by Guest

If you have a dark room that you are trying to light, you probably already know that it isn’t an easy task to accomplish. It’s important to understand how different light fixtures illuminate a space differently. This way you are sure to get the right lighting combination for your needs.

Some things to consider when choosing your lighting…

Paint and furniture color: If your room has very little natural light, you may want to choose a lighter color for the walls since they will reflect the light from the light fixtures better. To bring warmth into the room, and to help offset the brightness of the wall color, consider using furniture or carpeting with warmer tones.

Ambient Lighting: To be sure you have adequate overall lighting in the room; it’s good to install overhead lighting—for example, flush mount fixtures, track lighting, recessed lighting, etc. These lights can be hooked up to a dimmer switch so that they can be used brightly for tasks and entertaining, as well as dimmed for a more relaxed setting.

Accent Lighting: For when overhead lights aren’t enough, or maybe aren’t needed, we turn to Accent Lighting. Whether you are ready to settle in for the night, or want to highlight a certain part of your room, I suggest strategically placing Accent Lighting in your space. Many types of lighting fixtures can be used for Accent Lighting, depending on your needs. To highlight a picture, or maybe a shelving unit—wall lighting or picture lighting might be what you are looking for. For something more task-oriented like extra light for reading—you may consider table/floor Lamps or wall lighting.

Task Lighting: Sometimes the overhead lights and accent lighting aren’t enough. Instead, you need some lights that directly illuminate a workspace. This is especially useful in a kitchen, over a counter space, or in an office at the desk and computer. Under-Cabinet Lighting could be what you need. These lights are usually small, and can be unseen, and are very useful in illuminating a space directly. You could also use a desk lamp or pendant lighting for this purpose. It depends on the room you are working in and which fixture would make the most sense for the activity.

As you can see, lighting a room is not as easy as buying a lamp and plugging it in—especially if your space is dark. To lighten the room, you can start by picking well-illuminating paint and furniture, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to use different lighting for different activities. If paired together properly, you will have taken a dark space and will have made it a very functional, well-lit space instead.

Bellacor is a one-stop showroom that promises a new way to shop the entire lighting and home furnishings industry from the comfort of your home by providing superior personal service and access to the largest collection of lighting and home furnishings on the web. Bellacor offers access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers. http://www.bellacor.com.

It may seem like you had more time to start that reno project before the Home Renovation Tax Credit deadline. Well, here is a reminder that February 2010 is not that far away and perhaps you have some time this holiday season to spruce up the home.

From the Revenue Canada Website:

Only available for the 2009 tax year.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit (subject to Parliamentary approval) is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009.

Important Notice
Eligible expenses for goods acquired during this period, even if they are installed after January 2010, will still qualify. If an eligible expense involves work performed by a contractor or a third party, and the work is not completed by the end of the eligible period, only the portion that is completed before February 1, 2010 will qualify even if a payment has been made.

The HRTC applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 − $1,000) × 15%].

Not sure what you’d like to have done, but are looking for ideas? Here are some excellent wells of inspiration from our current and past Renovation of the Month stories.

Read From Seventies to Smashing.

Read Classic Meets Modern.

Read Careful and Innovative Detailing.

Read Modernistic Cool.

Visit the Renovation of the Month archive for more inspiring designs and our sister site The Home Interior Guide’s fabulous Makeover galleries.

Want a free quote? Submit your project here and get contacted by local contractors.

image from Sico Paints

During these darkening days that more becoming more and more gray and chilly weekends make for more homebodies, it’s the perfect time to get started on perking up the home.

Quick & budget Ideas to improve curb appeal:

* Paint the front door - A high-gloss bold colour that complements the exterior material or coordinates with the garage door will instantly create a sense of new. Perhaps a perky new welcome mat would be a nice accessory.

* Add potted plants around the entrance way. For a greater spruce up, tidy up the landscaping. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s also a good time to get your plants ready for the winter. Trim unwieldy branches, lay down mulch, or rake up those soggy fall leaves.

* Brighten up with lights. Light up your walkway or backyard patio with a landscape lighting kit or install post lights, ceiling, or hanging types at entrance ways. Look for Energy Star rated designs.

