​
Interior designers get a lot of emails from our wonderful suppliers.  I look at each and everyone of them as I need to know the latest trends in kitchens, bathrooms, exterior home finishes.

The email today from Marathon Hardware didn't disappoint!  The Eurocucina 2022 Design Show was held in Milan, Italy from June 7-12/22. The show featured many of the latest design trends and innovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and every other room in the house.

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.

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.

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.

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.
​
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."

​
​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."

​
​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."

​
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!"

​
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

I am thrilled to be quoted by The Spruce sharing why Beige is making a comeback.  The Spruce is such a great source of design inspiration and helps keep me up to date on what's hot, and what's not!

​At the recent design show, High Point Market in North Carolina, designers were shocked to see room after room painted in beige and filled with beige furniture. 

​What made it seem fresh and new was that the walls were either a very light beige (or dark cream) or else there were very dark walls with beige furniture in front. Navy Blue, dark bold mustard colours and even black walls were evident, and they played nicely with beige couches, chairs and headboards in the rest of the home.

 ​What's new this time with beige, is that there is loads and loads of texture.  Sofas were clad in boucle, which is a nubby fabric that is most often seen in creams in lighter colours. Also, a lot of the sofas had a curved appearance. Providing a nice and comfy appearance.

Texture showed up in lighting fixtures as well providing a sharp contrast against the beige décor. Rattan, shell or beaded light fixtures provided great shape and made an interesting statement, the beige element seemed to fade into the distance and the textured items seemed to pop more.
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Even the case goods - wooden furniture, cabinets sideboards etc. were textured. They had ribbing details or texture carved into the front panels.  The texture, along with the soft light beige walls and décor, seemed to fade into the background, showing the real star of the home, our friends, and families.

Let me know if you need help incorporating beige into your home!

Pantone never ceases to amaze me with their colours of the year.  Last year it was Ultimate 17-5104,  a cold, flat -battleship gray. 

This year it's a fun, light hearted Periwinkle blue called Very Peri 17-3938!  It's a mixture of blue & red, I'd describe it as a dark violet,  or blue-ish purple.

 
​A toned down "useable" version of Very Peri is this purple undertoned gray,  from Benjamin Moore, called Granite AF 660.
Paired with a soft butter yellow and cream, I think it looks beautiful.
Add some sparkly silver accessories to really make it pop!

​Tell me, what do you think about Pantone's colour of the year?  I'd love to hear it!

​Holidays are so important to all of us. Is the time where family and friends gather to show our gratitude for each other and to celebrate!

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​This year we're keeping it simple, gone are the years where elaborate decorating was de rigueur.  We are now featuring more texture, adding earthy elements to the table such as olive branches, eucalyptus, or fir branches.  Candles are still a must, Remember, we don't need facelifts or Botox, we just need beautiful candlelight!
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Springs of Cedar, rosemary or thyme can be tucked into your linen napkins and tied with a piece of hemp rope for a casual, yet elegant appeal
 
Try switching up your cutlery - black or gold cutlery can make quite a statement and can be used for years to come.

​Forget the Santa napkins or reindeer napkin rings. Let the food speak for itself.
Sometimes all you need is sparkling glasses, candles, natural elements running down the length of the table and of course brilliant conversation!
Really, that’s what the holidays are all about.

​Let us know if our interior design firm can help with any last minute decorating, we'd love to help!
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​I was thrilled to be interviewed by  Marisa Donnelly of The Spruce about gray disappearing and beige, yes beige, making a comeback.

I must admit, I was horrified at first, I love my clean, fresh colours, but I'm warming up to it.  It does invoke a sense of comfort and coziness.  

Here's a few tips to ensure you use beige correctly.  No blah beige here!

Remember to use beige in tones from dark to light.  Perhaps a soft cream on the walls, mid toned beige rug as shown above here and pair it with a cognac leather toned couch.

If you prefer a fabric sofa, this one below looks nice and neutral.  Just remember that beige has all sorts of undertones :

• pink beige
• orange beige
• yellow beige
• green beige
• taupe
• greige

That's the tricky thing, we need to ensure that your beige sofa has the same undertone as any other beige in the room.  Your designer will help you with that!

Another option is to pair beige with stronger colours like navy, green even black to create a real pop. 
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Ensure you have texture, these pillows & throw blanket amp up the coziness and ensure your room doesn't look flat or blah.  That's not what we want!

Thinking of embracing beige, but unsure how to proceed,  just let me know, I'd love to help!
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It's always exciting seeing what the big paint companies forecast for the coming year!
​Well wait for it, drum roll please...…  here it is... October Mist CC550,
​Benjamin Moore's Color of the year for 2022!

As people are turning towards more earth friendly products & manufacturers are creating more and more sustainable items, I think this colour is right on with the times.
Just look at how many people purchased plants at the start of the pandemic!
Bamboo furniture is hot, sustainable, strong & beautiful. 

Here's a better photo of October Mist CC 550 in a bedroom, paired with their soft lilac bedding, similar to Hint of Violet 2114-60.  I must say, I'm still a little hesitant specifying it to my clients as we still strongly remember what was hot 15 years ago.

