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
If you are in a slump at this time of year with the shorter days and incoming colder weather, a few inexpensive design updates in your home might cheer you up. Here are a few of my favourite decorating ideas for a fall refresh. Create Visual Interest with Texture Using texture in your home décor … 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I’ve written about the benefits of bringing less stuff into your house, how you can do more with your life when you own less, and the connection between simplicity and minimalism. And now, a few thoughts to share on the concept of “a life with less.” In a podcast by The Minimalists, this important fact … 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
If you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve probably heard people talking about it. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo became a Netflix sensation. The mini-series has millions of viewers, and Kondo has sold millions of books. She even has her own line of beautifully designed storage boxes. (Yes, I see the irony too… aren’t we trying … Read more
I watched a video of a girl who felt she was too messy to be a minimalist, then she “Tried Minimalism for a Week.” She interviewed Ryan and Josh, The Minimalists, to better understand what a minimalist lifestyle means. Next, she packed up everything she owned except a few essentials and set off on her … Read more
Every once in a while, I discover a new obsession when it comes to buying, keeping, and organizing stuff. If you are a regular reader, you will know that I discovered The Minimalists a couple of years ago and have been a faithful follower of the movement ever since. I continue to embrace minimalism in … Read more