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Decorating a dorm room Decorating a dorm room
Decorating a dorm room ofpage 1 One of the biggest adjustments for students going off to college or university is getting used to dorm life. Whether it’s a move to a residence or a small off-campus apartment, space is limited when you’re on a student’s budget, not to mention the difficulty of creating a look of your own.STYLE AT HOME’s style editor Karl Lohnes has teamed up with online community marketplace kijiji.ca to create a dorm-style room fit for any student or city dweller living in a very small space. With a budget of $1000, Karl set out to create a dorm room for less, and ended up cutting his budget in half – the entire room was put together for only $500!With expert advice from Karl, we show you how to create a budget-friendly and stylish dorm-style room, complete with tips and tricks on how you can make this work for any small space in your own home.1 Storage, storage, storageWhen dealing with a small space like this one, storage room and organization are absolute essentials. “For this room, I chose a captain’s style bed,” notes Karl. “There are drawers under the bed, which means you can save room on a dresser, and that cuts down on the budget.” By incorporating multi-functional furniture into your space, your money can be saved to put towards accessorizing your room rather than having to purchase more items of furniture. Also, by purchasing a few plastic rolling storage units and baskets, you can easily change up storage areas in any part of your room.2 Create changeable seating options Just because you’re in a dorm room or small space doesn’t mean you can’t entertain. Meeting new people is an exciting part of starting college, and inviting friends to your dorm can only be possible if you incorporate different seating options. “In this room, I’ve bought this vintage chair from kijiji.ca for $60, and there’s also the option of turning your desk chair around or using a storage ottoman as a seat,” Karl points out. “Since this bed isn’t very deep, it can be made into a day bed. Just throw some pillows along the back by the wall, and you’ve created another seating option.”3 Choose your colour palette wiselyKarl’s tips on choosing colours for your dorm room decor? If you’re a student on a tight budget, use neutrals for your furniture so that you’ll only need to update your accessories when colour trends change. “The rug, which was a steal on kijiji.ca for $60, established the focus on bold colour in the room. However, if you look at the furniture in the room, which was also bought online, it’s all neutral.” So, with the walls, Karl chose to paint one wall a monochromatic grey, and left the rest a neutral shade. “If you’re able to paint, use a colour that will make the rest of the colours in the room pop. And if you can’t paint, maybe hang some vintage drapes up behind your bed,” he says. page 2 4 Stick to your budgetWe all know what it’s like to fall in love with a piece of furniture or home accessory, only to find out that it’s far beyond our price range. Karl advises to set a budget and stick to it absolutely. This means going to box stores that you know are in your price range, as well as checking out the discount stores that have items priced 20-60% off (like HomeSense, where all the room’s accessories were purchased from). It’s also a good idea to plan out how much you want to spend on each item in the room, and avoid visiting stores that you know have beautiful items that are outside of your budget.5 Use the internetComing from a computer generation, today’s students are super savvy with the internet, making it easy to navigate all the great sites for home decor. Not only do many online retailers allow you to search for items with a maximum price level – ensuring you’re within your budget – but you can also choose to buy new from businesses or buy used goods from online communities. “Sites like Kijiji.ca are great because the price is right, and since it’s people selling great items they no longer need, it saves them from dumping it at a landfill,” Karl adds. Karl Lohnes’ DOs and DON’Ts for a dorm-style small space DO use ambience lighting. Many residences don’t allow for candles to be lit, so an alternative option is to purchase a small light with a low wattage so you can leave it on at night and feel safe coming home to a room that isn't completely dark. DON’T overuse patterns. A lot of pattern in a small space can be overwhelming, so it’s best to choose solid colours for larger items, like the fuschia rug. That allows for more patterns to be used for the room’s accessories. DO buy items that are proportionate to your room size. Buying a queen or king size bed might suit your fancy, but it won’t leave you much room for anything else in a dorm-style space. DON’T permanently attach things to your walls. The last thing the landlord wants is for you to drill holes in the walls, so another option is to use Sticky Tack to hang items on the walls or have a freestanding bookshelf to display items rather than a wall shelf.- Credit
- Lauren McPhillips
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5 decorating dilemmas solved 5 decorating dilemmas solved
5 decorating dilemmas solved of5 decorating dilemmas solved From the paint to the pictures to the fabric swatches, decorating projects can be daunting, especially when you're trying to revamp your living space solo. So we enlisted the expertise of Sue Bennett, principal designer of the Toronto-based firm Bennett Design Studios to help you solve some of your most common decorating dilemmas. Here, Sue answers five questions about decorating. Q I don't have a big budget for home decorating. What are some wallet-friendly solutions to make my home look stylish and chic on a budget?-- Susan Boid, Toronto, ONA I'd start with paint. The basis for every beautiful room is always the overall ambiance that's created with the colour that surrounds the space. Don't be afraid to accent a feature wall with some colour and then highlight it with an oversize piece of art. If your furniture is fairly neutral, choose a couple of throw cushions to match the accented wall. To complete the space, accessorize the coffee table with a small stack of coffee table books topped with a beautiful large glass vase with fresh flowers. Gorgeous! Find more budget-friendly ideas here.Q I love to follow current decorating trends in my home, but am afraid my house will look too "been there, done that" after a few years. What are some trendy accessories I could add to my current decor that will stand the test of time?-- Tonya Simpson, Campbellville, ON A Buying accessories that are interesting to you is the key to timelessness. You have to go with whatever suits your own personal style. Part of the fun in shopping for home decor accents is picking up special pieces on your travels, at a flea market or at antique shops. Finding things in unexpected places will help you avoid the mass trends! But, a word of caution: Many people feel as though they have to display all of their home furnishing accessories at once, but don't! Instead, group your accessories (three to five pieces) into a theme or particular style and store the rest. For example, milk-glass pieces grouped together look elegant and cohesive, as does a series of silver picture frames or wooden artifacts. When you get tired of what you have on display, pull some fresh pieces out of storage and swap them out! Q I love the idea of having a feature wall in my bedroom. What colour choices would work in a room that has a very muted colour palette of creams, greys and browns? -- Doug Ratcliffe, Calgary, AB A I truly believe that a bedroom should be a restful oasis of a space, so I generally stay away from high energy colours. When you're working with a palette of neutrals, just about any gentle accent colour will work. The most common hue lately is a rich robin’s egg blue; it's calming and very sophisticated when paired with cream, taupe or beige. Other colour ranges that work well are soft, muted turquoise, burnt oranges or rich eggplant; they always look stunning and work well with any warm-based taupe colours.Q I have a lot of artwork that I'd like to hang in my living room, but I have no idea how high or how low the pieces should rest on the wall. Any suggestions? -- Amanda Peters, Vancouver, B.C. A There are a couple of golden rules that we use when we hang artwork: If it is a single piece or a series of prints that are all framed in the same size frame, then always hang it so that the top 1/3 of the art piece is at eye-level (usually around 66" off the floor). If you're looking to hang a collage of multi-size pieces, then try to create a "shape" on the wall for them; measure out an imaginary triangle or square and make sure that the prints are all lined up within that shape, the edges of the frames lining up with the edges of the shape. Find more tips on hanging art here.Q My house is full of floor-to-ceiling French windows that bring in a lot of natural light. It's fine by day, but come nighttime, I want some more privacy. What window treatments will work but won't mask all of the daylight?-- Sam Sizemore, Ottawa, ON A For a truly timeless and elegant solution, I love simple drapery panels on a beautiful rod. They work beautifully if you have enough space on either side of the window to pull the panels totally off the window glazing during the day; at night, the panels can be drawn over the window for privacy. Select an appropriate solid or semi-transparent fabric depending on how much privacy your condition requires. Side panels work with light floaty fabric as well as they do with heavy rich brocades. Find more advice on selecting window treatments here. Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel.- Credit
- Lara Ceroni
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25 decorating mistakes and how to avoid them 25 decorating mistakes and how to avoid them