A few of the colours I am fond of from their 2022 collection are: a yummy dark ivory (almost beige) called Collectors item, , a dark Navy blue called Mysterious (love that name) and a softer, pretty, green blue called Smoky green.   ​ I think they all look lovely together. 

I hear from High Point Market in North Carolina, that beiges are back - not sure how I feel about that!
So, tell me, are you a fan of these 'new' 2022 colors by Benjamin Moore?  I'd love to hear!
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I was so happy to be featured in Home Trends magazine, featuring a client's kitchen renovation.  Then I was doubly pleased to find out the Epoch Times carried the article as well! 

We ended up having to remove a wall that was dividing the old dining room from the kitchen.  The fireplace was too close to the table, due to the tiny room.  I also opened up the hallway by removing that wall.  Wow, what a difference that made!

Here's the old dining room - see how tiny it was?  The room got waaay to hot with the fireplace on!  This is the same fireplace that we used in the above photo, I just removed the mantle and reclad it in an aged brick to add to the farmhouse look.

After our discussions, I showed my client the suggested material samples, hired a contractor, then we went to work!   

I then created a mood board to keep everything in mind. I used my 15 point check list to ensure I didn't miss a thing.  Flooring, check. Lighting, check, Contractor hired, check...

It was a big job but my clients were absolutely thrilled, and I couldn't be happier for them!

​If you'd like help creating your new kitchen design, we'd love to help!

​Our tip is to ensure you have everything in front of you, kitchen cabinet samples, tile, flooring, hardware finish, etc.  Then ensure you select the paint colour that works seamlessly with those samples!
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​It's essential to have everything in one place, then once you've narrowed it down to 2-3 choices, use large painted samples to see just how it's going to look!

Contact me if you need help! 

​Happy Decorating!

​Nothing refreshes a room quite like a fresh coat of paint. And although your walls get the most attention when painting a room, there are many overlooked areas in your home that can be brightened up with a splash of color. Whether you're looking to paint an entire wall or add subtle hints of color to perk up your living space, we've got you covered. 
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We reached out to experts from Vancouver, BC to Las Vegas, NV, who revealed unexpected places where you can get creative and add accent colors to liven up your home. Check out their ideas to get inspired!

HOME:
1) Paint a mini accent wall behind floating shelves
For a perfect DIY décor project with little work but lots of impact, add a square or rectangular block of a bold color behind the shelves. If you're terrible at painting straight lines, you can frame the block with rail molding or use bold wallpaper. Include items on the shelves that coordinate and compliment the bold accent color. This allows your shelves to look bigger and gives an intentional feeling to otherwise plain shelves. -Amble & Awe Interiors
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2) Bring character to your walls and surfaces
A splash of color on a feature wall can go a long way in giving your space a makeover. You can paint a design or lean on contrasting colors to completely change a room's look and feel. And even if you're a renter, there are plenty of products on the market specifically designed for renters with an eye for design who want to incorporate accent colors into their space. Use temporary wallpaper and stickers to change the appearance of your walls without falling foul of your contract. -Cobalt Blue 1802

3) Add colorful personality to your front entryway
You have your own personality, so why not have it also shine through your home? Your front entryway is your guest’s first impression when walking into your home, so let it stand out by adding a bold accent color. You can do this by painting a console table or even adding a bold printed wallpaper to a furniture piece or wall. -Kenna Mae Interior Design.

4) Pull color inspiration from your décor
Spruce up your boring walls by pulling a bold, bright color from an existing pillow or draperies in your space. You need to ensure that the bold color relates to something else in the room to give  that true 'designer look' and tie the space together. For example, you can pull a bright orange from a pillow and incorporate it into a bench seat while also applying it to one of the walls. -Jil Sonia Interiors
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7) Add a pop of color to your powder room
If you'd like to add bold color to your home without overcommitting, try paint or wallpaper in your powder room. It can offer a fun, unexpected element to an area where friends and family typically spend a short amount of time. And don't stop at the walls; the ceiling is a great place to add unexpected color too. -Letter Four
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8) Highlight hallways doors with accent colors
Hallway doors, while highly functional, tend to be mundane. Breathe life into your hallways by painting the doors in beautiful colors. Whether you unify them with one single hue, watercolor them with different shades of the same hue, or go all out in an homage to the rainbow doors of Ireland, this design statement will change the way you feel about hallways forever. -Gretchen Schauffler

9) Introduce accent colors to your kitchen cabinets
If you are looking to add a splash of color to your kitchen, consider painting your cabinet doors a contrasting color to the base of your cabinets. This will create another layer of color and add a new dimension to your space. Ramp it up a notch by replacing your cabinet panels with glass. -Lindsey Murillo Interiors

