"ladybug, ladybug fly away home"

You will notice the ladybug on my profile and website, so I thought I would let you know how she came to be. When I created my logo I decided that I wanted an image to go along with it. Something that would catch the eye and be remembered.

I was humming to myself one day while out in the garden and a silly old nursery rhyme came to mind.

... ladybug ladybug fly away HOME

Since my business name was going to be FEEL AT HOME the ladybug just seemed to be a perfect fit.

A little ladybug perched warm and cosy on a leaf in the sun. I want all my clients to be just as comfortable ... I want them all to FEEL AT HOME

Don't Let Downsizing Get You Down

A cosy, comfortable home – filled with your favorite memories and treasures. You’ve watched your children grow and prosper, and when the grandchildren visit, they love to browse through the family portraits and snapshots grouped on every surface. They’re thrilled that you still have a basket of toys tucked under the coffee table – all the stuff their mom or dad played with. The sofas are covered with the lovely Afghans that you’ve painstakingly knitted or crocheted over the years – perfect for a nap in the afternoon.

Now you realize that it’s time to move into a smaller home, a condominium or an assisted living community.

• have the front steps become a challenge for your arthritic knees?
• does your house and yard require too much maintenance?
• would you rather be out having fun with friends and family?

The reality is - selling your home is not as easy as you think.

The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home, especially one that has been lived in for 20, 30 years or more. Even though you spent countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves, it means litte to the young couple viewing your home. They may enjoy a cursory glance at your old novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls. They may be awed by your china and crystal collection. Sadly, it will never feel like their home. Your personal style may interfere with a buyer's decision to stay long enough to really study the "bones" of the house. Potential buyers may feel as though they are intruding in your private life as soon as they walk in the door.

All real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering and de-personalizing and they’ll be the first to tell you so when you put your house on the market. Sure it’s difficult! But once, but a that “FOR SALE” sign goes up on the lawn you must start thinking of your home as “just a house”. It is a product that must be marketed to the masses. Buyers prefer a property that needs little or no work – busy lifestyles demand it.

You have to start packing anyway, so why not edit and redistributeeliminate your belongings at this stage of the move plangame. You’ll save valuable time if you only pack what you really intend to move. Sounds easy right?

The effort of clearing the clutter can take a toll – physically and emotionally. Moving at any time is difficult. Downsizing can be even more stressful for all family members because of the emotional attachment we have to long-time possessions. You do not need to get rid of all your treasures. There are many options for storage and display that will help you feel at ease.

- Aside from all the little things, it’s also time to redefine your rooms.

- Make sure that the living room is warm and inviting.

- Stacks of newspapers and magazines are a big no-no.

- Grandpa’s old recliner plunked in front of the TV might look like a permanent fixture – and scare away potential buyers.

- What about the dining room? Yes, it does make a great hobby and craft table. You but you’ll have to put the puzzle pieces and stamp collection away until the house is sold.

- Set the table with some of your fine china so everyone can see that it’s the perfect place for entertaining.

- Keep personal items and medications out of sight in the bedroom and bathroom.

Who can you turn to when your grown children have moved away or are too busy with their careers? Where can you find someone with a compassionate heart and an objective eye to help you sort and edit?

A Certified Redesign Specialist may be exactly what you need. They can:

- artfully arrange your furnishings to create intimate conversation areas and focal points that highlight the architectural selling features of the house;

- choose a neutral colour palette to refresh your rooms;

-arrange an estate or yard sale – everything from advertising to set-up, sale and clean-up;

- get you organized in your new home by placing furniture and hanging art on move-in day so that you feel settled immediately.

Realtors’ statistics indicate that a house will have the most viewings in the first 10 days that it is on the market. Get it ready BEFORE the sign goes up.

A staged home sells faster, very near the asking price – and you certainly deserve top dollar for your well loved home.

