space - home design and style

S P A C Ehome design + style

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 THE VANCOUVER COURIER B1

Containerplanting is not

just for gardenersliving in small

spaces.

Container gardeningWORDS BY SANDRA THOMAS

In fact, larger areas arealso ideal for planting incontainers because oftheir versatility. They also,according to gardencolumnist Anne Morrison,can act as maximum securityjails for beautiful, but invasiveplants.

Best of all, by using containers gardenersmaintain complete control of the soil mix,sun and shade and pest control. Andwhile there are dozens of garden varietycontainers available to purchase, with alittle imagination the possibilities are literallyendless. Look around your home for itemsthat can be recycled. Think old toys, kid’sfurniture, tricycles, bikes, kitchen bowlsor buckets. The social media platformPinterest is also a great site to check outfor inspiration. Just don’t forget everycontainer needs a way to drain water soif it doesn’t already have holes, prepare toget handy. And don’t forget, when it comes

to container planting, sizeabsolutely matters.

The following are five easyideas DIY containers, with astate-of-the-art urban cultivatorthrown in for good measure.

PLASTIC RE-USABLESHOPPING BAGS:

That Whole Foods bag isn’t just for buyingorganic produce. With a little potting soil,it becomes the ideal vessel for growing it.These bags work well for growing lettuce.

RETIRED PURSES:Combine your love of gardening with flairfor fashion. Line an old purse, or purses,with plastic and hang from your balcony,fence or bathroom hook.

VINTAGE OR QUIRKY TEAPOTS:Teapots come in all shapes and sizes sodon’t be afraid to combine several for aninteresting grouping.

DOLLAR STORE DECORATIVE TINS:Splurge and buy two – or ten. Line withplastic to avoid rust and let your imaginationdo the rest. Don’t forget to punch someholes in the bottom.

CHILDREN’S TOYS OR FURNITURE:Give that broken dump truck or tinyAdirondack chair new life by transformingit into a container to grow flowers orvegetables. In the case of a broken truck,you can plant directly into the box. As for asmall wooden chair, simply remove a slatfrom the seat and place a potted plant inthe space.

URBAN CULTIVATOR:This Surrey-based business has made itpossible to grow fresh, organic herbs andgreens at home in a high-tech container,about the size of a dishwasher. Eachunit’s pre-programmed control centre self-regulates water, light and humidity levels.Gardening has literally never been easier.URBANCULTIVATOR.NET.

B2 THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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Be preparedto downsize and

declutter.

WORDS BY SANDRA THOMAS

With the cost of real estate at anall-time high in Greater Vancouverand the Lower Mainland, tiny

condominiums, apartments and “micro-suites”have become a hot commodity.

But for many, moving from Home A toHome B is not as simple as finding reputablemovers. Once the deal on that 550 or even350-square-foot condo has been inked, thenext question inevitably is, “How are wegoing to function in this small space?”

David Hooper, owner of Resource FurnitureVancouver located on Richards Street,says a couple recently came into the store,looking for ideas on creating a functionalguest room/office.

“The space was 10 by 10,” says DavidHooper. “They were hoping to fit a queen-

sized bed and desk in theroom, but by the time wewere done it held two fullwork stations, a set of bunkbeds and a queen-sized bed.”

Resource Furniture specializes inspace-saving “transformable” pieces,which serve multiple uses, including Murphybeds, expanding tables and side boards,office furniture and seating, such as a chairthat transforms into a step ladder.

Hooper notes it’s not just seniors downsizing oryoung couples purchasing their first home whoare turning to small space living and lookingfor appropriate furniture and accessories.

“It’s right across the board,” he says. “Wehad a guy in here who was 100 yearsold and when he saw how our furniture

could transform, he said‘Wow.’ We also had atoddler in here who wasjust starting to walk and

she said the same thingwhen she saw it, ‘Wow.’ The

demographic is everyone.”

Hooper recommends homeowners havinga professional look at their small spacebefore making any decisions aboutfurnishings. He adds the untrained eyemight not notice vital details such asthe way the doors swing, the height oflighting fixtures, the ceiling and outlets, orthe pathways through the home.

