December 9, 2018

Doors galore

We are surrounded by doors, doors that lead us outside to meet the day, doors that welcome us home at night. Doors separate the known from the unknown, the private from the public. What lies beyond is a mystery; even if we open that door every day the landscape and actions on the other side could change. Nick Rowell, author of DOOR J’ADORE,

December 2, 2018

Paint up a present

Dear Debbie;

Any ideas for Christmas crafty projects with the kids. I like to get them into the spirit of making or personalizing gifts.
— Frannie

Dear Frannie;

Children love projects, especially when working and playing along with mom or dad. It’s a wonderful way to share time with your kids and the results may surprise you … did you know they were that artistic?

November 25, 2018

Blue and white

Over the years producing my TV shows and decorating my own homes it’s safe to say that I’ve played with the entire colour spectrum. I painted towering two-storey walls in pistachio, a dated and boring kitchen was revived with bright orange cabinets, lavender and purple ruled for a teen’s room, garden greens made a welcome kitchen and pantry, a Victorian dining room glowed in red paint and paper … on it went and on it still goes.

November 18, 2018

Light it up

Dear Debbie;

I’m helping a friend redecorate her teen’s bedroom as a surprise birthday present. It’s a small attic room, which her daughter wants to have “individuality” – her word. Ideas please and thank you.
— Bernice

Dear Bernice;

It doesn’t take much to charge up a small space. But this is a brave move as surprising a teen can backfire if you try to guess what colour’s they prefer.

November 11, 2018

Remembering history through decoration

The abundant cultural experiences, and the heady spirit of adventure that reigned in 19th century France created a unique atmosphere that will always be celebrated. A tumultuous time in history became the backdrop for one of literature’s most famous characters. The Count of Monte Cristo, penned by Alexandre Dumas, is a French classic that is still being read all around the world.

November 4, 2018

Bedtime skyline

Dear Debbie;

I live in the country but am a city girl at heart, at least part of the time. I love the bustle, the noise, and the sight of buildings that reach high into the sky. I have seen pictures of painted skylines and wonder if someone with no artist ability could make one. I’d like to hang it in my bedroom.

October 28, 2018

Bring colour to the kitchen

The kitchen is such a busy space with so many jobs to do. As the hub of the home it is important that you feel happy and industrious here. When setting up a kitchen from scratch, there are a mind-boggling number of elements to consider, from floor to ceiling, backsplashes, cabinets, counters and the major appliances. Whether you are starting from scratch or embarking on a facelift,

October 21, 2018

Working with paint and glaze

Dear Debbie;

I am learning how to paint with glazes and love the hints of colour you get when you add a layer of glaze over colour. I’m trying a gingham pattern in the nursery and taping like mad. Around the taped edges and corners I am getting an uneven appearance on the wall. Is there any way around this?

October 14, 2018

A bold approach

You hear me say this so many times … your home is all about you, make it look the way you feel, layer it with the moods that please you, that feed your soul, that make you smile. Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two rooms are a mirror image of each other. There is a commonality in the requirements,

October 7, 2018

Break the rules

Dear Debbie;

We have installed a very small bathroom in the attic, under the pitched roof, and would like some ideas on how to decorate. I’ve heard that light colours make a small space bigger but find that quite boring. Thank you.
— Sean

Dear Sean;

Oh, I do love to break the rules,