I was honoured to be featured in the August 15th 2022 issue of Living Cozy!  4 other interior designers & myself were interviewed and asked to provide our top tips on the benefits of both fabric and leather sofas, and most importantly, how to choose.

Please feel free to read my tips along with the other fabulous interior designers!
Let me know if you have any questions.

If you need help selecting the perfect sofa, please fill our our online contact form, that will start the process. We will respond within 1 day and in most cases, your design will be finished within one week.

​We look forward to helping you!

Lighting can be complicated, we get it, it's changed a lot - and we're here to help!

We used to use the term 'wattage' to describe the amount of light that was produced.  So if our old incandescent light bulb went out, we looked at the wattage on the bulb and purchased the same wattage, ie. 60 watts, 40 watts, 100 watts, etc.

But, in reality, wattage only tells us the amount of energy used by the light. 
What we really needed to know was how much light is produced by a light bulb.  Well, that is lumens!  Lumens show how 'bright' the bulb is, or how much light it creates.

Here's a handy cheat sheet showing the conversion from the old incandescent bulbs (wattage) to the new LED bulbs (lumens).

We have been using incandescent bulbs for well over 100 years.  They worked well, but the light bulbs produced a lot of heat and consumed a lot of electricity.

Then they came up with florescent bulbs, remember those corkscrew and long tubular bulbs?  They gave off a horrible blue-ish light and often hummed, but they were more energy efficient then incandescents, but something had to change!

LED bulbs soon came along, they were energy efficient, at first they too were blue-ish, but throughout the years they have gotten better & more realistic looking.

So as LED light bulbs don't produce heat or use much power, we started using the term lumen, to show the amount of light being provided.  But now, we can't use the term wattage to discuss light output, we need to use the word lumen.

​Here's another helpful chart to show on average the amount of lumens needed in each room.

I hope this helps explain the conversion of wattage to lumens & to show you how to determine how many lumens you need in your home.

​Feel free to contact us to create a beautiful lighting plan for your home.

I was honoured to be asked for my professional opinion about how to decorate with Jewel tones.

Yippee!   

I'm so very honoured to have won Best of Houzz for 2022.
That makes 10 consecutive years!

​A hearty thank you to all my clients for their amazing 5 star reviews! I couldn't have done it without you!

I've written this short blog to show how to remove those annoying Folders that Microsoft creates and recreates from your Documents folder, so that each time you start your computer or update Windows, it's still hidden.

This worked in Windows 11 for me. Finally.
Note: others will say to:

• Right click on the folder your want to remove.
• Click on Properties
• General
• Under Attributes click Hidden, ensure the check box is ticked, click apply then OK.

BUT, That didn't work for me. It did initially, but when I restarted my laptop, it was back.
​

I finally found a little bit of soluction, you can hide it so it permantely doesn't pop up when updated or restarting your Computer.

Go to Word, on left side, click: options

Under Options: 

• Click Save
• Scroll down to where it says Customize how documents are saved.
• click on the Default personal templates location (not on the default file location.
• Click OK
• And you are done!!

It doesn't permanently delete it, (I can't find out how to do that anywhere), but at least we don't see it popping up in the documents folder. I'm an interior designer, not a tech person, but I hope this helps you!

I was so honoured to help design the new Commnity center for Cheam First Nation in Chilliwack, BC.

Cheam's culture & community is so important to the Cheam Community! ​The Xwchíyò:m have lived in S’ólh Téméxw for thousands of years. They are a thriving community and needed a centre to support their members.  We were happy to help.

​Cheam’s vision is to continue looking after their fish and our environment, as the Pilalt did, and to keep their community healthy and strong.
The Vision of the Cheam First Nation management team is to encourage greatness; embody excellence; display professionalism; empathy; courage; valuing culture; tradition and integrity and deliver a service second to none.
​How wonderful to work with a community who embrace that teaching.

We added a health and dental wing, traditional healing room, huge gym, several offices and meeting rooms and a large kitchen to be able to feed the community during the many events that are hosted here.

In the Fall of 2021, several areas were affected my intense flooding.  Cheam kindly used their gym to offer food and provisions to those in need.

​Introduction by Councillor Rick Quipp 
Our culture and spiritual teachings are important to the Cheam community. It is our teachings that build the person that we become. Our most important teachings to ourselves is to have fun, respect ourselves and others, be proud of our community and be proud of who we are and where we come from. We have a program for Cheam children in foster care, this program is called “Roots and Ties”. Once a month we have a dinner and encourage family members of children in care to come spend time with their children. At the dinners, the families share stories and other cultural activities. Historical events are discussed such as colonization and residential schools and how this changed our community life and our families. In fact, these two historical events almost wiped out our spiritual and cultural traditions by: taking our identity away; banning our spiritual practices; prohibiting us from voting and enforcing the Indian Act.

I am so very grateful to Chief Andrew Victor and his team for hiring us to create this important gathering place. A place to learn, to heal & come together as community.  We know that it will have an important legacy and our design team is happy to have been a small part of this beautiful factilty.

