by MeCC Interiors

If you’re a trend watcher and can’t wait to know what’s on the design horizon for 2012, here are a few of the evolving shifts occurring within Canada and the US pertaining to home design, which are making our living spaces more practical than aspirational.  These trends apply not only to new homes, but more extensive renovation projects.

Open Concept Living and Family space (photo by homeaway.com)

Then: Formal Living Room.  Now: Open Family Room.

The first is nothing new and will certainly come as no surprise: formal living rooms are a thing of the past, with a preference towards open rooms that encourage family gathering.  Interior walls continue to be torn down or opened up to expand views and make interiors feel more spacious and connected.  Just be sure you’re not tearing down a load bearing wall if you’re removing anything.

Then: Second Staircase.  Now: An Elevator.

RAM residential elevator

Rather than making room for that second staircase, keep an area reserved for that future elevator!  With aging populations, this luxury will become more commonplace as multiple floors become more difficult to manoeuver.  Though definitely more expensive than your standard kitchen or bathroom renovation, sizes and interior finishes vary considerably, making them available in a wide price range.

Then: Soaker Tubs.  Now: Steam Showers.

Showpiece bathrooms almost always feature a standalone tub, though a shocking number of homeowners say they never use the tubs to soak in.  For those with more limited space, tubs are being replaced with steam showers, which are fabulous year round and not as drying to the skin as saunas.  In homes with more space, many feature full steam rooms, often in the basement near the gym.

Then: Dad’s Office.  Now: Lifestyle Centres.

The panelled office that doubled as dad’s retreat are disappearing in favour of “lifestyle centres.”  Most homes feature wireless computing, so a fulltime desk is not even necessarily part of the equation.  They tend to allow for flexibility and togetherness and may act as home office, homework centre, craft station, or something else entirely, but they are included within the main, open space and keep users connected with others in the house, rather than segregated.

Outdoor Firepit and Conversation area by insideoutpatio.ca

Then: Breakfast Nook.  Now: Outdoor Spaces.

Kitchen sizes have changed substantially over the years, with many now being the hub of the home and opening onto the family room.  (Many also contain the home’s “lifestyle centre.”)  Instead of breakfast nooks, they feature a bar area and stools.  During the same time, outdoor kitchens have seen a dramatic rise and many would prefer to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice, and so the outdoor room continues to trend upwards.  It includes more than just a dining table and a few chairs, though.  Separate seating areas with a fire pit, for example, will grow in popularity as they help extend the outdoor season.

Then: Grand Foyer.  Now: “Drop Zones.”

The double story entrance foyer is seen by many as a waste of space and is often terribly energy-inefficient. “Drop zones,” however, are functional spaces that help keep everyone organize.  Most feature a place to store coats and footwear, as well as backpacks or briefcases, whether on hooks or cubbies or within a closet.  They also provide a place to drop and sort the mail, set the house keys, and other things of that nature.  Larger zones also store sports equipment or feature a place to store Fido’s leash and accessories.  Depending on the layout of the home, it may be at the front door, or off a more commonly used side or back entrance.

Bayou Cottage Laundry / Craft / Drop Zone

by MeCC Interiors

Are you looking to enliven your home or office with a fresh new colour palette this fall?  Pantone recently released its Fall fashion colours, conveniently breaking the chosen hues into feminine and masculine categories and, of course, highlighting the colour of the year, Honeysuckle.

Trends from the fashion runways always influence what is seen in the home.  The Fall shows paid “close attention to texture, contrast and colour… pairing warm prints with cool metals, incorporating both old and new influences, and creating an intriguing balance between colours.”

Pantone’s Fall 2011 Fashion Colours

The overall trend?  Mixing staple neutrals with bright, bold bursts of colour, even moreso on the masculine side than the feminine.

A rundown of some of the colours, as described by Pantone:

Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season.  Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone.  This dappled shade pairs dramatically with several of the top 10, including Phlox, Teal, and Honeysuckle.

Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall.  Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueúr for a classic look, or with Honeysuckle for something a bit more retro.

Offering a sense of continuity from spring, dynamic Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point.  This playful, reddish pink works with any other colour in the palette, especially fall staples like Coffee Liqueúr and Nougat.  To add some intensity, pair it with complementary Bamboo.

Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding statement on its own.  Add Phlox to this season’s neutrals to create a bit of drama, or combine it with Cedar, Deep Teal or Coffee Liqueúr for something extraordinary.  To add even more excitement, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle or Bamboo against a Cedar background – a combination inspired by Mother Nature.

Evoking the freshness of a cool mist in a dark forest, Cedar is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green.  It is a natural with Deep Teal, and sophisticated and timeless with Phlox or Orchid Hush. Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the colour of the sky as daylight descends into darkness.  A great standard when used with Cedar, its colour-wheel neighbor, Deep Teal, is also a unique counterpoint to Honeysuckle.

Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueúr brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black.  A deliciously warm camel tan, Nougat is tastefully embellished by Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle. Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones, blends well with any other colour in the palette. Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple.

The bedroom is arguably the most important room in your house. Whether you only get a few hours of sleep, or much more, you’ll find that you spend most of your time in your bedroom. It therefore makes sense that your bedroom is as comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious as possible. It’s also easier than you think to do this; the following tips will help you get started.

Sumptuous Flooring

The first step towards a true sanctuary starts with your flooring. There are too factors to consider when choosing your flooring: the look, and your feet. You either want it to look nice, or feel nice, or better yet both.

If you’re a fan of carpeting, invest in a high-pile, top quality carpet and have it professionally installed. Make sure that you have adequate padding, as this will make your carpet feel much softer. This is the choice that is really about your feet. You want to be able to walk across you carpet either first thing in the morning, or last thing at night and have your feet thanking you for it.

Choose a soothing warm colour that will make you feel relaxed and at ease. A nice brown carpet offsets cream decor quite nicely and often creates a nice elegant feel to a room.

If you prefer hard-wood flooring, choose a classic timber, or timber look, such as oak or mahogany. Mix it up with a elegant rug or two to add an extra dimension.

Bedding

Don’t be afraid to spend more on bedding if you have to, you’ll thank yourself for it later. This includes everything from the bed, to the mattress, sheets and pillows. Take your time when selecting any of these and don’t feel like you have to buy anything that doesn’t feel perfect. Sleep is one of the most important things to your health, and to scrimp on the quality of it can have many effects on your health.

Always buy the largest bed you can afford, or the largest that will fit in your room. Having a bed that allows you to spread out anyway you want will usually result in a much better night’s sleep. A mattress topper will often add extra softness and you’ll probably notice that once you’ve had one you will never be able to go without.

When buying your sheets always look for a high thread count, as they will last longer and me much more comfortable to sleep with.

Decorate with Art and Flair

If it’s your thing, modern abstract Art always looks nice around the home and often says “sophistication” when looked at. If art isn’t your thing, decorating your room with mirrors and other elements can also enhance the feel of your room in a similar way. Flip through interior design magazine and brochures; don’t be afraid to steal ideas.

Windows

Depending on what kind of windows your bedroom has, there are many options. If you have large, tall windows, you could consider some designer Vertical blinds, which can be used to keep your bedroom as dark or bright as you would like. If blinds aren’t your thing, you could always be much more traditional with curtains, which look especially nice when layered with a complimenting liner curtain.

It all depends on how dark you like your room at night and whether you have light sources that may be a problem at night (like street lamps) as it is most beneficial to block as much, if not all light while you sleep.

Lighting

When decorating your luxury bedroom, a single light in the ceiling is not going to cut it. You want to have a variation of lights in your room that could include free standing lamps, table lamps, wall lights, candles, and many more. If you have the ability to, it’s always nice to have a dimmer switch. Dimmer switches allow you to set a mood, in case you may want to stay up, but don’t want the lights on. They also mean that if you need to put the lights on during the night, you reduce the risk of waking up whoever shares your bed in doing so.

When you implement these tips, you are sure to create a lovely, utterly relaxing bedroom. At the end of each long day, you will look forward to escaping away to your refreshing and comfortable sanctuary, and it will be easier than ever to get a good night’s sleep.

by miltteacom

In the United States and around the world, subway glass tiles have played an integral part of our underground transit history. Admired for its beauty, while recognized for its amazing durability, the classic 3×6 subway glass tiles have stood the test of time. Glass subway tiles made their entrance upon the opening of the New York City Subway in 1904.

