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Should you Surrender to the Temptation of a Trend?

03/30/2010
40 Comments

Lately I’ve had a few clients say to me, “I’m not a trend follower” or “Is that trendy, I want timeless”! Are trends good or bad? That is the question. Trends usually last about 10 years. The brown trend in the design world started in 2002 (in the West Coast). Before that, everyone wanted a…

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It’s Time for Colour!

03/28/2010
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I have never had such a great time shopping in my life (I’m still in the States doing my Spring shop) and you know why? I’m buying colour because I’ve finally figured out how to wear it so it looks just as classic as wearing neutrals (blog post on that soon). And it’s the same…

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Shopping on Approval

03/26/2010
27 Comments

When I’m sourcing furniture or accessories for clients and I arrive at a store without a return policy the only way I can remotely consider buying it is to take it ‘on approval’. Jonathan Adler x Benches Credit When a merchant gives you something to take home ‘on approval’ they usually take a credit card…

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How to Choose a Basement Colour

03/24/2010
29 Comments

I can’t tell you the number of times I have been asked for a very pale colour for a basement room and the equally horrified looks from clients when I pull out a richer colour. If you are trying to decide on a colour for your basement, keep reading with an open mind 🙂 While…

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Bold Vision; Beautiful Living

03/24/2010
11 Comments

Laura Trevey from Bright, Bold & Beautiful, a very talented artist has included me as part of her bold vision series today, check it out here. I love her art because it’s happy! I’ve also included some interiors I found that would look fabulous with her artwork! Southern Accents Laura Trevey Laura Trevey Laura Trevey…

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An Open Letter to my Lover on Decorating

03/20/2010
63 Comments

Dear Husband/Boyfriend/Partner, Credit I have a friend who recently started selling window coverings for a major department store in the city. She confided that she visits a lot of retired women who are finally splurging on drapery as their husbands have recently passed away and can’t say a thing about it (true story). Architectural Digest…

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How to update an 80’s Kitchen with Colour

03/18/2010
32 Comments

You know how referral business is always the best because if you have a great client, then it’s likely that their friends will be great too? Well I have decided my readers/clients (that’s you) are all fabulous! It’s like I get the best referrals on the planet from those of you that read this blog…

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Colour Trends Now – Get your Questions Answered

03/15/2010
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I’m Coastal Home Magazine’s Designer-of-the-Day on their Facebook Fan Page this week. Click here to post your question in the comments. This is the question they asked me to start! [CH] As an interior designer and color specialist, how do you think color affects people’s lives? What are some of the color trends now, and…

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Colour vs. Neutral

03/13/2010
32 Comments

Photo from Hudson Hotel Site This is the entrance of the Hudson Hotel in New York! Notice, there is no sign on the front! Photo by Maria Killam Here is the escalator going up to the hotel. The lighting in this hotel is extraordinary! You must check it out if you love lighting. It reminds…

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The Vendor Client Relationship – A True Story

03/11/2010
49 Comments

Last year I was hired to do some decorating and styling for a client. They had seen my work through my photographer and were interested in the same look for their website. Credit I submitted my quote–through my photographer—who called me later that day to ask what I could do for ‘half my quoted price?’….

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How to Decorate with Art

03/10/2010
22 Comments

When I sent out last week’s newsletter and asked the question ‘Should your Art Coordinate with your Home?’ I received a pile of great comments from my lovely readers! Laura Jens from Developing Designs sent me some rooms with art that she was inspired by (below): My favourite answer (and others said the same thing…

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Photo shoot in Morgan Creek

03/05/2010
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I have just finished decorating a stunning home in White Rock and I thought I’d share my day with you starting with a picture of the view outside my house at 7:30 am yesterday! Spring has arrived in Vancouver and my turtlenecks are suddenly too hot to wear 🙂 7:45 am – Here I am…

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