Creating a guest room

It is, officially, a month until Christmas. Which means, in my house, that holiday planning is in full swing. It also means that it's crunch time for getting my house ready for holiday guests!

As I shared a month ago, our to-do list is really quite lengthy - including painting three bedrooms, a bathroom plus potentially the kitchen and hallway, glamming up my fireplace, creating a guest room and finishing our unpacking! Oh, and decorating for the season!

Of course, I realize (mostly) this won't all happen before my first holiday guests arrive in the second week of December. But, of all of them, the guest bedroom really must!

I always forget to shoot "befores", so here's a just barely started shot of the room - the awful builder's beige, the oddly brownish ceiling paint, and the total lack of furniture.

So, this past weekend, I donned my painting garb and got started with my all time favourite shade - a dark purple, complemented by "drowsy lavender", a sort of silvery purple. Two days, and two coats of the dark hue later, we've got this:

 

The touch ups are now done, and tonight I'll be pulling up the drop cloths and re-installing the faceplates on the outlets and light switches.

Then, of course, I've got to fill it with stuff! I have a table that I'll be using as a desk, though no chair yet, and have a sofa bed coming on Saturday, so at least my guests will have somewhere to sleep.

Add in a few shelves, a bedside table and lamp, and it will be a passable, albeit sparse, guest room with a week to spare before my guests arrive!

I'll keep you posted as the transformation continues! And, I'd love to know, what are your guest room musts?

Check out more guest room tips.

Renovations and holiday lights

Wrapping up (for now) my renovation kick, last week's poll asked Yourhomers if they were planning on taking advantage of the home renovation tax credit (get all the basics here and check out a recent story on the looming deadline), inspired by last week's story on ways to spend it.

The majority of our poll takers, at 67 per cent, said they plan on completing some projects and filing for the credit - so we'll keep the info and inspiration coming! The remaining 33 per cent said they won't be taking advantage of the HRTC. 

This week, with holiday coverage kicking off in my blog, I couldn't resist a festive poll. Plus, as I've been heading home on increasingly dark evenings, I've been noticing an awful lot of sparkling holiday lights. I haven't even purchased a string of lights yet, much less have them up and be ready to turn them on! It also feels a tad early to be lighting up. So, I want to know when do you turn on your lights? Let me know in the front page poll! (Scroll down, on the left hand side.)

And if, like me, you haven't got your lighting sitch sussed out yet, be sure to check out Toronto's festive light exchange for a string of free LEDs.

For more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin's beach-inspired living room

- Colour trends for 2010

- DecoRita goes grunge with dumpster diving decor finds

- Property shopping with Scott McGillivray

- The skinny on the new DIY Network

Wreaths and bows and urns, oh my

Yesterday evening, my colleague Brandie and I decided to brave the drizzle and head on over to the Distillery District for a little festive inspiration.

 
The Vintage Gardener was hosting a two-day "Evergreen Festival," with flower carts decked out with make-it-yourself and pre-made holiday centrepieces, urns and wreaths -- including a ribbon and bow bar! (shown below) -- as well as decorating presentations from great gardeners.

It smelled absolutely divine - and definitely helped get the creative juices flowing! Brandie picked up this gorgeous blueberried juniper wreath, adding a blue ribbon from the bow bar. 

And here we "learned" how to tie the perfect bow - or at least we watched it happen. I can't promise that either of us could pull this off on our own! The method involves four yards of ribbon and tying a big bow, then a smaller bow on top of that bow, then an even smaller one on top of that!

And, if you're going budget-friendly this year (as many of us are), and want to make your own arrangements for the holidays and beyond, the Vintage Gardener's Elaine Martin offered up a few tips to help get started.

Martin says you should think about an arrangement like an outfit, starting with the skirt or pants -- which would be your planter or urn.

Once you've got that foundation picked, she says to pull the colours up into the arrangement, then add accents and embellishments, the same way you'll add a great top and jewelry to an outfit, for example through greenery that's complementary to your base, then adding on gorgeous berries or a pretty flower. Don't you just love the pomegranates below?

 

The next arrangement is also gorgeous, with a great surprise - Amaryllis ready to bloom once you get it home!

Martin also encourages carrying a thread throughout your holiday arrangements, for example using similar colours or repeating a type of foliage or material to keep them all tied together.

I'd love to add these pink pepper berries to a centrepiece, or even just use them solo in a bowl or vase. So pretty!

