Tag Archives: Design

colour

Location, Location, Location

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I love birds.

Cardinal

And I have written many times about birds on this blog.

https://modmissy.com/2013/01/24/trying-to-keep-warm/

https://modmissy.com/2014/06/04/robins-egg-blue/

I am mesmerized by how birds fly.

My fascination with flying started about 25 years ago.  This fascination ‘took flight’ while living in our first home where the bedroom was at the top of a long flight of stairs.  Not realizing at the time the importance of furniture placement, the head of the bed was placed next to the bedroom door which was just a few feet away from the top of the stairs.

Bed at top of stairs

It seemed that every night just as I was falling asleep I imagined myself floating out the bedroom door and flying down those stairs.  I was lulled instantly asleep.  Bliss.

But not everyone would find this flying exercise relaxing.  And having the bed in this position in their bedroom could be subliminal hell.

Hence the importance of furniture placement.

Recently while visiting a client she complained that she was not sleeping well in her new home.  The bedroom was situated at the front of the house.  The bed was placed on the window wall with the street just a few feet away.

To me it felt like sleeping on the road! Furniture placement.

We re-positioned the bed away from the windows (and the road),  Furniture placement

The client announced she is now sleeping much better.

One of the main principles of staging a home for real estate sale is furniture placement.  Too much furniture in a room and potential buyers feel crowded.  Furniture placed incorrectly; potential buyers are tripping leaving a lasting impression of a small home.

I always tell my clients that furniture placement is key and location, location, location is the most determining factor in the price of a home!

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

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We have a candidate sign for the upcoming Federal Election on the front lawn of our home.

My son wanted to make a political statement so it was his doing.

Bravo I say, be involved.

Of course not everyone will agree with the ‘colour’ of our sign.Colour of Canadian Political Parties

Different political party, different colour.

Unfortunately, someone in our neighbourhood disagreed with our choice and hung a bag of dog poop on our political sign.

I say…..Freedom of choice has gone to the dogs!

Imagine if we all chose the same colour whether it was for our political party or the colour of our homes décor.

Where would the individuality be?

Given the choice my recent clients have all chosen grey sofas for their living rooms.

Beautiful I say.

But my living room sofa is not grey; in fact nothing in my home’s décor is grey.

However that did not make me want to place dog poop on my clients’ heads.

dog poop on head

When working with my clients we choose what makes them happy! Jonathan Adler sofa

Jonathan Adler Peacock sofa

Jonathan Adler orange sofa

Jonathan Adler Yellow sofa

Jonathan Adler Purple sofa

Jonathan Adler blue sofa

So on Voting Day get out there and vote.  Choose your color and make your choice!

Images via MODMISSY       Sofas by http://www.jonathanadler.com

MOTHER NATURE – AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER

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Mother Nature has it in spades when it comes to design.

She is unequivocally the best ‘exterior Designer’ bar none!

And that fact was no more evidenced than on my recent holiday through the Rockies and Western Canada.

Colour, Composition, and Detail; Mother Nature has created the most beautiful landscape.

Mile after mile I witnessed breathtaking views.

Although I’ve seen it before, Moraine Lake, Alberta is still an “OMG!” moment.  The colour of the lake is awe-inspiring.   Moraine Lake

Benjamin Moore may have possibly captured the colour in its paint Dream I Can Fly  Benjamin Moore Dream I Can Fly

Nothing makes a statement like a black-and-white colour palette adding sophistication and drama to a natural setting.

And this rock’s black-and-white Yin-Yang pattern I found on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia demonstrated that philosophy even further.  Sunshine Coast, granite rock

Sometimes it was the many shades of grey that Mother Nature revealed that made me stop and reflect.  Vancouver, CanadaVancouver, British Columbia

When it comes to composition, Mother Nature is a true Master.

Layers and layers of sweeping views.  Whistler Mountain, British Columbia

Brandywine Falls, British Columbia is Mother Nature’s remarkable ability to create yet another powerful statement.

From a height of 70-metres (230 ft.) water crashes down into a cavern that was formed from lava flows occurring from nearly 34,000 years ago.

