Here's a few quick tips that interior designers use to easily freshen up their homes for Spring 2023!

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

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

8.  ​Wallpaper:  have you tried the new peel and stick wallpaper pressure 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.

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 how fresh your whole home feels.

I hope these quick tips help you add some Spring freshness into your home interior decor!

As an interior designer, we get a lot of emails each day. It's always good to keep on the forefront of all things to do with design!  This one is about windows.  Read on for more information. Thank you to ATEC Energy & Building Envelope Consulting for the informative article!

SHGC stands for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

It measures how much of the sun's heat will pass through a window.
SHGC can be considered a percentage; for example, according to this NFRC Rating above, this window will only let in 30% of the sun's heat, so a window of an SHGC of 0.50 will let in 50% of the sun's heat!
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The glass absorbs and redirects heat inward in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a standard used in North America to estimate solar radiation that passes through glass relative to the amount of solar radiation hitting the glass.

Solar radiation tends to be the primary method of energy transfer through fenestration products. Factors such as reflection, absorption, and transmittance will affect the SHGC expressed as a number between 0 and 1 — the lower the SHGC, the less solar heat transmitted and the greater its shading ability. SHGC is tied to visual light transmission (VT) related to how well the glass allows sunlight to pass through it. Therefore the lower the VT, the lower the SHGC tends to be.

So, the lower SHGC rating means less afternoon heat and lower cooling bills for buildings in areas with very hot summers.

I hope this has been helpful!
If you need help with your window selection, we can certainly help, just fill out our quick interior design consult form and we'll get right back to you!

I am so happy to be quoted in Homes and Gardens magazine.  Feel free to check out the amazing article here.  It's chock full of great ideas for your traditional bathroom!

By SARAH LYON
Published on 03/12/23
I was honoured to be quoted in The Spruce discussing items that designers suggest you should never buy second hand.  I've copied and pasted it here.

​Whether you're an avid thrift shopper or looking to get more into the secondhand scene, you'll want to keep in mind that not all thrift store finds are created equal. Before you grab everything that looks slightly promising and end up with a full cart, you'll want to ensure that the pieces you're bringing home are items that are safe to use and will bring you joy. Not sure what to avoid altogether? Below, experts weigh in to share the items they'll always leave behind when thrifting.
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1. Pillows and Blankets
Not everyone is eager to purchase bed linens such as pillows and blankets at the thrift store, no matter how stylish they may appear. "I know they can be washed and dry cleaned, but there is something about them that I never gravitate towards when I'm shopping secondhand," Imani Keal, of Imani at Home, says. "I used to have similar feelings about couches and fabric chairs, but once I found reputable vintage sellers who took great care of their inventory, I've been more open to sourcing secondhand sofas." 

​2. Appliances
​You may be thrilled to spot a fancy coffee maker or vacuum cleaner that's majorly marked down, but by purchasing this piece secondhand, you're taking your chances. "Never buy appliances," Grey Joyner, of Grey Joyner Interiors, says. "You never know if they are damaged or if they contain bacteria that could be passed on with usage." Plus, buying new can come with additional perks like years-long warranties that give you extra peace of mind when using the product. "This protects me as the consumer in case anything happens to the appliance while I am using it, and can save me money in the long run," Madeline Scalzi, of Tulips for the Table, says.
3. Cribs and Car Seats
In the name of your little one's safety, do not purchase a crib at the thrift store. "When it comes to keeping your family safe, cribs should always be purchased from a reputable retailer," Trish Knight, of Knight Varga, advises. "It is important that a crib is assembled correctly and meets current safety standards and know that the manufacturer has not recalled the item." The same goes with car seats, the best rule of thumb is to buy new ones when safety is involved.

4. Upholstered Furniture
You may wish to hold back on upholstered furniture unless you have plans for a DIY in your future, Knight says. "Upholstery can easily be hiding dust mites, bed bugs, and potentially larger critters depending on where the item was being stored prior to selling," she explains. "This would include upholstered bed frames, chairs, sofas, benches, and more. The only exception would be purchasing the item for the frame with the intention of fully reupholstering it prior to bringing it into your home."