25 decorating mistakes and how to avoid them ofArea rugs, headboards and artwork 1 Buying area rugs that are too smallAn area rug should allow for a 12- to 16-inch border of flooring around a room's perimeter; anything smaller, and the rug will look too insignificant. Remember: The front legs of your furniture should sit on the area rug, so the rug doesn't appear to "float" in the middle of the room.2 Purchasing furniture before measuring a roomIn their excitement, many homeowners buy items before taking possession of their new home. However, when the furniture arrives, it often doesn't fit through the door or is too long or too deep for the room. Rather than making buying decisions based solely on a floor plan, live in your space for a while -- you'll make better choices.3 Picking wall colours that are too paleThe larger the space you're painting, the more tonal depth your wall colour needs to have. If your home features an open plan, when deciding on the main colour, select one that's slightly darker than you'd normally choose for a small room.4 Going without a headboardThe head of the bed is the focal point of any bedroom, but many people tend to overlook the headboard. If you don't have one, add interest with eye-catching artwork or a decorative tapestry, or paint the wall behind the bed a dramatic colour.5 Decorating without helpIt's costly, difficult and emotional, so why not get the help of a professional? For a small percentage of your overall budget, you'll have the guarantee that your project will look great for years to come.6 Decorating around something you don't loveChances are, if you don't like it today, you won't like it tomorrow. Don't continue to invest in decor and accessories to match the item; get rid of it, have it refinished or store it in the garage or basement. 7 Buying too many small accessoriesForgoing trendy accessories for a year or two could save you enough money to buy a substantial piece of furniture you'll have forever.8 Hanging artwork too highThe bottom of the artwork should be eight to 10 inches above the top of a piece of furniture, be it a headboard, sofa or credenza. In a hallway or stairwell, hang art so that the middle of the work is 66 inches from the floor or steps. From front doors to focal points 9 Not making the front door the focusWhen people drive by your house, the front door should be the first thing they see; the garage door should be the last, so paint it a similar colour to that of the house, and paint the front door a complementary colour, so it really stands out.10 Highlighting wimpy trim and mouldingEveryone thinks they have to highlight their baseboards and trim by painting them white. But if your trim is 3-1/2 inches or smaller, paint it the same colour as the wall, so it blends in; otherwise you'll end up with a racing stripe effect around the room. Another great tip: Painting baseboards, walls and crown moulding the same colour also makes the walls feel higher.11 Displaying collectibles all over the houseCreate big impact by grouping a collection of figurines on a table, or samplers or family photos on one wall. Dotting them all around the house only lends a cluttered look to your decor.12 Having more than one focal point in a roomEvery space needs a focal point, but most people never figure out what that actually is. In the living room, the focal point is either the TV, fireplace or view -- whichever you enjoy most. In the bedroom, it's the headboard; in the bathroom, the vanity area.13 Creating a lifeless interiorA room needs fresh plants or flowers, whether it's trees, tulips or cacti. Using silk or artificial greenery is fine, but only if you rotate it and make it seasonal. Dusty, outdated-looking floral arrangements make a room appear old and in need of change.14 Doing it in a dayWhen you shop for an entire room's decor all at once, it looks like you did it in a day. Plus, everything is matchy, as if you purchased the display from a store front window. Take your time and let your vision, goals, budget and timeline provide you with a layered decorating process -- it's fun to build the look of a room!15 Hanging cheap drapesQuality draperies have been a low priority for homeowners in the past few years with the trend toward inexpensive tab-top drapes and drapery rods. While they may be perfect for college dorms and teenagers' rooms, these casual window fashions are rarely a suitable investment for an elegant living or dining room. Tailor-made, custom-fit draperies will never go out of style. 16 Mixing too many wood tonesThis rule is a simple one: introduce no more than three different wood stains in a room; that goes for flooring, cabinetry, tables and furnishings. If you've blended furniture pieces, restain some of them in order to create a cohesive look. Don't rush your decisions 17 Getting the scale wrongMost people buy sofas that are too large, and rugs and other furnishings that are too small for the rooms they're in. Playing with the scale of furnishings is an art; a large armoire in a small room isn't necessarily a bad thing -- if you create balance with a dark wall colour, large framed art and rich carpets. A sofa should fit on the short or long wall of a room; make sure if you place it along the short wall that you still have room for end tables on each side.18 Collecting too much stuffWe hoard, collect and often have too many things that don't belong, so learning to edit a room is a huge lesson. The easiest way to do it is to dress a room completely and then take away 30 per cent of the accessories, such as candles, picture frames and knickknacks. That will leave room to add items as the decor develops over time.19 Second-guessing your professionalWhy would you spend money to hire a contractor, designer or architect and then allow the final decisions to be made by your friends and family? Professionals come to your project with an unbiased, workable plan; your friends and family don't.20 Choosing the wrong colour huePeople often know what colour they want but don't pick the proper hue (lightness or darkness). A good rule of thumb: Lighter on the top, darker on the bottom. Floors are usually a darker, deeper hue than the walls; ceilings are lighter than the walls.21 Hanging oversize family portraits in main living spacesSave all those large framed wedding, school and family photographs for the upstairs hallway, home office and den.23 Positioning furniture along the edges of a roomWe keep moving it in, and you keep lining it up! Try dividing a long, narrow room by using the two-thirds/one-third rule: make two-thirds of your room the main seating area, and one-third a space for a desk, reading chair or piano. Don't be afraid to show the back of a chair or sofa by using the piece to divide the room.24 Buying a chandelier that's too smallFor every foot of the width of the room, multiply that number by two for the diameter -- in inches -- of the chandelier that will work in that particular room. For example, if the width of your room is 12 feet, then your chandelier should be 24 inches in diameter (12' x 2 = 24").25 Choosing trendy-colour fabrics for long-term furnishingsCustom sofas, chairs, headboards and draperies should last many years. Opting for a trendy-colour fabric like lime green will quickly make these pieces look (and feel) outdated. Instead, choose colours that are a shade lighter or darker than your wall colour, so furnishings work well together and maintain their timeless appeal.- Credit
- Karl Lohnes
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Styling secrets: Bookshelves Styling secrets: Bookshelves
Styling secrets: Bookshelves ofStyling secrets: Bookshelves A mix of hardcover, softcover, dust-jacketed and leather-bound books is visually interesting, more realistic and ultimately more revealing of your personality, so don't hesitate to combine them. Choose objects that relate to one another in colour and/or shape to create unity. Here, the black sphere and gold lidded pot are similar shapes but different colours; black objects throughout link the various shelves. Create symmetrical groupings within the overall composition; here, two taller objects frame a low, wide bowl. Shelves filled with books from end to end look best at the bottom of the display, otherwise the arrangement will appear top-heavy. Balance the display by adding decorative items among the books.Open space between large objects works well on contemporary shelving. Group smaller objects to create impact but beware of the fine line between clustered and cluttered.Stack books horizontally and vertically: it's practical and creates a more dynamic display. Rearrange horizontally stacked books occasionally to prevent damage from the weight of other books or objects resting on them.Shelf smartsBooks don't have to be arranged from tallest to shortest. Try shelving them so that the tops of the spines form a pleasing, gradually curved line. Create a pattern for the eye to follow from top to bottom by staggering the placement of objects on each shelf in a meandering, riverlike line. Colour draws attention to a bookshelf display: for an informal setting, shelves painted a strong colour draw the eye; for a more formal setting, a contrasting colour behind neutral-colour shelves is striking (picture crisp white shelves against a rich red background). Group items linked by theme. It's a great way to show off a collection.- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
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TVs: Where to put them TVs: Where to put them
