The perfect Holiday Gift Guide!

I often get asked what my go-to holiday gift ideas are. Not all my gifts are decor pieces. It’s often function that I look for in holiday gifts.  Here are my top gift ideas this year that will fit nicely into any décor, and of course, are functional.

 

1. Stocking Stuffer with a Purpose – I love it when companies tie in a charity. Bouclair recently launched a campaign with Starlight Foundation where all proceeds from the purchase of their Nutcracker Oscar goes to the foundation – a great stocking stuffer, table place card or center piece at only $2.00.  www.bouclair.com

 

2. For your Pooch – So many people have dogs these days, and if you are a dog owner yourself you know that there is often a stocking and many presents under the tree for your hound. My new dog bed collection is reversible and fully washable – not just the cover, the entire bed. I’ve also created throw cushions to match your dog bed. Now your puppy can rest and relax in style. Available at shop.ca

 

3. Baby, it’s Cold Outside – I am in love with the luxuriously soft comfort of the Sunbeam new heated throw. Its deep colour and soft royal mink plush fabric (faux of course) make it the perfect gift for cold winter nights. It also has a great safety feature: it turns off in three hours so even if you doze off in its comfort, it will automatically turn off. Available at Walmart.

4. Healthy Holidays – You may not know this about me but I am very health conscious. I love anything to do with organic and healthy eating. As the New Year approaches I’m sure you’ll hear of many people who want to get healthy for their resolution – why not help them this year? Panasonic has a great new slow juicer that features a superior slow squeezing system that protects nutrients for maximum juicing results. On top of that, its sleek and compact design will add elegance to any kitchen countertop. http://www.panasonic.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.Cooking in Style  – I have been in love with copper cookware forever. It’s a great gift if you want to pamper yourself or if you really want to go above and beyond for that special someone on your list. As a bonus not only does it look pretty, it has the durability of stainless steel and is the only induction-capable set. KitchenAid.ca
  

6. The Gift of Hope – Like many people I know, I love to give back. During the holidays, if that someone on your list already has everything they want or need, why not give them something that will help someone else? Plan Canada has so many great options from colourful eco friendly necklaces, to clean water for families, to helping to send a girl to school. I am a huge animal advocate so I love the idea of gifting a goat to help impact a family’s health and income. These are truly meaningful and heart warming gifts to give and receive. http://www.plangifts.ca/

 

7. Holiday Mix-ologist - A blender is a great addition to your holiday bar. Set up the fixings, print your favourite drink recipes and play bartender for the night. Your guests will love this! I love the look of the new KitchenAid Torrent Blender. The unique front-loading design is so stylish I’d even recommend you keep it on your counter year round as an accent piece.  http://www.kitchenaid.ca

 

8.  Tick Tock – I love the esthetic and functionality of the Phillips Wake-up Light. It fits nicely onto a bedroom side table and it also looks great. It doubles as a nighttime light and instead of waking up to a blaring alarm, it wakes you up gently by gradually increasing the light in your room (like a natural sunrise), which helps people to wake up in a more pleasant state of mind. This year, help someone start the New Year off right each morning. http://www.philips.ca/

 

9. Holiday Hardware – I OFTEN find myself in a hardware store throughout the month of December, as I’m sure do many others who might be trying to spice up their space before company arrives. So make your time count and double duty your trip. On a recent trip to RONA home and garden I discovered they have some great gift ideas and amazing holiday décor. I fell in love with their winter wonderland collection which is all white. http://www.rona.ca/

 

10. Nature Inspiration – I adore any décor items that also relate back to nature. Artemano has some great and unique ideas that are truly one-of-a-kind pieces. I really enjoy popping into their store and finding something that speaks to me and the person I am buying it for. On my last trip I fell in love with their glass bowl teak root candle holders which fit nicely into one of their unique trays – making the perfect hostess gift. http://www.artemano.ca/

 

With items this great, you can wrap up your holiday shopping easily. Just remember to write your own name on the list – and treat yourself to the items you most desire too!

 

Have a wonderful holiday, and a Happy New Year!

 

Until next time w&c girl!

 

Creating a sleep retreat

With colder months upon us, the time change, and days getting shorter and shorter, it’s imperative to get the sleep your body (and mind) needs. We sleep a third of our days away (or we should!) so your bedroom ought to be a sanctuary that induces sleep the moment you step into it.

Here are my top five tips on creating a sleep retreat and routine that really works for me.