5. Leaded Crystal
​Certain crystal items may look pretty but aren't good for your health! "Lead crystal glasses and dishware may release lead into the food and beverages they encounter," says Jil McDonald, of Jil Sonia Interiors, says. " Any container you drink from, including ones made of lead crystal, or that has an exterior decorative pattern around the rim, such as a coating or glaze, may also release lead and cadmium from the coating or glaze. I would tend to ask myself what the item is made of and if those materials may cause health concerns."
​
6. Electrical LightingPurchasing lighting secondhand can come with a range of risks. "It may not pass building codes for your home," McDonald explains. "It is always best practice to ask your certified electrician first if the item will pass local electrical codes to maintain safety. Secondly, some lighting may have obvious frayed wiring and needs to be avoided." Furthermore, you'll need to take lightbulbs into consideration. "Some lighting occasionally may require a lightbulb base that is unavailable," she explains, "If you are not knowledgeable about what bulbs are available for a lighting fixture it's probably easiest to avoid the trouble altogether." If you fall in love with a lamp that needs rewiring, you'll also want to factor that cost into your budget, McDonald adds.

7. Pieces in Need of Repair
Scalzi finds herself tempted by pieces that could use a little bit of TLC but has learned to resist most of such finds. "As someone who is a DIY buff by heart, it can be very tempting to purchase a high-end chair that is missing a leg, or a vintage desk with a broken drawer, but I make myself refrain by weighing the pros and cons of the project," she explains. "What materials will realistically be involved in making this piece usable? Will I need to hire a professional to finish the job? Buy a custom part? Unless it is truly a one-of-a-kind piece I can't live without, most often the cost outweighs the benefit."

8. Items That You Just Don't Love
Lastly, there's no need to scoop up something you see at the thrift store simply because it's inexpensive or happens to be having a moment. McDonald says that a good rule of thumb when shopping secondhand is to only get things that speak to you emotionally to avoid excessive clutter in your home. Even if does speak to you, it's okay to leave it behind, it will certainly speak to someone else.

​Windows are essential to any home, and choosing the suitable material for your window replacement project might be daunting. Two of the most popular options in the market today are wood and vinyl windows.

Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to determine which one is the right choice for your home improvement. 
In this article, experts from Ecoline Windows will help us weigh all the pros and cons of wood and vinyl windows to help homeowners make informed decisions.

Wood or Vinyl for New Windows? Ultimate Comparison.
​
Wood Windows:
●    Wood windows have a classic and timeless look unmatched by other materials. 
●    They are also natural insulators, making them an excellent energy-efficient choice. 
●    Another advantage of wood windows is that they are easy to paint or stain to match any home exterior.
However, wood windows are more expensive than vinyl models and require more maintenance. They can rot or warp if not properly sealed, resulting in costly repairs. Also, wood windows need to be painted or stained every few years to keep them looking good.
​
Vinyl Windows:
●  Vinyl windows are a more affordable option than wood windows. 
● They require little-to-no maintenance and are resistant to fading, warping, and rotting. 
●  They are also great insulators and come in various colours and styles.
● Vinyl windows are easy to customize, allowing for more configurations and feature inclusion
However, vinyl windows are less durable than wood and can crack or warp in extreme temperatures. 

​Breaking down the costs
When it comes to cost, wood windows are generally more expensive than vinyl windows. However, they can be a better investment in the long run as they are more durable and require less maintenance. 
On the other hand, vinyl windows are more budget-friendly, but they may not last as long as wood windows if not properly maintained.
●      On average, a medium-sized vinyl window can cost $400-$700, based on style, glass type, hardware, etc.
●       Wood windows come with a minimum price of $600 per unit
All in all, vinyl units are considered the best windows in Alberta in terms of quality/price ratio.

