Decorating & Design
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Design lesson: Playing with pattern Design lesson: Playing with pattern
Design lesson: Playing with pattern ofHow to choose pattern Drapery, cushions, upholstery and bedding -- we surround ourselves with fabric. It's how we soften the hard edges of the world. Although the textures and patterns you choose depend on personal taste, awareness of their impact allows you to make selections that will contribute to overall harmony. That's especially important in small spaces, where an abundance of pattern contributes to visual clutter. So, consider these strategies for incorporating pattern into your home.How to choose patternLiving roomTo allow for visual breathing room, it's best to use simple designs and combine them with solid fabrics. Robust patterns can be distracting, shifting attention from focal points, and creating a confusing backdrop for works of art.Dining room Frequently more dramatic than other public rooms, this room is used mostly in the evening. For that reason, it's perfectly warranted to choose bolder patterns. In addition, patterned upholstery and carpets are highly practical. Kitchen In the kitchen, where most of the available wall space is devoted to cabinetry, pattern can be a welcome relief. A pictorial wallpaper or scenic drapery fabric can create interest and set the tone for other decorating in the room. Bedroom The pattern you pick is dictated by the mood you want to create. If the bedroom is used only at nighttime, consider a minimum of pattern in a restful palette. For those who use the room during the day, a more adventurous mix of pattern may appeal. Powder room The powder room provides a real opportunity to enjoy high-impact pattern, as it's a transitional space used for short periods of time. Choose a scenic or geometric design, classic floral or large abstract pattern, and use it abundantly. Dos and don'ts Dos and don'tsDO evaluate the scale of furniture before choosing a pattern for upholstery. A dining room chair seat can't handle a large pattern. In contrast, a three-seater sofa doesn't suit a tiny motif. DO review the existing patterns in the room's background. For example, a herringbone floor adds energy, while a coffered ceiling brings order to a space. The crisp, heavy lines of shutters contrast with the minigrid of a mosaic backsplash. These architectural cues may influence the selection of other patterns. DO combine patterns that share a similar feeling or expression. For example, an exotic paisley blends easily with florals or stripes if they have an exotic feel as well. Formal damask works with shimmering silk, but may clash with rugged leather. DO use vertical stripes, like those provided by floor-to-ceiling wallpaper or drapes, to emphasize the height of a room. To accentuate a room's width, opt for horizontal stripes, using wallpaper or artwork hung in a row as a frieze. DON'T ignore the rug, since it's one of the most influential patterns in any room. Because it's a major purchase, many designers begin with it when building a design scheme. DON'T use more than one large-scale design in a small interior, as it can overwhelm. However, you can use several small or medium patterns if they are varied in scale. Layering patterns lends a sense of depth, vital to a small room. DON'T overdo vivid pattern in small spaces. Remember, a fabric with pattern has more visual weight than a solid one.To include a variety of patterns, stick to a colour palette with tone-on-tone or two-tone fabrics.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Outdoor holiday decorating Design lesson: Outdoor holiday decorating
Design lesson: Outdoor holiday decorating ofLighting As far back as I can remember, the task of decorating the outside of our house at Christmastime fell to me and my dad. With zeal I directed my father to hang greenery and ornaments across the entire roofline and over the porch of our modest bungalow. To my child's eye, only yards of red, yellow, blue and green coloured lights (the embodiment of holiday cheer) could compensate for a lack of snow (pretty likely in southern California, where we were living). For the record, my husband maintains that 25 years later my dictatorial approach has changed very little. Here is some well-seasoned advice for bringing holiday cheer to your home's exterior.LightingJust as grocery shopping with a list can prevent costly impulse buys and oversights, it's wise to prepare a plan of action before you ascend the ladder with lights in hand. Here are five tips for effectively lighting your home's exterior.1 Take a photograph of the façade of your home and draw in your ideas with a marker. Try several options before settling on one. With a detailed plan, you can accurately calculate your lighting requirements.2 Make sure lights are working before you hang them. If you are combining lights and greenery, save a step by wrapping garlands with lights before stringing them up. 3 Use the architecture of your home as a guide. Follow roof lines, windowsills, and other significant elements, such as window boxes or a gazebo. Your goal is to highlight those existing shapes, not work against them.4 Create a pleasing vignette by lighting several trees or shrubs (a group of three is appealing). Vary the bulb size to suit each plant. For every foot of tree, use at least a 100-count strand of lights and weave it in and out of tree branches, creating layers of light that emanate from within.5 Highlight any evergreens with coloured floodlights in crisp white or seasonal green. (Avoid red lights for this purpose, since they make green trees appear muddy.) Dos and don'ts Dos and Don'ts of exterior decoratingDO consider the architecture. Classic and formal homes look best with tightly woven greenery displayed symmetrically. Victorian homes are exuberant and accommodate coloured ornaments, elaborate bows and draped greenery. Colonial styles call for simple decorations. Complement a ranch bungalow with looser greens such as cedar, and natural elements like pinecones.DO mix fresh and permanent garlands. Place fresh greens near a door to appreciate the fragrance. For large areas, a synthetic garland is a good investment; braid strands for fullness and impact. DO calculations in advance. For significant straight runs, such as a roof line or railings, multiply the distance by 2½ to determine the amount of garland needed (for a draped effect, multiply by three). DON'T choose small wreaths. For a door that's 35 inches wide, choose a wreath that's 24 to 30 inches in diameter. For a 48-inch-wide door, a diameter of 30 to 36 inches is ideal. DON'T overlook an occasional extravagance, such as swagging a back deck with garlands or filling a bird bath with mirrored ornaments.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Entertaining your senses Design lesson: Entertaining your senses
Design lesson: Entertaining your senses ofpage 1 Glasses raised mid-air for a toast, the clink of crystal, a sip of wine -- it's a familiar ritual that signals the start of a meal or other social gathering. With grace and ceremony, this effortless gesture encapsulates all five of our senses: sight, sound, touch, scent and taste. Creating a memorable party is as much about this collaboration of the senses as it is about finding the right recipes. When entertaining, here are some of the ways I aim to provide a sensual experience that guests remember long after dessert is served. TouchComfort is a priority. I typically choose soft, plush seating that's inviting to curl up in. Curved furnishings soften angular architecture, and the additions of a reading lamp and ottoman turn an underused chair into a spot for lingering.Details, details, details -- they make or break a room. Choose cushions that beg to be touched, like the ones at left by knitwear designer Olena Zylak. Shine door knobs and silver to a high gleam. Position a pinspot light on the contours of an Inuit sculpture and watch people gravitate toward it. Set the table with a crisply pressed cloth and your best dishes, glassware and candlesticks. SoundIn a quiet room, a tabletop water fountain contributes to a pleasing ambience. Hang bells from the front door to signal the arrival of guests. And what's a party without music? I aim for a diverse mix, from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse. For background music, I like to put on compilation CDs -- the Buddha-Bar series is my favourite. page 2 ScentIt's true that guests can't help wandering into the kitchen. It's likely the aroma of food being prepared that draws them in. Beyond the kitchen, I place scented candles or fragrant plants like rosemary here and there to fill a space with seductive perfume. Incense may be too strong for the dining room, but it's ideal for a powder room. Fresh flowers are always right. During the holidays, evergreen boughs create lush and fragrant arrangements. TasteI wouldn't describe myself as a great cook, so I refrain from complicated recipes that stress me out. "Keep it simple" is my motto, and I try to feature seasonal ingredients. I do, however, have a knack for making great coffee, so I enhance my coffee service with fresh whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings and cinnamon. SightI've learned that an object of beauty, whether it's a sofa or a vase, is best appreciated when there's empty space surrounding it. So at least once a year, I rearrange my rooms, culling the surplus from the necessary. My husband and I reposition the furniture, angling it toward the fireplace in winter and outdoor vistas in summer. Including organic elements like plants, natural materials and water features keeps interiors alive. Lighting affects us physiologically and emotionally, so it's essential to create a layered scheme combining ambient, task and decorative illumination. Glittering candles dress up the mantel and dining table, dramatic uplighting turns a plant into sculpture, a twinkling chandelier encircles guests in a glow, and a floor lamp with a black opaque shade highlights a group of collectibles. Speaking of collections, they're the personality of a room, so make yours meaningful. I collect artwork. I love portaits, photography of abandoned buildings and oil paintings of fanciful subjects. Groupings needn't be elaborate to be effective: my best friend displays botanical prints, and my Aunt Sandi collects miniature shoes.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Dream kitchens Design lesson: Dream kitchens
