And some GREEN ideas

Many of us have furniture we love, and resist the lure to discard to make way for the next newest thing.  We know these pieces as family, a part of our past, just older and maybe a little tired.   A special sofa, a pair of occasional chairs, even a classic area rug, all waiting for new interpretations to bring them up to date… by re styling, recovering, or reworking them into a fresh new design.

As a designer with a passion for furnishings of good design no matter what age or origin, I often look to re cycle good pieces.  With the skilled hand of my upholsterer, gifted wood finisher, and a showroom full of impressive fabrics in the most fashionable patterns and colours, incredible results are not just possible but ensured.

I’m inspired by this season’s collection of fabrics made of recycled synthetic yarns and the perennial natural favourites like cotton, linen and renewable resources like leather.  Refreshing designs in soft understated palettes, and exciting visits to the classics in exuberant shades of lime, mango, and aqua are truly amazing.  Unusually intricate weaves inspired by exotic cultures, in harmony with rustic linen velvet and humble flat weaves playfully come together in unique interpretations.  Colours and patterns that are timely and yet timeless, offer tired furnishings new life in family friendly ways.   This is only the beginning of what’s to come in creative design, driven by a growing awareness, that encourages industry to re cycled fibres and use earth friendly methods in their factories at all times.

A simple way to go green is to just take good care of your furnishings.  We work hard for the things we have, so taking care of them is well worth the effort.  I always encourage buying quality the first time, vacuum frequently, and rotate cushions on furniture for even wear. These are great ways to extend the life of your investment.  If it really must go, donate it to someone who needs it.  This will help someone in our own community and lessen the load on our landfill.  It benefits us all.

Your comments are welcome.

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.