​I was so honored to be featured in the Spruce again.  Here's the article, penned by amazing writer Sarah Lyon!

I've copied it here.

How do you know when a decor item is timeless or whether it's just a trend? There are many factors to consider, designers say—and we asked them to share the details! Below, nine designers comment on what they think about when determining whether something is a classic or may be fleeting.

Determine Whether It Can Be "Carried Through the Ages"
"Timeless to me is about quality materials, lighting fixtures, furniture, et. cetera, that work with every style and can be carried on through the ages. Most trendy items have a hard time fitting into all design direction as they are very specific to an age or theme. I try to steer away from what is super hot and zeitgeist-esque, as it tends to get overused and worn out quickly. My take is that personal style is like selecting a wine: If you love it and it works for your taste and feels right, that is all that matters." — Samantha Tannehill of Sam Tannehill Interior Design

Look for Quality Materials and Production
"In order to avoid falling into the trend trap, I like to look for quality materials and production. Investing in natural resources like woods, metals, and stones can also turn into a savvy investment. I once purchased two vintage Finn Juhl rosewood chairs for a project in North London. Not only do they look better with time, but they have increased in value. Natural materials that are taken care of properly can age beautifully and maintain their value and classic appeal." — Susan Knof of Knof Design

Approximate When It Was Designed
"The first way to determine if an item is trendy or timeless is to try to approximate when it was designed. If you cannot pinpoint the approximate time period, then it is considered timeless. For example: Look at a beautiful Persian rug, it looks beautiful in a room, either 100 years ago or today. That is a great indication it is a timeless piece." -- Jil McDonald of Jil Sonia Interiors

Decide Whether It's Versatile or Not"
The best way we like to determine if a decor item is timeless or a trend is to think if the piece is very versatile or not. Timeless decor tends to have clean lines, neutral colors, and natural elements which allow them to fit in for a long time. Earth and natural tones such as wood, linens, stone, and leather are key materials we look for when selecting timeless items." — Megan Whalen of JL Design

Look at Design and Proportions
"Timeless pieces are those that have classic style and proportions and have been around for decades. If you flip through several coffee table design books and see the same type of lamps, tables, or fabrics in all of them, chances are they’ve stood the test of time and will still be a detail of beautiful rooms for years." — Jerad Gardemal of JF Gardemal Designs

Decide Whether It Can Be Built Upon
"I think a great rule of thumb for determining if something is timeless or trendy is to ask yourself, 'Am I able to use this design as a great base to build upon in upcoming years?'' For example, if I’m redoing a kitchen, I will want to select timeless features that will be relevant and stay fresh for years to come. How I determine that is by asking myself if I can keep all the main design elements the same and make small tweaks in the design years down the road to keep it fresh. Is the design resilient enough to withstand new waves of trends along the years and still manage to look current? Timeless design is resilient in that regardless of how many new trends or fads come and go, it will always hold its own." -- McCall Dulkys of Interiors by McCall

Determine What It Means to You Personally
"The ultimate answer for knowing if a decor item is timeless or a trend is what it means to you personally. I always advise my clients to collect and surround themselves with things that have meaning to them. I find that is the most natural and organic way to style and decorate a home. Then even if it was an item that was 'on trend' at some point, it will still feel special. My mantel is a collection of a midcentury metal wall hanging (the first piece of art my husband and I bought together for our home 19 years ago!), a painting from my childhood, and driftwood collected from beach walks with my family, while they are all of different decorative 'genres'. they are timeless because of what they mean to me." — Amy Sklar of Amy Sklar Design

"Finding a connection with decor items that relate to your personal story, or with a connection to nature, is a great way to ensure that your decor will stand the test of time. Whether it’s something you pick up during a trip abroad, something you made as a child, or a sentimental piece from your grandparent’s basement, you can use these pieces to make your spaces your own and generate a feeling of timelessness." — Nicole Cole of Vestige Home

Ignore the "Rules" and Choose a Piece Based on Whether It Brings You Joy
​“I don't have many rules when it comes to decor items except for one: It should bring you joy. Honestly, it doesn't matter if it's a piece that will stand the test of time or a passing fad, if it makes me (or my client) smile, it passes muster. Books, art, and items collected over time from travels are all pieces that can work well in any space." — Molly Torres Pornof of DATE Interiors

I hope that helps determine whether an item is trendy or not.  But keep in mind, your home is not a show home, it should reflect what you truly love!

It can be challenging to determine the 'wattage' of LED lights. When incandescent light bulbs dominated the lighting market, it was easy to tell how 'bright' a bulb would be.

When using LED Lighting, we use the term lumens which is the power or strength of the light. A Lumen (lm) is the International Standard unit that shows the total amount of visible light emitted from a source. Like Watts, Lumens are a standard measurement within the lighting industry and can be found on the box of most light bulbs.

