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Every man should read this one

Is Your Cabinet Maker Still Selling Glazed Cabinets?

07/07/2021
53 Comments

Trying to choose a cabinet colour to coordinate with your matte white cafe appliances? There are plenty of beautiful cabinet colours to choose from, but glazed cabinets are not one of them. Even if your cabinet maker is still selling them. I know, I know, we’ve come full circle. 2o years after the brown trend…

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Why You Shouldn’t Cherry-Pick Design Advice

02/18/2021
27 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
50 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
49 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
114 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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5 Lamps Everyone Should Have in Their Home

02/09/2020
68 Comments

I’m a big fan of lamps and I often find that most people don’t have enough lamps. This is an easy fix and I promise, will make a big impact in any room. Here are 5 lamps everyone should have in their home.  Links are current as of December 2024 I know on this subject,…

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Ask Maria: Should I Buy a Black Sofa?

11/20/2019
42 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
15 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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