BLOG

• A FEW WALLPAPER INSPIRATIONS

  Suggesting a bold wallpaper may be easy for us to do but we know the struggle with actually pulling the trigger guys! Decisions out of our comfort zone may be frightening but usually, yield the best results.

  Our favourite rooms to wallpaper are the tiny ones, where the impact of good wallpaper can be totally appreciated and the fear of going bold can be minimized since you can usually close the door on your striking choice and not to impact the rest of your decor. Spaces like entrances and powder rooms or even accent walls are a great place to bring in that wild side of yours! We’ve had a few clients last year who asked for some vivid options so we thought it would be fun to show you a few spaces that we discovered and completely adore!

   

  

  By: Hibou Design & Co.

  This entrance was bland and boring until we covered the walls with this luxe navy and gold geometric pattern.

   

  
  Photo by Melissa Oholendt found on Domino
  Wallpaper by Caitlin McGauley’s Panthera

  If you didn’t already know, we love all white everything, but this dark wallpaper with the gold cheetas really ties in with the brass finishes chosen and adds that wow factor to this small space.

   

  

  Designed by Susan Simonpietri

  Photo by Architectural Digest
  Wallpaper by Hygee & West

  We simply adore this kid’s bedroom. Since most of the background is light and only a few spots of yellow accents from the birds, it still keeps this room looking very bright and fun! A lovely way to bring in your accent colour.

   

  

  Photo by Sophie Carpenter
  Wallpaper by Tropic wall

   

  Feeling tropical lately? Here’s a great way to feel like you're still in paradise by adding wallpaper to the back wall of your laundry room. There is something very soft and serene about this tropical wallpaper that we just love!

   

  

  Photo by Domino
  Designed by Jennifer Barron

  We love how designer Jennifer Barron designed this entrance. Complimenting the soft blue front door, she brought in soft blues and white to the wallpaper to add some subtleness while creating an impact that will not go unnoticed!

  Here's a shot from our most recent project featuring a subtle paper. The client loved the results of these open shelves even before we installed the paper but then agreed that this subtle tone on tone pulled together the accessories and added depth without adding too much movement.

  

  Need help choosing the right paper? Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our designers!

• A GUIDE TO A SCANDINAVIAN DECOR

  Scandinavian interiors are known for their neutral colours, warm accents, and mid-century modern furniture. This minimalist style embraces simplicity. Want this look? Take note of our few tips on how to achieve your Scandinavian look below.

  1. Neutral Colours

  In most Scandinavian spaces, walls are kept white to keep a clean and simple look. Colours like white, grey, and blacks, are most likely to be your colour palette. However, you can bring in soft, pastel colours. Find our favourite whites here.

  Photo Via Est Living 

  

  Photo Via My Domaine

  2. Light Flooring

  In order to keep your Scandinavian feel, you must have light floors. Whether it be your traditional light wood floors or white/grey tiles, this allows the space to feel bright & airy.

  

  3. Wood & Metal Finishes

  A minimalist design can be plain and boring, if not accomplished correctly. It's all about layering neutrals and natural textures. Bringing in wood through your furniture pieces allows your space to feel cozy - A simple way to make your room brighter without using bold colours. Adding metal finishes really ties the space together whether it be through your lighting or accent pieces.

  Photo Via My Scandinavian Home
  

  4. Add plants

  Bring a little life in your home with plants. Don’t add anything too colourful, but the right amount of greenery is an important key to bringing your Scandinavian Decor to life.

  
  Photo Via Pinterest
  

  5. Clutter Free

  This may be a hard one for many people. Without realizing, we all have a tendency to clutter. In this type of design, less is more. If you want your space to feel calm and inviting, any unnecessary items must go!

  Photo Via Sophie Heawood

  6. Lighting

  I’ve found that Scandinavian interior lighting is simple yet beautiful. I love the look of a wicker pendant, although the classic glass lighting fixtures compliment this design very well.

  Photo Via All About Interiors

  

  Photo Via Pinterest

  There is a fine line between simple and boring, but with these 6 tips on how to achieve your Scandinavian decor, you've got nothing to worry about!

• LAS VEGAS MARKET 2018

  We've been heading to Las Vegas Market now every year for the last three years. It's a large tradeshow for everything decor and furniture related. We're talking about 3 buildings with over 5 floors of showrooms. All of the best suppliers and manufacturers are there to showcase their new collections and talk shop. During the three days that we spend at this giant tradeshow, we network, attend seminars, learn about new lines and products and place a few orders for product. The first year we went was a learning experience where we were able to see the decorating industry from a different point of view. During the second year, we placed a few orders for pillows and small accessories for our design clients. This year was special because it was the first year that we brought Melinda with us and it was the first time going with the goal of selecting pieces for our upcoming online shop. We've opened some exciting new accounts and we've hand-curated a good selection of products that represent our design aesthetic and our brand. We basically went shopping for all of you!

    

    

  Over the next few weeks, we'll be working on getting our products on a list, editing and eliminating and bringing the selection down to the best. Fingers crossed that we're just four short weeks away from launching Hibou Home officially.

   

   

  One highlight from the trip is that we'll be introducing a new line of rugs from Loloi.

