How I got started

Now that you've had a taste of only some of the ideas and sources for inspiration that I've got, I'm thinking that now would be a good opportunity for me to tell you a bit about how I got into the world of interior decorating and personal design.  And don't worry, I promise that I have a lot more in store to share with you.


I always remember having a connection to objects and how they fit into spaces from a very young age.  If you remember that children's toy where you put the shapes into their respective slots, I was able to master that almost immediately.  And I guess my eye has always been drawn into seeing how things fit and work within a space.  It also doesn't hurt to have the genes to be able to work this magic, my mother is a trained interior designer and her mother, my grandmother had a flare for art and design as well.


I never went to school to become an interior designer, instead I just honed my skills into suiting my own personal spaces.  Working with colours and textures, size and style to see what worked with my mind's eye.  I have the ability to conceptualize a space from its bare-bones and work with existing objects and identify what could easily be replaced or added into the space to make it feel more lived in and decorated.


Here is a before and after shot of my current front/living room:

A couple of years ago when I had a family tragedy I picked up a paint brush and tried my hand at painting as an outlet.  What I didn't know at the time was that I was able to produce some very lovely works of personal art (all abstract).  I now create art pieces which I like to use in the spaces I have decorated and have even created some specifically for spaces in which I found I wasn't able to find the right piece that "fit".  My love and passion for decorating spilled over into the art world and I feel as though I have found my niche.  I have the ability to see and work with colours and in many different ways in order to appeal to the idea I have in mind.  The artwork pieces that you see in the image above are a couple of pieces that I completed.


Personal design was born of my love for interiors.  I believe that one's personal space, whether it's a living room, bedroom or office should be reflective of who they are and what they want to project.  The same can be said for personal design, what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world should be conducive to who we are.  A well-dressed room and a well-dressed person have trigger effects in our brains, we tend to gravitate more toward objects that appeal to the eye.  My goal is to assist those who need guidance in bringing about the interior space or personal style that they truly desire.  I believe that everyone has the ability to create beautiful spaces and personal style choices to suit them, it's just a matter of triggering that reflex. 


So that is a bit of insight into how I got my hand in the worlds of interior decorating and personal style, I have a passion for them and I hope that you continue reading my blog to find or rekindle inspiration.

Height of Comfort - Article

I received the recent edition of Glow magazine (May 2010) and in it was a short article on heel hight.  I thought it was poignant so I decided to include it here:


Don't know how high you should go? It all depends on your subtalar joint, found in the middle of your foot, says British podiatrist Emma Supple.  Its optimal position varies from person to person.  To find yours, grab a friend and two rulers.  Take a seat, then raise and extend your foot and relax your ankle.  Have your pal place one ruler downward from your big toe, then have her use the second one to measure the distance between your heel and the first ruler - this equals the maximum heel hight you should be wearing.


--Source: Glow Magazine, May 2010, Page 73.


Some hot heels (in varying heights) to inspire your next purchase:

 

Courtesy of:
Nine West Canada
Jimmi Choo
Piperlime
Nine West
Browns

Colour Coordination in your Home Part 1 - The Neutral Backdrop

PART 1 - The Neutral Backdrop
The traditional school of thought on colour is that everything MUST be coordinated and completely match (or being matchy-matchy as I like to call it).  Some will find that this style is boring and doesn't lend itself to being very creative, and I agree.  While coordination is the key that pieces a room together whether it's by colour, texture or theme the entire room doesn't need to feel like one single form.  Colour can be introduced into a room in many different ways be it on the wall, in your furniture or in your accessories, it's all in how you tie it together.


I am of the school of having a neutral backdrop (i.e. walls) and punching the room with colour in furniture, art and accessories.  Some prefer the opposite of allowing the walls (and sometimes ceiling) to do the talking and the rest is just accent.  The reason for my love-affair with neutral backdrops is because it is (in my opinion) easier to change a pillowcase, vase or art piece than it is to have to re-paint the entire wall; because let's face it, people grow out of colour choices quickly, especially if you immerse yourself in them everyday.  Now the brave souls out there who enjoy the task of re-painting a room should keep reading because I promise to include some tips on colour coordination that can benefit you as well.


