December: Trend Watch

My top five light fixtures choices: All these fixtures have unique styling and features that will enhance the ambiances in any room

By: Troy Lighting, F9994GSL, Morgan 4-Light Chandelier, Gold and Silver Leaf

Retail Price: $466.00 (US, Plus S&H)

Link:http://www.lightinguniverse.com/chandeliers/troy-lighting-f9994gsl-morgan-4-light-chandelier-gold-and-silver-leaf_g243086.html

By: Landmark Lighting, 72022-3, Tetra 3 Light Chandelier, Polished Chrome

Retail Price: $358.00 (US, plus S & H)

Link: http://www.lightinguniverse.com/chandeliers/landmark-lighting-72022-3-tetra-3-light-chandelier-polished-chrome_g500936.html

By: Uttermost, 21129, Chandelier

Retail Price: $426.80 (US Plus S&H)

Link: http://www.lightinguniverse.com/chandeliers/uttermost-21129-chandelier_g324750.html

By: Titus Manufacturing, Ltd.

Angeline 6L, Chandelier, Model: 146516

Retail Price: $128.00

Link: http://www.homedepot.ca/

By: Gen-Lite "Razor" Suspended Single Light Fixture, 52975174

Retail Price: $319.00

Link: http://www.rona.ca/

Silver Bells

Christmas time is here! Let's get festive! Here are a few tips for decorating your home for the holidays:

• For every Christmas decoration you bring out, put away one that you have on display throughout the year. This will help your Christmas decor be the focal point and help simplify things.
  
• If you don't have a ton of Christmas decoration options, use candles and metallics to bring out the holiday cheer in your home. Clean up the yard, find some sticks and spray them in gold or silver. You could place them in a vase or urn, or have them lying on your table or mantel.
  
• Make your own decorations: There are so many options out there for funky paper at your local scrap booking stores. Pick out some fun patterns and create paper garlands and ornaments to highlight your tree, railings, etc. This will achieve a modern look with a small price tag


• Check out this website for great gift wrapping ideas: http://www.snowandgraham.com/blog/?p=152
  
• Adding white lights to any room with add sparkle and a cozy atmosphere


• Hang a festive berry wreath on your door, this look is timeless. To purchase this wreath, visit: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Holiday-Berry-Wreath/4131161/product.html
• If you have planters around the exterior of your home, visit your local floral shop or nursery and purchase Ilex Berries, approx. $2/branch. Place them within your existing pots, adding height and color.

Inspired by Travel

Color Scheme Concept:

As I have just returned home from a vacation to Maui, I thought it would be fitting to do a post on my trip. As I looked at the wonderful colors and textures that surrounded me, I thought, "Why not use this as inspiration for a color scheme?"

One of the many beaches along the way

Black Sand Beach, on the "Road to Hana"

Here are a few idea's of mine to create a room from the images you see above:

Sofa option: Using the color of sand as our starting point

link: http://www.stylussofas.com/stylegallery_details.php?styleid=445&categoryid=1

Arm Chair: Use an accent color for the main body of the chair

link:http://www.stylussofas.com/stylegallery_details.php?styleid=423&categoryid=3

Fabric for Arm Chair: Bringing in a shade of blue from the sea or sky

Upholstered in: http://www.duralee.com/fabrics/product.php?pattern_id=20547

Accent Fabric One: For toss pillows; Which incorporates all the colors you see in the photo's above.

link: http://www.duralee.com/fabrics/product.php?pattern_id=16547

Accent Fabric Two: For toss pillows or window coverings; A stripe is timeless and will add interest to the space

link: http://www.duralee.com/fabrics/product.php?pattern_id=20599

Accessories: All from 18 Karat; All of these have organic styling, which is another way to bring nature into your home

link: http://www.eighteenkarat.com/articles/?action=d7_article_view_folder&Join_ID=329851&template=/CategoryTemplate.html&depth=4

Although I have chosen images of the ocean, I have tried to keep the theme of this concept quite neutral and not overly nautical. You can just use the colors as inspiration and have the space in any style you choose. If it looks beautiful in nature, it should look amazing in your home

November: Trend Watch

This month feature is on cabinetry hardware:

Cabinetry hardware is often over looked and forgotten in a space. It can really direct your design for a room, while pulling it together and adding the sparkle that every space needs.

• Here are a few of my favorite's:

By: Lee Valley Hardware * Retail Price: $17.50 per knob

link:http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=63892&cat=3,46742,44008&ap=1

These "Ice Cubes" are a splurge, but you won't be disappointed with the sparkle

and glamour that they will create in your space.

By: Lee Valley Hardware * Retail Price: $5.60 per knob

Link: http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=52423&cat=3,49938&ap=19

These ultra fun knobs are definitely a conversation piece. Adding unique choices like this will help your home stand apart from the rest on the block.

By: Lee Valley Hardware * Retail Price: $8.50 per knob

link: http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=62600&cat=3,49938&ap=1

The scale of these knobs (2" square) will demand your attention.

