We had so much fun working with our lovely clients at the Sprucedale residence. They wanted to give their family room a refresh with a warm cozy vibe. We brought in lots of color, texture, stunning artwork and Boho layers to bring the room together.

BEFORE

A colorful combination of light greys, blues and pinks were chosen with textured layers and accessories.  

Sheer drapes were added to filter the light and soften the room, with woven African baskets installed on the wall for an interesting element. We went with pink ottomans which the clients can pull up to rest their legs on or as an occasional table.

Chunky floating shelves were installed beside the fireplace grounding the space and allowing for display of family treasures.

And then this stunning photography of beach scenes brought a fun element to the room making you feel like its summer all year round!

Thank you to our wonderful clients for being so open to new ideas and for trusting our vision. Watch this space for the big reveal of their formal living room, up next!

With Easter round the corner I am looking for ideas on how to set the table for our family dinner. Thought I would share some of my findings with you in this post. Obviously I spend way too much time decorating the table and not enough time cooking. Fortunately my guests know me well and bring the food! 

Here are some ideas  to consider when putting your tablescape together. Keeping budget in mind and a creative mind you can make your table shine and impress your guests with a beautiful presentation.

1. Au Natural 
If you want a simple natural look then consider using fresh flowers, neutrals and linen. Keeping a limited palette of neutrals and textured fabrics is a very Scandinavian style and makes quite the impact. We do like the black hardware here as it stands out against the neutral table linen.

2. Mixing it up with vintage
We call ourselves vintage hunters but really it should be vintage hoarders. Love how this table is mixed up with vintage brass candle sticks and paired with lavender. Not everyone will have a stash of brass rabbits so a smart replacement would be the gold chocolate Lindt rabbits.

Or consider using something completely unexpected like air plants. No green finger? then use the faux kind which are priced the same and last forever.

3. Creative centerpieces 
Adding a lil something special to the center of your plate is a nice touch and most of these items can be found at your local art store. Keeping your layering to one or two colors will make your setting elegant and classic.​ Mini eggs are typically what is used but I like the pie option in the second pic. It also serves as dessert!

4. Keeping it fresh
Nothing compares to fresh flowers so if you can splurge on one thing, make that fresh flowers. You can choose from your traditional choice of tulips and daffodils or go one step further and consider lily of the valley, lavender, pussy willow or even white roses. 

We like to bring in branches of the spring blooms like cherry or apple blossoms, even Magnolia branches with the pink flowers in full bloom. I do hope our trees flower in time this year, it's been so cold for so long.

5. D'Souza Residence Tablescape 2018
And this was our tablescape last year. Our guests felt so special and welcomed when they saw the effort we made. We used simple kraft paper as the base and layered it with baby's breath flower arrangements and marbled details. The centerpiece was made with a piece of burlap ribbon that was stapled together to form a nest and placed in a paper cup cake holder.

There are so many ideas here guys, have fun creating an impressive tablescape. I know it's all about the food but just imagine the food being set on a table like this. Your guests will love it. 

Have a wonderful Spring and Easter celebration with your families. Big hugs.
{All pics via Pinterest}

We took time out last month to give our master bedroom a bit of TLC. We had initially renovated it when we first moved into our home 10 yrs ago and there really wasn't anything wrong with it but we did feel it was time for a refresh.

​It all started with finding a storage solution for Dhiraj who had his clothes on a bench for the longest time (because the kind man gave me the entire walk in closet for my shtuff!) And then that snowballed into re-covering the headboard, fresh lick of paint, additional lighting and upgrading our doors & trim.

Since we did away with the ceiling fixture we needed additional lighting in the room and added these retro pendants circa Ikea 2003 above the white Malm chest of drawers. Further lighting was added with table lamps on the burl chest of drawers and all lighting is voice controlled via Google assistant. No more getting out of bed to turn switches on and off!!!

Doors, trim and baseboard were upgraded to a clean contemporary style that was painted in Factory White by Benjamin Moore that popped against the blue walls. We went from 1.5'' baseboards to 5.5'' baseboards and that alone made a huge difference to this sixties home. The doors were changed from flat slab doors to paneled rounded arch textured doors and all hardware was upgraded to satin nickle handles.  

