Architectural Spotlight: The TIFF Bell Lightbox

September 20th, 2011

The city is just hot off the trail of the annual Toronto International Film Festival and although TIFF won’t be around for another year we thought we would focus on the part of the festival that is here all year-round – its home – The TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Great design inspirations and creativity can be found all around us. Look around any city in the world and you’ll find that the buildings, churches, bridges, towers all tell a story about the culture and lifestyle of the people that live and work there.

We focus so much on the interior of a space that sometimes we forget that the structure itself is a marvel of design and can have just much character and personality as the inside. The TIFF Bell Lightbox is an example of a swanky building that isn’t just shallow and good looking on the outside but equally stunning and functional on the inside.

The interior is much like a gallery space and they have achieved great colour blocking with bright colours that draw in they eye and create focal points. The purple wall is an eye-catching backdrop for the angular stairs. There are lots of windows that let in the light and creating a dramatic contrast with the dark theatre space. The outside is so chic and modern that I wish there was a pop of colour here too.

The Bell Lightbox is a tribute to the art of cinema and the gorgeous yet functional five-storey building contains five public cinemas, two galleries, three learning studios, a three-storey public atrium, a centre for students and scholars, a bistro, a restaurant and a lounge.

TIFF Director and CEO, Piers Handling’s vision of the building is to help grow and support the Canadian film industry and make TIFF the world’s premiere centre for film by creating a hub for professionals, educators and film makers from around the world.

So the next time you’re downtown and happen to pass by King and John, don’t just walk by this monument to film in our city. Stop. Look. And go in. Everyone should have a peek inside this building and soak in the history of cinema and exhibitions it has to offer. It’s more than just a building; it’s a reflection of Toronto’s commitment to arts and culture and our inviting nature to welcome people and films from all over the world.

Is there a building that you feel makes a design statement? Or one that’s a Toronto landmark you would like to see featured? Share your thoughts and tell us what architectural wonders you love in the city.

Visit tiff.net for more information.

Photo credit to Dennis Marciniak

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Looking for perfect furniture…Think Custom-Made

September 14th, 2011

Visit to the wood shop

A visit to the wood shop inspired me and got me thinking about the value of custom-made furniture. 

When shopping for furniture most people shy away from investing in custom-made pieces and tend to go with the prebuilt, one-size-fits-all, ready-made options that are available in stores. Ready-made furniture tends to be a great inexpensive option and depending on your lifestyle this may make sense for you.

If you’re a struggling student or moving out on your own for the first time then Ikea or the Brick may seem like the perfect solution. But, if you’re investing in a home or looking for pieces that can grow and evolve with you, then custom-made is the way to go.

Custom-made furniture can be as unique and functional as you need it to be. It’s couture for furniture! Just like you would easily justify the hundreds of dollars for that one-of-a- kind, hand-made, designer dress; it’s easy to see the value in made to order furniture. You get to be your own designer and choose the size, shape, colour, fabric and finishing of the final product. You can even take in magazine photos of a piece that you have always dreamed of and get it built to your specifications.

The best part about getting your furniture made is that you can tailor the functionality of the piece to your individual needs. You can have built-in features that allow it to expand or

Custom-made bar

 contract depending on space restrictions, for example a dining table that can go from a four seater to an eight seater. Another great plus is that you can add discreet storage elements to your pieces which make them even more attractive, at least in our opinion.

Another point to consider is that people are sentimental creatures, so the odds of you throwing away a piece of furniture you designed is highly unlikely. When the piece is all worn out a few years down the road, you may find a way to revamp or refurbish the piece and give it a second life, simply because you are attached to the memory of having it made from scratch. Custom-made pieces also tend to have better craftsmanship and overall quality that can withstand the makeover. 

Still not convinced that custom-made is better value for money? Well, think about it this way, yes it’s definitely more expensive but you’re also getting exactly what you want. And, if

 you do the math and divide the cost of the piece over the number of years you will use it, you’re actually getting a deal, especially when compared to furniture you’re sure to toss out in three or four years.

Looking to build some custom-made furniture but not sure where to begin, how to design it or what would be the most functional option for your space?

Give us a call and we’d be happy to help you create that perfect piece.

Photo credit: This picture was taken at the wood shop

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Furniture Trend Report for Fall 2011

September 9th, 2011

We have talked the importance of colour and how it can brighten a room and add personality to any space. We have also encouraged you to be confident when approaching brighter hues and adding colour to your space by painting the walls, adding accessories, rugs, artwork and even painting the ceiling.