Design lesson: Dream kitchens ofPage 1 With smart layouts and well-designed appliances and tools, modern kitchens increasingly level the playing field between amateur cook and gourmet chef. Do you long for a gorgeous kitchen that helps you multitask effortlessly and entertain like a Food Network pro? Task-oriented upgrades provide the support you need to make those dreams come true. Here are some worth considering. AppliancesDouble the width inside your fridge so it holds party platters with ease. The French door refrigerator is one of the nicest-looking appliances to hit the market in a long time. Jenn-Air has a bronze version as an alternative to stainless. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a family of four or orchestrating an elegant brunch for 20, the right dishwasher eases cleanup. Consider two dishwashers for large party entertaining, busy households and kosher kitchens. Or for smaller households, choose a model with two drawers for independent operation of upper and lower sections (an energy saver). Cleaning & recyclingLaundry in the kitchen? Why not? I’m all for eliminating unnecessary steps. A small-capacity washer and dryer (or an all-in-one combo that fits under the counter) will put clean dishtowels at your fingertips. Get serious about garbage and recycling with the addition of chutes that lead from the kitchen directly into covered waste bins outside or in the garage. It sounds complicated but isn’t. Consult a qualified builder to link interior and exterior through a small hole at counter height. And if your bins don’t already have wheels, install them so it’s easy to roll garbage and recyclables to the curb. If a chute isn’t possible, make an undercounter disposal centre work for you: keep bins handy but out of sight with a cupboard slide-out system. Look for options at home supply centres or container and storage solution stores. Page 2 Cabinetry, countertops & storageStart by rethinking old standards. Taller kitchen counters (42 inches rather than 36 inches high) provide more cupboard and drawer space, and eliminate unnecessary bending, especially for those who are taller than the average man or woman. To create a seamless, easy-to-navigate kitchen, opt for integrated appliances that don’t jut out beyond cabinetry. Continue the seamless appearance with stone countertops. Granite provides impervious service, but some find its appearance too heavy. Engineered products like Silestone and CaesarStone work equally hard and come in a variety of colours. The ultimate luxury for those who love to entertain is surely the butler’s pantry, ideally located between the kitchen and dining room. It’s the perfect spot to store wine and crystal drinking glasses, silver flatware, and tabletop accessories like placemats and candlesticks.Personal enjoymentCoffee lovers want – make that need – a built-in espresso maker like the popular Miele system. Locate it near the breakfast table, where it’s guaranteed to keep mealtimes percolating.Store wines in a freestanding or undercounter wine fridge. Intro models are 15 to 24 inches wide and start under $300. Sophisticated versions have independent temperature zones for red, white and sparkling.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge
Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge ofDesign lesson: Bedroom save or splurge The thrifty cook knows when ordinary olive oil suffices and when it's necessary to uncork the "good stuff." After all, there's no point wasting expensive extra-virgin on the kids' chicken fingers. The same principles that stretch the family food budget also invigorate the household decorating fund. There are times when you simply must splurge to create the impact desired and other times when it's perfectly reasonable to save a few dollars. Below I've highlighted areas where it's possible to save and others where spending pays off when it comes to decorating your bedroom. Most of these tips work for every room in the house. Where to splurge• Fine bedding is the last thing you feel as you drift off and the first thing you're aware of as you awake. Don't settle for anything less than the absolute best you can afford.• Couture pillow fabrics transform even the most generic bedding into a custom-coordinated style statement. Source quality remnants from fabric retailers like Department of Interiors in Toronto, where the selection includes high-end fabrics priced well below wholesale. For an 18-inch square pillow, you'll need only about three-quarters of a yard of fabric, so go ahead and treat yourself. • Quality upholstery is always a smart investment. A classic lounge chair, like the William Birch-style one in the corner, can be repurposed at any time in any room in the house.• Original art is a worthwhile investment that injects a room with personality -- a key ingredient for truly successful design projects. Although you're likely to spend $200 and up for small oil paintings, there are other affordable options, like original prints, photography and watercolours. Attend local art fairs and annual exhibits of projects by fine arts students. Where to save• Ready-made draperies offer considerable savings and work well for most relatively standard windows. Visit retailers like Invu Drapery Company (three locations in Ontario), where there's a vast selection of fabrics and drapery headers, or design studios that offer ready-made as well as custom, like Kimberlee's Decorating in Edmonton. Before shopping, take detailed measurements of the window and its exact location within the full wall.• Affordable lamps are available at large retailers across Canada. HomeSense, The Home Depot and IKEA have excellent selections. • A headboard frame you cover yourself -- in an affordable linen or cotton -- is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a handcrafted solid wood bed frame. You won't sacrifice an ounce of style, and you'll love it if you read in bed.• Garage sale finds like side tables are instantly renewed with spray paint. Opt for fresh white to improve the style quotient. Add new hardware, and you'll save big without skimping on style.• Accessories are readily available at any price point, so here's where you can be thrifty. Wait for sales, buy end-of-season remainders and source retailers like HomeSense for great bargains.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Small is beautiful Design lesson: Small is beautiful
Design lesson: Small is beautiful ofDos and don'ts for small spaces If you live in a modest-size house, condo or apartment, chances are you're keenly aware of the limitations of small-space living. Don't despair: designers have a stack of tricks for making close quarters appear more spacious. The strategies below will help you make less seem like more!DO hide storage in plain sight. Look for coffee or end tables with storage beneath, bookshelves that run from floor-to-ceiling, and armoires to house anything from linens to entertainment units. DO create a seamless flow by covering furniture and walls in a single, unifying colour or pattern. The cohesiveness can visually stretch a space. DO visually enlarge floor space by installing wall-to-wall carpeting rather than laying down multiple area rugs. DO choose an ample two-seater sofa rather than a three-seater. You'll have room for an end table, and guests rarely occupy all three seats, so that third one is often wasted, anyway. DON'T inadvertently emphasize low ceilings by choosing too-tall sofas and chairs or by highlighting wainscotting or chair rails. Instead, to open things up, aim for long low lines with major furniture and either eliminate chair rails and wainscotting or paint them the same colour as the walls. DON'T block off open spaces. Choose furniture with legs rather than skirts, and console tables rather than chests of drawers. A low bookcase can act as a room divider between the living and dining areas; a glass coffee table allows the eye to travel unimpeded through the space. DON'T underestimate the space-amplifying power of wall-to-wall mirror. Kimberley's guide to adding impact to small collections Using creative design strategies, you can give even the most diminutive items the prominence they deserve. These four simple ideas have enormous style potential -- any one will make a big difference in your small space.1 Photographs and paintings They trick the eye into perceiving even small rooms as gallery-like and spacious by using wide mats and large frames, both of which are often associated with more important pieces of artwork. Use artwork to create focal points in a room, but surround each piece with visual breathing space rather than crowding them together.2 Sculpture or pottery Rather than hiding impressive pieces, create an arresting display by placing a sculpture or unique item of pottery on a plinth (a platform built to add height and prominence to displays).3 Windows Hang draperies outside window frames and as high as possible in order to stretch their perceived size. Keep draperies the same colour as the surrounding walls to increase the impact and make the wall appear larger. Using fabrics with vertical stripes can add height, too.4 Small furniture Accent with high-contrast detail. Take, for example, a small bergère upholstered in pale yellow; it will assume larger visual proportions if outlined in piping in a contrasting colour like black.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Small space strategies Design lesson: Small space strategies
