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Advice for Homeowners

Do’s and Don’ts for Installing Accent Tile

08/06/2020
29 Comments

Thinking of installing accent tile in your kitchen or bathroom? Before you begin here are some do’s and don’ts for installing accent tile to help guide you toward best look. If you’ve been following me for a long time, you’ll already know my take on whether you should install the trendy new accent tile. And…

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What Countertop Looks Good with Carrara Marble?

07/13/2020
20 Comments

If you’re planning to use Carrara Marble tile in your kitchen or bathroom, you need to be mindful of the undertone and choose your countertop and wall colour accordingly. Here’s what countertop looks good with Carrara Marble.  Beautiful silver bowl in the entry filled with found objects from the beach and two votives carved from…

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Read This Before Your Stone Fireplace Makeover

07/05/2020
31 Comments

If you’ve inherited a stone fireplace you don’t love, or you are building a new house, read this before you start! You will forever be decorating around your fireplace, so this isn’t the time to jump in without a design plan for a classic fireplace you’ll love for years to come. Before You Begin Your…

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How to Make a Plain Exterior Fabulous? Design a Garden

06/28/2020
14 Comments

Give your plain home exterior fabulous curb appeal by designing a garden. A garden does to your exterior what artwork, lamps, pillows and accessories do to the interior – give your home a look and a feel. Here’s an excellent example of how this thoughtfully designed garden made a plain exterior fabulous. Tricia Firmaniuk, my…

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WWMD: Choosing a Classic and Timeless Hood Fan

06/15/2020
19 Comments

This reader asks how to choose the right hood fan for her kitchen – more specifically, a classic and timeless hood fan that relates to her kitchen design. Which range hoods are trendy and should be avoided? Here’s my advice. I am interested in knowing your position on vent hoods these days, and how one…

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Do This Before You Choose a Cabinet Colour

05/21/2020
21 Comments

Before you choose a cabinet colour for your kitchen, you can’t ignore this first colour decision or the rest of your choices will be very limited. Once you know this kitchen design tip, you can choose the perfect kitchen cabinet colour. Interior Design by Maria Killam |  Kitchen Design by Jan Romanuk Do this before…

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My Mom Wants a Solarium, And I Need YOUR Help!

05/18/2020
82 Comments

It’s time to replace my mom’s deck… and she wants a solarium. But, I need your help! What are the pros, cons and tips we should be know before we get started?  In my eDesign department, I give colour advice all over the world on which colour is best for composite decking, pavers, porches, etc….

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Ask Maria: Help me Choose a Colour for my Retaining Wall

05/14/2020
30 Comments

This reader is stuck when trying to choose a colour for her retaining wall. Here’s my colour advice and a look inside my newest exterior masterclass module.  My 15th module for my Exterior Masterclass is live right now! And it’s another WWMD 🙂 What would Maria Do with THIS: Porch/Patio/Fence/Deck and I even mentioned outbuildings…

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Choosing Windows: The First Decision in Your New Build

04/30/2020
16 Comments

Choosing windows is the first expensive decision you’ll make in a new build. Your window colour will drive all other exterior options on your new home so you want to get it right. Here’s how to choose windows for your new construction. Lucy Williams Interiors Choosing Windows: The First Decision in Your New Build My…

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Third Rule of Design: Expensive Does Not Equal Timeless

04/27/2020
39 Comments

It’s really hard to pull off a trendy kitchen design that actually outlasts the trend. Your kitchen cabinets may be good quality and expensive, but that doesn’t equal timeless. Here’s my advice for a reader who wants a fresher kitchen, without a costly major renovation.  My dated cherry kitchen cabinets were expensive! Must I still…

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One More Reason To Skip Recessed Lighting Altogether

04/20/2020
111 Comments

Should you install recessed lighting in your next renovation or new build? I’m suggesting you skip recessed lighting altogether. Lighting at eye level is always way more flattering than harsh lighting coming from the ceiling in can or pot lights. Read on to find out more. Last week on my Insta-stories, I got on a…

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Ask Maria: Does My House Need Shutters?

04/08/2020
32 Comments

Ever wonder if shutters are right for your house? I’m answering a reader question and sharing my thoughts about whether her house needs shutters and showing you photos with and without shutters, so you can be the judge too. I am looking for a new colour to update the 2nd story siding color to present…

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