It was all the water dropping perfectly into a tiny little pool below that had me mesmerized.

A stunning feat indeed.  Brandywine Falls, British Columbia

Of course Mother Nature thinks of all the details by providing comfortable seating for one to rest as they descend Whistler Mountain, British Columbia.  Whistler Mountain, British Columbia

Outstanding design abilities and creativity.

Mother Nature, please…..take a bow!

All Images via MODMISSY

Bedside Reading

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Years ago while being interviewed for a pharmaceutical sales job I was asked “what books was I currently reading”.

I paused, thought and then answered, “the dictionary and the thesaurus”.

I did not land that job.

(I wonder what book would have gotten me hired!?)

I was single at the time and the idea of sitting indoors by myself and reading a novel or a lengthy piece of non-fiction was just not on my (very social) agenda!

But the truth was I really was reading the dictionary.  A great big lexicon was always open, sitting on an antique hutch in the apartment I shared with a girlfriend. Actually it was part of our humble décor.     Dictionary Webster

Any interesting word we happened to stumble upon in that dictionary was written on a scrap of paper and taped to our brown fridge.  Roomie and I then tried to incorporate these words into our vocabulary. (true story)

Fast forward to today; I am an avid reader.

And once again I was recently asked what books I had on my bedside table.

To be honest I don’t place books on my bedside table.  Its clutter.  For me. Bedside Table Eileen Gray

And the few chosen books I do keep in my home often do dual duty.  They must be a good read and look beautiful.

So right now I am reading, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO COCO CHANNEL from my stack of beautiful black coffee table books.   Coco Channel coffee table book

I also just finished a John Grisham novel that someone passed on to me.  It is a beautiful mint green and chocolate chip coloured hardcover book.  Definitely a keeper to be used as a prop for my home staging business.     Book John Grishman

Along with Coco Channel I am reading OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck.  This is the first time I’m reading this 1937 classic novel; I realize there is no time limit on being current!  This book also makes it as a beautiful staging prop due to the lovely lavender colour on the cover.  Of Mice and Men

Of course I always have close at hand my cherished copy of MARILYN by Normal Mailer.  It is a beautiful linen coloured hardcover book full of wonderful photos of Marilyn Monroe; although far too special to be used as a home staging prop. Marilyn Monroe

So…..what are you reading?  Or decorating with?

All Images by MODMISSY

IDS15 – Interior Design Show 2015

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Last weekend was Toronto’s Interior Design Show.

Innovative design, inspirational exhibits and influential speakers make for an event not to be missed.

Each year exhibitors try to cook up some new eye candy with booth displays that are truly notable and statement worthy.

It’s always an exciting show.

I toured the show for 2 days and took lots of photos.

Here are just a few.

Paint colours were demonstrated in a variety of styles by Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball and Para Paints.     IDS15 Benjamin Moore

Colour was definitely the theme at the Smeg booth with these colourful 50’s-style retro refrigerators.  IDS15 Smeg

‘Retro’ was present in a big way as evidenced at the Hauser booth with colour, scalloped skirting and flower-power.  IDS15 Hauser

And at the Roche-Bobois booth the sofa originally designed in the 1970’s by Hans Hopfer has maintained a lasting sense of style and ‘inventiveness’ due to its infinite compositions and fabric. Loved the fabric created by well-known designer Jean Paul Gaultier.  IDS15 Roche Bobois

And you could feel the ‘groove’ at Missoni Home with the riot of colour, iconic fabrics and the renowned zigzag.  IDS15 Missoni Home

I loved the Montauk Sofa booth, it was so fun.  I mean literally you can only re-invent a room display so many times!  IDS15 Montauk Sofa

The new SEKTION kitchen line from IKEA was introduced at the show with Canadian home décor magazines, House and Home and Style at Home along with IKEA creating 3 different kitchen layouts.  Very similar, very different.  Very inspiring!IDS15 IKEA SektionIDS15 House and HomeIDS15 Style at Home

Bathroom fixtures abound but PierDeco Design takes ‘sitting on the throne’ one step further with their Aquamobilia line!  IDS15 PierDeco Design

And don’t forget to look up; there are many amazing light fixtures. IDS15 LightingAnd on a playful note, Canadian designer Philippe Malouin appealed to the child in all of us with this interactive swing set at the Caesarstone display.  Yup that’s right….a full scale swing with each seat made from a different sample of Caesarstone!IDS15 Caesarstone

I have barely introduced you to the many amazing exhibits that were present.

