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
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
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
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
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
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 have just finished reading the most fascinating book simply entitled The Kitchen by John Ota. The book is a series of stories about the authors’ tour of kitchens across Canada and America not only in search of design ideas but also to fulfill his love of cooking. As an architect he has a keen … Read more
One piece of advice I always give anyone who is planning to organize and/or redesign a space is, “store and organize things the way you use them”. Think about the things you use most often and store them in the most accessible spot. The goal is to find what you need and put it away … 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 Colors Paint colour, in my … 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
I have worked on dozens of kitchen renovations over the last ten years. Some involved a complete demo and replace and some just a “refresh”. With a couple of smaller kitchen projects just completed and a couple of larger ones about to begin, it seems to me like a good time to share a few … 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
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
I love receiving the newsletter from Prime Walls because they feature gorgeous mural wallpapers. Some designs are so inspiring that I immediately post them on Instagram and Facebook. Naturally, I did more research to see what else was new in the wallpaper market. And now, I have wallpaper envy. Many of the large floral print … 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