   

  

   

  We also had loads of fun with Melinda this time. It was her first time in Vegas so we showed her around and traveling with her further confirmed what we already knew about her; she's a real team player and the perfect fit for our Hibou family!

   

   

   

  And of course, it couldn't be all work, we had to squeeze in some fun!

   

  

  Check out our highlights on Instagram!

• CHARLEVOIX STREET PROJECT

  This project was such a breeze to work on because our clients were so simple and easy to work with. The mandate was clear, they wanted a new bathroom that was clean, fresh and functional. We gave them just that!

   

  

   

  Our clients were on a budget and had one must have -  a more functional shower. We started with building out the shower wall to give our clients a more spacious custom shower with built-in niche for their products. With a custom shower as a requirement, it left little room in the budget to splurge on fancy finishes so we opted for an inexpensive subway tile on the walls, a store bought vanity from Costco that came with the countertop and under-mount sink and we reused their toilet, tub, and tub filler. With basic finishes, our wow in this space was the floor tile. This is what brought the room to life and gave it that one focal point that it needed. 

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

• SOME OF OUR FAVE RUGS

  With some of our focus on launching Hibou Home these days, we've had to narrow down some of our favorite pieces that we'll be selling on the site and we couldn't help but see this common theme. Last year was all about the geometrics and this year we're leaning more towards this transitional, almost overdyed style with a more ornate pattern. We love seeing how our styles evolve, although we do still adore a good geo.

  You'll be able to find all of these faves on the site when it launches. Stay tuned!!

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

• ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

  Art is a tricky one for us. We often get asked to source artwork for our clients and although we LOVE the idea, it is very time consuming and difficult since art is so personal. We can nail every aspect of a decor project but sometimes our clients vision of good art and our own simply don't align. Our concept boards usually include some inspiration prints to set the tone for the decor, which sometimes give our clients a direction to take when choosing their artwork, but that's as far as we'll take it.

  Now that you know we aren't art pros, let's make it clear that we totally appreciate beautiful pieces and we can spend hours browsing! Here are some of our top artists and photographers. You can thank us later!

  1. Georgianna Lane

  A photographer who has a passion for flowers, travel, and paris who creates stunning pieces of art. She has a natural talent for capturing the beauty in architecture and nature. You can find her work here.

  
  

  

  

  2. Ashley Woodson Bailey

  A self taught photographer who captures the beauty in flowers. Not only does she sell art prints, but wallpaper and fabrics as well. Visit her website here.

  

   

  

  3. Lysa Jordan

  A local Montreal based artist who creates beautifully hand painted abstract art. Visit her website here.

  
  

  

  

   

  4. Gray Malin

  A popular one but oh so good! Gray Malin is well known for his aerial beach shots. We love the whimsical feel in his shots and all of saturated or muted hues. He really has a unique eye for capturing something special. You can find his work here.

   

  

   

  

   

  

  4. Kristi Kohut

  If you're into bold, saturated colours, this is the artist for you. Her work feels playful and fresh and it's so simple but there's just something so eye-catching about it! 

  

   

  

   

  

• HOW TO INTRODUCE COLOUR

  One of our main goals at Hibou Design & Co is to create a design that is timeless. Our idea of a timeless design is to design a space with a neutral colour palette. However, we always like to incorporate colour in a way that isn’t too overwhelming. We notice that some of our clients are scared of colour. Will it be too much? What if I don’t like it? So, we decided to list some of the ways we like to incorporate colour into our designs.

   

  1. A rug - an easy way to incorporate a colourful pattern or detail.

  (“Parade Home” by Studio McGee.)

  
  We love how Studio Mcgee incorporated this beautiful blue patterned rug in this very neutral colour palette. It definitely is bright and airy with the perfect combination of colour in her accessories.
  
  2. Accessories - The perfect, non-permanent way to bring in your pop of colour. You can have one accent colour or a grouping of several. These can be from pillows, to throws, and a variety of small objects.

  (“Project Impressed” by Jacquelyn Clark.)

  The perfect example by Jacquelyn Clark of how to accessorize your space with different shades of the same colour and have it tie within two spaces!
  
  

  3.Art - Let your colour take charge and create a conversation starter with one of your favourite pieces or if you're not bold enough, start with muted colours to incorporate your desired colour.

  (“Olympic Drive” by Hibou Design & Co.)
  

   

• OUR TOP RUNNERS

  We're just shopping runners for an all-white bathroom renovation project. We need something to make a pop in there and a runner would be the perfect addition. Here are our top 5! What would you choose?

  A.

  

   

  B.

   

   

  C. 

  

  D.

   

    

  E.

   
  

• OUR GO-TO WHITES

  We can't tell you how many times we've walked into a home where the trim was painted pure white, the kind of white where they didn't even bother adding colour to the can. I cringe just thinking about it.

  Although many may think that white is white, choosing the perfect hue of white is difficult since each shade has a subtle undertone to it, making it harder to see with the naked eye. However, once compared amongst each other, the evident undertones appear and the decision making comes to play.

  White should be chosen with caution, taking into consideration all of the other fixed finishes in the home, however here are a few of our go-to whites to help narrow down your process.