TVs: Where to put them ofWhere to begin Problem: How do you incorporate a TV into your beautifully coordinated decor so it blends in seamlessly and allows you to watch it comfortably? Solution: It's all about spending time planning the whole room, so form and function come together.Where to begin? • Start by choosing a focal point in the room. If it's the TV, place it in the centre of your seating area. If you prefer the fireplace or the view, orient seating to enjoy the focal point, then place the TV on an adjacent wall so it can be viewed comfortably. • If you own a state-of-the-art plasma flatscreen, LCD set or have a dedicated media room, leave your TV where all can see it. • A time-honoured solution is to conceal the TV within a freestanding or built-in armoire. Place the TV on a large open unit or built-in bookcase, surround with books, framed photos and decorative objects, and it's less likely to dominate your space. • With advances in technology, you can recess a TV into the wall behind a two-way mirror (when the TV is on, the image is visible; when it's off, the mirror looks like any other) or hide a wall-mounted set behind a frame or rollaway art. • If your TV is left visible in a small space, place it in the corner last seen when you enter the room. Technical requirements and other considerations Other considerations • Ensure there's sufficient space for ventilation and cord clearance at the back of an armoire or built-in unit. • Picture your family using the armoire. Can your kids reach the door pulls? What type of doors do you want: accordion or hideaway (which are more practical if space is limited) or centre-open hinge style? • This probably won't be your last TV, so if you're building a custom unit or recessing the set into a wall, are you prepared to do it again when you purchase a new model or size? Technical requirementsDistance: From your TV to where you sit should be about twice the height of the screen, advises John Challinor, general manager of advertising and corporate communications for Sony Canada. For example, if you have a 20-inch-high screen (for a 32-inch LCD unit), sit almost 3 1/2 feet back. Angle: First-generation LCDs had to be viewed head-on, but now, if you have a decent-quality plasma, LCD, CRT or projection model, you'll be able to view the image from any angle, says John. Height: The bottom of your screen should be at chest level (no higher than your chin) when you're seated, says John. Speakers: To ensure they won't vibrate, mount speakers securely or place them on an even surface -- no wobbly tables or uneven floors, cautions John. Talk to your audiovisual dealer to learn more about proper speaker placement for the best audio, whether you have stereo sound or a home theatre surround-sound system.- Credit
- Corinna vanGerwen
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Home staging made easy Home staging made easy
Home staging made easy ofPro tips to live by Nowadays, if you want to sell your house quickly and for top dollar, a coat of paint and a good cleaning aren’t enough. To inspire the all-important fantasy element that makes a buyer want to live there, you’ve got to romance it a little—and that’s where home staging comes in.For a reasonable fee, a home stager will assess your home objectively, and work to maximize assets and minimize flaws. This might include decluttering closets; adding, moving or storing furniture and accessories; recommending minor repairs; and polishing up the décor to make it sparkle. But, says Toronto stager Caroline Altman of Lighten the Load, there’s a lot you can do yourself to prepare your home for its star turn, whether you hire a professional stager or not. Here are her top ten staging tips.Emotionally detach. Especially if you’ve lived there a long time, it’s hard, but crucial, to let go, and think of your house objectively as a product on a shelf. Your memories will last forever—but hopefully the selling process won’t.Depersonalize. Remove trophies, children’s artwork, religious artifacts, and family pictures. You want buyers to fantasize themselves here, not feel as if they’re intruding on your personal space. Declutter. Remove extraneous furniture and accessories; rooms that are pared down feel bigger, and also allow the buyer to imagine her furniture in the space. A little romance goes a long way Neutralize. The secret behind great hotel décor is that it appeals to a wide set of tastes, and so should your décor. Funky red and green walls may be great for you, but could turn off a buyer. Same with artwork—they might not know that your plaster Elvis is supposed to be ironic.Make necessary repairs. You aren’t expected to do major renovations before a sale (unless it’s something that might fail a home inspection, such as a faulty chimney), but make sure light switches work, faucets don’t leak and broken windows are replaced. You may have lived with it comfortably for years, but a buyer might wonder what other maintenance has been neglected.Maximize curb appeal. Drive around the neighbourhood, looking at which houses look most appealing and why. Chances are it’s because the grass is trimmed, the urns are planted, the bushes are pruned, the trim is painted, and the home looks well cared for. Your home’s exterior should look equally polished.Pet peeves. It may seem cold, but not everyone finds half-chewed toys in the living room, messy pet bowls, and the distinctive aroma of a well-used litterbox to be charming, nor do they share your love for four-legged (or finned) friends. Keep aquariums and small-animal cages spotless (there are companies that will clean them for you if you haven’t got time), and/or consider boarding Fido, Fluffy or Squeaky with a friend, at least while you’re showing the house.Clean as a whistle. Nothing—not even fresh paint—will give you a higher return on your investment than a good top-to-bottom cleaning, whether by professionals or by you. This means more than dusting and vacuuming: wash windows inside and out, power-wash the outside of your home, wash cupboard fronts and floors, have furniture and carpets cleaned.Up the décor quotient. Even if your home is decorated beautifully, a few extra touches can make the difference that leads to a sale. Put silk (or fresh) flowers in pretty vases throughout the house. Replace heavy draperies with light, linen ones. Throw pillows can light up a dreary sofa. And fresh paint makes even the saddest room look more cheerful.Romance the big day. On the day of the open house, bring in fresh flowers, light scented candles, and put a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. Turn on all the lights (especially in darker rooms or on darker days), and make sure all doors in the home, even the bathroom door, are open. And of course, tidy up all evidence of your family’s recent occupation: shampoo bottles out of sight, beds made, laundry put away, counters clean, dishwasher emptied.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Beautiful bedrooms Beautiful bedrooms
Beautiful bedrooms ofBeautiful bedrooms Bedroom decorating ideasUpdate the look of your bedroom with our simple and stylish bedroom decorating ideas.Romanticize your bedroomCreate that special mood with thoughtful touches to your decor.Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurgeKimberley Seldon offers her tips on where to splurge and where to save on bedroom decor.Wonderful whitesA wardrobe of classic whites gives unity and harmony to a chic country home.- Credit
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8 rules for a kids' room 8 rules for a kids' room
8 rules for a kids' room ofKids' rooms: Decorating tips 1 to 4 Kids' rooms have changed since we were growing up. How much? Well, the immensely trend-focused Interior Design Show featured a special children's decor area for the first time in 2007, for starters. Add to that a boom in upscale children's houseware boutiques and newsstands full of magazines dedicated to savvy urban parents, and you've got a home decor revolution in the making. But as any parent of a child older than age three will tell you, it's one thing to design a stylish nursery (you're “the client” after all), but another thing altogether to create a kid- and mom-pleasing “big kid” room. Here are 8 rules to help your family make the leap to a big-kid bedroom with flair.1 Let her pick the paletteIt's her room after all. Letting your kid select the wall colours is a great way to empower her design sense. Besides, even the nuttiest of preschooler (or punky pre-teen) picks can simply be painted over if you put your house on the market, or her tastes change. HOT TREND: Loft-tastic hues like lime green, tomato red, and vibrant aqua, or, at the opposite extreme, nature-inspired neutrals and chalky pastels.2 Avoid the theme park lookSteer clear of branded TV show or movie characters. Sure, your kids like Disney movies, but must their room be decorated like Disneyland? Toys, books, DVDs, clothes even – but draw the line at decor unless you want them to confuse corporate advertising with decorating. HOT TREND: Reproduced illustrations from children's literature, or fun, boldly graphic wall-art decals prove kids rooms can be fun minus the branding.3 Go naturalCreate a safe nest for your little one by using eco-friendly materials where possible. It's better for the planet he'll inherit, as well as his health. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) latex paint, solid wood furniture (as opposed to chemical off-gassing fibreboard and plywood) and linen or cotton window treatments (instead of vinyl shades) are all wise choices. HOT TREND: Extend the natural home trend with organic cotton towels, bedding and natural cleaning products.4 Stay healthy from the floor upPromote a healthy room environment with hard-surface flooring. (Carpets trap allergens like dust, mould spores and pet dander, and off-gas when they're new.)HOT TREND: Eco-friendly reclaimed wood flooring is super-hot (look for antique planks from places like revivalflooring.com), and will always be classic. Other attractive, lung- and earth-friendly options include bamboo, cork and linoleum (made from linseed oil). Soften things up with a washable cotton rug. Kids' rooms: Decorating tips 5 to 8 5 Buy some investment piecesWell-constructed, high-quality pieces will stand the test of time, providing more design bang for your buck and avoiding a cheapie, assembly line look. Look for adaptability like a toddler bed that converts into a twin, or versatile styling that could work in other rooms of the house, to maximize each piece's design life. HOT TREND: Clean, modern designs, like Nurseryworks dressers. These sleek, high-end pieces look fresh in kids' rooms, but would be equally chic as uber-modern dining room buffet units.6 Throw in some cheap ‘n' cheerful accessoriesUse inexpensive throws, pillows, wall art, stuffed toys, area rugs, novelty clothes hooks, lamps, and the like to add hits of colour and pattern to the room. As with paint, accessories are another area where your mini decorista's tastes should reign supreme. HOT TREND: Avoiding that cookie cutter look. Hit stores like Winners and HomeSense for inexpensive and on-trend pieces that aren't sold by the bushel-load.7 Address work needsWhile the preschool-to-kindergarten set won't be carting in loads of homework just yet, it's good to provide some “work” space now, where they can comfortably draw and practice their letters. A craft table or small desk, with proper illumination, is worth working into their room. HOT TREND: A reading nook. Demarcate this cozy spot with a comfy padded throw rug and pillows, or even add a wall-mount canopy (IKEA has great leaf-shaped ones).8 Add some grown-up storageFinally, help minimize the a-hurricane-swept-through-my-bedroom look with plenty of storage. A customized closet solution with plenty of hanger and shelf space is a smart investment, as is a dual-purpose storage bench (safety hinges are a must), plus bookcases and baskets. HOT TREND: Old-school storage, like locker-style units. Vintage-inspired, rectangular wire baskets (the kind public swimming pools used to provide) are also cool looking and make it easy for kids to see what's inside.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
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Design secrets: Where the pros shop Design secrets: Where the pros shop
Design secrets: Where the pros shop ofPlaces to shop in Atlantic Canada ATLANTIC CANADAJamie LeBlancDesigner, Designs By 2, OttawaAttica Furnishings St. John's, Nfl d., 2 Freshwater Rd., 709-739-8382; Halifax, 1566 Barrington St., 902-423-2557; www.attica.ca"A posh reputation without the posh prices. Attica Furnishings has an eclectic mix of accessories and furniture."Terra Verde Moncton, N.B., 679 Main St., 506-389-1898. "A must-stop in Moncton, they carry beautifully designed kitchen utensils, pots and crystal, and they have amazing flowers."Room2Remember Fredericton, 494 Queen St., 506-443-9016. "Owners Heather and Malcolm Suttie stock what we all need. You can get everything from nursery products to garden accessories. Places to shop in Quebec QUEBEC Helen RacanelliSTYLE AT HOME Feature Writer, Shopping Etc. Columnist, Toronto La Maison Simons simons.ca for stores. "Head directly to housewares. They have a huge selection of vibrantly coloured linens at bargain prices. Plus, the rug sales are a steal!"Julie CharbonneauDesigner, De Poitiers; Owner, Boutique De Poitiers, MontrealFleures de Juin Montreal, 2507 Notre-Dame W., 514-933-2520. "This flower shop is a secret of designers. The artistic arrangements are to die for."Galerie de Bellefeuille Montreal, 1367 Greene Ave., 514-933-4406; debellefeuille.com. "One of the best places to find Canadian art that's very modern and classic at the same time. Most pieces are actually quite affordable."Nicola MarcStylist, MontrealArthur Quentin 800-303-7513; Montreal, 3960 St. Denis St., 514-843-7513; arthurquentin.com. "An extensive treasure trove of carefully selected dishes, glassware and kitchen items. It's my favourite source for linen tablecloths and stylish tea towels."Celadon Collection Montreal, 186 Peel St., 514-932-3306; celadoncollection.com. "A creative mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. They carry a great selection of lighting and are one of the city's best sources for wall sconces. And Farrow & Ball wallpaper and paint are a must for any home reno project."Les Touilleurs Montreal, 152 Laurier Ave. W., 514-278-0008; lestouilleurs.com. "I love visiting this kitchen shop for its excellent decor and yummy, beautifully photographed free recipe cards." Places to shop in Ontario ONTARIOJamie LeBlanc Designer, Designs By 2, OttawaBlueprint Ottawa, 1301 Wellington St. W., 613-761-1289;Relish Ottawa, 17 Clarence St., 613-562-1555;Rhubarb Ottawa, 279 Richmond Rd., 613-724-2100. "This trio of urban decor stores owned by Jane Berry is the perfect place to find that kitschy oddity guaranteed to make your rooms truly unique. Relish (which Jane co-owns with Patrick Blanar) focuses on condo-size furniture, Blueprint has a more suburban aesthetic, and Rhubarb is the best for accessories."Instile Tile & Design Centre Stittsville, Ont., 50 Iber Rd., 613-836-9500; instile.ca. "Unsurpassed for finds like cascading mixed tiles. Plus, I love the service."Katherine StoneAuthor of Loft Design: Solutions for Creating a Livable Space, TorontoThe Door Store Toronto, 1260 Castlefield Ave., 416-863-1590."Don't let the name fool you -- there's a lot more here than doors! Owner Sam Mirshak travels the world to find distinctive pieces of architectural salvage, making each visit a new adventure, full of inspiration."South Hill Home Toronto, 200 Dupont St., 416-924-7224; southhillhome.com."They carry Bolier furniture -- a line I'm in love with. The pieces are perfectly transitional, with clean, classic lines wrapped up in an impeccable package. The collection works well in both modern and conventional homes."W Studio 888-228-2467; Toronto, 146 Dupont St., 416-929-9290; wstudio.ca."W has a top-notch selection of area rugs and the most knowledgeable staff. Creative director Alan Pourvakil is a master of colour and style. He's developed new designs that are destined to become heirlooms, not trendy throwaways."Anna OlsonHost, Kitchen Equipped, St. Catharines, Ont.Mokuba Toronto, 575 Queen St. W., 416-504-5358."The clean, white store makes the textures and colours of the thousands of ribbons just shine. It's therapeutic to pick out ribbons to decorate pillows and specialty foods."Brett WaltherSTYLE AT HOME Assistant Design Editor, TorontoTeatro Verde 888-483-2876; Toronto, 2901 Bayview Ave., 416-733-4447; 55 Avenue Rd., 416-966-2227; teatroverde.com."Teatro offers spring-fresh accessories, presented in breathtaking displays. Consider yourself warned -- you won't leave without buying something you had no idea you were craving."William Ashley 800-268-1122; Toronto, 55 Bloor St. W., 416-964-2900; Mississauga, Ont., 100 City Centre Dr., 905-566-8500; williamashley.com."The mere thought of establishing a wedding registry at this tabletop mecca gives me the itch to walk down the aisle. With such a vast collection of flatware, dishes and stemware, it's easy to lose yourself in the labyrinthine showroom."Helen RacanelliSTYLE AT HOME Feature Writer, Shopping Etc. Columnist, Toronto Boutique Par Par Toronto, 649 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-657-3333."Store owner Stephanie Benaich is my taste twin -- ultrafeminine picks for dishware, table linens and stationery."Ziggy's at Home Toronto, 794 College St., 416-535-8728."My favourite decor store in Little Italy. Whether it's a Lampe Berger or funky magnets, I always leave with something I love." Places to shop in Western Canada THE PRAIRIES & WESTERN CANADAJamie LeBlancDesigner, Designs By 2, OttawaThese Four Walls Winnipeg, 167 Stafford St., 204-452-5786."The perfect lifestyle store. It's easy to find a cool vase here; the shape, colour and style selection is amazing."Adene LucasDesigner, Accent on Design, CalgaryCountryFurniture Calgary, 738 11th Ave. S.W., 403-515-0011; North Vancouver, B.C., 980 Marine Dr., 604-985-3359; Vancouver, 3097 Granville St., 604-738-6411; countryfurniture.net."This is the place to find affordable prints. They also have a huge selection of wooden tables and hutches, plus distinctive French kitchenware and Canadian-made sofas."SoHo Nada Calgary, 820 11th Ave. S.W., 403-261-0888; sohonada.com."They have beautifully designed furniture and colour-grouped accessories, and the service is always fantastic. The owner, Nada Vignjeviv, always goes that extra step to make sure I find the particular piece I'm looking for." Sarah RichardsonHost, Design Inc., TorontoRubaiyat Calgary, 722 17th Ave. S.W., 403-228-7192."An exceptional mix of handmade decorative objects, interesting outdoor pieces, and one-of-a-kind works by artisans."Liberty Designs 800-599-9289; Vancouver, 1635 Broadway W., 604-682-7499; libertyinside.com."Divine displays make it easy to picture every item in your home. Liberty Design has the little extras that make shopping a joy. The last time I was there, they put out freshly baked cookies -- talk about creature comforts!"Céline PitreDesigner, Céline Interiors, Vancouver Atkinson's 800-803-0233; Vancouver, 1501 West Sixth Ave., 604-736-3378; atkinsons.ca. "Diane Atkinson's depth of knowledge from products to etiquette is a comfort. Her selection is incredible, too. Whether I'm looking to outfit a home from scratch or choosing a key piece of linen or china, I'm certain to find just the right thing."Creekside Tile Company Vancouver, 161 West Second Ave., 604-876-4900; creeksidetile.com. "A small but growing company with a stock of Canadian and international products. I especially love their resin, metallic and glass tiles." Places to shop nationwide NATIONALAdene LucasDesigner, Accent on Design, Calgary Pier 1 Imports 800-245-4595 for stores; pier1.com."Great for fillers. Large glazed pottery, resin bamboo vases and unique mosaic tables are perfect for those spots that need a little something. Pier 1 will also carry all purchases to your car -- ideal after a hard day of shopping."Colin McAllister & Justin RyanHosts, How Not To Decorate, Toronto EQ3, eq3.com for stores. "Well known to anyone who likes designer style on a budget, this clever retailer has it totally sussed. EQ3 is a first-stop shop when we need to watch our cash while still adding dash."Anna OlsonHost, Kitchen Equipped, St. Catharines, Ont.Williams-Sonoma Toronto, 100 Bloor St. W., 416-962-9455; Calgary, Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail S.W., 403-410-9191; williams-sonoma.ca for more stores."I use a great deal of cookie cutters, and Williams-Sonoma introduces a fun, new line every season that I just must have. Plus, they always carry the latest colours in Le Creuset pots and KitchenAid stand mixers."- Credit