By: Schaub & Co. Italian Design * Retail Price: $10.36 per handle

link: http://www.knobsandhardware.com/products/view.aspx?sku=1625284&linkLoc=recent

These handles have a look of rebellion to them, while still holding that glamour factor.

By: Schaub & Co. Italian Design * Retail Price: $9.56 per handle

link: http://www.knobsandhardware.com/cabinet-pulls/schaub-company-italian-design-cabinet-pull_g245451.html

The simplicity of these handles are beautiful. I also like how the lines have a slight wave to them, creating an elegant look while still maintaining there contemporary edge.

Add new life to an existing Room

Do you have a room that's feeling unloved and boring? If you aren't ready to toss everything, try starting out with small item's to add life to a neglected space.

Here are some tricks to add energy to your space:

• I always tell my clients to add black and green to their space. These colors can be added in a very small amount, but it will help add contrast into your room of choice. It could be a plant on your coffee table, a few black picture frames throughout the room, etc.
  



Frames from Crate & Barrel


http://www.crateandbarrel.com/picture-frames/decorating-and-accessories/1




• Freshen up your toss pillows. Having pillows on your sofas and chairs that have flattened out over time and lost their luster isn't appealing. Add some pillow's in a fun accent color and go with down feather filled, they will hold their shape forever with a little fluffing!




Pillows from 18 Karat

http://www.eighteenkarat.com/damask-cushion-green1429.html




• Change out your old lamp shades. Bring in drum shades in simple shapes and colors. White or linen are always basic colors that should go with any space. This will update your lighting without costing a small fortune.

Shades from Pottery Barn

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/linen-tapered-drum-lamp-shade/?pkey=clamp-shades

• Get rid of your clutter!! Remove everything from your surfaces, open shelving, etc. Choose your favorite pieces and edit the rest. Re-organizing your home will instantly give your space, and you, a fresh outlook. Try using wicker baskets to add storage in your living space, while introducing some texture at the same time.

Basket from Crate & Barrel

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/baskets/decorating-and-accessories/

Vancouver Interior Design Show Review

I visited the Vancouver Interior Design Show last week and thought I would highlight a few of my favorite Exhibitors:

• KeenART Media Ltd. takes your personal images and prints them at an extremely high quality onto canvases. Your photo's become art that will jump off the wall. You can choose your sizing, canvas thickness, crop your photo down, quality range, etc. Here's one of my favorite prints that they offer online:

Link: http://www.vancouveroncanvas.com/

• Optimum Studios creates custom glass work using only the essential materials; creating a seamless look that won't obstruct your view or take focus off any other features in your space. It's a modern and timeless look that I love.
  
  

link: http://www.optimumstudios.com/

• Calligaris, Italian Living Furniture had very unique pieces. There furniture has a modern styling, that almost feels like art over functionality. The chair I have chosen to feature has a very transitional look to it: a more traditional shape with modern finishes and materials. I think this piece could fit into a variety of spaces.

link:http://international.calligaris.it/catalogue/Chairs-and-Stools/Wood/Deja-vu---LH/2/10/707

Rustic Chic

The tradition log cabin has taken an interesting twist!
Hanging your catch of the day on the wall and your

weapon of choice to capture the creature isn't exactly what

I would want for my mountain inspired space.

Here are some images of what I find irresistible for today's

look of "rustic chic"

Statement Piece

This beautiful desk from Restoration Hardware combines modern and rustic elements perfectly. The reclaimed teak corbels add character and interest, while the glass top just fades away.

Retail price: $1,095.00

Link: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1613164&navAction=jump&navCount=2

Acrylic Masterpiece

What a unique take on the typical. This creation will add interest and a focal point to any space. The acrylic materials will let it work with other patterns and textures as well.

Link: http://www.scienceandsons.com/plastidermy.php

Faux Antler Chandelier

For a modern take on a rustic piece, you could also paint this chandelier in a bold

color or a high gloss white or black for drama

Retail Price: $700.00

Link: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/Dick-Idol-Twelve-Light-Antler-Chandelier__33981.html

My inspiration image is from the Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC.

Link: http://www.adarahotel.com

October: Trend Watch

At the start to every month I will feature a design trend

This months feature is on graphic area rugs:

As we are heading into winter, it's a great idea to cozy up your spaces, adding moody colors, textures and warmth. Adding an area rug to a wood or tile floor will instantly warm up your space. Instead of adding a solid rug, try a graphic pattern for instant drama.

Here are a few of my favorites, including links:

http://www.allmodern.com

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

http://www.instylerugs.com/m_33.asp

Hotel Fabulous

Creating a Hotel Vibe for your own bedroom

We all love vacations. There is something so great about walking into a guest suite, throwing your luggage a side, putting up your feet and relaxing. Our own personal spaces are often the last place we put our money and effort into, as we are usually the only people enjoying the spaces. But don't forgot about these area's. A bedroom that continues with the same style of your home will add quite a bit of comfort to your life.