Most times we are so caught up with our clients projects and do not have enough of time to complete our own renos. It was fun to finally give our bedroom some lovin. Did you like this makeover? do tell us what your favorite part of the room is.​

We attended the Home Show TO last week to check out what new home products have hit the market and here are some of our favorites. Starting with the Dream home which was a stunning design in black with fresh details on the inside. We do like a black facade on anything.

Beautiful details like this eclectic flamingo wallpaper in blue and contemporary lighting designs were some of the things that caught our attention.

Dream Home built by Bonneville with Interior Design by Bedford Brooks Design Inc. Furniture by Casalife and paint by Sherwin Williams. Art by PI Fine Art and linens by Linen Chest.

With a number of washrooms lined up this year for us we were sure to check out bath products like this stunning free standing tub faucet and this small vanity for a tight space.

Always on the look out for great hardware we found a new company called Pomelli designs who had a range of well designed hardware that would look great on any bar we design.

And of course we had to check out tile designs at CIOT. We do lean towards a classic black and white combo but this grey geometric one was my favorite. Imagine a kitchen with upper white cabinets, a black island and wood accent shelving to pull out the warm tones of this tile,..........dream kitchen for sure! 

We are armed with so many ideas for our 2019 projects and can't wait to share them with you. Spring is round the corner lovelies and if you haven't checked out my last post on ''Tips to add Spring decor to your home'' then keep scrolling.

This winter has been long eh! We are so over the piles of snow and ice and wearing winter boots in March. The good news is that Spring is just a few weeks away and then we can expect apple blossoms, tulips and daffodils popping their heads everywhere. Spring is my most favorite season of them all but then I say that about Summer and Fall too.

So while you wait for Spring to arrive, here are a few tips to bring the freshness indoors and "pretend'' like Spring is already here.  These small changes will instantly brighten and liven up any living space. Do not restrict these tips to just your living room but consider using these tips to add color to your entrance, bedroom, kitchen and washrooms too.

Tip 1 - BRANCHES & FOLIAGE
Add an over sized vase of tall branches of leaves or budding blooms on any table and instantly you bring in the outdoors. I do like something sculptural and these large banana leaves are something you would find in my home. You can either get the real ones at florist shops or good quality faux ones at your local Home goods store.

TIP 2 - FLORALS
Nothing can be better than fresh flowers in a room. I quite like the simple arrangement below of if you want something seasonal then a bunch of tulips would work too. You can achieve this with fresh flowers from your local grocery and with the cooler temps right now they should last a minimum of two weeks. My Valentine roses lasted a whole 20 days, I kid you not!

TIP 3 - PLANTS
If you can keep a plant alive then I would recommend going for a real plant something large & sculptural like a fiddle fig, a banana tree or the current craze: the Olive tree. I sure have a thing for the banana plant don't I?! But seriously green is a magical color, it completely transforms a room bringing a sense of life to a space. Another tip if you are not a plant person is going for prints of plants in art, cushions or throws. 

TIP 4 - FRUIT
Another great trick is using large bowls of fruit to bring color & freshness to a room. Try using something eclectic to hold the fruit like a cake stand, large mixing bowl or wood bowl. An interesting vessel makes the arrangement even better. I like using artichokes, pineapples or pomegranates in large brass bowls for my arrangements.

TIP 5 - SOFT FURNISHINGS 
​Changing up your cushions and throws is an affordable way to bring in seasonal touches to your home. Maybe a shot of yellow to signify daffodils or a hint of pink to represent tulips. A well kept secret is the range of accessories available at the H&M home store in Eaton Center. They have a fabulous range of home goods that come in great designs and easy on the wallet too.

TIP 6 - SCENTED CANDLES
Never underestimate the power of a candle. Last night I stole my daughter's mango candle and lit it up in my bedroom and it was the most beautiful nightly experience ever. The flickering light, the smell, the pretty peach glass vessel it came in............all senses were relaxed. Try floral scents of Jasmine or green apple too for that fresh smell.

