February 10, 2019

Lamp Light

Dear Debbie;

I have been searching for the best lighting for our living room and cannot decide between table lamps and floor lamps. Do you have any suggestions? Our style is bright and comfy. Thank you.
— Jane

Dear Jane;

You are not alone. Choosing lighting for your home can be quite the challenge.

February 3, 2019

Design your quiet place

A few months ago, I was facing an exciting five-week book tour. It was cram-packed with travel and speaking engagements. Launching my new book, Design Your Next Chapter: How to Realize Your Dreams and Reinvent Your Life, would require all my energy and I was already feeling tired after a busy summer schedule.  I knew what I had to do and I appreciate how lucky I am to be able to do this.

January 27, 2019

Bright bedrooms

Dear Debbie;

I’ve heard that bright colours shouldn’t be used in a bedroom, especially a child’s room, as the saturated shades are not conducive to a restful sleep. Not sure how to proceed with decorating. I prefer a happy space and like a range of colours and painted furniture. Help please.
— Joanna

Dear Joanna;

January 20, 2019

Coral relief

If you have ever wondered how so many industries from fashion to paint and wallpaper, interior fabrics and accessories appear to have similar shifts in annual colour trends, look to Pantone Inc. This company standardizes colours offering a numbered colour matching system so that any manufacturer can dial in, identify and match colours that will be popular globally. Pantone’s colour for the year 2019 is Living Coral,

January 13, 2019

Your perfect workspace

Dear Debbie;

When is working at home a bad idea? I find it a real struggle to put aside home tasks and unrelated phone calls and get down to concentrating on my paying job as an accountant. Should I rent office space?
— Anna

Dear Anna;

For many people working at home solves a myriad of challenges including time lost travelling and food expenses.

January 6, 2019

Move ahead with flair

As we turn the calendar page to a new year, I have a habit of dreaming about what will come next. I am a planner and love to embark on new projects that have captured my imagination. Inspiration is everywhere, it seems to tease me … what about this, but oh look at that. How I determine what path to follow is never totally clear,

December 30, 2018

Bedtime stories

Dear Debbie;

I’d like to use a floral wallpaper in our bedroom, but I’m concerned that it’s too pretty for my husband. Also, does a printed wallpaper limit what and how you display pictures? What would you suggest? Thanks
— Diedre

Dear Dierdre;

This is a great question. A beautiful riot of flowers makes a stunning choice for a bedroom,

December 25, 2018

Set for the holidays

It’s that time of year when permission is granted to pull out all the stops. Even the most minimalist among us are tempted to add some sparkle and light and seasonal trimmings. Whether you are planning for a large holiday feast day or prefer more intimate get-togethers, free up your imagination and make the most of this joyous time of year.

December 16, 2018

Lighthearted kitchens

Dear Debbie;

Our kitchen is desperate for a reno, but our budget is limited. Lots of action with a young family. We replaced the fridge and stove with white ones. I want a bright happy space. Where would you start?
— Eva

Dear Eva;

As is my mantra, paint is the most economical renovation tool there is.

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,