White box syndrome

If you are committed to white walls for whatever reason, be it renting and not allowed to paint, or it’s a safe, unobtrusive choice, or pure conservatism, take note of the newest design trend. White box syndrome has been around for a few decades now with the intense rise in the number of apartments and condos sprouting up overnight. Built for function and affordability,

The entertaining dining room

This is a favourite time of year for entertaining. The cooler weather has nudged us inside and seasonal holidays present many opportunities to gather around the table and celebrate with family and friends. Planning a party can be overwhelming for some, especially if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips for making the most of this busy season and guarantee that the host has as much fun as the company.

Embossed finishes

Dear Debbie;

My Great Room is painted dark chocolate brown, including the ceiling. (I am into the wow factor.) I want something special for underneath the chair rail that goes all around the room. I’m thinking Anaglypta painted in various shades of brown including caramel all swirled around. Many thanks,
— Lynda

Dear Lynda;

Set up an indoor garden

Dear Debbie;

I am interested in having some house plants to liven up my home. I don’t know much about how to display. I’m not looking for an indoor jungle, but more than one pot. Any ideas?
— Winnie

Dear Winnie;

Adding live greenery to your indoor space is a great decorating choice … it literally brings life to your rooms.

The fifth wall

Dear Debbie;

Is it worth the trouble to paint a ceiling? My partner thinks it will look great and I am afraid it will pull the ceiling lower. Help.
— Franklin

Dear Franklin;

For those who find decorating a challenge, it’s only fair to let ceilings be white, no discussion required,

Go with the flow

Whether you are decorating one room or have decided to do an all-out renewal, it’s important to have an eye for how your choices flow and blend from one room to the next. There are so many ways to paint a room. Do you accent the woodwork, what about the doors, can you put more than one colour on the walls,

Get in the swing

Dear Debbie;

I can’t seem to get the right light for our family room. When we are playing table games, I’m always dragging a lamp around so we can all see the cards. It’s not a big room and there is no ceiling light.
— Bonita

Dear Bonita;

This is a good question.

Frame your windows

Most every room in your home has a window, often more. Wonderful for letting in natural light. Perfect if you have a lovely view to behold. Do they really need to be covered with curtains or other window treatments? When privacy is a factor, then the answer is obvious. But there is so much more to the story. Windows are a focal point and so let’s take a look at how you can make the most of this important element.

Capturing fall

Dear Debbie;

Have you any tips for adding a bit of the glorious fall to our home without going over the top. It’s a short season, but we love the colours. Thanks for your inspiration.
— Daniel

Dear Daniel;

Each season of the year introduces us to a different mood. Nature’s abundant array of crops and colour transformations lead the way and inspire a change in decorating palettes and displays.

Mirror images

Mirrors play a powerful role in interior design. Their practicality for checking out how you look may be the most familiar benefit. Hard to imagine applying makeup and fixing up bedhead without the bathroom mirror. That dressing room mirror reveals how successful you are with your colour choices and accent pieces. Your reflection reveals how others see you. And that reflective quality is what makes mirrors so brilliant.