Contemporary San Fran dwelling...

This San Francisco home has been immaculately designed with never ending carrara marble, white everything, pops of nature and hints of turquoise. The photos speak for themselves...Enjoy!

Houzz.com

A Dash of Colour...

A front door is meant to stand out, create an inviting entrance and also give off great curb appeal. Depending on the style of your home and the finishes, a pop of colour may be just what your front entrance needs!

houzz.com

This is the perfect time of year to improve your homes exterior and all it takes is a quart of paint. 

Do you have a century home with red brick and off white accents? A contrast of a black front door will allow it to stand out from the coloured brick.

A helpful tip, when deciding which colour would work best with your existing exterior, is to determine if your home has a coloured brick or siding. If that is the case, then the best choice is a neutral door colour. (brown, black, navy, etc.)

If your siding or brick is more of a neutral tone then go with a bold, bright front door to add some character and pop to your home. (red, yellow, turquoise, etc.) 

Here are some great options from Benjamin Moore to give your front door a complete makeover. 

Outdoor Escape

It is finally starting to feel like Spring & this outdoor escape, surrounded by greenery and nature, is just what we can look forward to! Enjoy the sunshine this weekend!

Exterior Finishes...

Vancouver Transitional Home
houzz.com

Never underestimate the importance of selecting the perfect exterior finishes to achieve an overall cohesive look. It is always easy to start by selecting your stone/ brick that you love but coordinating the eaves, trim, shakes or siding, shingles, posts etc. can be a daunting task.

Edmonton Modern Home
houzz.com

DESIGNER LOOKS FOR LESS...

Get this sophisticated modern living room look for less! Subtle grey tones mixed with splashes of vibrant yellow give impact to the space.

houzz.com

Renovated Contemporary Barn...

This Los Angeles renovated home has a unique contemporary, rustic look. It has incorporated reclaimed barnboard stairs, antler chandeliers, custom cabinetry and millwork and an overall neutral palette. I find each room very intriguing and includes many different design styles in one. Enjoy!

Los Angeles Architects & Designers Koffka Phakos Design

What do you like best about this home? Could you incorporate some of the features into your home?

Essentials for a Successful Organized Closet...

What does your dream closet look like? Most women would say they would want an entire room to themselves to house their handbags, shoes and clothes for every season. It would be designed beautifully with custom cabinetry, immaculately lit with a sparkling chandelier over the centre island and a mix of glass & mirror. Ok, maybe this is my dream closet!
Although budget plays a huge part in creating a dream closet, organization is the key to having a successful closet, no matter the size or budget.

Display your items on open shelving. By displaying your favorite handbags on open shelves it allows you to have a full visual of your collection and it allows them to stay in brand new condition. I also like the idea of having them behind glass doors, especially for those pricey designer bags. 

Shoe storage. Whether you have minimal space in your closet or an abundance amount of space, always try to incorporate shoe shelving. Floor to ceiling shelving is a great way to keep your shoes in pristine condition and also be able to grab and go when you are in a hurry. 

Display your jewelry in a glass top cabinet. To keep your beautiful pieces of jewelry organized, keep them displayed behind a piece of glass like this stunning custom island. I also love the idea of using mannequins to display statement necklaces!

Storage boxes. Storage boxes come in any size and color. These are great for all those treasures that may be only worn seasonally or even for your hat collection. It keeps your closet looking clean and organized!

No matter the size of your closet, keeping it organized with these tips will save you time & money!

All photos: houzz.com

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

What a stunning view from this tranquil master ensuite! A circular tub surrounded by a marble fireplace and the rustic outdoor terrain may be the most relaxing ensuite escape I have come across. 

houzz.com

Is Black the New Gray??

Black is the new go to neutral!

houzz.com
The black walls & ceiling in this bedroom design give a cozy elegant feel. 

houzz.com
Black trim and cabinetry add a traditional feel to this
 home office space.

A Houzz poll showed that 74 percent of homeowners love black rooms, from a bathroom or a kitchen to trim and doors to exterior finishes. Pair this dark striking finish with crisp white accents and warm textures. Also, make sure you have an abundance amount of light in your space, whether it be natural or artificial so you do not create a cave!

Would you be daring enough to try this 2014 trend?

houzz.com
Black exterior!

houzz.com
This contemporary designed living room
 has accents of black and white.

Ensuite Retreat...

