April 1, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Upscale Magazine | Greenhouse Effect part 1

From international clients to international publications: I recently had the honour to be interviewed by Shydel James for the April 2013 issue of Upscale Magazine. He approached me for some green living advice, and how it can save you some "green" around the home.

Click the image for the pre-published article!

Yes, I took some liberties with this cover image. That addition in the lower right is mine. *smile*

Naturally, I have so much more to say on the subject, so I'm putting together a three-part series on the topic. Here's part one:

What are some unique ways to go green and save energy (and money) around the kitchen?


Pressure cooker: You can cut down up to 70% of your cooking time. This means that no matter what source of energy you are using, you are using less of it.

 Cast iron cookware: Designed to last several life times. You can pass them down to your grandchildren. When Teflon pans becomescratched, they have to be replaced. Cast iron is nearly indestructible. Also, as an added health benefit, cast iron emits small amounts of iron into your food, giving you added nutrients to help you produce red blood cells and prevent anemia.

Separate your fruits & vegetables: As fruits and vegetables ripen, they emit a gas called ethylene. This can lead to premature spoilage. Carrots and apples are ethylene sensitive, whereas pears and plums are ethylene producers. It's may be hard to know which ones to separate, so you can use an ethylene gas reducer (like the BluApple) to save food and money. http://www.thebluapple.com/

Unplug unused appliances: Any appliances that are used less than one time per day, should be unplugged. Even though they are not in use, they are sucking small amounts of power. Watch out for these sneaky energy-vampires.

Bee's Wrap: A great alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. The antibacterial properties of the beeswax and jojoba oil help to keep food fresh and allow you to use the Bee's Wrap again and again. http://www.beeswrap.com/

What are some unique ways to go green and save energy (and money) in the bathroom?


 Beeswax candle to freshen the air naturally: Unlike soy and paraffin candles, 100% pure beeswax candles create negative ions when burning, creating a similar effect as houseplants. Negative ions neutralize allergens, dust and air borne toxins.

Baking soda and vinegar for cleaning: These are the only two cleaning products you should need. Vinegar works as a disinfectant and a deoderizer. Baking soda provides the scrubbing power to polish away grime. It's also a great neutralizer for odours.

Solatube: A cost-effective way to bring natural light to virtually any room. http://www.solatube.com

Switch shaving creams: The shaving cream you use could be dulling your blades -- lengthen their life with natural shaving products. My favourite pick is Alba Botanica. It's also fantastic for sensitive skin. (My husband rates the comfort of shaving with this cream an 11/10! He also says his blades last up to four times longer.)

Coconut oil: You can replace a plethora of beauty products with this wonderful oil. Use it as a makeup remover (yes, it even works on waterproof mascara), face & body moisturizer and instead of shaving creams or gels. (My husband rates the comfort of shaving with coconut oil as 9.5/10. As a bonus, skin is instantly moisturized.)

What are some unique ways to go green and save energy (and money) around the laundry room?


Ecosave laundry discs: The discs contain electrically charged ceramic beads which create an abundance of OH-ions in the wash water. This lowers the surface tension of the water, and cuts down on the amount of soap needed.

Soap nuts: These grow in the wild! No additives, no perfumes, no fillers and nothing to irritate even the most sensitive skin. The best part is that they can be used a bunch of times and then they can just be composted. Absolutely zero waste.

Wool dryer balls: Use these as an alternative to fabric softener sheets. They also reduce drying time!  (Did you know: The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling -- so strong that they require the use of these heavy fragrances just to cover up the smells.)

Bonus tip: Always use cold water when you can, and hang to dry if possible.

Click here for part 2.


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March 28, 2013

Local Edmonton Artist | Debbie Jeannotte

Are you in search of unique artwork? Do you like to support local artists? Well, I am pleased to present to you, Debbie Jeannotte, a talented local artist.
Debbie Jeannotte was raised right here in our City of Champions and has called Edmonton home since the age of six. She has always felt a need to explore her creative side but her love of painting really developed about 5 years ago after a significant life change.  After being convinced by a friend to take an acrylic painting class, there was no stopping her.