The next time you purchase a light bulb, remember to look for both Wattage & Lumens. Watts show the amount of power used & lumens show the brigthness of a bulb. The best combo to look for is:

LOW WATT & HIGH LUMENS = BRIGHT, ENERGY SAVING BULBS.

We understand it's tough if you are switching out from Incandescent light bulbs to LED light bulbs, we need to know the comparable light values.

​Here's a quick and easy chart to get you started!

Need to know how to space your recessed lighting & how many recessed lights do you need?
Be sure to check out my most popular blog post.
We provide a simple formula to help you layout your recessed lighting!

​Happy designing!

Watch this quick kitchen video above showing the latest and greatest in kitchen design for 2022.
Did you know countertops are moveable?  Well yes they are!

Let me know if you need help with your kitchen or new build, I'd be happy to help!

Wondering how to position your hanging pendant lights over your kitchen island?  Here's a go to guide to make  placing those lights easy peasy!

​Pendant lights can be so very important over your kitchen island.  I suggest placing the bottom of the pendant light 36-40" above the island, this may vary a little depending upon your height & the height of the room, but if your ceiling is between 8' & 10' high, this will work well. 

Here's a good rule of thumb for calculating the width between the lights:

For spacing 2 pendant lights, measure your island's width, divide that by 4. That number is how far from the end of the island you should place the center of your pendant light in the ceiling.  

i.e. 8' wide island divided by 4 = 2.  Place the center of each light 2' from each edge,  this provides a 4' space in between the pendants, and works well for most standard pendant lights.
​See the pendant placing diagram below.

For 3 pendant lights over an 8' island in your kitchen, here's the following formula to help you place your lighting evenly over the island or peninsula.

Divide the length of the island in 1/2.  i.e. 8' divided by 2 = 4'.
Place the center pendant 4' from the edge of the island at the center point of the island.

For the remaining 2 pendants:
Divide that number in 1/2 again.
i.e. 1/2 of the island is 4', so divide that in 1/2 again and place your other pendants at that mark.
i.e. 8 divided by 2=4.   4 divided by 2 = 2.
The pendant lights are positioned at the 2 foot, 4 foot, and 6' marks.
​See the diagram below.

​Have recessed lighting questions?  Have a look at our popular blog Recessed lighting spacing - How many recessed lights do I need? How far apart do I place my lights?

Let me know if you have any questions.
​Happy Lighting!
​

​Prepare fillings (below). Trim crusts from 1 loaf unsliced sandwich bread. Cut loaf horizontally into 4 equal slices. Spread one side of 3 slices with softened butter. Place 1 bread slice, buttered side up, on serving plate. Spread evenly with Shrimp Salad Filling. Top with second bread slice and spread evenly with Cheese-Pecan Filling. Top with third slice and spread evenly with Chicken-Bacon Filling. Top with remaining bread slice. Frost top and sides with Cream Cheese Frosting (below). Chill until frosting has set, about 30 minutes. Wrap loaf with a damp cloth and continue to chill 2-1/2 hours, or overnight. 12 to 14 servings.

​Shrimp Salad Filling
• 1 hard-cooked egg, finely chopped
• 1 can (4-1/2 oz.) broken shrimp, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped celery
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• Dash pepper
• 3 tbsp. mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients.

Cheese-Pecan Filling
• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
• 1 can (8-3/4 oz.) crushed pineapple, well drained

Mix all ingredients.

Chicken-Bacon Filling
• 8 slices bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped pimiento
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Mix all ingredients.

Cream Cheese Frosting
• 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup light cream
• Green food coloring

Mix cheese and cream thoroughly. Add a few drops food coloring to tint frosting a delicate green.

​Here on the West Coast of BC, Canada, we have had a very wet, cold Spring, but now that Summer is here - let's revamp our homes for the bright, sunshiny look of Summer.  Here are 10 tips that allow you to spruce up your home for the toasty Summer months.

​     

​    5. Paint.  White or off-white walls have predominated the interior design scene for the last five  years. Believe it or not trends are coming around to the warmer tones. Try a darker cream or light beige to add this latest trend into your décor.

    6.  Accessories.  Lightweight Wicker baskets in natural tones add a light and airy feeling to your room.

​    7.  Wallpaper:  Have you tried the new peel and stick wallpaper?  Once you get your plumb line set it's a fairly easy way to add a accent wall in your home. Try a soothing Lake mural or a floral look. You can even purchase large flower graphics that peel and stick on to the walls for a fun look.

​    8.  Entry.  Why not add a fresh bold colour to your entry area? Make a great first impression! Even one wall in a bright, fun colour will add a fun look to your foyer. Try coral or even a light green to introduce a happy Summer look into your home for 2022. Ensure that the colour that you choose is repeated elsewhere in the other rooms in your home, so it doesn't look out of place.

    9.  Window treatments.  Either add or replace your existing curtains with breezy white linen draperies on either side of your window. Ensure you place the window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible to visually extend the height of the ceiling.
   
