Eco-friendly Arizona!

I just returned from a short stint in Scottsdale, Arizona and everywhere I travel I like to check out what is happening in design and decor trends. I wasn't sure what to expect in the southern US state but I was really impressed!

The style of homes is what anyone would expect to see in that part of the world - Spanish influenced bungalows with clay roofs and white stucco walls but it was the interior and landscaping elements that I really enjoyed viewing.

Since Arizona is in a desert region, they really keep that in mind when it comes to their decor. The landscaping (for the most part, golf courses being the exception - and there are many in Scottsdale) consisted of sand and stone "front lawns", with restrictions on water use and working with the existing climate this is eco-friendly, functional and stylish. Arizona is a state that has strict laws on preserving their cacti and other regional vegetation, which is so beautiful. Any other plants wouldn't work with the landscape which makes this place so special.

The interiors are no different. I saw a lot of eco-friendly materials used in many ways. Driftwood for example was not just used for firewoood but to create art (the twisted branches resemble many pieces of sculpture one might find in a gallery) and also used in furniture. Driftwood tables and chairs have a truly organic look and feel. Bamboo was also widely seen and not just in vases and flooring but all in fabrics. Bamboo makes incredibly soft textiles for towels and bed linens. Pima cotton (which is the softest of all cottons) is locally grown and also used a lot in Arizona. Other materials that are both true to nature and stylish - slate tiles on floors and walls, ledge stone (around fireplaces and as wall treatments), cow hide (area rugs, sofa chairs and decor pillows), leather and feathers. Now I know this is sounds like a southwest restaurant but these elements were mixed with a lot of modern touches such as minimalist styled furniture, clean lines in cabinets and other fixtures and some stainless steel to add some sparkle.

You hear so much about waste and consumerism in the US so it was surprising for me to see a state that is so very focused on making environmentally responsible choices and keeping it local (which we don't see too often in decor).

If you like southwest style but think it can too much or over the top. Take a look at the above photo from the Firesky resort in Scottsdale. It is an excellent example of the unique blend of eco-friendly, modern and the local flavour you find in Arizona and could introduce in your home too.

Favourite things - Wall Tattoos

What is a wall tattoo? It is a vinyl decal that sticks to your wall adding some funk and colour but can be re-used and does not damage your wall!

What is a wall stencil? It is a template where the design must be painted on. It is more time consuming, tricky to get just right and is only removable by painting over it!

Why do I love wall tattoos? Well, they are funky, colourful and they add a lot of personality to any room. They are easy to "install" and they can be removed without any damage. But they are also an inexpensive alternative to wall art. The wall tattoo I purchased for my son's nursery cost $34.99 and was purchased at my local RONA.

Do they come in different colours? Yes, they do. The kids series is very colourful and thematic. Fairies, Pirates, Animals and Fish are all available in the kids line. But for more "grown up" spaces, you'll find leaf motifs, stars, bamboo, and more; and in colours such as white, grey, charcoal, black, green, brown and red.

Where can I put a wall tattoo? Anywhere even moist areas like the bathroom. I personally find they make a bigger impact in a smaller room like a powder room or a child's room but they can go anywhere.

Where can I find wall tattoos? I have purchased mine at RONA. but they are also available at HomeSense and some craft stores.

Look for...Wall tattoos by Mur*Mur (a Canadian Company).

Deck the walls with funky decals....lalalalalalalala.....

Area Rugs - why use them?

A lot of people use rugs in order to bring a bit of color and style to their home. If your flooring is dull at best, you may be able to use one of these in order to bring things together a bit. For instance, when you move into a new home you may not like the flooring that is in place. But at the same time, you may not have the money needed to get everything redone. If you are in this position, a great compromise is to use a bunch of area rugs. For a little bit of money you can change the entire look and feel of a room.