   

  SIMPLY WHITE OC-117

  Simply White was Benjamin’s Moore color of the year in 2016 and we understand why. It is one of our favorites because it is fresh and bright. It’s subtle warm yellow undertone, makes it a warmer, more appealing white. We typically use this color for our kitchen cabinetry and walls. This would probably be the whitest white that we would put on walls before the walls start to look too stark or sterile. 

   

   

  CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

  If you’re looking for a pure, bright white, Chantilly Lace is the one for you! It is best used for trim, frames, doors, mouldings and also kitchen cabinetry. Considering this color is the closest to a stark white, it will never look unclean in comparison to other whites. Chantilly Lace falls under the category of cool whites, due to its slightest blue undertone. 

    

    

  CLOUD WHITE CC-40

  Cloud white is loved by many designers because of its warm undertone that makes it a creamy white. However, if placed in the room as being the only white, it looks like a pure white. Cloud white needs to be used with caution when paired with crisper whites. It can very easily look too creamy. This is a great white when paired with more muted colours or neutrals with warmer tones.

   

   

  INTENSE WHITE OC-51

  Intense white appears slightly grey. It’s green undertone balances the warmth making it a great choice to use throughout an entire space. It gives off the perfect contrast paired with Simply White or Chantilly Lace trim. This is not however a colour we would use on trim. Albeit the name suggests it is a white, we would probably categorize Intense White as a very light grey.

  This feature wall is a combination of Intense White & Simply White, which really shows you how greay it is.

    

  In this example, the Intense White walls actually look white next to the concrete grey ceiling and lack of white trim. If you spot the baseboards, that's where you can see that the walls are in fact light grey. 

  

   

  THINGS TO CONSIDER;

  • Sample Viewing - Get a larger sample of your colour swatch! It is very important to see a larger scale of your color to help understand their undertones. We use 11" x 14" large painted colour samples that make identifying undertones simple and almost obvious - even to our clients who have no experience with colour.

  • Natural Light - Colours can vary immensely from room to room. Therefore, knowing which direction your room is facing can either pull out a warmer (south side) or cooler light (north side). This can play on how evident the undertone will be once painted.

  • Finishes - Make sure you pick the proper finish for your paint colors. Eggshell walls for a matt look, but somewhat washable. Doors, frames, and mouldings should be painted semi-gloss for dirability and washability. Finally, ceiling should be painted matte since matte hides most imperfections and will give you a seamless surface. 

  • All white everything - If your walls and trim are white, the idea is either to go one shade brighter on the trim to create some contrast or to keep the same colour throughout, however still in different finishes.

    

  Understanding and identifying undertones is important to create a clear flow within your home. Choosing colour can be extremely stressful - I get it - which is why hiring a True Colour Expert will give you the confidence you need when picking out the right colors for any space. If you are lacking confidence, we highly suggest to consult our website's colour page and ask for our expertise to guide you every step of the way !

  By: Melinda Recine

• NEXT BIG KITCHEN TRENDS

  We missed the boat this year on our blog featuring 2017's trend prediction, but there's one that we're really starting to see in kitchens that is totally blog worthy. I'm not sure if this is really a trend - more a category of trends that all achieve the same goal. Given the rise in popularity of open concept kitchens, great rooms and small open concept condos, we're seeing more and more kitchens that blend into the rest of the living space. We've already seen it with flooring choices. When open concept kitchens first started becoming big, we were still installing tile on the floor, and keeping the visual room division since the tile would define the kitchen area. Now, I think we're installing wood flooring in 100% of our open concept kitchens.

   

  

   

  The wood trend is so big that its practicality is no longer a concern for homeowners and we believe that we're going to keep heading in that direction. Homeowners are starting to be more willing to sacrifice some practical elements of their kitchens for aesthetics since the kitchen is open to the rest of their living space and will therefore have a greater impact on the overall feel of their home. Here are the top kitchen trends that lead us to believe that we want our kitchens to blend in with the rest of our furniture.

  NO UPPERS

  We've seen it first hand with our clients that designing a kitchen with no uppers used to be unheard of. No one would even consider it since the main focus in kitchen design used to be maximizing storage. Well, in 2016-2017, we've designed several kitchens with either no uppers or very few uppers and we didn't have to twist anyone's arm either! Homeowners are willing to sacrifice a little storage to create a kitchen that feels more open, lighter and fresh. Having no upper cabinets allows for the use of a fun backsplash, a larger window or even a blank surface that can be decorated with art or floating shelves.

   

  

  Photo by Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses

   

   

  PANELLED APPLIANCES

  Although this can be quite the splurge both in cabinetry and in the actual appliance, we're seeing a rising trend for panelled appliances. The brass trend may be influencing it since some people don't like the look of mixed metals which happens when you pair brass hardware with stainless appliances, but I'd like to think that it's because we want our kitchen tools to say hidden. By panelling the fridge, dishwasher and hood vent they just become another piece of furniture. So much so, that I wouldn't be surprised if panelled ovens will soon be available.

  

  Photo by Sarah Jefferys Design 

  PICTURE LEDGES/ARTWORK 

  Open shelving has been around in kitchens forever, but these days, we're not using the shelves for dishes. We're displaying art, books, accessories, anything unconventional that would steer your mind away from being in a kitchen.