Get Your Asking Price ... or More

NOTE: This article has since appeared in the April 2006 issue of "Trade Talks" (a publication of the Brampton Board of Trade)

If you are thinking about putting your house on the market now and hope to sell, move and get settled as quickly as possible - home owners take note. The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home. Even though you spent countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves it means little to the young couple viewing your home. They may enjoy a cursory glance at your novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls. They may be awed by your china and crystal collection. But it will never feel like their home. They won’t be able to get past your personal style. You want them to feel at ease, welcomed and able to imagine themselves living there.

Real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering and de-personalizing and they’ll be the first to tell you so if they list your house on the market. Many of them use a redesigner (or home stager) or can recommend one to review their listings. Redesigners enhance a home’s appearance and create broad appeal, adjusting everything from furniture layout to interior colours. In a competitive real estate market, the small investment in these services has shown dramatic payback both in terms of average selling times and more importantly higher selling prices.

Most buyers will develop an opinion about a house within the first 60 seconds. Sometimes that opinion is formed by the appearance of the contents of the house. If you have ever been inside a model home, you have seen the impact of professional design. Redesigners create the same feel using your existing furniture and accessories.

Redesign consultants can also assist you in preparing the house yourself. Many will provide a written report or “to-do” list for you to follow step by step. They offer an objective view by putting themselves in the position of a buyer. Redesigners will apply a portfolio of techniques to assess your home and let you know what is standing in the way of making a great first impression. Aside from all the little things, it’s important to redefine your rooms. Make sure that the living room actually looks like a living room. If you have kids, chances are they’ve taken over the entire house. Toys and video games don’t make a great first impression. What about the dining room? With hectic schedules and take out food, chances are you’ve got a laptop, bills and homework piled up. Clear the table and just pretend that fine dining actually takes place in the dining room. Have you got a piece of trim missing or a crack in the wall that has been there so long you don’t even see it anymore? You can bet a buyer will see it right away.

Once the obvious issues are addressed, the furnishings can be artfully arranged to create intimate conversation areas and focal points that highlight the architectural selling features of the house. Strive for a balance between an elegant, uncluttered look while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Sure it’s difficult, but as soon as that FOR SALE sign goes up on the lawn you must start thinking of your home as “just a house”. You have to start the packing process anyway, so why not edit and eliminate your possessions at this stage of the game. You’ll save valuable time if you only pack what you really intend to move.

A staged home sells faster – and you deserve top dollar for your well loved home. The cost of a professional redesign will be insignificant compared to having to make a price reduction to get things moving. So go ahead - turn your space into a showplace !


(previously published in the Brampton Guardian, October 2005)

Home Staging Tips

Reduce clutter and de-personalize.
Focus on the positive selling features of each room.
Create a focal point in the living, dining and family rooms.
Create a serene atmosphere in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Neutralize the décor to appeal to more buyers.
Edit and remove unnecessary furniture and accessories.
Remove all fridge magnets, drawings and photos.
Maximize counter space in kitchens.
Free up storage space in cupboards and closets.
Eliminate visual distractions.
Make the rooms appear bright, warm and inviting.
Be aware of and eliminate pet and cooking odours.
Create curb appeal quickly with potted plants and flowers.

Statistics show a staged home sells faster. Professional home staging will give you a competitive edge in the real estate market.

Bedroom Retreats

10 Steps to Creating a Relaxed Atmosphere

Our rest and relaxation is so important to good health and happiness. Why then do we often neglect our bedroom décor? Why do we retreat and awake in rooms filled with clutter, laundry, ironing boards and old magazines? Do yourself a favour this month and reclaim your sanctuary.

Declutter – Remove the kids’ toys, clothes hamper, computer and TV so you can drift off to sleep without the chaos. Sort through all of your clothing. If you haven’t worn it in the past year, you probably never will.

Maximize Storage – There are so many products available now to divide, hang and conquer the space in your closet and drawers. Avoid piling things on top of dressers and stashing stuff under the bed.

Move the Furniture – Position your bed differently and remove excess furniture. If you have a comfortable chair in your room, don’t use it as a holding place for the day’s discarded wardrobe.

Clean Clean Clean – Thorough cleaning should be done frequently, and be sure to vacuum the mattress too.

Effective Lighting – Avoid harsh overhead glare and ensure adequate bedside lighting for your reading pleasure.