Design lesson: Small space strategies ofSmall strategies Soaring real estate prices have led to smaller houses and condos, and the need for inventive solutions to space limitations – one of the fundamental issues in design today. Dare to dream big and your rooms can be a triumph of style over size. Principle: Built-ins and modular furniture units maximize storage and provide custom solutions for even the tiniest of spaces. The smallest rooms often end up as home offices and can benefit from built-in or modular furniture that effectively utilizes vertical and horizontal space. Here, built-ins like the bookcases in the foreground provide valuable storage, contain clutter (essential in small spaces) and define the room without enclosing it. If your storage needs grow, it's easy to add more shelves to the back wall thanks to the many affordable options available. Principle: Streamlined furnishings, mirror and glass emphasize available space. In order to visually expand a room's size, designers and architects include negative space (the areas of emptiness that surround furniture) wherever they can. By choosing furniture with legs rather than skirts, incorporating glass where possible, and adding reflective elements like mirror, crystal and silver to an interior, you can amplify available light and space to create an expansive feeling.Principle: Monochromatic colour schemes visually enlarge a space. Monochromatic colour schemes, in which all colours are close in tone and value, do an impressive job of visually expanding a room. The reason? When there's no contrast (the strong distinction between two values like black and white), the eye is able to move through a room uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of additional space. In this cosy bedroom, bronze greens dominate the colour palette and are punctuated with pewter, which has a nearly equal value. Since a monochromatic decor also emphasizes the various textures within a room, it creates an overall mood that's restful and sensual. Principle: Multipurpose furniture creates flexibility within a space. Today, rooms are often required to serve more than one function. For instance, a guest may be temporarily housed in the living room or home office. In this library, a large daybed provides ample seating where visitors can curl up and read or enjoy a board game. Once the cushions are removed, it's a comfy bed with a softly upholstered wall for leaning against. Dos and don'ts The dos and don'ts of flexible furnishingsDO choose furniture that does double duty. A coffee table that rises to eating height, for instance, or a pair of console tables that can be pushed together to form an impromptu dining table. DO use chairs rather than sofas for maximum flexibility. They require less space and can also be moved around more easily. DO consider a Murphy bed when a room has to accommodate an overnight guest. Because it's stored in the wall, a Murphy bed is ideal for occasional use and is a discreet addition to just about any room. DON'T opt for a sectional with arms, which limits the way it can be positioned. Select an armless version, which is easier to get through doors and into apartment elevators. DON'T overlook an island, which works not only in a kitchen but also in an office, laundry room or crafts room. Choose one with wheels; it can be set against a wall when not in use. DON'T allow clutter from a home office to ruin the enjoyment of a room that's also used after business hours. Pick a storage unit that can be fully closed to hide work come the weekend.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Bring on the sun Design lesson: Bring on the sun
Design lesson: Bring on the sun ofWelcome light We're never happier than when the sun is in full force. It's wonderful to feel its warmth on your face while strolling outdoors, and also very satisfying to enjoy the sunshine indoors. Here are easy tips for doing just that.Kimberley's guide to summer styleSummer style has a relaxed, carefree attitude; its casual veneer conceals the hard-working materials and furnishings that make it low maintenance. Give your home that laid-back cottagey feel year-round with these light touches.Flooring has to be quietly purposeful, easy to care for and able to withstand wear and tear. Varnished hardwood like maple requires little maintenance. Ceramic and stone tile (paired with rush matting, coir, sisal or, my favourite, seagrass), linoleum and sealed cork are all suitable flooring options.Furniture that's simple and unpretentious -- locally made or comfortably worn in -- is a good choice. Look for items where detail carving is either kept to a minimum or loose in style. Painted wood furnishings in mint, coral, icy blue, shell pink or sand are refreshing. White is in a category of its own -- a variety of shades can be used to decorate your entire home. Wicker armchairs, settees and tables -- sometimes painted in crisp white or in more natural honey tones -- capture summer's easygoing spirit.Patterned textiles like faded florals, ticking and cabana stripes, playful plaids, crisp checks and pictorial cottons and linens lighten up a room. Keep it bright Dos and don'ts of sunny interiorsDO ensure that your windows are clean inside and out, and that your hedges and other greenery have been trimmed. If your windows can't accommodate wash-from-within methods, make outdoor cleaning a weekend project or hire a professional company. To facilitate future cleaning, install windows that rotate inward, which are available from window manufacturers. DO choose window treatments that let in light. When pulled aside with a tieback or hanging in straight panels at window sides, full draperies needn't interfere with sunlight filtering in. Sheer fabric provides a modest amount of privacy; warm pale colours help enliven the grey light of drizzly days. DON'T paint windowsills and surrounds dark colours, which absorb light. Instead, opt for light-reflecting colours like ivory, cream and white. DON'T choose dark colours for the walls of rooms used during the day. To paraphrase interior design legend Eleanor McMillen Brown, every room needs a touch of yellow. Good advice if you love the idea of sunshine indoors. Any warm, pale colour will give you the desired result. DO include reflective materials like chrome, nickel, brass, silver, crystal and glass, which bounce light into a room. Mirrors, a designer's not-so-secret weapon in the fight to expand space, are a really great option. Pick tiles with a shiny surface for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom shower surround. DON'T use an abundance of patterns. As a general rule, patterns absorb more light than solid fabrics.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Life's little luxuries Design lesson: Life's little luxuries
Design lesson: Life's little luxuries ofLuxurious tips "Is there anything a bubble bath won't fix?" my aunt Pauline used to ask. Of course, in small town Arkansas, there were many problems a leisurely soak couldn't fix, but Pauline's sentiment was well expressed. Despite the uncontrollable weather and a chronic lack of money that made life difficult for farm families like hers, my aunt had learned to soften life's edges with small, inexpensive indulgences. And by visiting her each summer, I did too. Decades later, I'm still committed to my aunt's philosophy of enjoying everyday luxuries; it's true they don't fix every problem, but they certainly sweeten the days. Kimberley Seldon's guide to everyday indulgences 1 Enjoy music in every room. Depending on my mood and activity, Stevie Wonder, Hoobastank, Ketchup, Tony Bennett, Buddha-Bar IV or AC/DC might be spinning at our house. Music can turn a simple card game - or even a laundry folding session - into a party. 2 Include fresh flowers and live houseplants in your surroundings. They improve interior air quality and remind us that, like people, they won't thrive on yesterday's attention - they need frequent affection to flourish. When my plants are limp, I know I'm too busy and that it's time to slow down and pay attention to what's important. 3 Display bowls of fresh fruit. Blue-and-white exportware filled with shiny red apples looks smart on a dining room table, a large glass cylinder filled with lemons is delicious in the kitchen, and a silver dish filled with figs is ideal for a coffee table. A full bowl of fruit is a symbol of abundance and a constant reminder to be grateful. 4 Take time to appreciate small details like sunlight through clean windows, the smell of fresh laundry or the perfect cup of tea. Do's and don'ts Dos and don'ts DO dine in a room you don't normally eat in. Breakfast in the garden? Of course. A picnic in front of the fireplace? What better way to enjoy a rainy day? And while you're feasting, improvise with tablecloths: use a matelassé bedspread for Sunday brunch; a flat-weave carpet suits afternoon tea (an idea that's centuries old and still favoured in Morocco). DO keep a tempting selection of bubble bath on hand. Jo Malone makes two of my favourites: Verbenas of Provence for relaxation and Grapefruit for energy. Dim the lights, tune out the world and enjoy a long soak. DO send handwritten notes. A faxed love letter may be cute, an e-mail from a friend may be thoughtful, but neither compares in quality or spirit to a handwritten letter. A well-appointed writing desk includes a selection of beautiful paper, an assortment of pens, stamps and envelopes, and a comfortable chair. DON'T save the good stuff; use it every day. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening tea in your best china, entertain in the living room, and use the silver. (Bonus: Silver that's frequently used doesn't tarnish.) DON'T forget candles, candles, candles. Historically, beeswax candles were an expensive luxury. Today they're plentiful and more affordable. Fill an empty hearth with fat cylinder candles and enjoy a blazing display. Line a mantel with a collection of candlesticks, varying the heights for interest. DON'T deprive yourself of an occasional splurge. Purchase that beribboned guest towel that caught your eye -- then use it. Buy a dozen perfumed guest soaps and display them in an apothecary jar. Yes, you really do need linen sheets, as well as the lavender water that will make ironing them less of a chore.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Brush up on your design... Design lesson: Brush up on your design...
