​Loving this super soft bedding from #Buffy along with beautiful cleansing products & skincare from #Dore!  Thanks #heybeam for the great moodboard software, super easy to use!

Trying to define what kind of design aesthetic that your home fits into and which design finishes and décor furniture work with your homes style, can be overwhelming.
Of course, this is why you need the help of a qualified designer for more professional advice.
The following SPRUCE article features Jil Sonia McDonald with some great tips for determining if your space or choices fit with a certain design trend of past, present of future.
This is a great way to start understanding what fits best with your space and what is considered timeless decor.

If you are looking for personal design advise please do not hesitate to visit our website and fill out our contact page so we can chat about all your interior design needs.

What is Timeless Interior Design features? Here are some great considerations:
 
What is your homes architectural style?

• Try to determine which style in Architecture and Interior Design history. These can be various "finishings" (hard finishes in your home such as flooring, tile, etc) or furniture and even architectural features in a space that have been popular for generations.

Materials and Production?

• Ensure the quality of materials (woods, metals, stone and some man-made materials) last long past trends. The quality of the build and the product should last more than a few years or decades.

When was it made?

• Determine if the item you are considering is just part of a trend or is faithful re-imagined nod to an Architectural period that continues to make a statement well past its inception. Investigate when that piece you are imagining was made and does it still apply to great design today.​

Versatility?

• Versatility of a décor item can also lend to its timelessness. Asking how that item can fit in various spaces and purposes is a great way to know if it is timeless.

 
Unique features & Dimensions?

• When studying a design piece, investigate its unique design features and dimension. Architectural features such as these can give certain clues to their age as to whether they have remained useful through various trends.​

Continuity & Resilience?

• Another great way to find out if an item you are choosing is timeless is to consider if the décor item in question will have continuity for years to come in the Interior Design. It’s a question of design “resilience”. How much “staying power” does that piece have with various design trends or historical architectural trends.

 
Personal Value?

• Does the décor item stand the test of time because it has personal  value is another great way to help understand its timelessness. If you are purposefully keeping a décor item for generations that may make it timeless, whether it may fit in a certain trend at the time or not. Working with various “antique” items in a space can bring real lasting character to your space.

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Sentimentality?

• Sentimentality and the heart can make a piece feel timeless to your décor choice. Just like art pieces, décor items can be very much an emotional choice. If that piece speaks to you in this sense, then chances are you will want to keep it for decades and maybe generations too, finally turning into that timeless family treasure.

I hope that helps you determine whether your design finishes or furniture are trendy or timeless!
 

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When you get home from your busy day of work, or the hustle and bustle of life, are you looking for a comfortable, organized, stress free home? Well maybe it's time to consider de-cluttering your spaces. It is not as hard as you think.

If you are completely lost as to how to begin - here are some great designer tips for decluttering your spaces by Jil Sonia McDonald of Jil Sonia Interior Designs, as featured in the following VERDANA article.

The article starts by saying that there is good news about decluttering! “Decluttering your home can bring in new energy and help you feel much more organized and less stressed.” That being the case it makes sense that decluttering is just part of life to help us move forward in our spaces and home and brings us sense of relief and peace. Is that not the perfect recipe for an enjoyable home? 

Here are 10 great tips to start you off on the right foot! 

• Divide your home into workable zones,  
  
• Begin small, 
• Ask why you need an item or why it needs to be stored, 
• Remove all items in a space to see what you have before you begin, 
• Make the decision about what to purge, I know that's the tough part,
• Make a special occasion about decluttering, 
• Purchase appropriate storage containers ahead of time, 
• Allow space for future storage, 
• Make a home for each important item you are storing 
• And finally looking at decluttering from a positive point of view, make it fun. 

If you are looking for personal design device from this Interior Design service please do not hesitate to fill out our contact page so we can chat about all your “de-cluttering” or interior design needs. 

 
Hiring a home designer can be intimidating. You want to ensure you make the best decision, as this person will be responsible for helping you create your dream space. It's essential to take the time to evaluate potential designers and find someone who is qualified and experienced in making your vision come alive.
 