Dress the Bed – Pillows and throws can add drama and texture to this focal point.

Windows – Simple changes can create a new look. Floor length curtains or panels in the same shade as the walls can help a small room appear larger.

Air it Out - Open the windows every morning, even in the dead of winter, for a bit of fresh air.

Accessorize – Choose a new vase, picture frame or area rug in an accent colour which coordinates with the soft furnishings.

Finishing Touches – A scented candle, fresh flowers and soft music will give you that peaceful haven that you crave at the end of a busy day.


(originally published in my February 2006 newsletter)

A Passion for Pillows

Want a quick change or a new look – toss a few pillows around !

If your sofa or bedding is a neutral colour you can easily go from an African safari to Zen tranquility, Bohemian rhapsody to French Country flair. It’s all in the fabric. Custom made accent cushions can be created with the wide variety of patterns and colours available from such high end manufacturers as Robert Allen or Kravet. They carry everything from whimsical children’s prints to sheer elegance, allowing you to splurge a little in a big way ! More affordable lines from Maxwell, Joanne or Jamico offer many comparable choices.

For practicality in busy households, almost any cotton/poly upholstery weight fabric will do. If kids and pets are not a concern, treat yourself to some pretty embroidered silk.


We now carry a full line of fabrics to assist you with your soft furnishing needs. When you want to up-date your window treatment, slipcover your sofa or re-upholster that favorite old chair, you can count on us to help you choose the best combination of colours and patterns.

* in association with de Moore Creations


(originally published in my February 2006 newsletter)

A Splash of Colour

Once again, the winter blahs have started to set in. Why not enliven your space with some warm hues or bold colours to keep out the chill. A fresh coat of paint is still the most affordable and dramatic way to change a room. Also be sure to infuse your home with plenty of natural sunlight – the rooms will simply glow.

For those of you who are less than adventurous when it comes to colour, there is one simple thing to remember - choose a NEUTRAL shade for the walls. It will create a simple canvas for everything else you bring into the room. But you should know that NEUTRAL does NOT mean beige. There are neutral tones in most colour families – grey, brown or green for example. Neutral really just implies a strong basic – much like a good jacket in your wardrobe.

There are many online colour selection tools that you can experiment with before actually dipping that brush in the paint can.

http://www.thevoiceofcolor.com/
http://www.benjaminmoore.ca/
http://www.sico.ca/
http://www.cilpaint.com/


(originally published in my January 2006 newsletter)

Holiday Decorating Ideas

For great visual impact when decorating your tree, use a theme …

· miniature musical instruments in glittering gold or shiny silver will have everyone humming those Christmas tunes well before the CD’s start spinning; add a length of fabric ribbon with a musical note pattern

· blue and silver ball ornaments, combined with white icicle lights will look cool and contemporary; you’ll be drawn to sit by the hearth and hug

· for the young-at-heart, a playful mix of snowmen and sled ornaments will bring back fond memories of winters past; pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa

· purple satin ribbons and strings of old pearls, artfully draped across the boughs, will create a classy, regal statement sure to impress your most important guests; place some plush velvet, tasseled pillows on the sofa

· for a gourmet tree, hang candy canes over garlands of popcorn and cranberries; bake some gingerbread men and prop them on the branches

· have you ever wondered what to do with all those pretty tea cups? use festive satin ribbon tied through the handles and hang on the strongest tree branches for some old world charm

· stars or snowflakes are always a classic favorite


(originally published in my December 2005 newsletter)

What is Redesign?

The term is now quite popular, and the concept is simple. Yet many people are unclear of how a redesign can benefit their space. Think of it as a make-over, facelift or rejuvenation of the beautiful things you already own. Imagine your rooms as those shown in a model home. You don’t need the newest furnishings or the latest designer-endorsed pieces. Using what you already own, you rooms can be transformed in just one day. Your space will be functional and will reflect the needs of your family and lifestyle. Your home should make you feel at ease. Your rooms should showcase your treasures and highlight your personal style. Perhaps you need to maximize your seating area or free up more floor space for entertaining.

Do you like your large room, but find the current arrangement leaves you cold?