  

  Photo by Bon Atelier Limited 

   

  

  Photo by Josh Partee | Architectural Photographer 

   

  ELLABORATE BUTLER PANTRIES

  This one is definitely not for the master chef, but very practical for the entertainer or pro takeout orderer (I fall into this last category!). With open concepts, kitchens have become THE gathering point for dinner parties and cocktails. Everyone huddles around the island with a glass of wine and its even sometimes difficult to get guests to take a seat. As a host, the challenge is to keep our workspace clean and presentable since its visible to all. So much so, that some have built separate rooms, off the main kitchen that can be used as a secondary kitchen fully stocked with a sink, dishwasher and even an oven. Yes, you read right, they've built a "show kitchen" that is kept clean and clutter-free while the mess is being made in a separate room. Butler pantries are historically a room joining the kitchen and the dining room that serve as a prep space for the meals, beverages and dinnerware. Since most of us no longer have butlers, this room can be repurposed and used for a little more than setting plates and serving drinks. It also allows for more creativity with the design since it's a closed space.

   

  

  Photo by Holly Phillips @ The English Room

   

  

  Photo by Chalet

   

  

  Photo by Martha O'Hara Interiors 

  

  Photo by K.Marshall Design Inc.

   

  Whether you're looking for something totally unconventional or a traditional kitchen that will be a timeless addition to your home, we can help you with the entire process! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

• DRESS UP BARE WALLS WITH A FRESH OUTLOOK

  Wall treatments date back as early as the 1400’s and most of us will agree that they remind us of our grandparent’s house; outdated. However, it continues to evolve into modern day society. Wallpaper can definitely make an appealing decorative statement, but at the same time can direct you towards a certain style. It helps warm a space, create a statement, or simply add some depth to an otherwise lifeless wall. While you can use wallpaper almost anywhere, we love using them in entrances and powder rooms. These are two rooms that usually don't have much space for anything else decorative, so our solution is usually to dress the walls. 

  

  In smaller spaces, adding a bold pattern or color as an accent really enhances a room’s design. Using geometric shapes such as linear patterns, hexagons, triangles, etc., adds a visually appealing aspect to your home while keeping it timeless. There are many creative ways to freshen up your home even if that means simply repurposing the back of a bookcase with decorative wallpaper.

  Here are a few pro tips;

  • For every design, our rule of thumb is to keep the pattern fun yet moderate. We never want the wallpaper to take over our design. 
  • Always confirm quantities with your installer before purchasing. Pattern repeats and different widths make wallpaper difficult to calculate on your own and expensive if you get it wrong.
  • Hire a professional installer. For the price of the paper these days, you definitely don't want to take a chance in having it installed poorly. Save yourselves both the headache (it's not easy) and the cost of having to start from scratch. Trust us - we've seen our share of DIY's gone wrong.
  • Lastly, don’t be afraid! That outdated wallpaper has now evolved into something current and elegant. So dress up those bare walls with some creativity to create an impactful statement within your home. 

  

  By: Melinda Recine

• THE FRAME DEBATE

  What's the deal with white window frames? I'm not talking about trim (this time), I'm talking about the actual frame. The one that gets installed with your actual window. For years the standard has been white on both the inside and out. Now people are following trends and deciding to go with black on the outside but they still insist on keeping the inside white. In fact, some people are actually paying more to have both colours; black on the outside and white on the inside.

  Let me tell you what my problem is with white frames. First, and foremost, it's totally the wrong white. All of the standard white aluminum windows and doors are this horrible, super stark white with a tint of blue. I say tint, but really, I mean that they are blue-white. As soon as the trim is painted a decent white; Cloud White, Chantilly Lace, or even (my favourite) Simply White, you will see that most window frames are really a very light shade of blue. It's terrible. 

  If this isn't a reason enough, did you know that black frames actually give you a better view? That's right folks, blacks frames are less distracting, therefore they take away less from your incredible, lush, green view. Where as white demands all of your attention, which completely cuts your beautiful view.

   

  

  Contemporary Family Room by Atlanta General Contractors Live Oak Construction Group, LLC

   

  Here's the biggest question I get when I'm trying to convince a client (who's about to spend a ton of money on new windows) to go with black frames;

  What colour will I paint my trim?

  Easy! Either something to blend in with the black frame or something to blend in with your wall. Black frames with black or dark trim looks great. Black frames with off white trim and an off white wall also looks great. Black frames with white trim and dark wall doesn't look so great. The idea here is not to have too many contrasting colours next to each other.

   

  

  Victorian Family Room by Brooklyn General Contractors Fox Force Five Construction

   

  

  Transitional Home Office

   

  

  Transitional Kitchen by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Carter Kay Interiors

   

  

  Contemporary Dining Room by Locust Valley Interior Designers & Decorators Deepdale House LLC

   

  Can't decide? Skip the trim all together. Black window frames look best without trim. Whether your space is ultra modern or traditional, this is truly the best option!

