Fall Cleaning?

The weather is getting colder and colder everyday and all I can do is think about how much house work I have! After a busy summer as usual, a seven month old baby, a four year old niece, a moose-of-a-husband and a sister living with me for the moment, my To-Do List has taken a back seat (and drove away).

If you're finding yourself in a similar situation and want to be proactive but have no time, or a small budget, check out some tips that I feel might help you along the way:

1. One at a time

Make sure you plan one project at a time and stick to it. If you already have one project that you have started and haven't finished, make sure to finish that project before starting any further projects. The clutter of two or more projects can not only be overwhelming, but just plain scary. Make a promise to yourself to finish the job you started with the proper tools to do the job.

2. Set the Date and Stick to it. 

Life is busy, we all know this. It really helps if you schedule in time for yourself (and your projects). By making time for your projects you can stop little things from popping up that might get in the way of your completion. If you really want to get the job done but your girlfriend asks you out for coffee, why not explain to her the situation and even ask if she wants to come over and help- with coffee of course!

3. Make a Plan.

No matter what the job, it always helps to make a plan and stick to it. If its a closet that you want to clean out, write down all the items you'll need to organize your space. Hooks, baskets, a new paint job- whatever it may be it always helps to stay on track by writing it down. Lists also have been proven to make productivity grow.

4. De-clutter

The age old saying 'if you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it' really holds true with me. I am a big purger. If I don't need it on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis (with the exception of holiday items or other seasonal pieces) I get rid of it. Old children's toys, clothes, books, paper work and personal items that do not have a purpose should be either sold, donated or thrown out. It can be hard- but it will feel good to finally get rid of that clutter- I promise!

4. Organize by Category

Once you have cleansed your self of the junk and clutter take a look at what you have left and start to separate it in similar groups. Books, office supplies, crafting supplies, or candles for example. You could also separate items by color, material or theme. For example, glass items, metal, or collectibles from a trip. Once you have everything grouped into piles, take a look at what's remains. Is there something that you might like to showcase? put away for safe keeping? Often times instead of going out and buying new accessories for your home you can group items you already have (that have been just sitting in a closet or cubert) on display instead.

5. Feature what's attractive and needed, hide what's not.

In every space, no matter the space, pick which items you want to showcase and which ones you want to cover up. The items that you want to showcase could be large in scale, or something of beauty. Or perhaps something that you plan on using everyday and need easy access to. Items that may be smaller, or have the potential to clutter should be organized into boxes, baskets or any storage solution. 

6. Don't be afraid to add a little color

In spaces that are in plain sight don't be afraid to add a little color. Stick to 2-3 colors max and add some life to you're space. If you are doing a home office, consider the color of your desk or storage unit one color. The  visiable storage bins as another, and the last as an accent; a lamp or bulletin board perhaps. 

Pumpkins!

I have to tell you about my adventure yesterday to the most quaint little (big!) pumpkin patch in Windsor!

This place is so cute & full of East Coast charm. The working farm has the Guinness Book record for the world's largest pumpkins...four times!
It's a great place to spend an hour with your family picking out fresh pumpkins and even apples, which is great if you're looking to add some festive vibes to your front porch.
I loved these white pumpkins- so cool.

Also, if you're going to pick up some smaller sized pumpkins for your home, at these prices why not buy them direct?

         

Stay tuned for what I have planed for mine! 

Here's some more cute pics...

 

 

Fall Inspiration

Photo by closetcooking.blogspot.com

Fall is coming and I love it! By the end of summer I don't know about you, but I'm done with BBQ's and bathing suits, and am ready for some warm, cozy wool sweaters and some home-made mac-n-cheese, straight from the oven...bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Along with weight gain, comes all things exciting that is fall: the smells, the colors, the fashion, ....I could go on forever! This year along with the usual apple pie inspired color palette, grey is the new black. Followed by the ever popular plum.