Design lesson: Brush up on your design... ofEtiquette tips 1-3 You've fallen in love with English country style or with flea market finds artfully displayed in a Paris apartment. But then there's that mod London flat that caught your eye, and a romantic Thai teak headboard you saw in the stack of design magazines by your bed. How can you realize your style aspirations and maintain your sanity? Decorating a home is a complicated, time-consuming process, so surrounding yourself with a professional team is the best way to ensure you end up with the results you envision. To nurture the relationship between you and your designer, here are some insights into what I call "designiquette." 1 It takes a team -- don't go it alone Recently, I was hired after a project was initiated and was dismayed to learn that the plan for one of the large home's four bedrooms included no windows and its ensuite could only be entered through a closet. While I'm not suggesting this is a typical experience of working with other important trades, I am saying that a large renovation project should be initiated with a complete team that includes a designer, architect and contractor. Each professional brings a unique perspective, and their roles are not interchangeable. A client benefits most when these experts work harmoniously toward a common vision, so foster cohesiveness through ongoing team communication. 2 Be clear about your expectations State objectives, like the desired timeline, and a description of your likes and dislikes at the outset of the project. Determine a reasonable budget and share that information with your designer. If you have $10,000 to spend, say so. That way, the designer can recommend appropriate strategies to maximize your spending power. It's best to avoid spreading limited resources over several rooms, as one finished room will be much more satisfying than three rooms that are only just started. 3 Charging for professional services Designers aren't paid for their time but for their expertise. Expertise is quantified in increments of time -- in other words, we charge by the hour or set a project fee based on an estimate of time. A contract should spell out fees in detail. Many firms charge a range of fees: one for the senior designer, another for junior designers and a third for administration. Besides upfront work, like meeting on-site, producing drawings and selecting fabrics, allow for "behind-the-scenes" work. For example, a client once questioned being billed 15 minutes to receive fabric for her sofa, determine it was wrong, arrange the return and shipment of the correct fabric, phone the upholsterer, and notify the homeowner. When I asked, "Would it have been preferable to have had the fabric sent directly to the upholsterer and ended up with the wrong one on your sofa?" she understood perfectly. That brings me to my next point: trust. Etiquette tips 4-6 4 Building trust: it's a two-way street Like any intimate relationship (yes, intimate -- we know your sleeping, travel, shopping and partying habits!), this partnership requires trust. The client requires assurance that all project details are well in hand and the designer intends to fulfill her promises. The designer requires the authority to manage the project, including trades and suppliers, as her experience deems wise. Open communication is critical to everyone's comfort, so speak up the moment you feel something is amiss. It's likely there's a simple explanation. On the other hand, if your concerns are not earnestly addressed, you should look for another designer. Trust is also fostered by drawing up a comprehensive contract, in which all project details -- from billing structure to trade policies, supplier guarantees to work ethics, design discounts to dispute resolution practices -- are spelled out. If you're not clear on any aspect of the contract, ask more questions and get clarification in writing.5 designers are not marriage counsellors Here comes the disagreement: She wants wood floors, but he wants stone. Two pairs of eyes fix on you, daring you not to side with the other person. The successful completion of any design project calls for continued compromise. Try to cultivate collaboration right from the beginning by reaching some decisions with your spouse in advance of the design-build process. One way for couples to reach agreement is to compare inspiration photos -- images of rooms or ideas that each loves. Review the photos and determine common denominators. Perhaps you both like dark wood, pale colours and colour photography. Couples who ease through a renovation project are flexible, allowing a number of "wins" for each person.6 Keep your perspective -- and your sense of humour Early in my career, some clients asked me to squat on the floor, peer through a magnifying glass and explain to them why the grout lines in the marble floor were not "perfect." I told them that stone is a natural product with subtle differences apparent on each tile, and the process of hand-laying stones often results in subtle variances along the grout line. When I suggested that most of my clients enjoy a marble floor from a standing position rather than squatting, the clients burst into laughter, and I knew we were back on track.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Decorating with natural... Design lesson: Decorating with natural...
Design lesson: Decorating with natural... ofDos & don'ts As we edge ever closer to warmer weather, it's all I can do to resist the temptation to kick off my shoes and romp barefoot through every patch of grass I find. From manicured green lawns to tall waving beach reeds, grasses have a sensuous summertime attitude that many find highly attractive. Fortunately, a growing trend toward decorating with natural materials like grasses, leaves and reeds means that nature's bounty is nearly as plentiful indoors as out. Dos & don'tsDO paper walls with grasscloth in rooms where you want a natural look and tranquil atmosphere. The intricate texture lends depth and warmth to ordinary walls. DO consider natural fibre weaves as an alternative to carpeting. Seagrass, sisal, coir, jute and rush are much in demand right now. Materials vary widely in terms of durability and stain resistance, so be sure to ask about their merits and limitations before purchasing. DON'T choose sisal carpeting for playrooms, as the coarse texture is uncomfortable to crawl or play on. A wool or synthetic carpet that imitates the look of sisal is a better choice in this case. DON'T install seagrass on stairs unless the grain runs parallel to the tread -- it will be too slippery otherwise. DO admire the natural variations in colour and texture inherent in woven materials. Grasses, like any harvested material, are subject to all sorts of uncertainties, such as bad weather and poor harvesting conditions; the resulting slubs enhance the artisanal quality of the goods. DO choose rattan or woven furniture to underscore the tropical or global feeling popular in today's modern spaces. DON'T assume that grasscloth comes only in "natural" colours. Modern dyes produce a nearly unlimited palette, suiting a variety of contemporary rooms. A natural for windows Paired with linen or patterned draperies, matchstick and bamboo blinds are perennially pleasing -- and the bonus is they're affordable.Bamboo and matchstick blinds are ideal window coverings where draperies would take up too much wall space. Not only are blinds economical, but they're also moisture resistant and come in natural or stained finishes, making them highly serviceable. Natural finishes are typically variegated, from deep brown to pale maple.Bamboo blinds can be mounted inside or outside the window casing. Inside mounting leaves room for a valance or draperies; outside mounting makes windows appear larger. To determine the width for an inside mount, measure in three places (near top, middle and bottom); record the narrowest width. For height, measure in three places (left, middle and right) and use the longest length. To determine the width for an outside mount, measure from the left outside edge of the frame to the right outside edge. For the height, measure from the top outside edge to the bottom outside edge. Many blinds come in stock lengths, so round off to the standard length closest to your measurement.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: In the pink Design lesson: In the pink