​    10.Fragrance:  Try a citrus or floral scented candle.  The light scent will drift throughout the home, and you’ll be amazed how fresh your whole home feels.

​Let me know if you need help updating your home, I'd be happy to help!

You hear about the different types of lighting. Recessed lighting, Ambient lighting & Accent lighting, but what is Task lighting?

​In a nutshell, task lighting is extra lighting used to highlight spaces where you need either extra light, or specialized lighting.

You may want to add:

• under cabinet lighting,
• pendant lights over the island
• Office table lamps
• articulating scones which have moveable arms to bring the lighting closer to the work area.

If you are using an articulating wall sconce for reading, like this brass beauty above, place the fixture approximately 60" off the ground, so that the light (not the base area that attaches to the wall),  is in the perfect position for reading.  Of course this varies depending upon the structure of the light, height of the bed, how far down it moves etc.

Office lamps are probably the most popular form of task lighting as they can be moved around easily.

​

Under cabinet lighting is the most important type of task lighting in my opinion, place them 8-10" from the back of the wall, under your 12" upper cabinets in the kitchen or elsewhere.  These ones are from Amazon, note they are 4,000K, which tends to be blue-ish in colour.  I recommend going with 3,000K for a soft white that is bright, but not glaring.  Read more about colour temperature.

​Where to position your pendant lights over your kitchen island?

​Pendant lights can be so very important over your kitchen island.  I suggest placing them 36-40" above the island, this may vary a little depending upon your height & the height of the room.  Here's a good rule of thumb:

For spacing 2 pendant lights, measure your island's width, divide that by 4. That number is how far from the end of the island you should place your pendant light.  

i.e. 8' wide island divided by 4 = 2.  Place the center of each light 2' from each edge,  this provides a 4' space, in between the lights, and works well for most standard pendant lights.

Have recessed lighting questions?  Have a look at our popular blog Recessed lighting spacing - How many recessed lights do I need? How far apart do I place my lights?


​Happy Lighting!

Wondering how to divvy up your total interior design budget?  What percentage to spend on furniture?  What % to pay on window treatments?  Here's a quick summary.

​Let's say you have $30,000 budgeted for your living room décor. 
Here's a wise way to break it down.

• 5% goes towards painting your room.
• 35% for furniture - I know, it seems low right?
• 10% on rugs
• 15% on accessories - they really do make a difference!
• 30% on window treatments.  Yikes!  Yes, it's really that high.  This includes any blinds, roman shades, horizontal blinds, shutters, drapery, drapery rods & installation.  Really though, it's imperative to having a gorgeous room.  Even cut back on the furniture if you have to!
• 5% on electrical & shipping.

I usually tell my clients to add an extra 10% contingency fund, just in case something comes up that we don't anticipate.
​Don't forget taxes & design fees are on top of this.
​Our fee for full service, virtual interior design is $875 per room.

Rendering by Vasyl Mihay 

I provide my clients with low, medium and high budget ranges, so they know in general what you need to budget for each room. Contact me if you'd like a copy of this!

I hope this gives you a little guidance to know where your money will go, on average, for a residential living room!  Contact me if you need help!

Now that Spring has finally arrived, here are a 10 easy items to add in (or switch out) for your home design in 2022!
​

​
​1.  Flowers!  Particularly spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinth and even a potted crocus provides a touch of sunshine to your room. Try using a brightly coloured pot or planter in shades of Kelly green, sunshine yellow or bright fuchsia.

​2.  Throw blankets and pillows.  Put away the heavy wool throw blankets and replace with lighter cotton ones.  Heavy velvet pillows can be replaced with fresh linen ones. Simply swap out the covers and you can use the same inserts.

​3.  Rugs.  if you happen to have a dark heavy patterned rug, try rolling that up and replacing it with a Lighter hemp or jute rug. You'll be amazed at the difference makes in the room.

​4.  Florals. It may not sound ground-breaking but adding florals in your draperies, planters or pillows freshen up the room. Once Fall rolls around tuck them away I'm bringing out the darker, warmer colours.

5.  Paint.  white or off-white walls have predominated the interior design scene for the last five years. Believe it or not paint colors are coming around to the warmer tones. Try a darker cream or light beige to this latest trend into your décor.


6. Accessories.  lightweight wicker baskets in natural tones add a light and airy feeling to your room.​

7.  Wallpaper:  Have you tried the new peel and stick wallpaper yet? Once you get your Plumb line set it's fairly easy to add a accent wall in your home. Try a Spring Lake mural or a floral look. You can even purchase large flower graphics that peel and stick on to the walls for a fun look. 

8.  Entry.  Why not add a fresh bold colour to your entry area? Make a great first impression! Even one wall in a bright spring colour will add a fun look to your foyer. Try coral or even a light green to introduce spring into your home for 2022. Ensure that the colour that you choose is repeated elsewhere in the other rooms in your home.   Add in a mirror to check your lipstick, just one more time before running out!