But there’s no point thinking about movinginto a small space unless you’re prepared todownsize and declutter, experts say.

Professional organizers Susan Borax andHeather Knittel launched their company, GoodRiddance, to help individuals, seniors, couplesand families do just that.

Borax advises no matter how big or small ajob is, the key is to start early.

“People have to leave themselves enoughtime to cull,” she says. “They have to decidewhat’s important, what activities they’re stillengaged in and look at what they’ve beendragging around. That could mean thousandsof items and decisions.”

Borax says the process can often be bothexhausting and emotionally draining, so shesuggests bringing someone in to help. She alsorecommends starting in one room at a time soas not to feel overwhelmed.

SMALLspacesWEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 THE VANCOUVER COURIER B3

Welcome to your new favourite room

Custom built & fitted kitchens for under $50,000Contact us today for a consultation!

[email protected] 604-288-2667

PHOTO CREDIT:ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE

WORDS BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

New trends in interior design areoften dictated by the economictimes we live in. In 2015, itcouldn’t be truer.

An economy that is doing well, a desirefor more eco-friendly space and a renewedinterest in the past and hope for the futureis fuelling one of this year’s biggest interiordesign trends – incorporating contemporarydesign styles withbeautifully craftedvintage pieces.

“Interior designersare incorporatingstunning vintagepieces into sleek,modern interiors toadd personality...giving the spaceheart and soul,” saidMark LaFleur, veteranantique dealer ofmore than 25 years and co-owner of theAntique Warehouse (partner Larry Adams).

When contemporary design ideas arecombined with Old World handcraftedvintage pieces, the effect is stylish, original

and unique. This reflects a desire to createan interesting space.

In our quest to return to simpler time anda reminder of the real meaning of life,heirloom pieces handed down fromgeneration to generation – such as thatfabulous armoire - are often the piece deresistance in a room.

These items recall an era where familyvalues were more important thaneverything else. It’s also about getting

back to nature andliving the three R’s –reduce, reuse, recycle.

“Look for a vintagepiece you really like,one that grabs you andmake it the focal point ofthe room,” said LaFleur,who travels to Europe atleast five times a yearin his quest to bring toVancouverites treasuredantiques from France

and England. “It can be a vintage lightfixture, a chair, a table but it will add thewow factor into any room.”

However, he cautions buyers topurchase from a reputabledealer and to stay awayfrom knock-offs, asthey are often ofinferior quality anddubious materials.

“A good vintagepiece (particularlyfrom Europe) willoutlast anythingproduced offshore,”adds LaFleur.“And of courseaesthetically, avintage piecealways looks morebeautiful. The carvingand details are finer andwill always look pleasingto the eye. Again, peoplepay exorbitant amounts on newconstruction with focus on the detailand finishings. Your furniture deserves thesame consideration.”

Before you purchase a vintage piece from apersonal sale, make sure to call or visit yourlocal antique or vintage store.

“If it’s cheap, it must bequestionable,” said LaFleur.

“A reputable dealer willbe happy to advise youbecause if you aren’tskilled on what to lookfor in a true vintagepiece, you could betaken. Most of theantique and vintagedealers are honest inthis city; you just have toknow what to ask.”

A buyer should alsoquestion the age ofthe vintage piece andwhere it was built.

“All of our vintage piecescome from France. Our vintage

furnishings, from the ‘40s up to the‘60s, were inspected by the French

government and therefore carry aninspection stamp right on them,” says LaFleur.

In a good antique store, you can findanything from mid-century modern, ArtDeco, French Empire to Louis XV or LouisXVI pieces that will outlast and be morebeautiful than anything new. You’ll also behappy knowing you are decreasing yourenvironmental footprint.

Old is newagainB4 THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015


19th Century French Farm Tablefrom Provence, France, c. 1880.

In the 21st Century antiques have taken on a new direction.They’ve become decorative focal points, conversation pieces, works ofart. An antique or vintage piece can fill a space with charm, elegance andinterest like nothing else.

Larry Adams and his partner Mark LaFleur travel to Europe several timesyearly shopping their exclusive, cultivated network of dealers, fairs, privateindividuals and estates, collecting only pieces of the best quality, conditionand price they can find.

