Thursday, December 22, 2011

2012 Design Trends on Breakfast Television

Jo was on Breakfast Television this morning talking trends! Watch the segment on


Items supplied by:
Daniel Stuart Studio www.danielstuartstudio.com/
Bou Clair
Home Sense

Check out Jo's 2o12 Design Trend Forecast on the Home Sav Blog;

" We all have to turn to someone for inspiration. The fashion industry turns to the cosmetic companies to forecast their trends, and the Design industry always turns to the fashion world to forecast the newest trends for the upcoming year. We’ve been watching the runways, and here’s what’s in store for 2012 décor.
Colour is back! We’re exiting an era where walls were neutral and we relied on our accessories to pull colour into a room. 2012 will bring walls with actual colours! 2011 brought us blues, purples and moody hues in accessories, and 2012 is bringing that colour scheme to our paint choices. It’s an updated throwback to 80s décor: over-accessorised, textile crazy and moody bold colours will slink into our rooms. (We all remember the deep wall colours, dramatic drapes, and multiple patterns from the 80s).Of course, we’re not looking to repeat the trend exactly. Instead, we’re inspired by the 80s elements and can pair them with modern design aesthetics to achieve a truly unique look! For an example of beautiful 80s inspired décor, I have two words: Kelly Wearstler. Long considered ahead of her time, she’s now the icon for achieving this new look. Do I dare even mutter the words, wallpapered ceilings and coloured trim???Proud Patterns! Multiple patterns will be mixed and used to create humour within spaces that were once all one colour. Don’t be afraid to be quirky: pair traditional floral patterns with loose geometric patterns. Before, one bold pattern would set the tone for the entire room. Now it’s a competition of how many you can use! Tricia Guild anyone?" . . . . To read the full article http://livsavvy.com/?p=3725

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Great Speakers!

We had yet another fabulous semester of speakers at Humber College North Campus this Fall term. The students and myself were able to learn so much from each speaker and what they had to bring to the table on the design industry and the products and companies within it.
I want to send out a huge THANK YOU too:

Janine @ Para Paint
Fernando @ International Logistics & Stone Distribution
Carson Arthur
Morgan @ Richelieu
Mike @ Keilhauer
Terry Edward Briceland
Michael @ IDEE17
Vitania @ Verdigris Vie
Zsolt @ Zsemba

Thank you all for helping to shape the minds of the future designers. Appreciate your time and expertise shared with us!

Sincerely,
w&c designer girl!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

2012 Design Trends Forecast!

Check out Jo's 2o12 Design Trend Forecast on the Home Sav Blog;
" We all have to turn to someone for inspiration. The fashion industry turns to the cosmetic companies to forecast their trends, and the Design industry always turns to the fashion world to forecast the newest trends for the upcoming year. We’ve been watching the runways, and here’s what’s in store for 2012 décor.

Colour is back! We’re exiting an era where walls were neutral and we relied on our accessories to pull colour into a room. 2012 will bring walls with actual colours! 2011 brought us blues, purples and moody hues in accessories, and 2012 is bringing that colour scheme to our paint choices. It’s an updated throwback to 80s décor: over-accessorised, textile crazy and moody bold colours will slink into our rooms. (We all remember the deep wall colours, dramatic drapes, and multiple patterns from the 80s).
Of course, we’re not looking to repeat the trend exactly. Instead, we’re inspired by the 80s elements and can pair them with modern design aesthetics to achieve a truly unique look! For an example of beautiful 80s inspired décor, I have two words: Kelly Wearstler. Long considered ahead of her time, she’s now the icon for achieving this new look. Do I dare even mutter the words, wallpapered ceilings and coloured trim???Proud Patterns! Multiple patterns will be mixed and used to create humour within spaces that were once all one colour. Don’t be afraid to be quirky: pair traditional floral patterns with loose geometric patterns. Before, one bold pattern would set the tone for the entire room. Now it’s a competition of how many you can use! Tricia Guild anyone?"
To read the full article http://livsavvy.com/?p=3725

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My Favorite Things @ Switch Studio

My new series, "My Favorite Things" has brought us today a special guest Staci Edwards, owner of Switch Studio. Her products and designs are too adorable and a perfect example of the treasures that are out there, that we might not know about. I caught up with Staci and asked her a few questions to really understand her designs and what she does:

Hello Staci!
1. What does your company do/make?

At Switch Studio I’m working hard to make reupholstery and furniture refinishing cool again! I take old furniture pieces, giving them a little TLC and a whole lot of style by redesigning, refinishing, and reupholstering them into beautiful one of a kind pieces for my clients to love. I also make other custom home decor items such as seat cushions, throw pillows, and curtains to help home owners complete the look. And if you need help coordinating fabrics with your interior then you’re in luck, because my background is Design, and I offer in-home consultations too.
"MY FAVORITE PIECE!!"
2. How did you get started with this new adventure?

