​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 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!

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!

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

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

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!

​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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