Monday, April 25, 2011

Book and Magazine Storage!

AS SEEN ON STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW
Watch this episode online now

Designer Jo Alcorn showed us some cool ways to display books and magazines. Jo says: treat your books and magazines as art - here's how! Let's face it, when you live in a small space, your storage options are limited. And, if you love to read and collect Decor magazines (or any magazine, for that matter!) the way we do, you'll be in the market for cool, compact shelving upon which to display them.

Bonaldo's Babel is by far the most unique storage shelf we've come across in a very long time. It comes in a variety of cool colours and adds instant interest - and storage - to any space!

The Gus shelf takes up zero floor space, making it both functional and practical. We just love the way it looks! Would be great in any room - even a powder room.

The Ikea LACK is a wall shelf that easily fits into any space- we've seen it used as a small room divider too - comes in black, red and white and is a very affordable storage option.

Caligaris' Blade is both sleek and stunning. We could see this working in any modern space.

Where to get it
Jo Alcorn: http://www.whitewashco.ca/







Babel by Bonaldo, One Twenty Modern

LACK, Ikea

Blade, Calligaris



Until next time,

w&c design girl!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Small Balcony Decor!

AS SEEN ON THE STEVEN AND CHRIS SHOW!

Watch this episode online now Watch this segment online nowThe minute the weather gets warmer, we can't wait to be lounging outside! Designer Jo Alcorn showed us her 5 favourite outdoor loungers.The Paris Chair from Alfred Sung redefines outdoor elegance and style- not to mention unique design!If it's comfort you want, the Lotus Lounger is your perfect outdoor lounging companion. The indoor/outdoor fabric makes them perfect for any space and the bright colours will give your dock, patio or pool deck an amazing pop of colour. We can't wait to spend hours and hours crashed out on these poolside!The Luft Chair from Fute Design is the ultimate in chic outdoor design.The PS Vago Easy Chair by Ikea, is another unique looking piece - with its low, wide seating and variety of fresh, fun colours!The Cane-line Acapulco chair was the biggest surprise of all! With its cool design we were certain it would be an uncomfortable sit, but nothing could be further from the truth. These also come in a variety of colours- talk about cool design!



The only thing we love as much as lounging outdoors is dining! These days a lot of outdoor spaces are quite small but don't let that discourage you from entertaining on yours! As you can see, you can pack a lot of both colour and utility into a small space if you choose your items wisely!We just love the bright colours and fresh summer vibe of this small space balcony set up.


We used faux grass outdoor carpeting on our balcony, but another great option are these Platta deck tiles which come in packages of 9 and easily click together to create the look of a stunning outdoor deck!Happy outdoor dining, everyone!
Where to get it: "OUTDOOR LOUNGERS" Alfred Sung Paris Chair - http://www.sungoutdoor.com/ Lotus Loungers - http://www.lotuslounger.com/ Luft Chair, Fute Designs - http://www.futedesign.com/ Ikea, PS Vago Easy Chair - http://www.ikea.com/ Cane-line Acapulco chair from Fresh Home & Garden - http://www.fresh.ca/ "SMALL SPACE BALCONY" Andrew Richard Designs - http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/ Claire Bistro Dining Set - Snow White Solartex Weave, $2105.00 (for 4 side or arm chairs with customizable cushions and a 32" folding table) Grass Mat $7 per square feet Green polka dot cushions: Indoor/ outdoor cushions made to order $49 per cushion Stainless Steel Torches $79.95 for a set of 4Bamboo Panels Orangeville Furniture: Lanterns, green throw - http://www.orangevillefurniture.ca/ Ikea: Platta deck tiles& Stenstorp Kitchen Cart - http://www.ikea.com/ Bodum: Fyrkat Picnic Grill - http://www.bodum.com/ Fresh Home & Garden: Woven baskets, Galvanized Steel Can with Faux Grass, Orange & Green Pillows - http://www.fresh.ca/ The Bay: Capri side tables (in white) - http://www.hbc.com/ Crate & Barrel: all outdoor dishes, glassware, trays & cutlery - http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ Until next time, w&c designer girl!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Meredith Heron!