Design lesson: In the pink ofIntroduce pink hues in your home A convention of pink flamingos dotting the front lawn, the boisterous smack of bubble gum in a teenager's mouth, and the satin hot pants of flamboyant Las Vegas entertainers -- how can anyone take pink seriously? But this playful fantasy colour, with its forever-young attitude, is actually very versatile. Paired with handsome neutrals, pink is refreshingly sophisticated, breathing life and personality into any room. Yes, pink elicits a smile, but we can all use a bit more of that. Kimberley's guide to making every room rosyLiving room: Add just a splash of pink with accent cushions on a clean, contemporary chocolate suede sofa. Display a trio of bright pink vases on the mantel, toss that pashmina scarf you bought last year over an occasional chair, and paint the walls purest white. Now you have a modern and elegant room with just a touch of playfulness. Bedroom: A set of shell pink satin sheets and bedskirt are the stuff dreams are made of. Pair with palest mushroom and a hint of deep, velvety taupe. Paint walls a fresh matte oyster -- the perfect foil to pink's rosy side. Dining room: Allow rosy silk draperies, more seductive than any ball gown, to luxuriate in puddles on gleaming wood floors. Paint walls a pearly oyster so that formal antiques in mahogany, cherry or walnut shine. Bathroom: Who doesn't look better with just a dash of pink on her cheeks? The palest pink feels clean and contemporary when paired with crisp white tiles and brushed-nickel fixtures.Kitchen: Raspberry and cream suggest year-round summertime, especially when accented with green. Look for toile and other historic patterns that marry this duo. Paint the cupboards the freshest cream and bring it all to life with apple green walls -- guaranteed to stir things up! Pink Do's and Don'ts Bathroom: Who doesn't look better with just a dash of pink on her cheeks? The palest pink feels clean and contemporary when paired with crisp white tiles and brushed-nickel fixtures.Kitchen: Raspberry and cream suggest year-round summertime, especially when accented with green. Look for toile and other historic patterns that marry this duo. Paint the cupboards the freshest cream and bring it all to life with apple green walls -- guaranteed to stir things up!Dos and don'tsDO consider historic pink for a traditional 18th-century backdrop. As the imposing, heavy baroque style gave way to its lighter, more fanciful cousin -- rococco style -- softer, paler colours began adorning walls, furniture and fabrics. DO add a blush of oh-so-staid neutral rooms with beguiling and becoming pink. Shades of shell, nu8de and pearl enliven classically executed, well-appointed rooms in a refreshing way. DO think pink for girls' and boys' rooms. A pale, warm version suits daytime play and is restful enough to promote slumber. Think more mocha than bubble gum. DON'T force pink to be the substance of a room; it's far more effective being the essence. Paired with mink, taupe, grey, cream or chocolate, pink gets more than its fair share of attention; a little goes a long way. DON'T overlook pink's powerful side. Used in abundance, pink has the strength to make a statement. You might want to consider papering the walls or ceiling of a small powder room with a daring pink.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: 7 smart pieces Design lesson: 7 smart pieces
Design lesson: 7 smart pieces ofTop four items you should own Your room is nearly finished, but when you look around, something seems to be missing. A versatile furniture item just might fill the void. Each of the options here promises flexible serviceability in a range of styles and price points. When investing in your home, look to these multitasking pieces to bridge the gap between decorative and functional with ease. 1 ArmoireGraceful proportions and strong vertical lines make the hardworking armoire an ideal purchase. Highly adaptable, it provides serious storage as well as a focal point. Here's where and how to use one.• In the living room: Hide electronics or stock a bar.• In the dining room: Keep dishes and stemware at hand. • In the bedroom: Store bulky sweaters or increase hanging space. • In the kitchen: Create an instant pantry.• In the bathroom: Stow towels and linens out of sight.2 DaybedA multipurpose alternative to the sofa, an upholstered daybed offers an oasis of relaxed style. In a small bedroom or apartment, it's a space-smart necessity, providing both daytime seating and nighttime sleeping. And when positioned in the centre of an open-concept space and piled with decorative toss cushions, a daybed can be a chic way to delineate the living and dining areas without blocking views.3 Chest of drawers Winner of the most adaptable award, a sensational chest of drawers can suit any purpose -- from storing linens in a hallway to baby clothes in a nursery to tableware in a dining room. With some modifications, a chest of drawers can also be transformed into a sophisticated bathroom vanity.4 Bench Consider using a bench as a simple space-saving alternative to dining chairs or as an additional perch in a living room or entrance hall. When space is limited, a backless piece offers a convenient surface at the foot of a bed. Layer a bench under a console table to create some visual depth and to pull out as needed for occasional seating.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Three extra pieces for your home. 5 Ottoman Place an ottoman in front of an infrequently used chair to turn it into a desired destination for reading or watching TV. But wait -- this flexible piece of furniture is not just for tender tootsies. A generously proportioned one offers extra seating, and some provide storage. Rather than the standard hall table in an entrance, go for a round ottoman and watch your guests gather and linger.6 Folding screen The versatile folding screen stylishly fills a purposeless corner, divides an open-concept space and hides storage in nearly any room. Use a screen to offer a sense of privacy to an overnight guest sleeping on the pullout sofa in the living room. When criss-crossed with lengths of ribbons, an upholstered folding screen can be transformed into a unique display board for invitations and family photographs.7 Console table Add extra style and loads of practicality by including a console table in your decorating plans. It doesn't have the visual weight of a secretary or buffet, but it still provides an additional surface just where you need it. Tuck a console table behind a sofa to hold a lamp and reading material, or in the entranceway, ready to capture keys and handbags at day's end. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Back to basics Design lesson: Back to basics
Design lesson: Back to basics ofLiving room ideas OK, I've seen Trading Spaces. It's fun, it's zany, you never know what will happen when the homeowners return, and most often the results are good-looking, considering the budget. However, when it comes to decorating a real room (one in your own house) with a more realistic budget (one that includes labour costs), following tried-and-true decorating ideas is real smart. Here are some good basics for redesigning your living room decor.Ever wonder how the pros get each corner of a room looking picture perfect? Practice, practice and more practice! Here are some tips to help you hone your home-styling skills.• Determine what mood you intend to create. Formal rooms require rich elements and a strict symmetry; exotic rooms benefit from spicy colours and plenty of seductive textures; modern rooms require little pattern. • Start with a small vignette -– a sofa table or mantel is a good option. Take a photo of the space and examine it. What's wrong? Is it too cluttered? Not interesting? Is there an awkward gap or not enough variation? • Reposition the desired objects, making sure to vary heights, shapes and textures for interest. For example, a pewter candlestick is more striking beside glossy porcelain than a matte tin or wooden bucket. • Create visual impact. The most successful groupings offer an element of surprise. A collection of red glassware is arresting because of its mass of colour; a stack of leather books is dull without the addition of objets d'art, such as porcelain figures. • Experiment with everyday objects you already own: a watering can can look great near the hearth, Grandma's teapots can be charming displayed on the mantel, or a collection of seashells can be cleverly composed in a powder room. • Once you've created a composition you like, take a second photo and examine it. Does the grouping look like it stepped out of the pages of a magazine? If not, repeat the process until you create a vignette that's pleasing. Do's and don'ts Dos and don'ts of living room designDO fantasize. Begin with a vision; a dream destination, a favourite look from STYLE AT HOME, or even a brilliantly designed restaurant can provide inspiration. Consider how your dream room makes you feel. What mood does it evoke?DO analyse. Which elements are worthy of attention? Emphasize elegant architecture – doors, windows, crown mouldings, baseboards – with contrasting paint colours. Minimize an ill-placed column by painting it the same colour as the walls; frame a gorgeous view with draperies in a colour similar to the walls.DO actualize. Don't be content to just dream about your desired space: roll up your sleeves and begin to decorate. Carry your inspiration photo with you when making purchases and when in doubt ask for professional guidance.DON'T agonize. There's always more than one right answer in decorating. For example, you may prefer your TV in plain sight on modern shelving, or tucked inside an armoire.DON'T economize. When it comes to major purchases like a sofa, draperies and flooring, always opt for the best your budget will allow. Skimping on those items will cost you more in the long run. Look for bargains when shopping for trendy accessories. DON'T criticize. Decorating is a process and mistakes can happen. When they do, look for creative solutions. Designers know mistakes can turn out to be pleasant surprises.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Truly illuminating Design lesson: Truly illuminating