Backbone of Your Bedroom – The bed is the masterpiece of the room. So not only should it look great, it should also be beyond comfortable. When choosing a bed, personal preference is key. Do you want it firm, soft, what size fits the room and so on. I tend to go to a store that specializes in just beds when making this large purchase. Sleep Country was amazing at taking me through exactly what I needed and helping me choose just the right bed. I also find a headboard is such a great addition to any room. It can act as a décor piece as well – this is one I recently launched in my Jo Alcorn Furniture collection available at shop.ca

 

Pillow Talk – If your physical space is uncomfortable then it’s going to be even harder to hit the hay. Invest in a good quality pillow to rest your precious head down on at night. I recently launched my own pillow line that is lush, 100% cruelty free, clean of chemicals and fully washable plus Canadian made (also available at shop.ca)

Flower Power – There is nothing like fresh flowers in your bedroom to help set the mood. When I found out there was a flower out there that could actually help me sleep all I could think was ‘double duty!’ … but this kind of flower is not something you display. It’s a natural supplement I heard of years ago that helps to calm my running brain at night; I literally used to hit the hay and start designing rooms in my sleep. Passionflower is a natural supplement that helps calm my busy brain so I can get a good night’s sleep and be rested and alert for my clients in the morning. (Pascoflair has truly been my nighttime life saver http://pascoflair.ca) 

 

Curtain Conundrum – I love light in my bedroom! I like waking up to the sun streaming into my bedroom but after recently speaking with Holistic Nutritionist Jenn Pike (www.jennpike.com) who gave me some tips on sleep, I am re-thinking the light situation in my bedroom. One of the most important things she told me was that any amount of light that comes into my bedroom will impede my sleep routine. She said if you were to invest in one thing for your bedroom, it should be black-out blinds or an eye mask. You can pick up black-out blinds or curtains relatively inexpensively from Bouclair Home. If you are on a tighter budget, you can use an eye mask – my new personal favourite is a Blinks Ultralight Sleep Mask that I picked up from Bed Bath and Beyond.
 

Temperature Tantrum – Your bedroom should be the ideal temperature for you to sleep soundly; not too hot and not too cold. I love the feel of a rug on the floor when I hop out of bed, instead of my feet hitting a cool floor. For my space I chose a gorgeous rug from mirens.com.  I also like tend to cuddle up and read in bed to wind down and hate getting into a freezing cold space. I have a great Sunbeam heated blanket that I turn on while I get ready for bed that heats up my bedding to the perfect temperature. Available at a number of retailers including Home Outfitters.

Bedroom “pet” peeve – At a recent sleep event I also learned that the number one thing that keeps you up at night is…your pet! I love my fur-babies but now know if I am truly going to get the sleep I need they are going to have to get the boot from the bedroom. Creating their own sleep retreat in a safe and cozy area, with a great bed will ensure you (and they) get their zzz’s.

Follow these simple steps and tips to enjoy the best sleep of your life. After all, not only do you need sleep, you deserve a peaceful night’s rest. I wish you all sweet dreams, in a great bedroom. Goodnight!

5 Things Designers can help you with that you didn’t know about

The major misconception I get when working with clients is that a designer’s main focus is making things “pretty’…sure that is one element we focus on but even more importantly we want to make sure a home is safe and efficient so the homeowner can enjoy it visually but also rest at ease that it is structurally sound as well as of having utilized the space effectively. Here are the top five things I often help homeowners with that might not have crossed your mind (but should!) when hiring a designer.
 

Mold – Unfortunately mold makes its way into the nooks and crannies of many homes. Basements and bathrooms are the prime spots for mold to grow, as is any other location prone to moisture. A good designer will demand mold is fully removed before carrying on with any project. As soon as mold is found, the space should be sealed off to prevent the spread of mold spores. 

 

Many of my clients have animals or small children so I always turn to products that are safe for kids and pets. One of my favourites is Concrobium Mold Control. It’s a bleach free, Health Canada-registered non-toxic solution that’s safe to use even with kids and pets around.  You can either hire a professional to remove the mold or it’s so simple that many of the homeowners I work with do it themselves. All they do is rent a machine called a Fogger from The Home Depot tool rental department, add a jug of Concrobium and mist the space.  It will kill the mold and leave an invisible anti microbial shield to prevent the mold from returning. This product is so safe that youngsters and furry family members can be in the house as the process is completed.

http://www.concrobium.com/

 

Insulation
– You might not think this is something that your designer can help you with but think again. Ensuring proper materials are used from the inside out should be a priority, and especially so, if you’ve had to remove mold. You want to ensure mold does not return, which is why I lean towards materials that will help ensure a mold free home. Certainteed offers a great product called Membrain that prevents moisture and air, it is also designed to help wall cavities breathe and stay dry by allowing any dampness to escape. In the winter, it adapts to humidity levels to prevent vapour from entering the wall cavity, and in summer, it prevents moisture build up. Another thing I love about this company is that their products are sustainable (a key factor for companies I choose to partner with); their insulation is made with recycled and renewable content including a plant-based binder that is formaldehyde-free and contains no harsh acrylics, dyes or unnecessary chemicals.

