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
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
Even though the concept of Feng Shui isn’t as popular as it once was, some of the basic principles are very relevant, and I have seen them work time and again. Have you ever had that sensation when you enter a home or a specific room, it just doesn’t ‘feel right’? It is usually due … 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
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
If you’re like me, you keep a lot of stuff in your bathroom. Finding space for everything and keeping it tidy can be a challenge. How to store your items depends on the available space and your budget, but there are many ways to create functional storage in your bathroom. Towels If you don’t have … 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
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
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
Have you ever felt that some rooms you enter just don’t feel ‘right’? It could be because the energy of stuff is out of balance. Ideally, there should be an equilibrium of light and dark, known as yin and yang. Read more about the philosophy of feng shui. Imagine that the physical objects in your … Read more
Whenever someone plans to organize or redesign a space, I always suggest storing items based on how you use them. Designing storage solutions isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It’s about making it easy to find what you need and put it back so you can find it again later. The Goal When you design … Read more
I absolutely love the thought of home ownership, even though I no longer have a house. Not to say that I won’t again one day but likely only if I can design and build it myself to my exact needs. I just need a piece of land to put it on – no small feat … Read more
It’s done. The move is behind us. Moving is one of the top three most stressful events in your life. I don’t know how some people move over and over and over. We are absolutely exhausted and don’t want to do it again any time soon, that’s for sure. There are so many moves in … 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
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 … Read more
In 1950, the average size of a family home was approximately 1,000 square feet. By 1970, it had increased to 1,500 square feet and to 2,200 square feet by the year 2000. In 2023, it was just over 2,400 square feet. So, the question is, how much room does one person really need? If we … 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