After 30 years in the business they know what’s good and what’s not, what’sauthentic and what’s reproduction.They fill their 12,000 sq ft showroomwith everything from period 17th Century antiques to Mid-CenturyModern.There’s something for every taste and every budget.

With the advent of the internet their clientele has become global.Thedesigner or collector can shop the website from the comfort of their ownhome or office. Be it London,Australia, or China, the Antique Warehousecan ship anything, anywhere.

Our mission statement since 1989, has always been “Best Selection, BestService, Best Prices.”Above all our goal is to make you happy. If you’rehappy, we’re happy. It’s as simple as that.

We invite you to visit our one location at 226 SW Marine Drive or visit usonline at http://www.antiquewarehouse.ca

We’re open 7 days a week and have free parking directly in front.

We guarantee you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget. Furniture youwon’t find anywhere else.

Welcome to the Antique Warehouse.Vancouver’s best source of Europeanantique and vintage furniture since 1989.

THE ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE

226 SW Marine DriveVancouver, BC V5X 2R4604-322-0373 • [email protected]

Life is good.

Gold Giltwood Salon Set French, c.1930.

Larry Adams, co-owner of The Antique Warehouse

Vintage chandelier from Italy, c.1960.

French Directoire ‘Chaise Longue,’ c.1820.

Important early 20th Century FrenchCommode from Paris. c.1900.

Early 20th Century Chinese Salon Set.

Important Art Deco Sideboardby George de Bardeyere, c. 1930, Paris.

Mid-Century Modern Chairs from France,c. 1950.

The relationshipbetweenpaint andmood

Painting is one of theeasiest and least expensiveways to transform the lookof a space. The colorshomeowners choose for theirwalls can give rooms theirown unique feel and even affectthe moods of the people within them.

Finding the right shade for a bedroom orkitchen involves more than just selectingthe first color that catches your eye. Designexperts and psychologists alike say it may beworthwhile to choose a color that helps youfeel good rather than just following designtrends. The paint color you pick can addenergy to a space or create a tranquil retreatwhere you can unwind at the end of the day.

BLUETo create a spa-like environment and amore serene space, look to shades of bluein soft variations. Cool blues are soothingcolors that can help lower stress levels andpromote sleep. That’s why blue is a frequentfixture in bedrooms and bathrooms. Just beadvised that too much blue can make aroom appear cold and stark, so balanceout blue with some warmer accents.

ORANGEMany people do not immediately considerbright orange for their homes, but whenused as an accent shade, orange can reallybrighten up a home. Orange is considereda shade that expands creativity and impartsa youthful appeal to a space. Consider anorange accent wall or a burst of color withorange throw pillows. If pumpkin orangeis a little too bold for you, tone it down bychoosing a more pastel, peachy hue, whichis equally warm and energizing.

REDRed stimulates energy and appetite, whichis why the shade is so popular in restaurantsand home dining spaces. Red is a goodchoice for social gathering rooms but maynot be the wisest choice for a bedroom, asthe color may prove overstimulating.

GREENGreen can evokecomposure and tranquilityand works in any room ofthe house. Since green is

the primary color of nature,it also works well for those

people who want to bring someof the outdoors inside and work with thefresh starts and new growth that green caninspire. To make green feel less subduedand sleepy, work with its complementaryopposite, red, by using a few bold redaccents here and there to balance out thetranquility of green.

PURPLEPeople have long related purple to royalty,and this dramatic color can add a formal,regal aspect to a home depending on thehue. Purple also may help stimulate thecreative side of the brain. In paler shades oflavender, purple can seem almost etherealand spiritual. Some designers suggestavoiding purple in a bedroom because thatis a place you want your brain to rest ratherthan be stimulated.

YELLOWFew colors are more vibrant than yellow,which can help stimulate conversation andmake thoughts more focused. A luminousshade of yellow is an ideal way to makeany space more welcoming and bright. Justuse it sparingly, as too much yellow maynot be a good thing. Yellow accents mixedwith touches of purple can offer the balanceneeded to prevent yellow rooms fromoverwhelming residents and guests.