So, what should you look for when hiring a home designer? Here are the top seven things to keep in mind:
 
Budget & Process
Before hiring a designer, discussing your budget and the overall process is crucial. Ask how much they charge per hour and if they offer discounts or packages. Many designers have a process they go through when designing a space, so ask them to explain their process in detail. It will give you an idea of how long the project will take and what steps you need to take along the way.
 
Finding a home designer adds up to the hassle of the process of building a home. But if you want to save yourself from that, house and land packages can also be a great option. It includes land, house design, and all the necessary construction details, allowing you to move into your house faster.
 
Because of their convenience and affordability, house and land packages are becoming increasingly popular not just in the US but also in Australia, the UK, and other countries. So, you'll probably find one if you're on the hunt for the best house and land packages Sydney has to offer, or you can easily look for the perfect houses in popular places such as Ohio, London, etc.

Professionalism and Reputation
Before you begin the hiring process, investigate any potential design firm's reputation in the industry. Find out what past clients have said about their experience with the designer and ensure they have a good track record of successful projects. Ask for references to get an even better idea of how others worked with them.
 
Furthermore, look for signs of professionalism in your potential designer. They should be organized and detail-oriented, have good communication skills, and be willing to listen to your ideas.
 
Experience and Expertise
When creating the perfect home design, experience matters; look for a designer with significant experience designing homes or interior spaces similar to yours.
 
Ask them questions to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise to create your dream home. It's also a good idea to look at their portfolio, as it will give you an indication of the quality of their work.
 
Additionally, ensure they understand current design trends and the latest technology and materials used in home designs. They should also be able to take measurements accurately and correctly translate them into drawings.
 
Style & Design
Finding a designer who understands your style is essential for home design. Look at their portfolios and ask them about specific projects they've completed. It's essential to determine if they can customize their designs to meet your specific needs and preferences.
 
Additionally, ask them about their design philosophy; in other words, what inspires them, and what do they focus on? You want a designer who is passionate about creating beautiful spaces that you can be proud of.
 
Flexibility & Adaptability
When creating a space for your home, it's essential to find a designer who is willing to be flexible and adaptable. No two spaces are the same, so you need someone open to making changes if needed. Ask them about their experience working with different clients and their ability to adjust the design when needed. It will give you a better understanding of how well they can handle any changes you might have in mind.
 
Moreover, find out if they are willing to work with other professionals you may need, such as an architect or a contractor. It will help ensure the project runs smoothly and that all parties involved are on the same page.
 
Collaboration & Communication
When hiring a designer, it's essential to consider how they collaborate with other professionals, such as architects, contractors, and tradespeople. Can they work with them to create a cohesive design that meets your needs and expectations? How well do they communicate throughout the process, and can they keep everyone informed of changes or new developments?
 
Good communication is essential in creating a beautiful space for your home; you want someone who understands what you're looking for and can explain their ideas clearly and concisely. Ensure they understand what you're hoping to achieve so that they can make the best design decisions for your project.
 
Customer Service & Support
Finally, customer service and support are essential when looking for a designer. Ask them if they offer any post-project support or follow-up services. You want to ensure they're willing to answer any questions you may have, even after the job is done.
 
Furthermore, check for customer reviews and feedback online. It can give you an idea of their service level and how well they support their clients throughout the process.
 
Final Thoughts
​When searching for a designer to help create your dream home, it's essential to consider many things. Make sure they understand your budget and style preferences, have the flexibility to adapt their designs when needed, collaborate well with other professionals, and provide excellent customer service before making a final decision.

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This winter has been one of the coldest in history. Keeping your house warm is likely a struggle, and keeping the thermostat on all the time will add to your utility bills. In these circumstances, here are a few additions you can add to your house to keep it warm and cozy.

