decorating: Outdoor Decor for Fall - 10/04/07 09:36 AM
Autumn has arrived with all its splendor and you can still enjoy the use of your outdoor rooms, even when the evenings turn chilly. The addition of a clay Chiminea or copper fire pot will add warmth and create wonderful atmosphere for you and your guests. A few cozy and colorful
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decorating: The Ladybug - 04/08/07 09:37 AM
By now some of you may have noticed the ladybug on my profile and website, etc. I thought I should 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
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decorating: Furniture Consignment Stores - 04/04/07 07:01 AM
I believe I mentioned this in one of my comments on another blog entry, but I'll post it here for everyone in the Toronto / GTA. This furniture consignment store is a great place to pick up staging inventory or pieces for clients - they carry everything from full suites of
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decorating: Painting - 04/03/07 08:55 AM
I found this great article on the HGTV (Canada) site, by Benjamin Moore color expert Jane Lockhart. It is entitled "How to Paint Just About Anything" and includes tips for painting surfaces like tile, panelling, laminates etc. Good to know for those quick fixes when staging a home. http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=1915&cat=1&by=3 Jane's TV show -
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decorating: The Perfect Rug - 04/02/07 07:19 AM
When you just can't find the perfect rug ... PAINT one ! I painted this directly on the hardwood in the foyer of my old Toronto home. The size is approximately 6 ft x 4 ft. It took me about 2 weeks to complete - the most difficult part was keeping the dog
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decorating: the really FUN stuff ... - 04/02/07 07:13 AM
My daughter is a bit of an artist (a mother can brag can't she?) Andraya started drawing at the early age of two ... when those circles didn't line up perfectly she'd crumple the page and toss it to the floor. We even allowed her to "scribble" on a designated section of
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decorating: Another Resource Site - 03/30/07 12:50 PM
Here's another link to one of my favorite resource websites - http://www.homebasics.ca/viewarticlesection.asp?subgroup=HD It is a Canadian site. They have many useful and interesting articles on home and garden topics and you can also sign up for their email newsletter. This article in particular was a good read - "Surviving the Home Renovation" http://www.homebasics.ca/viewarticle.asp?articleid=3339 Enjoy !
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decorating: Antique Shops & Flea Markets - 03/29/07 07:26 AM
I always love to browse and enjoy the thrill of finding old treasures. If you are in the Ontario Region, you'll like these links with a handy list of antique shops and flea markets. http://www.antiqueshopsa2z.com/ontario.htm - If you navigate back to the home page on this one, it looks like a complete North American directory
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decorating: The Writing on the Wall ... - 03/28/07 11:12 AM
Wonderful Graffiti - vinyl wall art This is a great way to add personality and individual character to any room. They do provide design professionals with a sample kit if you are interested. There is a wide variety of words and phrases to choose from in different colours and styles. You can
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decorating: Some of my favorite things ... - 03/27/07 11:18 AM
There is so much information to be found on the Internet with respect to our industry (and for our personal knowledge as well). We could search and read endlessly. But I have found several sites that I keep going back to because they are lively, fun and easy-to-read. Just thought I
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decorating: Color Resources - 03/25/07 03:39 PM
For those of you interested in color as it relates to redesign or staging (and who isn't ??), the Sherwin-Williams paint company has a great website with a lot of information. http://www.swstir.com/use.do?method=topics Also, I would be interested to know who has heard of the Dewey Color System - http://www.deweycolorsystem.com/default.htm and what are your thoughts
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decorating: Home Improvement Projects - 03/25/07 03:30 PM
For those that missed it on the HGTV.ca website, here is a great article on the "Ten Home Improvement Projects that Add Value" - http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=2113&cat=4&by=2 Why not start on some of these projects while you are still living in the home and can enjoy the effort of all your hard work ? And
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decorating: ReDesign Staging - 03/21/07 08:30 AM
Take any room from cold to cosy, again using exclusively what the homeowner has. None of these pieces work particularly well together - the size and scale is off - but my recent group of students managed to pull of this look. Needless to say the homeowner was thrilled with the
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decorating: More Staging Photos - 03/19/07 09:42 AM
Thank you fellow members for the positive feedback on my other blog entries. These photos demonstrate how another very sparse room can be made to look warm & inviting. Again we used only what the homeowner had available. Our only recommendation was the addition of an area rug to anchor the
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decorating: Accessorize with Style - 03/14/07 04:15 PM
Quick Tips for Accessorizing with Style A collection is 3 or more - but always use an odd number. This will reinforce the rule that triangular shapes are visually pleasing.Look at colour, theme, texture and shape when forming a collection - 3 Native carvings; 5 square objects; 7 blue items.Make sure items
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decorating: Spring is Here - 03/13/07 04:09 PM
Spring is just around the corner. Here are some quick tips to help lift your spirits and get you ready to enjoy those beautiful longer days. Roll up the rugs and take down the heavy draperies. Let the sunlight in - your rooms will thank you. Take time to enjoy the
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decorating: The Art of Hanging Art - 03/13/07 04:02 PM
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
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decorating: Depth Perception in Aging Eyes - 03/09/07 02:22 PM
Have you ever heard of the "ginger-ale effect"? Perhaps some of you have already experienced it. This condition occurs because of a gradual yellowing of the lens of the eye. It starts, on average, around the age of 65 but not everyone is affected in the same way. Do not confuse the
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decorating: Small Spaces - 03/09/07 07:33 AM
Make the most of your small space or re-invent the spare room. Here are a few ideas: look for multi-purpose furniture such as taller tables that can do double duty as added counter space, chairs and ottomans with storage and sofas that turn into beds.organize your things with vertical storage options that free up
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decorating: Decorating for Teens - 03/08/07 12:14 PM
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
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decorating: Bedroom Retreats - 03/08/07 12:12 PM
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 and reclaim your sanctuary. Declutter - Remove the kids' toys, clothes
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decorating: Color Therapy - 03/08/07 07:22 AM
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
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decorating: ReDesign Your Rooms for that Special Occasion - 03/07/07 09:28 PM
A lot of people avoid entertaining at home simply because they feel their space is lacking in some way. They fuss and fret that the living room décor seems dated or the room feels too small. But a lot can be done to correct these problems in just one hour, one
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decorating: What is ReDesign? - 03/07/07 03:50 PM
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
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decorating: Get Your Asking Price ... or More - 03/07/07 02:55 PM
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
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