Let’s Talk Design
Earth Week is here and we couldn’t be more excited! To celebrate it, we’re sharing our journey to designing the Oak Park Model Home in Oakville, Ontario. Oak Park was one of our first big projects where we wanted to focus on becoming more sustainable within the industry. We wanted to help lower our carbon footprint and support our local vendors.
What is good design? First of all, there is no right or wrong answer. Good design is totally subjective. And believe it or not, it isn't a fashion-versus-function debate. Achieving good design means balancing beauty and practicality, without conceding on either. Good design starts with you.
As temperatures drop, nights come earlier and we settle into winter and the season of boots and parkas, it’s time for us to settle our home for winter! You don’t have to change your entire decor style to be ready for winter, just adding a few warm touches will do the trick. Here are some of my ways to cozy your home up for winter!
A home buyer looks at a few different elements when considering the purchase of a home - a key element in the decision is based on the kitchen and the impression it leaves. Here are some key elements to include in your next kitchen that will guarantee a good lasting impression on any home buyer!
There seems to be a lot of questions about how to dress Bay Windows. Today I’m sharing my drapery solutions to help with your Bay Window struggles.
Day 10
Last day, Best day! For day 10 of the 10 Days of a Healthy Home, let’s talk about the finishing touches - the plumbing fixtures and accessories. The finishing touches are the jewellery of your home - what gives it character, value and the cherry on top of the cake of any design. Here are my tips on how to find sustainable accessories.
Day 9
Paint is vital in any renovation project. The moment the walls are painted, the design just seems to come together ; however, the moment the walls are painted with a “not so sustainable” paint, everyone will also know because of the smell. Here are my tips on what to look for when buying paint and how to find the sustainable ones.
Day 8
When you hear sustainable design, you don’t automatically include mattresses (at least I didn’t). But when we started our journey to sustainability, I started asking all the questions about ALL the things. Here’s what I learned about alternative sustainable mattresses that will last and keep you healthy.
Day 7
When I started my research into sustainability, construction was one area that I realized I really didn't know much about. Is there such a thing as Sustainable construction? Thankfully along my journey I have met some great and informative builders and contractors that are doing their part to help make some sustainable and healthy. Here’s what I learned.
Day 6
A huge passion of mine is repurposing old furniture! Reusing & Recycling furniture is a sure way to bring sustainable products into your home. Today I’m sharing my sources on where do get quality made previously loved furniture that just needs a little TLC.
Day 5
I LOVE fabrics! They are my favourite part of design. Today I’m sharing my research into which fabrics are sustainable and which are not-so-healthy. Here’s the Good, Bad & Ugly of sustainability in the fabric world.
Day 4
Let’s talk millwork! The trend for the past few years has been painted cabinetry (which I LOVE) made of MDF. So I looked into how MDF is made. Today, I share my research into MDF and list some healthier and more sustainable millwork alternatives.
Day 3
The counters in our kitchens and bathrooms are usually the pièce de résistance that just finishes the space. But have you ever thought about how they are mined or manufactured? I have & I did the research! I’m sharing the truth behind some classic countertop materials and some innovative solutions that are more sustainable.
Day 2
Let’s talk about upholstered furniture! A big part of our homes have upholstered goods. Have you ever thought about what’s in them? I’m sharing what I’ve learned about upholstered furniture and how to make a sustainable decision that is healthy for your home.
Each day up to Earth Day 2020 we’ll share a tip on sustainability and wellness in the home. #HealthyHome
This is DAY 1 and we’re talking FLOORING! Find out what type of flooring is better for the environment and for the wellness of your home.
Working from home is becoming more and more common! I’m sharing my top 5 design tricks to creating the perfect home office for you! Let’s make your space beautiful & functional! (FREE GIVE AWAY WITHIN)
As a designer I walk into a lot of homes! I’ve seen my fair share of design mistakes - I’m sharing my current top 5 design mistakes and giving my advice on how to fix them.
You work hard for your money! Where you spend it matters! Should you invest in a home renovation or indulge in a fantastic family vacation? I share my tips on how you should assess your needs and find out what you truly need!
We’re excited to reveal Project Coleridge: Family Friendly Kitchen Design! Our clients came to us because they had outgrown their kitchen, and we completely overhauled it and brought them the best of customized storage solutions.
We’re excited to reveal Project Riverdale: 3rd Floor Addition! After 1 year of renovations, we presented our clients with a true 3rd Floor oasis complete with a luxurious bathroom, his & hers closet, work nook, and a show-stopping master suite.
Fireplaces are a staple to the design in any Canadian home. I personally LOVE fireplaces so naturally I had to place one in my home. I’m sharing my fireplace journey and what I learned throughout.
Powder rooms are the perfect opportunity to try bold design ideas and really showcase some personality. In today’s blog I share some of my favourite powder rooms from the past.
When you think bedding, I bet that word “thread-count” quickly follow it. The common thought: the higher the thread-count, the better the sheets, however this week I partnered with White Terry Home to share the truth about thread-count and give you the real facts of what to look for when buying bedding.
Even though our journey to 100% sustainable design is only beginning. I thought to explain WHY I am on this journey, as well as share my growing list of Eco-friendly and Canadian product companies.
Should you move or renovate? What will get you more for your dollar? Watch as I sit and speak with a Mortgage Broker to discuss the true costs of selling and buying a home in Toronto, and find out if renovating your home is truly worth the investment.
I have kitchens on the brain... With two kitchen renos well under way and another 3 on the horizon, the team and I have a lot of wisdom to share about kitchen design. Today I’m sharing WHY kitchens cost so much money, including a bonus to help you budget your next kitchen reno.
I recently took my team of talented designers with me to the Aberfoyle Antique Market and we filmed our day of antiquing for a current design project. There are a few key things to know before you go and so I’m sharing How to Shop an Antique Market today!
I know that renovations can be stressful. But reducing that stress is COMPLETELY possible. This week I’m sharing how my team manages a renovation project. Including how we plan and execute a reno in extreme detail to avoid the most common stressors.
We proudly participated in this year’s Eva’s Home for Life Auction hosted by Eva’s Initiative. This charity event was an incredible experience! We set out with the goal of creating a completely sustainable design! Read today’s blog for an inside scoop on our achievement and a behind the scenes video on the event.
If I've learned anything from my years of observing my husband whipping up culinary masterpieces and my clients' excitement when we reveal their new kitchens, it's that the kitchen isn't just a room in your house. It's a vibrant room where raw ingredients turn into drool-inducing dishes. So tighten your apron strings, as I reveal the five game-changers I can't live without in my new kitchen!