Home decorators should keep in mind thatcolors can be blended to create the desiredenvironment. A color scheme based oncomplementary colors, or those oppositeon the color wheel, may fit. Otherwise,analogous color schemes, or those colorsthat are next to one another on the colorwheel, can create a variation that suits yourdesign needs.

IN the mood



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Live Inspired! Sign up to receive our emails at homeoutfitters.com■ 4.2 H15 Valid Friday, May 15 to Monday, May 18, 2015. 10%, 15% & 20% offers: Discounts are mutually exclusive. No price adjustments on purchases made prior to Friday, May 15, 2015. Offers cannot be combined with any otheroffer or new account discount. Refunds on purchase(s) made using this offer will be reduced by the value of the offer as indicated on the sales receipt. This offer cannot be redeemed at our Liquidation Stores at Stone Road Mall, Guelph,ON; Yorktown Plaza, Newmarket, ON; Northland Village Mall, Calgary, AB & Metrotown, Burnaby, BC.15% & 20% offers: Excludes regular, sale and clearance kitchen electrics, household appliances, cookware, beverage consumables,beverage pods, furniture with .00 price endings, vacuums, mattresses, patio furniture & personal care, All-Clad, Dyson, Le Creuset, Licensed Departments, Gift Cards, POSA, Gift Registry online & Smart Buys. 10%offer: Applicable on regular, sale and clearance items including kitchen electrics, household appliances, cookware, beverage consumables, beverage pods, furniture with .00 price endings, vacuums, mattresses, patiofurniture & personal care. Excludes Dyson, Saeco, Breville The Boss™ blender, Jura, Licensed Departments, Gift Cards, POSA, Gift Registry online and Smart Buys. Hudson’s Bay, Hudson’s Bay Credit, Home Outfitters,hbc.com, homeoutfitters.com and their associated designs are trademarks of Hudson’s Bay Company. Credit is extended by Capital One Bank (Canada Branch). Capital One® is a registered trademark of CapitalOne Financial Corporation. MasterCard and the MasterCard brand mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. All marks used under licence. All rights reserved.

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MAP IT

FIFTY SHADES

LOUNGE ACTPHOTO: JANIS NICOLAY

ALL ABOARD

PILLOW TALK UP THE CREEK

COLD HARD

LOUNGE ACTMarch saw the release of a chair so local,it’s leisurely. The Vancouver Beach Chair ($169), acollaboration between luxury outdoor living products makerGallant & Jones and talented textile designers KT&Paul,features a sturdy and transportable two-piece oak frame anda fabric back hand-printed with highly symbolic local icons(sunshine and rain, tankers and trees). Best of all, $10 fromthe sale of each chair directly benefits homeless youth atCovenant House. GALLANTANDJONES.COM

ALL ABOARDCharcuterie is all the rage in restaurants thesedays – why not make your own at home?Among the required items: meats, cheeses,garnishes, dried fruits, nuts, drizzling honey and,of course, a stunning serving board to wow yourguests. We love these solid walnut boards by KateDuncan – locally handmade, they range from $60to $195 at Atkinson’s, feature stainless steel or brass

handles, and can do double duty as cutting boardsand serving trays.1501 W Sixth Ave., 604-736-3378.ATKINSONSOFVANCOUVER.COM

PILLOW TALKThese punchy throws printed with imagesof Stanley Park cherry blossoms, East Vancrows on a wire and graffiti are made byStrathcona photographer Erika Pantages,who clearly saw appeal in the cohesion ofgritty imagery and fluffy pillows (so do we).PILLOWFIGHT.COM

UP THE CREEKArtist and avid canoeist Natasha Wittke launched

Norquay Co. in 2013, consequently making herpainting canvas and her boat paddle one and the same.