Have fun with bringing Spring indoors friends. If you are looking for more inspiration then check out our Pinterest boards where we have tons of pins to peruse. Or follow our Instagram where we share more tips daily.

Never worked with an Interior Designer before? But dying to get your home beautiful and welcoming so you can entertain and relax again! Here we break down our process to show you how simple & straightforward working with us can be. We take care of all the headaches and decision making so that you can enjoy this experience and eventually get the space you have always wanted.  

Our goal is to give you a home that is not only beautifully designed but also shows off your personality and interests. We spend time getting to know your style, budget, timelines and vision. And give you the home of your dreams. All while having fun together!

Think you are ready to hire us? then shoot us a short note using our contact form on the website and expect to hear from us soon! 

When renovating your kitchen there are 3 main elements to consider: Cabinets, Back splash and Flooring which together makes a huge impact on the overall look and design of your kitchen. Here we are sharing some tips for when you are off to choose the perfect back splash tile for your kitchen makeover.

SUBWAY TILES
Gone are the days of those square and strip mosaic tiles, today with the range of tiles available you can turn your kitchen into a work of art and then put some art up on the walls too. Starting with the basic subway tile which is a classic with its rectangular shape and clean lines, it is most commonly used in white providing the perfect background to any cabinet or flooring. If you are a color lover then consider aqua or a more bohemian color to bring an eclectic flavor to the room. 

Consider how you want to lay your subway tiles next, you have the option to lay them staggered in a brick formation, or one below the other for a very modern look or angled in a chevron pattern. Here at the Cedarglen Kitchen Remodel we laid the tile one below the other giving the room a very modern vibe.

MATCHING COUNTER TOPS WITH BACK SPLASH
Here are some beautiful kitchens where they have continued the granite or marble counter onto the back splash making the space look seamless and larger. This is a great option for a tiny kitchen as it gives a sense of continuity to the space. Am loving the black cabinets that contrast well with the white giving the room an almost graphic feel. The open shelves, pops of green, black lighting...........they got it all right here, didn't they!

GEOMETRICS & TEXTURE
For a modern contemporary look consider going for geometric patterns or texture in your tiles. Today the progress they have made in tile products is quite amazing. At the Jeffcoat kitchen remodel we chose 30 x 10'' large format textured tile resulting in less grout lines and more focus on the tiles. The pretty pattern and texture brings a softness to the all black cabinets and contrasts well with the grey/brown floors.

​HIGH CONTRAST
Contrast lovers will adore the below options of pairing darks with lights creating a fun energetic vibe in the room. From grey concrete tiles to exposed brick and high impact black mosaic these fearless home owners have really brought personality to their kitchen spaces through these bold choices. Good design comes from taking calculated risks and if this makes you nervous then consider bringing in the pros to make the right choices first time round.

PATTERNS & PRINT
The big trend right now is patterned tile that comes in either cement or porcelain finishes. They are being used either as back splash, flooring, in washrooms, mudrooms, literally everywhere. They come in a  range of fun prints and patterns allowing you to really let your inner artist shine. The great thing about the prints is that they come in subtle colors or high impact graphic designs, small prints to large prints, flat surfaces to highly textured leaving you with a wide range to select from.

Aside from the back splash tile don't forget about lighting and bar stools, rugs, artwork, styling your shelves, adding some plants, etc etc........all the things we would love to help you with. If you are about to go into a Kitchen Reno here is another post that might help you with your choices: Top Kitchen trends​

Kitchens are the heart of a home and friends will always gravitate to this space so why not make it as pretty as the rest of the house. If you are planning to tackle a Kitchen Reno then here are some ideas to help you along. 

1. DARK & LIGHT CABINETS
We are increasingly spotting the combination of dark lower and light upper cabinets in kitchens and here they are combined with wood bar stools in golden tones and delicate lights to create the right balance of contrast and warmth. Dark lower cabinets ground the space while light upper cabinets keep it feeling bright and airy. If an entire kitchen in dark cabinets is too much for you then consider going dark with just your kitchen island giving the room a focal point. 