*Upgrade fixtures: How is your doorknob holding up? How would a classic door knocker suit that new paint? New hardware can show off your individual taste or consider a new mail box or window boxes to dress up your home’s facade. At the very least touching up paint chipped spots and rust can go a long way.

If however, you’re more of a condo dweller, new light fixtures and fresh paint can do wonders.
What’s the best colour to set off the new mini chandelier in the dining room or trio pendant lights over the island? Whether it’s a neutral tone or dramatic hue, when it comes to a professional looking paint job, proper prep really makes a difference. Washing walls and lining edges with tape (or more taping over areas like light switches that you want to keep paint free) will make for better paint adhesion and straight edges. If you’ve decided to go with low or VOC-free paint, eco-friendly masking tape goes in tandem. Made of 30% post-consumer waste, recycled fibres and natural rubber adhesive, 3M’s Scotch (R) Painter’s Masking Tape is a greener choice.

If winning free paint however, is the impetus that you need to redo the living room, enter BEHR’s Paint Your Room Contest. Entrants are to submit a picture of the room in question and explain in 50 words and under why it needs a makeover. The winner scores 3 gallons of  BEHR’s PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA™ Interior paint.

Wondering about what the hottest colours are for 2010. A recent report from Sico Paints sho

wed that mood enhancing palettes are what homes will be dressed in. Deep, vibrant, or calming hues make the home a refuge from the tumultuous year we’ve all faced. Colour psychology has been referred to by many designers and homeowners to create rooms that evoke cheeriness (yellow), calm (blue), and warmth (reds and oranges).  For more details, read the rest of the article.

Once the painting is all done, it’s time for the wall hangings. Whether it’s a mirror to bring in more light, favourite framed photographs or art, it’s always been more of a two person job because it’s not that easy to know how high to hang it or just where to hammer in the nail.

The Hang & Level tool by Under The Roof Decorating is a handy item to fix your hanging woes. The tool helps you to mark where th nail goes, has a built in level to keep things straight, and works with horizontal or vertical mounts, and is great for groups of hangings. Remember that positioning pictures higher up on the wall can create the illusion of a higher ceiling and that an interesting montage of sepia tinted photos can really dress up a naked wall.

The same company that makes the Hang & Level also manufactures the Stoppy - a door and window stop that comes in a variety of colours. It’s more becoming than an old school wooden wedge under the door and works for all types of surfaces and doesn’t mark.

To help with your decor dreams, Chatelaine and Home Depot are offering 4 prizes of $5000 certificates in their Home For The Holidays Contest. The contest closes January 5th.

For more painting or interior decorating articles, visit HRG’s article library. Check out our Hot Products section for more ideas from the latest in hot home products.

Want a free quote? Submit your project here and get contacted by local contractors.

By Janice Clements

image from www.clementsinteriors.com

As a professional interior decorator, I am constantly on the hunt for new and fabulous finds for my clients. I regularly help them replace unwanted items in their homes with the latest-and-greatest decor trends available in what seems to be an ever expanding home fashions industry.

Typically on a renovation site I am presented with the question of what to do with the materials removed during the demolition process. In the course of doing business, our company has made many trips to the local dump to dispose of unwanted materials. Recently, some on our crew carefully removed and chose to reuse some cabinets from a site which were destined for the dump but where in perfect condition. Though this may sound elementary to some, I was thrilled to see the materials were not going to waste and were in fact being put to good use elsewhere, and I was even happier to know that there were people who saw the intrinsic value in these items. It made me begin to question my own role in the cycle of wastefulness, one that goes far beyond the extent of my personal recycling and composting habits at home.

Since that experience, I have begun to ask myself some tough questions: Does my role as a decorator unnecessarily overshadow my role as a member of the larger society who should be making more of an effort to protect the environment and avoid needlessly adding to landfills? Do I as a professional have a greater opportunity and responsibility to be lending a helping hand to those in our community who are in need and simply want to build a home of which they can be proud?