Rugs are a great way to cover up any imperfections that you may have in your home. This includes everything from marks on your wall-to-wall rugs to pet stains. Anything that you want to cover up on your floors can be done with the use of an area rug. This may not be the best choice for you, but it is one to consider if you are looking for a quick, cheap fix.

You can use rugs as a way of keeping your flooring clean. For instance, many people use these in every room where there is a door that leads to the outside. This way, when people come into your home, they will step onto a floor rug before they get to your good flooring. This gives them the chance to wipe their feet off, and if not, at the very least they will be able to clean up just a bit. So as you can see, area rugs are meant for much more than good looks. They can also help to preserve the good look of the rest of the floors in your home.

Area rugs are also a great way to define your living spaces. If you live in an open concept place it can be difficult to plan the dining room, family room and living room spaces - by placing area rugs in those places you can have a firm idea of how the open space is to be used.

Hardwood flooring is a great feature in your home whether living or selling. It's easy to clean and looks great but area rugs add warmth, colour, practicality and purpose; and they do not have to be expensive try stores such as IKEA, CarpetSense, Wal-Mart and Home Depot for some inexpensive yet stylish options. With so many reasons to use floor rugs, it is a wonder that so many people do without year in and year out. Consider the benefits of using area rugs before you decide against laying them in your home.

Feng Shui Your World

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive life force or energy.

Feng shui is not a superstition or a set of dos and don'ts. It is the art and science of understanding the forces of nature in order to design houses and workplaces that blend with the environment instead of clashing with it. It aims to help us live in harmony with the world by promoting the flow of positive energy and neutralizing or avoiding negative or destructive energy.

The practice of feng shui is one related to nature. Nature, being composed of living things or those that breathe, also breathes. It gives out a universal and spiritual energy called "qi" (pronounced chi) whose direction is dependent on two vital elements – wind and water. Wind carries energy and thus symbolizes nature’s change and transformation. It also signifies action, fervor and enthusiasm. Water, meanwhile, holds energy and thus symbolizes stability as well as internal strength, meditation and psychological power.

Feng shui has quickly evolved from a new age trend to a decorating phenomenon widely practiced by professional decorators and amateurs alike. Decorating and feng shui principles work well together. A room does not have to be decorated with flutes and bamboo in order to use feng shui. Decorating with feng shui principles involves the movement of energy and moving blocked areas so energy moves at a balanced pace around the entire home. Feng shui practitioners will use all types of tools to move this energy. This could involve decorating with mirrors, water, plants, color, sound, scent, and more.

Colours and Feng shui

Black or blue, associated with water energy, support inner work, helping us to concentrate, contemplate, mediate and handle creative endeavors. Blue can slow the heart and breathing rates and lower blood pressure. It can be used to increase coolness, to calm and to create privacy.

Green is associated with wood energy, that of growth, decisiveness and action. It can motivate internal change.

Red is associated with fire, which supports life energy. It’s the color of blood, and can increase heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. It also can promote activity and alleviate depression. It’s clearly the color of passion and love.

Yellow is associated with earth energy, representing Mother Earth. It can cheer, infuse with hope, clarify and elevate mental activity. It also creates a sense of stability and nurturing. Yellow is often used for children with dyslexia to help improve focus.

White and metallic colors are associated with metal energy. They can support carefulness and focus, as well as purity.

Combination Colors

Mixing colors also mixes the feng shui energies related to them.

Salmon, a combo of yellow/orange and red/orange, is a unique balance of earth and fire elements that’s quite harmonious. Use salmon to call attention to the heart of a space, create a sense of abundance and encourage conversation.

Turquoise, a blue-green combo, evokes the qualities of wood and water. It has both the contemplative qualities of blue and the life of green, making it a great choice for spaces that allow movement and growth.

Lavender, a mix of the qualities of blue and purple, can evoke a sense of calm, spirituality, contemplation and quiet. Use lavender to minimize high activity, calm a stressful situation or create a special spiritual space. Lavender is best not used in spaces where conversation or high activity is encouraged.