http://www.certainteed.com/

 

Windows and Doors
– Another key factor in a demolition type renovation is choosing windows and doors that fit not only the style but the family’s functionality. Are there small children to consider, should the windows open inward or outward, are there safety features and are there cleaning concerns.  I recently discovered a Canadian company that makes, manufactures, delivers and installs windows and doors in sometimes as little as a two week turn around time (this is fantastic when working on tight designer deadlines). Total Home Window and Doors is one of the largest window and door replacement companies in Canada and as an added bonus they offer a lifetime warranty on their products. This is a company I can stand behind with the added bonus of making my clients feel protected for years to come.

http://thwindowsdoors.com/

 

Flooring – Colours, styles, textures, patterns, materials, the list goes on. Flooring is essential to get input from a designer on. It’s labour intensive to install and not something you can (or want to) switch up every couple years; therefore, you want to make sure you pick a material, colour and pattern that you can live with (and love) for years to come. While hardwood or laminate is perfect for some projects, one of my favourite elements to work with is natural stone. It’s environmentally friendly, easy to care for, durable, and adds a unique feature to any space. On a recent project I worked with ErthCOVERINGS, who offers natural stone flooring and wall coverings.
A new trend in feature walls is to add stone veneer to one wall within the space. I love that I can mix and match the floor and wall options to create a sharp design with a feature wall that is truly unique.

http://erthcoverings.com/

 

Heat 
– I get asked all the time about heating options, and especially so for older homes. Typical questions include what is the most economical selection, how to cut down on heating bills, and how to choose the right option within the room. One option I love, which feels luxurious, is in-floor heating. Surprisingly, it’s much more economical than most people think. You can install electric radiant floor heating under tile, stone and laminate/engineered wood floors; Nuheat makes custom mats, like an electric blanket, that perfectly fits the areas you would like to heat. Something interesting is that Nuheat provides 12 watts per square foot so it can actually in some instances replace costly baseboard heaters. Another great feature from Nuheat is they offer a WiFi-enabled thermostat allowing you to control your heating from a free app on your smartphone so when you head out of town or are coming back from a long trip you can adjust it remotely. You can also monitor your usage so you know know where your bill is going hourly, weekly and monthly and modify it as needed. 

http://www.nuheat.com

 

While you may feel you can tackle any or all of these areas on your own, a designer’s input can be invaluable. Designers are educated on all your options, know of recent developments and new product introductions, and have more than just the final look in mind. Work with a designer to get the practicalities right…and then we’ll make it look pretty too!

 

Until next time,
w&c girl!

Kids and pets need not mess up your decor!

A constant question I get asked is “what products are best with kids or pets?”.  Most people believe that you have to give up fashion for function; well I am here to tell you that you don’t have to give up anything; you can definitely have fashion and function in your household with these helpful tips!

With kids and pets the main thing to think about is if the product is washable and durable.  When buying a sofa think about it like you do with sheets and thread count.  For fabrics it’s called a rub count – the wear and tear that comes from someone sitting down or getting up from an upholstered seat.

If you are looking for a sofa with fabric make sure you use a fabric with a high rub count. I recommend 50,000 or higher for active households with kids and pets. 3,000 double rubs equals one year's worth of use.

With the colour of your fabric try and find one that has a bit of a texture. This will help hide wear and tear over the years as well.

 

A helpful tip for pet owners is to choose furniture pieces that are the same as your animal’s colouring. This helps your space seem cleaner with less pet hair showing. I have white Jack Russell’s so my entire house is white!  I look like an amazing housekeeper because their dog hair is hidden, so white fabrics are a lifesaver for me! 

When it comes to dressing up your furniture use fun accent pillows. Think you can’t use designer pillows with kids and pets around? Think again – my new line is fully washable, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, reversible, recyclable and Canadian made – both accent pillows and dog beds to match! So no need to worry about messy hands or dirty paws, you can now throw the entire pillow in the wash and it comes out looking better than new every time.

 

For dining room tables I suggest going with something that looks better with age and a little wear and tear. Artemano has some amazing live edge tables that will stand the test of the time and add life to your space at the same time. Also look at adding a salvage wood coffee table, the worn out wood is perfect for busy households that like to eat or do homework in the family room. The table adds fashion and function to any space and adds a little stress free living for you at the same time! 

 

When looking at flooring, make sure you choose a tile, hardwood or laminate with a bit of a flex or multiple hues in it as it will help hide the dirt and dust. A solid dark colour will be your enemy so steer clear!  Go with middle grade colours and hues. Laminate hardwood flooring has come a long way, they are durable, stylish, and great for dog nails, kid’s toys, and they also don’t show traffic marks or sun damage, plus easy to keep clean!   If you want to take it one step further with an even more durable floor check out Creekside Tile’s porcelain wood flooring, it looks just like wood planks.  Comes in multiple colours and you can have radiant flooring underneath it. Plus your kids or pets will have a hard time destroying it, I don’t care how big or strong they are!

