After being stuck in our houses this long long winter, we start to get antsy as spring slowly approaches. This is usually the time people start thinking of renovation projects within their homes as a way to cope with their winter blues! I know I am itching to do my bathroom!  So on my journey of research I discovered Cutler Kitchen and Bath and I have fallen in love! I couldn’t resist sharing a little inside info I received from them on a recent interview.

 When it comes to redoing a bathroom what would you say are the first steps people should do before starting a bathroom project? Design an efficient layout that will maximize the space.

 

What should people think about when purchasing a bathroom vanity? Design and quality - Ask yourself how long will it last as opposed to how much is it? Does it suite you and your style.

 

What storage solutions would you suggest to people who have a lack of space but need to hide all their family items? Wall hung linen towers that can be place on any bathroom wall can  help maximize floor space and allow for other forms of freestanding storage.  

 

What are the latest trends that you are seeing in bathrooms? Natural colors, light tones like soft blues, whites and tan. Freestanding bath tubs and wall hung vanities.

 

Purchasing from large box stores usual comes with a stigma regarding quality, what do you think? Cutler aims to change that stigma. It is our belief that consumers have sacrificed style over quality because stylish well made vanities came at a premium through the boutique retailers. Cutler supplies modern designed quality vanities to the big box at affordable prices.

 You can purchase these great Canadian made, European style product from retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Home Hardware. For more information please visit http://www.cutlerkitchenandbath.com/

Until next time,
w&c design girl!

Interior Design Show Highlights if you Missed It!

Toronto's IDS show has come and gone, however if you missed it here are some highlights of what was there: unfortunately I can say there was anything crazy/ must see but overall it was a good show!

 

 

Had to stop by my friend!  Para Paint JoJo Whitewash PF17 another year and another hit!!

 

Until next time,

w&c design girl!

2014 Design Trends - The Global Morning Show

If you missed it watch it online:

http://vimeopro.com/user16748619/personality-appearances/video/84778916

Products from:

www.thesmarttiles.com

www.artemano.ca/

www.para.com

  

2014 brings masculine influences with cool textures and a monochromic overture to the mix to create a romantic whimsy. Be prepared to see dark kitchens and navy blue walls making a comeback.

Bold geometrics, black and white graphics, tartan, plaid, space-like chandeliers, recycled wood furniture, live edge pieces and gold, gold and more gold will be taking over our interiors.

You are probably thinking this all sound exciting, but how do you take it from a fantasy to a functional space in your home? Follow these tips to help add a little trend to your 2014 space.

Consider a piece with a story – Salvaged, recycled and upcycled wood accents continue to grow in popularity. Artemano (http://www.artemano.ca/) incorporates these qualities into their designs. They have created a table for their Railway collection from recycled railway wood that has braved the rain, heat and passing of time that is sure to be a conversation starter! If a larger piece is not your style, try one of their smaller accessories, such as candle holders, bowls or trays that are made from recycled buildings and bridges to add a touch of whimsical to your décor.

Add a little splash to your back splash – Adding a new backsplash can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. Made in Canada, Smart Tiles (http://www.thesmarttiles.com/) are an ingenious new budget friendly brand of tiles that are easy to work with. They are self-adhesive and very easy to install, so even if you aren’t a pro, you can add a new backsplash in 2014. Specially designed for kitchen and bathroom environments, Smart Tiles are resistant to both heat and humidity. This year, why not try out some black and white tiles or the timeless subway tile? They come in a range of styles and colours and are also easy to remove - which means you can change the style as often as you want. Adding pops of colour in your accessories will allow you to mix it up year after year.

 

Touches of colour  - The 2014 Pantone colour of the year is radiance orchid. This colour adds a soft but fun touch to any space.  If you are not sure how to add in this year’s colour to your existing decor, try it in small doses through accent pieces like candle holders, toss cushions, lamps and throws. If you are really bold, paint an accent wall, or even and entire room. If you are having trouble choosing the right shade and matching accessories Para Paints (www.para.com) has a new Colour Forecast Palette and ColourSquare system tool that helps people visualize the colour in their space and the associated colour that will help make their room pop. This year, why not try a feature wall in Para’s Pixie Pop?

Every year a new trend appears; however don’t feel like you need to redo every room completely, the best way to keep up with the trends and save your wallet is to add the trend you love in a small way. Trends are made to be fun so enjoy this year’s new design approach!

Until next time w&c designer girl!

The new JO ALCORN furniture Collection

Sneak peak into the new Jo Alcorn furniture collection that will be in retail stores this Spring!!

