Urban Suburban Mommy

Category Archives: DIY

Grow their little green thumbs

Posted on by Posted in DIY, Domestic Goodness .

I don’t have a green thumb. Not even a very very light shade of green. Sometimes I joke that plants throw themselves off of the shelves when they see me coming. The truth is, I’m just not very good at growing plants, or even keeping them alive.

My husband – he makes magic happen in the garden. We’ve had rooftop urban wastelands full of veggies and flowers. We’ve had endless planters full of herbs, berries and cherry tomatoes. Every summer my younger son makes a valiant effort to eat all of the cherry tomatoes straight off of the plant, and he can almost keep up!

But me? I just assumed that vegetables came from the grocery store until I met him.

He doesn’t really understand it, and wants me to try – for the sake of the kids not being plant murderers too, I guess. So when we heard from best-selling, award-winning author of The Year Round Vegetable Gardener and Groundbreaking Food Gardens, Niki Jabbour, it seemed like a good idea to get some insight on how to include the kids in the garden. There are so many ways to get them involved and teach them some skills.

There are little ways to start – try a couple of herbs or low commitment plants. Try planters, which are not big and overwhelming. It’s a fun and productive way to spend time together outside, in the fresh air, and it’s also very gratifying. There’s nothing as satisfying as eating something you’ve grown (so I hear lol) and your kids will get some serious satisfaction out of it.

Niki shared with us her top tips and some great new tools from Lee Valley to get the whole family in on the fun of growing their own food.

1. Make it easy

Get kids involved in the garden by selecting easy-to-grow vegetables such as beans, radishes, leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes and peas. These fast growing and kid-friendly favourites offer quick results for impatient gardeners who want to enjoy their homegrown harvest sooner rather than later.

2. Pick the perfect planter

Gardening in containers and planters is an easy way to grow space-saving vegetables and herbs like salad greens, bush beans and basil. You can use plastic, fabric, or self-watering pots, or try a Vegepod. This sturdy container offers 9 cubic feed of growing space, as well as built-in irrigation and protection from frost and pests.

3. Grow your own pizza

Get kids (and adults, for that matter), excited about growing their own food with a fun theme like a pizza garden. Plant cherry tomatoes, oregano, scallions, peppers, and basil in containers or garden beds, and use your harvest to top homemade pizzas. Yum!

(Apparently you can’t plant pepperoni.)

(I know. My husband doesn’t always find me funny either.)

4. Set your seedlings up for success

Starting your own seeds indoors gives you a jump on the growing season and allows you to grow high quality, sturdy seedlings. The Grow-Light Indoor Mini-Garden is very easy to use and doesn’t take up much space. In fact, it’s ideal for a countertop, shelf or small table. Once your seedlings are ready for the garden, tuck them into a season extender to shelter them from frost and cold weather. 

5.Work smarter, not harder

Make spring cleaning a snap with a multi-tasking tool like the Power Rake, which quickly gathers leaves and grass clippings, and makes fast work of spreading compost or mulch. Plus, it’s designed to glide across the ground putting less strain on your back. Container gardeners will appreciate the Mini Shovel, a compact tool with a short handle and sturdy blade ideal for filling pots, transplanting or working in the perennial garden. 

Niki Jabbour is the best-selling and award-winning author of The Year Round Vegetable Gardener and Groundbreaking Food Gardens, with over 100,000 copies sold. She’s also an award-winning radio host. Her next book, Niki Jabbour’s Veggie Garden Remix will arrive in stores in late 2017.

 @NikiJabbour

 

Niki Jabbour

Organize, declutter, you’ll feel better

Posted on by Posted in DIY, Urban Suburban Mommy .

UI long for Carrie Bradshaw’s closet.  Oh the single days.  I know you can relate!

Mess = chaos in my mind.  But since I have become a mom of two active boys, I have pretty much accepted the fact that my house is messy and chaotic.  As we continue our quest for wellness, we had the privilege of speaking with Jane Stoller, author of Organizing for your lifestyle. Jane provides us with some great tips for getting your closets organized to achieve your dreams of a Carrie closet. You may even be inspired to tackle your little ones closets too!

1.What are the most important things to put into practice while trying to get one’s household organized?

