In Theatre ( https://drivein.ca/ ) for their annual car show. Unless, of course, you go there … Read more
The historic Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is probably the most elegant, thoughtfully designed hotel I have ever stayed in. From the moment you arrive to the time you leave; you feel the positive energy of the building and those who have taken care of it over the years. I … Read more
A newsletter arrived in my inbox last week from Prime Walls featuring gorgeous mural wallpapers from Elle Belz that I immediately posted on Instagram and Facebook because I was so inspired. Naturally, that led me to do a little more research today to see what else is new in the wallpaper market. And now . … Read more
Who should you hire for your next project? Every once and a while someone will say to me, “I’m not sure exactly what you do but I think you can help us.” I always find it so hard to believe that people don’t know what I do. It’s so obvious to me and apparently only to me! I … Read more
I think there is life changing magic in the most basic of organizing principles. It’s known as “a place for everything”. Since I started working as a professional organizer back in 2003 I have been sharing this as one of the keys to successfully organizing our homes, our offices and our lives. We “professionals” tend to glibly … Read more
You may have heard of Universal Design. This method employs barrier-free design principles for the intergenerational use of any space. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. However, Universal Design addresses the needs of all people. There are some great ideas for employing Universal Design when organizing your home. … Read more
All the talk about the necessity for creative storage solutions in tiny houses is true. I have had to use some innovative thinking for a challenging storage project I’m working on. A friend has a small home (about 700 square feet) with tiny rooms. The only storage areas are a four-foot-wide closet in her bedroom and a … Read more
I attended an excellent presentation at the Nova Scotia Interior Decorators Association. As part of our Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Day, our guest speaker was Andrea Smith, Executive Director of Teichert Gallery in Halifax. Andrea shared her knowledge of how to introduce original art into our lives, general rules for hanging and lighting … Read more
I absolutely love furnishing tiny spaces to maximize storage and function. However, finding furniture pieces to fit is often a challenge. I’ve been hunting for a 12-inch-wide bedside table with a drawer and shelf on the bottom for several weeks. It’s amazing how much time a person can spend looking for the right piece, especially … Read more
Over the years, I’ve worked on many big organizing jobs and designed and renovated some significant spaces. But sometimes, small, satisfying projects have the most impact – especially a client is super excited about a new closet. Who would have thought that a six-foot closet makeover could change someone’s day-to-day life? Well, you use your … Read more
If you have never been to the Saltscapes East Coast Expo, you might want to put it in your calendar for April 2019. I spent a good portion of the April 22ndweekend there at the Nova Scotia Interior Decorators booth. This is my third time participating with my Interior Decorating peeps, and I love it. … Read more