Starting a new chapter!!

Well Its been a couple of years since my last post.  I had a lot going on during that time.  I simplified my business, had a total shoulder replacement, became a volunteer at our local hospital, sold my home, learned to live safely during this pandemic and became a gramma!!

Now that we are embarking on our 3rd chapter I have decided to resurrect my blog and incorporate parts of my former website which no longer exists.

I don't get out too much to events and showrooms, obviously, however I am keeping up via social media, magazines and home design shows on TV.  I had to do something to fill the gap during this time. Having sold my home we are currently looking for a new place in a new town. We are living in a hotel at present. When I find it I will share here.

This move was horrendous being that we had been in this house for 25 years.  One surely does accumulate a lot of stuff.  We donated to donation centres, rented a large bin for the driveway to dispose of stuff, went to the dump, sold some things and still required 5 men and a 53' moving van. We had Bronte Movers do our move and they are amazing and so organized.  The 5 men they sent to our home were the best I have ever dealt with and back in my early days we moved a lot so I know good movers. When our belongings were on the truck ready for storage I realized I would have to get rid of more when we finally move into our new home and start unpacking.  I will be donating much more!

Bye for now.  Will return soon!

 

Outdoor Living

Last week I attended a wonderful and educational two day conference on Outdoor Living at SOFA which was filled with a plethora of valuable information.  The venue was filled with designers, decorators, landscape and gardening professionals all interested in learning more about the ever growing area of Outdoor Design.    Outdoor spaces have come a long way from some folding chairs, a picnic table and hibachi.  We want to extend our time enjoying the outdoors and do it in the same comfort at our indoor spaces.  Many of the outdoor ‘rooms’ rival our indoor rooms.  Not only do these outdoor rooms add to our enjoyment but, if done well,  they add to the time we can spend outdoors.  We are so lucky to have so many options available nowadays and so many professionals who focus on this valuable added space to our homes.

Why create an outdoor space?  It can extend the time we have outdoors; it can increase the value of our homes and, add to our general wellbeing by offering a place for relaxation without the usual distractions found indoors; such as promoting communication when sitting around a fire.  We live in such a fast paced world it is just nice to venture outside and spend time doing nothing.  It becomes a retreat.

Where do we start to create this space?  To build a successful outdoor space many factors must be considered.  The very first thing to consider is how you want to use the space.  What is essential to your needs and wants? Is it for relaxing or entertaining?  How much time do you want to be outside? You then need to have a ‘space plan’ just as you would when designing your indoor space.  This helps with dividing the different outdoor rooms you will create.  Think about how you will enclose the space – fences or shrubs and how you will create privacy.   

Let’s consider the following elements -

Heating - There are many heat sources available and of course checking with your individual municipality by-laws is crucial before thinking of any type of fire.  Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning; fire pits or fire tables, electric heaters are all available.  Do you have a safe area on your property to have a live fire?

Cooking – Barbeque grills, wood-fired pizza ovens, bars, a complete outdoor kitchen which could include a refrigerator, sink, grill, storage cabinet, etc.

Seating – Do you want a place to eat and have dinner parties?  Then a table and chairs will be on your list. Do you like to relax and read outside or sunbathe? Lounge chairs and sectional seating have become very popular.  In fact some of the outdoor furniture seating arrangements are very similar to those we find inside.

Flooring – Will you have a deck or porch? Perhaps brick, stone, slate, stamped concrete. There are so many options available and depending on your property size and grade a professional will help you in making the best selection.

Landscape Materials and Plant Materials – this is where it is in your best interest to consult with the professionals on how to best add soft and hard surfaces to your property

Water – will you want a swimming pool, hot tub, pond or waterfall?

AV – Many of us want to listen to our music outside.  There are a full range of speaker options available which can actually be hidden within your plant material for a clean look. Some people desire an outdoor television which is available but, be sure to purchase one that is waterproof and has an anti-glare surface.

Shelter – will you want a covered porch, a sunshade, gazebo, sunroom or will an awning or umbrella be sufficient?

