Feel at Home

I love what I do !

2008-11-21T06:39:52Z

I say that often. Each and every time we complete a redesign, in fact. The client's reaction reinforces the feeling:

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I can't tell you enough how absolutely thrilled I am with my new space. I love the basement with my two leather pieces down there. I can actually see myself spending time down there, now that it's so inviting and comfortable.

It looks amazing! I can't believe what you and your team did with my living room and dining room. Throughout the past few years my best friend and I have rearranged my furniture on numerous occasions and we both take pride in our decorating savvy. I have to tell you, we would never have come up with the ideas you did for placement of my furniture, lights, pictures etc. It feels so much lighter and I actually feel like I've gained square footage. You've made my living space look larger, I never thought that could be accomplished!

Thank you again Sandi, it was great to meet you and I will definitely be recommending you to anyone I know that's thinking they'd like a redesign of their home.

Heather

Winter Staging Tips

2008-11-21T06:31:58Z

A few helpful reminders when showing your home in the winter season.

ensure that outside steps and walkways are always clear of snow & ice

ensure that your exterior lighting is adequate

ensure that your home is a comfortable temperature - but not TOO warm as potential buyers will be wearing coats

keep it smelling fresh - open some windows for a short time each day

light a crackling fire or turn on the gas fireplace for a homey feel

keep seasonal decor to a minimum so as not to distract buyers

What a difference a day makes ...

2008-11-03T16:43:22Z

The impact of redesign on a client is worth noting. My October graduates made a dramatic difference to a living / dining room for a client and this is what she said:

When I came home on Friday, opened the front door and saw the transformation of our living room/dining room, I said WOW!!!! And then I just stood there taking it all in. Not only did it look great, it exuded calmness and my husband said "Now I can breathe!"

I was amazed at how well our furniture worked with the pieces I brought back from Sweden after my mother's passing. I am now eager to entertain again!

The rooms certainly did excude a sense of calm, compared to the evening a few weeks prior when I first met with my client. The rooms were crowded and felt oppressive. I wondered to myself what we would be able to accomplish.

And congratulations to my team of professionals - six talented women who now join the CRDA.

Layers & Textures

2008-10-29T19:42:03Z

It's time to get warm and cosy. It's time to settle in and prepare your home for the approaching winter season. The nights are definitely cooler and darkness comes far too soon.

But these tips are sure to help you enjoy the season.

- add a heavier drapery panel over your sheers
- use fabrics like cashmere, ultra-suede, velvets, velours and wool blends
- add jewel toned pillows for elegance
- add faux fur throws for a touch of luxury
- layer your lighting too; group small lamps and lanterns together to warm a dark corner
- include natural elements from the outdoors

WOW, what a weekend we had !

2008-10-21T07:50:26Z

The 6th Annual CRDA Conference took place in Toronto over the weekend (October 17-19th). It was wonderful to see familiar faces from the west coast and the east! We also opened the Conference to new students who had registered for courses later this month and they were so inspired they just can't wait to get started.

Kudos to Sandra MacLennan and Amanda Drenth for organizing this event without losing their sanity.

Several of our speakers were CRDA members themselves, and I'm simply blown away by the talent among us.

Thanks to General Paint, one of our business partners, for sponsoring our wine & cheese night.

Our new Board of Directors ...

left to right - Lynne McQueen (Treasurer), Nikki Lindsay (Secretary), Amanda Drenth (Membership Director), Sandi Gerrard (President), Cyrese Samuel (Vice President), Michelle Brann (Regional Director), Lynn Lennox (Marketing Director)

CRDA hits mainstream media !

2008-09-15T16:01:51Z

The time has come for CRDA to shine in the media spotlight ! In partnership with eRenovate (CasaGuru), our TV segment on REDESIGN aired on Global TV Saturday September 13, 2008. For those that missed it, here is a link

http://www.realinvestmentstv.com/videos/view/472/

Congratulations to my fellow CRDA members Karen Kostyshyn, Sandra MacLennan and Cyrese Samuel for pulling this beautiful room together - three talented women that I am proud to call my friends.

In the News !

2008-09-15T12:38:23Z

I'm very pleased to report that I was recently quoted (along with one of my CRDA colleagues - Susan Brown), in mainstream media.

The article, entitled "Tricks to make small spaces seem bigger", appeared in the Globe and Mail Real Estate Section, on August 22, 2008.

Again, thanks to Sandra MacLennan for noticing it. I had forgotten all about my telephone interview with the reporter (Lauren La Rose) from Canadian Press !!