The Neutral Backdrop - it is my favourite so I thought I would start with this
Painting your walls in a neutral colour such as cream, off-white, light yellow/green/blue and yes even beige are good starters for your walls.  The subtle colour lends itself to blending in and not creating a focal point for the eye.  These colours are soothing and tend to have a warmer-feeling to them.  You could even take the paint all the way up the wall over the molding and onto the ceiling and this way the room will feel much taller, this is a good trick especially in rooms with low ceilings or in a bathroom.  


Let's use the living room as our example:
Now that you've painted the room in a neutral colour (trim paint and ceiling are a traditional white in our case), you can start to build in the major pieces for the room such as: a sofa, coffee table, bookcase, etc.  If you already have them and they work in your space great! If not, then this is where you could get creative.  Here are some creative ideas for the major pieces in your space:


SOFA
Why settle on a neutral coloured sofa when you could introduce some colour, texture or pattern to the forefront of your neutral backdrop.  Coloured sofas really do stand out against neutral walls, but be forewarned that a sofa purchase is a large investment and you want to pick something that you really do love and will withstand at least more than one year.  Here are some ideas:

Neutral sofas are great investments especially if you don't want the sofa to act as a focal point in the room.  They also tend to be wiser investments as they have much more staying power than a coloured sofa in which you could grow out of its hue and want a replacement.  Here are some ideas:

COFFEE TABLE

The coffee table is another way to inject colour into the room.  If you're handy and have a nice wooden coffee table that's seen better days why not spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint in a fun colour such as turquoise or tangerine.  If you'd rather not go through the trouble of having to re-finish an existing piece of furniture then consider purchasing a coffee table in either a fun colour, white or something more ornate.  Here are some ideas:

The neutral coffee table choices out there are in abundance and no one says that you have to stray from a traditional colour palate when selecting a coffee table.  Tables in a wood-finish, brown or black are always good choices, just be sure that the style of table fits in with the style of your room in both size and feel.


THE BOOKCASE
If you decide to introduce a bookcase into your living room space or if a built-in bookcase already exists, you have a number of options when it comes to colour.  You could paint the existing or purchase a white, black, brown or wood-tone bookcase and those would work nicely in your space.  But you could also easily introduce a bookcase in a rich shade of yellow, blue or red.  Here are some ideas:

ENTERTAINMENT UNIT
If your living room doubles as a family room you most likely will have some form of an entertainment unit.  If you do decide to introduce this furniture piece and depending on how large it is (i.e. the full wall) you can easily colour match the unit to either your coffee table or bookcase.  You don't want the room to look matchy-matchy but there should be some cohesion in the space otherwise it will start to look like you've been out shopping while tripping out on LSD.  If you have a white coffee table you could easily introduce a TV solution in white (if you have your TV mounted on the wall you could use this piece underneath).


Now no one says that you have to purchase a unit that is specifically made for televisions - keeping in mind that they tend to have holes drilled in for cords and the like - as you could easily turn that old sideboard into a TV unit.  For example:

Pieces specially designed for entertainment have come a long way over the years so don't go ruling them out right away. You could easily find and introduce a sleek looking unit that flows with your space, just be sure to keep in mind proportions when out shopping.  The last thing you want to do is come home with a wall-sized unit that screams "look at me!".




The introduction of a neutral wall colour and major living/family room pieces is Part 1 of my series on colour coordination. Be sure to stay turned for my second installment where I talk about accessorizing the space with artwork and decorative objects.


Courtesy of:
Leons
Structube
EQ3
IKEA

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Part 1

PART 1
There is something to be said about a well-dressed person, and the key is not only in the clothing but in how the whole ensemble is put together, in particular, with accessories.  Accessories have to be one of the easiest things to do to take your ensemble to the next level.  Yet many of us find it one of the most intimidating and daunting tasks.  I hope to be able to provide you with some tools when you are out on your next hunt for that great accessory!