Each of Wittke’s painted paddles, which range in price fromabout $275 to $380, is handcrafted from solid Ontariocherry wood and embellished with bright, vintage camp-ware-inspired designs, making them both functional andbeautiful for sluicing through dark forest lakes (though wewouldn’t blame you for using one as a point of interest inyour home). NORQUAYCO.COM

COLD HARDConcrete is the new kid on the home-décor block, perfectin a sleek and durable bench top, an eye-catchingbathroom sink or intriguing artwork. If you’re as obsessedwith the cold hard as we are, you’ll be chuffed withConcrete Cat. Based in Edmonton, the studio’s team ofdesigners and artists turns out concrete art of the decorativeand architectural variety that positively oozes effortlessindustrial chic – everything from clocks to wall sculpturesto fireplaces. On our shopping list: these cuteConcreep planters ($28 each),adorable grins and all.CONCRETECAT.COM

FUTURE FURNITUREWith smartphones, e-readers, tablets and other devicesa natural part of modern-daily life, it’s time the process ofcharging these gadgets blended more seamlessly into thespace around us. That’s why Ikea is offering its new lineof wireless charging furniture in stores and online, with apromise to eliminate the need for awkward cables thatoften have to stretch in order to reach the nearest outlet.The Home Smart collection includes side tables and lamps(boasting the brand’s usual assortment of quirky Swedishnames, Varv, Riggad, Nordli and Selje), each with a niftylittle “plus sign” loaded with the latest in electromagneticwireless charging technology, called Qi. Just place yourcompatible phone on the spot, and watch your battery fill tooverflowing. Smart, huh? IKEA.COM

WAX ONAmong the things you need for your home: VancouverCandle Co.’s premium soy-wax candles, $32 each and inscents inspired by local neighbourhoods – i.e., the beachyfreshness of Kitsilano (lemon, jasmine, sandalwood and seaair), beautifully coniferous Point Grey (a blend of cedar andbalsam) and leathery-tobacco for Gastown.VANCOUVERCANDLECO.COM

FIFTY SHADES OF ARTYou’ve read the book; you’ve seen the film –now, own a piece of art from Fifty Shades of Grey.Vancouver’s own Ian Tan Gallery supplied the stormypainting that hung above Christian Grey’s movie-set bed.Though the oil-on-canvas work, “Undertow,” has since beensold, artist Gary Aylward, inspired by our rugged WestCoast landscape, has several other tempestuous pieces onoffer at the gallery – many featuring several shades of grey.2202 Granville St., 604-738-1077.IANTANGALLERY.COM

MAP ITThese digitally printed, hand-drawn typographic maps ofthe city ($50 each) are made by a local graphic designerwith a love of lettering and a drive to know her hometownbetter. The maps are parcelled into neighbourhoods andavailable in two sizes and three colours (blue, green andgrey – how very Vancouver). They fit a standard IKEAframe and, best of all, can be custom-ordered to highlightyour hood. A great office-warming gift for your best friend’sstartup, or for the directional-ly disinclined. CARTINA.CA

FINEfindsNoa Nichol, managing editor ofCanada’s premier lifestyle website VitaminDaily.com and its monthlysister print magazine, VITA, helps us round up six stunning décoritems – many with a local twist – for your home.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 THE VANCOUVER COURIER B9B8 THE VANCOUVER COURIER WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

How to createa dream kitchenin less time than

you think

From basic cooking to frequententertaining, a dream kitchen shouldalways look as good as it functions.

Since the modern kitchendesign is ever-evolving, so arethe productsavailable,say experts.Skip the fadsand includefeatures thatare not onlyaestheticallypleasing but willwithstand the test of time.

Here are a few easy updates to turnyour current space into the one you’vebeen dreaming about.

GO BOLD WITH FIXTURESWhen remodeling a kitchen,remember to top off the highly usedsink area with a fashionable andfunctional kitchen faucet.

With a great number of faucets on themarket, there’s a design for everyone.For a sleek, contemporary look at thesink, try the new Tilt kitchen faucet fromMoen Canada. It features a distinct,top-mount handle – allowing the faucet

to occupy a small horizontal space forthe utmost in urban minimalism.

The thoughtfully designed faucetalso combines the best of style and

functionality with its innovativepullout design and integratedswivel ball joint to make iteasier to maneuver the wandin and around the sink.

BE SMART WITHAPPLIANCESUnlike a rug or lamp, kitchen

appliances are not simple toreturn, so be smart - not flashy -

when upgrading these items. Beforemaking a purchase, it’s best to workwith a professional for guidance, andto weigh all factors, such as who usesthe kitchen, how many people arecooking at one time and how oftenyour family cooks.