I’ve always been drawn to the art of upholstery and furniture refinishing; I remember redoing furniture pieces I salvaged from my grandparents’ basement as I child – I mean, who needs Barbie Dolls when you have old furniture laying around? Okay, maybe I was an odd child, but that has helped to lead me to my true passion, and to the opening of Switch Studio - Hooray!
I truly loved being a Designer, but I always felt as though something was missing, so after some soul searching I realized it was that hands on element of actually creating something {which I enjoyed so much as a child} that I was craving. So, I decided to refocus a little more on the furniture refinishing and upholstery while still offering the design services that I enjoy doing, and Switch Studio was born!
3. What is your design philosophy and approach?

I cannot say I have a typical design approach, as every piece and person is so very different. I feel strongly that people should live with what they love, so when I redesign a piece, I really take the client’s taste into consideration first. I do try and gently guide clients to be a little more daring and step out of their comfort zone, just a little, in order to get a unique and show stopping piece. Next, I get to know the piece - Each piece really has it’s own ‘personality’ so to speak, so that helps to determine how I go about recreating it into something new and improved.

4. Are there any environmental components to your products?

At Switch Studio I do what I can to make the most environmentally responsible decisions whenever possible, because it is something near and dear to my heart. I don’t encourage reusing furniture pieces you already have just because that is my business, but also because it helps to keep these items out of the already very full landfills. I choose the greenest products possible to redo your pieces such as, zero VOC paint, water based glue, natural felt, and soy-based eco-foam and use eco-friendly packaging for shipping. To continue my green focus, our bags and business cards are printed on recycled materials, and to try to keep printing down to a minimum, we do all of our marketing and communications via email whenever possible. Basically, at Switch Studio, we’re kind of like happy little green fairies that happen to makeover furniture too!

5. Where can people find and buy your designs?

Thanks for asking! Most of our business is creating or redoing custom pieces for clients, so if you’d like a piece done please email the studio at info@switchstudio.ca for more information. I’m also working on creating items for sale, which can be purchased at our Etsy Shop. You can browse and purchase from our shop by visiting our website at www.switchstudio.ca and clicking on the SHOP button.6. Do you have a design tip or saying you would like to share?

"I feel strongly that people should live with what they love…”

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Monday, December 5, 2011

My Home Sav Inspired Pick SALE!!

My Home Sav Inspired Pick SALE starts TODAY!! Must have pieces for under the tree!!! https://www.homesav.com/
https://www.homesav.com/catalogue/vendors/inspired-picks-by-jo-alcorn



Luxury Home Decor for Inspired Living - HomeSav.com
www.homesav.com

Make sure to check out my blog post on the 2012 forecasted design trends!!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl. xo

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Jo's favorite things! @West Elm

A series is born, Jo's favorite things! Once a month I will pick a store and my favorite things within the store and showcase them to you! My first stop .... West Elm,

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Steven and Chris show - Chaz on Charles!

Did you miss the Steven and Chris show yesterday? Watch online! Jo takes us on a tour of the fab Chaz on Charles model suite and later shows us some cleaver one wall storage solutions!
Many Thanks to IKEA, West Elm, Bou Clair and Montauk for suppling the pieces for the "One wall storage" segment!!
Wondering where Jo's necklaces are from?? Make sure to Check Out Stella & Dot!!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Eco Jo Series - breaking down the GREEN marketing terms!

I have been writing a new blog for my good friend at Verdigris Vie, Eco Chic, where I talk about the controversy behind green labels and the environmental movement. Once a month I break down a Green marketing term and hopefully help open eyes and raise questions to the Greenwashing that is happening within the stores we shop in. Here is part one to the series, and remember to be truly green you must be constantly asking questions!


Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Oh LaLa to Italian Floors!!

I had the pleasure of being introduced to this Stunning new Italian Floor line, which has just made its big entrance into Canada!! And I say BIG entrance, because they are bringing a whole new look and style to how you lay your hardwood floors.
The fashion world has now collided with the floor world!!
"Gazzotti was founded in 1910 in Bologna, Italy with the goal of reviving the traditional craft of wood flooring. Their distinctive hardwood flooring quickly became renowned through Italy for the quality of wood and caliber of skilled craftsmanship. In fact, Gazzotti eventually became know as the favourite flooring supplier to the Italian royal family, and its floors have been installed in Prada stores throughout the world."
"Over the years Gazzotti has revolutionized the art of fine flooring with the new techniques while remaining faithful to tradition. For example, in 1978 Gazzotti introduced ProntoParquet, a new pre-finished two-ply engineered floor that revolutionised the world of hardwood flooring and drastically changed its construction. Always ahead of the curve, this same innovation flooring received the Ecotop 20 prize in 2000 for the best wooden flooring with an eco-friendly finish." Which we all love to hear an eco-friendly solutions to flooring!
IDEE17 is the Canadian representative of this unique and stunning brand. When Micheal showed me the pieces in person, I was even more impressed, let alone the endless styles of laying flooring now. This is definitely going to make a statement and change the way we design spaces!