Design lesson: Truly illuminating ofDesign lesson: Truly illuminating Whether decorating a single room or a house, budget and style certainly sway the outcome, but true design victory is achieved by addressing all the physical and spychological needs of the inhabitants. In short, make each person feel comfortable. While a logical floor plan and the right furniture choices are essential, an intelligent, flexible lighting scheme is indispensable. For the price of a single table lamp, you can create a more flattering, comfortable and cosy environment to live in. Do's and don'tsDO develop a lighting plan in conjunction with the floor plan. A successful design project requires comfy furniture optimally arranged and the support of a proper lighting scheme. DO supply adequate general illumination for daily tasks. In the kitchen, that may include undercounter lighting or a chandelier to light a dining table; in the bedroom, a reading lamp; in the office, a desk lamp. DO temper overhead pot lights -- which I refer to as "hag lighting" for their undesirable facial effect -- with incandescent sources at eye level. Sconces, table lamps and floor lamps provide a warm, flattering glow to rooms and inhabitants. They're better than a facelift! DO include a diffused, direct bedside light to accommodate reading. A lamp with a semiopaque shade of pleated silk, stretched linen or plain parchment is ideal. The bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level when you're seated. Swing-arm wall lamps are another option, allowing you to operate lights independently while freeing up space on night tables for a clock, radio or book. DON'T ignore lighting needs inside closets and cupboards; you'll want to be able to distinguish between navy and black pants. A surface-mounted light fixture, frequently a long narrow valance due to the closet's proportions, is the most common choice. Lights that automatically activate as the closet door swings open save you a few steps on busy mornings. DON'T submit to gloominess indoors -- outside weather affects inside lighting. Supplement daytime lighting with warm incandescent fixtures like table and floor lamps. Place light sources near windows to create the illusion that light is filtering in naturally. DON'T block incoming daylight unintentionally. Keep windows clean and landscaping trim. And since fabric becomes a filter for incoming light, avoid sheers that are grey or dull in colour. Instead, choose warm-tone sheers with a hint of yellow, pink or coral. DON'T ignore a senior's need for enhanced lighting. Older eyes require bright, crisp lighting but are also more sensitive to glare. Choose bulbs that are sufficiently vivid and always top with shades. Keep light switches simple or colour-code them -- for example, red for general lighting, blue for evening lighting. Kimberley's guide to romantic bedroom lighting• Dimmable lighting enhances the mood and adds confidence as clothes come off!• Fit a table lamp with a coloured bulb -- say, rose or amber for a flattering glow.• Consider placing secondary light switches beside the bed so you don't have to get up. • To illuminate a dressing table, especially one at which you apply makeup, it's important that light not come from above; it will cast unwanted shadows beneath the eyes. Aim for even lighting on both sides of your face (cross lighting) as it's the most flattering for grooming. Cross lighting can be supplied by a pair of table lamps or wall sconces. Failing that, a single lamp, preferably one with a flexible arm and head, can be used. An adjustable lighted magnifying mirror is a must-have for those over 40. • Firelight provides the most romantic lighting. No fireplace? Light a variety of candles!- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Harmony at home Design lesson: Harmony at home
Design lesson: Harmony at home ofHarmony at home: Steps 1-3 I recently worked with a Toronto couple who found themselves on opposite sides of the style fence. She prefers traditional design, while he's more a fan of contemporary aesthetics. Their living/dining area reflects some of the compromises we made during their renovation project. For example, the dining table was quite traditional, but we painted the chairs white to modernize the overall impression. If you and your partner are considering a renovation, here's some guidance to help you know where to start – and how to keep the peace.1 To begin, each of you should take time to go through decorating magazines and tear out pictures of rooms you like. Come together with your inspirational tear sheets and talk about how the rooms in each picture make you feel. Consider the atmosphere each of you is hoping to achieve with your renovation. You may find that although each photograph represents a different style, there's a consistency in the mood or energy of the rooms each of you selected. Maybe they're all serene and peaceful or, conversely, full of colour and drama. That's a place to start.2 If you've chosen rooms that represent a variety of moods, that's fine, too. Separate the inspiration photos by atmosphere. From there, determine which of your own rooms might benefit from the feeling represented in them. A bedroom may be an ideal space to recreate the quiet calm you imagine when looking at certain shots. The family room may be the place to aim for the cosy feel your spouse likes when reading or watching TV, or perhaps to introduce a bright, energetic vibe for busy toddlers. Or maybe you come to the conclusion that you want every room to invite relaxation. Remember to look for compromises: if he's the family chef, his design desires might come first in the kitchen; if her favourite room is the bathroom, let her wishes take precedence there.3 Narrow down your selections to three or four per room that come closest to meeting each design vision. Once they're grouped by mood according to which of your rooms can work within those boundaries, you're ready to move forward. Harmony at home: Steps 4-6 4 Next, prepare a separate folder for each of your rooms. One by one, pull out the photos selected for that space and analyse the commonalities. Do you always gravitate toward dark woods or light woods? Are you always drawn to living rooms with elaborate draperies? Do you like elements on display or does a minimal, clutter-free room consistently appeal more? These clues allow you to capture the specific elements you and your partner love, so you can start planning dream rooms pleasing to both of you. 5 From there, it only requires discipline to stay on target. Before making purchases of any kind – either materials or furnishings – carefully consider whether the object in question really does contribute to the desired mood and look you want to achieve. If not, be prepared to pass it by, no matter how much you like it. And whatever you do, never aim for eclectic – too often that's used as an excuse for shopping without focus. Start with a clear vision and preserve your sanity by sticking with the plan.6 Finally, try not to overthink your decisions. That's difficult to do, I know. But remind yourself that there's always more than one right answer in decorating, and be open to options. Sure, it's a wonderful idea to house the television discreetly inside an armoire, but perhaps it would also look fantastic in plain sight on modern shelving. Stay focused by continually referring back to your project folder and the list of common denominators you established. In that way, you'll be able to create the home of your dreams, one that looks like it belongs in a magazine.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Easy green living Design lesson: Easy green living
Design lesson: Easy green living ofEarth-conscious flooring and window coverings When Vanity Fair devotes a cover to the topic and An Inconvenient Truth turns former U.S. vice-president Al Gore into an A-list celeb, we know that "going green" and green living is going strong. The reality is that our decorating choices -- big and small -- have an impact on the environment. It's time to think about more environmentally friendly choices. Whether you're covering a window, changing a wall colour, replacing a kitchen floor or getting rid of tired furniture, some products are more environmentally friendly than others. It's time for all of us to consider our green living options. Here are some of the choices you can make to preserve the environment with eco-friendly decor without sacrificing an iota of style. Flooring Opt for linoleum over vinyl when installing continuous flooring. Whereas vinyl is made of synthetic chemicals, linoleum is manufactured using renewable, natural substances like linseed oil, flax and pine resin. Designers welcome the wide selection of colours, while allergy sufferers appreciate that it's hypoallergenic. Everyone likes the price point: starting at only a few dollars per square foot, linoleum is relatively affordable. Other renewable choices are cork and bamboo. And wood flooring is still a viable option if the wood is harvested from sustainable resources. Its durability offers long-lasting value. The Forest Stewardship Council is making strides in the U.S. and Canada to manage our forests and educate consumers. Kimberley's pick: Reclaimed flooring from Calgary's Wood Floors is a hands-down favourite, with a stunning variety of choice: herringbone, parquet and inlay. Wood Floors, Calgary, 403-861-9008. Window coverings For simple window coverings, bamboo blinds are a winning combination of good looks and eco-friendliness. Bamboo is actually a grass, one of the fastest-growing plants on earth. It's easy to cultivate, and its wood tones infuse interiors with a natural warmth. As blinds shade rooms from strong sun, they lessen the need for air conditioning on summer days. Bamboo blinds paired with drapery panels are ideally suited to traditional interiors. In contemporary interiors, enjoy them on their own. Kimberley's pick: Beacon Hill's Islandia is 100 per cent bamboo and comes in 25 colours. $128 per yard, through designers, robert allen, 800-363-3020; Montreal, 514-938-2677; Toronto, 416-934-1330; Vancouver, 604-255-0010; robertallendesign.com.