You're standing in the accessories section of your local shop and find yourself asking these same questions:
Where do I start? What do I look for? What looks good? Will that go with what I have?  How do I pull it all together?...STOP!  This is a perpetual loop that you continue to pull yourself into, and it's completely unnecessary.  Yes, I'll admit for the faint of heart, standing in front of rows upon rows of handbags can feel like you're being sucked into a vortex, but rest assured that you are a) not alone and b) can be guided!


You have the ability to select clothing pieces for your wardrobe but somehow can't tie them all together with accessories, I have some examples of how you can take that little black dress or that pant suit to the next level just by accessorizing:


Don't Underestimate the Camisole
Yes, while some would agree that a camisole doesn't count as an accessory, I tend to disagree in many instances.  While it is good at "covering-up" it can also act as a bouncing-off point.  Take for example a simple white cropped sleeved cardigan; pair that with a turquoise camisole and white linen pants (all for the summer, of course) and you have a great base.

If you took that same white cropped sleeved cardigan and paired it with a white camisole and the same white linen pants, you would be coordinated but very monochromatic.  There is nothing wrong with being monochromatic, that's not what I'm saying, what I'm trying to show is that by taking that turquoise camisole and adding it to your base you can then accessorize with say a candy-red bangle bracelet or candy-red sandals and you have a great outfit.  Just remember, don't go overboard with introducing turquoise and red into this ensemble, you want to keep it subtle and light especially for the summer.

That Little Black Dress
Every woman should have a little black dress in their closet, and if you don't, get yourself one, they truly come in handy!  Little black dresses are great jumping off points for accessorizing.  If your dress has a round, square, open or v-neck you can punch up your dress with a statement necklace.  If you have a high-neck dress, don't fret, you can easily get away with an arm full of bracelets, a cocktail ring or killer earrings.  

                                     

If you're not sure about adding bracelets, a necklace or even earrings to your outfit; or if your dress already comes equipped with embellishments (i.e. rhinestones, beading, stichwork, etc), consider ramping up your outfit with a killer pair of heels, preferably in a knock-out shade.

Just remember go with one or the other, but don't get crazy and start adding accessories all over the place with your little black dress...I want you to look hip & classy and not like a theatrical performance! 




To Hat or not to Hat
The hat is a controversial accessory in my opinion; it can either make or seriously break an entire outfit. When choosing a hat the first thing to keep in mind is, hats do not look good on everyone.  Try on different styles of hats to see which suits you and if none do, walk away.


Baseball caps are not the only type of hat out there, I promise you.  There are many different styles and shapes available.  Take for example the over-sized straw hat, now I wouldn't recommend trying to drive or even show up to work sporting one of these lovelies, but if you were let's say going to the beach, this would be a great option for optimal sun-blockage.

Piece together: a bathing suit, a chic beach bag, stylish flip-flops, a sarong in a coordinating colour, big sunglasses and your floppy over sized straw hat and you are all set for your day in the sun!

The fedora is also another good example of a stylish hat that you could wear around town. Just be cautious not to overwhelm your look with too many additional accessories as the fedora is a statement piece all on its own.
Piece together: cropped pants, neutral shoes, a white bag, a bright coloured top, bangles, sunglasses and a fedora and you have a chic weekend/wear around town look.

Those are just a couple of popular options when it comes to hat selection.  Be sure that you look for refined lines and accent detailing in your hat such as ribbons or buttons when you're out there searching.  Try many different styles on to find the one that suits you best. Just remember that the hat should accentuate your style not overpower it.  We want to see you first and not just the hat.


The Cami, LBD and Hat selection are the three topics in the first installment of Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 where I'll talk about bags, shoes, jewelery and more!!

DIY Fireplace Makeover

My husband and I moved into our new home last November (2009).  The house is about 30 years old and the previous owners did a great job renovating the place to make it more current.  But we found that the wood-burning fireplace was a bit dated and decided to give it a quick and easy makeover (who doesn't love a makeover!).


Here is a before photo of the fireplace...this photo was taken on moving day hence the copious amount of "stuff", but you get the gist:

There were really two options for us and the first one was the most expensive being a complete overhaul of the entire surround.  Which meant tearing down the bricks, rebuilding the structure and tiling...all of that meant a ton of dust, blood, sweat and tears, so my second option sounded much more appealing.


