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Every man should read this one

Why You Shouldn’t Cherry-Pick Design Advice

02/18/2021
22 Comments

Have you ever wondered: OK, so I’ve narrowed my focus to this one particular element of my room. I am just stuck and need to know which is the right _____________. That’s it. Hmmm, but Maria doesn’t offer an eDesign package for this one detail. Darn… it’s just a teeny-tiny decision. Right?  Wrong. Here’s why…

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Two Magic Questions Every Decorator Should Know

02/07/2021
48 Comments

Trying to combine old finishes with new flooring? I’m sharing two magic questions that will make every decorating or design decision better.  House Beautiful | Read more: Encaustic Tile Trend Post I received so many questions about flooring from my last post; Are Hardwood Floors a Pattern,  it’s clear that this topic needs a follow…

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How to Choose the Right Colour Vinyl Decking

07/25/2020
Choose Vinyl Decking Colour
47 Comments

While helping my mom choose the right colour for her vinyl deck flooring in her sunroom, I took one look at the brochure and was so disappointed with the colour choices! And, I pretty much had to check my colour expert ego at the door. Here’s my advice if you, too, are considering sheet vinyl…

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One More Reason To Skip Recessed Lighting Altogether

04/20/2020
97 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: Should I Buy a Black Sofa?

11/20/2019
40 Comments

It’s no secret that dark colours are quickly becoming the new neutral, and this may be tempting you to buy a black sofa. But, here are a few decorating tips you should consider before you introduce the darkest colour in the largest piece of furniture in your room. If black is the new “it” neutral,…

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6 Common Mistakes New Decorators Make

09/24/2018
14 Comments

Here are 6 common mistakes new decorators make. Are you guilty of making one of these mistakes in your home? Don’t worry, I’m also sharing how to fix it.  6 Common Mistakes New Decorators Make We’ll start with some of the common mistakes I see and end with the biggest and most common mistake at…

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How to Make Your Husband Cry

02/04/2018
27 Comments

How to Make Your Husband Cry Have you listened to my Ballard podcast yet? I was so honoured to be a part of the amazing group of creatives that appear on their podcast! We taped the podcast in Atlanta last Fall after Caroline, Taryn and Karen spent Day 1 in my workshop! It’s all about…

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Should I Paint My Fireplace?

07/10/2016
63 Comments

This reader is getting ready to install a fresh white kitchen with an earthy stone fireplace in the adjacent room. Should she paint her stone fireplace? Keep reading to find out. Okay, so a while ago when I changed the “Ask Maria” questions to “Send me what’s bothering you” questions, ya’ll pretty much stopped sending…

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