A constant theme I reiterate in my book is that organizing is a lifestyle, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Incorporating organizing into your life shouldn’t, ultimately, involve changing who you are, but rather maximizing it. Knowing where your favorite socks are, and having them stored correctly, means you’ll be able to wear your favorite socks more often, and look better doing it. Similarly, packing properly for a once-in-a-lifetime trip means you’ll be able to enjoy that trip even more. Remember: being organized doesn’t mean thinking about organizing all the time. Ideally, being organized means that you don’t have to think about organizing all the time—because you do it automatically, as an organic part of your everyday routine. And you can only reach this level of organizing bliss by making sure your organizing systems and routines are perfectly adapted to your goals, personality, and needs.

Again: organizing is a lifestyle, but it needs to be your lifestyle.

2. What items are essential for closet organization?

The most important element I address is space. Analyzing the current space you HAVE and then adding/adapting the space you NEED.

Hangers are essential. There are many different types and hangers have specific uses. Felt wire hangers are great to save space and are ideal for small closet spaces for example.

If you want to save on space use hangers made of felt wires which are thin and great for small closet spaces. In my book, I go deeper into what to hang vs fold, as often we are hanging items that should be folded and vice versa such as knitwear. After an extensive list on clothing I also mention everything else that we need to store including, Lingerie, Jewelry, Activewear, socks etc.

3. What organizational items are worth spending money on?

I would stress that this depends on your lifestyle. If you move allot or are committed to a dwelling for a longer period of time this will likely change the amount you will spend on organizing solutions.  Specifically, for the closet I would spend money on hangers and specific organizing solutions that suit the most amount of clothing you have.  If you have a lot of activewear opposed to business clothes you might need to invest in several drawers over hanging space.

4. What are some key tips to organize your closets?

De- Clutter – I focus allot on de-cluttering and for many women this is very important for the closest.

Evaluate – Ensure you know what types of clothing you have before you buy new organizing systems, know what specifics you need (hanging space, drawers, shelves).

Sustainability – It is sometimes necessary to choose the practical solution over the prettiest one; otherwise, you might be inclined to create an even larger disorganized mess. For example: if you love the look of having your shirts colour-coordinated, but then always find yourself searching for different types of shirts or sleeve lengths, why not organize for type or sleeve length, rather than by colour? Organizing shirts by sleeve length may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it will support your organizing goals, and will likely save time.

5. How do you keep other members in your family on track once you have reorganized your closets in your home?

I recommend to tell everyone about your organizing goals so that you can garner encouragement from friends and family. Similar to when you want to reach a health or fitness goal, telling people about your organizing goals will help motivate you; once people are watching, you won’t want to fail! Tell your friends you’re on a track to get more organized, and even ask them over to help de-clutter. If you’re married or live with someone, let them know about your organizing goals, and try to involve them in the process. You might even want to reach out to a mentor or enlist a mentor to help. One of my organizing mentors is Martha Stewart, and although I cannot personally reach out to her, I can follow her on Instagram and incorporate her organizing tips and ideas into my life.

Organizing for Your Lifestyle is a fun, inspiring guide to organizing all aspects of your life, from socks to suitcases. This book is written in such a way that any reader can benefit from. Whether you are single or part of a large family, live in an apartment or a mansion, incorporating organization into your life can help maximize your potential to accomplish more on a daily basis.

About Jane Stoller

Jane Stoller was born and raised in a small town in Ontario, Canada. Her parents immigrated to Switzerland in order to follow their dream of owning a dairy farm.

Jane’s love for organizing began as a child as she was often found happily lining up her pet cats, stuffed animals and books.  Growing up, her passion for organizing shifted to all types of storage space with a special desire for revolutionizing closets! Coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, Jane has shared her organizing skills with countless friends and colleagues.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science and a Master’s in Business Administration from Canada’s top universities.  Jane currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland and works in the construction industry.

To learn more, go to OrganizingForYourLifestyle.com or connect with Jane on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

 

 

Quick & Cheerful Holiday Centerpieces

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I can’t wait to share my simple yet elegant holiday centerpieces that will add color to your table in less than 5 minutes! Here goes:

The holidays can be such a busy time for everyone, especially if you’re hosting – I love how simple this centerpiece DIY is, and how instantly it will add a pop of color and freshness to your table.