The influence of color is an important aspect to decorating through feng shui eyes. We respond to colors subjectively. In China, decorating with the color red brings good luck. Red is frequently on the front door. Decorating with red is not the only color of good fortune. Yellow and purple are very auspicious to have in the decor. In Feng shui, yellow has been considered an Imperial color that many Feng Shui masters find it more beneficial than red. Decorating with green is a color of freshness, peace and growth. Darker decorative colors can either be relaxing or depressing, light colors can be uplifting or annoying, and extreme colors can be exhilarating or aggravating. If there is a certain room in the home that an argument always occurs, check out the color and the way it is decorated. Does the room have aggressive decorative objects? Is the color irritating? If you feel good in the home of a friend that is decorated with colors and objects you love, remember that when deciding how to decorating your own home or apartment. For some reason, the decorating scheme works with your sensibilities. Begin to "feel" the room with Feng shui in mind.

Some basic Feng shui ideas for decorating and designing rooms and houses include: avoiding floor plans with small cramped rooms, keep the design free flowing. Avoid long hallways because the energy moves too quickly down the hall. Avoid excessive overhead lighting. Choose warm full spectrum lighting instead. While decorating with Feng shui, keep sharp corners to a minimum. Place healthy plants in a decorative manner throughout the home. Arrange couches and chairs in a way that allows people to see the door and for easy conversation. Be careful of too many knick-knacks. This can mean decorative clutter and it can quickly get out of control. Decorating through Feng Shui principles is not hard, just feel the space and follow a few good Feng shui ideas to decorate a home that’s great to live in.

Bringing sexy back into the bathroom

The idea of moving into a new home that the builder has outfitted with your wish list of upgrades can be hard to resist. But builder upgrades can be very costly. Even relatively simple items, such as a few pot lights that would normally cost a homeowner a few hundred dollars, can spike by a couple of hundred per cent when you ask your builder to install them. At the same time, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your new home until you have lived in it for a while. Does it need three pot lights or four? Where should the lighting be placed? What colour of tile would work best? Why not wait until you havemoved in to decide. Then you can make the upgrades yourself, and keep the money in your pocket rather than fill your builder’s.
Ready to turn your basic, boring bathroom into a swank, sexy space?

1 -- Replace the shower head. The most basic of upgrades but one that can make a big difference in your morning shower, the three-outlet upgraded shower head is pure luxury but without a high price tag. Even a somewhat handy person can make this change.

2 -- Replace the basic mirror. All builders use a very simple basic mirror that is usually quite plain or if you are really unlucky, very dated. But this is a simple fix, go to any home furnishings store and find the mirror section (make sure you have measured your space). Replace your boring builder mirror with a more current one. If you can find one with a unique frame this can really make your space a special one.

3 -- Replace the vanity. This change is bit more costly and recommended in a resale home as opposed to a new build. The existing vanity was classic builder’s basic or perhaps original to the home—functional but boring. A new dark-wood vanity, bought off the shelf at Home Depot or Rona, can come complete with marble top and vessel-style sink, which can give any bathroom a modern flair at a reasonable price point.

4 -- Replace the light fixture. A single fixture over the vanity and one over the bathtub is the builder basic but it leaves the room unevenly lit and dim. Adding two pot lights in the middle of the ceiling makes the room bigger, cleaner and brighter. Adding inexpensive upgraded light fixture above your mirror completes the lighting modification needed to create an expensive looking bathroom.

5 -- Accessorize! By adding some decor pieces that work with your theme (beach, spa etc...) can be the finishing touch to setting the tone to your new bathroom. Look for a small plant, guest soaps or a unique soap dispenser, pieces such as beach glass, shells or starfish, some art to hang on the walls. Don't forget the towels - look for a colour that works with the space right now crisp white towels with a touch of chocolate are really popular but whatever you choose make it consistent. The Dora the Explorer towels might be on sale and would work in a child's bathroom but they should not be used for your adult guests. Buy in bulk and look for sales, most department stores run a promo sale on towels a few times a year.