The small white subway tiles covered all the walls of the underground transit system, giving a timeless and artistic elegance for millions of travelers and visitors to see. Their mosaic artwork gave elegance and inspired many other subway systems throughout the globe, to follow in their path. Even today, much of the original tiles and artwork remain intact, and are still the prime choice when new subway walls and floors when designed.

A Natural Transition

Are you looking for an economical and cost-effective choice when doing renovations for the home? Then let us introduce you to the subway glass tile. With an endless selection of colors, textures and finishes, the subway glass tile’s versatility, eloquence, and durable surface, make it an irresistible choice for any home. Glass tiles have a depth of beauty that is simply unmatched by the finest ceramic tiles. Incorporating these tiles into your home is comparable to enhancing every area with a unique beauty, a showcase of artwork all on its own.

A Wise Choice

There are so many advantages when choosing this beautiful tile to install in your home. They are impervious to moisture and heat, making them an ideal, economical, and practical choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and even swimming pools. Whether you are considering subway glass tiles for a kitchen backsplash or a beveled edge subway tile for your bathroom or shower walls, you will never be disappointed. When you bring this timeless classic tile design into your home, you join and share in the echoes of its rich historical past.

With the combination of fresh and vivid colors of glass, and the traditional design of ceramic subway tiles, a new design has been created catching the eyes of high-end designers, especially in trendy restaurants. Restaurant owners know how important it is that their image and structures reflect just the right ambiance, while preserving its beauty. Subway glass tiles withstand heavy traffic, while easily holding up to the splatters of food and wine. With its popularity rising, whether in high-rise apartments, or in the most fashionable homes, these small subway tiles remain affordable to all.

The Green Effect:  Subway glass tiles are not only visually appealing, but they are eco-friendly. For all of you environmentalists out there who are serious about not using non-recyclable materials, all subway tile glass is recycled and considered safe for the environment.

Subway glass tiles are perfect for any renovation project, whether you need a modern or present-day design.  They are beautiful, durable, and best of all – easy to keep clean, and hard to damage.  Glass subway tiles keep it simple, while remaining the most economical and practical alternative – for any room – anytime and anywhere.

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This Article was provided by Glass Tile Oasis. At Glass Tile Oasis we carry glass tiles in a wide range of colors and styles at  low prices visit our website today at wwww.glasstileoasis.com

If you’re planning on remodeling your bathroom, you might want to listen up. There are many things that you can do to your space that will make it a room that you can enjoy for years. But you can also install the right kinds of bathroom accessories and fixtures that will be of value when the time comes for you to sell your home.

One important piece in the space that will instantly add value is the right kind of bathroom vanity. This fixture is not only a useful part of any bathroom, but it can also create added elegance to the room. Opt for a contemporary bathroom vanity with neutral colors that will satisfy the majority of potential home buyers in the future

Another easy way to add value to your space is by installing uniformed bathroom accessories. Faucets, towel bars and other accouterments should all have the same finish for a harmonious look that will surely wow individuals who are planning on buying your home.

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About the Contributor

DecorPlanet.com specializes in selling luxurious home and bathroom products including bathroom vanities, bathroom faucets, bathroom cabinets & mirrors, bathroom shower panels, and a variety of other contemporary bathroom items online at discount prices. During our time in business, we have established favorable business relationships with many factories that meet the highest industry recognized standards at favorable and/or discounted prices. By continuously broadening the business scope and scale through rigorous efforts, we will continue to offer many more wholesale priced products, thus broadening the variety that a customer demands.

Remodeling Dilemma: We’re re-doing our kitchen. How do you feel about granite countertops?

Hermanity Answer: (Yawn) Been there, done that. They are SO over did. Give concrete or recycled glass a try.

More eco & budget friendly!

Watch me enumerate with my trademark sass & sagacity the reasons why this viewer should skip granite counter tops!

• Bad for mother earth
• Requires too many Benjamins
• Honey, that ship has sailed. Next!

What do you think? Are granite counter tops here to stay? Or have you discovered some great alternatives? Please share!

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About the Contributor

Herman Chan, celebrity real estate personality seen on HGTV House Hunters, Money Magazine’s real estate expert and is Logo tv’s resident real estate expert. Feel free to check him out on Habitatforhermanity.com or follow him on twitter @hermanity.