Items You Need:

  • Small vases (I picked up mine from the Dollar store)
  • Bags of frozen cranberries (you can use non-frozen ones as well, I just find the frozen ones last longer)
  • Cedar/boxwood boughs
  • Burlap Ribbon
  • Jute Rope
  • Scissors
  • Decorative stems (optional, I used cream holly’s for some of the centerpieces)

Steps:

  • Fill up your vase with your frozen cranberries and add cold water
  • Cut your boughs down to size
  • Fill the vase with the boughs and enjoy!
  • You can also wrap the vase with burlap ribbon and tie it into place using a decorative ribbon or jute string
  • Add any leftover boughs to your presents (weaving it in-between your ribbon) or your table setting (placing some in a grouping with your flatware)
  • Its all about the little touches that make everything a bit more special 😉

UrbanSuburban Mommy – Xmas DIY Vase

Design & Decor Expert, Kasia Waloszczyk

Kasia Waloszczyk, an accredited Interior Stylist/Decorator, also runs her own design company, Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS, a savvy and trendy décor service that caters to clients in the Greater Toronto Area. As a colour expert, Waloszczyk has held independent seminars on colour and pattern trends.  She has also worked with design firms overseas, developing textile colours, designs, and patterns applicable for the North American market.

Gifted with a keen eye for colours and shades, Kasia Waloszczyk has been applying her colour and design techniques for more than 15 years in the industry. A design expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, Waloszczyk’s work has always kept her ahead of design trends and has also given her an in-depth expertise on fabrics for creative custom window treatments and unique upholstery, for both residential and commercial spaces.

KasiaWDesigns.com

twitter@kasiaw_designs

instagram@kasiaw_designs

Urban Suburban Daddy’s 10 tips to get your backyard space ready for entertaining

Posted on by Posted in DIY, Urban Suburban Daddy .

You can just smell summer in the air, and before you know – it’s here. It’s practically the end of May, it’s time to get your backyard/entertaining spaces ready.  Our Suburban Daddy has some great tips:

1. Power Wash

The snow and/or rain probably left some mud and dirt in your garden.  It’s time to freshen up your space by cleaning it up first with a little power washing.  It makes such a difference and can be done pretty quickly with a power washer like the one I have (I bought a Simoniz).  In addition to washing your deck and/or patio stones, give your outdoor table and chairs and good washing too.

2. Clean your barbecue and make sure it’s filled with propane

There are a few mid- to high-end brands out there. Weber is my go-to Weber Genesis S330

There are a few mid- to high-end brands out there. Weber is my go-to for grilling Weber Genesis S330

Now that your sleeves are all ready rolled up, make sure to give your bbq a good scrub. Remove the grills and scrub them down with a good sponge, soap and water.  You can use a scraper for any stuck-on guck. Once your barbecue is shining again, make sure to fill your propane tank.  Nothing is more embarrassing than firing up the grill for guests – only to find your tank is empty.

3. Wall planters brigthen your backyard with colour

Buy wall planters with annuals that are perfect for your outdoor space – check out whether it is shaded, partial sun or full sun, and buy accordingly. If you go to your local nursery, they will advise you on the best plants or flowers for your space. You can purchase flower boxes made of different materials such as plastic, resin or cedar that you can reuse every year.  Plant new arrangements of flowers. If you want to get handy about it and also save a bit of cash, you can build your own planters.

4. Reconfigure your patio furniture

Change up the way you place your patio furniture. Switch it up every year.  If you are going to buy new furniture, invest in pieces that can play double duty. You want both conversation areas as well as eating areas. Buy a sofa/chair and ottoman that could also be used as a table for outdoor eating. Get the comfy stuff, something you can really settle into after taking care of the yard work.

5. Light up the sky with solar power

We just bought two sets of 4 solar powered outdoor lights that we attached to the posts of our fence. They were about $30.00 from Costo per pack.  They are beautiful and are cost effective since they’re powered by the sun. They add ambience to our outdoor space.

6. Frame your space with an outdoor carpet

Outdoor carpets are available in so many different colours and patterns. You can place your patio furniture on the corners of your carpet to frame your space. The carpet will also add an element of coziness to your backyard.