 

Now when it comes to your walls, a good giveaway if a house has kids or pets - you’ll see nicks and marks everywhere. Para Paint Elite Paint and Primer all in one is a 100% acrylic latex formula, ceramic micro-sphere technology for a strong finish, durable, high hiding, scrub-able, stain resistant, ideal for walls in high traffic areas, doors and trim.  So again don’t worry about the colour, think about the materials within the products.        

 

So just because you have kids or pets doesn’t mean you have to give up the love of light colours or a neutral colour scheme or nice decor. You can have it all if you make sure you have the right materials that are washable and durable.  The moral of the story is you can have a stylish house that is functional all the time; fashion and function can live under one roof!

until next time,
w&c design girl!

Small Space Big Cottage Feel

Recently I was tasked with creating a cozy dinning space in an awkward 5 foot by 8 foot space for a cottage makeover. I was up for the challenge and the transformation was jaw dropping for the owners.

With tiny spaces, my big tips are always to exploit every square inch and use visual tricks to create the illusion of space. Use all wall space, surrounding space and floor space possible

Go vertical. Instead of using one big piece of art in a small space, use multiple smaller

pieces. It makes the space seem more expansive than is really is. For this feature wall I used a variety of art from an online source - http://www.posterjack.ca/. You go online, pick the art you want to use (or you can use your own), pick the frames and colour, and
they ship it all to your door.

 To enhance the cottage feel, for the feature wall I also used a variety of stag heads (faux

of course) found at Home Sense, which I mix and matched with in the photos. The great thing here is that you can just keep adding to the feature wall as you find things that
match.

The most important piece of all is the table – it’s where you gather around and make lasting memories. For this space I chose a gorgeous five-foot-long, wood-topped table

from Artemano with sturdy metal legs, which anchors the room.

Seating was carefully chosen. Two wooden stools with raw unfinished edges — also from Artemano — add a “farmhouse twist.” For small space dining areas, I recommend chairs that tuck under the table when not in use.

For the captains chairs, I also chose a version from Artemano which are thinner than usual captain chairs and tuck nicely into the side of the table. This allows more walking space surrounding the area when meals are done.

 

In a small space I love to go big on colour. For this table setting, I used bright and bold patterns from Home Sense that were mixed and matched to create this gorgeous brunch setting. Setting the table is certainly a time where you can bring in bold colours and

really make a statement.

For this space I chose a funky modern light that casts great shadows at night, and by day is beautiful enough to be considered art. The understated colour gets noticed, yet doesn’t stealing attention from the rest of the room.

By carefully piecing this room together, a small space has the illusion of being much larger than it is, and the room’s functionality has improved as much as its beauty.

You can do a lot in a small space, and you can create a larger feel with just décor!

 

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Jo Alcorn's Collections are at the CND Gift Show!

Jo Alcorn’s new furniture line brings a designer’s touch to pieces like sofas, ottomans, chairs, sectionals, headboards and more…without the designer budget.

Each piece was created with the mind-set that people want a designer look but can’t always afford the luxury to hire a professional. This line mixes fun fabrics that play with different colours and patterns to create that one-of-a-kind custom look so many people crave but might not be able to afford or know where to start.

“I was so excited to create pieces that have a unique flare,” says Jo Alcorn, interiors expert. “The line has modern youthful lines with a touch of classic elements. I am excited for this collection because it is fashion forward, functional at the same time and there is something everyone can enjoy!”

Jo’s furniture line is manufactured locally by Eztia, Ontario.

Jo will also be showcasing and her new Dog Bed Collection with coordinating Pillows.
 

Man’s best friends’ sleeping quarters just got more stylist with the help of Canadian designer Jo Alcorn. While pet owners inevitably love to cuddle and snuggle their furry friends, it’s also great for their dogs to have a place of their own where they can curl up – and why can’t that be a stylish retreat?

 

“I am a huge dog lover and I have two dogs of my own,” say designer Jo Alcorn. “I wanted to create a pet bed that was not only comfortable and practical for my fur-babies, but I also wanted them to reflect my own personal style and act as an extension of my home-décor.”

Jo Alcorn’s dog bed line goes above and beyond what is currently available in the market. These beds have a StaminaFibre® filling. These beds are reversible and fully washable, including the cover and the filling; simply toss the entire pillow in the washing machine and it comes out looking and feeling like new. Each bed/pillow has hypoallergenic down-like feather filling, is reversible, was created and manufactured cruelty free, is recyclable and Canadian Made.

Make sure to stop by the 9972 booth and see the collection. We are also having a #selfie party the entire show.

 

https://www.cangift.org/giftshow/