Maintenance
Wood windows require more maintenance than vinyl units. They need to be painted or stained every few years to keep them looking good, and they can rot or warp if not properly sealed. Regular caulking and weatherstripping are also necessary to keep them airtight and energy efficient.
Vinyl windows, on the other hand, are low maintenance and require very little upkeep. They are resistant to fading, warping, and rotting and can be easily cleaned with just a simple wipe-down. They are also designed to be stable and weather-resistant, making them popular among the majority of homeowners.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency:
Both wood and vinyl windows are good insulators and can help keep your home energy-efficient. 
●      Wood windows are a natural insulator, while vinyl windows have a unique thermal design that helps keep your home warm in cold seasons and cool in hot ones. 
●      Both types of windows can be equipped with a special LoE coating, which reflects heat back into the room during the winter and keeps the heat out during the summer. This can aid in decreasing your energy expenses and enhance the comfort level inside your home throughout the year.
According to the statistics, windows account for up to 25% of a home's energy bill. Both wood and vinyl windows can help improve energy efficiency in homes, but there are some differences in their performance.
​
Wood windows have a natural insulating property, with an R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) of around 0.8 per inch. 
When equipped with Low-E coatings, wood windows can further enhance energy efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room during the winter and keeping the heat out during the summer. This can result in potential energy savings of up to 30%.
​
Vinyl windows have a unique thermal design that helps keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Their R-value ranges from 3.0 to 3.7 per inch, significantly higher than wood windows. When equipped with Low-E coatings, vinyl windows can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, resulting in significant energy savings for homeowners.

​Customization:
Both wood and vinyl window models come with a range of customization options.
●       Wood windows can be easily painted or stained to match any home exterior, but the colour selection may be limited to traditional home designs. 
●       Vinyl windows,  offer a wider range of colours and styles and can be ordered in any shade. 
Homeowners are also welcome to customize new windows with hardware, glazing, and sizes to align with personal preferences and the home exterior..

Wood vs Vinyl Windows – Which  Architectural Home Styles Do They Fit In?
​
Wood and vinyl windows can work well with a variety of architectural styles, but there are some styles where each material may be better suited.
●       For traditional and historic homes, wood windows are often the preferred choice as they have a classic and timeless look that matches the aesthetic of these homes. For example, wood windows can complement the look of Colonial, Victorian, or Craftsman-style homes. Wood windows are also ideal for homes with natural wood features, such as exposed timber beams or wood siding.

●    Vinyl windows, are versatile and can work well with many modern or contemporary home styles. They are often used in homes with a minimalist or sleek design aesthetic, such as Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary-style homes. Vinyl windows are also popular in homes with a more transitional style, blending traditional and modern design elements.
​
Final Say
When it comes to choosing between wood and vinyl windows, it ultimately depends on your budget, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. Wood windows are an excellent choice for homeowners willing to spend a bit more money and put in a bit more work. They have a timeless look, are natural, and can be easily painted or stained to match any home exterior. They are also an eco-friendlier option as they are a natural resource.
Vinyl windows are more budget-friendly and trendy among North American homeowners due to easy maintenance, different hardware and customization options.

I hope this article helps explain what you need to know when selecting replacement windows for your new home.

I'm happy to have my amazing client's home featured in Interior Insider!
I'll cut and paste the article here by Ash Read.

​This beautiful yet practical family living room achieves a refined coastal vibe by incorporating custom glass tile, weathered wood furniture, and seaside decor.

​​“My client wanted a functional home with durable fabrics, but also wanted to incorporate a coastal vibe,” said McDonald. “A jumping point for us was choosing the custom glass tile around the fireplace. The watery blues, whites, and greens along with the fish scale shape bring a seaside look to her living room.”

​Seaside decor – including coral, sand, starfish, shells, and pillows with hand painted fish – give a nod to the nearby ocean.

​Chinese console tables sit either side of the fireplace and provide a home for circular gold lamps, wooden sculpture and a mixture of well-selected candles and more seaside decor.

Thanks Ash for the great article featuring my clients home!
Painting provided by Warline Painting!  

​Jil Sonia McDonald, Principal Designer at Jil Sonia Interiors
Project credits
COMPANY Jil Sonia Interiors Award-winning Virtual Home Interior Design in Canada, the USA and beyond Visit website

FOUNDER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER Jil Sonia McDonald
Jil McDonald, is the owner of Jil Sonia Interior Designs and has been a full time Interior Designer since 2007."