7. Shoo those bugs away with citronella

Discovered this local artisan - Going Au Naturel - and her products are incredible. This citronella candle is exactly what a backyard get-together needs

Discovered this local artisan at a market – Au Naturel – the products are incredible. This citronella ecosoya Bug Be Gone candle is exactly what any backyard get-together needs

Use long Citronella candles or torches that you can bury in your grass to shoo those mosquitos away.  Or you can buy table top citronella candles that you can place on your outdoor table.

8. Build a firepit

If your space allows, build a fire pit or buy a contained fire pit or chiminea available at the local big box store. The fire pit will provide warmth and style at the same time.

9. Decorate

Choose a colour palette and theme.  What feeling are your trying to evoke? We are big fans of a peaceful space so our backyard yard is decorated with a big Buddha head and lanterns.

10. Your summer playlist

I’m a DJ – and while you may not have your own resident DJ, you can definitely set up your mixes and beats. Maybe it’s house music, maybe it’s classic rock or modern pop, invest in whatever moves you.

JBL.png

Assemble your summer playlist.  Invest in bluetooth wireless speakers like the JBL’s and play music from your phone or iPod.

Now pour yourself a cold one, sit back and relax.

 

 

 

 

Organize your front entry DIY project

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This simple DIY can be used in a front entry, mudroom or even laundry room.  It helps to keep the family organized and ready for school in the morning.  It not only adds decor to your space but offers a convenient way to hang your kids backpacks, scarves or even yet your own purse.

kasiamudroom

STEPS + TOOLS

1. Decide on the species of wood you want to use, knotty or not.  You can get your pieces cut down at your local Hardware Store (Home Depot, Lowes) – I used 1×8 Knotty Pine planks that I had cut down into 24″ lengths.

2. Once you bring it home, give the edges some sanding to smooth them out and get rid of any jagged pieces of wood.

3. You can either paint your wood planks a solid color or stain them.  I used a wiping stain by Old Masters – I prefer using a wiping stain because it brings out the grain and knots of the wood much better – the stain I used was custom mixed to match my hardwood floors – which in the end ties in really well with the rest of my space.

4.Once you have applied your stain to the edges and both front and back surface your can either finish it off with a clear top coat or leave it as is.

5.Once dry, stick on your frame with a photo of the family member inside (you can also include family pets and hang their leash from the hook), I used the No More Nails tape (extra strength) to stick on both frame and wooden letter.

6. Position your hook on the wooden plank – I drilled two pilot holes for each of my hooks to avoid the wood from splitting.  Once the pilot holes are drilled then use screws to secure the hooks.  I really like the Ikea Bjarnum hooks because they fold in, which makes it very convenient when they are not in use, everything is flush with no protruding items.

7. Lastly hang them on your wall and enjoy!

 

Kasia Waloszczyk

Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS - HeadShot

Kasia Waloszczyk, Urban Suburban Mommy’s Design and Decor expert is an accredited Interior Stylist/Decorator. She also runs her own design company, Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS, a savvy and trendy décor service that caters to clients in the Greater Toronto Area. As a colour expert, Waloszczyk has held independent seminars on colour and pattern trends.  She has also worked with design firms overseas, developing textile colours, designs, and patterns applicable for the North American market.

Gifted with a keen eye for colours and shades, Kasia Waloszczyk has been applying her colour and design techniques for more than 15 years in the industry. A design expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, Waloszczyk’s work has always kept her ahead of design trends and has also given her an in-depth expertise on fabrics for creative custom window treatments and unique upholstery, for both residential and commercial spaces.

KasiaWDesigns.com

twitter@kasiaw_designs

instagram@kasiaw_designs

Easy DIY gallery wall for a kid’s bedroom

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My daughter Izzie turned three in September and it was time to say goodbye to the crib and give her a big girl room. A fun DIY that I did in her space was create a gallery wall.

 

Izzies Room - Gallery Wall 2

The first thing I did was gather up some frames. Some I purchased, others I already had around the house that I wasn’t using. The frames I had at home weren’t exactly the right colour, but that was not a problem. I painted them out using the teal and coral tones to match the ones I introduced in her room decor, and instantly the frames got new life.

I chose images that my 3 year old relates to and loves: ice cream, cupcakes, ferris wheel, balloons, ballet; and I printed them on heavier stock. All the images contain some of the colours that are in her space to help create harmony and a cohesive look. I grounded the centre of the wall by using the IKEA Ung Drill frame, which I painted grey to pick up on her drapes and rug.