   

  

  Mediterranean Living Room by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Summerour Architects

   

   

  Mediterranean Living Room by Dallas Architects & Building Designers Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro

   

  If you're still indecisive or if I've confused you any more, give me a call to schedule a colour consultation. I'll be happy to not only help you choose the right colours for your home, but to explain why they're the best choices too!

• BLACK IS BACK

  I'm sure a trend that all of you have noticed pop up in hardware and plumbing fixtures is gold and brass. Would you believe me if I told you that black is already creeping up on gold for the number one spot on the hottest trend list? Mat black to be precise. We're seeing it everywhere; in decor details, on furniture, in the way we frame art and accessories. A room is never complete without at least a little of the darkest on the colour scale. 

   

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Oklahoma City Kitchen & Bath Remodelers Urban Kitchens

   

   

  I have to say I'm quite excited about this and I'm all for putting the sensible me aside and jumping all over this trend! First of all, let me make myself clear (if you haven't caught on already), this IS a trend and with all trends, this WILL eventually fade. However, that does not mean that we can't have a little fun with this one. Hardware is tricky because you would usually find similar coloured hardware throughout your entire home; your door knobs, cabinet pulls, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures. They probably all match. Which means that when they go out of style, they ALL go out of style together which can be quite costly to change. Costly but not difficult. Which is why we can totally still have fun with this one!

   

  

  Scandinavian Bathroom by Other Metro Furniture & Accessories MR.FRÄG

   

  These aren't quite black but pretty beautiful if you ask me!

  

    

  On a side note, I don't believe that your hardware all does have to be identical. I have no problem mixing black knobs with brushed nickel light fixtures. Or mat black and brass! Really? Who has a problem with that??

  

  Bathroom by West Hills Interior Designers & Decorators Amber Interiors

   

   

   

   

  I'm going to give you a little tip: this trend looks absolutely fabulous with white and lots of it. As you can imagine, having too much black in a space can get dark really fast which is why it should really only be used as an accent and in moderation. Unless you're designing something like a night club, or a bar, or a vampire's room. Whatever floats your boat.

  

  Industrial Bathroom

   

  Are you with me on this one? Are you loving this trend or not so much? Leave us your feedback, we'd love to know what you think!

• MIRRORED BACKSPLASH

  When it comes to backsplashes, I'm a strong believer that less is indeed more. As you can read in this older post; How To Backsplash, a trendy backsplash is truly a recipe for disaster. Finding that perfect last piece to complete your design can be as simple as mirror. Perhaps an older concept that has seen its day, like a lot of older options (ie; the subway tile), a mirrored backsplash can be the perfect timeless detail to complete a contemporary kitchen. I love this look when there isn't much backsplash to cover which is often the case with open galley kitchens. When you have a small surface, adding another element to a kitchen can look out of place or too busy. Also a great solution to bring in more light, create depth or extend a beautiful view.

   

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen Designers & Remodelers Western Cabinets

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by East Anglia Kitchen & Bath Designers Fine Fitted Interiors

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Canberra - Queanbeyan Architects & Building Designers Paul Tilse Architects

   

  

  Contemporary Spaces by Laval Design-Build Firms BONE Structure

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen Designers & Remodelers Lee Hardcastle

   

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by London Architects & Building Designers Lex McMillan Architects Ltd

• 2015 INTERIOR COLOUR TRENDS

  As always with the start of a new year, it seems like everyone has something to say about the year's upcoming trends. With colour being such a huge factor that plays into everything design related, we all want to know what direction it'll be heading. After Pantone released their 2015 colour of the year,  I was a little surprised by the choice but not shocked that we are moving towards warmer tones.

  I find Montreal to be a very avant-garde city where we adapt very easily to change and we embrace it with open arms, no matter how drastic. We quickly turned the page on yellow-beiges and browns over ten years ago while some cities in the States are still in the process of making the transition to the cooler grays. Unlike our neighbours in Toronto who tend to keep it classic, we're open to bold pops of colour, crazy patterns and everything trendy. This wallpaper will be rarely seen in an upscale home in Toronto, yet it's probably a great seller here in Montreal. 

  

  Contemporary Powder Room by San Anselmo Interior Designers & Decorators Ann Lowengart Interiors

  With our modern lofts popping up all over downtown and its vicinity, it's not unusual to see bold pops of colour in their lobbies and common spaces.

  

  This shows that we are among the first to embrace a new trend and also the first to get sick of an old one. Looking ahead, colour forecasters are saying that we are moving towards the warmer tones inspired by nature and I'm truly not surprised. In this city, we jumped from the beiges to the cool grays so fast that now everyone is finding gray too cold, too industrial so we're already leaning more towards "greige", taupes and warmers grays. I don't at all think that we will be bringing back the beiges and browns of the 90s but we're definitely going to be seeing our current favorite neutral evolving soon.

  In a world where being green is so important and everything organic and natural is spreading like wildfire, who has room for industrial grays? It just doesn't seem to match. When aviation was in its prime, it inspired the streamline Art Deco design style of the 1920s, 30s and 40s and that's what's going to happen again. Trends are dictated by what's happening in our communities, and what's making headlines globally. Right now we are going back to basics, we are more interested in the old than the new. Eclecticism is trending where we recycle, reuse and mix and match with little rules. Check out my blog on Wabi Sabi which is a Japanese philosophy that's looking very trendy these days.

