Color Therapy

Colors are a form of non-verbal communication that can speak volumes in a fraction of a second. They can instantly set a mood, convey an emotion, invoke a reaction or inspire people in a deep and transformative way.
I have found that when I surround myself with colors that I love it just makes me feel happier all around.
Institutions and advertisers are well aware of the physiological impact that colors can have on people’s moods and use this knowledge to get their message across.
We are all naturally drawn to particular colors. Most people have a favorite color that they just seem to love. When we study the meaning of colors we can actually learn a lot about ourselves.
As a designer, I love to play with colors to create moods and tell a story. When designing a space selecting colors is so important. You should think first about how you want to feel in that space. For example, if you want the room to be a place where you go to relax, adding bright red is not going to have a calming effect, instead you should stick to colors found in nature like blues, greens, taupe’s etc.
Here are a couple examples of color used in a beautiful way:

Also, just because color has a profound effect on our mood, this doesn’t mean that if you want to feel happy that you should go and paint your entire room yellow. If you over-do the color, it may actually have the opposite effect and start to annoy you. It’s like someone screaming at you “BE HAPPY!” It’s just too intrusive if you get my drift.

Instead, maybe add a few yellow or orange accessories, or finish a chair in a gorgeous yellow fabric like in the example below:

 

Many of my clients are afraid of color. I guess it is because they are afraid it will start to annoy them after a while and I get that. This is why it is important to select colors not because they are “trendy” for the moment but simply because you love them.

 

The reality is, you probably will get tired of that color after a while and want a change and that is ok. It is only natural to change. Just think about how many times you change your hair color or nail color? Even if you choose a neutral color, eventually you will want to change that as well. Just be brave and bold and go for the colors you love after all, you are the one living in that space every day so let it be a place that makes you feel amazing!

 

Here are some more great rooms with bold colors, just look at how beautiful a single touch of color can be:

 

If your curious about the meaning of certain colors, please refer to the color chart below:

 

Show your curves!!

Curves are hot right now and I’m not just talking about the female body. Curvy furniture is becoming more and more popular among the sophisticated trend seeking fashionista’s.

We all live in homes with straight walls, our kitchen’s are all linear and straight and everything is so boxy. When we introduce furniture into these spaces with some curvy organic lines it really helps to break up the rigidness and make our environment feel softer less serious and more interesting to the eye.

Having a curved sofa for example facilitates better communication as we are sitting facing towards one another instead of facing a wall, a chair with a curved back or curvy arms can really add some extra interest to a room with square or rectangular furniture.

In nature, most things appear to be curved so psychologically surrounding ourselves with some curves in our homes will only make us feel more calm and closer to nature.

Here are a some of my favorite pieces to inspire you to start thinking about bringing some curves into your life!

Top 10 Side Table Picks for 2015

I must say I am a little obsessed with side tables. A great side table can completely change the look and feel of a room but are sadly often the last thought when we think about living room furniture. Many times we try to match side tables with the coffee table, which can be nice for a streamlined look but I personally like to mix it up by choosing something a little different and unique. It makes the room feel less “showroom-y” and more like a curated space.

Here are my top 10 favorites:

1. The Free Range side table by Blu Dot just oozes sophistication. With a marble top, walnut wood legs and brass details, I would call this table ‘Scandinavian Chic’.

2. The famous round Gong Table by Capellini has just been released in 3 new colour options, brass, copper and blue. This table is sleek and modern but the new colors give it an unexpected twist and can be fun in a neutral toned room.

3. Taking reference on the graceful horns from the African antelope, the Nyala table by Kenneth Cobonpue was created with a fascinating visual of lightness and structural balance. The oak top seemingly floats on top of the tapered metal base.

4. The Side table 11425 by Usona is a statement piece in itself. The ring of either polished copper or brass adds just the right touch of drama to the interestingly shaped table.

5. The Prong Side Table by Gabriel Scott is so unbelievably elegant! The mix of marble with copper is unique and dramatic, the tapered legs makes it feel light and sexy, a little reminiscent of stiletto heels.