The best part about our job is that we’re always shopping. Whether it’s for a client or for inspiration and ideas, we’re always on the lookout for the hottest trends on the market. Here are a few classic pieces with a modern twist that we found at Urban Outfitters, a fun and trendy furniture store.

Furniture has come a long way from the drab beiges, browns and creams that used to dominate most living rooms. Today we’re seeing eye popping colours make their way into more traditional furniture designs. This antique style, fuchsia chaise that you would expect to see in a floral pastel print tucked away in grandma’s den, is a perfect example of how older styles can be made modern and chic while adding a bold splash of colour.

Another funky piece that caught our eye was this sea-green side table that would be perfect for a smaller space as it doubles as a storage rack for magazines or books making it ideal for a dorm room or washroom.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Green is a hot colour this Fall; from nail polish to wallpaper you will be seeing green creep up everywhere. Our pick for the season is this stylish, verdigris coloured fainting sofa that can give any room that luxurious feeling while adding a pop of sophisticated colour. Whether you’re style is eclectic and modern or traditional and conservative, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Colour doesn’t always have to be bright and in your face, if you prefer a more subtle hue try this gorgeous tufted headboard in an antique gold. It adds colour and personality without overpowering the room.

This final piece isn’t exactly furniture but we included it because it can have a great impact on the overall presence of a room. Believe it or not tapestry doesn’t have to be boring. It can add colour and depth to a room. This would be perfect for a dining room, foyer, office or even a bedroom; it even doubles as a bedspread.                                                   

So, there you have it. Traditional pieces, transformed by colour, to give any room that wow factor. Looking for more colourful inspirations? Check out our blogs and e-book here.

For more information regarding these and other pieces, check out Urbanoutfitters.com

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How to Create the Perfect Dorm Room

August 23rd, 2011

Going off to college or university and being on your own for the first time is an exciting experience. You want your dorm room to express your personality and give you that warm homey feeling while you’re away from the comforts of your home. Whether you have your own room or a shared space you need to personalize it to your needs.

Before you head out shopping, make a budget and plan your space based on what you need. Design and art students need more space and storage for supplies, whereas an IT student might be fine with just a computer table and a bookshelf. Either space can be fun and personalized. Think about the mood you want to create in the dorm room. Do you like bright colourful spaces or do you prefer a more Zen-like clean lines?

Dorm rooms can often be small which makes organization key. Invest in items that double as storage or have more than one function; like an ottoman that doubles as storage or a futon that pulls out into a bed.

Here are some of our top picks for making your room functional yet chic.

The eclectic Lawson cabinet can be used as a dresser and as a bonus comes with drawer space for extra storage. This stylish piece will absolutely jazz up any room. Another easy way to spice up a room is with colour but, it doesn’t necessarily have to come from the paint. Bright cushions or even a duvet can add that splash of colour without overpowering a small space. This Woodland duvet is made from 100% organic cotton which is important as it is breathable and easy to wash.

Rugs are a great way to warm up a space, add some colour and give the room a finished, cohesive look. Try the Nolan Peacock rug for that punch of colour; the best part is that when it gets grimy you can just toss it in the washing machine. Another must-have piece for a dorm is an ottoman. It works as great seating and there’s extra storage under the seat. You can group a few of these KSP ottomans together and turn it into a coffee table or simply collapse them and hide them under the bed when you need more room.

Our final pick for the perfect dorm room is the Chalkboard Frame-Memo Board as it as great way to keep you organized and on top of all those projects and deadlines. You can write yourself little reminder notes, put up some pictures of the family and  tack up your lists with a magnet all in one handy spot, or you can just use it for a daily doodle. We hope these tips make you more confident about decorating your first space away from home.

For other decorating ideas and how-to’s check out our blogs or get answers to your specific questions on www.facebook.com/interiorsbyartofliving/

These items can be bought at

Pier 1 Lawson Cabinet:

Pottery Barn Woodland Organic Duvet Cover and Sham

Crate & Barrel Nolan Peacock Rug

Kitchen Stuff Plus KSP Sit Collapsible storage Ottoman

Crate & Barrel Chalkboard Frame-Memo Board with Magnets

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Find your inner inspiration

August 16th, 2011

I have always been a creative person but I don’t go looking for inspiration; instead I keep an open mind and find myself constantly inspired by things I come across in my day- to- day life. I am fascinated by antiques, nature, furniture, arts and crafts or anything else that catches my eye.