  

  Industrial Living Room by Portland Photographers KuDa Photography

  Projects and movements making a small environmental impact and a big statement are huge trend influencers. Eco friendly travel, including developments like the Mashpi Project, are proof that the need to connect to nature is there and probably stronger than ever. This need was born from the advancements of our society, technology, industrialism and the lack of nature in our surroundings.

  Let's bring nature back! We will soon see the return of florals, and although some people may think that this would be going back in time, it's not quite done in the same way as what we saw in 80s.

  

   

  Natural finishes and raw material are here to stay (for a while I guess). Seeing the grain in wood, lightly stained pieces and simple scandinavian design are all big in 2015.

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by London Interior Designers & Decorators Blakes London

  Layering different textures and materials and mixing bold colours and patterns are also among styles that I look forward to seeing.

  

  

  Eclectic Bedroom

  

  Eclectic Hall by Bala Cynwyd Design-Build Firms Design Manifest

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for blog posts and design tips.

• IKEA KITCHENS... REALLY?

  I wasn't able to make it over to Toronto this year for IDS, which is their version of SIDIM, but all I've been seeing from the designers I know in Toronto is about the IKEA kitchen booth. It seems to have impressed quite a few big shot designers and its left me very curious. From what I gather, they are launching a new kitchen program on February 2nd, 2015 that will bring a solution to a lot of the problems that most of us have with IKEA kitchens. They are promoting more options for cabinetry sizes, which means that you can achieve a custom look in a space that would normally not fit their standard sizes. They are also stating that we will have the option to have drawers within doors, which is very practical for a modern look where you'd like the drawers to be hidden within your cabinet doors. It looks like they will be launching some new finishes as well, including a true black instead of their standard brown black that screams IKEA. All of this along with BLUM soft closing doors and drawers leaves me with an open mind about IKEA for future projects on a budget.

  Of course, it would have to be professionally installed - I've seen one too many IKEA kitchens that are badly installed where the kitchen ends up completed crooked and looks like it's falling apart. The only real way to make an IKEA kitchen work is to pair it with a fabulous finishes; a beautiful tile, upgraded stone counter and/or an eye catching backsplash. It looks like it would also be a great solution for a custom bar or bathroom vanity, rather than a full kitchen. 

  Check out what IKEA has to say about their new line SEKTION.

  I mean, does this look like IKEA to you? I just love the drawers on this piece and even the hardware is beautiful.

  

  Picture taken by Toronto interior designer, Caroline McKay.

  

  

• GREY KITCHENS: TRENDY OR TIMELESS?

  If you subscribe to any design blogs, browse Houzz or even Pinterest, you have surely noticed grey kitchens popping up everywhere, and most of them are hard not to like. As they are quickly becoming a new favorite, I start to wonder if this is just the next big trend. I'll never say that grey is timeless simply because we see it everywhere and it's really just the current replacement for beige. However, it does make for a fantastic neutral backdrop, which makes for a perfect cabinet colour. 

  Do I think that you will love your grey kitchen in 5-10 years? That all depends on if you do it right. As in a living room, or bedroom, if you decide to go grey everywhere, then the answer is no, you will not love your trendy space in 5-10 years. If, however, you use grey for it's best quality, as the perfect backdrop to other colours, than yes, your kitchen can be timeless. A grey cabinet paired with a marble countertop and a white backsplash with pretty hardware, how can you go wrong? A grey cabinet with grey walls, a grey backsplash and a gray tile is wrong. That's when you can look back to the pink and avocado bathrooms of the 60s and imagine what your kitchen will look like in 10 years.

  Here are some great examples of grey kitchens done right. You will notice that what a lot of them have in common is the use of a warm grey, beautiful upscale cabinet profiles, pretty hardware and wood flooring. They don't lack style. Even the last image of the shaker cabinet and simply hardware has a clear country theme with its panelled backsplash, wood countertop and raw floors. Don't let grey be the star of the show, and you're off to a great start.

  

  

  

  

  

  Grey is not an easy colour. Choosing the right grey can be tricky because of different undertones that you may not see until presented large scale in the right light. If you need help choosing the right grey, contact us to book a colour consultation.

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for more design tips and updates.

• TRENDING: GRAPHIC CEMENT TILES

  This is a big trend that I admit to completely falling for. These beautiful graphic cement tiles bring in character and old school charm, yet they are very trendy and in these days. You can mix them with simple, neutral finishes and, if used correctly, can give you a beautiful timeless design.

  I've used these types of tiles for several projects and they've always made the space. They are a little more difficult to work with because they need to be sealed and given their weight, shipping costs can get a little crazy, but ultimately worth the extra effort and cost.

  My practical side needs to give you a few words of caution: Only use something like these in your space if you absolutely love them and feel that you will always love them. Because like any big trend, these will age your space in a few years when you can no longer find them in a single store. That being said, this is my personal style, so I would happily put them in my space even if I'm the only one with this look in ten years. Would I suggest that you put this tile in an investment property, or a flip? Definitely not! An accent this strong needs to be installed in a space built for you, taking into consideration that there's a big chance that the next owner will rip it out.