Do you think your space is too small, but you can’t bear to part with anything?

Do you constantly flip through décor magazines, hoping to get inspired?

Do you find yourself addicted to HGTV?

Do you buy new things, but find that they just don’t seem to fit in?

Do you just have trouble pulling it all together for a cohesive look?

If you answer yes to some or all of these questions, chances are you’d love a one day makeover for your space. If you are blending families or trying to mix his with hers, if you have recently downsized or are just tired of your room’s current look – redesign is the answer.


(originally published in my November 2005 newsletter)

More Feng Shui

By now, you have probably heard of the latest fascination in the world of interior design, Feng Shui. Simply defined, Feng Shui (“fung schway”) is the art of spacial flow and object placement, dating back to 4th century China. But much more than a fleeting design trend, Feng Shui is a tried and true way of creating a happier and healthier life through a balanced and harmonious environment – home, office or any space that you occupy. Using Feng Shui, you can enhance many areas of your life, including health, wealth, relationships, career and more.

Did you know that Donald Trump employs a full-time Feng Shui consultant? The famous Trump Tower in New York City is perfectly Feng Shui. Here at home, some large corporations (Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC Wood Gundy as examples) design many of their offices according to Feng Shui principles.

The Prevalence of Ch’i

It’s no surprise that Feng Shui has become popular here because much of the world (except North America) has been practising Feng Shui or some derivation of it for centuries. The heart of Feng Shui, “Ch’i” (energy), is widely accepted in many religions and cultures, including: Hindus (prana); Catholics (Spiritus); Japanese (Ki); and Egyptians (Ka). The belief is that everyone and everything possesses its own unique Ch’i. Your personal blueprint is created from the combination of your own Ch’i in relation to the Ch’i of your environment. If you have imbalances or blockages of energy, this can translate to slower, more difficult areas for you. With Feng Shui cures, however, you can improve and strengthen these areas by shifting and increasing the energy in your environment.

Feng Shui Cures

Essentially, Feng Shui cures are used to alter, moderate or raise energy. While cures number in the thousands because every situation is unique, there are some cures that are applicable to all:

- Go green and natural. Plants represent growth and absorb negativity. In Feng Shui terms, it is believed that if your plants are thriving so is your health. Conversely, if your plants are withering away, you are probably not taking sufficient care of yourself – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Most places in your home will benefit from plants; and generally, the taller they are, the better.

- Let there be light. All living things are naturally drawn towards light because all types of light provide energy. The sun is the ultimate life enhancer, and the more of it we are exposed to, the better we feel inside and out. You also benefit from indoor/artificial lights – lamps, candles, fireplaces, etc.

- Mirrors are very powerful and effective cures, and must be used with caution. They are used to “double a cure” by reflecting the area to the energized; or they can repel negative/harmful energy.

Because you and your environment are dynamic, your challenge is to maintain a good balance – one that’s right for you. So, keep in mind that Feng Shui is a way of life. Just as a pet may become ill if it is neglected, your life goals may be difficult to achieve if you do not pay adequate attention to yourself and your surroundings. Simple, no nonsense cures can make a world of difference in creating a more enriching and nourishing life.

* Courtesy of Yvonne Huh, a Toronto-based Feng Shui Consultant with clients across North America. For more information, visit http://www.balancewithfengshui.com/.

(originally published in my October 2005 newsletter)

Decorating for Teens

For anyone who has ever lived with a teenager or pre-teen, you know there are two things they can never have enough of – STORAGE SPACE and MONEY. Let them sweat about the money – maybe they’ll learn the value of hard work and effort. But give them storage, lots and lots of storage.

While baskets look great on bookshelves and will never go out of style, they just don’t work for kids. Colour plastic bins, on the other hand, will stand the test of time. They’re also pretty durable when it comes to being kicked under the bed and stacked haphazardly in the closet. Best buys for everything from CD racks to make-up bins? You guessed it - IKEA. They also have sturdy metal bins in bright colours which kids love.

