That’s why I often choose this line for my clients who want a lighter look with classic touches, and great value.

Now celebrating 20 years in the business, these boys really know their stuff. It’s a huge line that features, living room, bedroom and dining furnishings, with a well edited line of tables, consoles, and lighting.

Some of my favorites include the “Michael” recliner, it’s a real winner. Comfort, style, scale, and best thing it doesn’t look like a recliner. I seem to always use it in leather.

The “Mao Now” collection of tables and chests features cherry veneers, lightly distressed in a warm finish, offering timeless appeal. Priced well, and make stunning bedside tables.

Another winner is the “Norton” collection of seating which offers clean modern profile, deep comfort and could work well in modern or transitional interiors.

Ok Tim, keep it short. See what I mean at www.mgbwhome.com.

Once again I invite you visit my town, my street, and my studio during another great event in Stratford, October 17 and 18th.

Indulge your senses for a few hours or a few days.  Shop our enticing stores or pick up a coffee and wander our historic streets and parks.  Linger over breakfast, lunch or stay for dinner in one of our famous cafes or restaurants.  It’s all here and only a short drive away.  Visit the Stratford Heritage web site for all the details.  Hope to see you here.

Stratford Heritage Weekend

Recently in Toronto, shopping with clients, we came across this amazing room setting at Elte, one of my favourite sources.

“That’s it!” my client shouted. ” That’s the look I want…. It’s perfect.” Clean, lean Euro style comfort with ‘Loft Look’ style. I’m often asked to build a room with these statements. Glamorous pillows in shimmering patterns and plains rest on a field of textured linen upholstery. The oversized table to handle books, drinks and hors d’oeuvres, rests on a toe tingling wool 9′ x 12′ area rug in a upscale geometric pattern.

And, yes, they wanted the soccer ball style ottoman, to soften the angular edges and apply the WOW factor. Sexy, smart and sensual. Feature this setting before a LARGE SCREEN, and flickering fire for two, or a snappy, hip cocktail party for 20 over the Holidays. This is my choice also when ‘Shabby Chic’ or ‘Ho-Hum’ rooms just isn’t your style.

Elte Room Setting

With a few minutes to spare between appointments yesterday, I peeked into Crate and Barrel at Yorkdale to see what’s new.   Eye popping displays in Teal, (that fabulous peacock blue), Avocado Green, and Deep Plum, caught my eye.  Leather side chairs in vibrant blue leather. Sumptuous alpaca throws, in a handful of great fall colours, and more than a dozen colours of rich velvety toss pillows.  ‘So good for pumping up the colour scheme in neutral interiors.  Checked out the bedding and glassware too.  Very smart, very now.

Thinking more about this back at my studio, I pulled a great collection of fabrics for upholstery and drapery in the same colour scheme.  I even have fabulous wallpaper to complete the look in stunning oversize patterns.    It’s all right here at 25 York Street.

Why not check out what’s new at Crate and Barrel online?

De-stressed

Before you set out shopping, knowing what you like and a helping hand will lower your stress.

Study: Gather visuals of shapes, colours, rooms that appeal to you.  Clip favourite images from magazines and keep them in a file for easy reference.   Some will stay, others will be short lived.  Soon you will develop a clear picture of your style; one you can refer to again and again, and use as a tool to discuss with your design professional.

Buying Furniture

Analyse: Take time to review how the furniture will be used, the overall size of each piece, and its placement in the room.  Will it be for daily or only occasional use?  Is this the main room for seating and used for adults, or must it be child and pet friendly throughout the day, with TV and the occasional snacks.  Ask a friend who’s style you admire, or consult a designer who understands space planning and traffic flow to guide your impulses constructively.

Measure: Make sure you have measured the rooms, where doors, and windows are and whether the pieces will fit into the front door, down the hall, or in an elevator.  Many pieces look fine in the showroom, but can be out of scale in your room.

Action: Always be prepared to buy.  Don’t leave home without your measurements, a tape measure, and photos of the room, paint samples, and fabric swatches.  You’ll need these when those rare treasures present themselves and a quick decision brings the prize home.

Style Search: Look to a source with a sense of style like yours…as in clothing.  Ask for referrals, or seek a knowledgeable designer you feel comfortable with and who is interested in your long-term success.  Build a relationship with someone who is there when you need reassurance, and to help move the process from endless waffling to confident pursuit of the mission.   Your designer will be experienced in “high-low” decorating, much like dressing…cashmere sweater, Gap jeans, and designer bag.  They are there to help you allocate resources and maximise your dollars, with cutting edge style and quality products, and you as their main priority.

This is my first posting and hopefully one of many centred on living comfortably with the people we love and the things we cherish.  It is about a personal connection to what we choose to display in our home and expressing personal style.

We’ll explore the options available to create inviting ‘living rooms’ for you and your family.  We’ll talk about how to design relaxed, imaginative rooms using a full spectrum of sources offering great style at any budget. I’ll show you how to put comfort first, whether your look is traditional, modern, or a blend of both.  We’ll master the mix by combining furniture styles, colours and textures, and explore the meaning of luxury in our lives. Best of all, we’ll reduce the fear of furnishing with personal style, by thinking of it as collecting rather than decorating.

I’ll try to be a source of inspiration, hands-on experience, and your guide to some of the most interesting design sources available. Come and visit my favourite showrooms, secret sources, and trade workrooms. Learn more about the alchemy of design through visits to the trade professionals I call my business partners. Visit my ‘Inspiration’ page and tour these progressive and talented style setters that never  cease to inspire me. I’ll share my clients’ stories, my travels in search of great design, and the excitement of working in the biz.

I invite your comments and questions.