6. Kelly Wearstler is amazing at creating timeless, modern pieces with an ode to classicalism. The graphic Minimalist Stool mixes Negro Marquina and White Calcutta marble. It can be used as both a side table and a stool.

7. Minimalism and pure elegance characterize the Cage table by Gordon Guillaumier. This gorgeous table would look great in almost any room!

8. Perez, A Montreal based furniture manufacturer have created this simple yet striking and practical side table called Point. The drawer swivels so its a great place to hide little knick knaks and keep your table looking neat and tidy.

9. PK71T by Fritz Hansen consists of three nesting tables that can be stored under each other or moved around according to your need. The cube shape gives a 3 dimensional look while still feeling extremely light and airy.

10. While the Fat Fat side table was released in 2002 by B&B Italia, it remains one of my all time favorite side tables. Shown here in pony hair, it not only looks great in a room, it is also very practical. Remove the tray on the top to reveal storage underneath!

There you have it, my top 10 favorite side tables! I hope you have enjoyed!

6 Bathroom Design Trends for 2015

It’s that time of year again when we resolve to better our lives and dream about the exciting possibilities ahead of us. It is also the time of year we start to think about change. Maybe you were planning a project but wanted to wait for the stress of the holidays to pass. Now is the perfect time to re-focus and begin the planning process.

If your planned project includes a bathroom renovation, it is important to look ahead at design trends on the rise and not just what we have already seen a lot of if you want the design to be relevant a few years down the road.

As a designer, it is important for me to understand trends, however, when working with clients, I try to design something that matches their individual needs, taste and goals for their home and not simply follow trends but it is great to get some inspiration and use it as a starting point.

1. Simple and Natural

Bathrooms have gone contemporary. Clean, modern and minimalist designs are increasing in popularity while more traditional, ornate designs are seeing a decline. Vanities are suspended and we are seeing a lot of open or no shelving underneath. It’s all about opening up and letting the space breathe as opposed to heavy cabinetry we have seen in the past. Materials used are more natural than ever. Wood and natural stone bring the tranquil feeling of nature inside but if real stone is not in your budget there are plenty of imitations available as well.

2. Customization is King

Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, so why should we settle for a pre-fabricated vanity that doesn’t properly utilize the available space? The cost of custom is sometimes no greater than the some high quality pre-fabricated brands anyway, so this is definitely a growing trend for 2015.

3. Shower Power

Showers are taking the front stage in the bathroom. We are seeing larger showers than ever and even double showers – which are perfect for the couple who gets ready for work at the same time. Curb-less showers are also high on the trend forecast for 2015 because they offer a more minimalistic, seamless approach.

4. Freestanding or Semi-Recessed Bathtubs

Freestanding bathtubs are all the rage right now in bathroom design. They tend to feel more like a movable piece than a permanent fixture and this contributes to the open, airy feeling of the room. Some people love the look of them but can’t imagine cleaning behind the crevices of a freestanding tub. For these people there is another option; the semi-recessed free standing tub (shown below). The cabinet maker simply builds a platform around the tub and you get to have a tub that looks cool, and is a little easier to clean.

5. Quartz Countertops

Don’t listen to HGTV. Granite is not so hot anymore, most people prefer to have quartz countertops or other materials and have moved away from the “granite craze”. Quartz is just as durable for bathrooms, comes in many different colors and patterns even resembling natural stones like marble and the best part? You never need to seal it!

6. Feature Floor Tiles

Graphic retro/Moroccan inspired tiles have made a huge comeback in 2014 and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. In bathrooms, it’s best not to over-due it by adding patterns everywhere. Instead, opt for a feature floor or wall and keep the rest neutral, that way you won’t become overwhelmed or stressed out in the room. Applied to the floor like in these examples may be just the design kick your bathroom needs to bring it into 2015!