All this eye candy definitely has me wishing Mr. Speedy wasn't allergic to everything green and growing. I might still try to sneak in a pot of paperwhites or a miniature evergreen for a wee festive touch.

And, if you're looking for some help getting your own green holiday goodies ready, the Vintage Gardener will be hosting a series of Festive Workshops in the holiday lead-up, including an Evergreen Wreath workshop and "Mantel Mania" - get the full list on their website.

Holiday mantel inspiration

This is my first year with a mantel to decorate, and I'm feeling some pressure to get it just right. Too many objets will overpower the simple, sleek look that I'm going for throughout my house, while too few would make it seem like decorating it was an afterthought.

And then there's always the toss up of going the tired-but-traditional route, with deep reds and greenery, or trying to go trendy while still making it look festive. Luckily, some inspiration landed in my inbox!

The ever fabulous Arren Williams (check out his blog here) teamed up with HomeSense to create three trendy and stylish looks for the holidays -- with not a sprig of holly or evergreen bough in sight!

The first look, which I may just channel for my own decorations, is "Art Deco Glam". Hello purple, silver and glossy black accents! Williams says the symmetry - in the form of the purple hurricanes with glittery branches - is the "easily achievable design trick here that instantly adds formality to your mantel", while the mix of glass balls, butterflies and the silver fawn "keep the look fanciful." 

I also adore this "Rustic Chic" look - the twig wreath and driftwood create a soothing and relaxed vibe, while the copper and gold colour combo is super trendy, and adds a bit of holiday sparkle! And those wee owl ornaments are just adorable. This is also a serious contender for my decorating daydreams.

The final look is the sparkly "Modern Romantic," with oversize mercury glass ornaments, bright blue ribbon and a bit of bunting made from Christmas cards cut into triangles - whimsical and easy to do!

(All photos courtesy HomeSense)

Stick on some holiday flare

I can't hold it in any longer - I've got to start talking about the holidays!

This weekend, I finally allowed myself to buy and start addressing my cards (call it a Santa Claus Parade day tradition). I also couldn't help but pick up a sweet silver reindeer, who now is living quite happily on top of our dining room console.

And, with a penchant for easy ways to add a festive touch, I've also got my eye on this "Holly Berry" wreath decal from Stampin' Up, $45.95.

No finicky hangers (or middle of the night crashes) to mess with for this wreath - just peel, stick and smooth.

You could even put it on a mirror or window for a cute, and unexpected, burst of holiday cheer!

It's available in three colour combos: olive green and red; chocolate brown and red; or light brown (called "Kraft") and red.

For more info - and to scope out other designs, including the great "Christmas Countdown" calendar, some snazzy "Park Avenue Ornaments" and sweet stick ons for your cookie jars - check out their website.

A seasonal centrepiece

As I shared last week, my super simple mini pumpkin centrepiece, right, was starting to feel a bit outdated as November trudged along.

So I asked for suggestions and brainstormed about what I could do for my table that was seasonally appropriate but not quite Christmas-ready. And super easy and cheap.

I was going to do a simple cranberry one, as in pour out a bag of the pretty berries and nestle in a candle. But as I wandered through the grocery store (without ever coming across those lovely red berries), a pack of mixed nuts in the shell caught my eye.

I loved the variations in texture and colour, while still being neutral, as well as the $2.99 price tag, so I figured I'd give it a go.

After all, if it didn't end up working, Mr. Speedy and I could still snack on them!

Here's the finished product:

 
What do you think? Mr. Speedy's not crazy about it, so it probably won't last all that long (plus, as is always the case with edible arrangements, it'll soon look a little sparse!)

Read more about centrepieces for cooler weather and getting your home ready for winter.

Poll results: Renovations

With the holidays approaching, I've been daydreaming about the renovations I would do if time and budget weren't an issue. A sleek, glossy white new kitchen and a second bathroom top my list. And, of course, in this fabulous daydream world, I would go on vacation and come home to a totally transformed space!

I know that, if given the choice, I would not be as brave as the family in HGTV's Family Renovation, who stayed put while transforming their bungalow into a comfortable home for seven plus a pooch.

And, in last weeks poll, Yourhomers largely agreed with me, with 71 per cent saying they wouldn't choose to live in their home during a massive renovation. The remaining 29 per cent say they'd stick it out. 

Of course, these days, when you think about renovating, you can't help but turn your thoughts to the home renovation tax credit (learn the basics here, and check out a recent story on the looming deadline!)