Blue Haven

Orange tango

Classic twist

and the wow factor . . .

 

Stay tune for more photos and retail locations on who is carrying the line!

 

Until next time,

w&c designer line!

New Years Table Decor

This year, December came around the corner extremely fast and Christmas flew bye. The holiday season is all about spending time with friends and family, entertaining and enjoying great food and drinks. With that being said your calendar will begin filling up with numerous dinner parties, leaving you with less time to decorate your own dinner table. Here are some easy tricks and items found around the house that could help you out for your New Years parties!

 

Stack dishware and layer with a fancy napkin. Adding a simple Christmas ornament will add a touch of visual happiness and extra Christmas spirit to your table.

 
Extra wrapping paper left over from last year? Use a role as a table cloth. This will instantly add a playful holiday cheer to your table.

 

Adding different size candles will bring a twinkle to your décor.

Happy New Years Everyone!!

 

Until next time

w&c designer girl!

Take the Stress out of Holiday Entertaining

Watch the segment online @ http://www.bttoronto.ca/videos/2928543955001/

Sofa and coffee table from http://www.modernsensibility.com

Accessories www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

 

Table from http://www.modernsensibility.com

Table wear www.bedbathandbeyond.ca

 

Special Thanks to:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/

http://www.modernsensibility.com

http://www.sonos.com
for the too cool products!
My outfit from www.jacob.ca
 

The holiday season is all about spending time with friends and family, entertaining and enjoying great food and drinks. Don’t let entertaining become a burden. Easier said than done right? Here are some foolproof tips to ensure that parties, family gatherings, pop-in guests and out of towners feel, warm and welcome and the hostess is relaxed and joyous as well.

 1. Be ready for those pop in guests: It’s inevitable, over the holidays there will always be those few friends or family members who “pop-in” at the most unexpected time. Having a few items on hand for these surprise visits can turn a chaotic meeting(visit) into a fun spur of the moment gathering – for afternoon guests Keurig’s special edition gourmet single serve coffee maker is ideal (available at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/).  Add gingerbread, sugar cookies or fruit cakes to the mix which can be stored in the fridge or freezer and warmed up when needed makes the perfect afternoon pairing.

 2. Overnight Guest Check List: No matter how large or small your home is, setting up a space where out of town guests feel at home is essential. For small space living Modern Sensibility http://www.modernsensibility.com/ has stylish love seats that can transform into a double bed. Add some comfortable and cozy bedding from Bed Bath and Beyond, some fluffy towels and as an added luxury a basket filled with bathroom items and slippers is always a nice touch.

3. Budget friendly centerpieces: Flower arrangements can get expensive so why not use some of the vases sitting in your cabinets collecting dust?  Add ornaments, pine cones, cranberries or even holiday candy and place the vases in a cluster of all different sizes. Your backyard, if you have one, can be great for finding sticks, and greenery that can be added to create a rustic arrangement.  Use gold or silver spray paint to add an extra festive flare to sticks and dried flowers. If you have a mix of candles in different colours, shapes and sizes, cluster them together as well.

 4. Stress Free-Holiday Party: Don’t become a slave at your own party. A few key pre-party set up tactics will ensure the hostess can enjoy the party as well. Set up an open bar. Offer guests a drink upon their arrival but once they are settled in, have a space where they can pick and choose their drink of choice. Pre-plan your menu. Have some simple appetizers and munchies that can be made ahead of time and refilled easily throughout the night. Set the right music. Sonos http://www.sonos.com/ offers wireless music that you can tailor to different rooms in your home. You can play holiday music as people enter your home but in the living room, you can play an (more upbeat music to get your guest dancing)entirely different genre. Great for the hostess and also makes a perfect holiday gift for the music lovers on your list.

 (This is a great gift for your the man in your life)

 5.Setting a holiday table: Another tradition in my family is a gorgeous holiday table for dinner. Again the key to de-stressing when it comes to a large family dinner is preparing in advance. I like to stick with white dishes and serving trays as they are timeless and versatile. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great collations called Everyday White Rim Dinnerware with pieces starting at $4.99. Sticking with white means you can accessories with beautiful napkins, table décor and candles to further set the mood. Again if small space living is your challenge, don't think that takes you out of the entertaining circle. Modern Sensibility has created a small foyer table (called the Campbell) that transforms into a full size table that seats 10 so you aren’t left out of the holiday entertaining mix!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Until next time

w&c designer girl!