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Advice for Homeowners

10 Timeless Home Finishes that are “OUT”

07/31/2025
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Let’s get real: just because design trends change doesn’t mean you need to toss out finishes you love. Although it feels like trends are unavoidable and flip constantly, truly timeless finishes choices are absolutely available! If you want a home that feels welcoming for years—not just this season—let’s talk about the classic finishes that truly…

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Why Crowdsourcing Your Reno Decisions Will Leave You Disappointed

07/21/2025
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Thinking of crowdsourcing your renovation decisions online? Here’s why relying on internet advice can lead to costly design mistakes—and what to do instead to create a timeless, trend-proof home. 🛑 If you’re building or renovating and turning to the internet for advice, stop right there. We’ve all seen the posts: “Which greige should I choose?”“What…

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3 Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

07/18/2025
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Stuck with a black-and-white home that already feels dated, just as warmer neutrals are taking over? I’m sharing 3 easy ways to make your space look more expensive—no renovation required. Why Warm Neutrals Are Taking Over Interior Design After years of bold black-and-white interiors dominating our homes, design trends are quickly shifting toward warmer neutrals…

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10 Unexpected Decorating Hacks from True Colour Experts

07/14/2025
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The beautiful thing about teaching my True Colour Expert™ training workshops is the amazingly talented people I get to meet and have the privilege of calling my community! I asked my True Colour Experts what their favourite unexpected decorating hacks are, and they delivered! Enjoy these creative ideas. I hope they inspire you to join us…

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5 Must-Know Tips for Trending Viola Marble Countertops

06/30/2025
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If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I’m not afraid to call out a trend when it needs a caution sign.  But first 🇨🇦 HAPPY CANADA DAY!! 🇨🇦 to all my Canadian friends! Dramatic Calacatta Viola Marble I’m talking about the highly trending calacatta viola marble of course. It’s decadent and exciting…

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Using the Neutral Colour Wheel Part 2: Planning a New Build

06/27/2025
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Discover how the Understanding Undertones neutral colour wheel can simplify your search for the perfect neutral by helping you quickly identify and match undertones in any space. And, learn why limiting and repeating neutral undertones is the key to creating a harmonious, timeless look in your home. But first! ☀️ Flash Summer eDesign Sale! ☀️…

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A Shortcut to Perfect Paint Colours

06/25/2025
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SALE ANNOUNCEMENT: This Weekend Only! 📣Paint. Roof. Front Door. COLOUR THAT’S PERFECT — the easy way! You’ve been staring at the wall again, haven’t you? Is it too yellow? Too gray? Or just… off in a way you can’t quite describe? You’re not alone. Most renovations begin not because we crave the latest trends, but because…

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Using the Neutral Colour Wheel Part 1: Decorate a Room

06/23/2025
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Discover how the Understanding Undertones neutral colour wheel can simplify your search for the perfect neutral by helping you quickly identify and match undertones in any space. And, learn why choosing the neutral that belongs makes your room feel amazing! If you haven’t purchased my Understanding Undertones neutral colour wheel yet, let me just say…

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Easy Tips for a Pretty Patio This Summer

06/19/2025
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It’s sale time for outdoor furniture so I thought I’d walk you through HomeSense/HomeGoods to give you some tips and tricks to create a pretty patio for the rest of the summer! Here’s Lucy and I on my birthday (June 7). I get so much joy out of my happy yellow and white striped patio!…

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Ask Maria: Choosing Timeless Bathroom Tile

06/12/2025
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Today I’m answering a reader’s request to give her a “grade” on her plans to update her bathroom to a Maria approved timeless look. She got it all right but this one critical thing! ⭐️ Hi Maria, I need your design superpowers! A few years ago, my designer installed 12×24 grey tile throughout our primary…

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How to Warm Up your Grey Floors

04/24/2025
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Like many of us, you may have installed or inherited grey wood look flooring from the previous grey trend. And now that you’re over the look of everything grey – you might be thinking you’ll eventually need to change them out. But replacing flooring is a huge, messy and expensive job. So instead, here are…

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4 Decluttering Secrets to Love Your Home Again

04/17/2025
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This weeks colour rescue another room for my Sister-in-law in Toronto. When I stayed there for a week in January,  I had a blast helping her transform three rooms in her house. You already saw the two part rescue of her family room here and here. It can be hard to let go Antoinette’s husband…

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5 Ways to Rescue Your Black Walls

04/10/2025
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I know what you’re thinking. Really Maria? For 8 years you’ve been shouting at us about too much black and now you’re telling us how to make it look good? Of course! Decorating has a magical way of masking color mistakes and making the best of what you’ve got. And I’m here to explain why…

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An Apartment Styling Makeover for White Walls

04/03/2025
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This one-day styling makeover transforms a rental apartment with strategic furniture placement, essential accessories, and the magic of well-placed lamps to create a warm, inviting space despite white walls. Nobody asked, but I’ve decided to rename my Colour Rescue One-Day Makeovers to One-Day STYLING Makeovers because that’s what it actually is. You have to have…

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