Now get into gear and start planning your next home project for the New Year! Oh, and don’t forget to hire a designer to help you! 😉

Image Credits:
1. Robert Bailey Interiors 2. Urban Angels Photographers 3.Redmond Aldrich Design 4. JPS Interactive 5. ASI Home 6. V-hdesign 7.Katarzyna Kraszewska 8. Design Up 9. Reuter Shop 10. Archi expo 11. Welke 12. Cement Tile Shop 13. NY Times 14. Elle Décor

To Renovate or Relocate?

The person you were 5-10 years ago is not the same person you are today. Our lives are constantly changing and evolving and so are our needs for a home.

Maybe you bought your home when you only had one child and now you are welcoming your third; or perhaps your furniture and finishes just do not relate to who you are today. This was the situation of my current clients. They considered moving but then discovered that they did have the space in their current home to make it work for them so they decided to tackle a renovation instead.

While there are times when moving is a necessity, if you are attached to your current home and/or neighborhood it can be difficult to just pick up and leave.

This is where us designers come into play. We are able to see the bigger picture, taking all of your needs, lifestyle, esthetics, age of the home and then create something that works within a budget that makes sense for you AND for the resale value of the home for when you do eventually decide to move.

Not only do we create the perfect design, we also take care of all of the details to make it happen. Think of us as your representative. We place orders on your behalf, hire and co-ordinate all trades people, deal with any issues/problems that may present themselves, and manage the entire project so you don’t have to!

Sometimes it’s the small esthetic details that can take a space from mundane to elegant, cozy and beautiful. My current project is the perfect example of this. It is not an old home (6 years) but a lot of the fixtures and finishes are outdated or just builder basic.

A simple switch of light fixtures for example is going to take the home to another level and create ambience. Another switch we are making is the kitchen backsplash. While the current one is fine, there is nothing special about it. This change is not very expensive in a kitchen of this size and will make a huge impact in the room.

Besides cosmetic changes another very important change we are making is to close off a section of the mezzanine level in order to create an extra bedroom and accommodate their growing family. They were lucky to have this extra space and this is probably the only thing that kept them in this house. Depending on the age of the children, another option designers frequently use for the space dilemma is taking advantage of vertical space instead (i.e. bunk beds).

Even if you do decide to move, your new home may have the fundamentals of what you need but may still need a few tweaks here and there. No house is perfect and even if it was perfect at one time for you, you are changing and so are your needs, values, taste and lifestyle. All of these things combined must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to renovate or sell your home and move into something that better meets your needs.

Stay tuned for the upcoming details and photos of my new project!

Designing at a Distance

It is a commonly held belief that you MUST work with a designer that is close to you. The designer must be present at all times watching over every detail of the project like a hawk in order to have a successful project.

While this may be true in some cases, with today’s technology and ease of logistics, designers don’t need to be on site often (or sometimes, even at all) in order to have a successful project. People are also becoming more DIY thanks to TV networks such as HGTV.

I was having coffee with a friend the other day and she asked me about one of my recent kitchen projects in Hawaii and how many times I got to go to the house, my answer? None! That’s because this project was an e-design project so everything was done online.

These clients had a conservative budget for their vacation home but they still wanted to have a professionally designed space, so rather than trying to tackle the complexity of a kitchen design themselves, they decided to go the e-design route.

Mind you, these clients were ready and willing to do a lot of the work themselves. First they had to provide me with accurate measurements as well as photos of every angle and a list of their needs, taste, and overall goal they wished to achieve in the space.

Then I get to work and come up with a design for them that would fulfill all of their needs and desires. I provide them with all the plans necessary to complete the project as well as realistic 3D renders so they can visualize the end result even before construction.

It is essentially a concept and design I am providing them with and they are then responsible for hiring the contractor and trades people and making it all happen. It’s not for everyone as some people require a higher level of service from their designer, but for these clients it worked for them and their budget.

Next week I will officially launch the e-design service section of my website! My e-design service is unique from other e-design sites out there because I am not simply “decorating” your space. I am providing the same level of architectural detail and custom design that I do for my full service projects, but without the “in person” meetings and project management aspect.