It's all about the floor!!

Oh LaLa!!
until next time,
w&c design girl!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Small Space Nursery

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

How do you make room for baby in a home with tight quarters? Jo Alcorn shows us her favourite furniture pieces for a "small space" nursery!
A lot of us live in lofts/condos and smaller homes these days - or maybe you're a grandparent looking for the perfect crib to have on hand for visits - there are some incredible pieces on the market that are perfect for these situations.
This multifunctional piece from Ikea serves as a change table with storage and then becomes a great little bookshelf when your baby is older - just remove the table attachment!
The wall-mounted Nathi Folding Changer is the perfect solution if you're pressed for space or just don't want to see a change table in full view at all times.
We just LOVE this bassinet by Stokke! A simple kit converts it to a crib, toddler bed, junior bed and a desk!
The Alma crib is brilliant in so many ways! It's light-weight and easy to move, folds up in a jiffy making it perfect for small spaces and travel- not to mention being the ideal piece for proud grandparents!
We instantly fell in love with the Monte Grano glider for its clean lines and simple, uncluttered design. Not only is it design-savvy and ideal in a small space, it's a dream to sit in.

Where To Get It:

Hensvik cabinet from Ikea
Nathi Folding Table from Ella and Elliot
Stokke Bassinet to Crib from Moms to Be...and More
Monte Grando Glider from Moms to Be...and More
Alma Crib in Green from Moms to Be...and More
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Canadian Blogger Event Was Another Success!


"Two Saturdays ago, Canadian Design bloggers united for a fun evening in Toronto. We gathered at Brassaii restaurant, where Tommy Smythe joined us with an inspiring presentation of a recent trip to Scandinavia. It was so fun to get this really great group of talented bloggers together to catch up in person. The night was a huge success, and it is with much thanks to Ikea for their amazing support, Delta for their support and generosity, and new sponsor CIL, that contributed to a magical evening. I have been working away at getting this night together for months, and I am so pleased a the result. Thanks also to Daniella of Dress Design and Decor for all her work pulling this event together."
Tommy's Slide Show was GREAT!

Food was AMAZING!
Catching up with Friends, so much fun!
Winning a door prize, icing on the cake!!
Here's our stunning host in Blue .... Thanks Vie and the CDN Blogger group for a great night!
And thank you to Delta, Ikea and CIL the sponsors! Great showcase.
Can't wait till the next one!!
Until then,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Delta’s Smart Solutions!

Okay if you haven’t bought a touch faucet from Delta yet – you better go get one!!

I just love them. They are such a show stopper in any space and so user friendly when you’re cooking! I had the pleasure of using the product first in a clients home and then on my pilot for a new design show. They come in a few different colours and styles and all I can say is:


“how did I live without one before!” http://www.deltafaucet.com/smarttechnology/touch2o-technology.html


Those who have issues with touching surfaces with your hands after working with meat, or if your hands are always covered in baking goods, this will be your best friend for sure! It just makes life that easier in the kitchen and who doesn’t need that. The technology is unbelievable, you can touch any spot on the faucet and it will work, at first I thought there would only be certain areas, but nope the entire unit has this smart technology built into it! I almost feel that we are in the space ages with this technology in the kitchen, living like the Jepsons! hehe

Well I really don’t have much to say but that I love it and I just wanted to

share it with all of you!
P.S: it helps conserve water too!! Stay Green!!

Until next time
w&c designer girl!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Montreal - Bouclair

Had the pleasure of traveling to the stunning city of Montreal last week and while I was there I was able to meet up with the talented crew of Bouclair Home!! It was a true pleasure to meet the very charming and young may I add President and his very talented support team, who has turned the image and feel of Bouclair completely around. For many we still remember Bouclair as a fabric store with a few accessories, however if you haven't been to a store lately, it is completely different!! You will find well organized, colour coordinated aisles, cute and well priced fun accessories and of course a bit of their staple trademark, rows and rows of ready made drapery!! They are the perfect stop for those finishing touches on your make-over. http://www.bouclair.com/ Apparently there are even some more exciting additions and changes still to come to their new brand face lift. The young and zesty attitudes for life and fun is just the start of the 2003 business change over at Bouclair headquarters. "At Bouclair Home, we are focused on three things: Home, Fashion and Value. Our people are constantly traveling the globe in order to make sure we have exciting new products for you every single week. We work hard to ensure that we can offer you the best price."
And on a side note I took in a bit of the Formula 1 events,
and the Rihanna Concert!! Amazing!!! Drake as the surprise guest :) Plus had the pleasure of meeting Lynn Spence a long time admirer of her CityLine segments!

Thanks Bouclair for a fabulous meet and greet in Montreal!!

with love and until next time,
w&c designer girl!

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