It's Friday! So Let's Tell Secrets...

*shrieks of excitement* It's Friday! I'm not sure if it's the fact that New Years Day interrupted the week and landed on a Tuesday or if it is the first Friday of the new year but I'm excited that this is the last day of the week! Hence my dancing friends to the left :)  

In the spirit of the day I figured that a little secret telling was in order. A few months ago House Beautiful shared 101 Decorating Secrets from design experts such as Myra Hoefer and Christopher Peacock. 

All timbits of wisdom and trick of the designer trade. Here, I share my favourites. Feel free to share your own timbits of goodness. After all, what's life without a little secret telling *wink*. Have an awesome first Friday of the year and an even better weekend!

Sending love and merry dancing,

This Year's Trend: Break the Rules!

Small Space Dwellers, I must start by sending my love to each of you and wishing you a Happy New Year! I am truly grateful and blessed for the gifts and lessons of 2012 and am excited to see what is in store for 2013! I don't do the resolution thing, mostly because I never keep them...lol, but I do step into each year with a theme. Last year was my year of 'Nakedness' - Living freely without fear of showing who I am and what I love. From this Eight Hundred Sq. Ft. was born, among other wonderful things. This year my theme is 'Limitless'. I am venturing courageously into this 2013th year breaking away the boundaries I used to set for myself about what I can achieve.  This year I am going to live the BREADTH and width of it!

So it was very fitting when I saw this months issue of Style at Home Magazine. They have declared the trend for 2013, 'BREAKING THE RULE, DECORATE THE WAY YOU LOVE', which I completely resonate with. I have always been an advocate for living the way you love and this includes your space; especially when your home is small and space is limited.

To kick off this year of decorating the way you love, I've decided to showcase Designer and Stylist Nicola Marc's 900 sq. ft. 1920s Montreal apartment, a re-feature from Style at Home. Nicola's space immediately evokes a sense of comfort and playfulness. Her choice of an aubergine and mustard palette with pops of moody accents is a definite "swoon". I love her audacity for mixing geometrics, stripes and paisley. She has wonderfully executed a bold yet harmonious design. Definitely "breaking the rules" worthy.

Cheers Small Space Dwellers! Here is to a year of rule breaking and life loving!

XOXO,

Diamonds are Forever. Emeralds are for 2013.

The verdict is out! PANTONE has released the 2013 colour of the year. PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald - "Lively, radiant, lush. A vivid verdant green which enhances our sense of well-being and promotes balance and harmony. Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious." ( - PANTONE)

Meredith Heron Design: Fort York Condo

Good morning Small Space Dwellers! Hope you had an enjoyable weekend! I spent mine getting some much needed rest and catching up with friends and family. While visiting a friend I was asked the question, "Who is your favourite Torontonian designer?". I had to think hard for a few minutes. Nobody readily came to mind... I mean, I love the designers in my city but there was no one single designer that popped up. So when I got home I got on my computer and got to searching. I still can't say that I have a favourite but I found a good handful of designers that inspire me. One of which is Meredith Heron. She has an elegant way of putting a space together while never forgetting to add subtle pops of unexpected interest. Take a look at a Fort York 1 bedroom condo she designed that was featured in HGTV's Small Space Photo Gallery.  

Decorating with Fur (Faux Fur)

BRRR! Boy is it getting COLD and it snowed on and off all weekend! I'm not much of a winter person, I prefer the fall when the temperature is perfect for layering and boots and I'm not talking about the type of layering and boots that comes with "my nose is running" or "my fingers are frost bitten'.

On the up side, the arrival of our snow flaked friend and the temperature drop does bring about some good news. It's time to start thinking about getting your home all warm and cozy for the holidays. Every year I look forward to taking out the fur rug I made out of a $14 dollar faux fur coat I bought from Value Village and accessorizing for my chic winter lodge feel.

I love the way fur looks in the home. It has a way of making the home feel inviting and ready for getting close and snuggling. Not to mention it raises the chic factor. Here are some faux fur decorating inspiration to help get your gears turning with winter decor ideas.

Stay warm Small Space Dwellers.

XOXO