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Eco-friendly paint and furniture PaintMany conventional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – fumes and chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but may also cause those fresh-paint headaches. Low- or no-VOC paint is an environmentally and health-wKimberley's pick: CIL Dulux's Natural White Interior Latex is tintable and virtually odourless. Ask your paint retailer about other products. CIL Paints, 800-387-3663 for retailers; cil.ca.FurnitureTo furnish a home with minimal impact on the environment, consider reusing and refreshing furniture rather than replacing it. Join weekend treasure hunters who flock to local flea markets, secondhand stores and auctions. That vintage table and chair set may need little more than a new paint job (low VOC, please) to render it chic. Also, with environmental responsibility growing, we can expect more choice when it comes to the production of new furniture made from reclaimed or sustainable materials. Kimberley's pick: With stores in most provinces, Value Village refers to itself as "the ultimate treasure hunt." That's a call to arms as far as I'm concerned! Like Goodwill (locations in some provinces), this eco-sound company is an excellent source for kitchenware and accessories. ValueVillage.com; Goodwill.on.ca, goodwill.ab.ca. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Powder rooms with presence Design lesson: Powder rooms with presence
Design lesson: Powder rooms with presence of8 ways to enhance size Questions about small spaces dominate our mail at STYLE AT HOME. That's why we dedicate an annual issue to the joys and challenges of living in tight quarters. That's also why choosing a topic for my first book, 500 Ideas for Small Spaces: Easy Solutions for Living in 1000 Square Feet or Less ($30, Creative Publishing, 2007), was a no-brainer. I believe you can live large no matter what your floor space. Consider the powder room: it's likely the smallest room in your home, but its potential for impact is huge. For some DIYers, the goal is simply to make it seem bigger. For others, it's an opportunity to create an experience for all who enter. Here are a few tips from my book. 8 ways to enhance sizeDark shadows will make any room feel small and oppressive, so a good lighting plan is essential. 1 Begin by eliminating shadows with warm lighting in the form of ceiling fixtures or pot lights.2 To maintain floor space, install a slim 18-inch-deep vanity instead of a typical 21-inch-deep one.3 If a standard door swing sacrifices too much space, consider installing a pocket door, which slides discreetly out of sight. Or replace the standard door with two doors, effectively cutting the intrusion in half.4 Choose a monochromatic colour scheme, using variations of one family of hues, to create the illusion of space. Paint the baseboards and crown mouldings the same colour as the walls.5 Dark cabinets can make a bathroom feel small. Give existing wood cabinetry a freshened-up, custom look with a coat of paint the same colour as the walls.6 Provide warmth and acoustic buffering with textiles like blinds or drapes. Keep the window coverings close in colour to the walls.7 Take advantage of the space behind the door to hang towels or a full-length mirror.8 Minimize visual clutter by keeping toiletries hidden from view. 5 ways to boost decorative impact 5 ways to boost decorative impact1 Although a powder room can benefit from a high-impact pattern on walls, it's best to avoid small all-over patterns that quickly become monotonous. Good choices include geometric designs, classic florals and even scenic patterns.2 A small bathroom has a distinct advantage when it comes to incorporating extravagant materials. After all, expensive options can be affordable in small quantities. Hand-painted wallpaper, stone countertops, hardwood floors and Italian glass tile may all be within your budget.3 Small spaces, like larger rooms, require a decorative focal point. Provide such a feature by choosing a chest of drawers as a stylish setting for an ordinary sink.4 Extend the depth of a windowsill, creating a ledge that's ideal for displaying a decorative collection.5 Even a tiny bathroom deserves to dazzle. Embrace its intimacy with rich metallic-finish tiles or bold paint colour in a pearl or semi-gloss finish. Consider painting or papering the ceiling as well as the walls. For more tips, see Kimberley Thursdays, plus once a month with design editor Samantha Pynn, on Citytv's CityLine.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Living well Design lesson: Living well
Design lesson: Living well ofLiving well: Dos and don'ts The desire to slow down and appreciate life's simple blessings hardly sounds like the philosophy of the average interior designer. However, a new design ideology known as "spiritual decor" is gaining enthusiastic followers. The premise behind it is straightforward enough: a home should be a haven, a soft spot to land in a world that's increasingly hard. And if that's the case, then shouldn't the primary purpose of design be to improve our quality of life? Dos and don'tsDON'T engage in a quest for perfection. It doesn't exist. Designer Lori Abrams, owner of Creative Licence in Toronto, says her outlook changed after a battle with breast cancer: "I realized I was striving for pristine rooms, and it was getting in the way of creating spaces where families could relax together." DO create a meditation corner. Include a comfy chair, ottoman, side table and reading lamp, and keep the area sacred -- off limits to work. DON'T let clutter destroy clarity. A well-edited home induces a feeling of order and harmony. After her illness, Lori took this to heart. "Now I want my home and health to be in optimum condition," she says. "My advice is to throw away stuff you never use." DO remedy "serenity robbers." Evaluate your home for small annoyances that chip away at peace of mind. Is there a reading lamp where it's needed? What about a water-resistant chair to perch on after showering? Can you easily locate keys and reading glasses? DON'T deprive yourself of affordable luxuries. Plush towels, scented candles and beautiful bedding reward us daily. DO honour family history by displaying items that evoke pleasant reflections -- a child's watercolour, shells collected on vacation, or even a silly sculpture that made you and your spouse laugh. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Kimberley's 5 feel-better home improvements Kimberley's 5 feel-better home improvements1 Recognize daily blessings. Appreciate the beauty of a single object -- the drape of a fabric, the contours of a chair, the warm glow of a lamp. Take time to savour a well-prepared meal. Enjoy the scent of freshly cut flowers or soothing candles. Listen to your favourite music. 2 Bring the outdoors in. Harness the tranquil sounds of trickling water indoors with the addition of a small water fountain. Add a solarium. Open drapes, allowing sunlight and fresh air to fill rooms. Display rocks, crystals or seashells prominently as a reminder to slow down and breathe. 3 Embrace colour. Surround yourself with colours that make you feel happy. I never fail to feel enlivened by a bright pink coat I own. On the tough days -- too tired, bad hair -- it's the coat I reach for, and it invariably gives me a lift. Look in your own wardrobe for pick-me-up colour cues. 4 Reconsider existing elements. Can you rearrange, reupholster or refinish what you already own? Try moving pieces around -- a new position frequently brings a new perspective. If necessary, hire a professional to help you. 5 Celebrate life. Remind yourself that a new dining room table isn't just a showpiece; it's a circle around which to gather with friends and family. Seize every opportunity to share good times. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Small space living rooms Design lesson: Small space living rooms
