Toronto Designers Blog

vintage headboard

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 20 May 2013 | One Comment | 226 views]

With a few inspirational photos to refer to, I came up with this for my master bedroom. The headboard was a really fun find from Craig’s List and the half painted wall was an idea I got from so many photos of rooms I had been pinning on Pinterest the last few months. I love it! I finally have an all white bedroom and it is sooo relaxing! I am considering painting out the 80s furniture, but now that everything else is all white I like it a little better. And I can pretend, perhaps, they are antiques, yes?

The duvet set and quilt is from Ikea. Love the wrinkles and feel of 100% pure linen. Thanks Ikea! The pillow is from Pistachio. Wall colours – Benjamin Moore Cloud White and Tapestry Beige.

chandelier swag – do or don’t?

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 14 May 2013 | No Comment | 174 views]

I always say if you can get an electrician to move the chandelier spot so it sits perfectly centered over your dining table, go for it. But if it’s impossible, like in a condo with concrete ceilings, or if it is cost prohibitive, there are ways to make the swag look right.

You have to make it look intentional. If you try to pretend it isn’t swagged, it will look worse. So embrace the swag. Do a contrasting colour or make it look industrial.

Here are a few examples of what you can do if you are faced with this dilemma.

And another option is to simply add more. No swagging needed, but symmetry is in order.

shabby and chic with a little twist of colour

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 6 May 2013 | No Comment | 127 views]

It’s no secret that I love the Shabby Chic look. To me it feels classic, timeless, warm and friendly. It is often soft pale colours, or even just a variety of whites, that defines this style. But it can also have hits of colour for an on-trend transition into the summer. Have a look at these great examples.

painting half the wall

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 30 Apr 2013 | No Comment | 192 views]

I am in the process of choosing a colour for my master bedroom. Naturally it is going to be a white, but I am feeling this trend of painting half way up the wall in a different white. Talk about going crazy! Haha. But I love this trend and think it works great with some stronger colours and contrasts too. It’s a super easy way to add interest to what may be an otherwise boring wall. Check it out in these great examples.

home office in a hallway

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 28 Apr 2013 | No Comment | 195 views]

If you don’t have space for a proper home office, or perch for your computer, why not consider your hall. Even if you only have a foot or two, you can tuck in a table that acts as a desk when you need. Hopefully you won’t be working at your desk when guests are over, so the chair can simply be put aside when not in use and the flow of the hall remains.

Check out these pretty awesome examples.

small space guest rooms

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 19 Apr 2013 | No Comment | 215 views]

I like Murphy beds, but they are not always the right solution for a small space guest room. Yes you have more floor space for everyday, but you are also losing a lot of potential storage space on the wall. Sofabeds are another good solution since you can sit on them as well as add storage above. And air mattresses have come a long way. Bunk beds, and even trundle beds that you can dress up as a day bed for every day, are great solutions too. Do consider what you need more in the way of storage and seating and you will make the best choice. And as so many of my clients say – ‘we only have it used a few nights a year so why designate so much space to that’. Wise words.

A few pretty options for small space guest rooms:

finishing touches in the kitchen

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 16 Apr 2013 | No Comment | 214 views]

Whenever I design a kitchen with someone, they get excited about the new design lay-out and perhaps the Shaker cabinets in white that we decided on, as well as a pretty grey veined granite. But then they think the decisions are done. Not so! Not only do you have to decide on the backsplash, there is also lighting, flooring, window treatments, faucet and the kitchen sink too. Not to mention the appliances and the finer details like grout colour, cabinet knobs, counter edge… it can be overwhelming once you get out there.

And it’s the small details that really make a kitchen right, so do take your time and seek help where you need it. The design and cabinets are just the beginning of a kitchen renovation that you should love for many years.

real life decorating

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 11 Apr 2013 | 2 Comments | 163 views]

As I contemplate a new look for my website, I am reflecting on what it is that I really want people to recognize me for and it’s really quite simple. I am completely into real-life decorating. And what that means to me is this: it doesn’t have to be so matchy; it doesn’t have to look like a magazine setting; it has to reflect the individual; and it has to be real and practical.

Here are some great rooms that evoke a true sense of real-life decorating. Would you agree?

a versatile navy sofa

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 30 Mar 2013 | No Comment | 370 views]

You might think Navy is not really quite neutral enough for a hard working sofa, but consider its dirt hiding abilities and how we have even embraced black with navy and you might consider it again. It really does go with everything.

some amazing accommodations in Botswana & Zimbabwe

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 21 Mar 2013 | No Comment | 246 views]

I loved everything about Botswana – the people, the wildlife, the service, the food and also the accommodations. We stayed in some pretty nice spaces – have a look.

Savute Game Lodge – Botswana