Debbie lives in Highlands with her hubby and Daschund puppy, Lily.  Her sons, Taylor and Eden, are grown and out of the house but still enjoy their new little sister.
 
Below is a gallery of some of her sold pieces of artwork:




SOLD


SOLD


 
SOLD


SOLD


SOLD


SOLD


SOLD


SOLD


SOLD



Available! "Emma" 8x8 Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas



Contact Debbie Jeannotte to purchase this beauty! 

Or to have her create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you.


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March 26, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Get the Look for Less | Nautical Mile

You see an amazing photo in a decorating magazine and you ask yourself, "How can I get that look? And how can I get it for less?"


Here's the inspiration: a chic, Hollywood Regency inspired navy and white living room. When I first started to source this look, I found the lamps...at a price tag of $3500 each! I knew this was going to be a pricey room.

The Inspiration
Estimated cost $19,000

The Look for Less
Estimate cost $4919
{Click image for larger size}

1. Toile Pillow - $98/ea                     2. White bolster - $40/ea                    3. Navy pillows - $43/set
4. Navy armless chair - $298/ea        5. Round mirror - $390                      6. Ivory sofa - $700
7. Brass coffee table - $839/ea *       8. White ottoman - $234                     9. White floor lamp - $372/ea
10. Navy/white rug - $258

TOTAL ROOM COST: $4919 
*Less $1600 if you find thrifted brass tables
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March 22, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Top 10 Pro Decorating Tips

Just in case you are deciding to tackle some home improvement this weekend, I thought I would share my Top 10 Pro Tips for Interior Decorating. Everything from choosing a wall colour, how to paint your trim, to picking the perfect mirror, will be covered here. Enjoy!


"Paint your trim and walls the same colour when: A) Your trim is older and you don't want to draw attention to it, and B) When you want the walls to disappear in a wash of colour and the focus to be on the room and furniture. " 




"Don't be afraid to try a different shape mirror. Ditch the rectangle and try oval, round or hexagon."


"Disguise an off-center window with draperies."


"Make a galley kitchen feel more open -- upper cabinets with glass door fronts. Also, if you don't have a window, install a mirror where a window should be."

"How to live with saturated or bright colours -- use them in small doses. The white wainscoting breaks the purple down into digestible amounts."

"Boost your bathroom's elegance with 2 curtain panels and a coordinating valance."

"Staging your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. Seen here: a flea-market-find shelf with simple white linens, a jar full of soap, garden flowers and a container of cotton swabs. Simple and effective."


"When selecting a carpet for your dining room, make sure there is about 8-12 inches from the edge of the carpet to the legs of the chair."


"Want to add some colour to your room, but can't commit to putting it on the walls? Try the ceiling instead."

 
"Large wall and don't know what to do? Or don't want to hang art? Use mirrors to break up the space and add some glitz."

Would you like some real-time, real life advice? Just give me a call.

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March 7, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Before & After | Ambleside in Windermere

I had the pleasure and honour to work with the homeowners on this Kimberley built home in Ambleside.

Both owners had a very strong design sense and understanding of the direction they wanted to take their home, but sought professional guidance. We worked together through my Design Coach and personal shopping services.


The kitchen was given a HUGE facelift by: the installation of extra cabinets, new appliances, new lighting, and a fiery orange accent wall.



The dining room was kept sleek and modern with furniture from Finesse and fixtures from Park Lighting.

The living room was outfitted with mid-century modern inspired pieces from Crate and Barrel. See my design inspiration for this room here.

Drama and glamour were introduced to the stairwell with the fiery orange accent wall, black Baroque full length mirror and chandelier (not seen) from Park Lighting.