Design lesson: Small space living rooms ofSmall spaces: Living rooms Ask most teenagers about the function of the living room and you're apt to see a bewildered shrug. Ask them about the duty of a family room on the other hand and watch how quickly confusion turns to confidence. "It's for hanging out and watching TV", they reply. True enough. However, for those who live in small spaces without a dedicated family room the living room must be used for, er …living.Whether the occasion is an impromptu movie night, a restful moment with a good book, or a card game with the boys, the living room facilitates lingering and happy gatherings. In other words, it's not just a showplace; this is the true heart of the home, so avoid striving for perfect, pristine rooms, and create a setting where family and friends can spend quality time together.To create comfort in a small living room choose simple patterns and combine them with solid fabrics. This provides the space with "breathing room"; reducing visual chaos. Robust or definite patterns can be distracting, shifting focus from a more deserving focal point and creating a confusing backdrop to works of art. Furniture that does double duty - a sofa that becomes a guest bed, a table that rises to dining height – stretches the living room's functionality.1 Where space is really tight, choose sofas and chairs without arms.2 If budget doesn't allow for a total makeover, is it possible to rearrange, reupholster or refinish what you already own? Try moving furniture around – a new position frequently brings a new perspective. If necessary, enlist the help of a stylish friend to provide you with an objective opinion. 3 A contrasting color scheme between the floor and walls creates drama and excitement. Although this does not enhance the apparent size of the room, it may be desired if the goal is to create a glamorous setting. Furthermore, the contrast brings handsome floors into focus; making them more of a feature.4 If the living room has a fireplace, it's likely to be the focal point of the room. Emphasize its role by selecting a subtly contrasting color for walls. If the mantle is unattractive, minimize its impact by choosing a wall color that blends very closely with the mantle. 5 When choosing lamp shades, choose a color that blends with other colors in the room. A pure white lamp shade will disrupt a room's visual flow if walls and furnishings are darker in color. 6 By all means, honor family history in this important room by displaying items with personal meaning. Whether it's a child's first water colour, a selection of sea shells collected on vacation, or even a silly monkey sculpture that left you and your spouse laughing hysterically – these happy elements invite pleasant reflection and fill your home with joy. For more small space insights, pick up Kimberley's book, "500 Ideas for Small Spaces" at an Indigo or Chapters location near you.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Garden retreats Design lesson: Garden retreats
Design lesson: Garden retreats ofDesign lesson: Garden retreats An open-air gazebo, garden shed or pool house can give you just that – a little extra room outdoors to use as required. Perhaps you'd like a sheltered spot to lounge and read, an outdoor dining area, a garden shed to free up the garage, or a covered playhouse for kids. Maybe even an artist's retreat for painting or throwing clay. Sound good? A simple addition will add value to your home and boost quality of life. Here are some suggestions to make it a reality.DIY Dreaming My friend Lindsey Hall dreamed of the Ultimate Guy Shack, a solitary spot where he could retreat to watch a hockey game undisturbed. Lindsey envisioned himself slouched on a comfy sofa with a big-screen TV and beer fridge nearby. "Just one room that's all mine – is that too much to ask?" he lamented. A trip to a nearby lumber yard provided all the supplies he needed to make his dream come true. Building the shed wasn't too difficult, he says, since he enlisted the help of a friend who's a carpenter. Once the shed was framed, Lindsey added the siding, his friend installed the windows, and together they shingled the roof. From start to finish, the project took about two weeks and cost approximately $5,000. When I asked Lindsey about his satisfaction with the results, he said, "It looks good – maybe a little too good." Turns out his wife, Bonnie, thought the new space was ideal as a garden shed. So the Ultimate Guy Shack still remains a dream, but Lindsey has this advice to offer: "Either build it before you get married, or be prepared to offer a trade – say, a tennis bracelet for control of the shed."If you don't want to start from scratch like Lindsey, there are some ready-to-assemble sheds available. Many large garden centres sell them, as do home supply stores like The Home Depot and Lowe's. Visit Summerwood Products, which offers customizable gazebo, workshop, shed and cabana kits that you can order online. Style & Continuity When researching ready-to-assemble styles, think about what would be most consistent with the design of your home. Would a Victorian look suit it best? Or a more rustic structure with cedar shingles? You can customize a standard look by adding elements of your home's architecture, like a window shape, roofing detail, distinctive wrought-iron accent or moulding pattern on the door. It's best if the colour scheme is the same as your house or complements it. For a natural look, integrate the gazebo or shed and the landscape by planting flowers or shrubs around it. It's all about locationAs with anything relating to real estate, location is everything. Position your structure according to its purpose, and to create a focal point in your garden. If planning an outdoor dining area, keep it close to the kitchen or barbecue for efficiency. If you're building a tool or garden shed, place it away from the house and make it blend in with the garden and landscaping. A pool house would benefit from the addition of an adjacent outdoor shower. As for the Ultimate Guy Shack, well, dream on!- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Balancing your design budget Balancing your design budget
Balancing your design budget ofBudget do's and don'ts Regardless of budget, when it comes to renovating, there's only a certain amount of money available. That leaded glass front door may be worth the investment, but it's only possible if the overall plan incorporates some more modest choices. In other words, splurge on a stone countertop in the kitchen and you might have to forgo the gas fireplace in the bedroom. Staying on target involves a delicate balancing act between where you can spend big and where you need to save. Dos and don'tsDO replace an unattractive backsplash with well-priced ceramic tiles. Popular today are three- by six-inch subway tiles in bright white, butter, celadon and pale blue. Lay tiles in a brick pattern (staggered from one row to the next) or a dynamic herringbone pattern. DO choose natural materials when possible as they're perceived to be of greater value. When the budget is limited, however, consider synthetic options that resemble their natural counterparts; for example, linoleum to mimic tumbled marble or a laminate countertop instead of granite. DO replace an existing standard window with a gracious bay window. Add a window seat or banquette to gain valuable storage space. DO trade an inelegant interior door for a glass-paned French door. The see-through solution allows light to travel between rooms for a feeling of spaciousness. DON'T try to save by using inferior-quality paint. With painting, the largest investment is the labour; a superior product typically provides coverage in fewer coats and is easier to maintain. DON'T rely solely on pot lights, puck lights and table lamps to illuminate rooms. Decorative sconces, library lights, lanterns and chandeliers improve atmosphere. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Affordable kitchen cabinetry upgrades DON'T overspend on custom crown mouldings and baseboards. Instead, fake it. Choose a standard crown and baseboard, then install a 1⁄4-inch applied moulding two inches below the crown and two inches above the baseboard. Paint the entire area -- from crown or baseboard to the new strip moulding (including the two-inch section of wall) in a single colour. DON'T resign yourself to a popcorn ceiling when a smooth one is what you crave. Instead of removing the granular surface, hide it with a sheet of drywall. It's an opportunity to fix lighting inefficiencies, too, as the new drywall will cover any damage to the ceiling. Kimberley's 5 affordable kitchen cabinetry upgrades1 A clean coat of paint and new hardware give tired cabinets a fresh start. 2 Exchange a pair of solid cabinet doors for glass-front versions to create a custom look and bring decorative dishes and glassware into the spotlight, as in this kitchen by interior designer Lara Neal of Toronto.3 Consider applying wood moulding to the face of slab-front cabinets (those with a totally flat appearance) to create a panelled look. 4 Stretch your budget by combining stock cabinetry for the lower sections with custom cabinetry for the uppers, where the impact is more immediate. Or use stock cabinetry everywhere, except as part of a focal feature like a decorative hood over a range or glass-front cabinets above the sink.5 Enhance the impact of dishes on display in glass-front cabinets by adding patterned wallpaper behind the shelves. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Organizing the mud room Design lesson: Organizing the mud room