​9.  Window treatments.  Either add or replace your existing curtains with breezy white linen draperies on either side of your window. Ensure you place the window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible to visually extend the height of the ceiling.  Add black out lining if the draperies are going in your bedroom.

10.  Fragrance:  Lastly, try a citrus or floral scented candle.  The light scent will drift throughout the home, and you’ll be how fresh your whole home feels.  I'm loving these ones by Natural Soy in Canada.  
I hope these tips provide you with some ideas to get your home ready for Spring!
(Now, if the weather would only co-operate!)  

If you'd like help with your residential home interior design, just fill out our contact form, we'd love to help!

​Happy Spring!

​Creating a perfect home design is one of the essential contributing factors to modern homes. Besides the fact that it helps to improve general appearance, it also increases the value and creates a soothing atmosphere.
Interestingly, creating a perfect home design is not as tedious as many assume.

Do you want to create a new design or remodel your home design? Are you keen on giving your interiors a facelift without breaking the bank? You are in the right corner! This guide offers a list of essential décor items that will help to improve and remodel your home design.
​
1. Wall Art Paintings
Wall art paintings and photo prints are essential décor items that should be present in any modern home design. Paintings are one of the oldest means of creating fantastic home designs, and these paintings play vital roles in creating harmonious color flow and adding completeness to your décor flow. Also, they help to create focal points, improve texture, and add aesthetic value to your space.
Depending on your preferences, there are several types of wall art paintings you can explore for your home designs. It is best to consider primary factors such as theme, color, size, and design. You can choose flexible options such as butterfly wall art paintings with beautiful color mixes that will fit into any space. Alternatively, you can opt for personalized paintings specific to your design theme. 

​
2. Colorful Area Rugs
Area rugs are essential décor items that can add more value to your space than you imagine. This décor item adds colors, creates a warm atmosphere, and offers a soft comfort under your feet. It is also one of the ways to complement your wall décor, improve texture, and personalize your space.
Area rugs make significant contributions to your home design color; hence, it is best to opt for one that flows with other décor items in your space. These rugs are available in infinite patterns, textures, colors, and styles. Feel free to choose one that best suit your needs, design, theme, and preference.
​
3. Add Touch of Nature with Plants
Do you wish to have a feel of nature in your space? Explore the various options of natural plants suitable for indoor decorations. Adding natural plants will improve the appearance of your home design, and it will also act as a natural air purifier. These plants can absorb oxidants often emitted by paints and some furniture.
You can enhance the quality of the natural plant by using decorative plant beds and flower pots. You can explore any of the several indoor plants available. However, it is best to remember that using natural plants requires proper monitoring, nurturing, and maintenance.

4. Lighting
Light is another important décor item that must be included in any modern home design. Using suitable lights in your interior design helps you create cozy spots and add depth to your design. It also enhances relaxation, creates a personalized atmosphere, improves mood, and adds dimension to your space.
Consider exploring multiple colored LED lights for enhanced flexibility. Other types of lights, such as decorative chandeliers, floor lights, pendants, and lamps, will also contribute to the decoration of your home. Also importantly, don’t forget to create room for natural lights while fixing your home design.

5. Mirrors
The functionalities of mirrors in your space are not limited to admiring yourself each time you pass by. It is an essential décor item for adding brightness to your space, enhancing dimension, and creating beautiful reflections. Mirrors are also a great way to make small spaces appear bigger.
Getting the best out of mirrors in a home design deals with strategic placement, size, and type of mirrors. Avoid placing mirrors directly across bright lights to avoid harmful reflections.

Wrapping Up
Creating unique and personalized home designs is not rocket design. It only requires creative and harmonious integration of essential décor items. Feel free to explore the décor items above and many more but don’t over-stuff your space!

We work with so many amazing clients, it's always nice to get a wonderful review!

We take time to celebrate every single design project of ours!

Here's what Paul wrote:
​
"This review is a long time coming! I have not only worked with Jil professionally, I have also worked with her on two projects of my own. In my profession, I work with hundreds of designers in the Greater Vancouver area, including the Fraser Valley and Sea to Sky, but only one designer for my home projects! We are so thankful for the opportunity to work with Jil. She has an incredible eye for colour and attention to detail. In a world of poor communication, Jil always made herself available, and best of all she listened and understood our needs, wants, and worked within our budget. Thank you, Jil, we appreciate you!"

Thank you Paul & Amanda, I think we've come up with a gorgeous living room!
​I appreciate the trust you have in me!

Many of my interior design clients recognize that window treatments, whether functional blinds, drapes,  or valances (those are the decorative fabric window treatments that go on the top of your windows), add so much to their rooms esthetic, but wonder what the ball park costs are.

This post will provide you with average costs, so you know which ones, might work best for you.  Of course costs will vary, but this will provide a great starting point.