The guest bath was brightened up with accents of apple green.


The bonus room, where the family gathers for movies and conversation, was kept warm with existing furniture, and that Fireball orange accent wall.

A soothing, hotel like oasis was created in the master suite. Delicate accents of chartreuse and silver.

Some close ups of vignettes we created to add that personal touch to the home.

Do you like what you see? This home is also for sale at www.864ArmitageWynd.com

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February 24, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | 10 Chic & Unique Laundry rooms

Are you thinking of renovating, redecorating or remodelling your laundry room? As an Interior Decorator and REALTOR, I am in and out of client homes every day. The laundry room is often the most neglected, cluttered, dreary room I see. Take the pain out of doing laundry by giving your laundry room a makeover. From sweet and petite to grande and gorgeous, you can find some inspiration here.



Stylish black, green and white laundry room


Want to clean up your laundry room? Give me a call!
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February 22, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Before & After Staging | Downtown Condo

When Edmonton home buyers are out looking for condos, 90% of them start their search online. That's why real estate photos have to grab their attention. Home staging and professional photography can turn any space from blah to WOW!

Check out this downtown Edmonton condo go from "lived in" to "love it" with a few simple changes.

Edmonton Downtown Condo for Sale: Staged & Styled by Rachel Schofield


Edmonton Downtown Condo for Sale: Staged & Styled by Rachel Schofield


Edmonton Downtown Condo for Sale: Staged & Styled by Rachel Schofield


Edmonton Downtown Condo for Sale: Staged & Styled by Rachel Schofield

Amazing before & after...

Look at the difference home staging & interior styling makes!

Want to have a little fun? You can virtually decorate this property at www.201-11025JasperAve.com
This centrally located Edmonton condo is for sale! www.201-11025JasperAve.com

Want your home SOLD with Designer Real Estate? Give me a call 780.999.3021
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February 13, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Design Services | Fall In Love Again

Fall in love again...with your home

Sick of walking in the door, day after day, and seeing the same old rooms staring back at you? 




Sign up for a Design Coach session and for just $199 you can love, LOVE, L-O-V-E your home again.


Limited spots available. Call Rachel today! 780.999.3021
Price valid until 12:00 am MST 2/14/13

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February 5, 2013

Edmonton Interior Decorator | Top 10 Staging Mistakes | Home Sellers

Calling all Home Owners: If you are thinking of putting your home for sale, please remember that this is likely the biggest investment of your life. Treat it as such. Here are the top 10 staging mistakes I have encountered in the industry. Do not make these staging mistakes with your home!

10. "I love it, so everyone else must." Put away your collection of model cars and porcelain figurines. This is neither a trade show nor a museum.

9. Oversized furniture in under sized spaces. You're making your home look small and cramped. The opposite of what buyers are looking for.

8. Hiding trouble spots. That strategically placed carpet or flower pot should be for decorative purposes -- not to hide carpet stains or damage to the floor.

7. Ignoring the small things: Clean the blinds, and ceiling fan. Buyers want to think the home is well cared for.

6. Over powering air fresheners. Don't over do it with artificial scents. They'll wondering what you're covering up.

5. Over stuffing closets & cupboards. Buyers will look in there. If it looks small and cramped they are going to fear lack of adequate space.

4. Leaving poochie's toys and food bowls out. Don't want a buyer taking an unexpected dip in a bowl full of doggy water.

3. Leaving the bathroom (or any room) with a lived-in look. Put away soggy towels, toothbrushes, and other personal grooming tools.

2. Closing all the blinds & lights before a showing. Create a bright and welcoming environment by letting the sunshine in!

1. Thinking that professional home staging & photography won't make a difference in the sale of your home. After all, look at these REAL examples of MLS pictures of staging gone WRONG.



Now, let's see the flipside of the coin! Here are the top 10 staging tips!

Want to know what Home Staging really is? Separate the truth from myth and mystery.


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