Typically, a teenager’s room is littered with clothing. Definitely no need for fancy rugs here ! The key is to get everything else off the floor. Maximize your vertical wall space with shelves and CD racks, add some hooks on the back of doors, hang mesh bags from the ceiling. It will make laundry day easier. When your teen scoops up a handful of clothes to toss in the wash, you’ll know that it’s ONLY clothes going into the machine. This really saves wear and tear on running shoes, school books and the family cat – all of which are not water friendly.

Bean Bag chairs have also made a big comeback. Some things DO look good tossed in a corner.


(originally published in my September 2005 newsletter)

Feng Shui

Demystifying the Principals of Feng Shui [pronounced “fung shway”]

A fascinating topic – we’ve all heard of it, some of us can even pronounce it. It conjures up images of bliss and harmony, the creation of a Zen-like environment. To help you understand the concept, we offer you these tips from local Feng Shui consultant, Yvonne Huh.*

Basic Rules of Feng Shui

· take control of your environment – clear your clutter

· make comfort and safety a priority – hide wires, remove shoes from the front entrance

· surround yourself with things you love and things that inspire you – awards, vacation pictures, family memorabilia

· let go of things no longer serving you – old love letters, old shoes

· be open to the change and always do what feels right

· express yourself creatively

· ensure the front entrance is welcoming

· use 5 elements (metal, water, earth, fire and wood), 5 shapes, yin & yang principles, colours, in a balanced combination


* Yvonne Huh is a Toronto-based Feng Shui Consultant with clients across North America. To schedule a consultation, or for more information, visit http://www.balancewithfengshui.com/.


(originally published in my July 2005 newlsetter)

Garage Sale Season is Here

Now that you’ve done all of that spring cleaning, you probably have piles of stuff to get rid of. Here are some tips and tricks for a successful sale.

- sort your items by category, such as books, kitchen ware, toys etc.

- pick a date and an alternate rain date just in case

- advertise in your local paper, including the date, time and place of sale

- clean and polish those items that need it

- price your items in advance, with stickers or use a grease pencil on glass and ceramic

- post flyers in the neighborhood

- enlist a friend or family member to help; it’s fun but tiring

- start the day with small bills and change

- keep your cash box out of sight

- have old newspapers and plastic bags on hand for wrapping purchases

- keep an extension cord nearby for testing small appliances or lamps

- start early - 8:00 a.m. is typical but eager buyers will be hovering about before that

- be prepared for bargain hunters and slash your prices by midday

- whatever you don’t sell should be dropped off at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store – DON’T PUT IT BACK IN THE GARAGE OR BASEMENT


(originally published in my May 2005 newsletter)

Spring Cleaning

Can you feel the energy of a new season emerging all around you? The days are longer, the birds are singing every morning. It certainly is my favourite time of year.

I feel inspired to do something around the house, but you can bet cleaning isn’t exactly my first choice. Painting perhaps – a cool shade of crisp linen or fresh mint. A cleansing of the mind maybe – clearing the clutter that accumulates over the long, hard winter.

Whatever it is that you choose to do – be sure it gives you a sense of freedom and lightness. Get rid of a burden or two. Add something bright and cheery to each room.

For an interesting article on the side effects of clutter and how to improve the Feng Shui in your home, click here - http://www.pioneerthinking.com/sr_clutter.html


(originally published in my April 2005 newsletter)

The Art of Hanging Art

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But it takes more than a hammer and nail to make a statement. Whether you have an original Monet or a print from Ikea, here’s how to make the most of it.

· The most common mistake is hanging artwork too high. Forget about “eye level” because there is a big difference between the 5’3” woman and the 6’2” man. When hanging a picture over the sofa, a general guideline would be to place the frame’s bottom edge approximately six to eight inches above the sofa back.

· A horizontal row of medium-sized pictures will give the illusion of a wider space.

· A vertical row of two or three small pictures will draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of high ceilings. Using small mirrors will have the same effect with the added bonus of bouncing more light into the room.

· Groupings can include different pictures with a common colour scheme or similar subject matter. A great way to display a collection of miniature prints is to mount them all within a large frame.

· Avoid hanging pictures in corners on opposing walls. Neither one will have any impact.