We were graced with Meredith Heron's presences when she visited my students at Humber College North Campus last week! Well what can I say about the principle designer at Meredith Heron Design, the HGTV's Restaurant Makeover extraodinaire, spokes person for design and a mother of a newborn, well what can't I say!! This spit fire of a women is ready to talk and spill the nitty-gitty of the industry and she will make sure the truth is told! The well known red headed out spoken designer, made sure she didn't sugar coat any aspect of the business when talking to my students about the business end of the design world. She definitely opened their eyes to the not so glamorous part of any career, the business back end. She spoke to them about getting jobs and be respectful to those that you are working with and beware of those clients that are just out to get free stuff. The business part of the industry is just as important as the creative side, and you must have a good balance of both. It was very enjoyable and engaging and of course a true pleasure! http://meredithheron.com/


Thank you Meredith for sharing your lunch hour with us! Also I loved your comment that "we made for the perfect hair candy cane" !!


Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Arren Williams!

Arren Williams is a true artistic gentleman! I had the pleasure of meeting Arren from Design Lab last week when he spoke to my students at Humber College North about the design industry! He is a lovely witty english chap! He's opening line was about how our industry is so not glamorous, like so many believe it to be! It was interesting to hear that he grew up in a very artistic hippy like atmosphere, which has really shaped his creative side within this world today. He spoke to us about how he got started and where he is today! How he went to school for fashion and couldn't find a job after so ended up doing prop styling on Commericals. His blatant honesty on styling and how to make a name for yourself was very enlightening. His accent was just too cute as well! I was a fan before but now I can definitely say I am an even bigger fan of his work after meeting him. He stands for being different and confident with who you are. Something that we all should be taking a look at! http://www.arrenwilliams.com/

Thank you again Arren for your fabulous speech!
until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Bedside tables!

Watch this episode online now As Seen on Steven and Chris!
Jo Alcorn shows us that changing the look of your bedroom can be as simple as changing your bedside tables!
We just love to see a gorgeous headboard and luxurious bedding! The neutral colour and classic feel of this set up suits so many different styles. For instance, if your taste is TRADITIONAL...These white side tables are ideal. They have tons of storage and the pull out shelf for extra counter space always comes in handy!There are few things more luxurious than being served breakfast in bed! A side table with a removable tray is the ultimate in double-duty furnishing. A steel and glass table such as this one is perfect for a modern space. Adjust the height and you can swing it over to use as a tray in bed!
Where To Get It
Field piece shot on location at The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto,
Canada Headboard, all bedding: West Elm
White bedside tables: Pier One
Adjustable tables: Casa Life
Tray tables: Structube
Table lamps: all HomeSense
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Living Room Secret Storage

As seen Steven and Chris!

Regardless of the size of your home, many of us find storage to be an issue. Designer Jo Alcorn showed us some amazing "secret" storage pieces that would look great in any home!This bright, stylish living room not only looks great, it's got a wonderful little secret...heaps and heaps of storage! Our entire team fell in love with this sofa from Ikea. It's a pull-out bed and contains a TON of storage.These adorable pillows contain cozy little blankets. Perfect for cuddling up on the sofa.We love this coffee table from Structube... hidden media storage at your fingertips!This brilliant little side table can house anything, from brightly coloured blocks for kids to TV remotes - fill it up with ice for a party and use the top as a nifty little tray!These adorable Candy Pouffs from Calligaris are both stylish and functional and come in a variety of fun colour combinations!We just LOVE these Transit Mailboxes by designer Steven Hugo-Seinader for Centrifuge! In a grouping of three they provide both artistic appeal and 'hidden' storage in any stylish space.A sofa table or desk console is ideal such as this one provides drawer storage and room for baskets and boxes underneath.

Where To Get It
Sectional - Manstad, IKEA
Coffee Table - Modus, Structube
Side Table - Hatten, IKEA
Stools - Candy Storage Pouff, Calligaris
Table Lamp - Tube Top Table Lamp, Design Within Reach
Mailboxes - Transit Mailboxes, Centrifuge Design, Stephen Hugo Seinader
Pillows - Undercover Bear, Agent Oscar, NapSac Travel Blanket+Pillow Set, Lug
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Photo Shoot with Femke Photography!