Even though it is just a bathroom remember this is part of your home to, and your guests will want to feel welcome in all areas of your home. If you are looking at selling now or in the near future, the bathroom space(s) are very important on the resale market. After speaking with members of the Bennett Real Estate pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) their agents mentioned that the bathrooms were an important factor in selling any home. Potential buyers are looking for clean, well-maintained and current bathroom spaces. When showing your home make sure any repairs have been fixed, the bathroom is spotless, all personal items are stored away to show off counter space and adding some decor such as a plant and clean towels, goes a long way. A bathroom can make an impact on your guests (or potential buyers) and your ensuite should be a place to escape and enjoy!

Why hire a designer?

It's funny I meet with different clients everyday and the reaction to what I do varies from each individual. Some say "Wow, how exciting!" and others roll their eyes as if to say "that's an actual job?" Some people are very intimidated at the idea of meeting a designer let alone hiring one but it's important to remember that a designer is a professional and not someone who should be going into your home and making it reflect their personal style - they are there to help you!

What can a designer do for you?
A designer is there to help you plan your space and make it yours. They should be asking questions like - what are your favourite pieces in this room? What do you like about this room? What don't you like about this room? What do you do in this room? The designer should be thinking about the functionality of the space, your budget and of course, the look. Having an open dialogue with your designer is so important, it helps the designer visualize the space and create a room the client has always dreamt of. Any designer who barges into your home and dictates which pieces to keep or toss, which colours to use and which fabrics/fixtures you need, is not a designer that is thinking about you or your lifestyle.

Where do I start?
Many of my clients claimed that they did not have a personal style. But that is impossible. Everyone makes style decisions and sometimes without even realizing it! Why did you decide to wear/buy the patterned shirt and not the solid one ? You make that selection based on your preference but you likely do not look at it that way. When it comes to personal style there is no right or wrong - but a designer can help you with your personal style and how to incorporate it into your space. I give my clients these two tips when it comes to finding their personal style.

1- This is a good tip if you are already in your home and are meeting a designer to help you personalize your space. Choose five favourite items in your home. Could be anything - a picture frame, artwork, a ceramic vase, a souvenir - anything. Lay these objects out when you are meeting your designer and he/she will learn a lot about you - your style and interests. Then choose your five favourite pieces of clothing. Lay these out as well for your designer to view. This will tell him/her a lot about your lifestyle (ex: laid back, formal etc...) and a preferred colour palette. The entire room or home will not be covered in old denim with trinkets from Mexico all over the place but it gives the designer a starting point and let's him/her understand you much better.

2 - This tip is best for those who are about to move into a new place and are starting from the beginning or someone who is looking for a total makeover. Go through magazines - home decor ones are best but fashion is OK too- and tear out any images that you are attracted to. Keep these clippings in a folder. When you meet with your designer present the images to him/her and go through them together. Explain to him/her what you liked about each one. You will likely notice a pattern or similarities such as the colour tones, types of furniture or the overall look (modern, country etc...) Everyone has a personal style, sometimes you need a bit of inspiration to unleash it.

It is important to remember that telling a designer "I want to re-decorate" is a very open ended request and everyone's interpretation is different. It is important to communicate openly about what you want to do and how much you want to spend. It might seem like a lot of work to meet, consult, discuss, look at magazines and discuss again but a designer is there to help you and has your best interests in mind. This is a big project and you want it done right the first time. A designer is a professional and should understand all of the aspects of your space, lifestyle, likes and dislikes. A designer should have these 5 words in mind when designing your space - interesting, inviting, comfortable, smart and appropriate.

Who am I designing for?

This is a very important question for designers. As a designer, it is really important to know what your objective is. Is the home to be used as a sales tool for a builder to sell homes? Is it for a client to sell their existing home? Or, is it for a client who wants to imprint their personal style in their space?

