Pantone Colour of 2013 - Emerald Green

Every year Pantone announces their pick for the next years' colour and for 2013 it is Emerald, pantone 17-5641.  This colour will be seen in fashion, beauty, interiors and any other place where you see colour.

Emerald is often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones.  It is perceived as sophisticated & luxurious.  It is also the colour of renewal, growth and prosperity.  Many think of green as healing and soothing.   Of course we seen green in abundance in nature.  It is seen more than any other colour in the spectrum.

 

SOFA hosts the Canadian launch of Houzz.com

It has been a busy week for those in the design world...

I am a little late in posting this but it really has been a bit nutty with all the happenings. I must stay put and do some work but it has been a fun time getting out and about at events and seeing many new products.  One product which I already use is Houzz.   On November 29th,  SoFA , www.visitsofa.com hosted the Canadian Launch of Houzz, www.houzz.com which is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device.

Houzz connects homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world.  Houzz is an easy way for people to find design and decor inspiration and advice.  Houzz starts the creative juices flowing but you then really need to find a designer or decorator to help you carry out your findings and bring about a great space. Houzz is a tool which assists us all and is less cumbersome than carrying around magazines with your picks.  You can create your wish list in an easy to use place and have it available whenever you require it.

Somewhere between 500 and 700 people in the design industry attended this fabulous event.  Thanks to SoFA's Director of Marketing, Linda Kafka, this was definitely a successful event. There were great hors d'oeuvres, great wine and the fun of connecting with others in this great industry.  I met some new people and caught up with some I already knew.  Lots of fun.  All of the showrooms were open and there were additional kiosks set up around the building to visit.  Lots of draws which is always fun.   Cheryl Tiegs was among those in attendance and she spoke and then met attendees in the AGA/Marvel Showroom after the presentation.  Liza Hausman, VP for Houzz presented the results from a new Houzz study on building, remodeling and decorating from the Canadian homeowners perspective . www.houzz.com

Christmas Decorating at My Home....

It all starts at the Entrance....

This year I decided to add some of the warm copper colour that is so popular and looks nice with the greenery and silver touches.  A little snow would make it look much better...

CDECA GTA West Display Window at SoFA....

Every 2 - 3 months a group of CDECA decorators get together and create a 'themed' window display at SoFA, www.visitsofa.com.  So far we have done many great 'displays' primarily using the products available at the showrooms located at SoFA along with a few purchased items.  One might think how can several creative people agree on a theme and way to display it, but it works and we have a great deal of fun.  It is a bit of work collecting and then placing the different items, but it is also like playing so to speak.  We receive a great deal of positive feedback from people who work at SoFA and those who come there to do business.  Our most recent display was completed last week and it is...

Setting your table for the Holiday Party Season: 3 different looks- Modern Glitz, Traditional Favourites, and Rustic Charm

Modern Glitz

Traditional Elegance

Refiined Rustic

How to Make a Christmas Indoor Planter

It's that time of year and I am busy getting ready for some celebrating with family and friends.  One of my favourite things is to decorate the house for the holidays and I thought I would share this planter I made this year which can be placed on a kitchen island, counter or a console table....

Start with a rectangular container.  This one is a lightweight stone 

composite but anything in this shape will work fine.                        

  Add the greenery

 Add three Red Amaryllis

 Start to 'create' using berry picks, apples, pears and birch tree branches (from fallen dead trees)

 The finished product

Here is another simple decor idea that could be placed on the back of the toilet tank; on a slim ledge or anywhere you would like a little festive touch...

Start with a glass container (this one from Crate & Barrel);  www.crateandbarrel.ca; add some river stones, green moss, moss balls and some wooden cranberries.  If desired, you can also add some 'battery" tea lights

p.s.  my photography skills are not so great but you get the idea.  Have fun creating and watch for more DIY's!!