Image by Crate & Barrel

When changing your seasonal decor why not try something unexpected? Bring some purples, olives or even black into your festive theme. Keep the ultimate inspiration in mind: Mother Nature. You don't need to go out and buy new items. Go for a walk and collect twigs, pine cones, ferns, leafs and anything that can be transformed into a beautiful center piece or accessory in your home. Why not spray paint your new found items in one of this seasons colors? Or use root vegetables and fruit that can be both beautiful and delicious.
There are thousands of ideas available for center pieces and home decor that can be made with the whole family online. Have a quick search! (I like www.marthastewart.com/)

Photo by Crate & Barrel

If you're feeling adventurous, why not paint a focal wall in a fall color? It's easy to do and really adds a wow factor to your space. If you like the look but you're not sure where to start look for any interesting architectural elements in your room that you might like to highlight. This will also create some dimension and add some depth to the space.

Summer is winding down and the Saving is easy!

As summer winds down, and the trees are starting to turn (yes, I have a couple naughty deciduous' in my backyard already) normally people start to think about back to school time and the stress associated with it. Trying to get the kids new clothes, never ending school supplies, haircuts, arranging car pooling and daycare services, and who can forget the cost of it all!

Well, breathe easy and take a hour to yourself with a little personal shopping. That's right, it's sale time people! Right now all the end of season summer stock are at incredibly low prices and going quick. It's a good time to pick up any large pieces of patio furniture you might have had your eye on all summer, or next years accessories at up to 70% off. 


I was just at Backyard and Veranda in Darthmouth Crossing the other day, and they have incredible deals on their in stock wicker seating, patio accessories, outdoor utensils and cookery items and even cushions and accent pillows. Check out BouClair, Tag, Walmart and even the SuperStore for more great deals.
It's never too early to wish for spring. 




Not only is summer stock at amazing prices, now is a good time to take full advantage of all the storage pieces and dorm-inspired items available now for back to school. Whether its a bar fridge you've had your eye on to complete your outdoor space or man cave, or a bench with storage beneath to complete your bedroom, the prices are competitive and negotiable. 
Every store in HRM is trying to compete through flyer promotions, lowest price guarantees or even free delivery promises. 
Specifically, the amount of in stock storage pieces available promotes a good time to finally clean out that cluttered closet or manage your kids toys. There are special items available now in stores that may not be available throughout the year (and again, at low prices!)

Check out this Expedit desk and bookcase from Ikea. Easy storage solution for a small space.

Another bonus to back to school time are the colors and textures available now geared towards the tween generation. Fun color palettes including bright pinks, blues, greens and purples. Rich and vibrant textiles. Unique storage and tech gadgets. Even eye-catching wall graphics and murals. So, for those of you who still have younger children at home, or know someone who does, now is a great time to pick up on these fun items and maybe change up their own bedroom. It's also a great way to show younger siblings that the older child, leaving for university isn't necessarily getting all the attention. 
You don't have to go all out and redo a child's bedroom; just a few new hints of coordinating color can make a dramatic difference at home. 


And for the business owner: now is amazing time to stock up on office supplies and low priced electronics that you might need throughout the year.

WELCOME TO Halifax Interior Design!!

I am SO very excited to be starting this new venture and sharing it with all of you!


This blog is dedicated to all those who love interior design in the Maritimes. The main purpose of this blog is to connect you, the every day consumer and design aspirational to what's available in our beautiful city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. As an Interior Decorator starting off in this quaint city I found a couple common denominators kept popping up. That being, that as a whole, Halifax seems to have relatively small interior design population and available resources (compared to our saturated neighbors in larger cities to our west; ie: Montreal, Toronto, etc). I want to break this bad rep by showing you, the consumer, that Halifax does have a lot to offer in fact, right here, available for the taking.


So, each week I will be posting new interviews, photos, news and more for your design inspiration! I will be showcasing what's available here at home. What's locally produced and sold. I will also be including online content. The main concept is to allow you, at home, to design locally without having to leave to another city, or feel like Halifax doesn't have what it takes. Our city is amazing, with so much to offer, in the interior design field and elsewhere. I want to connect with the creative in this city and bring the 'Halifax look' to you (with a flair of course!). 
I hope you like what I have to say and see! Even better, if you have anything that you want to add, please let me know! I want Halifax to increase their over all well-being through interior design. I strongly believe home is your haven, and as Oprah says "should rise up to meet your life". I couldn't agree more, but why stop there! Your home, business or even a small room converted into a home office should be beautiful and showcase who you are as a person, your likes, your travels, anything that truly speaks you. 


I will end with that, and I look forward to your comments! I hope you get inspired to liven up your own space, no matter how small or big.