This week I went to a vintage car show and was awed by the beautiful cars that looked like works of art. Some of them were turn of the century, as old as 1916. Each vehicle had character; a personality of its own. It got me thinking about my love for vintage and antique furniture pieces. The value and quality of older items, whether they’re homes or cars or just grandma’s old furniture, have a quiet durability. You can see the pride that manufacturers took in creating each piece and the time and love that was put into it.

I have always had an eye for detail and it was so clear to me that every car was made with care and told a story through their wheels, grills, colours, logos and insignias that all added to create a long-lasting brand. Much like older pieces of furniture, these cars told a story of endurance and re-birth.

I always say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you take the time to invest in good quality pieces there is no expiry date on the purchase. You can play with colours and styles, refresh and reinvent them to last a lifetime.

The lesson here is that the next time you think of kicking that old table to the curb, don’t.  Stop and ponder for a moment about how much more life that piece has to offer if you only give it a chance. A little bit of paint and new hardware can breathe new life into a piece and update it to a chic, enviable, original designer creation, created by you. And when you rescue something and do it yourself you know it will be that much more precious and you will always have a story.

So get inspired. Don’t waste your time looking for that perfect piece of art because art and inspiration is all around you. You can find it in a leaf, an old piece of furniture or even a car show. All you need is your imagination to develop that artistic eye and you will find that the possibilities are endless.

For more tips on home decorating check out my blog and e-book  at http://ow.ly/53BTe , maybe you’ll find some inspiration of your own.

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Building your dream kitchen

July 27th, 2011

Are you procrastinating about your next renovation project? Well, don’t. You can build the perfect kitchen no matter the size of your space or budget. Homeowners tend to procrastinate for years when it comes to starting projects and we understand that it can be totally overwhelming. You need creative ideas, the time to plan it all and above all; the money.

Building your Dream Kitchen

Renovating your kitchen

Here are 5 key points to consider when renovating a Kitchen:

Take stock: Look around your kitchen and see what’s working and what’s not. Is there dead space that’s being wasted? Is the kitchen cabinetry bursting with stuff? Maybe you need a pantry? Consider all the elements, especially the layout of your kitchen and think about what would be best suited to your everyday needs.

Open up: To add accessibility and enhance functionality, it’s a great idea to replace an L shaped kitchen with a galley style one. Put in an island parallel to the cabinets, if the space permits, as this will open up the room and make the cabinets more accessible. Adding a pantry however small can make a huge difference. When redesigning the kitchen assess the space and see if you can add an eat-in area. This is great for everyday casual dining and makes the kitchen a functional living space, not just a place where you cook.

Choose with your Heart: Ever notice how every dinner party tends to end up in the kitchen? Especially if you’re entertaining a few close friends, it just seems to be that part of the house that everyone gravitates towards. So, when it comes to choosing materials for your new kitchen don’t skimp; look for bargains and affordable alternatives for finishes but do not compromise on quality. You have to live with it for a long time so go ahead and splurge a little.

Get Floored: The flooring in the kitchen is a personal preference; some prefer wooden floors while others prefer tiles. Do your research to determine what works for you. My personal favourite is a 12×24 tile in a brick pattern. You can add contrasting grout for a more dramatic look or match the grout to the tile for a more classic feel. If it’s a large kitchen or you spend a lot of time in it, invest in floor warmers under the tiles to keep your toes toasty in the winter.

And then there was Light: Lighting is crucial to the new design; a combination of pot lights with task lighting will make your cooking experience fun while keeping those hydro bills in control. Don’t overdo the pot lights though; they can give the space a commercial feel. Place the pot lights equidistant from each other over the main work areas and use under cabinets for further lighting, when needed. Be sure to use some pendant lighting in eat-in areas and add dimmers to create the right ambience.

What do you love/hate about your kitchen? Share your stories and comments to inspire fellow readers. 

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Working from home: creating the perfect home-office

July 19th, 2011
Home Office

Creating the perfect home-office

More and more people are choosing to work from home these days. Whether it’s to spend more time with the kids, cut down on commuting or to follow their entrepreneurial dreams; people everywhere are saying goodbye to the traditional office and hello to the more casual home office. However, let’s not forget that working from home can pose its own challenges.

Here are some tips on how to make your workspace, inspiring and business ready. I’ve also included a couple of Feng Shui tips to get you off to a prosperous start:

Get Inspired: It’s very important to determine the feel of a space. Do you want a space that’s sophisticated or funky? Are you more drawn to pieces that exude a sense of luxury or are you more inclined to pick artistic items? Your office should be a place where you feel inspired and surrounding yourself with beautiful things can help get those creative juices flowing. You can do this through framed pictures, artwork, home accessories or anything else you are drawn to.