Here is what we did:  

1. The top half of the fireplace was covered in MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). This surround covers the brick from the mantle all the way up to the ceiling and of course around the sides meeting up with the walls on both sides.
2. Molding was added to the center of the MDF surround to create architectural detail. 
3. The mantle itself got a fresh coat of paint.  I decided to paint as oppose to stain as there were some inconsistencies with the wood grain and I'm not a huge fan of oak to begin with.
4. The bottom surround got a fresh coat of paint.  The brick was painted from the underside of the mantle all the way down to the wood floors.
5. The fireplace insert gets to stay flat black and yes, the brass trim was removed.  We have yet to decide if we want to paint it black and return it or leave it without.

Here is a photo of our work in progress:

As you can see above the MDF has been attached to the top half of the fireplace.  We used PL Premium to adhere the MDF to the brick.  As this is a wood-burning fireplace attaching anything to the brick which would require drilling is a fire hazard.  We were assured by the fellow at the local Home Depot that PL Premium would hold an "elephant to an airliner" - I kid you not, that is what he said!!

If you are not handy with a saw your local box hardware store will cut the MDF to the sizes you specify.  Just remember, measure twice and cut once.

We filled in the gaps (as nothing is truly square) with paintable caulking - this is the white you see in the photo.  We also used PollyFilla which requires sanding, this stuff is handy if you don't have a steady hand for the caulking.

The trim/molding which you can see on the floor, was cut to size and adhered to the upper surround with PL Premium.  Again no nailing as this is a wood-burning fireplace and we didn't want to run the risk of a fire...well one that wasn't contained to the fireplace itself!!

Here is the finished product:

What a difference!!!  We are so pleased with the new look of our fireplace and believe me, this transformation was very cost-effective with mega impact!

The paint we used on the lower-half of the surround was specially designed for brick and adobe exteriors which can withstand the heat of the desert sun.  We figured if it could withstand that it could easily withstand a fireplace.  Plus the fellow at the local hardware store assured us that this has been used previously on wood-burning and gas fireplaces without any issue, so we did feel more at ease knowing this.

The paint colours in the photo look very black and white, but I assure you this is only a camera trick.  The mantle piece is painted in Behr Premium Plus Ultra (this is the paint and primer in one) French Roast.  The surround was painted in Behr Premium Plus Ultra Apple Core.  We were able to have the special brick paint colour matched to Apple Core.

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our new fireplace and it really opens up the room!  So don't be afraid to take the plunge and tackle a less than appealing fireplace in a weekend.  That is really how long it took us to start and finish this project...mind you, the house cleaning took a hit that weekend, but it was worth it!

Happy DIY-ing!

Proportion is Key

Proportion is a key factor in what you wear and what you choose to purchase. If you are not one of those lucky people who can walk into any store and know, just absolutely know, what size they are and how to piece things together, not to fear, take this one tip with you when you go into the shops...try it on. If you know that you are hesitant, take a friend for encouragement, use the help of the shop associates but more often than not, do NOT refrain from trying it on. This is the only way that you are going to truly know what suits you and what fits.

Speaking in Proportions:
If you are petite and are not shopping in the petite section of the store - hey, no one says you have to! - you will most likely require tailoring. Find a good tailor because you will rely on him/her to make your clothes fit you best. Remember, try it on and pull it back, roll it up, this helps to visualize how it would look once the item is altered.


If you are plus sized don't fret!  Most shops these days carry varying sizes but be forewarned, sizing is not a uniformed practice.  If you are a size 16 on average take note that in some shops a size 16 might fit too small or won't be large enough.  Take stock that the size of clothing can be considered as a conspiracy against women and you will find more often than not, that the same sizes in a single store won't even fit the same! Size is a control measure and shouldn't be taken seriously at all, just be sure to try on the article and if need be take it up a few sizes or down...the key is to try it on!  Remember that fitted is flattering.