- Nancy LePatourel
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Jane Seymour's home style secrets Jane Seymour's home style secrets
Jane Seymour's home style secrets ofWorking with naturals and neutrals Television's Dr. Quinn has turned house doctor. In her new book, Making Yourself At Home (2007, DK Publishing [Pearson Group Canada], $50), award-winning actress Jane Seymour proves she's nothing if not multi-talented. Photographed at Coral Canyon, her beachfront home in Mailbu, Jane's approach to interior design proves both practical and affordable - breezy tips on building vignettes with an emphasis on personal style. We sat down with Jane to discuss simplicity, sources of inspiration and achieving style for less.Style at Home: It's clear from your book that you draw inspiration for your interiors from simple, everyday sources, finding beauty in the garden, the ocean, your art and your children. Do we tend to overcomplicate our approach to interior design?Jane Seymour: The point I'm making in the book is that wherever you live in the world, you should look at what it is that inspires you. You may live in a bedsit in the big city, but if you dream of the ocean, there's no reason why you can't bring elements of the ocean into your environment. I embrace what's out, and bring it in – the palms, the koi fish, the flowers, the mountains and the ocean – I bring elements of the natural world into the decor, and they also inspire my home collection. S@H: How does a room take shape from that source of inspiration?JS: People know how to dress, and it's a similar process when dressing a home. We dress according to our needs, what we find comfortable, what makes us looks good, what colour reflects well with our skin, and then we accessorize. I'm saying, do the same thing with your house. Start with neutrals, buy good quality if you can: things that are timeless and well made so that if you change your mind, you can always re-cover it. Image from Making Yourself at Home, copyright 2007 DK Publishing / Jane Seymour 30-minute face-lifts; How to display your own sense of style S@H: Neutral rooms with hits of colour from accessories seem to be your hallmark. What's so great about white?JS: In terms of the living room walls, I did that because I wanted a feeling of light there. In my guest room, which is quite dark, I felt it needed light walls, but I wanted to do that blue-and-white look and so I came up with the idea of only painting one wall in cyan. I think a lot of people feel that when you do colour, you have to paint the whole room, but actually there's something wonderful about that single focal wall.Image from Making Yourself at Home, copyright 2007 DK Publishing / Jane Seymour Style watch: Jane Seymour S@H: Let's say someone's got half an hour on a Saturday afternoon, and wants to do something simple to spice up their surroundings - a quick and easy project or arrangement that will make a big impact. What would you suggest? JS: I would suggest a tablescape. The idea is just to look in your closet. You've probably got some scarves and shawls that you bought in interesting colours that might relate to a painting or a print that you have on the wall. Found objects, in and out of the house, unified by a scarf running underneath – you can put all kinds of unusual things together. Then, of course, I find beads and jewelry that I haven't worn forever that I add to the mix.S@H: Another great thing about tablescapes is that you can change them out seasonally.JS: You can change them out weekly if you feel like it. You don't have to be a flower arranger, either. In one of my tablescapes, I just arranged single bud chrysanthemums in teacups. Basically, the concept of a tablescape follows the Old Masters. They painted landscapes and still life, and that's what you're doing – creating a three-dimensional still life that relates to you and to your home. Image from Making Yourself at Home, copyright 2007 DK Publishing / Jane Seymour Style watch: Jane Seymour S@H: One of the ways you achieve style for less in the book is by displaying your own collections and homemade art. Do you think that people sometimes overlook the treasures that they already have under their roof?JS: Absolutely, and of course, that's why they have those shows on television where people come in and see if they can make money out of things that they have in their house. That's all well and good, but it's about money. I think it's much more fun to actually find a way of using these things. For example, when I did the tablescape with those porcelain shoes, my husband was absolutely thrilled. He so appreciated that something that was a family knick knack that he didn't even know he had, an element of his cultural background, was displayed prominently in the living room. S@H: What's your single favourite decor item in your home? Is there anything you wouldn't be able to part with?JS: Yes - it's an emerald green art nouveau glass vase, which has a silver overlay of tulips. For some reason, I'm very emotionally attached to it, and when the wildfires came right by the house, that was the first thing I grabbed. Other than that, I'd say the paintings of my children. You can always buy new cushions, curtains and new carpets, but you can't get new original art.For more tips from Jane, visit janeseymourhome.comImage from Making Yourself at Home, copyright 2007 DK Publishing / Jane Seymour- Credit
- Brett Walther
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7 secrets of redesign 7 secrets of redesign
7 secrets of redesign ofLiving room; artwork As a contributor to Style at Home magazine, I write about some of the most beautiful homes in Canada. So, does that mean my house is as pretty as those in our pages? Er, not by a long shot. I like the furniture I own, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm not skilled at furniture arrangement in my Toronto house. Yet, I'm not ready to hire a designer for a complete overhaul (read: I'm broke, I just bought this house!) plus, it seems much more eco-friendly to work with the furnishings I already have. The solution? I invited Jane Nieuwendyk, a redesign specialist who owns the company Completely Chic Interiors (completelychic.com), to redesign my home. Interested in doing your own redesign? Here are the tips and tricks.BeforeAfter1 Harness the power of placement.Bring sofas in a large room close together. Sure, you've heard this before, but how do you do it? In my home, the sofas in the living room were (guilty as charged) pushed against the walls. I couldn't envisage them any other way. Jane faced them toward one another in a V-shape with the coffee table in the centre. Now, the wood-burning stove is the focal point. In the dining room, she re-oriented the table to the centre of the room, making the whole room feel much larger.BeforeAfter2 Lower art that's hanging too high and fix "groupings" that are too spread out.This is a mistake Jane says she sees often -- artwork spread too far apart, and placed too high, at the eye-level of a basketball player. Unless you live with Steve Nash or Yao Ming, hang artwork and picture frames at the eye level of the average woman. Jane created a few nice art groupings using things already in my home: extra picture frames that we placed pretty leftover paper in, and original paintings I created. My fave: I took an out-of-date atlas page featuring Ireland and placed it in a frame -- my husband, BNN reporter Niall McGee is from Donegal, Ireland. Jane surprised him by giving the frame a place of pride in the kitchen, next to my painting. Bringing colours together; a "stylist's toolbox" BeforeAfter3 Nope, you don't have to edit, edit, edit.Spread things out, or even rotate them, Jane says. "The edit, edit, edit mantra has people going crazy thinking that if they display their favourite collection of plates on a wall that they have no style. That's just not so. Although we love many things, we must be careful not to fill our rooms with all of these things!" says Jane. If anything, Jane added a few more things to my living room, bringing them in from other rooms. I love that she regrouped accessories in my house by colour. Pink accents on the dining room console table complemented the hot pink of Benjamin Moore's (bemjaminmoore.ca) Peony 2079-30 shade on the wall. Before4 Enlist help.Don't decide one weekend you're going to move around armoires and heavy sofas all by yourself. That's a recipe for an injury and frustration! Enlist help, which means you can try a few arrangements instead of exhausting yourself after pushing things around only once. Jane, for instance, teams up with sister and fellow redesigner Margaret Long to help move things around. (Like her sister Jane, Margaret is a redesigner, too. Her company is called Simple and Sophisticated (simpleandsophisticated.com)).After5 Put together your "stylist's toolbox," so you can move furniture and paintings with ease. In Jane's redesign toolbox, you'll find: • a drill, • EZ movers (to help slide furniture around)• picture hooks• level • putty• screw drivers• light bulbs • batteries • sewing kit Using things you already own; source guide BeforeAfter6 Use the beautiful things you already have.People don't buy things they think are ugly, says Jane. "Many people are amazed to discover they really do have great stuff they just needed help to pull it together. The redesign industry was born and grew from designers that could see that many of their clients already had lovely things they just needed help presenting them. Rather than redo an entire space from scratch and replace perfectly good furnishings, these designers chose to work with what the homeowner already had and with their professional skill take that room to the next level." Still not sure how to do it? That leads us to our next tip … BeforeAfter7 Consider hiring a proSometimes it makes sense to call in help. In my case, I knew I needed fresh eyes to see my home and move furniture around. I just didn't have the confidence to take the big steps the living room, kitchen and dining area needed to make it more appealing. Completely Chic Interiors charges $50 for a consultation (put toward a redesign), and Jane will redesign one room for $300, which is the average price. She also does a "redesign ready package," from $150, during which she outlines how you can redesign your space yourself. Redesigner prices may vary, but will still cost you much less than hiring an interior decorator to start from scratch! WHERE TO FIND IT:• Redesign: Completely Chic Interiors; Simple and Sophisticated• Blue and lavender placemats (page 1), avocado embroidered pillow (page 2): Omhome.com• Paint: Peony 2079-30 (page 2), Benjamin Moore• Dining table, dining chairs, drapes (this page), console table, coffee table, black sofa (page 1), stainless steel counter (this page) : IKEA- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
