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One bad decision pays for the designer

Fifth Rule of Design: Don’t Panic, Trust the Plan

05/04/2023
fifth rule of design
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While deep in my renovation plans, I discovered a new design rule that I wanted to share with you. And it’s something I’ve been guilty of myself. That is, overthinking the small details before a project is finished. Hello: panic. So, I was reminded recently to trust the plan. Details matter when planning a renovation….

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Designing a Kitchen? Lighting & Hardware is EVERYTHING

01/18/2023
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Kitchen designs are expensive, but when you try to go it alone – without designer guidance – it’s easy to make even MORE EXPENSIVE mistakes that you’ll regret. Working with a designer not only saves you from these extra expenses, but also may save your sanity. And when it comes to choosing the right lighting…

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The Best Countertops with Black Appliances

06/27/2022
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Do you have black appliances? Did you know there are only two countertops you should consider for the best possible kitchen design? Oh, but there is an exception to this guideline so keep reading for the best colour advice for choosing the right countertops to go with black appliances. Architectural Digest So, let’s start with…

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Here’s What I Would Change About this House

04/25/2022
50 Comments

Recently, I received this listing. It came from a reader along with this note: Over the past few years I’ve learned a tremendous amount about colour selection from this blog and associated products and I eagerly await Maria’s regular posts. One way I like to challenge my evolving decorating skills, especially with regards to colour selection,…

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When NOT to Replace Your Floors

10/11/2021
when not to replace your floors
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Before you decide to replace your flooring, here are a few things you need to know. And there are some floors that are worth keeping so you can invest in your decorating instead. Here’s which floors are timeless and which ones should be replaced (or not installed at all).  What is the most timeless wood…

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One Old Pool; Two Ways to Make it Beautiful Again

05/23/2021
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Here’s some expert advice for making an old pool beautiful again. Plus, my best tips for all the right colour choices for pool materials and landscaping to create the most classic and timeless pool whether you are improving your existing pool or adding a new one. The Spruce (love how the plant material matches the…

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Ever Made a Colour Mistake with an Online Purchase?

03/28/2021
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Online shopping Shopping online has come a LOOOONG way from where it was in the past. In the beginning, we bought books online and that was pretty much it. And since the pandemic, we’ve had to become experts at ordering everything from groceries to Q-tips to comfortable lounge wear. It only took me until the…

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Two Magic Questions Every Decorator Should Know

02/07/2021
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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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