Bringing Nature Indoors

Inspiration for the design of your condo can be found in so many different places.  One source that many are intrigued with surrounds us all ... nature!  As a designer, I often contemplate different ways of bringing the outside into my client’s homes.  While this can be done through colour, light and the clever use of mirrors, one obvious way to do this is by simply using a floral motif in the space.

This piece of art is by Celeste Brunel, a wonderful Canadian artist who takes her photographs, super-saturates the colours and then has them printed onto metal.  Extremely graphic and modern, it’s a great way to liven up any living space.  www.celestebrunel.com

This trip-tich by Danielle O’Connor Akiyama is a watercolour that integrates Western and Japanese paint techniques.  The flowers are practically dripping from their canvases and the colours are soft and sensuous.  More of a “transitional” piece, this type of floral is appropriate for modern or contemporary spaces. http://www.danielleoconnorakiyama.com/

If you are more of a traditionalist, then of course there are floral prints that are perfect for you too!  The fabric used on this drapery frames the window and compliments the otherwise neutral decor beautifully.  And don’t forget, if your partner is less than a fan of florals, it’s perfectly fine to add some stripes into the mix.  A little compromise actually can have a great impact on the design of your space!

Non-Conventional Storage

Amelie Sectional - with storage and a pullout double bed

 Diva Lounge - with a pullout double bed

Esque Bed - hydraulic lifting mechanism provides storage underneath

Nicole Bed - drawers provide storage

Small spaces call for creative storage ideas and multifunctional furniture.  Having a sofa with a pullout bed is great, but a sofa like the Amelie with a pullout bed and storage is even better.  Don’t have enough room for a sofa?  Try a small, backless lounge, for example the Diva, that can fit under a window and can pull out a double bed for guests. 

My bedroom doesn’t have room for a queen bed, let alone a dresser, so a storage bed is the perfect alternative.  A lifting mattress on the Esque provides mattress-size storage under the bed or drawers on each side of the Nicole bed are perfect for clothes, shoes and books.

The Rustic Feel

There is no doubt about it that the rustic, and salvaged wood furniture pieces are what  people are after...so hot right now!

This cool adjustable table had a base which allows the table to go up and down, and while everyone has fun guessing what it is from, the builder also does not know the origin. His guess is that it was from a piece of machinery. The salvaged wood tables also give that perfect mix of rustic and modern with its salvaged top, and sleek base.

Not looking to spend a fortune?

These pieces give off that rustic feel without breaking the bank! readily available, Any of these accents will give that perfect barnyard touch to your space. 

"Here! Take My Seat"

Tired of feeling like guests are always fighting for a seat when you invite them over?

I have been to so many parties where as fun as it is to all stand around in the kitchen, I just want to sit down! The reason people often stand around in a condo is because there is often not enough room for everyone to take a seat. Let's maximize our comfortable guests by bringing the party into the living or dining area and having additional seating for all.

These little stools are easy to fit around your condo, use them in your entrance way, in the corner of your living room or bedroom, or as a coffee table. Then, when your friends come over- let them rest! Position them around the living area or add to the dining table, and Viola! I have 2 myself as my coffee table, and I never fear my tiny condo is too tiny for a party :)

Light It Up

When moving and designing your home it's so easy to get caught up in the big, obvious pieces.  By the time you've picked out a sofa, coffee table, dining table, bed... Something like a light fixture can easily go overlooked.  If it works and lights up a dark space, it can wait.  From personal experience (other than my kitchen, my place still has no ceiling lights and I've been living there for three years) I know that this wait can be a long one.

So, I'm on the hunt for new lighting.  Looking at beautiful interiors I am always drawn to the lighting, probably because it makes a subtle but strong impact.  I still haven't decided if I want something simple and sleek or a big statement-maker.  I've posted some of my favourite so far.