I wanted to create some dimension on the wall so I mounted a faux doe head with silver antlers and added a whimsy touch by placing a coral petunia behind the antler. This breaks up the square art and really creates a centre focal point for the wall. I finished off the gallery wall by placing random silver and gold decal dots which add a playful touch.

Paint used for the frames: Latex Pearl, rolled on with a foam roller (3 coats)

Paint for the Ung Drill Frame: Rustoleum spray paint (use outdoors in a well ventilated area)

Gold/Silver Decals: Muse Signs

Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS - HeadShot

Kasia Waloszczyk ,an accredited Interior Stylist/Decorator, also runs her own design company, Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS, a savvy and trendy décor service that caters to clients in the Greater Toronto Area. As a colour expert, Waloszczyk has held independent seminars on colour and pattern trends.  She has also worked with design firms overseas, developing textile colours, designs, and patterns applicable for the North American market.

Gifted with a keen eye for colours and shades, Kasia Waloszczyk has been applying her colour and design techniques for more than 15 years in the industry. A design expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, Waloszczyk’s work has always kept her ahead of design trends and has also given her an in-depth expertise on fabrics for creative custom window treatments and unique upholstery, for both residential and commercial spaces.

KasiaWDesigns.com

twitter@kasiaw_designs

instagram@kasiaw_designs

Transform a playroom with chalkboard paint

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Interior Stylist/Decorator Kasia Waloszczyk and Urban Suburban Mommy contributor shares her easy yet impactful D.I.Y. playroom makoever project:

I ended up painting out one of the walls black with chalkboard paint in my daughter’s playroom. The black wall adds drama to the space and gives her a vertical surface to be creative on.

KASIA W - chalkboard paint

While I was painting out the wall I decided to paint out her tabletop as well – it completely transformed it.

The once boring IKEA Chidlren’s Table (Sundvik) became the showpiece of the room. I sanded the top completely, and gave it a quick coat of latex primer. Once that dried I painted it out using the Rustoleum black chalkboard paint – it has held up wonderfully and is easy to keep clean.

I decided to add a trendy element to the table and also painted out the bottom portion of the legs using silver metallic paint. The dipped legs add a designer feel and completely transform the table.  The IKEA Kritter chairs got a quick makeover as well – I added a blocked monogram decal in black. My daugher’s name, of course: Izabella May Waloszczyk – IMW.

The entire set looks fabulous, but more importantly, customized to her room. And this was just a quick, budget friendly makeover on items I already had.

Kasia Waloszczyk

Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS - HeadShot

Urban Suburban Mommy contributor, Kasia Waloszczyk, an accredited Interior Stylist/Decorator, also runs her own design company, Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS, a savvy and trendy décor service that caters to clients in the Greater Toronto Area. As a colour expert, Waloszczyk has held independent seminars on colour and pattern trends.  She has also worked with design firms overseas, developing textile colours, designs, and patterns applicable for the North American market.

Gifted with a keen eye for colours and shades, Kasia Waloszczyk has been applying her colour and design techniques for more than 15 years in the industry. A design expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, Waloszczyk’s work has always kept her ahead of design trends and has also given her an in-depth expertise on fabrics for creative custom window treatments and unique upholstery, for both residential and commercial spaces.

KasiaWDesigns.com

twitter@kasiaw_designs

instagram@kasiaw_designs

For more information on Kasia Waloszczyk, visit www.KasiaWDesigns.com. Follow Kasia on Twitter and stay up-to-date with her work on Instagram, @kasiaw_designs

Kid vs. Adult Space with Designer Kasia Waloszczyk

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I thought by finishing our basement that I would have solved the problem of our living room being overrun by toys.  It was a brief solution, until kid #2 came along.  We spoke to designer, TV personality and fellow mom Kasia Waloszczyk who shared her insight and inspiration to find a happy medium between toys and grown up things.

The Dual Purpose Living Room – Playroom & Adult Space

Urban Suburban Mommy - Living Room Storage-page-001

1.If you don’t have the luxury of a bonus room or basement in your home – how can your living room serve a dual purpose as playroom and adult space.