Winners Walk of Hope - September 7th 2008

2008-08-24T07:18:28Z

The Winners Walk of Hope in support of Ovarian Cancer takes place in cities across Canada on Sunday, September 7th.

As mentioned in one of my earlier blog posts, the Canadian ReDesigners Association (CRDA) has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) to ensure that women currently in treatment for ovarian cancer have a comfortable and harmonious room in their home in which to focus on rest and wellness. ReDesigners across Canada are volunteering their time and talent to create "Havens for Healing". Our American counterparts (IRIS) are doing the same across the U.S. by supporting their national Ovarian Cancer organization.

Studies have shown that a positive physical environment can help speed the healing process and offer a sense of well-being.

We want to help educate women about this disease as the symptoms are so vague they often go unnoticed. For more information on Ovarian Cancer please visit the OCC website www.ovariancancer.org

If you are, or know of, a woman undergoing treatment, please contact OCC toll-free at 1.877.413.7970
to find out how you can benefit.

Remembering Summer

2008-08-24T06:39:27Z

Back to School & Back to Work

For many, the month of September is a time for new beginnings and fresh ideas, getting organized and settling in. But the weather is still nice so continue to enjoy your outdoor spaces while you reflect upon memories made during the summer holidays.

Did YOU have a good summer? A lot of photos, shells found on the beach and a couple of cute souveniers? How best to remember the fun and reflect on time well spent? Narrow floating shelves in a hallway, shadow boxes, and multi-matte frames are a great way to capture it all in one place so it doesn't look like forgotten clutter. You can even change your display seasonally - the look is versatile and it will certainly showcase your personality.

Sanity for Small Space Living

2008-08-12T20:43:45Z

When dealing with a small space, such as a student dorm, first apartment or tiny condo you must effectively utilize your vertical living space. Shelving and storage will be your new best friends. Also be sure to look for pieces that are small scale, streamlined and multi-functional.

This can be a fun undertaking for someone moving out on their own for the first time - especially if mom and dad are footing the bill. We all know that Ikea works well for this scenario.

But if you have already acquired a lifetime of furnishings and possessions, downsizing is a daunting task at the best of times. Add to that the stresses or traumas that face us in the latter stages of life and it's difficult to know where or how to begin. Always keep your favorite things - a skilled redesigner can easily incorporate what's necessary and knows how to mix & match the most unusual combinations.

To help with the adjustment, think "Less is More". Downsizing is basically simplifying your life and that in itself can reap huge benefits.

Embrace the intimacy of your small space!

Beware of Poisonous Plants !

2008-06-20T16:43:01Z

We are currently battling an overgrowth of poison ivy in cottage country (Ontario Canada). There are many more poisonous plants that need to be watched for too - especially if you have pets that roam freely.

I thought I'd post this handy link that I found. Some of the more common plants - such as poison oak and sumach are not listed, so you need to be aware of them as well.

http://realestate.sympatico.msn.ca/Special+Features/ReadyForSpring/Most+Poisonous+Plants.htm?feedname=PHOTO_GALLERY_REALESTATE_PoisonousPlants&pos=0&nolookup=true

Trek carefully !

How does your garden grow?

2008-06-20T16:38:07Z

I found a terrific website that has a monthly guide to gardening tips. I've been using it for my own purposes and including a link each month in my newsletter. Be sure that the information is relevant to your climate zone.

http://www.demesne.info/Garden-Help/Gardening-Checklists/July-Checklist.htm

For those of you not sure which zone you reside in, I have also included a link to the zone map (for Canada).

http://www.hgtv.ca/gardening/plantzones/default.aspx

What to look for ...

2008-06-18T07:15:02Z

I'd like to share these home inspection tips that my colleague Jim Walker provided for one of my recent newsletters. I've invited him to join ActiveRain, so hopefully we'll "see" him soon!

Here are some important things to look for in your own home or when you are thinking of buying a new or resale home.

90% of all visible moisture in a basement comes from outside, not through
walls. Slope the land outside to make water flow away from the foundation.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that
every home should have a dehumidifier in operation in the basement,
especially during the summer. Air conditioned air sinks into the basement
and condensation is more likely. So is mold.

South-facing windows need effective sun blocking blinds or curtains during
the summer.

Porches and decks more than two feet above ground need a barrier to
prevent falls. There are many designs from which to choose. Most can be
installed by the homeowner.

It is false economy to operate your air conditioner year after year without
servicing. Call a technician familiar with your system.