Put those Blinders on: It’s very easy to get distracted when your office is in the same space as the rest of your life. Define your space and make sure that you assign a separate space for your office – not necessarily a separate room – just a space that can be cordoned off with room dividers when you’re working. Don’t think this can’t be accomplished in a small space. We custom designed an armoire for one client’s living room that doubled as a filing cabinet and office desk for work; and folded back into a piece of furniture for play.

Choose with Feng Shui: Never put your home office in your bedroom. The energy in your bedroom should be calm and relaxing so you can wake-up rejuvenated and ready to work. The activities we perform in a space add to its overall energy and you don’t want to feel stressed out about a project as you’re trying to unwind and fall asleep.

Let there be Light: It’s very important to have the right lighting in an office as we all know that lighting affects our mood. Don’t think it’s true? Just think about how you feel on a gloomy day. A workspace should always be well lit. Bright spaces make you alert and ready for action. This doesn’t mean that the lighting has to be that obnoxious florescent lighting that’s used in most offices; you can use multiple warm lights to make the space bright. There are plenty of energy-saving warm lighting options to choose from on the market.

Keep it Neat: Organizing the space is the first step in setting up a functional office.  The basic principal of Feng Shui states, that in order for a venture to thrive in a space, there needs to be free flowing energy. This means there cannot be blocks of clutter or disorganisation that traps energy and makes it stagnant. The rule of thumb for organizing is to use the vertical space, but don’t overdo it or you’ll feel boxed in. Wall mounted shelves add an illusion of space as your eye travels to the wall.

Does your home office inspire you? Tell us about how you made your office inspiring. Or if you have questions related to your home office, let me help to get you going.

 

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Outdoor Decorating: How to bring the comforts of home… outside

July 5th, 2011

You can maximize the amount of time you spend outdoors in these short summer months by bringing the indoors, out. You can use a few fun and easy home decorating ideas to create an outdoor space that is an extension of your home.   

Irrespective of how big or small your outdoor area is; it can still be a dramatic and liveable space that is both cost effective and easy to maintain.

Here are a few tips on how to achieve an outdoor oasis:

 

Add some colour – flowers are the easiest way to brighten an outdoor space but if you don’t have a green thumb or your space is not conducive to gardening; you can incorporate a colour scheme by adding cushions, table linens, tableware, candles or a whimsical centrepiece. Art, home accessories and mirrors can also be used to adorn bland walls or even hung from a fence or a tree.

Make the space informal yet stylish – Accidents happen so be prepared for someone to spill the BBQ sauce or that pitcher of freshly made strawberry juice, which you know is going to leave a permanent stain. One great idea is to use a beach mat from the Dollar Store as an overlay on top of your nice fabric tablecloth. It’s easy to clean and the stain won’t steep through on to your beautiful tablecloth.

Create a runner – A runner adds a classy touch to any table setting. You can make your own with some faux moss glued on some fabric or a wide ribbon; leaving room for coloured votive candles to sit on the green moss. IKEA has a wide selection of colourful votive candles to choose from.

 

Hang some romantic drapery – Affordable muslin can be used to create colourful and playful drapes that blow in the wind and accentuate the airiness of a space.  Tulle is another good option for drapery material as it’s easy to wash. Assess the space to find the perfect spot or just hang an old curtain rod on a blank wall and cover it with fabric to soften the look. Be safe and watch out for any exposed candles nearby.

 

Use candles with caution – It’s not a good idea to use exposed candles, but you can use ones in lanterns or glass holders instead. It will save you from any unfortunate accidents and will keep them from being blown out by the wind. You can make your own lanterns from old soda cans or jars or even create a cluster of inexpensive lanterns from Chinatown for an impact.

If you need help with getting your outdoor space summer ready, give me a call. I can help you create the perfect outdoor oasis however big or small.

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5 Checkpoints: Things you should know before picking a bright paint colour

June 24th, 2011

1. Know your Purpose – Bright colours are great for adding interest, creating drama and upping the energy in a space; but you have to be careful as not every room can handle the intensity. For example vibrant red paint is perfect in a dining room where you eat, converse and entertain but I would stay away from painting the entire bedroom red. Colours have their own energy and you will find a bright colour too busy and intense when you’re trying to relax. Go with a pale palette instead as they tend to be soothing and relaxing, perfect for a bedroom. You can still use bright accent pieces to add some spunk to the room.

