Design Timeline

Are you building a new home or are you renovating your existing home? Here are some great tips on selecting your finishes in sequence to ensure a cohesive overall design in an organized manner.

1. Exterior Finishes

When selecting your exterior finishes first think about the overall look you would like to achieve. Select your brick, stone, stucco, siding or a combination of these, then decide on a colour schemes for your window trim, soffit, shakes and shingles to compliment the main features of your home. 

A Traditional Exterior with board & batton, stone accents and
contrasting windows, trim and soffits.

2. Select your appliances

When designing your kitchen cabinetry exact sizes of appliances are needed in determining the perfect, functional space. Whether designing a modern kitchen with a stainless steel hood or a professional kitchen with a 60" wide refrigerator and range, all of these decisions need to be made before moving forward with cabinetry design.

3. Cabinetry Design

Whether designing custom cabinetry or standard box cabinetry there are many options and it may be an overwhelming process. I suggest searching for some inspiration photos and pick some elements that you love and the design style that works best for you and your home. Cabinetry for your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room should all coordinate throughout but may have different finishes.
Countertops and backsplashes should also be selected at this point.

A farmhouse kitchen design with crisp white cabinets, white subways
tile backsplash & granite countertops 

4. Flooring

Once the cabinetry is determined it now time to move onto the flooring selections throughout your home. This would include hardwood, carpet, tiles and wall tiles for your bathrooms. Create a unique tile look in your ensuite shower by combining standard rectangular tiles infused with a mosaic design.

5. Doors & Trim

There are many different styles and finishes of interior doors and trim. Select a style and finish to best suite the rest of your selections thus far and that will coordinate with the overall design style of your home.

6. Paint Selections

At this point selecting your paint colours for each room becomes easier when most of your finishes have already been determined. I suggest only choosing 3-4 colours to carry through your entire home to allow a proper flow from room to room.

7. Lighting

Determine the amount of light that is needed for each space and select statement fixtures that add interest and style. There is an abundance amount of lighting fixtures available that it may be an overwhelming task to select for your entire house. Stay tuned for an informational post on everything lighting.

Standard lighting options are not always the best choice. I love the chandelier in the middle of the ensuite and two sconces flanking the mirror.

  8. Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures

When selecting fixtures for your bathrooms and kitchens make sure the finishes coordinate with all of the hardware on the cabinetry that has already been selected. Remember to never forget the details such as a great shower head, hand held shower fixtures and unique faucets.

9. Furniture

Furniture throughout your home can be a very personal thing. By this point in the process the design style should already be determined and by carrying this style through in the furniture will allow the entire home to look cohesive and flow together nicely. Arrange your furniture in a functional way and select larger pieces that are neutral that will withstand the test of time.

10. Window Treatments

In keeping with the design style of your home choose a window treatment that is again neutral in colour and timeless. Determine the amount of light that you would prefer to allow into the room and the amount of privacy needed for the space. Drapery panels in a pattern are a fun way to add personality and design to a room and are easy and cost efficient to change out.

Building and renovating a home can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. If you require professional interior design assistance to create a stunning home please contact me today to set up an initial consultation. 

Barn to Sleek Modern Home

This gorgeous 7,000 square foot English home has been converted from a barn to this stunning artsy space. The integrity of the structure has been kept intact and by adding the interior walls to slightly section off the spaces make this stunning home extremely unique. 

ELLEDECOR.COM

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

My recent trip to Los Cabos, Mexico has been a major inspiration in the way of outdoor living. This stunning outdoor dining area reflects a casual yet elegant oasis to entertain guests. The tall stone walls and flowing white draperies add to the intimacy of the space.

houzz.com

Add Shine and Sparkle!

Every room needs some interest and by adding some eye catching glitz and glam pieces to your space it gives a dynamic design.

Houzz.com

Mirrors

Not only do mirrors add reflective surfaces and give the illusion of a larger space, they can also be a statement art piece. A perfect way to add sparkle with this great Casalife starburst mirror!

Casalife, Sierra Star wall mirror

Furniture

A mirrored side table or console table is not only a functional piece of furniture, but a very pretty reflective statement piece. Furniture with glass, mirror or metallic finishes all add glam to your room.

 

Urban Barn, Reflection Console Table

Lighting

Lighting can make a huge statement in any space. A chandelier with glass and crystal is a perfect way to add sparkle and shine. This Restoration Hardware light fixture would look great over an island or dining table.

Restoration Hardware, 1920's Odeon Glass Fringe

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

houzz.com

This ultra-modern family room sports a deep navy accent wall with an eye catching portrait. From the stunning mid-century furniture to the herringbone hardwood floors this space has been immaculately designed.

Creating Privacy in your backyard

Privacy in your backyard is very important when you live in close proximity to your neighbors. These easy ways to create a private entertaining space are
essential for every backyard.