Clean out your eavestroughs if you have trees close to your home.
Clogged run-off systems put water exactly where you don't want it -
running down outside walls to the foundation.

Check that walkways are even. Frost can move stones and other surfaces
and create trip hazards.

Raised gardens should not be in direct contact with the foundation wall.
Moisture evaporates through this wall until it's blocked by raised soil. Design
a two-inch gap between the new garden and the foundation.

Provided by James Walker Home Inspections

Discounts Available

2008-06-18T07:05:41Z

For any homeowner or Realtor in the GTA, CRDA (Canadian ReDesigners Association) members can offer you significant savings on portable storage units and paint products to help get those listings ready for sale.

Our members in other regions across the country can also provide these discounts where facilities are available.

Do It Yourself

2008-06-17T09:30:57Z

If you are someone who likes to tackle any job yourself, here is a list of "Must Haves" for your toolbox.

measuring tape
utility knife
screw drivers
square
hammer
level
wrench
plyers
hand saw
alan keys

If you'd like to learn how to tackle these projects like a pro visit Yvonne Williams at ...

www.ihavetotalconfidence.ca

Curb Appeal for a Quick Sale

2008-06-16T07:10:48Z

You're planning to sell your home and have spent much time decluttering closets and basements, painting and primping your rooms and now it's almost time for the big day. Your Realtor is coming to take photos and do a virtual tour for your debut on MLS !

The exterior of your home is usually the first image seen by thousands on the Internet and the many more that drive by. How can you make it stand out from the crowd? How can you make a great first impression that draws the buyers in ... wanting to see more?

Follow these steps to ensure your property looks HOT ... whether you're selling or not!

Landscaping

a lush green lawn is always inviting
seed or sod early to fill in bald spots
water regularly
mow grass & edge flower beds regularly
replace dead plants
trim trees & shrubs back from doors & windows

Front Entry

paint the door
consider new hardware & kickplate
add a new mailbox
add a new doormat
place some colourful potted annuals
add a comfortable wicker chair if space permits
remove garbage & recycling bins
keep toys, bikes and tools in the garage or shed

Lighting

ensure your house numbers are well lit
ensure path & steps are well lit

Windows

make them sparkle inside & out
keep windowsills clear for an uncluttered look
paint or repair trim & shutters if necessary

Driveway

eliminate weeds from cracks
apply a fresh coat of sealer
park trailers, boats and old cars elsewhere

Fences & Gates

ensure they are in good repair & working order
paint or stain if necessary

Instant Updates for your Room

2008-05-08T17:41:36Z

Oh it's sad but true, I've seen all of these things recently. Please do yourself a favour and spring into the current decade.

10 Things to Remove NOW

doilies
dusty silk or dried flowers
macrame plant hangers or wall hangings
plastic, lucite or cardboard photo frames
pleated lampshades
balloon style window valances
wallpaper borders
anything brass
dead or dying houseplants
forgotten seasonal decorations !

... there, now doesn't that FEEL better?

Colours that Soothe the Soul

2008-05-08T17:38:45Z

The Wellspring Chinguacousy cancer support centre in Brampton officially opened its doors on April 8th. I'm very proud to say that I volunteered my time and expertise to choose the paint colours for each room. It was an honour to work with Regional Councillor Gael Miles on this project and to share in her joy of seeing the end result.

Read the full article HERE which quotes that "One of the most noticeable features of the house is the colour palate of marine tones of greens and blues, as well as soft shades of yellows and creams ... wonderful sense of serenity you get when you walk in."

Why Should a Home be Staged?

2008-04-03T14:27:11Z

A good first impression is critical, and a house (like any individual) has only one chance to make that important first impression. It takes less than 60 seconds for a potential buyer to decide whether or not they like a home. Sometimes, they won't even get out of the car. Curb appeal is the first step in the staging process. The façade and front entrance of a home must be presented in such a way that the potential buyer is drawn in and wants to see more.

Home buyers are busy people who typically work long hours and they now have little time for those "fix-it" projects. Today's savvy buyer demands "move-in" condition and most buyers actually have little imagination. If the living room walls are pink and the kitchen is done in a country blue theme, they will have great difficulty envisioning it any other way. Potential buyers will start adding up the cost and time of having to make such changes and upgrades and suddenly the home becomes less appealing. A buyer should "feel at home" right away.

An experienced ReDesigner can effectively stage a home - using just the existing furnishings - to attract more buyers.