1. The Right Materials:

Hardwood and linoleum floors often become extremely cold in winter, so invest in rugs. Pick entryway carpets that can tolerate rough footwear and weather conditions. Your heavy winter boots will track in mud, snow, and ice, sometimes staining your clothing. The best rug materials for winter weather include polypropylene, polyester, and other robust synthetic fibers with absorbent ribs.
Hanging heavy curtains on windows reduces drafts by building a substantial physical barrier against the outside chilly winter air. Floor-to-ceiling drapes are the best curtains for the winter because they offer excellent thermal insulation to save fragile flooring, mainly hardwood. Vertical design elements also fill up vacant wall space and emphasize the clean windows in small areas, making them appear bigger and more opulent.

2. Thermal Insulation Decorative Boards

You can easily fix thermal insulation decorative boards on your wall by pasting them. They come in multiple designs and materials, like metal, cork, and plastic, and can elevate your house’s look if used correctly. The insulating layer they provide will keep heat from escaping your house in winter and entering your house in summer, letting you save on electricity bills and make your house efficient.

3. Door Sweeps

Chilly air will seep underneath your exterior doors and increase your heating system’s workload. You can prevent the air from entering by installing a draft-preventing nylon door sweep along the inside bottom edge of the door. If you’re using your garage as a living space or a studio, rubber garage door gaskets fastened with one-inch galvanized roofing nails can help you keep those chilly drafts out.

4. Floorboard Fillers

The little holes between your floorboards can let a lot of cold air in. To stop draughts from entering through the cracks, apply a floorboard gap filler to fill the gaps. This is a rubber-like substance that is simply pushed between the boards. It also makes floors look more polished and stops dust from collecting inside the little pits and holes in the floor.

5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Blades

Your house may not get warm despite having the heating system on because of a lack of circulation of warm air. Rotate your ceiling fan blades clockwise to push the warm air into the room. This will keep your room warm without ruining its look and design.

6. Install an Electric Snow-Melting System

​Snow that’s piled up on your driveway can ruin the look of your home by hiding its architecture or burying your car. If you use de-icing salt, you can end up with deteriorating paint and cracks in your driveway. Installing a snow melting system through experts like Heavenly Heat is one of the best ways to get rid of the snow, while also saving you time and costs from damage.
EndnoteAdding these upgrades to your house will make your house can reduce your energy expenses, keep you warm, and prevent winter damage. Get insulating fabrics and boards, cover the gaps under your doors and in your floors, and invest in the right tech to ensure your house remains cozy this winter.

I was super honored to be featured this great article by Interior Insider.  
I'll copy and past the article by Ash Read, but find the complete Farmhouse Kitchen article here!

Jil Sonia McDonald, an interior designer, transformed a small and outdated kitchen into a beautiful and functional space for her client in Maple Ridge, Canada.
The original kitchen, built in the '80s, was small and cramped, but McDonald had a vision to open up the space and create a modern, functional kitchen that would be perfect for the homeowner's love of cooking and entertaining.
"The original kitchen was so small, the first thing I suggested was to remove two walls, one between the original dining room and kitchen and the second between the tiny kitchen and the hallway," McDonald said. "Thankfully our builder allowed us to remove those walls and we were able to create a large open concept kitchen."

 ​The kitchen was remodeled and combined with the adjoining dining room to create more space.One of the key features of the new modern farmhouse style kitchen is the large island with a White Oak countertop. The countertop was specially oiled with food safe oil, providing a beautiful and functional surface for rolling out cookie dough or preparing meals. "I think that island countertop is my favourite part of the design," McDonald said.
The homeowner's love of cooking also led McDonald to include plenty of cabinetry and storage, ensuring that all the drawers pulled out completely so the homeowner could access the very back of them. As a built-in refrigerator would have been too small, McDonald actually built out the cabinetry to be 32" deep, so the refrigerator appears to be nestled within the cabinetry.

The adjoining room was originally a dining room with a fireplace, but the layout of the room only allowed for their dining table to be placed 3 feet away from the fireplace. By removing the wall between these two spaces and refacing the fireplace, McDonald was able to create a unique and beautiful kitchen with a fireplace. The homeowner loves this feature and says "On the cold winter mornings first thing she does is turn on the fireplace while she's making her first cup of coffee! She loves it!"   By Ash Read


​Thanks for reading!  If you are interested in renovating or building your Farmhouse kitchen, please fill out our contact form and we'll be glad to help!