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
As summer winds down here in Nova Scotia, it’s the best time to plan for fall home organization projects you want to accomplish before the end of the year. Four months seems like a long way off, but it’s amazing how one week rolls into the next. Before you know it, your busy life will … Read more
Over the years, I’ve provided plenty of tips on kitchen renovations, but I’ve never shared the actual process that starts months before the demolition and rebuilding begins. Of course, the design work and choosing finishes take time. However, there’s more. In this post, I’m talking about the months of sorting, decluttering, and organizing you need … 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
I have had the privilege of organizing and designing several small spaces over the years. The most recent one was a two-bedroom, 750-square-foot condo. The client’s partner had moved in a few months earlier, and they were struggling to make the space work for them. Of course, merging two households into one is challenging, so … 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
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
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
The kitchen is the one space in your home that has many different categories of stuff. As a result, it is often difficult to organize it and maintain tidiness. If you are planning a renovation, it’s essential to analyze your space to maximize storage and organization in your kitchen. Your needs will vary and depend … Read more
During my 20 years of experience as a professional organizer, many clients have asked what to do with the fine china collection that no one uses. After all, no one actually uses a collection, right? That’s an ongoing debate if you are trying to organize and downsize your life. Here are ten great ideas for … Read more
If you embrace a minimalist lifestyle and are obsessed, like I am, with tiny homes, small spaces, and living with less, this post will definitely interest you. After all these years working in design and helping clients declutter and organize their lives, I know that less definitely gives you more—more freedom, more relaxation, more control. … 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
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 the winter, most people typically hunker down and wait for spring before tackling major decluttering projects. However, if you drag yourself up off the sofa and look around the house for some ‘clutter hotspots, ‘ you could work to banish them once and for all. Entryways Is the clutter in your entryway secretly telling … 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
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