1.  Let's start with drapery, some folks call them curtains, which is fine with me!

Let's remember to include the rod, brackets, hooks, carriers & finials, along with the cost of the fabric, lining, labour & shipping fees.  Everything can and does add up.

I'd estimate for a pair of drapes & rod to be approximately $2,000 for 2 panels, along with an 8' rod.  Of course, if we go with sheer fabric, as shown at the top of this post, the pricing will be lower.  If we go with a high end fabric of course the price will be higher. The ones shown above are in a mid range fabric.

2. Sheer shades, shown above, some people call them by the brand name Silhouettes, by Hunter Douglas, are a gorgeous shade, offering glare & UV protection, privacy and light filtering are beautiful. In fact, I used them for my own home.
​
In general, I'd estimate $1,000 per window, of course depending upon the size.  This is my price for a 5' x 5' window.
A fabric blind, or hard window shutter would be approximately the same cost.
​These beautiful sheer shades above are by Graber.

3.  Hard blinds, which are the old horizontal blinds most of us grew up with are the lesser priced option.  They come in real wood, or faux wood (we don't often see vinyl or aluminum blinds anymore. 
Remember real wood blinds are very heavy to lift up, faux wood is lighter, but it still leaves a bunched area at the bottom or top area, which shuts out the light. I don't specify them too often.  Their price ranges from $350 - $700 per 5' x 5' sized window.

I'm so very grateful to my amazing clients and interior design suppliers!
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews!
​

​When you venture out to find the perfect bed, you might be overwhelmed with several options. As there are various types of mattresses, making the right choice can become daunting. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the different types of mattresses and their features, so can you invest wisely and get the perfect night’s sleep.
 
●      Innerspring
When you decide to buy the innerspring mattress, you might be thinking of yourself as a little kid letting loose and jumping everywhere. Remember those days? This is the perfect standard innerspring mattress, and it is manufactured with a steel coil system inside. While you must have slept on this mattress during your childhood, you wouldn’t have ever seen it from inside. Although the technology is well over one hundred years old, it is still a popular item in most households.
After all, there are hundreds of good reasons for this choice to be trendy. This mattress is widely available and is easy to transport. If you perspire a lot at night, this is the best option for you. Innerspring mattresses have a better airflow.
If you are a larger person, or a stomach sleeper, the Innerspring provides you a much better sleep. However, make sure that you get the right mattress sizes, ensure that the mattress doesn’t slide out from the side, it’s got to fit your bed frame properly.  While innersprings have their strengths, they are not the most durable and comfortable options.

●      Natural Fiber
If you’ve been sifting through several options in the market, you may have come across natural fiber as well. This product is exactly what it sounds like, and you can rest assured about the quality. The natural fiber is crested between your mattress and is better than most of the conventional mattresses out there.
As materials come in a vast array of options, you can pay higher according to quality. The manufacturing process is intricate and thus, you can enjoy a good quality bed providing you with good night sleep. These are one of the most durable types of mattresses compared to other synthetic counterparts.
 
●      Pocketed Coil
If you’re a little confused about this option, the main keyword is “coil”. It is a little confused with spring coils. It is placed in the same family. However, there are some qualities out there that set apart the coil mattresses, so beware when you shop. Good quality mattresses are in high demand, test out the bed in the show room, ask your partner to try it out beside you to ensure it’s right for both of you.
A pocketed coil mattress is uniquely designed, so you need to be wise when looking for it in the market. Instead of being coiled against the other coil, they are wrapped individually and separated in fabric encasements.
 
 
●      Memory Foam
​Foam mattresses are trending globally. Therefore, there's a strong chance that you must have slept on them at least once in your life. Or, even if you haven't ever purchased one for your home, hotels and tourist resorts usually have them in their bedrooms. This sort of mattress can easily envelop the user and make them feel comfortable instantly.
Today, the furniture, automotive (think comfy seats) and footwear industries are highly benefitting from this option. Secondly, if you enjoy sinking into your mattress or even getting cradled to sleep, memory foam will don these hats without any issue.
 

●      Latex Mattresses
​No wonder, latex mattresses have become a part of popular culture yet again. Apart from the fact that they are manufactured with natural resources, they are long-lasting and easily affordable. Therefore, you can make the most out of this investment easily. Even if you’re familiar with latex mattresses, you wouldn’t know that not every latex is prepared from the same material or manufactured in the same way.

●      Innerspring Latex Mattress 
One of the best options is the latex hybrid mattress. As the name implies, this product is the perfect combination of innerspring mattress and latex. Thus, you can rest assured about not having to invest in this option. You will also enjoy springs that can provide additional support and the antimicrobial features that are a typical part of latex.
As with the hybrid form of mattress, there’s always a chance of structural weakness. In case you want to know if this is right for you. You might want to try out the mattress first before buying it. A great idea is to look for a mattress retailer that offers a ‘sleep guarantee’, where you can set up the mattress, ensure it fits well in your bedframe and sleep on it for anywhere between 30 and 100 days.  Sometimes it does take a while to see which mattress is right for you.
 