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5 home design blunders 5 home design blunders
5 home design blunders ofDesign blunders: 1 and 2 You've decided once and for all to deal with those melamine kitchen cabinets, update the master bedroom or add another 300 square feet of living space. You've hired a pro to help with the design and now it's ready, set, go! But before you go shopping for fabrics, finishes, art and paint, we've asked the experts to weigh in with some design dos and don'ts that'll help you avoid blunders that are beyond repair.Blunder #1: Not formulating a budget Bill Adler has been designing spaces for more than 25 years and the majority of his work, through William L Adler and Associates Limited, is residential. Bill recalls a client who was doing an extensive home decor renovation. "We went through the home area by area and we came up with a budget of $95,000 to $125,000," he says. Bill used that budget to solicit contractors and found someone willing to do the work. "Then the homeowners said 'we only want to spend $50,000.' " No problem. "We'll just lop off half the project," Bill told them. But no -- that's not what the couple had in mind. "They wanted all of it, but for $50,000," he says. Of course, that was impossible and became an enormous headache for everyone involved. Be certain of your budget (and your limitations!) before you agree to anything. (Discover how to stretch your decorating dollars.)Blunder #2: Accessory overkill "There seems to be a general feeling that if one accent piece is good, 10 are better," says Sue Bennett of Bennett Design Associates in Uxbridge, Ont. Wrong! "Stick to the KISS principal -- keep it simple and stop," she advises. Display single items of larger pieces or groups of three for smaller ones, otherwise you create a "cluster of confusion," she says. "If you're creating a theme room around an item -- like birdhouses, for example -- find one wall to display them on and then stop." That means no birdhouse patterned throw cushions, or birdhouse-themed wallpaper. Design blunders: 3 to 5 Blunder #3: Being afraid to make a statement Everyone wants to personalize their space, but they're afraid, says Bill. "'If we paint the walls green, we'll never be able to sell the house,' they say. I ask when they are planning to sell and they say, 'Not now, but maybe in 15 years.' By that time they'll have painted three times over," says Bill. On the flip side, if you really are planning to move in a couple years, your focus should lean more toward "dolly dress up," as Adler calls it. "You probably shouldn't spend $60,000 on the kitchen and $30,000 on the powder room if someone else will have it in a year." Blunder #4: Choosing form over function Some details and fixtures are gorgeous, but simply don't fit your lifestyle. For example, hardwood on the kitchen floor. "It sounds lovely, but if you have three kids, two dogs and a cat, it's not for you," says Bill. All that running back and forth will mean many expensive and inconvenient bouts of refinishing. "And if the dishwasher overflows, the floors are toast," he adds. Bill advises people to consider practical and beautiful alternatives besides tile: cork and rubber, the kind used on basketball courts and in nursery schools, are two choices he recommends. (Read our Buying guide: 11 flooring options for more flooring ideas.)Blunder #5: Forgetting lighting "Choosing the wrong lighting for a room can ruin the ambiance," says Sue. "For a room that you'll be working in -- like a kitchen or office -- you require task lighting." That can take the form of valance lighting under kitchen cabinets, an adjustable-arm desk lamp, or even a gooseneck standing lamp for needlepoint work. "Task lighting is always used in conjunction with the overall room lighting -- whether that's ceiling pot light fixtures, or just a flush mounted ceiling fixture," she says. For sitting rooms and relaxing space, you need ambient light. Sue suggests incandescent table or floor lamps, soft overhead wall washing or dimmed pot lights. "To add interest, be sure you allow for small pockets of brighter light," says Sue. "That can be achieved with accent lights over artwork, or by backlighting or uplighting plants." Get more lighting ideas!- Credit
- Carmen Taylor
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Avoid home renovation rip-offs Avoid home renovation rip-offs
Avoid home renovation rip-offs ofPro tips Share your renovation experiences with other readers in our forums.Every couple of weeks I get a call from a viewer with a complaint about home renovations. They always go the same way. "He seemed like a nice guy. He got right to work. He said he needed money up front to buy supplies. Once he got the money he never came back. When we phone him, we get a pager and he never calls us."It's amazing how many people will research for months before buying a television set, but they entrust a complete stranger, just someone who left a flyer in their mailbox, with a $20,000 home renovation project. There are reputable, hard-working contractors out there, but unfortunately the profession is overrun with scam artists who start jobs with no intention of finishing them. Renovators may offer to save you money by doing a job "under the table" in order to avoid taxation, but not having the proper paperwork, contracts and receipts can lead to problems later. Even if a dishonest or unprofessional home renovator does complete the work, they will cut corners, use inferior materials and work shoddily. I have investigated cases where renovators have ripped off homeowners for hundreds to as much as $80,000.Word of mouth is your best bet to find a good contractor because if a friend or family member has had a good experience with them, chances are you will, too. If you really can't find anyone on your own, check with the local building supply store to see if they can recommend someone reputable. Avoid contractors who come to your door or drop off flyers in your mailbox. And make sure you can get a hold of your contractor if yoou need to. When things are going well, your calls to a cellphone or pager will be returned, but when there is a problem they may disappear. Knowing their physical address can help, so you can track them down if things go wrong.Page 1 of 2Excerpted from The Smart Canadian's Guide to Building Wealth by Pat Foran. Copyright 2006 by Pat Foran. Excerpted with permission by John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher. On contracts and paying up front Read our 6 tips to reduce the stress of home renovations.It's always a good idea to get at least three quotes on any major job. Work to be done should be detailed so it's not open to interpretation. If you want a toilet, you can pay $80 or $4,000 for one. If you don't make it clear which one you want, you will get the cheapest one on the market. One way to keep track of prices is to buy the items yourself, although a contractor may get a special rate on materials. For example, trees you would buy from a nursery may cost you $149, but contractors may get them for $79. You can use this information to negotiate an even better deal. If you buy the drywall and plumbing materials yourself, you will have them in your possession if a renovator quits before the project is complete. You can also write a cheque directly to a building supplies store and have the materials delivered straight to your home. Another good idea is to never pay too much money up front. A contractor may say they need a 30 per cent deposit to secure them and then another 30 per cent to begin. This means you have given them half the money before they've done anything! If you're going to get lousy work, that's when it will begin and when you complain they just won't come back. If a contractor is too eager to get money before starting a job, this may be a clear sign they're not legitimate. Even a reputable contractor may require some money up front to buy materials, but this amount should not be excessive.One major problem with renovations occurs when people don't have a clear plan set out for their renovations. There should be a contract that spells out the details. • How much will labour cost?• How much will materials cost?• Is the contractor responsible for the debris left behind? Will they transport it to the dump or will you?• What is the warranty or guarantee?• Is the quote a firm price or could it change halfway through the project?All your plans and instructions should be put in writing because verbal promises mean nothing when a problem arises.Most bad renovators are knowledgeable as to how the law works, so when you say you will call the police they don't care. If a renovator takes $35,000 from you and does absolutely no work, it's fraud; however, if they begin the job and then quit, it's a civil matter for the courts. The police won't get involved, you may need a lawyer and even if you win your case you're still not assured of getting your money back. That's why it's so important to choose the right contractor.Page 2 of 2Excerpted from The Smart Canadian's Guide to Building Wealth by Pat Foran. Copyright 2006 by Pat Foran. Excerpted with permission by John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.- Credit
