May 24, 2011

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Colour Trend | The Colour Purple

Purple is one of those colours that I don't see used enough in interiors. I think when people conjure images of purple they automatically envision deep shades like plum and eggplant. But, purple comes in such a lovely range of shades from pale to powerful. Whether it's amethyst, lavender, lilac, mauve or violet, the colour purple can work for you.

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May 4, 2011

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Decor Trend | Upcycling Furniture

I tried my hand at furniture refinishing first when I was in my teens. There were definitely some questionable results. Read: I faux marbleized our family's kitchen table...in PEACH. God bless my mother for being so supportive.

Nowadays, my projects aren't quite as "flashy." Usually a quick coat of black or white paint, and I'm done. Check out some of my recent DIY's.

My husband needed a small, low stand for his stereo system. I didn't want something as bland as an MDF cube, so I hit the Goodwill stores. Et voila, I discovered this 1970s beauty for just $10.



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I saw this piano bench ($12) and knew that it would make a great "catch all" table in my entry way.

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We swapped out our large bookcases/entertainment unit in favour of a simple credenza. I found this solid wood darling for just $25 online. I added the hardware for an additional $25.

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We like to have snacks while watching TV, but we don't have a coffee table or end tables to place our dishes on. I found this beat up breakfast tray for just $2.

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I LOVE leopard print, but after 8 years, I needed a change. (I had also changed quite a few other elements in my condo, and the sofa/ottoman needed to play catch up.) I found this damask fabric at a local design shop, and then brought it to a seamstress to have it made into slip covers. I'm thrilled with the results.


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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Artist Profile: Tamara de Lempicka

Tamara de Lempicka was an Art Deco artist known for her richly coloured, sensual portraits of women. Crisp lines and jewel tones are hallmarks of her work.

I have two of her prints, hanging above my sofa. They are my absolute favourites: Printemps (left) and Autoportrait (right).

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Others, amongst my favourites, are:


The Girls, 1930
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The Straw Hat, 1930

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Girl with Gloves, 1929
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To view the the complete works of Tamara de Lempicka,
click here.



Edmonton Interior Decorator | Moodboard | Mad Men Decor

This is a retro-eclectic mood board that I created, using an area rug as my jumping off point. I wanted to keep the colours consistent with the "Mad Men" area, so I chose peacock and mustard as my primary choices. I kept the lines simple, and used dark wood and brass as my accents.

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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Trend | Painted & Decorated Ceilings

Ceilings are often a missed design opportunity. Straying from the traditional white ceiling can have a major impact on the overall look and mood of your room. Whether it's a punch of paint, a patterned wall paper, or panelling, all bring a distinct look to an often neglected part of your interior decor.

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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Pantone Colour of the Year: Honeysuckle

Pantone, Inc. is the world-renowned authority on colour. Each year, they select and "it" colour. And for 2011, that colour is Honeysuckle.

"A Color for All Seasons: Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it." Read more from Pantone here.

Ok, enough background on the colour. Let's talk this room! My inner Zsa Zsa Gabor thinks this room is to die for! Classic cream, French furniture, honeysuckle accents, lucite coffee table, crystal chandelier AND drapes with peekaboo pleats? Daaahling, I love it!

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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Beautiful Headboards

Choosing the right headboard is a great way to bring a focal point to any bedroom. Don't go with a 5-piece matching set. Make your bedroom a unique expression of your design desires with any of these simple, but stylish ideas!

Mirrors
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Fabric
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Stencils
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Upholstered
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Doors
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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Beautiful Livingrooms

These rooms are all so different, and yet all appeal to me on different levels.


Retro Eclectic

I love the mid-Century modern furniture used in this livingroom. The designer also successfully combined different elements (glass, wood, metal) and used asymmetry to keep it informal.

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Art Deco Inspired

This purple pad is luxe to the max! The purples, lilacs and silvers work divinely with the 30's inspired theme. All of the finishes are soft, glossy and shiny which impart a feeling of wealth and glamour.

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Soothing & Sophisticated


Blues are known to soothe, and this baby blue is no exception. The room is light, bright, and relaxing at the same time. The symmetrical placement of the furniture lends a semi-formal feel to this classic livingroom.

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Edmonton Interior Decorator | Beautiful Bedrooms

Rooms perfect for a princess, a siren and a queen!

For a Princess
This bedroom is soothing and simple. The calm palette of icy blues, snow white and silver is perfect for a classic chamber. I'm also a huge fan of upholstered headboards. And, like most rooms that I love, it has great symmetry.

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For a Siren
This room reminds me of a 30's movies siren. What don't I love? The decor elements are so luxurious! The mirrored end tables, crystal lamps, velvet upholstered bed, exquisite wallpaper, shag area rug and the mohair pillow. WOW!

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For a Queen
This room is for a person who lives there life out loud. No shrinking violets allowed here. This room is fabulosity at its best! The fuschia panelled wall, the over-sized gold accents and the oversized damask pillows.



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May 3, 2011

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Top Decor Picks

These are just a few of the things that I love, LOVE, L-O-V-E, to see in beautiful spaces. I'll let the photos speak for themselves:




Chrome Accessories

chrome table

chrome lamp

chrome fan


Lucite Furniture

lucite1

lucite desk

lucite table and chairs


Animal Prints

animal prints

cheetah chair

zebra chair


Damask Pattern

purple damask wallpaper

red damask louis chair

damask chest


B&W Photos

chrysler building

colosseum

eiffel tower


Vintage Electronics


vintage phone

baby ben wesclox

vintage radio