Outdoor curtains

Hanging simple outdoor curtains not only make your space very private but they give a soft whimsy to your backyard. To save money on pre-made outdoor panels, simply buy painter's canvas drop clothes from your local hardware store and attach grommets to the top. They have a beautiful linen look for a fraction of the price.

Greenery Screens

A screen is one of the best ways in giving privacy to your backyard. A horizontal, linear screen adds a modern touch or build a classic lattice screen for a traditional entertaining space. A leafy vine growing up these screens not only adds more privacy but brings natural greenery.

 

 A Classic Pergola

A well built pergola adds definition to an outdoor space, privacy and shelter from the rays. There are many different styles of pergolas so make sure you have the perfect one built to suite your overall look for your backyard. I love placing a dining table underneath the structure and hanging some beautiful lanterns and twinkle lights to really set an intimate mood for your dinners with family and friends. Growing vines up the columns and top boards give even more privacy and shade to your backyard.

 

Cedar Trees

Having a fully landscaped backyard can be fairly expensive and may take a few years to really grow to the size. Adding a perimeter of cedar trees, to your backyard, instantly adds the privacy we all desire. They are fairly dense, grow to be tall and best of all maintenance free, which are some of the great features of this tree.






All of these options offer an abundance of privacy and will allow you to feel comfortable entertaining your guests for summers to come!

Adding pattern to your room...

Does your room lack personality and is dull and boring? Here are some easy ways to vamp up your space by just adding a little pattern. Painting all four walls is typically a go to for most homeowners but by using wallpaper or a pattern to break up your boring mundane walls it creates a unique look and a focal point to any space.

Wallpaper, as I have mentioned in previous blog posts, is a great way to add a pattern and personality to your room. Add a subtle tone on tone pattern that can add texture to your wall or select a large, bold pattern that is bound to catch some eyes and make a statement.


If you have a specific idea of the pattern you would like to create, then stenciling may be for you. It is a very cost effective way to add a bold pattern with just a little paint and cut out stencil.

Another way to add drama to your space is by painting a stripe or chevron pattern onto your walls. This is a very elegant overall look and by using soft, neutral colours, it will compliment most interior design styles.

Gone are the days of boring painted walls! Try a new great pattern that will add interest into your home.

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

A masculine contemporary design, with warm neutral tones, is a soothing place to lay your head. This bedroom features an ikat/ chevron pattern with upholstered wall panels and a stunning chandelier to add sparkle.

Making the Old, New!

I love going to used consignment shops in hopes of finding some hidden gems. Used furniture pieces such as credenzas or tables are perfect treasures to refurbish for less. Most of these items are also built a lot better then furniture that you can purchase today.  

Not only can you refurbish tables and cabinets but chairs and sofas as well. Reupholstering a dated chair with a new, modern fabric will give it a new life. If you are looking for a unique piece, these places are always first on my list! I spent my Sunday at the Waterford Antique Market and found some really great & unique pieces!

Your Outdoor Oasis...

Outdoor living spaces are absolutely necessary for summer entertaining. Your outside really can look just as beautiful as your interior.

Create a contemporary outdoor oasis with these furniture pieces.

Kitchens...

Kitchens are one of the most loved places in our homes and therefore so much attention and detail go into their designs. Houzz recently surveyed people on everything kitchens and some very interested research came from this.

Cambria Quartz, Galloway

1. Most people absolutely hate laminate and tile countertops and 50 percent of people polled actually choose granite for their favorite tops. Quartz was a close second with 36 percent. My personal opinion is that although granite is beautiful it does have some maintenance and upkeep that comes along with having the natural stone, such as properly sealing your granite every five years and watch out for red wine spills because it will stain! Quartz is my go to top and there are so many stunning patterns and colors now to choose from.





2. 75 percent of pollers said they would like their kitchen to have soft neutral colors throughout. This is no surprise to me as a neutral color palette is a classic look that will stand the test of time. A kitchen renovation is one of the most expensive projects in your home and it is just not feasible to redesign it when a new trend appears!

3. Most people also like the idea of having an open concept kitchen with a large island for guest to congregate.

There are so many great design & storage ideas when you are starting your kitchen renovation. It is always a good idea to consult a designer to focus your design because it can be an overwhelming process and trying to incorporate too many ideas may create a chaotic end product.

Designing my home office...

I am currently redesigning my home office, as it is now my primary location of my business. I need a space that is not only functional and organized but inviting and of course beautiful. A place that I will want to sit in for long periods of time and also shows my work as a designer. This is one of my inspirations for my office as it is very minimal but has a striking pattern that screams contemporary design. I will post before/after pictures when I have completed it so STAY TUNED!

houzz.com

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

Surrounded by a sea of crisp white is this natural, organic live edge bar top!