Buy furniture pieces that not only suit your lifestyle but also serve a dual/triple purpose.  There are lots of growing families who are choosing to live in smaller spaces.   Luckily, retailers have picked up on this trend and offer tons of multi-purpose furniture piece options.

Dual purpose furniture/products can be easily found and for affordable prices.  Ikea has a great sofa that not only serves as a couch + pullout sleeper but also has a built in storage unit that can house ample toys, blankets, pillows etc (FRIHETEN)  — Its all about staying organized and having a designated space for everything.

2. How do you avoid your living room from being overrun by toys?

The first thing you have to do is ask yourself if your child needs all the toys that are in your living room, does he or she play with every single one?  If at the end of the day you are over flowing with toys, perhaps you have too many?  Scale back, pack some away and re-introduce them in a month or so, but only after taking away a toy in its place.  Rotating your toys will give your child something new to play with, plus it will leave your space clutter free.  This method will help with staying organized.

3. Do you have any storage or organizational solutions for toys or adult things?

When it comes to storage, think outside the box.  My “go-to” storage is a budget-friendly garbage can from Ikea (KNODD) – it resembles Oscar the Grouch’s  garbage can which makes it fun for kids.  Get two or three of the same can, and fill it with toys, best of all it has a lid.  So, at the end of the day when it’s time for the adults to unwind, the toys are completely out of site.  I also love storage cubes, placing two of them across from your couch offers additional seating, you can optimize the storage inside the cube, plus some of them cube lids even turn into serving trays. Urban Barn has a really nice one that I often use for clients (Fay Ottoman – Charcoal).  Lastly, opt for a proper TV/media unit – you can customize one at Ikea for a great price.  Looks for something that offers you plenty of drawers as well as shelving units with doors (doors are fantastic as they hide the clutter).  Remember to utilize your vertical and horizontal space when creating your storage.

4. How do you make a living room safe for kids?

Mount and secure everything to the wall.  TVs should always be out of reach for children. Have a bookcase or TV bench – mount them too!  Also, avoid furniture that is delicate or has sharp corners such as glass coffee tables.  Although stylish, kids leave lots of fingerprints on glass coffee tables.  Instead, choose a coffee table with multiple storage, for toys and blankets.  Some coffee tables can even open up to provide a laptop/dinner tray. West Elm has a great one. Their Industrial Storage Coffee Table is on the pricier side but is multi-purpose, so it is money well spent.   Make sure your living room incorporates a soft play surface – you don’t have to use the foam kids mats.  I suggest going for a nice plush rug instead, which will provide a comfy surface for your child but also work to complete and ground your adult space too.

5. What design features or accessories do you recommend that would work for both an adult and kids space?

I love art!  It works beautifully for both.  You can create a photo gallery wall that will be appreciated by both kids and adults.  Work with different sized frames or buy multiples of the same piece of art.  To create a cohesive look, choose a photo filter such as black and white – and apply it to all the pictures that you will be displaying.  By doing this, you can create a more formal and harmonized feel.

6. What colours work best for a multifunctional living room?

Colours are very personal and unique to each space.  Having worked for Benjamin Moore for over 12 years, I know first hand that a color can look amazing in one space, and completely the opposite in another.  I would suggest sticking with more neutral tones; warm greys, soothing blues, different shades of off whites – this will help to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.  If you want to inject pattern to the space, add some wallpaper with a tone-on-tone look for that elevated sophistication.  Bring in your bold color through accessories, decorative pillows, vases, throws or decorative objects.

Kasia Waloszczyk

Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS - HeadShot

Kasia Waloszczyk, an accredited Interior Stylist/Decorator, also runs her own design company, Kasia Waloszczyk DESIGNS, a savvy and trendy décor service that caters to clients in the Greater Toronto Area. As a colour expert, Waloszczyk has held independent seminars on colour and pattern trends.  She has also worked with design firms overseas, developing textile colours, designs, and patterns applicable for the North American market.

Gifted with a keen eye for colours and shades, Kasia Waloszczyk has been applying her colour and design techniques for more than 15 years in the industry. A design expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, Waloszczyk’s work has always kept her ahead of design trends and has also given her an in-depth expertise on fabrics for creative custom window treatments and unique upholstery, for both residential and commercial spaces.

