HYGGE - Hue-Guh
What is HYGGE? How is it pronounced?! (hue-guh) is difficult to explain in one sentence. It's not a tangible, more a feeling, an atmosphere created for one's inner peace and coziness. I think this Danish word sounds like a lot the English word "hug". That sound about right! I think...
Life is a Renovation. Go big or go...home?
Hello folks, My apologies for my absence. I had planned on posting at the beginning of this month, but that was when the renovation gods descended upon us. Here I am, with head barely above water, squeezed into my tiny office, rambling on to regale you with the latest in the saga...
The Renovator Dating Game
How do lonely single socks find that special someone? matchsox.com Ok, that's my little joke. But this blog is all about finding that special someone ‐ not to love, but to handle the task of being your General Contractor. This process can be as frustrating and as elusive as...
Do You Need Professional Help?
Congratulations for making it through January, through some of the coldest days of the year so far, the saddest day of the year and making a clean and fresh start. Did my last post put you off renovations? Or do you want to hold steadfast dreams of improving your...
Here We Grow Again! Tales of a Home Renovation Project, Part 1
It seems like just yesterday we completed our last renovation. But here we are again, at the precipice of round 4! I am as nervous as ever. Our first foray was the big one - adding a second storey to our little granny bungalow. In some ways, we are...
A Fresh Start to 2018! De-Clutter and Organize!
Happy new year! Now that we are slowly emerging from holiday festivities, it's time to think about starting fresh in 2018, a nice round number. As much as I love the lead up to Christmas and shamelessly sneak in decorating in November, when the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops,...
Getting Ready For New Year's Eve
Wow, where did that year go? The Christmas meal has been digested and the cheery decorations seem a bit tired and dusty. But wait, there is still lots of celebrating yet to be done. I may be treading on thin ice when I dare suggest taking some holiday decorations down...
Conventional Holiday Decorating ... Or Not?
What is 'Christmassy' to you? What does that mean to you, me or anyone else? In decades past, there was a conventionality to holiday decorating. House to house, home to home, there was generally a common theme. Whether the tree be real or bright silver from a box, we could...
Thanksgiving Checklist
1. Put away Halloween decorations2. Put up Thanksgiving decorations3. Cook like crazy4. Eat like crazy5. Shop til you drop It's a good thing that Halloween decorations are orange and black, because you can use that orange as the transitional bridge from Halloween to harvest decorating. I've always thought that a good Jack-o-lantern...
Picture It - How To Hang Art on Your Walls
We are a savvy society. With HGTV, numerous home and DIY televisions shows, magazines and popular apps such as Houzz and Pinterest, we feel empowered. Even big box home renovation stores' TV commercials send us messages of encouragement. Although we have so many tools at our disposal, it seems there is...
Incorporating Antiques into Your Space
Who doesn't love antiques? Whether you are hitting the road like The American Pickers or purchasing online, there is a beautiful feeling about owning a piece of history. But how to add them to your home? Which ones to buy? How much to spend? It's not as difficult as...
Don't Get Out Of Bed-Create a Bedroom Oasis
With these bedroom ideas, you may never want to leave! Considering how much time we spend in bed, you might as well make it your oasis. Here are some tips.
To Be Or Not To Be Concrete
I went to an open house the other day in my neighbourhood, and one thing struck me about the kitchen. The concrete counter top. I love concrete counter tops, but have not seen too many that have been done well. This particular one was still cold feeling, had too...
Design Failures-Fads That Don't Translate To Real Life
We all drool over them, save them to our Pinterest boards, clip the magazine photos .... but some design fads don't really translate to the real world. Whether they be impractical or won't be in next season (and you just spent a bunch of $$), a fad is exactly...
Outdoor Summer Design Trends
Summer has finally arrived and with it comes outdoor living. After a good clean up of the front and back yards, or your patio, porch or balcony, it's time to turn that outdoor space into another room. Here are some trends for this summer that can be incorporated into...
Lofty Ideas
What is a loft space? It's a term that has changed a little bit over the years. Traditionally it's an open space, in an upper floor such as an attic, usually accessed by a ladder. We now have a broader sense of loft spaces accessed by stairs, but the...
Home Library Ideas
We love books and our ideal library would be floor to ceiling shelves, jammed with books.
Whether you have a small library of just one or two shelves, a room or a wall, creating a cozy space is easy. From classic to funky, here are some ideas.
Bright Interiors-Colors We Are Loving Right Now!
When you want bright, go big! These amazing colors can be added to your decor and you will love them as much as we do!
A 1970s Beach House Remodel-The Curvy House
This iconic 1970s beach has had a remodel and we are loving it. Would love to be here right now. Have a peek!
Houzz Tour: Iconic Wavy Wood Home Opens Up
Need A Change? Update Your Bedding!
Of course you can have a makeover in a day! There are a ton of simple ways to re-do rooms. Our favourite room is the bedroom and starting with a fresh set of bed linens can be very inspiring for the rest of the room. Here are our top...