Toronto Designers Blog

feng shui for your home

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 26 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 561 views]

The definition of Feng Shui is: “The Chinese art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings, and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects.”A long time ago, when I was searching for an expert in Feng Shui for a client of mine, I found Malca Narrol. She provided my client exactly what she needed and I never looked back. Whenever I need Feng Shui help, I know who to turn to.

Seven simple rules to get you started:

de-clutter every room
position furniture correctly
keep work and rest areas separate
make repairs promptly
display plants, flowers and fruits
fill the house with the proper colours
avoid sharp lines and corners

Not sure how to implement this properly? Call Malca. And I always recommend calling in a Feng Shui consultant before the design process so that you don’t have to go back and change things based on positioning needed for this practice.

rug in your foyer

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 21 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 353 views]

A lot of people cringe when I suggest a quality rug for the foyer – ‘but what about the salty winter boots?’; ‘they get so dirty!’; ‘won’t it get ruined?’… I actually say – ‘go for the best you can afford!’ A quality rug will last a lifetime and should only continue to age beautifully as the dirt and salt wear it in. Silk? Why not – the patina they get with age and wear is stunning. Wool? So durable and easy to clean. Hand knotted? For sure – they last so much longer.

Do go for something that suits your colour scheme, and don’t go for a single colour, but rather a busy pattern of colours to really camouflage the dirt between cleanings.

Check out these awesome foyer rugs for inspiration and get your house ready for your holiday guests.

bar stools with style

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 16 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 691 views]

There’s a bar stool for every style and every comfort level. Have a look.

where i’m shopping this week

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 12 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 377 views]

These are some of the stores I am finding work great for the pre-Christmas rush. They have stock of fun and practical things to make your space work for the holidays… and beyond! Have a look.

West Elm

Crate & Barrel

Teatro Verde

Elte

Home Sense

decorate with yellow

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 9 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 336 views]

I woke up dreaming about decorative yellow pillows. It’s such a happy colour and goes with everything if you do it right.

Here are some great ways to add yellow if it happens to be your colour today too! So warm and inviting!

window treatments – sheers

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 6 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 438 views]

A lot of people still think of sheers as granny window treatments. Actually, they can be if you choose wrong, but have a look at some of these and tell me if you still think they are.

I love sheers for their ability to add warmth to a space, to block just the right amount of sun, and to give you daytime privacy. They are so versatile and with the beautiful polyesters of today, they can look and act like cottons and linens so that they really don’t look like granny sheers at all.

Steer clear of tab tops as they don’t sit nice and are hard to open and close. Take inspiration from these beautiful applications.

My favourite supplier – Designers Showroom !!

books as accessories

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 3 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 282 views]

Are books becoming obsolete? What with e-readers and the computer, it is becoming rare to buy or borrow books. But that doesn’t mean they don’t belong in the house anymore. Contrarily, I think books still need to be in a home as they add a lot of warmth and energy to a space.

Even if you are reading on an e-reader, sitting by a bookshelf filled with books adds just the right mood. Don’t have a place for bookshelves? Scatter a few in piles around your house for a nostalgic feel.

happy halloween!

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 1 Nov 2012 | No Comment | 256 views]

Hope you have a great Halloween! Enjoy your treats.

millwork details in your home

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 29 Oct 2012 | No Comment | 327 views]

It’s all in the details when it comes to the feel of a home. Pay attention to the millwork in your home and the rest will fall into place. That’s what adds the character! Older homes already typically have beautiful wood-work, but newer home builders are realizing it’s an important part of the home now too.

making the most of a tiny kitchen

[POSTED BY: Toronto Designers | 24 Oct 2012 | One Comment | 716 views]

When space is limited, what you keep in your kitchen has to be what you use. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! You can still make it glam, practical or outrageously cute, as long as you make it yours.

Here are some great examples of creative minds put to task in some small kitchens.