Had too much with Femke Photography at her studio last week. Thanks so much! I was in despirate need of some new head/professional photo so I called Femke up and take a look at her work and her studio! She even did it with a full leg cast on, augh poor thing, what a trooper!


Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Margot Austin - Straight Shooter!

I had the pleasure of hosting Style at Home Senior Editor, Margot Austin in my class at Humber College North last week. I was so excited to listen to her talk about getting your work published, but, I wasn't expecting this little bitty thing to be such a straight shooter, no sugar coating anything kind of gal! I tell you it was truly refreshing and funny to hear this industry icon speak her mind and to be such a down to earth lady. Right down to using the quote "where the f*#@ is the magic!" Speaking about designs that are lacking that wow factor. It was very interesting to hear what they look for and what they do to the rooms/spaces that are published within the magazine. Let alone here what Margot had to say. I know the students enjoy it as much as I did, it truly was an interesting topic! Thank you so much for your time Margot and we do hope you are able to come back in the future!
Look Staci Edwards even stopped by to listen to Margot!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Windowless Den Makeover!

Now a day's with the layout of condos we are stuck with a boring windowless room with no creative features. WELL take a look at what I did when I was presented with the challenge! Turn a small box sized room into a stunning and fun guest room, plus extra storage and reading/office space and I did it all for under $1300!!


Pillows, throw, rug, floor lamps are from Bou Clair. Shelves from Ikea. Sofa found on Kijiji.

Wall Tats from Bou Clair and Decorative sticky mirrors from Winners.
Ikea frames, with greeting cards the client collected.
Augh the before.

And the After! Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Double duty storage pieces perfect for a small space den!

As seen on the Steven and Chris Show Watch this episode online now

Designer Jo Alcorn takes us on a tour of the stunning den makeover she recently did for a condo-dwelling client, then shows us double duty storage pieces perfect for a small space den!
More and more, we're seeing condos and lofts designed such that the "second bedroom" is a small space without windows. The challenge in decorating tight quarters with no natural light is two-fold: make the space feel bright and fresh and choose your furniture wisely!
A murphy bed is an amazing space-saving solution for any issue where floor space is a commodity! Here's one we love from CLEI UK:Mirrors are the best things ever for a small space! They create the illusion that the room is bigger and help bounce off the light as well. You can't go wrong with adding mirrors. Fake it! By using mirrors in the right place, you can create the illusion there is a window or an adjoining room. We love the way Elle Décor has used mirrors here!

Basements are another space often lacking natural light. Look at this gorgeous room designed by Candice Olson via HGTV. Hanging curtains gives the illusion that you are framing a window...when, in fact, there isn't one! Fake it and you will be amazed at the results!
When it comes to furnishings, Jo says the following pieces are ideal choices for any den - especially where space is an issue!

CUBERT CHAIR
We love this upholstered armchair with under-seat storage and side arm storage boxes - the best part is it's an environmentally friendly piece and you can't beat that!

AIRIA MEDIA CABINET
This streamlined storage solution keeps your work area open and clutter-free. It also works as a petite console storage unit for those tight places. You can hide objects behind the door and display your nicer pieces on the shelves and on top. We'd love to see it used as a little bar storage area or as a small entryway table.

OFFICE CONSOLE
Perfect for a small office, this multifunctional cabinet has a file drawer with a sliding printer shelf and two storage drawers, keeping everything conveniently within reach and neatly stored.
CLIO CORNER DESKThis desk makes great use of corner space, which is key in tight rooms! Its surface makes a great desk with lots of extra counter space. We love the idea of rolling a small filing cabinet or baskets underneath for additional storage.

Where you get it:
Den Makeover:
Wardrobe, shelves, picture & frames from IkeaRug, pillows, lamps, mirror & wall decals from Bou Clair

Studio Furniture Pieces:
Cubert Chair from 608 Design
Airia Media Cabinet from Design Within Reach
Office Console from Casa Life
Clio Corner Desk from Structube

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

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