CB2 – lighting

Make a statement with some new lighting. CB2 has some inexpensive options that are totally hip and on trend! Check them out in the upcoming events that I will be the design expert at – CB2 Backyard Sessions

how to use decorative plates

If you have decorative plates and don’t know what to do with them, get creative. Here are some great examples of what to do. But don’t showcase them unless you love them – that is key! Stash them away or better yet, sell them or give them away. You really should only have what you love or need. And I love some of these examples!!

Anthropologie now has Terrain

I absolutely love the store Anthropologie. They have such amazing house products that are so unique, from crisp retro inspired linens, to colourful dish wares, to whimsical drawer pulls. I usually love it all!

And now they have Terrain! They are only opening their second store in the US so I’m hoping it won’t be long before they realize us Torontonians need a shop here too. But for now they do have an online store so I’m thrilled about that! Check it out here.

Here are a few of my favourites – can’t you just picture yourself with these cuties in your backyard or on your deck? Loving it!!

popcorn ceiling to flat with no mess?… check it out!

Is this too good to be true? Unsightly stucco ceiling to smooth matte ceiling in less than a day… with no mess? Yes, it’s true! Check it out: Universal Stretch Ceilings.

Smoothing out your ceilings is just one of the many ways this product is so great. Their original and wacky applications are amazing too! All you have to do is dream it and they will make it happen. Now go to their site, here, to check the rest out!

colourful bed linens

I love that my bedroom walls are white because I love to change the linens as often as I can. I have a few sets of good quality sheets and a few duvet covers that all mix and match to create fun and colourful combinations that I never tire of. Here are a few I dream about for my next purchases. They all make me smile!Great lines on this blue and white one, below, from CB2!

wood walls

I’m often quick to suggest painting any kind of wood out in some great colour paint when it just doesn’t fit your style. But I have to say, I should reconsider my quick tongue upon looking at these extraordinary spaces I found around the web. I do need to learn to appreciate natural wood walls too… because these spaces I love!


decorating with cat stuff… but not really

I would never think of decorating with cat stuff as I find that tacky. But I am a cat lover and sometimes, if it’s done tastefully, it is OK. I hope!

If you can’t tell it’s for cats, then I think it’s OK. Like here:

 

Or if you just have a cat in the room, does that count?

Or for a laugh, sometimes one small piece can fit in quite nicely:

But I would like to clarify that it still depends solely on you and how you feel about cat paraphernalia. I think it can have its place in your home… if you really want it to. Who couldn’t love one of these awesome modern cat beds?

outdoor patios in toronto

There are so many outdoor patios around town it is hard to miss them. Some are on small quiet streets but many are on busy streets. You have to be prepared for the outdoor noises but I think it’s all part of the charm. Today I sat out at Doria on Yonge and it was hard to believe we have yet to see April actually! But I loved it, enjoyed their famous latte and cherished the sunshine in its early stages of Spring. How lucky we are to have such options, especially at this time of year!

Tell me about the patios in your part of town, or a part of town that you like to frequent. What makes them special?  For me, today was special because of the company I had, the warmth of the sun, the decor (of course I always look at that!), and even the chirping birds. Bliss!

your rental property needs to be beautiful too

I always say it is important to live each day and not just wait for the next, so when it comes to rental properties I say make it great! You don’t have to wait for a place you own before you get to enjoy your surroundings. It doesn’t mean you have to go all out with high expenses – actually, the less you spend the happier you will probably be… if it looks good that is. Here are some great ideas to help with your rental so that today feels awesome. Just remember to ask your landlord before you do anything you can’t change back.

This is a great product to spruce up your kitchen counters. Instant Granite – as seen on Rachel Ray, is easy and super inexpensive. This site also has great appliance panels, with some whimsical, and a little unusual, theme panels to have fun with too.

Apartment Therapy showcased a great article about just this too – have a look here for some great ideas as well. And don’t forget paint. If your landlord allows, go ahead and get some colour up on the walls! An all white space is great for many, but sometimes you need just a bit more. Consider an accent wall so that if you have to paint it back to white when you leave, it’s pretty easy. It’s a super inexpensive way to add so much to your space.

Lighting can make a huge difference to any space, so don’t overlook this element of design. Hang a plug-in ceiling light with a couple of butterfly hooks for instant drama. And don’t forget wall sconces that are not hard-wired to instantly gain space and add lighting exactly where you need it.The biggest element that is super easy for any renter, is to have great furniture. Buy the best you can afford with intention of using it for many years to come in any space you have. Loveseats and chairs work best as some spaces can’t accommodate full sized sofas. Do consider loveseats with narrow arms to gain the most ‘seating’ space.

Just remember to live today too – rentals don’t have to mean ugly. Have fun decorating!!

extreme colour alert

Maximize easily with colour – here’s how… or is it too extreme for you?