If you’re an aspiring chef, consider agas range that allows you to controlthe flame with precision. If you’re abusy mom, electric versions allow youto heat food and boil water faster.

ADD AN ISLANDWhether you’re hoping for morestorage, seating or cooking space,an island can do it all. Many

homeowners choose to build anisland within their kitchen as a placefor family and friends to gather andsocialize. A multi-level design withstools on one side can provide casualseating for guests, leaving the otherside available for you to prepare foodor serve appetizers.

AMP UP LIGHTINGMerely changing out the decorativelighting fixtures over the breakfast nookor centre island can have a significantvisual impact, creating a fresher, moreup-to-date design.

For a warm and inviting environment,combine four layers of lighting: task,ambient, accent and decorative.

The ability to adjust light levels is alsoimportant. When cooking or cleaningup, a bright punch of illuminationmakes the job easier. For lingeringover a meal and conversation,dimmed lights help create ambiance.

Whether your dream kitchen involves acomplete overhaul or a simple spruceup, take the necessary steps, planaccordingly, and make your designdreams become a reality.

DREAMkitchen

An updated kitchen does more thanboost the value of your home. It is thecentral meeting place for most families,so no matter whether you make just afew changes or completely renovate thespace, a kitchen that feels new is always

refreshing and welcoming.


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Top 10 Tasksto Spring CleanYour Home

WORDS BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

The annual ritual of springcleaning is upon us – but itcan seem a daunting task. Here

we break it into easy pieces

Crocuses are breaking through the hardenedground and the daffodils’ buds have begunto burgeon in gardens everywhere. This isthe time when, in many homes across theprovince, a ritual is about to begin.

At the first signs of spring, home owners aregetting ready for this yearly observancethat seems to grip us and not let go –spring cleaning.

Yes, the sun is shining through our (slightlygrubby) windows, we feel energized by thewarmth and we are struck by this great urge tograb a pair of rubber gloves, a pail and soapto rid our homes of dirt and grime. It seemsfew rites of spring provide as much satisfactionas the annual clean. But it can be a bigundertaking if you don’t know where to begin.

For March’s entry on our 2015 HomeMaintenance Tasks Calendar, REW.cawent to the experts to help guide youthrough this important spring custom.Christine Kishor, Everything Organizedfranchisee in Kelowna, was more thanhappy to provide her to-do list.

“Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be adaunting task if you break it down intobite-sized steps,” Kishor said.

1 To begin Kishor always suggestsworking room by room andworking from top to bottom and

left to right. This helps you keep on task.

2 Remove items to be takento dry cleaning or washed,like drapes and decorative

bedding. Many draperies andcurtains are machine washable, butcheck the labels first. Dry-clean fabricshades. Wipe down wooden blindswith a damp cloth and warm watermixed with a little mild dishwashingliquid – this also works well and safelyon metal and vinyl blinds.

3Damp-dust places that arenot part of your regularhousecleaning, such as high

shelves, window ledges and art.

4Wipe down walls and ceilings– concentrating on fingerprintsand dirty areas. No need for

chemicals – simply use a bit of waterand baking soda to get scuff marks off.However, if you have really stubbornsurface grime, especially in kitchens,tackle it with a solvent-free degreaser(it’s a good idea to test it first in aninconspicuous area to ensure it won’truin the surface).

5Clean, vacuum and treatupholstered and leather furnitureto bring a new life and longevity.

6Clean and treat wood furnitureto bring it back to its originalshine. Do you have chalky

heat damage or stubborn rings (oftencaused by wet glasses) on yourfavourite wood table? They may beremoved by rubbing a mixture of equalparts of distilled vinegar and a quartercup of baking soda with a gallon ofwarm water. Then wipe off and applywood protector of your choice. Voila!Back to new.

7 When vacuuming andcleaning floors and/or rugs,move furniture that has been

in place during the winter seasonand clean underneath; perhapsmove things around to get a newperspective. Synthetic carpets andrugs with waterproof backings canbe deep-cleaned with a rotary

shampoo machine and a hot-waterextraction machine. However, rugswithout backings, such as thoseexpensive oriental rugs, requireprofessional cleaning.