If you are tall (which I am) we have a conspiracy ahead of us as well!  Most tall women (myself included) have long legs & long torsos and therefore cannot find pants long enough or long sleeved shirts that fall at the wrist.  Well we shouldn't fret either!  Many shops these days have realized that not all women fit into a standard category and have lengthened the sizes or even offer a range of Tall sized clothing.  Keep in mind that shopping in boutiques that appeal to the tall ladies are not always the best priced nor do they carry the optimal selection.  We can get away with the average clothing shops out there but take note...try it on first!  Flood pants went out just about as quickly as they came in.


If you are average sized, you have a plethora of choice available to you.  Just be sure not to overwhelm your frame with over sized clothing, do not go more than one size up as this is a common mistake for average sized women, pick pieces tailored to fit you.  Avoid clothing that is too long for your frame as this can shorten your appearance.  The best fit is the right fit.


Whatever you do, don't be afraid to take a chance and try stuff on!!

Room Arrangements in a Snap

If you've just moved into your first place, new place or have been living in your home for a number of years and just cannot figure out how to arrange that pesky front/living room, den/family room, entrance, dining room, bedroom(s), etc.  well you are not alone!  There are many people out there like you who love many different looks but cannot settle on one to help create that livable, functional space that you so desire.
Here are some tips to help you arrange that room in ten steps:

1. Think about your space and ask yourself these questions:
1. What is this space designated for?  What is its purpose?
2. What do I currently have in this space?
3. What can I live with? What can I live without?
   
   
2. Once you've identified the necessities above, you can start to think about the flow and function of the room.
1. Is this a pass-through space? Is it private?
2. Does it have many functions? i.e. Living + Dining OR Living + Dining + Office, etc.
   
   
3. Once you have narrowed down the function and flow it's time to think about the overall colour and feel of the room.
1. It is going to feel warm and cozy? Fresh and cool?
2. Pick a colour scheme such as: red & white, blues & greens.  If this is not your forte, consider looking at some websites and books to help get inspired about the color scheme for the room.  When in doubt, neutral is always best.  This way you can introduce colour with impact through accessories and artwork.
   
   
4. Consider the light sources for the room.
1. Is there lots of natural light from windows or a skylight?
2. Is there an overhead ceiling fixture? Floor/Table lamps? Wall sconces?
   
   
5. Measure out the size of the room.  Take note of any oddities such as columns, walls jutting out or bay/bow windows.  If your room is not a square or a rectangle make sure that you take this into consideration when arranging the room layout.
   
   
6. Now its time to think about the main furniture pieces for the space.  Here are some ideas:
1. Living/Family Room or Den:
1. Sofa(s)
2. Coffee/Cocktail Table
3. Side Tables
4. Bookcase(s)
5. Entertainment Unit
2. Dining Room
1. Table
2. Chairs
3. Sideboard/Credenza/Buffet
3. Office
1. Desk
2. Chair
3. Bookcase(s)
4. Bedroom(s)
1. Bed
2. Night tables
3. Wardrobe
4. Chest of Drawers
   
   
7. Take stock of those items that are already in the room and remove the ones that don't "fit" in with the overall purpose.  You can always add pieces back or introduce new pieces later.  If your sofa overpowers the room in size for example, you may have to consider moving it to another location or purchasing one with better dimensions.  The last thing you want is for the room to be all sofa and nothing else!
   
   
8. Conceptualize and create a focal point in your space.  It could be a painting, a fireplace, a sofa, etc.  You are going to build around the focal point in your space by drawing from it the colours and textures.  Consider the placement of the focal point, it should be one that people can easily identify with then they walk into the room.
   
   
9. If you have a hard time visualizing the size of the furniture pieces and how they will fit into the room make a newspaper template of the furniture item to its true dimensions.  This way you can place the templates around the room without having to hire movers!  Once you've found the fit and taken all of the necessary considerations for the purpose, flow and function of your space add the large pieces into their new spots. Once you have these in place you can start to add in items such as an area rug for under the coffee/cocktail table, side tables for beside the sofa, night tables next to the bed, etc. Slowly bring items back into the space.
   