So, I turn the tables on myself to see what I am made of, and I look to the wonderful charitable organization Habitat for Humanity to help me consider what impact I can make by learning to creatively “re-purpose” old building materials and household items; to help with looking away from the home decor trends laid out like an all-you-can-eat-buffet by the industry around me and towards setting my own trends which will ensure that I avoid unnecessarily contributing to the growing wastefulness problem. I cannot vow to be perfect in this endeavour, but I do vow to do my best.

If like many, you’ve already heard of Habitat for Humanity, here’s what you may already know:

· Habitat consists of over 35,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations from coast to coast.

· Habitat Canada is a member of Habitat for Humanity International which is now building a new home for a needy family every 21 minutes.

· Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

· Habitat’s mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

If like me, this is where your knowledge about this organization ended, here’s what you’ve been missing:

· Habitat for Humanity has building supply stores open to the public which accept and resell quality new and used building materials.

· In addition to building materials, some of the Habitat ReStores carry items like furniture, appliances, fabric, lighting, window coverings and other household items.

· The sales made at Habitat for Humanity Re Stores generate funds to support Habitat’s building programs – the dollars you spend in the store help ensure that new homes will be built for those in need in your local communities.

· When you purchase something from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, you reduce the amount of used materials that are headed for overflowing landfills

I have challenged myself in my own life and where possible in my professional life, to make a habit of regularly visiting the Habitat ReStore to search out useful building materials that when purchased, will be reused and not dumped into an already crowded landfill while simultaneously ensuring my money goes to a worthwhile organization, and equally importantly – will save me money!

I hope you will accept my challenge to drop by your local ReStore and to discover this untapped resource in your local community, and I encourage you to visit www.habitat.ca and click on ReStore to find a store near you!

About the Author

Janice Clements is the president of Clements Interiors and her 11+ years of experience includes not only fully managed renovations in Toronto and the GTA, but also custom designed furnishings in her most of her clients’ homes. Janice is active within the Toronto and York Region design community. With appearances on CityLine with Marilyn Denis and published in Canadian House & Home, Janice’s designs are decidedly clean-lined and focus on both form and functionality. Janice’s background in customer service creates the foundation for her work. “We go beyond the call of duty to ensure that every client feels that renovating and decorating their home has been valuable, efficient and enjoyable.”

Calling all reality show star hopefuls, here are updated lists for HGTV (US) and HGTV Canada shows that are holding casting calls.

Descriptions are from the HGTV.ca website — visit for more information.

Time to leave the nest?

In Toronto, the show For Rent is casting for its second season and looking for renters to be guided by a real estate expert to find just the right space and then give that space a fabulous, but budget makeover. Interested individuals should email: forrent@nextfilm.ca. “Please include your story, preferred location, budget, a photo of yourself and your contact information.”

What? Studio — The space essentially began as a clean and empty slate. The client knew she wanted to create a Studio, used primarily for yoga, within the space but was unclear on how she wanted it look. She stipulated that she wanted a subdued, tranquil setting that was “nicer to look at” then gym studios and many other “box-like” studios.

Where? Toronto

When? October 2008 - November 2008

Why? The challenge came from the fact that the space is very long and narrow. At its widest, it is 14’-0”. So to create a space that felt both open and cozy (while providing storage and change rooms that were separate from the Studio bathroom), was the ultimate goal.

Who? Christine Mogk, MeCC Interiors

How? The palette was intentionally kept neutral, though there is a repetitive burst of colour from accents of raspberry; the exact shade being replicated from the Studio’s logo. Texture was used to evoke movement and interest. Cost of project: $15,000 (approximately)

Before: Again, the space was raw when it was acquired. It needed everything – flooring, electrical work, plumbing (in the bathroom area, where a toilet and sink were repositioned to make the space more functional), mouldings, finishes, and furnishings.