Creating a relaxing space like this in your own home can be simple:

• I always like to start with crisp white bedding. It can have some detail, pattern or texture to give it some interest, but white bedding never seems to date itself.
• Keep the head board simple. It could be an upholstered head board that you create yourself, an interesting cut of wood in a dark stain, etc. This will add drama, presence and a focal point to the space.
• Add color and pattern with your: toss pillars, a throw blanket, funky accessories and art work. It's important to keep your trendy and colorful item's inter changeable. If you want to change your room seasonally or with trends, this is an ideal place to start. The larger items should be timeless, as they are the investment pieces.
• Include the necessities: night stands with storage, bedside lighting and a mirror. Always keep scale in mind as well. If you have a large room, consider the sizing of your furniture and accessories.
• Window treatments will add another layer of texture and interest to the space. Using a bold and graphic pattern will add drama to your space. Mounting your draperies as closely to your ceiling as possible will add height as well.
• Remember to treat yourself: A vase of your favorite cut flowers will add a touch of elegance.

My inspiration photo is from one of my favorite hotel rooms: http://www.mirage.com/hotel/guest-rooms.aspx

Six inexpensive ways to easily update your kitchen

1. Freshen up your cabinets with paint and trim work:

• Instead of going with standard white, paint your cabinets a neutral color such as: Taupe or Beige. Benjamin Moores, Rocky Road CC-470 is an ideal neutral. If this is too much of a commitment, paint out the upper cabinets in white and the lower cabinets in a darker color. If you currently have flat panel doors, add some trim work: 3" wide x 1/4" deep, to mimic a shaker door style which will add interest and instant character to your space

2. Replace your old counter tops:

• Even if your budget is small, replacing your dated counter tops with new and contemporary laminate counter tops will make a huge statement. Wilsonart Laminate, 4588-07 Kalahir Topaz is an excellent choice. Have the suppliers make a "square under-wrap edge profile" and eliminate the laminate back splash

3. Install a new back splash:

• A back plash can really pull the whole look together in your small renovation project. Choose something simple and inexpensive, not sinking a lot of your money into it. White subway tile is a cost saving, but stylish option. It will be crisp and clean, adding the perfect amount of pattern for your room. For a more modern look: Install the tiles with the grout lines all matching up. For a more traditional look: stagger the grout lines.

4. Install new cabinet hardware:

• The hardware is like accessories with an outfit, pulling it all together. This choice will really direct the style of your kitchen. Check out http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/ for thousands of options. Here's one of my favorites:
  

Alno A853 Contemporary Suite Cabinet Knob

Price: $9.00 each

5. Install a new faucet:

• Adding a new faucet will create sparkle and shine in your updated space. Similarly like the new hardware, the style of your faucet will also direct the whole look of your kitchen. Here is a modern option from Home Depot:

Pegasus

Kitchen faucet with a spring spout CP

Price: $264.00

Model Number: 1000124527

6. Update your lighting:

• It doesn't matter anymore if you live in a small starter home or a newly constructed high end home, Chandeliers are in! Add a sparkling chandelier over your kitchen table, which will give your new space an elegant mood. Here is an inexpensive, yet stylish option from the Home Depot:

ML 5-light Chrome Chandelier

Price: $169.99

Model Number: 27158


Links: http://www.homedepot.ca/
http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/

Adding Instant Charm and Character to a Space

Often our rooms need some pattern or texture to create interest and keep your attention. Wallpaper is a great way to achieve that. If this option seems like too much of a risk or commitment for you, try wallpapering : your Powder Room, a feature wall (choose one main wall in a room to cover), the back paneling of an open cabinet or shelving unit, or if you are really nervous you could wall paper a large canvas for art work.


Here are some of my favorite patterns for the season:






These five wallpapers are all from Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics: http://www.crownwallpaper.com/residential-wallcoverings-detail.php?id=384

If you are interested in wallpaper history:
http://wallpaperhistory.com/VintageWallpaperGuide/

Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show

The annual Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show is coming to

BC Place Stadium on October 15 to 18, 2009.

Show Dates and Times:

• Thursday, October 15, 4pm to 9pm
• Friday, October 16, 12pm to 9pm
• Saturday, October 17, 10am to 9pm
• Sunday, October 18, 10am to 6pm

Ticket Prices:

• Adults (at door) $15.00
• Seniors (60+) $12.00
• Seniors $5.00 before 5pm on Friday
• Youth 13 to 17 $12.00
• Children under 12 Free

Celebrity Guests Include:

• Ty Pennington (From Extreme Home Makeover), Thursday only
• Colin and Justin (From Home Heist), Friday and Saturday only
• Cheryl Torrenueva (From Home Heist)
• Anthony Sedlak (Chef)
• Wendy Russel (Best know from She's Crafty)
• Shawn Felix (Custom Audio and Visual Tech.)

The Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show is great for: giving you idea's, hooking you up with companies to help you complete the work and providing seminars to enhance your skills for a project.

To purchase tickets and for more details, check out there website: www.bchomeandgardenshow.com/ME2/sites