   
10. The last step is to introduce accessories and decorative objects for the room.  This includes artwork, baskets, bowls, bobbles, candles, lamps, etc.  Keep one thing in mind when introducing decorative objects into your space that there is a fine line between simplicity and clutter.  It is better to slowly integrate items into the space, take a step back, look around and see if an object would look better in a different location; does that vase really work in my space?; I think I might have one too many candles on the table, etc.  This will help to keep the look and feel of your space more under control.  Just make sure that you lose the choctchkies and dried flowers!

Happy Decorating!!
Here are some sources for inspiration:
Creating atmosphere with colour - styleathome.com
Incorporating smart pieces into your decor - styleathome.com 
Canadian House and Home: Galleries - houseandhome.com
Design*Sponge: Sneak Peeks - designspongeonline.com

Philosophy of Dressing for the Occasion

I am a firm believer in the philosophy of dressing for the occasion, whether its going to work or going to a gala event - make sure to dress for the occasion, but when you do, do it with a vengeance! Dress like you mean it, none of this sissy business. It's all about the attitude behind what you wear and how you present yourself.

Don't show up to work in sweat pants and a t-shirt, unless you work at a gym. If your work environment is business attire, dress business-like. This doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your favourite patent leather pink heels for a matronly set of loafers; or that you should pair those patent pink heels with a halter either. Tone it down enough to evoke a sense of business without sacrificing your personal style. Think about throwing on a camisole under your halter and a jacket over top it all. Bring a cardigan to work with you and wear it when you take your jacket off. If you have a solid suit that you wear to work, nothing says that on days when you're not meeting with the major players that you can't wear those patent pink heels. It's all about balance.

Balance is key.

If your workplace is casual or you work from home, nothing says that you can't spice up your casual pieces with some funky-prints, or fun jackets with detailing. Buy a pair of fun flats to wear with your jeans or khakis. Try to throw your personal flare (I'm not talking about the movie Office Space here) into what you wear even if it is a casual working environment. If you work from home and you're comfortable staying in your PJ's all day long, hey more power to you! But if you are one of those like the rest of us, who feel sluggish and tired sitting around in PJ's, get dressed. Nothing says that when you work from home that you have to "look" like you're working from home.

But the main thing to remember is that confidence and attitude (not the bad kind) are key when dressing for any occasion. Stand tall, look fierce and whatever you do dress like you mean it. People respond to confident dressers, and it doesn't matter if your colleagues who should be dressing more for the occasion don't - what matters is that you do! Whether it's dressing for the office, the weekend, the red carpet event, when you dress make sure that you dress for yourself and not for others, stay true, don't compromise, but most of all look the part. When you look the part, you feel the part and that is where your confidence will shine.

Welcome to Gems & Geodes

Hello and Welcome!

I am quite new to the world of blogging and thought that I would throw my hat in the ring...

You must be wondering why my I chose gems & geodes as the name for my blog...well the answer is quite simple, to many of us identifying the gems in our lives are easy; our families, friends, accomplishments, etc. But it's those diamonds in the rough that we have difficulty uncovering, quite similar to how a geode is constructed.

These rough, unattractive, coarse looking rocks would to the average be tossed aside when uncovered, but when the time is taken to examine these ugly looking rocks one would be amazed at what is uncovered. Just by splitting it open will reveal a phenomenal construct of beauty and intrigue. How could this horrible looking rock reveal such hidden amazement?

There is something to be said about taking the time to examine the people and things around us, and not to take everything and everyone at face value or even for granted as there is hidden potential in abundance.

My blog is meant to provide insight and inspiration not only in our day-to-day undertakings but how we perceive and are perceived. By the way we present ourselves and the spaces we live and work in have a tremendous effect on our attitudes and how people respond to us. There is something to be said about hidden beauty, but by bringing it to the forefront in everything we do speaks volumes. There is hidden potential everywhere and my hope is to provide my readers with the inspiration and ability to have their potential be realized.

Some of us are already gems, but for the rest of us geodes we need to uncover our hidden potential and start to see and realize that we are truly gems on the inside :)

We are all (and yes, here comes the cliche) diamonds in the rough.