- Pat Foran
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4 simple design solutions 4 simple design solutions
4 simple design solutions ofWindow treatments Q: I have a set of patio doors in my living room that lead to the backyard. My decor style is contemporary, and I'm wondering what type of window treatment to choose. Thea Williams, Calgary, ABA: "Vertical blinds are a great option for patio doors since they can be pulled to one side, but their style hasn't changed in a long time," says window treatment expert Mary Dobson. PanelTrac from Levolor (left) offers a new twist on the vertical blind – a similar function with a style update. As with a vertical blind, the wide fabric panels pull off to one side and stack on top of each other. But PanelTrac features a modern look – much like a shoji screen. There are many fabric choices, from light, airy sheers to heavier fabrics like faux suede. For more options, visit the Levolor website.Q: Is there a general rule for matching paint on the walls with trim and baseboards? Personally, I always thought there should be a big contrast between the two.Judy Hudson, Winchester, Ont.A: Trims are usually painted white or cream. If you're using light to medium wall colours, then choose white or off-white for trims. Since every version of white has some other colour in it (bluish white, pinkish white, and so on), try to select one that has hints of a neutral colour, like beige or taupe. If you decide to go with a dark wall colour like chocolate brown, hunter green or burgundy, white will be too stark for the trim. Instead, pick a light creamy colour. Colour conundrums Q: Should the colour of my drapes be the same as the walls, my sofa or one of the tones in my area rug? My living room walls are beige, the sofa is dark green, and the rug is camel, burgundy and green.Barbara Harris, via e-mailA: Draperies can be expensive, especially if custom-made, but they're excellent investments if you pick a colour and fabric that won't look dated in a few years. The colour should be a shade lighter or darker than your wall colour. If you choose a patterned fabric, match its background colour as closely as you can to the paint colour. With the dark colours you've described in your furnishings and accessories, pick a shade darker than the walls – perhaps a soft taupe or sand hue. Classic fabrics include hatched linen and slubbed silk (or synthetic looks). Linen looks best in a casual or contemporary space; silk suits more formal rooms.Q: Our basement family room doesn't have any windows. There are plenty of pot lights, and the carpet and walls are off-white. Can you suggest a way to bring at least the illusion of light into this room and a colour scheme that would enhance this rather plain room?Judie Gehrer, Victoria, BCA: Paint the ceiling a pale blue, like Icy Bay 555-1 from Pittsburgh Paints. This reflective colour will help bounce light around the room, simulating light from the sky. Paint your walls a soft creamy colour like China White 515-1 (also from Pittsburgh Paints) to tie in the carpeting and create a warm glow. Use uplighting like torchiere floor lamps, with halogen bulbs to replicate natural light; that will allow light to hit the ceiling and bounce into the room for a natural effect. Halogen bulbs in your pot lights will create a natural daylight effect as well. You could also consider trying trompe l'oeil mural art (check out wallpaperstore.com for examples) to create the illusion of a view from a doorway or window, as well as a focal point.- Credit
- Karl Lohnes
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15 secret decor tips 15 secret decor tips
15 secret decor tips ofTips 1-7 1 Natural colourLemons in a bowl add a little zest to a white kitchen inexpensively. And who doesn't love their fresh scent? A stylish dishtowel can soften a granite countertop and pick up the green in the flowering plants lining your windowsill.2 White outNothing beats piles of soft white towels for their luxurious look, especially when you have open shelving in a bathroom. Candles, a blue vase and green- and cream-colour flowers add dashes of pretty to an all-white backdrop.3 Dishing it outDon't hide your dishes from view! Instead, make them a great kitchen feature by displaying one colour or style together. Simple dishes in white and soft celadon look fabulous. 4 A group effortAvoid the cluttered, chaotic look of jam-packed shelves by grouping books and accessories of similar size and shape in mini vignettes.5 Real lookersStoring herbs and spices in uniform containers in drawers and cabinets is so easy on the eyes. The look is even cleaner when you use a label maker to denote the contents of tins or little glass jars. 6 Sweet dreamsYou can't go wrong with crisp white cotton or linen bedding: it always looks inviting and elegant. 7 All lined up Keep glass cabinets bright with bold, colourful packaging. Red pop bottles with attractive labels are fun and fresh on a windowsill, too. Tips 8-15 8 A case for basketsAn attractive water hyacinth basket does a great job of organizing an assortment of liquor bottles and creates a tidy, smart-looking minibar on a countertop. 9 Two is the numberBalance and symmetry create drama. Place two chairs so that they're framed by tall windows with an awesome view to up a room's wow factor. 10 Book buzzRemove tattered dust jackets from coffee table books, but save them. When you change your display of current faves, replace the jackets before reshelving the books. 11 A class actEvery savvy stylist's standby, white dishware and linens make food look more appetizing and add timeless class to any tabletop. 12 Nifty nooks It's easy to make even the smallest nook count. Flowers and a mirror make a space feel bigger are both pretty touches. Shelves hold magazines and baskets to stash the small stuff. 13 A big softieA throw brings softness to a masculine leather club chair and lends a light, inviting touch to any reading corner.14 Window worksA windowed nook is perfect for a built-in daybed (with storage underneath). Try cosying things up with a demi-lune table and a mirror that bounces even more light into the room. 15 Table mannersHorizontally placed runners are a sophisticated way to showcase a well-laid table -- they're more elegant than placemats but much less formal than a tablecloth.- Credit
- Samantha Pynn
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Designer secrets Designer secrets
Designer secrets ofDesigner secrets Get a designer look by framing luxury wallpaper – hand-painted chinoiserie from Thibaut, for example – in inexpensive frames (fake brass looks great). Place three huge frames side by side, all featuring the same pattern but in different colours. — Jackie Campbell, designer, Jackie Campbell Interiors, Montreal, 514-355-4340Add luxury by accentuating walls with tall baseboards and crown moulding made of MDF, which looks similar to wood but costs less. • If the cost of refinishing existing flooring is not an option, think area rugs. • For a budget-friendly kitchen facelift, update the cabinetry with a fresh coat of highgloss paint. If it's in your budget, replace the cabinetry knobs and pulls with new ones as well. — Dean Debienne, designer, Douglas Cridland Interior Design, Calgary, 403-228-0636Create luxe-looking faux wall panels with inexpensive moulding. Apply narrow moulding to the wall, creating a traditional pattern, and paint it the same colour as the wall for understated elegance. • Get a custom-sewn look for an off-the-rack price by adding fabric borders to the bottom of drapery panels.— Jay Hodgins, designer, Gluckstein Design Planning, Toronto, 416-928-2067Save on pricey upholstery materials by using men's suit fabric instead. Many textile wholesalers are open to the public and it's quite possible to find some real gems – perfect for upholstery, drapery and wall coverings – for as little as $15 per yard. — Mitchell Davey, designer, Mitchell Davey Design, Montreal, 514-933-9039Go for the glow with rope lighting. It's cheap, available at most hardware stores, and when installed behind a window valance or focal point in a room, creates a soft glow that flatters practically any space. — Stephen Lunney, designer, Rock Paper Scissors Creative Group, Vancouver, 604-734-0370; rockpaperscissors.comRecreate expensive baseboard moulding very inexpensively by adding one-inch-diameter half-round trim above your existing baseboards, eight inches from the floor. Paint the new “baseboard” the same colour. — Jerilyn Wright, designer, Jerilyn Wright & Associates, Calgary, 403-229-3300; jwadesign.comCan't afford fine art? Show off your kids' artwork – it can look like a Picasso when framed! - Paint an accent wall a great colour. An inexpensive can of paint can give you the biggest bang for your decor buck. — Timothy Mather, designer, TM Design, Toronto, 416-963-9720- Credit
- Mara Subotincic
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Furniture care 101 Furniture care 101