  Don't be discouraged! There's a way to work with this stunning tile to make it work forever. If you'd like to see this kind of accent in your space but you're not sure how to pull it off, contact us to schedule a consultation.

  

  Eclectic Kitchen by Montreal Interior Designers & Decorators Triandos Creations

  

  Toi, Moi & Cafe on Laurier

  

  Entry by Land O Lakes Tile, Stone & Countertops Cement Tile Shop

  

  Mediterranean Bathroom by Mexico City Tile, Stone & Countertops Original Mission Tile

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Montreal General Contractors Ceramiques Hugo Sanchez Inc

  Love this look, but need help putting it together? Contact me to book a consultation!

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for design updates and blog posts.

• SIDIM HIGHLIGHT: DID YOU KNOW THAT LG MADE QUARTZ?

  The product line is called Viatera and what really caught my eye was that some of their samples looked so similar to marble. Quartz is so popular these days, that there's quite a bit of competition among the different manufacterers. From Ceasarstone, to Silestone, to Hanstone to Korean replicas, you can now find this factory made product in so many different colours and patterns. None the less, when I saw these unique slabs from a distance, I knew I had to take a closer look. I have so many clients who love the look of marble but don't love the maintenance involved, which makes these the perfect solution. 

  Can't wait to get my samples and put them to use!

  

• NEW PROJECT AND ITS FIRST HICCUP

  Some of you may already know that I'm working on one of my sister's most recent projects; a new home renovation. In result of this renovation, she and her husband have been living with us for the last month and probably for another two. At first, I really thought it would be torturous. It brought back memories of when we used to live with each other before we both moved out of our parents place and it was really one fight after the next. Luckily, without the teenage hormones present, we're actually having a lot of fun. 

  I wanted to bring up her renovation because for one thing, I will be documenting it on my blog and I also wanted to share our first hiccup that relates a lot to the blog that I just recently wrote about choosing the right countertop. 

  My sister, Sophia, and her husband, Tim, bought an older home that is in excellent condition but definitely needs a facelift because nothing has been renovated except for the floors and maybe the beautiful wainscotting that frames the main floor. The project consists of a full kitchen renovation, we're also starting from scratch in the master bathroom, powder room and adding a third full bathroom in the basement.

  I'll be posting the before picture shortly since we lost them when the listing was taken down. Once posted, you will see that it was kind of like walking into a time machine since everything was dated but in great condition.

  They get the keys in about ten days and until then, we've been working on plans and ordering all of their finishes. Sophia absolutely wanted a natural stone countertop. She's sick of seeing quartz and for some reason, whenever she doesn't like something she'll refer to it as being "too condo". It's kind of funny how she associates everything that she's seen too much with condos, it's probably because she's one of the first among her friends that's making the transition from condo life to purchasing their first house and she wants it to feel like a home.

  
  We reviewed her options and found that she absolutely loves the look of marble but of course, my sensible self could not allow my OCD sister to choose a product that will surely stain over the years and most likely give her nightmares. So I suggest going with a quartzite to achieve the look and feel of marble but with the durability of granite. We started shopping and I absolutely fell in love with a slab that I found at a local supplier. The name of this quartzite is Fantasy Brown but as you will see in the image below, the slab I chose is not very brown. If I chose a colour to accurately describe it, it would be taupe, and maybe even a grey-taupe, with a pink undertone.

  

  Once approved by Sophia and Tim, I picked up a sample and went on to creating a beautiful palette for their kitchen that was carried through to the rest of their home. Everything was done, we were all so happy with our choices and then I get a call from my installer to tell me that the slab I chose has a defect and I absolutely had to choose another one.

  I was kind of disappointed because I was so happy that I found the perfect slab on my first visit, but I just thought that I would search for a similar slab elsewhere and that would solve that issue. WRONG. I went to at least another 3 suppliers asking for Fantasy Brown and every slab I saw was completely different. Some were too dark, some of the veins were too busy and most were too brown. Here are just a couple examples, and really I only took images of the slabs closest to my original.

  

  

  Can you imagine that this is the same stone? I clearly could not settle since that would mean changing the look and feel of the space. 

  This is where I started to panic and realized that this changes EVERYTHING. Since I couldn't find anything I like in Fantasy Brown, we decided to go with our plan B quartzite, which was Super White. 

  

  This meant that I had to re-shop her kitchen tiles, backsplash and even change her cabinetry colour. Being my sister/best friend who I'm living with and who has done so much for me in my life, I'm not charging her, so this didn't mean much to them. But if this was a client, it would mean at least another full day of work, if not more. All of this because of one little uncontrollable hiccup.

  Anyway, all worked out, really, we loved Super White from the start, and we chose beautiful finishes to bring it to life in her new kitchen. Construction is starting in mid June and I think we're all anxious to see this project start.

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for design updates and blog posts.

• COUP DE COEUR

  I completely fell in love with these tiles from Ceracolor the other day. They are textured ceramic tiles in fun patterns. Individual tiles, but sold in sets of nine so you would get this full pattern which can create a really fun eclectic look. I don't know where, but I'm on a mission to use these somewhere!

  

  

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for design updates and blog posts.