KasiaWDesigns.com

twitter@kasiaw_designs

instagram@kasiaw_designs

 

 

From nursery to big girl room

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We sat down with designers and lovely gals from 2Birds Design, Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon about some great ways to transform a small nursery into a stylish and functional girl’s bedroom.  Andi and Renée offer some easy solutions and DIY projects that you can even try yourself.
Two Birds Photo USM

2Birds Design: Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon

2Birds Design was hired to design a “big girl’s bedroom” as part of a birthday surprise for Valerie,  who would be turning 3 years old. The task: maximize the limited square footage/space of the room, provide storage and offer a built-in bed solution.

Andi and Renée met the challenge with open arms and, as part of their design, they wanted to create a fun and interactive space so that Valerie was excited about transitioning into her new room. Custom platform bed systems are very expensive, so 2Birds decided on a custom designed storage bed (using IKEA cabinets!). This modular cabinet system provides a ton of storage in a consolidated area to allow for more open space and flexibility with furniture placement as storage and function over time.

The platform is built using basic plywood. It is in IKEA material, and added wood stair treads as well as a removable safety guard. 2Birds also decided to use a custom match, textured floor paint and basic foam floor tiles in pink (which you can purchase from department and hardware stores) for an anti-slip surface up to the bed. Navy, grey and yellow work with varying shades of pink and pattern play to create a fun space that will grow with Valerie.

We chose the colour scheme because we wanted something playful but that would grow with Valerie over the years. I instantly fell in love with the grey, pink, navy and yellow ikat fabric used on our large accent pillow and pulled our colour scheme from there.

Instead of overloading the room with extremely feminine tones, warm grey walls and a striking navy wall create an almost neutral backdrop for our layers of pink tones. A subtle light pink on the ceiling adds further interest, with pops of yellow and navy in the accent pillows adds to the fun but ‘not-too-young’ palette.

We kept the main pieces, like the frame of the platform bed and cabinets, area rug and bookcase white, so that the colour palette can be tweaked down the line by switching out the accessories. Even the pink cabinet doors can be switched out for another fun colour that IKEA offers.

We found the perfect drapery hardware, white sheers and deep fuchsia curtains at Walmart for an amazing price. We had them hemmed at a drycleaners for next to nothing ($10 a curtain panel) but these can also be easily hemmed with scissors, a neat fold and an iron on adhesive tape.

The floral tiebacks were a fun DIY and one of my favorite pieces in the room. I loved the idea of pulling in more of the navy and found the perfect navy and white polka dot floral hair clip at the accessory store Ardene. The overall size wasn’t quite large enough though so I used a glue gun to attach the navy flower to a slightly larger white flower. A white button finished off the centre, and I then glued the blossoms to a 2 inch wide piece of white fabric I had already hemmed using the above mentioned iron on adhesive tape. A small piece of velcro tape was all it took to hold the tie back together.

Valerie is quite crafty, so the small table and stool set was a great, inexpensive solution from IKEA. Made in a durable and washable material and in our perfect pinks, this purchase was a no brainer.

The bookshelf, pink and white boxes and pink polka dot bedding were all snagged from Target weeks before they were officially closed.

The pink princess canvas is also from Target, and sits beside the butterfly framed artwork from IKEA, and framed pieces of Valerie’s artwork.

Room to play

Room to play

The rad cover was custom made by the contractor using pine boards we painted white, and geometric screen panels in the same pattern as our yellow accent pillow fabric.

The chandelier is available at West Elm and is made of capiz shells. I love the lightness of it against the pink ceiling and the pearlescent shells cast a beautiful reflection when lit.

girls room after 2Birds USM

Two Birds Photo USM

2Birds Design: Andi Wheelband and Renée Gammon

Two Birds Design is comprised of principle designers, Renée Gammon and Andi Wheelband. With over 10 years experience working in award-winning design firms across Ontario,  a partnership was formed to create  a boutique interior design business. 2Birds specializes in creating unique and livable spaces while providing dedicated and personalized service, unrivaled by larger design firms.

With a focus on exceptional quality, creative thinking and attention to detail, 2Birds ensures each project is handled with integrity and precision, from the initial planning stages through to construction and implementation. Rather than working in a “signature style” they develop each design based on the unique personality and lifestyle of our client. The first step to a well-designed space is carefully considered space planning. Without it even the most beautiful rooms can feel cluttered, cramped and uncomfortable.

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