A custom wood feature wall, stone and tile accents & a spectacular feminine chandelier are all features of this stunning ensuite design.

houzz.com

Look Up...

Interior design is focused on every aspect of the a room and that includes ceiling design. Most of the time ceilings are overlooked even though there are many stunning looks that can be created with just a little imagination!

Geometric designs are trending right now and why not create an eye catching pattern on your ceiling by using geometric shapes! 

The coffer ceiling has been around for centuries and is a traditional way to amp up the look of your space. It has beautiful clean lines that are accented with crown molding. 

We know that the rustic look is also trending in 2014 and I love the idea of mounting reclaimed wood to the ceiling. The wood warms the space and also brings a unique element which can be used in many different styles of interiors.

Wallpaper is not only for your walls but look how amazing it looks on a ceiling! Feature a colourful patterned paper to add an unexpected pop of colour to your space. Add crown molding around your room to frame the space and finish the overall look.

Whether you are designing a residential or commercial space there is no limit to how incredible your ceiling can look. These ceiling designs are over the top and make a major impact on the space around them. Use your imagination and design a ceiling that works for your home! 

Spring Inspired Table Setting...

elledecor

Create a gorgeous mantle arrangement...

This natural floral decor makes a striking statement when
combined with the metallic star burst mirror. houzz.com 

Decorating your mantle can be a challenging and frustrating task!

Start by determining the overall look you are wanting to achieve. Is your home modern and you appreciate minimalism and clean lines or is your home tranditional and want to create a look that is classic and long lasting? These are the types of questions that need to be answered before you start your shopping.

Combine similar colour tones but different shaped vases
 to create an eclectic look. houzz.com 

Once you have determined the look of the space then you need start looking at the proper scale of decoration that will either sit on the mantle or hang above it. If you have tall ceilings, for example, then your room can hold taller, larger pieces. It is very important to utilize objects that are the correct scale especially if you are choosing to hang artwork or a mirror above your mantle.

Fireplaces are meant to be the focal point of a living space, so naturally, mounting the television above the mantle just makes sense. It is important to not mount your television too high. Sit on your sofa or chair and ensure it is comfortable for viewing. There is nothing worse then straining your neck just to watch your favorite show.

This simplistic stone fireplace only needed

a chrome clock to finish the look. houzz.com

There are so many great ways to amp up the look of your fireplace so don't be scared to try a few different pieces until it is perfect for your space. Candles, framed photos, floral arrangements, vases or figurines are all great options. Make a statement but remember less is always more!

A natural touch, like this bunch of birch sticks add height
and interest to this stone fireplace. houzz.com

Stainless Steel?

Such a radiant unique kitchen design! I love the use of stainless steel throughout the entire kitchen.The pottery accessories and flowers take away the sterile feel of the kitchen and give warmth to the space. Could you live with this stainless look or would all those fingerprints drive you mad?

elledecor

SPRING IS HERE!

As the dreary, dark winter is ending it is time to switch from greys to coloured accents. Spring makes me think of subtle pastel hues & beautiful floral table arrangements. Add pops of serene, calming colours with furniture and textiles (such as bedding, throw pillows, accent chairs, lamps etc.). 

casasugar.com

I also love adding fresh flowers to living spaces and spring is the best time for this. Have your local florist create a beautiful arrangement that isn't to fussy and will bring in some natural spring hues.

sadecor.co.za

Here are some ways to add accents of colour to liven up your living space for spring & remember less is more!

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

Country, cottage chic has never looked so good! The striking natural elements & the earth tones throughout this design create warmth to the cozy family room. Such a great way to store your chopped logs for your wood burning fireplace!

Entertaining Outdoors...

Day dreaming of a night full of backyard entertaining, barbecuing & sharing stories around the fire. Creating an outdoor retreat is truly an extension of your living space and making it look beautiful will make you want to spend more time outdoors.

unilock.com

Start by planning ahead! Know the exact design you are wanting to create (hire a landscape architect to draw up your vision) & start quoting. This is a busy time for landscapers so book early in the season to make sure your project will be done before summers end.
Make sure to incorporate separate dining and living areas. When entertaining family and friends it is always nice to have a dining table that is somewhat covered by a pergola or a covered deck.Your living area should be comfortable and inviting. Use outdoor throw pillows, area carpets, ottomans and even outdoor drapes to create privacy.

I can go on and on about outdoor designs! Stay tuned for more posts on one of my favorite spaces to spend my time in the summer!

shokoa.com