2. Find a balance – Too much of one colour or tone can make you feel like you’re drowning in it. It’s important to look at your furniture, home accessories, rugs, drapes and anything else you have in the room and create a balance. So if you have a bleached wood dining room table with a light-coloured rug under it, stay away from painting the walls in a light colour. Choose a darker colour that compliments the paleness of the room and ties it all together.

3. Set the Mood – Determine the mood you want to set for the room. Is the space used primarily for entertaining friends or relaxing at the end of a hard day? Bright, vibrant colours are great in a space where you want a high energy vibe that will lead to engaging conversations. On the other hand, if you’re looking to curl with a book or glass of wine in your study or bedroom, pastels will help you create a serene and calming atmosphere.

4. Understand the Impact – We all know that the right colour can make a space look larger while the incorrect one can significantly shrink a room. Colour is a powerful tool when it comes to home decorating as it not only changes the size of the room but also the mood of the person in it. Red makes people alert while blue is more peaceful and calming. Every colour evokes a different emotion and although these associations are based on age, gender and ethnic backgrounds; there is no doubt that we all respond to colour.

5. Check the Lighting – Natural light can transform a colour and affect the overall feel of a room. The more natural light there is in a room the easier it is to introduce bright colours like reds or purples. If you end up picking an intense colour for a dimly lit space the end result can be quite claustrophobic. When you do have a colour in mind it’s essential that you bring home a swatch and hold it against the wall both in the day and at night. You will be surprised how different the same colour can look depending on the light coming in to the room.

I hope you feel a lot more confident about picking the right bright colour for your space. If you would like some more tips and tricks or just want to share your comments, please drop me a line.

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Save Time, Money and Stress on your Next Decorating Project

June 21st, 2011

Do you just need a few living room ideas, color combinations, help arranging furniture, or do you have an extensive project at hand? A designer can come into your home or office and listen to your needs and wants and leave you with ideas within your budget. A design consultation can provide you with sketches and color swatches or manage the whole project from start to finish. It’s a great place to start your next project while saving you time, money and above all STRESS.

When you have busy lives and don’t have the time to cook a meal, you opt for takeout or order a pizza. Sure you pay a little bit more for the convenience but don’t have to leave your home or slave over a stove. It fulfils your need at the time without breaking the bank and you know you got value for your money.
Similarly when you’re planning a home decorating project and don’t have time to research and complete the job yourself in the desired time frame, a designer can help get you on the right track or manage the entire project for you.

Before you start, educate yourself about the cost of all the required items and make an informed decision. If your source for budgeting is home improvement TV shows then you’re in for quite the shock. The budgets they post for projects do not have labour costs included while they have a crew of people working in the background. Sometimes the cost of labour is higher than the actual materials.

Hiring a professional is always a good idea for any kind of job, an accountant knows his world better than we do and so do all the other experts. Their advice, guidance and intellectual property is what we pay for.

Benefits of hiring an interior decorator are very simply laid out in an article published in Style at Home magazine by Kimberley Seldon and now published in her book Business of Design. She reiterates the value of hiring a designer to eliminate any guesswork out of the decision-making process. Hiring a professional helps you make the right decisions and avoids costly mistakes by investing in expensive furniture or wrong paint choices. The project is completed on time and within the budget with the least amount of stress on your part.

    Benefits of hiring a professional interior designer

1.Save time by

a. Hiring an expert who knows where to go to source the right items.
b. Not investing every free weekend and evening in researching the stores to find what you like.
c. If you value your time at $100/ hour you can use it for more productive work or to spend that time with family.
d. The more you see the more confused your get and the longer it takes you to make decisions.

2.Save money by

a. Not making costly mistakes, decorators hire trustworthy tradesman who won’t take off without completing the job.
b. Picking furniture that is the right size, colour and material to suit your lifestyle.
c. Reusing some of your prized pieces, making the most of what you have and not getting all new items.
d. Get the best value for your money. Are you spending $100 for an item that is actually worth $50 or is it a $200 item on sale for $100? Decorators know how to get you the best deal.

3.Make informed decisions

a. Understand the quality of the product you are buying and if it fits your life.
b. Plan the details of the project while working towards the bigger picture.
c. All salespersons will try to sell you their products, whether they are the right for you or not. Wouldn’t you rather have someone you trust do a fair comparison of products to help you decide?

For your next decorating project, think about how an expert can not only save you time but also give you the most value for your money.

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