Lighting & Accessories – as is the practice for indoor decorating, the same principles hold for outdoors.  Lighting is one of the most important features for your space.  We see many types of pathway lighting and of course you can hire a landscape designer who will assist in offering you many other options.  Lighting can highlight certain features in your garden – deck, path, shrubs, fountain, pool, steps and so on.  Accessories are the fun stuff – garden sculptures, tabletop décor items, area rugs within the seating area.

By working with the professionals you can achieve a completely wonderful and useful outdoor living space.

                      Stay in touch for more information and images on outdoor living.

Along with the warm and hot weather this July, came some visits to CDECA Affiliates in Vaughan.  A group of decorators from the GTA West Chapter as well as from the Toronto Chapter made the trek to Vaughan and it was well worth the trip.  Our first stop was at Zilli Home which was an amazing showroom.  We were offered refreshments along with some information about Zilli and then Anna Staggopoulos gave us a tour of the several floors within the showroom.  I have to say it was difficult pulling the ladies away from this location.  Great deals, Great product lines and they look after our interests.  What could be better!  Here are just a few of the many photos I took that day.

Second on our list was a visit to the Prima Lighting showroom which rivals Elte in the lighting department and has some product lines exclusive to them.  All I can say is "Gorgeous"  We were given time to browse and then had a tour of the showroom by Sam Folino and he shared information on some of the different aspects of lighting, including the new types of bulbs and where they should be used.  The final stop was a concealed room which Prima is in the final process of readying for designers and decorators to use when they bring clients.  It will offer total privacy, WiFi, fabric samples, computer, AND refreshments.  How better to show a client your ideas.  Prima is also delving into furniture lines as well.  It is definitely a place to go.  For those who like to shop on line, Prima has the sister company 'Click Lighting'.  Check both out.

Of course we had to have a little nibble so off we went to Grazie Ristorante on Jane.  Absolutely fantastic Italian food and wonderful service.  Thanks to all who took care of us.

     

Last, but not least on our day was Orro Mosaic.  All I can say is Wow!  Michael Shikan gave us time to view the products and I can say I have never seen so many different, unique and fabulous mosaics available.  We were like kids in a candy store checking them out and then the best part was we got to select any samples we would like and they will be available to us in an easy to carry container for when we visit clients.  
Of course bringing clients to this showroom will really blow their mind.

All in all it was a great day and we are so lucky as a group of decorators to have such supportive and wonderful Affiliates.  Thanks to all

GTA West Chapter Annual Spring/Summer Luncheon

It is that time again..... time for our annual luncheon and once again we selected Il Fornello's in Oakville.  They have amazing food and a variety that suits every taste.  We all met on Monday and were joined by several of our great affiliates.  Affiliates presented some information on their products and new connections were made.  All in all a fabulous time was had by all.

GARAGE ORGANIZATION

Garage Organization and Storage is a common conundrum. We all have so many outdoor possessions these days that we end up using the garage as a catch all and the auto never sees the inside of it.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to maneuver through the garage without tripping on stuff and actually park car or two.

If you want to dream a little,  check out a garage 'man cave' designed by Ramsin Khachi at the National Home Show in 2011, built by Summerwood Products and featuring Ryobi products.

How about a suspended game table?

Two  other unique elements include the small indoor putting green and garage doors that are actually windows, too. The flooring choice here is perfect for a space where you will be using tools, making a mess and bringing in winter muck.

How about covering doors with chalkboard paint to serve as a note board and reminders? Inside houses compost and recycling

No man cave should be without a mini fridge and snacks.  Space for storing tires and bikes completes this space by Ransin Khachi

Now most of us will not be creating a man cave in the garage so if you are interested in proper storage and organization check a couple of suppliers below.  There are many more available on the market at a variety of price points so there is no excuse for a messy and unusable garage.  With Spring just around the corner, this is the best time to think about cleaning out this valuable real estate in your home.  You may even get the car(s) in.

California Closets

Canadian Tire

Garage in the Dream Home at the National Home Show with

products from Proslat