TO Design Basement Reno

Are you planning a kitchen or bathroom reno? Guest speaker Lucy Campos-Gentile, principle designer at TO Design and contributor to HomeRenovationGuide.com and HomeInteriorGuide.com‘s Makeover and Reno of the Month series is guesting at Urban Mode‘s “Design Talks” event. It’s happening tomorrow April 14, 7pm at 145 Tecumseh St., Toronto.

See recent TO Design project galleries: Gorgeous Basement Reno, Classic Living Room, and Chic Bathroom.

More info from the event website http://www.designtalks.ca:

“Design Talks: Planning for Your Home – Kitchen and Bathroom Design

A beautiful kitchen and bathrooms can make or break the sale of your home; in fact, real estate experts estimate that approximately 80-90 percent of the money spent making improvements to the kitchen and bathrooms can be earned back in resale value. …

Our April Design Talk is all about making the most of your kitchen and bathrooms. Lucy Campos-Gentile, Principal Interior Designer of TO DESIGN CO, will lead our discussion, helping us to learn what changes make the most impact, how to plan for an effective remodel/redesign (no matter what your budget), and giving us plenty of ideas and examples from her own beautiful kitchen and bathroom transformations! Join us on April 14, 2011 at Urban Mode at 7:00pm for this next event in our series of Design Talks. Tickets are going fast, so purchase yours today at http://kitchenbathroomdesign.eventbrite.com/!

About the Speaker:

Lucy Campos-Gentile started working in Interior Design over fifteen years ago. In the first two years of her career, she worked in largely corporate, retail, and hospitality design. When she was hired by a builder to work in the residential field of the market, her career shifted, and she later started her own design firm, TO DESIGN CO. Today, eight in ten of Lucy’s design projects include bathroom and/or kitchen remodelling.

TO DESIGN CO is a full-service interior design firm specializing in home renovations, additions, new construction, and remodeling. Lucy provides design services around the GTA including project planning, drawings, project management, and trade supervision. Lucy plans with her clients using a full range of samples and detailed specifications, floor plans, architectural drawings and 3D models, then manages projects, overseeing the selection and purchasing of furniture, products, and materials. TO DESIGN CO clients need only to express their design wants and needs, approve the resulting plans, then enjoy the wonders of a well-designed space that offers function, style and balance!”

by Vicky Sanderson

Rona lead free faucet

If one word sums up the design and décor zeitgeist, it’s balance. That’s because homeowners are increasingly tempering an appetite for possessions with practicality, weighing beauty against a budget and considering how over-consumption affects the planet.

Does that mean our homes will become colourless caves, mere machines for living? On the contrary, a simpler approach can actually open up options for individuality and creativity.

How to start? Try sourcing product from thrift shops, garages sales and online buy and sell sites like Kijiji www.kijiji.ca This an easy and fun way to shop locally for everything from art to furniture to collectibles, much of which you can customize to create a high-end signature look — with a bare-bones budget.

If you need to declutter, Kijiji is also a quick and convenient way to get rid of items you no longer want. Use it, as well, to educate yourself about collectibles, as I did after recently scoring two highly unusual glass Rembrandt lamps. If you’re selling collectibles, it’s also provides a reliable pricing guide for similar items.

Recycled décor can be a short-cut to one-of-kind style, but there are times when new is preferable. Newer-generation appliances are more energy and water-efficient, while it’s also often easier to get replacement parts for fixtures, a fact that will help extend product life.

Rona's lead free faucet

The best of the new renovation and building products strike a balance between style and sustainability. Rona’s Uberhaus line of bath and kitchen faucets, for example, is both green and gorgeous.  These good looking faucets, which come in a variety of finishes, definitely qualify as eco-elegant. It’s worth noting that Rona (www.rona.ca) has several eco-categories now, including Eco-Responsible, a program under which items are subjected to a program devised by the International Chair in Life Cycle Assessment at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, which looks at the impact a product has throughout its life, from manufacturing to disposal.

