Get here if you can. Don’t miss a great fall weekend getaway to my town. Its our “Culinary Festival” Saturday and Sunday, and it’s all happening on my street. Right on the river, in the heart of the best shopping and dining around. Yes, right here on York Street, Stratford’s ‘best kept secret’ address.

Stop by my “Showcase on the Street” and say hi. See what’s exciting in design, colour, and style for the home. It is all so NOW. Mingle, touch, talk, and taste the style that is Stratford. Kick through sun kissed fall leaves as you stroll the park, sample food, and inhale the heady spell that is cast only in Stratford. Come early and stay late. Check www.savourstratford.com. for all the details.

See you here.

Check out the September issue of Canadian House and Home magazine and feast your senses on the stylish Paris apartment of Patrick and Lorraine Frey, of the legendary French firm Pierre Frey. In my studio this is my first choice when a client wants authentic French designs in fabrics, wallcovering, and accessories from lighting to carpets. Investigate my Inspiration page on my web site and indulge in the classic and contemporary vision that makes Pierre Frey such an incredible source of style and inspiration. If in Paris, I would encourage a visit to their showroom at 27 rue du Mail, Paris 2e. I’ve had the pleasure of Patrick’s guided tour through their fascinating archives located on the floors above. When Patrick comes to Toronto to introduce the latest collections for spring and fall … I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

For more Frey endorsement, look into  Elle Décor, July and August issue for the Long Island summer house of Aerin Lauder, the grand daughter of Joseph and Estée Lauder, for a room filled with exquisite French fabrics.

The September issue of Traditional Home, pages 36, 136, 170, 172-3 feature Frey fabrics.  August House Beautiful, page 32, features wallpaper, and  September issue page 44, wallpaper again is featured.  Metropolitan Home, September issue page 48 features the French touch in a small Manhattan apartment.

Call to set an appointment for a personal presentation of this ‘hip and glamorous’ line, sought by design professionals world wide.  Studio and in home consultations are available for choosing designs best suited to your home.

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.