●      Waterbeds
Ah the 1980’s, while you might think, innerspring has always had the strongest history, this isn't the total reality. These products have been around since the 1800s and are chanted as waterbeds. They were originally brought to life by a Scottish physician known as Neil Arnott. The ethos in his invention was to help patients get rid of the painful bedsores. Brilliant idea, but it doesn’t always provide the best support.
Just recently, a lot of people have come forward to claim that waterbeds are the sole cause of back issues. However, this is still being researched and nothing concrete has While this might be an issue with some of the sleepers, it isn't fair enough to generalize this idea.
 
●      The Pillow-Top Mattress
​This is a great option. They're commonly used as innerspring mattresses and pillow top technology adds a lot of comfort to everyone out there. They are also known as euro top mattresses and offer a plethora of benefits.
There are various materials that you can choose from such as cotton, wool, latex, foam, fiber film and memory foam. This sort of mattress has cooling properties, is washable, and will quickly bounce back into shape.
 
I hope this article has provided some insight into helping you select the perfect mattress for you and your family.

I'm so grateful to my amazing interior design clients for leaving such wonderful ***** 5 star reviews ****** on Houzz.

53 reviews, time to do the happy dance!

Need interior design help?  I'd love to create a beautiful room or whole home for you, let's chat.

I was thrilled to be featured in my favourite online magazine, The Spruce! 
I've copied the article here for you convenience, but click on the link above for the full story. 
Author is the amazing Sarah Lyon.

The new year is all about embracing a fresh start and parting with objects or situations that no longer serve us. So what better time to do a full blown home cleanout and judiciously go through our belongings? Below, designers weigh in on the 10 items that absolutely must be removed from our spaces once and for all.
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1. Old Cassettes, VCR Tapes, CDs and DVDs.  Now that we're well into the 21st century, you're most likely streaming your music and videos. This is not only a convenient practice for those of us frequently on the go, but it can save free up of precious shelf space back home, too. As designer Dawn Heuer says, "None of us need to have old CDs or DVDs laying around... Anything that can be digitized should be!" And it should go without saying that if you’ve got cassette or VCR tapes, those can almost certainly go.

 
2. Themed Dinnerware.
Yes, you can certainly still get into the holiday spirit without clogging up your kitchen cabinets, designer Jil McDonald says. "Do we really need that platter that has graphics of turkeys or Christmas trees on them? Let your seasonal décor do the heavy lifting and invest in white or off-white dinnerware." Such pieces can still be used to create a stunning tablescape as long as you incorporate the right accents, McDonald adds. "Simply add candles, olive branches, or flowers to your table to invoke the seasonal spirit."

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​3. Lifeless Plants.
Yes, being a plant parent is all the rage at the moment, but if you've tried everything and are still struggling to keep a green friend alive, it's OK to cut yourself some slack. "Many of us don't have a green thumb and we keep holding on to old plants hoping they will bloom again or regenerate themselves," McDonald says. "Sometimes we just have to say, 'Enough is enough,' and throw it in the compost bin." Or, perhaps a plant lover in your apartment building or social circle will enjoy taking on the challenge of nursing your pathos back to life!

4. Excessive Reusable Bags.
Reusable bags are excellent to keep on hand for grocery runs, but perhaps you've found yourself accumulating far more than you actually need. "It's time to clean them out and get creative about finding them new homes," designer Marika Meyer says. "Many homeless shelters accept donations of sturdy bags. They are very useful for distributing items! You might also consider contacting local schools, who are always looking for things that can be reimagined for arts and crafts."

5. Old Towels, Blankets, and Throw Pillows
​If textiles that have seen better days are starting to get on your nerves, take a cue from Allie Mann, a designer and senior interiors specialist at Case Architects & Remodelers. "Instead of just throwing them away because of holes or small tears that cannot be repaired, we donate them to the local animal shelter or vet," she notes. "They particularly need them this time of year."

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​6. Unnecessary Reading Material.
​Are you really going to flip back through those magazines you purchased for your last vacation or re-read that book from two summers ago? "Let’s be honest, the magazines that you’re saving will never be looked at again—they’re simply collecting dust and creating clutter in your home," designer Brandi Wilkins says. Books that don't continue to inspire you can also be cleared out. "If they aren’t being read currently and they aren’t enhancing the decor of your space, let them go," she adds. "Donating old books is a great way to declutter and also share your favorite books with others who may not have easy access to buying new ones."

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7. Ultra-Specific Kitchen Appliances
It's tempting to stock up on all of the latest gadgets. But designer Eleanor Trepte says, "Unless you have a massive kitchen with a large pantry for appliance storage, think about cutting back on the number of kitchen appliances you own, and instead focusing on just a few that can do double duty." And holding on to only top contenders will ultimately make your day to day meal prep easier, Trepte adds. "It will help keep your kitchen countertops stress and clutter free!"