The main objectives when staging a home are to:

neutralize the décor to appeal to more buyers;
create a spacious and flowing interior; and
highlight the architectural selling features so that buyers will remember them;

Direct the buyer's eye away from a negative element (such as a small room) by highlighting something positive (a gas fireplace). This is achieved by correct furniture placement and careful use of artwork to play up the nicer features, without overpowering them. You want potential buyers to remember the feel of the entire room, not just the things in a room.

What really makes a room look smaller is contrast. Simple window treatments, like sheers or panels in a tone similar to the wall colour, will help to make the room feel larger.

If a home shows like a model suite with warm and inviting touches throughout, everyone will be impressed and it will stand out in the mind of a buyer who has been on the hunt all day.

But don't try to achieve the PERFECT "model home" look, as most people will feel intimidated and think that they'd never get it to look that way when they move in. Instead, strive for a balance between an elegant, uncluttered look while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

18 Bedrooms ???

2008-02-04T07:31:27Z

Unbelievable !! Turning a typical residential home into a rooming house and getting away with it for so long. I'm sure it is much more common than we know, and we can't really generalize about certain neighborhoods as this problem has been seen in the 905 area as well.

Read the full story here from the February 4 issue of the Toronto Star.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/300147

The Neverending Mortgage !

2008-01-31T18:52:01Z

I just saw a news item on CTV (one of Canada's networks) that banks and lending institutions are now offering 40 year mortgages. I can't find anything for it online, but if my memory serves me correctly it would cost you almost $500,000 in interest for your $300,000 dream home !

Can you image ?

Did anyone else happen to catch this story? If so, please post more details.

Love Bites

2008-01-28T10:10:44Z

With the month of February fast approaching, we turn our thoughts to love and passion in the bedroom. But this is definitely one LOVE BITE you don't want to receive.

http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/article/41936

I'm itchy just thinking about it !! If ever there was a time to redesign your bedroom, this would be it.

Does your bedroom feel like one big storage closet? Is this where the laundry accumulates and the bills pile up on the bureau? Do you crawl into bed at the end of the day without even turning on the light because your can't bear to see the mess? You might not realize it, but this can have an impact on your health and well being. A restful space in which to lay your head is key to a goodnight's sleep. And you DESERVE it. A beautiful room does not have to be expensive. Decluttering costs nothing more than your time and energy.

Follow these easy steps to reclaim your sanctuary AND your sanity.

Cold & Blue

2008-01-05T08:45:14Z

It's hard to believe that 10 years has already passed since the "Great Ice Storm" in Quebec and Ontario in 1998! If someone had asked me how long ago that happened I would have guessed about 5 or 6 years.

This January (in the Toronto area) started off with a heavy coating of the cold white stuff, as seen in this photo from my back door.

It's funny how blue snow can look in the late afternoon, which is probably why most people associate the color blue with a cold & frosty feeling. To counteract this problem, choose shades of blue that have a hint of red or purple undertones. One of my favorites is Benjamin Moore's Stratford Blue (CC-830).

Gated Communities Catching On?

2007-11-22T09:17:37Z

I read with interest this article in the Toronto Star (November 17/07) -

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/276622

This trend doesn't appeal to me at all. I certainly hope it doesn't come to this. If there is high crime in any area, can we really believe that a wall and gate will keep them out?

The article contains some interesting stats on U.S. gated communities too:

"In the U.S., there are a reported 7 million households, 6 per cent of the total, living in as many as 20,000 commnities with walls and gates. Most are in Sunbelt states such as California, Florida and Arizona."
"In fact, census statistics show that gated communities are the fastest-growing housing type in the U.S."
"But the idea never really took off in Canada. There are fewer than 300 of them scattered across the country, according to a 2004-05 survey done by Jill Grant at Dalhousie University. Most of these - 228 - are in British Columbia, and only 49 in Ontario."

The Color White

2007-11-22T08:38:15Z

Today in Peel Region (and across the Greater Toronto Area) we have been hit with our first winter storm. This is very early compared to last year when our first snowfall arrived in late January!

I was just getting used to the fact that we had plenty of lingering yellow and gold leaves on the trees. Now that those shades of gold are painted in white, it reminds me of the wide range of color choices available for a pale indoor landscape. PARA Paints Whites Collection contains a total of 36 samples conveniently broken down into "Bright", "Neutrals", "Warm" and "Cool". This is a really handy color card to keep in your consultation kit, so pick one up if you have a PARA dealer in your city.

Some of my favorites are P1836-4 (Roman White), P2614-4 (Birch Bark), P2603-4 (Parchment) and P834-4 (Notepaper).