· When selling your home, remember that “less is more”. Be sure to keep your artwork to a minimum and remove all family photos.


(originally published in my March 2005 newsletter)

Let's Get Organized

Studies show that working in a cluttered office not only impedes your productivity but it adds unnecessary stress and embarrassment. Even if your clients never see your office you will feel better and more professional if it is organized and efficient.

Here are Ten Steps to Organizing Your Office:

Pick an area of your office that you want to start on. It could be the top of your desk, desk drawers, filing cabinet or bookshelves. Keep the area small so the task is not too daunting.

Go through each item, deciding if you should keep it or not. Ask yourself why you are keeping it? When will you use it? Have you ever used it? Keep the garbage can, recycling box and a donation bag handy and throw out the empty pens, recycle the duplicate files and donate the unwanted books.

Sort what is left. Treasures from the past that are not being used should be put away in a memorabilia box or displayed somewhere else. They should not take up valuable storage space in your office.

Assess what you have to determine what organizing supplies you will need. These do not have to be expensive or brand new materials. Baskets, cups and boxes can work to help you get organized, but make sure they do work.

Store and organize items according to how you use them. Keep the items you use most often closest to you. Others, like software CDs, can be put in a box, labelled and stored in a closet.

Use vertical space. CD holders, shelving and wall pockets can all help get stuff off your desk while still keeping it within reach.

Set up a filing system that works for you. Most people think in categories so sort your files into sections then break the sections down into more specific topics. Use pencil on the file tabs until you are sure of your system.

Set up an action file. This is where you keep ongoing work and information you are dealing with right now, like bills to be paid.

Leave time to empty your garbage can, take out the recycling box and drop off your donation bag. You will just be more frustrated if you have to climb over piles of garbage, paper and the items you know you want to get rid of.

Stop and take a look at what you have done. Notice how good it feels to have accomplished this task and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Remember this feeling the next time you are tempted to drop a piece of paper anywhere.

Courtesy of Cherri Hurst
Hurst Class Organizing
416.241.7618

These rules can apply to any space in your home. Just remember to tackle them one at time so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

(originally published in my February 2005 newsletter)

It's All About Colour

Call it colour therapy if you will. Probably the most important element in any room, the right colour will immediately invoke the right feeling. The challenge lies in choosing that exact shade to match your mood. Here are some basic guidelines:

Red – immediately creates drama, passion and excitement.

Yellow – will brighten up a rainy day and lift our spirits.

Orange – full of energy and good cheer, it can stimulate the appetite.

Blue – is tranquil, calming and serene.

Green – is fresh and balanced, like the great outdoors.

Purple – promotes creativity, combining the excitement of red and the tranquility of blue.


Now let’s apply these guidelines to various rooms …

Living Room or Family Room – If you spend a lot of time here, choose something that you can live with. Think of it as your wardrobe. You wouldn’t wear your least favorite shade day in and day out, would you? Neutral colours are very complimentary to the wood tones often found in living rooms and this will allow you to accessorize seasonally.

Dining Room – If you really want them to clean off their plates, pick a tasty shade of apricot, orange, cranberry or wine. Sound appetizing ?

Kitchen – Yellow is always a great choice to keep it fun and cheerful, especially if you’re not fond of cooking.

Bedroom – You’ll want something calming with a bit of spark to it. Periwinkle blue or lavender could do the trick.

Bathroom – To get that spa-like sensation, the blue / green / aqua range works best. But to flatter your skin tone, select from hues of peach and rose.

(originally published in my January 2005 newsletter)

Fall Decor Tips

When the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, it’s time to cozy up and settle in for the autumn season. Just as the leaves start to change, you’ll probably want to add a few punches of colour to your own décor to bring the warmth indoors.

You really don’t need to go out and buy new furniture and paint the walls yet again. Was that a collective sigh of relief I heard from all the husbands out there? A refreshing new look can easily be achieved by adding a colourful rug over that tired old carpet. Toss a few bright pillows on that neutral sofa or throw a warm and fuzzy shawl across the chair. Artwork can also be changed seasonally – why not switch that sunflower print to a harvest themed still life? Something as simple as a large glass bowl of pinecones on the table will give you an interesting centerpiece.