Furniture care 101 ofTop priority Kal Labidi, owner of Southern Exposure, specializing in custom-made European furniture in Concord, ON, recalls the sight of a wooden dining room table that was damaged by the homeowner placing it not even two feet from the heating vent.“It was sad to see the table cracking,” says Kal. “Caring for your furniture is really basic stuff; but I'm surprised how many people don't use common sense.”When you buy a classic furniture piece – like an upholstered tub chair, a chest of drawers, or a pedestal dining – you're making an investment in your home. But to retain the furniture's beauty and value, it needs continuous care. Looking after your furniture will not only keep these pieces looking great today, but also see them through wear and tear over the years. The pieces might even become family heirlooms someday. Here, furniture experts, like Kal, offer a little advice on furniture care 101 – how to keep your prized furniture in prime shape:Upholstered furnitureFluff and rotate seat cushions daily to promote even wear.Vacuum seats frequently using an upholstery brush.For spot cleaning, avoid using toxic materials, like those containing carbon tetrachloride. Instead, use a mild, water-free upholstery solvent or dry cleaning product. Follow manufacturer's instructions for each product and use cleaning products you are familiar with; otherwise you could do more damage to the furniture than good.Test upholstery cleaners prior to use: simply turn an upholstered chair upside-down and spot-test on the bottom of the chair.Professional cleaning is recommended for soiled upholstery, (for example, wine stains) high-end and light-coloured furniture.Do not clean cushion covers separately from the chair or sofa, as fabrics may become discoloured and no longer match.Do not place dark-coloured upholstered furniture, or those made in fabrics like silk, in direct sunlight. Sunrays will discolour the upholstery. Dark-coloured upholstery is recommended for homeowners with kids and/or pets, so that wear, tear and dirt will be less visible.Check to see if upholstered fabrics contain built-in Teflon or other protective agents, meant to withstand accidents (spills bead up and can be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth). If not, consider Scotch Guarding. Added efforts “Some retailers, including Harvest House Fine Furniture, offer accidental insurance,” says Sandra Collins, store manager of Harvest House. “Unlike regular warranties, it's meant to protect your prized possessions from those accidental, heart-breaking wine spills.”Wood furnitureDust regularly with a soft, slightly damp soft cloth (using lukewarm water). Dry the surface immediately to prevent water bubbling, which can eventually lead to cracking. To renew a wood's luster, use a quality furniture wax or polish at least once a year; avoid chemical products. Mild cleaners, like Murphy's Oil soap, are safe; silicone-based cleaners are not. “Never use window cleaners on polished furniture,” advises Mary-Ann Metrick of Elte, “Ammonia will harm the finish.” To touch up nicks and scratches, use a wax scratch remover stick. Colour-matching furniture polishes are also available. To hide dents, use specialized cleaners to raise the wood grain.Clean up spills immediately to avoid liquids absorbing into the wood, leaving marks or discolouration. Veneered layers will bubble and lift.Do not place hot, cold or damp items directly onto the furniture surface as it will damage the finish. Use pads, mats and coasters to protect furniture.Do not place wood furniture directly in sunlight or next to heating vents, as UV rays and heat can discolour the wood. Use a humidifier to regulate temperatures and prevent the furniture from splitting, cracking or warping.Sarah Cook, director of design at Ridpath's Fine Furniture in Toronto, advises against using polishes on your wood furniture. “It's like putting a layer of wax on your beautiful furniture,” she says. “Eventually, it will build up and take away the beauty of the piece.” To avoid that waxy look and feel, Sarah uses a product called AntiqueWax. Wax polishes that are vegetable-based, paraffin or beeswax work best. Apply using a soft cloth, along the grain of the wood, then buff. Do not wax polish furniture more than once or twice a year. Avoid waxing urethane-finished furniture, as it attracts dust rather than repel it, says Mary-Ann.“Never spray any product directly onto the furniture,” says Sarah. “Apply it to the cloth and then use it to clean and polish the wood.” Applying it this way also prevents spray marks on the furniture.GeneralUse rubber or nickel caps or casters to protect furniture feet and floors.- Credit
- Diana Luciani
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Decorating with Debbie Travis Decorating with Debbie Travis
Decorating with Debbie Travis ofDecorating with Debbie Travis Debbie Travis knows paint and she knows how to use it. In her new book, Living & Dining Rooms: 60 Stylish Projects to Transform Your Home (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2001) Travis demonstrates how a few simple colours and techniques can create a major impact. “People are trying to solve the problems of their homes through clever decorating that doesn't cost an awful lot of money,” says the host of WTN's Painted House. “You can create something that looks more expensive and luscious with paint.” We caught up with Travis during a recent visit to Toronto. Why do people love their white or beige walls? I don't think they love them, I think they are afraid to make a mistake. Our philosophy is “It's only paint.” A can of paint costs less than the price of a meal. It takes four hours to paint a room. Why not change it? Colour has a life to it. Beige has no life. The reason people choose it is there is no fear that it's not going to match anything. Your walls are your canvas, you can do whatever you want. What are your biggest obstacles in introducing colour? All I can do is show the opportunities and the possibilities. It's fun, it's going to make the room look better, it's going to solve problems. What's hard for people is that there is so much choice out there. You have to try to help them wade through that. I know that if people are just a little more adventurous, it can make them smile.What is the easiest way to insert colour?Start in a bathroom, the smallest room in the house. If you hate it, it takes five minutes to paint it back. Or, do your bedroom or a kid's room—you wouldn't give a child a beige bedroom.Are there different rules for different rooms?Look at how you use your room. People are buying smaller homes and they are utilizing every bit of space. The living room—Is it a place you're going to cuddle up at night in, in front of the television? Is it a place the children are going to be in? For a bedroom, do you eat in bed? Do you want something calming? A bathroom is the first place you see in the morning, so you don't put fuchsia in a bathroom, neither do you want to put green, which gives you a green glow. Children's rooms can be alive, vibrant and they have to be stimulating. Your dining room should increase conversation. What are your decorating tips?Don't panic; Enjoy the process, make it fun; Build a portfolio of what you'd like to do. Collect magazines, rip out pages, stick them in the room so you don't forget; Work on a budget. If you're stuck with furniture, can you slipcover it and just paint the walls? If you've got a bit of money to spend, maybe you can go with lower-end pieces and buy one good piece—you'll have it forever; Get proper lighting. You can have a white room that looks sensational and a white room that looks hideous. Lighting can diminish ugly areas and can create nooks that become your focal point.- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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Easy country style Easy country style
Easy country style ofEasy country style London-based Katrin Cargill is known for her relaxed approach to country decorating, evident in her books Swedish Style (Frances Lincoln, 1996) and Easy Country (Bulfinch Press, 1998). Influenced in childhood by country life in Switzerland, where her family kept a home, Katrin jokingly refers to her style as “Heidi meets Notting Hill” (a fashionable London area). STYLE AT HOME magazine caught up with her and talked about the essential elements of her style.Katrin Cargill's style adapts well to casual living. Here are 10 ways to bring that relaxed laid-back look to your country or city home.Simplify your interiors by asking yourself, What do my rooms need to be practical and comfortable? Katrin has a favourite saying: “Beauty rests on utility,” which is especially appropriate in summer, when homes should be easy to maintain and welcoming. Paint your rooms chalky white – never stark white – or use pale hues that enhance and reflect natural light. If you do decide to go with white or cream, Katrin says, “team it with one bold shade to bring vitality to a simple space.” Uncover your windows. If privacy isn't an issue, leave them bare and enjoy the view, the air and the light. If you're in the city, try to simplify windows by using unfussy treatments, such as a white linen Roman shade or plain drapery panels in country-fresh gingham. Show your legs – furniture legs, that is. One of the most important design principles in easy country is having furniture with great legs and showing them.Use mirrors to brighten interiors. “The Swedes are so clever,” says Katrin. “They have a lot of darkness, and they always do things like put one or two mirrored candle brackets or wall lights opposite a window, just to reflect even the tiniest amount of light.” Bare your floorboards. The rich, mellow glow of a restored wood floor is a trademark of the easy country look. Painted wood is also an option, as are other natural surfaces, such as stone, brick or terra-cotta. Seagrass or other natural-fibre mats and woven-cotton rugs add an element of comfort at the bedside or demarcate a seating area.Avoid excessive use of pattern. “Imitate the Swedes and choose simple checks and stripes in understated, elegant colours, or finely woven linens or cottons,” says Katrin.Invite nature in with fresh flowers, says Katrin. “How wrong can you go with that?”Minimize clutter by limiting the amount of objects on display.Make the most of summer by furnishing your porch as if it were a living room. Whether you choose wrought-iron, wicker, rattan, wood or twig furniture, make sure it's made truly comfy with plump cushions covered in fabrics such as ticking or vintage florals.- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
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