Wooden you like to know...

How to use wood in a space, any space is such a common dilemma -  do I mix my wood tones? And, do I use a light stain or dark stain for my furniture?  Here are some helpful tips to solve this wood and wood stain problem.

We have seen a big trend toward the dark espresso stain for everything from flooring to cabinetry to furniture and it really is a dramatic and rich look but too much is too much.  A number of years ago when this dark stain was at the peak of trendiness my younger sister had just purchased a condo, when it came time to select her interior finishes she did not listen to me (that's family, I guess).  She went ahead and selected the espresso cabinets to match the espresso floors and her new espresso table and chairs.  I told her to mix up he wood tones to create contrast instead she ended up in a dark espresso cave.  Lucky for her, the flooring was installed improperly and every piece of hardwood flooring buckled and popped, so when it came time to replace the flooring she listened to me and opted for a mid tone with an ashy finish.  We also added some cream slipcovers to her dining chairs to lighten and brighten.  Moral of the story - don't match all of your wood tones it doesn't have a sophisticated look or feel in the end!




When it comes to wood stains mix it up don't match it up!  look online or in magazines for ideas...

So to go light or dark with your furniture stain is really up to you and the look you want.  A dark stain is always more formal so if you want a formal dining room opt for a darker stain and the darker the stain the more dramatic the room will look. 




A lighter stain is always more casual and if you mix your stains (say a light base and chairs and a dark stain table top like I have in my eat-in kitchen)  that's casual, too.

  There's no right or wrong but just think about your lifestyle and how you want the space to look.  Love a dark stain but don't want a formal look?  Be aware of the style of table - is it a harvest table? or, a streamline contemporary table?  Use some different chairs to keep the look casual too.

Handcrafted chic

I love celebrating the talents of others!  My mother-in-law (who knits, quilts and crochets so well) recently taught me how to knit and I have really being enjoying this creative outlet and I also find it is a great way to reduce stress.  I'm still a novice but I'm having a lot of fun! 

I love this website www.etsy.com they truly celebrate the art of handcrafts. 

If you are looking for beautiful baby gifts or bedding, you will find some fabulous and very special options.


Like customized blankets and bedding.  To wall decals, to wall art and more...

You can find other great items for other rooms in the home, like stunning throw pillows and other fun decor items for the home

Each and every item is so unique and can add that touch of personality and personal style to your space. 

Decorating Island Style

I have had the absolute pleasure of spending the past 5 days in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in an incredible villa called ' Scotch on the rocks' .  This has been such a relaxing experience with the most spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the sounds and smells of the beach, an amazing staff, delicious homemade food and of course calming Island style decor...so what are the basics you need to know to capture soothing Island style in your home?



Island style is easy laid back living with very little fuss.  It's not fancy but it is so peaceful and functional, too.  It looks stunning especially with the beautiful backdrops of sea and sky.

The main ingredient would be colour selection.  Most warm climates (ranging from Greece to St. Martaan) take their inspiration from the sea.  Opting for light or white walls and adding accents of blue and/or Tera cota or espresso. 


Flooring is mainly large Travertine tile in sand tones and usually with a 'straight from nature' look and feel instead of some uber modern uniform look.  No carpeting at all (again for ease).  Sometimes you will see accents of hardwood usually in a dark espresso stain and wide plank.

Textiles are of natural and/or easy to wash fabrics in white, shades of blue and sometimes pattern including both of those colours.  And the bedrooms are often outfitted in white on white linens with pops of ocean blue.



Accents - you can capture the beach feel without going over board.  for accents and pops of colour and pattern, stay fresh with blue, white and yellow or green.  Pattern does not need to be nautical or ocean themed like nautical flags and shells and seahorses but stripes are a great look, tie dye (but in only two colour like white-blue or white yellow), paisley, tribal anything really as long as the colours are right.  Look for art that is soothing and calming - it could be Impressionist or abstract.  Look for lamps that have a Hemingway look or Beach glass but really keep it simple.  Bowls of tropical fruit can look cheesy but if done right can llok inviting, contemporary and bright.  Adding lots of white candles can give a beautiful and romantic glow in the evening.



Living by the beach is all about simplicity and relaxation, no one should feel like they are trapped in a museum.  You should be able to put your feet up and have a drink without worrying about wrinkling the sofa cushions or getting sand on the floor.  This look really i best in coastal environments but if you want to bring som of your favourite vacaction memories home with you, why not?

Easy gift wrapping ideas

Although wrapping gifts seems very time consuming and pointless - it can be beautiful, and it really shows the receipiant how much you care.  It is so special to see anyone put time and effort into creating something beautiful.

It doesn't have to be complicated, just adding some simple touches can take your wrapping to a whole new level.

1 - Add a beautiful ornament instead of a bow.  The ornament can be used year after year, too.  If this is somehitng you plan on doing for multiple people try buying a box or multi-pack of ornaments. 

2.  Add a beautiful tag - like peace and love tags from Etsy

3.  Add something edible like a small gift bag of mixed nuts, a chocolate Santa or a gingerbread cookie.

4.  Get creative with your colour choice for wrapping. Or get some metalic paper - very bright and bold

5.  Get the kids involved use stamps or let them paint a Christmas theme newsprint and use it as wrapping paper.

6.  Add an ornament that your child made, it adds a personal touch