Toronto Designers Blog

chandelier swag – do or don’t?

Toronto Designers — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:01:21 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:37:30 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:16:40 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:53:07 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:54:24 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:35:11 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:21:01 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:55:13 +0000

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

Toronto Designers — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:12:07 +0000

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

Chobe Game Lodge – Botswana

Camp Okavango – Botswana (yes, this is a tent!)

Victoria Falls Hotel – built in 1904 – Zimbabwe

decorating with baskets

Toronto Designers — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:07:22 +0000

Whether hand-made from Africa, or store bought from your dollar store, baskets have so many practical uses. But they can also just look gorgeous. Consider colourful arrangements of them, or all neutral, for your perfect hit of texture.