Work Completed: Tile flooring was installed throughout with radiant heat mats to prevent chilly surfaces. Basic lighting was replaced with pot lights (in the practice area, include dimmers). Mouldings were installed throughout – more substantial baseboards, extra casings around the windows and doors, crown mouldings. This really helped to dress and better define the spaces. The stair railing was removed and a new one installed that suited the studio environment better in terms of appearance and materials. A custom unit was built beneath the stairs adds valuable and organized storage. Change rooms were neatly hidden behind full length mirrors that brighten and visually expand the space, while providing a means for participants to check their postures/poses. The walls were blocked with colour, adding warmth and interest without overwhelming the space. Comfortable seating areas were created for rest and relaxation (on the main area). A cramped bathroom (not shown) was reconfigured by relocating an ill-placed toilet and opting for a corner sink. The space now feels comfortable and maintains the vibe presented throughout the rest of the studio.

The primary entrance as left by the builder in its raw state needed to be made warm and inviting, yet functional. A storage for coats and footwear, as well as a welcoming place to sit were also required. Reception level of the Studio shows both the bathroom area and access to the “live” part of the condo. The main concern was to make the space look like less of a “bowling alley.” It needed to be warmed up and a more comfortable scale created. Colour, crown moulding, and more proportionately sized baseboards were desperately needed.

The small baseboards provided by the builder were removed and replaced with something more substantial to offset the high 10′ ceilings. “Windows” were cut into the divisive wall and a door with a “waterfall” glass was chosen to help visually expand the space, which is long and narrow. It also creates an elegant, glow-y look when lit from behind. The cabinet is one of two, and stores the shoes of participants; much preferable to sitting out in the open and the top provides additional display space.

The “bar” area offers practical and hidden storage for paperwork and other documentation. The bar acts as a “serving” area for open houses and special events while also providing alternative seating options and a focal point in the room.

The reception area of the Studio is a tranquil, relaxing setting for practitioners before and after class. Banding was added to the window treatments, matching both the accent along the long wall and the banding used on the stair runner. Additional moulding was added around the window and door frames to create a richer feeling.

A wall is in the process of being framed to fully separate the various levels of the building, which will also play into the design of the Studio. Note the basic lighting provided and the standard “popcorn” ceiling. Also shown is the top area to the stairs.

The one wall is a very long (50’+) with uninterrupted stretch. To add visual interest, areas were colour-blocked and cubes were added. Functionally, the cubes provide an excellent place to set the votives which burn during classes. These “vignettes” also promote and brand the Studio.

The staircase provided by the builder to the practice area of the Studio was too closed and confining and needed to be ripped out, and more character needed to be brought to the area. The main practice area of the studio desperately needed decorative mouldings and colour. The ceilings needed to be scrapped down to a flat surface and the basic lighting replaced with pot lights on dimmers.

The new staircase was created out of thick, dark-stained oak (for the verticals) and bamboo (for the horizontals).  To create interest and add a more durable surface, grasscloth wallpaper was added to the top section of the stair walls. The pop of colour in the photo ties in with the edge banding on the stair runner and adds an extra sense of warmth to the space.

The same oak (as the staircase) was used to build a custom cabinet beneath the stairs which neatly holds yoga mats and offers plenty of hidden storage, effectively making use of “dead” space. Full-length mirrors added along the wall here (and opposite the window) not only provide guidance to participants (to check their form) but help to bounce light around the space, making it appear larger and brighter. Change rooms are tucked behind the mirrored spaces.

Materials Used:
Paint – ICI Duluxe
Wallpaper – Crown and Blue Mountain
Millwork – private contractor (prefers to remain anonymous)
Plumbing Fixtures (not shown) – American Standard
Upholstered Chairs – Elite

Text and images provided by Christine Mogk

A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and Sheridan College, Christina Mogk, BBA, CID, is the founder of MeCC Interiors Inc.  Formally trained and accredited, Christina takes great pride in sharing her creative spirit and hard work with the public.  She is both an active member and volunteer of the Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA). Christina is a proud winner of two (2) CDECA 2009 Awards for Design and Decorating.  MeCC was honoured in both the Interior Decorating Over $25,000 and New Construction categories!

MeCC Interiors has been professionally beautifying spaces since 2003, offering creative services throughout the greater Toronto and surrounding areas.  Also happy to also travel by request throughout Canada and internationally, or to work virtually, our previous distance projects have included seasonal homes, cottages, and business venues.