So, this week, as we near the February spending cut-off, the poll asks whether you'll be taking advantage of the program. Check out these suggestions on some ways to spend your tax credit limit. And please let me know in the front page poll! (Scroll down, on the left hand side.)

As always, here are a few more picks for your weekend reading:

- Colin and Justin create a tropical bedroom

- Find out how your family can share its holiday creativity on TV

- Learn why urban Kim Izzo chose to call the 905 home

- Read about a creative way to sell a house

- Check out some of the latest transactions in the GTA real estate market

Centrepieces for cooler weather

Earlier this week I shared my winter maintenance plans for my home, but today I'm turning my attention to the more fun part of the changing seasons: swapping out my decor!

Because I'm perpetually cold, I do keep a few blankets within easy reach all year long, but I'm thinking that's it's time to spread them out a little bit more liberally throughout the house. There's nothing more blissful than curling up with a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and a shelter magazine once the weather turns chilly!

And, while I'm seriously tempted to pull out all the Christmas ornaments, I'm going to try a slower transition into the holiday, persuaded in part by our poll results that show people switch to winter decor right up into December!

So, this weekend, I'm swapping out my fall centrepiece of mini fairytale pumpkins (they're white!) and candles with something a little bit more wintry, but I still haven't decided quite what that will be.

So, as I often do when I'm stumped, I turned to Twitter! Here are a few ideas as suggested by my Tweeps:

- My first inclination was nuts still in the shell; which are both pretty and a fun snack. If you go this route, make sure to stock up - there's nothing sadder than a handful of nuts rattling around forgotten in a dish.

- I also thought cranberries, which are still a little bit of a fall tradition, but a lovely shade of festive red. 

- Twitter friend @Sarah_kiriliuk seconded my cranberry inclination, suggesting I pair it with dark green, stiff foliage and crimson roses. So pretty!

- Meanwhile @Larked and @MargotAustin (Style at Home senior design editor) both suggested pine cones. Larked went the glittery route, suggesting sparkle encrusted versions in gold, green, silver and red while @MargotAustin said to go with whatever suited my style!

- Other suggestions (thanks @melaniedaigle and @GeorgeLatto!) included combining mixed nuts and cranberries (like trail mix!) or trying rice or coarse salt for other pretty, and wintry, fillers. 

Trolling the blogs, I've also seen some pretty vases filled with cinnamon sticks (bet it smells great too!), miniature ornaments - which I've got my eye on for a little closer to the big day - and seasonal favourite evergreen boughs.

I'll be shopping this weekend and will be sure to share when my table is picture-ready! What are your choices for a seasonal centrepiece?

(Shutterstock image)

Paint it black ...

I've been looking at a lot of paint colours lately as Mr. Speedy and I try to pin down our plans for our hallway, bathroom, kitchen, office and basement (Yeah, it's a lot of painting. It may be all done sometime in 2012). And, as I pore through magazines, blogs and in-store swatches, I keep getting pulled in by black.

Painting your walls black is a serious commitment - can you imagine the trouble when it comes time to paint over it?

But as you can see in interior designer Windsor Smith's home (photo by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful) with a little planning it looks positively stunning! See more of her home and read the full article at House Beautiful.

I would have expected a combo of black walls, black trim, a black rug and black furniture to seem cave-like, or at least claustrophobic, but instead it's just classy!

Still, while she's pulled the black on black look off perfectly, I don't think I'd be nearly this brave.

Just thinking about trying to keep everything looking pristine amid a storm of Allistair the bunny's white hair is certainly enough to deter me.

But it has inspired me to wonder about the potential for sleek black flooring or even (gasp) painting the trim something other than white! It certainly would make your windows a feature in an otherwise understated space!

Are you tempted to go over to the dark side with a pail of black paint?

Serve up some stylish cake

Entertaining season is upon us, and I'm starting to scope out the perfect serving ware to share sweet homemade treats -- whether I actually succeed in baking them, or end up picking them up at the local grocery store.

And, I can't help but appreciate this stunning cake server from Magisso.

The Finnish-designed server is made from a single piece of mirrored stainless steel and is pretty enough to display with all your holiday goodies. 

You press down on the cake with the server to cut "a perfect piece", then by squeezing the handle you can lift the slice and serve it to your guest.

It is definitely a splurge - retailing for almost $70.

And, some of my Twitter folks have expressed concern about how difficult it would be to clean. It certainly would require a thorough, and near-immediate, wipe to handle all that frosting!

For more information and retailers, visit Urban Butik's website. And check out some more goodies to entertain your holiday guests here!