2. PATTERNED TILES
Patterned back splashes or floors are a great way to break up a bank of self colored cabinets and walls. Tiles are getting more & more prettier with a whole range of mosaic, patterned and textured tile options available out there. If you are nervous to cover the entire floor in pattern then consider just doing a patterned back splash while keeping the counter tops classic. Cement tiles which continue to be my favorite are showing up not just in washrooms but in kitchens too. 

​3. ART IN THE KITCHEN
What can I say - it's the artist in me that speaks ! But seriously - why restrict art to just your living rooms? why not introduce some beautiful vintage pieces in your kitchen too to make the space interesting and add some much need color. I have all my graphite sketches hung in my kitchen and they bring so much personality to the room. My whole approach to designing is thinking outside the box. Using items in a way that is not expected is my key.

​4. OPEN SHELVES
Open shelves continue to show up in kitchens and offer a great option to displaying your pretty dishes, plants and accessories. Having upper and lower cabinets leaves the kitchen feeling very boxy and top heavy whereas with shelves you have an open plan look and the storage is no less. While it may not be for everyone (especially me with my dust ridden home) they are a lovely way to bring style and elegance to an otherwise utilitarian space. 

5. COVERED RANGE HOODS
The range hood is a necessity but it does not need to look ugly. In the past they were concealed behind cabinet doors or a huge metal sheet but today you have way more options. Consider cladding it with wood planks, tiles or even marble. You could either beef it up to be the focal point of the room or clad it in the same finish as your back wall so that it disappears. But remember every room needs just one 'focal point' to ground the space - one too many and you have lost your focus.

Design is all about taking risks, thinking outside the box and bringing personality to a space. If you are still unsure about which direction to go in for your kitchen then call in the pros - basically Dhiraj and Lynda who are happy to take those calculated risks for you and turn your house into a home. 

Custom online designs or E-Designs are a fun, affordable way to get the space you want on your own timeline and budget. This also works for a client who is not able to meet in person but is great at following online directions.

The package will offer you a starting point with:

• A Floor plan with furniture layout
• Digital mood board with furniture, rugs, lighting, drapery, art & some accessories
• Shopping list with direct links for convenient purchasing
• Instructions for implementing plan

All you will need to do is:

1. Send us your details via the contact page/form
2. We will respond back at our earliest with details of the requested package
3. You are to send us clear photographs of your room from different angles
4. Hand written measurements of your room
5. Link to your Pinterest board or inspiration images of rooms you like
6. Details & measurements of any furniture you want to keep in the room
7. Your budget for the project.

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Once you receive your design package you can shop at your convenience and start living in a home designed specifically for you. We are always here to help if you get stuck along the way.

Optional styling and shopping service. Billed per hour. Ask us for more details.

Attending the IDS every year educates us on the latest in market products and inspires us to create the very best of designs for our clients. Here are some of the highlights from the show leaving us with a million ideas for our upcoming projects.

The Ontario Wood pavilion demonstrates the diversity and versatility of the wood harvested from our province’s forests in all its glory. Manufacturers showcase the many product categories that locally sourced wood can become—from log homes, structural lumber and surfacing to furniture and artisanal goods.
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This year, Ontario Wood is housed in a custom environment by local firm Izen Architecture, a firm devoted to small-scale designs that range from products and installations to single-family homes. Their sculptural pavilion comprises intersecting rows of angled wooden beams that combine to form a striking circular gathering space that evokes a campsite inside a forest clearing.

The Modern Cabin presents a modernist interpretation of the notion of rustic wilderness living based on the spirit of Canadian outdoor culture. The compact structure is crafted to have a minimal environmental impact on the site. Every bit of its tiny 670 square feet floorplan is utilized, featuring a lofted sleeping area, a bathroom, and a covered exterior deck. The structural system is comprised of a sustainably harvested engineered timber frame, clad with prefabricated insulated wall/roof/floor panels. Design by Leckie Studio.

Stunning lighting options from various designers with some of our favorites from AM Studio featured here.

Would you believe this is a rug?! So much progress in the design and manufacturing of something as flat as a rug. Loving these cool designs.

​Some cool handmade furniture spotted by The Wood studio London, the Style Garage and various other artisans.

And finally the Benjamin Moore booth which showcased a light and dark palette in a very modern and cool way.