8 Pull out items in cabinets anddrawers, vacuum out debrisand wipe down both the inside

of the drawers and the items inside.This is a great way to downsize andfeel lighter.

9Wash down windows andwindow sills. For streak-freewindows, mix equal parts of

distilled vinegar and warm water.Use either a dry cloth or newspaper...yes, this REW.ca writer has tried usingnewspaper and it really works.

To freshen stale air, open the windowsand let in new air. There is nothing likethe smell of spring to lift your spirits.

10Head outside to sweepaway old man winter andspray down decks and

sidewalks. A pressure washer can berented from tool and equipment rentalshops or at some hardware stores.For another sense of renewal, considerbuying a new door mat to welcome inthe new season.

For more information and tipson home organizing go towww.everythingorganized.net.

Room RebirthSpring is also a great time to take a fresh approachto your home décor. Think about introducing newideas to breathe life into your house. Reinvent aroom’s use. Look at a room’s possibilities throughfresh eyes. Make a clean sweep of more than justthe dust bunnies.

Colleen Brome, a freelance interior decorator andRealtor with ReMax Realty, says a great way tofreshen up your décor is to add a new colour,spruce up your bedroom by recovering your duvet,bed skirt and throws or rearrange your furniture.

“Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking out a piece offurniture from your living room, such as an armchair,and incorporating it into your bedroom,” addsBrome. “It forces you to look at repositioning theflow of your house… It’s important to move withease in your home.”

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It’s notalways as easyas it looks.

Interior designer Janice Beaudoin,of Janice Beaudoin Design in NorthVancouver, says some homeowners

can pull up old floors to save money, buthiring an installer is recommended for bestresults when laying a new floor. Carpetand hardwood flooring in living rooms shouldalso be installed by professionals, Beaudoin says.

Same goes for lighting.

Beaudoin says most people like recessed lighting, especiallyin their kitchen, which is something that should be installedby a certified electrician.

“If you are a DIY-er, hanging pendant lights over an islandmight be a project you might want to take on,” she notes.

In bathrooms, a simple vanity fixture replacement canbe something a homeowner might attempt, but if youare installing a fixture in a new location or any recessedlighting, hire an electrician, says Beaudoin.

When asked if kitchen countertops can be done as a DIYproject, she answers simply, “Nope.”

“Most new kitchens are engineered quartz or stonecountertops. They need to be professionally fabricated forsink and faucet openings. Besides, they’re really heavy.Countertops are large pieces of solid rock,” she explains.

Cabinets are also not a project for weekend DIY warriors.

“Not unless you happen to be a skilledfinishing carpenter,” says Beaudoin.

Updating physical windows can make anincredible difference to a home both inside

and out, says Beaudoin.

“Trimming the window is like putting a framearound the view, and draperies are often the finishingtouch. Even if you don’t have them in the rest of your home,drapes add colour, warmth and drama to a living room,which is usually the most ‘formal’ room of the house. Interiordesigners have access to designer fabrics that turn yourwindow from blah to beautiful for less than you might think.”

And while tweaking decor can be a fun DIY project, it maynot be as easy as it looks.

“I can’t tell you how many people choose a paint colourbecause they like it in someone else’s house and are sadlydisappointed when it looks completely different in theirhome,” says Beaudoin. “Everyone’s lighting is different anda colour will never look the same in two homes withoutidentical lighting conditions. Even if you don’t work with adesigner for your base materials or furnishings, consider apaint colour consultation with a designer or decorator. It’sso worthwhile to get an interior designer to help you withchoosing your base materials: floors, cabinets, countertops,backsplash tile and wall paint. Your kitchen is a biginvestment and working with a designer will help you findthe right materials for your home and lifestyle and help youavoid making expensive mistakes,” she says.

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Did you know that adding greenery into a room or using artwork as a focal point are some secrets professional homestagers use to help sellers get top dollar for their house?These are just two secrets from Patti Houston, founder ofFluff Design & Décor and Rent Fluff, a showroom filledwith contemporary furniture, art and accessories for rentor purchase.