Absolutely a show not to miss!

All images by MODMISSY

Merry Christmas

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Ho ho ho!  Here we go.

Tis Christmas time again!

As you know I love the season but I have a hard time with all the decorations (read clutter) in my home.

But alas I found a solution.

This year I am hosting Christmas dinner at my home.  I wanted all of us to celebrate together so we built one long table that would seat 20.  We had to rearrange the furniture in the living room so everyone could move around freely.  (Nothing worse than being stuck in a corner and 10 people having to get up and move when you decide that a 2nd helping of mashed potatoes and gravy would be nice!)  Christmas Table

This arrangement of furniture meant there was no space for a Christmas tree!

Oh darn.

Don’t worry I did not ‘Scrooge’-out, instead I placed my fully decorated Christmas tree in the front porch!  Everyone at the table can still see the tree.  Sans needles and mess.  Perfect!   Christmas Tree

And then creativity struck, I wrapped the gifts and tied them all up with a bow and wouldn’t you know – a Christmas tree appeared!   Christmas Tree of Gifts

And on that note a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

See you in the New Year.

Santa Claus

XXXOOO

 

All images via MODMISSY

What’s in a Name?

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“What’s in a name?”

That iconic question asked by many.

But none so famous as that asked by Shakespeare’s Juliet when it came to her lover Romeo,

 “O Romeo, Romeo!  Wherefore art thou Romeo?  Deny thy father and refuse thy name;”

A conundrum for sure as the name meant (spoiler alert!) death for the star-crossed lovers.

Names are important.

Just as Juliet asked, “that which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet?” would a name of an item influence your choice or sway your decision?

The reason I ask is that while flipping through a recent Sears® catalogue I found it interesting the names now used for colour choices of décor items such as furniture, linens and drapery.

(Boring) beige is now named Moon Rock, Bamboo Beige and Shiitake Mushroom conjuring up something more contemporary.   Shitake Mushrooms

 

(Mundane) grey has been pumped up to Volcanic Grey, Molten Lead and Fossil Grey.  Feel the excitement!?      Fossil Grey

 

(Blah) brown is now Earth and Dark Fudge.  Sound yummier?             Dark Fudge

 

(Stale) green has become Shale Green and Smokey Sage.  Sexier?Shale GreenEven the automotive icon, Porsche® known for its truly distinctive design and breathtaking dynamics has given emotional impact to yellow with the 2014 colour option Racing Yellow.  Porsche Racing YellowCan’t you just feel the race-inspired colour philosophy!?

Got me swooning!

All images designed my Modmissy

Sold In A Day

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Recently I staged a home for Real Estate sale that sold in a day.

And it sold for well over asking!

I’m going to credit that very quick and prosperous sale in huge part due to my staging services.

(Hey, when the horn can be tooted, toot it!)

Yes, the home had great bones but was buried in the ‘stuff’ of hectic daily living!

Often when I arrive on the scene the home is in a state of disarray whereby I must then ‘turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse’.

Or…take an ogre and turn it into a princess!

bad hair day

Fortunately I love what I do so when I first walked into this home I was not daunted but rather excited.  Actually excitement is what I put into the home.  I try to create a space that has energy; positive energy.  And a vibe that says, “I want to live here”.

Livingroom before Livingroom before

Living Room afterLivingroom after

Dining Room beforeDining Room before

Dining Room afterDining Room after

Kitchen before  Kitchen before

 

Kitchen after  Kitchen after

Bedroom before bdrm before staging

Before after bdrm after staging  All images via Modmissy