What is good design?

I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at a condo model for an upcoming new development in downtown Ottawa. This model was designed and decorated by a Toronto based firm.

Since my blog is not about trashing other designers, the firm will remain nameless. But after my viewing I found myself asking many questions, but mainly - what is good design? The condo model is definitely unique but I personally feel that good design is not just having a spectacular looking place but one that is really functional. This model was a large enough space (approx. 1,000 sq. ft) but it felt so small. The proportions were way off. The kitchen island was double the size of a normal island (which would have been a great way to add pot and pan drawers) leaving a tiny dinning space where a table with four chairs was squeezed into the unit. The large kitchen island also impacted the size of the living room, where there was only enough space for a love seat. The storage in the kitchen was extremely limited, the cabinets were not even deep enough to store dinner plates!! The light fixtures were very heavy looking and did not provide much light. The master bathroom was not well laid out - there wasn't any storage for basic personal items or even a garbage can. The kitchen sink was not very deep, not at all useful for a man needing to fill the sink to shave. The colour scheme was not much better it consisted of stark white walls and 'splashes' of charcoal grey. The overall feeling was very cold, lifeless and impractical. I later found out that just about every finishing in the space was an upgrade. This leaves the potential purchasers wondering what will they get for their money without paying a penny more for the condo.

In order for a model to be truly successful it must 'work' for the clientele. Could you host a dinner party in the space? Could you host family Christmas? Is there enough storage for basic items such as glassware, crockery and cutlery? Is there enough closet space for his and her wardrobes? Is the space organized with day to day activities in mind? Such as, the dishwasher in a practical spot, a living room that can fit sufficient seating or a bathroom where one can store their personal items instead of leaving them out for all to see. When buying new, pay attention to the specifications to find out exactly what you will be getting. Unfortunately, the condo model was missing a lot of the practical essentials.

When shopping for a condo or any home, it is so important to look beyond the flash and splash, take a look at the functionality of the space. The best way to do that is to walk through the space and imagine your day to day life. Pretend to unpack groceries and unload the dishwasher to see if the kitchen layout works for you. Open up the closets and see if you have enough space for you (or all of you). Check out the bathroom for layout and storage. Know the dimensions of your existing furniture to see if it will fit in your new place - this also helps if you are moving into a smaller or larger space, as you will have a good idea of what to buy and what to get rid of.

It is very easy to be swept away by a decorated model. The decorated model helps in some ways but it can also seduce you, and sway you into a purchase that may not be right for you. Go to a model viewing with a firm idea of what you are looking for, what you need and what you get for what you pay.

30 minute room makeover ideas

I am sure many of you would agree that most of the room makeovers we see on TV or in magazines are quite expensive and intrusive. So here are some quick and easy fixes to give your room (any room) a makeover in 30 minutes or less.

a -- storage solutions. how about a small box for remote controls, or a large serving tray to cover a coffee table surface. large serving trays are great ways to display collections on a console table or to keep books and magazines organized on a bedside table. add some candles and a vase with flowers to create a very small vignette. organizing your space can really make it feel new and fresh.

b -- new seat cushions. if you have chairs that allow for cushions, change them up and add some pop with colour or texture. choose a colour you love (and can live with) and you can play it up throughout your space.

c -- install a floating shelf. a new shelf can go anywhere - kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or any room. they are a great way to eliminate clutter from photos, artwork, or collections from surface space. they help dress up your walls and bring attention to the pieces you place on it.

d -- hardware. change it up but be sure to measure the handles spread (if you have handles right now, knobs allow you to select a knob, pull or handle). but don't neglect the hardware on your furniture pieces, that too can really change up the look of a room.

e -- new lamp shades. another great way to add colour or pattern to a room, but remember to choose a colour that will work with the other colours you have injected into the space. also try a new shape of shade.

f -- area carpet. this works well in the living room under the coffee table, in the bedroom or perhaps (depending on the size of ...) your bathroom. this adds texture, pattern and/or colour.

g -- add a new shower curtain and don't forget the hooks. this can really freshen up your space and create a spa like atmosphere. don't see anything you like? purchase a curtain (intended for a 'dry' room) and be sure to have a waterproof shower liner to keep it dry. the hooks add some shine to the space.

h -- new seating. you can never have too much but it can get expensive, so add stools or cubes in a material such as a leather, rattan, or micro suede. this not only adds seating but some colour and/or texture and perhaps storage.

i -- peel and stick tiles. not for the floor but the back splash. Home Depot has some reasonably priced peel and stick metallic tiles for the back splash. this is a bit more permanent that the other suggestions but if you are looking to update a kitchen, make a big impact but spend little money - this will do all of that. easy to install.

With a long winter still ahead of us, a room makeover can give you something fun and exciting to do. Try all or some of these but a room makeover can really beat the winter blahs.

2010 Decor Trends

Fashion and Home Fashion have often echoed each other but often a season or two behind each other. In 2010, you will notice that the two types of fashion will be on the same page in the same season. Here are the up coming decor trends for 2010!

1 -- Grey. All shades and tones will be seen for walls, furniture and accessories. You will also be seeing a lot of grey kitchen cabinets. A great way to introduce greys to a room full of brown is to bridge the two colours together with some taupe accents. Taupe is a blend of the two colours and can help make an easier transition from brown to grey.

2 -- Black. Yes, Black! Just like your clothing black adds drama and sex appeal. You will see many black accessories for rooms that are traditionally dramatic such as the dining room and the master bedroom. You will even see black wall treatments in stencils, wall paper and paint. If you are hesitant to try black on your walls, try throw pillows, throw blankets and artwork instead.

3 -- Metallic, especially gold. Gold is making a huge impact but be careful not to go overboard. You will be seeing some metallic accents in wall papers and also in accessories. A little gold can go a long way.

4 -- Matte and sheen together. Stick to colour tones that work together, shades of grey work really well with this trend. Keep your bigger pieces matte and add sparkle with accessories. We will even be seeing area rugs with subtle sheen. Sheen is great year round and not just for the holiday season. Look for sparkly vases, trays and other bobbles.

5 -- Day beds. This trend works best in over sized rooms such as a great room or a large master bedroom. The day bed screams luxury and is perfect for morning coffee, evening cocktails or a cat nap in the afternoon. Add pillows and throws for comfort and style.

6 -- Gloss and semi-gloss paint. You will be seeing this type of finish on walls in 2010 and not just trim. again, it adds that sparkle but in a subtle way and it's also very easy to clean!

7 -- Tartan and Tweed. Think traditional Ralph Lauren, equestrian and English Countryside. This look is not a loud one but it's very luxurious and involves a lot of layers. The colour tones are very neutral (cream, beige, camel, caramel) and involves texture from menswear but used for pillows and upholstery. Sweater knits as blankets too.

8 -- "Rich Hippie" or Boho chic. This look also involves a lot of layering but of different types of materials and styles. This look involves natural elements (driftwood, stone, wool and fur). This look is also a blend of comfort and luxury. This style should be or at least look like the various pieces were collected from travels not from a trip to the store. Blending various textures and colours is key and the mantra is - more is more. This look does look best when there is some kind of colour palette.