I have also come up with a very simplified pricing structure, because I love it when things are simple and easy to understand.

While I do prefer to be on-site at least near the end of construction to add the finishing touches, I am happy and willing to work with clients of all budgets and help them achieve the best design possible for their space.

Stay tuned for my upcoming e-design launch where I will provide more details on how it all works!

Image Via: About Utila 

Table Etiquette

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and this year I will be hosting at my home. This got me thinking about my current plates and table setting and how I can make it unique with a touch modern glamour that I love. Although my large plates are plain white, I thought it would be fun to layer a different pattern for the salad plates and so I headed to Ebay to find something special!

Instead of shopping at a store and buying something new, I find it much more exciting and interesting when I stumble across something fabulous at a flea market or online.

After searching for a while I came across these gorgeous vintage mid-century salad plates with a marble pattern and flecks of gold, grey, a little blue and even purple! There are 11 plates in all and each one is totally unique from the rest. I just received them and they are in perfect condition too!

They were found at an estate sale so I don’t know their exact history but they are superb and will add just the touch of elegance to my table I was looking for.

They will also work just as well for a Christmas table setting because of the shiny gold and white snow-like swirls! Can’t wait to try them out!

Small Spaces, Large Design!

Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a large home with ample space to spare. City dwellers, especially those who live in large cities are often forced to downsize due to higher costs of living. Small spaces, however, can have just as much fun (if not more) with design as larger spaces have.

The challenge with designing a small studio apartment is mainly keeping it from looking like a college dorm room (unless you are actually a college student).

I have collected some inspirational images here of small spaces that utilize space creatively and effectively while also achieving a design that is both beautiful and sophisticated.

The chic studio apartment in the photo above exudes elegance but in a laid back casual way. Instead of a traditional coffee table, the designer simply used a pouf and a small table that can both easily be moved around, thus leaving a more visually open and airy feeling to the room. Just imagine this room with a bulky coffee table, it would really consume the space with furniture. The designer also used the clothing dresser to mount the TV above which was a very great way use the space to serve two functions. The space under the dresser can be used to nicely conceal the electrical components for the TV.

Some people prefer a little privacy in their bedroom. Maybe you work from home and prefer not to have a clear line of view to your bed. In this case curtains are a great way to divide the space. The example above uses light sheers which makes the space feel dreamy and romantic.

One common theme in all of my inspirational photos here is the use of white or light colours. While colour is a terrific way to add personality to your home, I prefer to add colour in small doses, especially when it comes to designing small spaces. Light, toned down neutrals help to open up a space which can actually help make it feel larger.

A simple cube bookshelf creates a functional room divider which can display your prized possessions. Neutrals are again a common theme.

Mirrors are an excellent way to give the illusion of space, especially when used in a large scale. Curtain placement is also important when trying to achieve a more spacious look. The example above visually extends the height of the ceilings by installing the curtains at the top of the ceiling as opposed to where the actual window ends.

Whatever sized space you call home, let it stand out and reflect the essence of you through great design!

Image Credits:1. Labl Studio  2. Decorating Your Small Space 3. Stadshem  4. The Every Girl 5. Apartment Therapy

 

Welcome!!

Welcome to my design blog! Through this blog I will try to give you a glimpse into my life as a designer, bring you the latest trends and design tips and hopefully be able to inspire you in some way or another.

Creating is what I LIVE for. If I don’t have a project to work on, I feel completely lost in this world. I have never been the type of girl that can just sit and do nothing. Never satisfied with keeping things the way they are my brain is constantly thinking about change and the “what if…?”.

I suppose it is a good trait to have as I seldom think about the past because I am too busy thinking about how to move forward and how things could be improved.

There is just something magical about transforming a space. It changes the way you feel and the way that you live in that space which essentially changes your LIFE.

I know that is a bold statement to make about interior design and many of you may think that is a colossal exaggeration but this is the passion I and a lot of other designers have for what we do.

I hope to be able to share some of my passion with you as we journey through this blog together.

Thanks for reading and see you soon!