Now you too can have a home that looks like it came offthe pages of a magazine.

Houston, a professional home stager with more than adecade of experience in the industry, has helped hundredsof homeowners and realtors reorganize and style homesto command a top price. “The goal is to make your homeclean, organized, and welcoming so potential buyers canpicture living there,” says Houston.

Houston offers inspiration to take your home from drab tofab with 10 easy tips.

THEWOWfactorWORDS BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

Have you ever wanted your interior décor tolook as fabulous and put-together as a showhome? Here we reveal some tricks of the trade


1Hang art no more than 60inches from the floor One of thebiggest mistakes Houston sees over

and over again is art hung way too high.

“Always err on the side of too low or yourart gets lost in its own space. The centreof the image should be at eye level,” sheadds. “Art should take up a sizable part ofa wall relative to the scale of the furniture.”

When you hang art pieces a bit lowerthan you’re used to, you are creating acentral point.

If your home is like most people’s, the artis hung in a high line circling each room.That’s another big mistake. Placing pictures,paintings and prints in such formulaiclocations can make them invisible.

“Art displayed creatively makes it standout more and shows off your space,”Houston says.

2Use oversized art for impactBig art makes a statement. To havereal impact or to provide character in

a room, hang large-scale pieces of art work.

“A piece of art can bridge architecture anddecor,” adds Houston. “If you are on abudget, there are great oversized prints thatyou can purchase.”

3Make sure that secondaryart supports the main piece“The secondary pieces really should

support the main piece,” says Houston.“For instance, if you have a large abstractwith a floral theme, then your secondarypieces should be abstract. However, don’tbe matchy-matchy, but rather coordinate thecolour or style of your art scheme.”

4Use neutral-coloured furnitureand add a pop of colourwith accessories and pillows

Oatmeal and grey are two neutrals thathave stood the test of time.

“These two colours are classic neutralsand go with just about any décor,” saysHouston, adding that the trick is to changepillows and accessories with the seasons.

When adding accessories, consider mixingedgy, avant garde or traditional metals – suchas gold, brushed nickel and silver – into yourdécor to add a little sparkle.

“Done properly, it’s a really cool look,”she says. “In addition, be mindful to placeaccessories that have a relationship witheach other... say, a trilogy of candles ona pretty tray or a stack of books on onesection of your coffee table and flowers onthe other.”

5 Start with art and chooseaccessories to support itLook at your art, figure out the

predominant colour and coordinate youraccessories in a “whisper of the other colours.”

6 Every property has a “kickoff” point such as floors, wallcolour, etc. – stage to that

If you have deep red mahogany floors,for example, don’t add clashing orangeaccessories.

In one recently staged home, the ownersinstalled high-gloss candy apple cabinetry.For that kitchen, Houston toned down theaccessories, opting for cream tones.

“You have to make sure that everything youadd into the space embraces the tone of thefloor or the walls.”

7Don’t overdo accessorizing –know when to stop “CocoChanel once said ‘accessorize your

outfit and then take one piece off’,” saysHouston, adding less is always more. “It’svery easy to go from beautifully accessorizedto looking like a storage room.”

8Address focal points A room’sfocal point is what your eyes arenaturally drawn to when you walk

into the room. Everything around the focalpoint complements it.

Many rooms have built-in focal points: alarge window with a view, for example,or a fireplace. If your room doesn’t have abuilt-in focal point, create one. For example,a bookcase, large piece of furniture or alarge mirror works well.

9Don’t compete with a viewIf your home is fortunate enoughto have spectactular city, water or

mountains views, let those be the focal pointand decorate to that view.

10Use greenery in everyroom Big plants, whethersucculents, ferns or rosemary

topiaries, add to the look and energyof a room. “If you aren’t a green thumb,there are great quality fake trees that reallychange the energy of the room,” she adds.

“Fresh bouquets of flowers always add anice touch to any room.”

If you follow these 10 tips, your home willbecome a beautiful place to live – and asa bonus, it’ll already be staged perfectly ifyou ever come to sell it.

Top 10 Staging Secrets to GiveYour Home theWOWFactor


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