Location, Location, Location

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Modmissy

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

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Modmissy

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.

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.

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

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

Understanding Change

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Modmissy

Over the years we have shared many moments together here on this blog on the topic of “change”.

I have written numerous times about how I enjoy “change”

“I like change and I like to change often“ talking about my 6th living room sofa.

“I like to change up my holiday décor each year” never adhering to any traditions.

“I change the linens and accessories in my bedroom” often!

To some of you this probably sounds like way too much work.

I’ve suggested to you on numerous occasions,

“Go ahead, change it up. Embrace the new. Take the ‘Mod’ from MODMISSY and “Mod-ify”!

Well here’s the thing…..I recently found myself ‘eating’ those words!

This past year I experienced a huge change in my life – I became gluten-free.

And if there’s one thing you should know about me is that wheat/gluten played a large part in my diet and lifestyle.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all about bread, pasta and baked goods.

In fact one of my very first blog posts was Stand With Style April 2011 where I wrote that life gets better and tastes better when things are elevated. Like my delicious homemade Buttermilk Apple Cake. (made with wheat flour!)

It has been a big adjustment figuring out what to put on my dessert tray, in my pasta bowl and my bread basket.

Definitely a year of learning and maybe now I am a bit more understanding of how ‘change’ is not always an easy experience.

I am adapting though; can you tell which chocolate cake is the gluten-free version!!??

Bon Appetit!

All images via MODMISSY

Gotta Run!

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Modmissy

“Gotta run!”

The catch phrase of today.

Everybody is on the move. Go, go, go!

Subsequently multi-tasking has taken on a whole new meaning. Eating on the run, driving and texting, walking and talking on a cell phone and even applying makeup or shaving while driving.

Unfortunately in many people’s haste the once beautiful ceremony of drinking tea (or coffee), has been reduced to drinking from a paper cup while ‘on the run’. And the worse part of reducing this historical ritual to a “gotta run” activity is the random placement of finished cups.

So today if you can take time to smell the ~~roses~~ tea/coffee. And please don’t litter!All Images via MODMISSY

Welcome Spring

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Modmissy

Today is the first day of Spring.

Or at least that’s what my calendar tells me because where I live the temperature keeps dancing around the freezing mark.

Mother Nature teases with blue skies and sunshine, And due to the piles of snow in my back yard I certainly could not entertain the idea of setting up my patio furniture this weekend.

But one can anticipate. And plan.

Actually a few weeks ago I attended a few Spring Previews showcasing what’s on trend for Spring 2015.

The Home Depot’s campaign of ‘Spring Starts Here’ certainly brightened a cold, snowy day in February. A fabulous lineup of outdoor furniture, colourful BBQ’s and zippy looking lawnmowers helped chase away the winter blahs. Then I sledded (still lots of snow) across town to Loblaws Outdoor Living 2015 Spring preview for a glimpse into what’s hot for this year. These gorgeous colourful beach towels are Loblaws’ interpretation of “A Heat Wave”, “Soft With a Pop” and “Very Vivid” colour palettes introduced into their outdoor furniture and accessories. As for this season BBQ’s, Loblaw’s knows that backyard cooks get personal with their BBQ’s so each one has been named based on their character; the Ami BBQ is trustworthy and petit while Troy is tough, powerful and big. Choose as you may! Anyways I’m glad spring has finally arrived and with it the onset of COLOUR.

Bring it on!

All Images by MODMISSY

Lost But Never Forgotten

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Modmissy

Today is my cousin’s birthday.

Paul, the ‘cowboy’ as seen in this photo below, circa 1980’s, always had a big smile on his face. Unfortunately we celebrate Paul’s birthday without him as sadly his life ended a few years ago. But our lost loved ones are always in our heart!

Paul was ‘my brother from a different mother’ as he was my mother’s identical twin sister’s son. And when you have 2 mothers that are so identical their offspring are bound to be close. And Paul and I were.

Paul had a passion for antiques and the 2 of us were often attending antique auctions together. In those days I had a penchant for antique furniture (yes it’s true!) and we would load up my car to the brim with all the great finds.

But none was as memorable as the time we purchased an antique cast iron wood stove that weighed over a ‘million’ pounds. We loaded that behemoth beast into the back of my hatchback and drove it all the way back to the city. Let’s just say that we were quite the sight driving down the highway with the front tires barely touching the road. I sold that car soon after!

That wood stove still holds a big place in my heart as it is the focal point of my cottage. It withstood the recent renovation, And now holds pride of place in the cottage.

Thanks for the memories.

Rest in peace Paul. xo

All Images via MODMISSY

Beautiful White

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Modmissy

Recently my hubby and I met friends, Jane and John Doe, for a fabulous dinner out at a local bistro.

The bistro had a very relaxed rustic-chic décor and served French-inspired cuisine and locally inspired fare.

Of course as one always eats with one’s eyes first our appetizers did not disappoint – there was colour, height and texture.

Sounds amazing right?

When our mains were delivered Jane and Hubby had meals that did not disappoint. They were ‘beautifully delicious’.

Unfortunately, John and I who ordered the same item were crestfallen. Our meals were delivered and they were ‘void’. There was no height, no texture and no colour.

On a white plate, we were served a white parchment wrapped package, and inside was a piece of white fish on a bed of white onions.

White was not what I expected.

Although there is nothing more beautiful than white,

White orchids,

White linens,

White mirrors,

White woodwork,

White accessories,

And even white snow,

But on my plate, served in a French bistro is not where I thought I would see white.

I ordered chocolate cake for dessert. It did not disappoint!

All images by MODMISSY

IDS15 – Interior Design Show 2015

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Modmissy

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

And don’t forget to look up; there are many amazing light fixtures. And 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!

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

Absolutely a show not to miss!

All images by MODMISSY

A New Year, A New Beginning

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Modmissy

Welcome 2015!

A brand new year is upon us. Fresh and full of opportunities.

Anything and everything lies ahead. It’s exciting!

So instead of writing about binding New Year resolutions I thought the year should be about encouragement and breaking free or as Ralph Waldo Emerson remarked,

Be unique. Create your own.

Climb great heights,

Reach for the top,

Make your space sing with colour – choose a colour that’s outside your comfort zone,

After all, 2 of the industry leaders in the world of colour, Pantone and Benjamin Moore, announced their Colour of the Year 2015 – total opposites on the colour wheel. So anything goes!

Find your balance,

Take time to smell the roses,

Find your happy! (a ’66 Chevy Impala)

But honestly, at the end of the day it’s all about finding your peace,

Here’s hoping that 2015 is a stellar year.

Cheers!

All images via MODMISSY

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Modmissy

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 2^nd helping of mashed potatoes and gravy would be nice!)

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!

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!

And on that note a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

See you in the New Year.

XXXOOO

All images via MODMISSY

MODMISSY

Design is Everywhere

Tag Archives: Interior Design

Location, Location, Location

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

Understanding Change

Gotta Run!

Welcome Spring

Lost But Never Forgotten

Beautiful White

IDS15 – Interior Design Show 2015

A New Year, A New Beginning

Merry Christmas

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