Anything we do to beautify our surroundings is good for the soul. The city is hectic, our schedules are crazy, our calendars cluttered and our minds are full – wouldn’t it be nice to bring order, balance and harmony to our rooms? Feng Shui experts agree that a peaceful home environment has immediate health benefits. The art of redesign is based on those same principles and your home can have a Zen-like quality.

Let’s face it – we have what we have because we like what we have. There’s no need to get rid of your favourite pieces just to keep up with the latest designer trends. Even if your sofa was handed down from great aunt Hilda, you happened to inherit your grandmother’s dining suite, and your husband likes a sleek, modern look – it can all work together with the proper placement of furniture and the right amount of editing and accessorizing. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Go ahead and bring that old rocker up from the basement and just live with it for a few weeks. Chances are you’ll soon curl up with a good book and you probably won’t even notice that all the leaves have fallen from the trees.

Just relax and enjoy.

(originally published in my October 2004 newsletter)

Summer Decor Tips

Summer is here … roll up the rugs and take down the heavy draperies. Your rooms will thank you.

Take time to enjoy the little things in your home – that pretty pillow or the scent of lemons in a bowl. Surround yourself with accessories that make you feel relaxed and serene.

Don’t waste your time dreaming of a larger room. Embrace the intimacy of smaller spaces.

Display an interesting collection on a shelf in your dining room. This will enhance your décor and create a conversation piece.

Coloured ceilings are an easy way to give your room a new look. Don’t be timid. Shades of mocha and sage can bring warmth and dimension to your space.

(originally published in my July 2004 newsletter)

News & Media

My article on room makeovers has been published on the international website, InteriorRedesignDirectory.com, January 2006.

Several of my articles are included on the Changing Gears website. The most recent topic is “Holiday Shopping Tips to Ease Your Holiday Stress”, December 2005.

My article on home staging has been published on the international website, InteriorRedesignDirectory.com, November 2005.

My article on how to enhance your home for sale was featured in the Brampton Guardian, Showcase Real Estate section, October 19, 2005.

I was quoted (together with fellow redesigner, Tamara Welbourn) in a feature story on Redesign in the October 2005 issue of ONSite, Southwestern Ontario’s New Homes and Décor Magazine, a special section of the Burlington Post.

I have presented workshops on “Enhancing your Home for Sale” at The Learning Annex in Toronto, Fall 2005.

I was appointed Vice President of the Canadian Redesigners Association (CRDA), at the Annual Conference in Victoria on September 18, 2005.

In September 2005, the Canadian Redesigners Association kicked off their campaign to support the National Ovarian Cancer Association (NOCA) by creating special havens for women in treatment across Canada.

I volunteered my redesign services for one of the home owners involved in the Heritage House Tour in Weston Village, September 2005.

My article on home staging appeared in the July/August 2005 newsletter "mytorontohome.com", distributed by Royal LePage Signature Realty.

I appeared on Toronto 1 TV (with fellow redesigner, Tamara Welbourn) in a segment on home staging for The Source, with host Wei Chen. The main floor of a $650,000+ home in Oakville was transformed prior to listing. Both the real estate agent and home owner were thrilled with the results. The show aired on June 11, 2005.

In the May 2005, the Canadian Redesigners Association formed a national partnership with ByTheOwner.com, one of the top 5 private real estate websites in Canada.

In May 2005, my article on home staging / downsizing was featured on the toronto.com website, courtesy of Victor Kerman (Royal LePage).

My article on “Redesign Basics” was featured in the May/June issue of Moxie Femme Magazine, available at Chapters/Indigo locations and the Toronto Women’s Bookstore.

I have presented workshops on “One Day Room Makeovers” at The Learning Annex in Toronto, Winter / Spring 2005.

My daughter (Andraya) and I appeared on the popular HGTV show, Trash to Treasure on December 17, 2004. Our "red team" won !

In September 2004, the Canadian Redesigners Association formed a partnership with CIBC / Merit Travel to offer room makeovers as a reward option to CIBC Aventura Gold VISA cardholders across Canada.