• MARBLE, GRANITE, QUARTZ OH MY!

  WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARBLE, GRANITE AND QUARTZ??

  I thought I would address this on my blog so that I can have something to send to my clients since this is a question that comes up so often when deciding on a countertop stone.

  There are several options for stone counters; marble, limstone, granite, quartz, quartzite. They all have their own qualities and unique pros and cons. Here's a useful breakdown of each material so that you know what you're getting yourself into before your countertop is installed.

  I tend to put MARBLES and LIMESTONES in the same category since they have very similar qualities. They are probably the most beautiful stones on the market, they are both natural and they are also both very porous. Natural stones are those that have not been modified by man. They are dug out from specific quarries and other than being cut and polished, they are left in their natural compositions. Marbles and limestones, by nature, are more porous, which basically translates to: they stain. No matter how well the stone is sealed, if you leave a wine spill, or anything acidic on it for just a couple of hours, you will be left with a permanent stain. This is why I have a very hard time specifying this stone for kitchens. People still often use it in kitchens, but they have to be very careful; they have to seal it regularly and still be okay with stains appearing over the years. That being said, there are certain marbles and limestones that are simply irreplicable aesthetically. For that reason, to some, they are simply worth the sacrifice.

  

  Traditional Kitchen by Saratoga Springs Design-Build Firms Witt Construction

  GRANITE is also a natural stone, and a more popular choice for kitchens because it's not porous. This is the best option for durability and low maintenance when you are considering a natural stone. The only problem that I have with granite is that it's difficult to find slabs that I like. They tend to have more specs and patches than marbles which are more linear and veiny. The colours can also be difficult to work with because one granite can have 3 different undertones. It comes down to finding the right slab to fit your vision. Sometimes you get lucky, other times it's close to impossible. The worst part is that you can fall in love with a specific granite, and once the quarry has run dry, you won't see it ever again. This is also what makes the price of natural stones fluctuate so much; its availability.

  

  Traditional Kitchen by Minneapolis Design-Build Firms Schrader & Companies

  QUARTZ is another really popular choice these days. Partially because of it's strong durability and stain resistance and partially because it suits today's modern, clean trend. This factory made product is composed of one of the hardest minerals on earth and is, like granite, not porous. It comes in a variety of colours ranging from solids to patterns that resemble a more uniform granite. The great thing about quartz is that you don't have to choose your slab. Since it's man made, you know exactly what you'll get, even from the smallest sample. One difference to consider between granite and quartz is that you can place a hot pot directly on a granite counter without leaving a stain. It's not the same for quartz; because of its high resin content, a hot pot will leave a melted yellow ring on your beautiful seamless counter.

  

  Contemporary Kitchen by Kitchener Kitchen & Bath Designers Blackstone Cabinetry

  Quartzite is a cross between marble and granite. The beauty of quartzite is that it can sometimes resemble marble but carries the properties of granite. This is a great example below. Super White Quartzite has a lot less going on than your traditional granite, it actually looks very close to a white marble (but with more grey), yet it is not as porous as marble. It becomes the perfect option for someone who wants a look closer to marble but without all of the maintenance. The thing to consider about quartzite is that since it's a mix, certain parts of your stone can be more porous than others. This means it's very important that it's well sealed at all times. It's easy to tell whether your counter needs to be sealed or not. All you need to do is let a drop of water sit on it, if it bubbles up at the top, it's good, and if it gets absorbed, it's time to re seal your countertop. This applies to all natural stones.

  I still would not risk a wine spill to sit on the counter for more than a few of hours.

  

  Traditional Kitchen by Upper Marlboro Kitchen & Bath Designers Granite Grannies

  If you are in the Montreal are looking for a fantastic Stone supplier, check out Stone Co Inc, at 6400 Trans Canada Hwy. They have the best prices and they are the only supplier I've found in Montreal that is able to deliver and install within a week!

  Like what you're reading? SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter for design updates and blog posts.

• IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS: KNOBS

  Although they can be sometimes overlooked, a set of beautiful knobs can really make a piece. Whether you're building a custom piece from scratch or just changing knobs on an existing piece to update the look, this is where you can make a big impact for a small cost. I like to get creative with my hardware whether it's on furniture, kitchen cabinetry, vanities or doors. Here are some beautiful inspirations and fantastic sites to start shopping.

  Zara Home has a great selection of knobs, handles, pulls, hooks. They also recently opened a store in Carrefour Laval. When they launched their website, I was hooked, up all night mentally documenting everything they have. Beautiful!

  

  Anthropologie is an oldtime favourite of mine. This store is really great for all kinds of stuff but it's really my go-to store for hardware. They also recently opened a store in downtown Montreal but their selection for home is not huge in store. Your best bet is to shop online.

  

  

  We purchased these knobs from Anthropologie for a clients to tie in her nursery colour and give this old piece a new look.

  

  And as much as I looooove their door hardware - as I am sure you will agree once you see this image below - unfortunately, they are close to impossible to install. I've ordered them before and they are not made for North American doors. My dad (who is a very handy guy) struggled with it for over an hour and once it was installed, it still wasn't perfectly functional. 

  

  For more classic, but still original options, check out Restoration Hardware.