A good designer will be able to give their input about how they feel the space could or should look (maybe with some ideas about furniture placement to maximize space or some tricks on how to emphasize high ceilings) but it is just as important to also take the client's ultimate objective into the main plan and blend the two together. Some designers make the mistake of creating a look that appeals to the wrong demographic or create a look that reflects their own personal style on that of the homeowner or the clientel.

It is very important to make sure you research the target market for the product and create your decor plan based on those results. For example, if you are designing a home located in the country, you want the decor look to reflect nature and a chalet chic style not a sleek, modern city style you might find in a downtown condo. Another important factor is the age of the potential purchaser and which stage they are at in their life - downsizing, just starting out or a young family - their needs and wants will all be different and they will all be looking for different elements. It is important to decorate and design to appeal to as many purchasers as possible.

How can you tell if a show home is a success with the public? Direct feedback is one way but there are some signs to watch for - are the guests sitting on the furniture? If they are that's a great sign, it means they feel comfortable and can visualize themselves in the space. Are they talking about how they would place their furniture pieces in the home? Again, another sign of them visualizing themselves in the space. If a client spends a lot of time in the show home, that means that they feel comfortable and want to be there. A show home or a staged home is a key sales tool so it is important that it is done right from the beginning. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression.

Top 9 decor trends for 2009

What will we be seeing in 2009?

1 -- Neutral colours. A return to calm and soothing environments. Colours are softer and neutrals make a space feel clean, open and they are versatile. As a society we are becoming less "disposable" and longevity is very important.

2 -- Texture. Add visual interest and dimension to any room. Texture can also help create a mood, it can make a space feel warm and inviting or modern and cool. We are seeing a comeback of the shag rug (although a more current style), cowhide, leather and glass. We are seeing texture in all areas - pillows, blankets, upholstery and decor pieces.

3 -- Looks. There is not one look at is in this year but a vary of looks that incorporate different tastes and styles.

a. Industrial meets organic - think stainless steel appliances meshed with a warm honey wood table with sleek modern chairs. Really modern, abstract art pieces with minimalist influence in furniture but with a coffee table that looks like it was directly removed from nature.

b. 70's inspiration. This decade is making a comeback but with some modernity. The shades of avocado green and rusty orange are softer but also placed on pillows or in artwork not appliances or kitchen cabinets. Bold, graphic patterns are used to upholster decorative chairs or couch cushions. Textures such as the shag rug are used for area rugs not wall-to-wall carpeting.

c. Hollywood glam. Clean white walls with black and white accessories such as artwork, vases and pillows. Divine and delicate accessories such as framed mirrors add sparkle just like the beautiful jewels on the red carpet. Lacquered furniture pieces add a higher level of sophistication.

d. Safari chic. In 2009 we will be seeing a lot of animal prints in all areas of fashion. This look combines soft, organic fabrics, soft nature-inspired colours and animal prints in pillows, area rugs and upholstery. Giraffe print being the print to look for. This look is more laid back and casual. Great for a family home!

4 -- Green accessories. Our approach to becoming more aware of our environment is also influencing decor. Many major furniture designers and distributors such as The Brick are introducing Eco-friendly furniture lines. Organic fabrics are becoming more readily available, fair trade items and bamboo accessories are more affordable and easier to find.

5 -- Comfort. Furniture is becoming more functional and less formal. People are looking for materials that are durable and easy to care for.

Furniture that is both beautiful and elegant yet easy to maintain.

6 -- Wallpaper. Has been making a comeback for a few years now but in 2009 we will be seeing more of it. Wallpaper is being used strategically and not all over one room. Instead of painting an accent wall in a bold colour, designers are using graphic printed wallpaper on one wall to make a statement. Wall stencils (now referred to as Wall tattoos) are also used to create a similar look. Wallpaper can be seen in large room such as a Masterbedroom suite or even smaller rooms like a powder room. Either way wallpaper is making a major impact!