Pittsburgh Hacienda Palette

One of the simplest and most affordable to get a great new look is with paint. It’s also a wonderful way to express individual taste and style, and I was reminded of this when I recently spoke to colour expert Janice Lindsay www.janicelindsay.com who has a collection with Pittsburgh Paints www.ppgpittsburghpaints.com. I told Janice that I was considering backing off the wonderfully rich colours I’d picked for a project from that company’s sunny Hacienda Collection. She offered sage advice.

Pittsburgh Hacienda Palette

“If the colour really seems too much, don’t make the mistake of moving a few shades lighter on the colour chart. It’s not the same colour. Instead, introduce the colour you love it in small amounts — as a headboard or even a broad swath on a wall, “says Lindsay. How right she was. I stuck with my original colour choices; but used them as accents and focal points on a backdrop of PP’s Jute, which is my fave new “neutral”. And how does it look? Simple, stylish and sustainable, if I do so say so myself!

About the Author

Vicky Sanderson writes a widely-read weekly column on home improvement products and housewares, Hot Home Products, that appears every Saturday in The Toronto Star, while her blog, On the House, http://thestar.blogs.com/onthehouse is a personal take on up-to-the-minute news about all things home and decor related. You can also follow her on Twitter. http://twitter.com/#!/ She’ll be appearing at the International Home Show www.internationalhomeshow.ca from March 31 to April 3.

Hello there home and design lovers! If you haven’t pre-bought your tickets to the show yet, it’s not today. The show starts today and you can save $3 if you get your tickets online – use the code: RENOVATION. Enjoy!

Opening Night Backyard Party!

Help us kick off the 2011 BC Home + Garden Show in true country style with a Backyard Party presented by JRFM on Wednesday, March 2nd from 6 – 9pm.

Get  immersed in Home + Garden entertainment including food stations provided by the Vancouver Community College Culinary Arts Team, springtime country music by local artist  Chad Brownlee and surprises sprouting from every corner of the show. Consider it our version of a tailgate party, tailored to every home and gardener out there. You’ll give it two green thumbs up!   

Discover a revolutionary take on recreational property and secondary suites in the modular, affordable and eco-friendly Karo Cabin by Karoleena Homes, landscaped by Arcon Rock & Waterscapes with appliances from Trail Appliances. Coming soon to CBC’s Dragons’ Den, the Karo Cabin redefines the modern dwelling while showcasing the latest in décor and design trends for 2011.

Renovation Gallery: The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) presents the ever-popular Renovation Gallery with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing before-and-after photos of professional renovations that will educate and inspire. Pros will be on hand to answer all your renovation questions.

We’re so sure you’ll love your day out at the show that we’ll refund your admission if you’re not satisfied!  Any attendee not completely satisfied with the BC Home + Garden Show may visit the on-site Show Office to fill out a survey to receive a full refund.  Refunds will be sent by mail and received no later than April 2^nd, 2011.

Just 29 more sleeps until the highlight of my February – the National Home Show in Toronto! If you’re planning on attending buy tickets online and save $4 off your price of admission! Use the promo code: RENOVATION.

Here are some details on the upcoming Spring shows in Canada:

National Home Show: Feb 18-27, Presented by RE/MAX, Direct Energy Centre Exhibition Place

Restore, Refresh, and Renew your home at Canada’s largest home show, the 2011 National Home Show presented by RE/MAX. Get help from top celebrity and industry experts such as: Debbie Travis, HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler, Colin & Justin and Jim Caruk. Shop the latest products with over 700 retailers, and take home new ideas and solutions for your home at our new Boulevard of Dreams!

Calgary Home & Garden Show : Feb 24-27,  BMO Centre & Corral, Stampede Park

Four days only to get help from top celebrity experts like HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler and shop over 650+ exhibitors where you can find the latest renovation, decor and landscaping products for your home.

BC Home & Garden Show:March 2-6, Vancouver Convention Centre (new location)

Five days only to get help from top celebrity experts like HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler and Colin & Justin, plus shop over 650+ exhibitors where you can find the latest renovation, decor and landscaping products for your home.

Edmonton Home & Garden Show:March 24-27, Edmonton Expo Centre,

Four days only to get help from top celebrity experts like HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler and shop over 600 exhibitors where you can find the latest renovation, decor and landscaping products for your home.

For more home show listings visit Home Renovation Guide’s events section.