10) Add interest with a vibrant trim 
People tend to think of a bold color for the wall paint - but it’s much more unexpected to do a pop of color on the trim. A cherry red, navy blue, robin’s egg blue, or even mustard would look chic on the baseboards, crown, and window molding. Pair with a complementary wall color, wallpaper, or a soft white for a unique and memorable look. -Maggie Stephens Interiors
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11) Refresh your stairs with accent colors
Instead of leaving your staircase to fade away into the background, incorporate it with the rest of your home’s color scheme by painting it a vibrant color. Not ready to take the plunge? Test the waters by painting a lesser-seen set of stairs first - like your basement or attic stairs. -Arters Design
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12) Use accent colors to highlight a focal point in your home
Accent walls are a great way to add unexpected excitement to your space. Use color to emphasize a focal point in a room, such as a fireplace, built-ins, or a large window. Balance an accent wall with a neutral color on the other adjoining walls in a light to medium neutral color. -Dwell & Oak
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13) Personalize your space with colorful fabric
One of my favorite ways to add color is with fabric. If you’re a little scared to upholster your entire sofa, liven up your pillows with a fun pattern. Pillows are the perfect place to start, and you can always switch them out when the time is right. -Lauren Ashley Design
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14) Add interest to your closet with a fun color or wallpaper
Consider revamping a closet with a fun color or wallpaper to create a beautiful space for an entirely different purpose. We painted our closet a deep shade of blue and outfitted it with a changing table, wardrobe, shelving, a rug, and décor to create a makeshift nursery for our new baby boy. Repurposing a closet to utilize as an office, craft area, kids play space, or reading nook are great creative options, too. -Liz Gaffney Design

15) Use your artwork as inspiration to form a color palette 
Buy a piece of art or choose a beloved piece that you already own and pick out 3-5 of the brightest colors in the artwork to use as the accent color palette in your home. From there, you can take a leap and be bold when you are painting your home. Take color risks in smaller rooms like powder rooms and guest rooms, and paint the color you love on all the walls and ceiling (use a washable low sheen paint so the color appears more saturated). 
Bonus tip: Nix the matchy-matchy. One common mistake is trying to match everything to each other. For your home, try to pick five colors you like together as a base for your decor. Three of them should be neutrals, and two can be bright accent colors! -Color & Design Collective

16) Add accent colors to a folding screen
In 2021, the use of folding screens has become very popular as we can use them as our Zoom backgrounds while working from home. I recommend that the screens be painted quite soberly on one side, matching your neutral wall decor, while the other can incorporate a more adventurous zing of vibrant color. I love Farrow and Ball's Yellow Cake or a neon-esque hot pink opera rose red hue like Benjamin Moore's Blushing Red. -Áine Atara

17) Refresh utility rooms with accent colors
Who said utility rooms have to be boring? Be daring with your color choices. Midnight blue cabinets with hot pink interiors set against a crisp white background will undoubtedly get you in the mood for cleaning. Complete the look with hot pink and luxurious gold decorative accents to really pack a punch. -L'atelier Kauldhar

18) Give your mudroom the attention it deserves
Make your mudroom colors a bold and welcoming accent to your home by incorporating bright colors, both on walls and millwork. Don’t be afraid to try classics like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy or North Sea. Should you feel especially inspired, try a stand-out color like BM’s Admiral Blue. Add a whimsical touch by using a chalk paint for writing family schedules, shopping lists, messages, and inspirational words. -Luxe Design
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19) Use a bold accent color to create a cozy atmosphere
Most have heard that dark ceilings make a room feel smaller, and while this is true, it doesn't make it a no-no in all instances. Sometimes when a room is too large to relax in, and you need a cozy, more human scale space, a dark ceiling can quickly reduce the large expansive feeling of a room to that of a perfect nook to lounge in. Bold saturated colors in paint or wallcoverings on the ceiling is a great way to personalize and humanize large spaces to feel more comfortable. -BMorCreative
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20) Spruce up your wall trims
After the gloomy year we've experienced, color pops and accents are the perfect additions to making your room unique and happy. Pops of color enhance the feel and interest of a room, and adding bright trim paint to your room awakens the space and makes it shine. -Jenn Cameron Interiors

21) Add a wow factor to your entryway by painting your stairs in a bold accent color
Stairs are usually a boring feature in any home. Why not transform them into a statement piece? You could paint the individual spindles on your staircase in graduating shades or paint the face of each step in different colors for a rainbow effect. -Loving Quarters

22) Incorporate accent colors in high traffic areas within your home
A mudroom is a hectic space where families drop off their gear, whether it's a book bag, handbag, or briefcase, but it doesn't have to be left out. Painting the walls an accent color can lift the room, bring it to life, and make it the perfect first impression. I recommend Benjamin Moore Night Train 1567, Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690, Benjamin Moore Hail Navy HC-154, Benjamin Moore Navy Masterpiece 1652, or Benjamin Moore Nantucket Fog AC-22 as accent color options for the space. -Bina Murphy Interiors

23) Frame fabric to create a colorful art piece
Do you have extra scraps of colorful upholstery fabric from past projects that you have tucked away in your home? Use the leftover fabric and place it in a frame with matting. Framed fabric art is a simple way to add interest and texture to your home without a lot of effort. -Jewel Marie Interiors
Originally published by Redfin
 
Let me know if you need help finding the perfect accent colour for your home!
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