7 -- The outside/inside living space. with many people downsizing into small spaces, the outdoor area has become even more important to creating a lifestyle. Patio furniture has really evolved and it is just as comfortable as your favourite couch or chair. Outdoor furniture is also very low maintenance, durable and attractive. Many people have also create outdoor spaces with fireplaces or fire pits, outdoor kitchen and hot tubs.

8 -- Glass. Glass tiles are everywhere and there is so much variety in colours, shapes and sizes - 1x1 squares, planks, pebbles, circles of various dimensions, mosaics and one tone colour. Glass sculptures and vases are also widely used.

9 -- Pattern. Mixing pattern, bold and subtle is becoming more popular. By selecting your own fabrics to cover pillows or bedding, makes your spaces specials and unique. Select a pattern that works with the look that you are trying to achieve. Ask an expert such as C&M textiles as to which types of fabrics will be best for specific areas of the house, re-upholstering a chair would need a more durable fabric than a decorative pillow. Mixing patterns that compliment each other adds a deep layering effect that adds visual interest and dimension to any room. Look for patterns that have a similar thread such as colour or weight. Mix patterns which have a different degree of boldness - one should be the star and the others the supporting cast.

what is staging?

What is staging?

Staging is the un-decorating or de-personalizing of your home in preparation to sell.

When you first move in to your home you want to make it yours. You paint it the colours you like, you add personal photographs and your furniture is positioned to suit your lifestyle. But when it comes time to sell your home, you need to think about presenting your home's best features and assets and to make it appealing to as many potential purchasers as possible.

Here are the top tip to make your home looks its best before your first open house:

1. Clean up! Make sure the house is clean. Bathrooms, the kitchen and floors. It might seem like a lot of work but if you want top dollar for your home you cannot afford to "turn off" the guests at your open house. It is also really important to deorderize your house especially if you have pets!

2. De-clutter! Throughout our daily life we all accumulate clutter - the pile of bills, our bottles of vitamins on the bathroom countertop, small appliances on the kitchen countertop and stacks of papers and files in our home office, but it is so important to remove all of this clutter. Clutter makes any space feel much smaller and seeing as purchasers are likely looking for a larger space or at least a space that appears larger, you want to make sure your home feels spacious.

3. Repair! It is important to fix any repairs in the home. A cracked tile or a leaky faucet can tarnish the image of your home. Remember you want to present your home at its absolute best!

4. Colour! It is not necessary for everyone to re-paint their home before your realtor takes photos for the listing but you might want to consider painting if...your house has not been painted in about 10 years, if your home is currently painted in really bright or intense coulours such as deep reds or bright lime green, or if your walls are in bad shape. a fresh coat of paint can make a home feel clean and if you select the right tone, larger. Tones to look at should have a LRV (light reflective value) of 50 or higher.

5. Furniture! You want to make sure your furniture is clean so remove or cover stains and get rid of the pet hair - it just looks so much better. The positioning of the furniture is also very important and this is where you might want to get the help and advice from a professional. Just re-positioning or re-purposing your furniture pieces can make a huge impact. The way we place our furniture pieces can make a room look large or small and remember when it comes to selling your home, bigger is better!

6. De-personalize! This can be the toughest tip to follow especially if it is your family home you are leaving. When people come to tour through your home at the open house, it is important that they can see themselves living in your home and that can be hard with your family photos and memories all over the home. Just think of this part as pre-packing for your move and you'll see your photos again soon in your new home.

How do I get in touch with a stager? Some real estate teams have stagers on staff, such as the Bennett Real Estate Professionals, offer the services of a stager to their clients. They will even have the stager prep your home for the professional photographer so your listing photos look their absolute best!

The process of staging can seem like a lot of work but it is worth it. Staged homes sell faster and for more money!