8. Your Least Favorite Holiday Décor
​Why not take time following the winter holidays to streamline your collection of festive decor? "If you're like me, not every piece of holiday glitter makes it out of the box each year," Meyer comments. "So, while you are digging through those boxes anyway, why not do some sorting and share some holiday cheer with others? You'll declutter and make someone's holiday a bit brighter!"

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9. Extra Table Lamps.
​If they're dated, they don't belong in your home, McDonald notes. "These are tough to get rid of because they are a useful item," she acknowledges. "Donate them to your local thrift store and purchase a new, sleek table lamp, or perhaps a gourd or wide ginger jar vase in a beautiful color." Then, she advises, insert a warm, white LED light bulb that will cast a pleasant glow.

10. Unused or Broken Toys
​"As a mother of two young children, I suggest getting rid of broken or old toys your kids don't play with anymore," designer Lauren Harmon says. Items that are beyond repair belong in the trash, but otherwise, pay it forward. "If they're still in good condition and your child just outgrew them, donate them," Harmon suggests.

Hope you have enjoyed these great tips.  All the best for a wonderful 2022.
Happy New Year!

Wondering what are the favourite white cabinet paint colours for 2022?

I've made up a quick pdf showing a few of the tried and true colours.
​I'd love to hear your thoughts!

​Click below if you'd like to find out the perfect cabinet colour for your home!

Making your home with this style can soon chase away thoughts of the corona while also enhancing the look of your apartment's landscape. In reality, the mood will be greater when you blend Hollywood design with a fine portrait in your modern home to create an exceptional concept. Instill a sense of adventure in your place of abode with  Hollywood glitz, and people will refer to it as a refuge!

OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR DÉCOR Hollywood Glam, also known as Hollywood Regency or Regency Moderne, is a décor style that celebrates the luxurious and magnificent from top to bottom. At least one of the style's forefathers has a Hollywood connection. A Hollywood-inspired apartment in sunny SoCal should embrace easy, breezy California design. A film print will look great with beachy embellishments. A white or ivory base would seem effortlessly Californian and will harken back to the popular bungalow style. The distinctive laid-back style will be created with comfortable elements.

GET INSPIRATION FOR HOLLYWOOD CANVAS WALL ART:
The following Hollywood glam designs can provide you joy and delight.

CLASSIC COLOUR:

The importance of sticking to traditional colours cannot be overstated. Soft neutrals such as white, grey, nude, and tan serve as an excellent foundation for the remainder of your space. Don't be afraid to use bright colours like navy blue and burgundy red as accents. Swap off the trendy silver accents for classic gold. Your area will look ultra-glam as long as you avoid flashy colours and commit to subtlety. By layering monochromatic tones, you'll be able to add some dramatic flair to your look.
BIG, BOLD PATTERN When it comes to theatrical flair, committing to strong patterns is a fashionable way to enhance visual dimension. Art deco-inspired rugs are geometric while still maintaining a refined appearance. You may also add a nostalgic touch by choosing drapes with a vintage pattern.
IDEAS FOR HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR DÉCOR. 

The focus of the Hollywood Regency era is on combining comfort and style. For a traditional aesthetic, cozy, sumptuous materials might be coupled with shiny, decorative embellishments.
Choose a piece of Hollywood Glam wall art that appears classic and can blend with a number of colour palettes if you're still curating your vintage-inspired environment. As long as the topic is reminiscent of the City of Angels, a neutral poster with a minimalist theme is suitable for any Hollywood-style environment.

YOUR INSIDER'S GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR AT HOME
The idea is to produce a sumptuous yet classy style, whether you choose with subtle neutrals or shiny metallic tones. There are many simple ways to add a touch of Hollywood glitz to your house, such as movie-inspired wall art and statement décor pieces. This book was created for individuals who have always wanted to experience life during the golden age of cinema. If that describes you, have fun! Beautiful wall art has the ability to tie a room together and add the finishing touch.

HOLLYWOOD COLOURS AND OTHER MATERIALS Metallic, white, and black are all excellent colours to wear to a Hollywood party. Rich jewel tones like ruby, amethyst, sapphire, and emerald can also be assertive. Hollywood Glam is ideal for those who enjoy making a statement. Victorian characteristics such as soft velvet pillows, tufting, and antiques can be seen in this interior design style. The furniture is excellent, and the colour palettes are vivid, with purples, reds, and turquoise accented with gold and brass.​

Happy Holidays!

We at Jil Sonia Interior Designs are so very grateful to all our clients, suppliers & newsletter subscribers.

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​Your continued support of us means the world to our small family business & quite frankly, we wouldn't be here without you.

In lieu of our gifts to our clients this year, we will be supporting a family in need, dropping off food, gifts, candles and a few extra surprises to make their season a little brighter.

​We sincerely wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday break and a bright and beautiful Holiday Season, full of great food, good company, and lots of laughter.

Merry Christmas, here's to a rewarding year ahead!

Jil Sonia & family