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1. A design “detox”

Design can be as detoxifying as juices! Design “detox” is actually a minimalist concept, touching both organization and decoration. It was created as logical style for a healthier life by offering a space that is free of clutter, allowing for better concentration while making housework and moving around easier.

As a general rule, a very simple colour palette is used. The most famous wallpaper and paint brands are shifting towards calm and soothing shades. The colder grays are giving way to warmer hues. Sherwin-Williams has announced its colour of the year: Alabaster SW 7008, a shade symbolizing new beginnings; while Benjamin Moorechose Simply White OC-117. We are literally in a comfort zone, a remedy for time that goes by too fast!

2. A unisex palette

Pantone, the world authority for all things colour, surprised the design community by choosing not one, but two colours of the year! The first is Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520), a playful, persuasive and soft shade. Light and airy, like the expanse of the sky, second-colour Serenity Blue (Pantone 15-3919) evokes calm and comfort and offers a feeling of rest, even through chaos. These two colours that are now known and recognized by the world may seem soft and childish. However, according to Pantone, they were chosen in a rather interesting light, in line with the current social movements that are fluidly shifting towards gender equality. Interesting, right?

3. Warmer Metals

Particularly in spaces like the bathroom and the kitchen, rose gold, brass, copper, and gold will dominate the metal world. These warm-shaded metals offer double the charm when they are paired with raw materials such as marble and wood. This being said, we are not putting brushed or chrome silver asside! Mixing the different shades and finishes gives beautiful results. So no need to change all your metallic elements to be trendy! Start with a light fixture and a few decorative elements.

To find the first new items to include in your decor, I strongly recommend a visit to ITEM.

4. Raw Materials

We have been including raw materials in home decor for some time now, the possibilities are infinite as they easily suit all styles. The instant aging of raw materials gives character to a space, no matter its style. They also add some texture and ruggedness to sterile environments; all the while bring an unexpected touch that intrigues the senses.

When we think of raw materials, we often think of architectural materials such as wood, steel, and concrete… But with a bit of creativity, we can use them in all sorts of ways, whether it be in a piece of furniture, a light fixture or a wall treatment. Be sure not to go over-the-top by respecting the desired style and ambiance.

With my cabinetmaker Antoine Rondeau, who specializes in raw materials like hardwood and steel, you can create amazing and unique pieces. A large table or a small bench – the charm is immeasurable.

5. 70’s inspiration

The seventies are back in style! The free-spiritedness associated to that period was very inspiring to the design industry. Many design elements from the 70’s were made popular around the world. The style of that decade, also known as retro, is known for its dynamic curved lines, flashy colours, plastics, geometric and floral patterns inspired by hippy music and style.You can find many 70’s-inspired pieces at West Elm.

6. Black Steel

One of my favourite decorating trends and one of this year’s favourites is black steel! It comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found as much in outdoor as in indoor architecture, furniture and accessories. It’s mostly used in small quantities, forming thin linear shapes to give an effect of stability and lightness, which balances out our totally opposite lifestyles.

I also LOVE black-steel window frames. Boldly highlighting natural light: the best way to bring the attention to one of the most important features in your house! Instead of changing your windows, stemming from the same idea, why not go for a wall with different styled frames? Black-steel elements will make your most beautiful memories shine.

This year, black steel is even more popular in detoxed decors, but it can also be a part of other more classical, modern, eclectic or industrial styles. For low-budget decorating accessories, visit boutique Zone maison.

7. Tailored furniture

Our lifestyle encourages us to choose furniture according to our needs. Although multifunctional furniture isn’t anything new, we have been hearing much less of it lately because of its costly reputation, but think again! It isn’t necessarily more expensive than prefabricated furniture when you look at the price versus the quality, and it’s made RIGHT HERE, IN QUEBEC!

One single piece of furniture could answer all your prayers: an outlet to charge your tablet, integrated lighting for reading, a hidden garbage can or specific storage… On top of choosing what it does, you can also pick its size, the materials, and hardware! Modular units such as tables, wardrobes, and sofas are very popular since they can be customized according to your needs… And when a piece of furniture suits your needs, you are more likely to keep it longer.

Are you thinking of a design project or simply interested in custom-made furniture? Contact me! I’ll assist you from creation to production.

Are you thinking of a design project or simply interested in custom-made furniture? Contact me! I’ll assist you from creation to production.

Choosing a condo to buy is an exciting event. It can be so exciting, in fact, that it might be easy to make a snap decision in a moment of new-home buying euphoria, with feelings that are somewhat akin to falling head over heels the moment you meet someone. You may be so infatuated by the new place that you neglect to take the time to step back and consider the possible faults there may be with your object of instant adoration. To avoid making this kind of hasty decision, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what kinds of things to consider in order to make a rational, well-thought-out decision.

Keeping it short and sweet, let’s take a look at 7 quick points to help keep you level-headed when met with those invisible condo-cupids waiting to render you illogically “gah-gah” over a place.

1. It’s a good idea to hire an agent to help in your search. First of all, it doesn’t cost the buyer anything since the agent is paid by the seller of the property. It’s very useful to have an agent as a facilitator for negotiating and writing your offer to purchase. Finally, an agent will keep you on time and informed about all the legalities involved.

2. Don’t make a choice until you see a variety of styles: low-rise, high-rise, with or without amenities such as a doorman, swimming pool, or gym facilities. Don’t rule out any style until you’ve actually seen it. You might be surprised about what you think if you visit a style you didn’t think you’d fancy.

3. About amenities: Don’t automatically assume that fewer amenities equates to lower condo fees and vice-versa. As a matter of fact, you might find that bigger condo developments, with many amenities, may have lower condo fees because the overall cost is spread among many residents.

4. Location x 3 = Important. Consider how far you are from places you go on a daily basis; You know, that place you have to go every week day for 7-8 hours in order to pay for your new condo. Visit the neighborhood more than once, at different times of the day so you can get a feel for the environment.  Also related to location, pay attention to the view and the direction of the sun.  Both can affect resale value, so make sure your unit isn’t overlooking where the garbage is collected and picked up. Keep in mind that a southern exposure might be great for letting in an abundance of sunlight, it may also be a tad roasting in the summer.

5. Size matters for re-sale value. When you’re considering what size condo to purchase, think beyond the immediate. Maybe you don’t feel like you really care to have a unit with bedrooms as opposed to a cozy little studio. Once you’ve decided on a community, it’s best to purchase the biggest condo you can afford in that community. When and if you decide to move, the smaller the unit, the more difficult time you’re likely to have selling it.

6. You’ll want to check for restrictions to decorations, pet sizes, and renovations. You can count on there being fairly strict rules about these kinds of things. For example, it’s very common for condos to allow residents to only have white drapery facing the street in order to keep the building looking neat and uniform from the outside. You will always need to consult with the board before doing substantial renovations to your unit. Therefore, if you’re the highly individualistic, rebelious type who has ideas of hanging fuchsia curtains onto the window facing your neon-lit balcony where you spend time with your Great Dane, you might want to reconsider.

7. So, you’ve considered all these points and more and you think you’ve found the condo of your dreams? Not so fast! Try to get access to the minutes of the last few condo meetings. This will give you information about how the association handles needed repairs or issues. It’s better to find out before committing, only to find out there are skeletons in the closet of your beloved.

Happy shopping!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all there is to consider when you’re shopping for a condo. It’s a good idea to do your homework and research the topic. It is hoped, however, that you find these 7 points a good place to start.