I was thrilled to be invited to present at the Ottawa Home & Garden Show. Asked what topic I’m most passionate about and would like to build a presentation around, I knew right away.
I love helping people create a cohesive home design that not only looks stunning, it also tells their story while enhancing their sense of calm, ease and well-being.
Your home is a reflection of your personality, your style, and your life experiences. A space that feels uniquely you, where you can relax, recharge, and be yourself.
Your home tells your story whether you like it or not. So how do you get it right?
A unified and seamless design starts with answering the key questions in your story:
lives in the space? Tell me about the people (and pets, if you have any) who live in your home — their personalities, hobbies, passions and lifestyle.
WHO
are you drawn to in the worlds of home design, fashion, entertainment, art and music? This will help to figure out your style.
WHAT
are you going to do each room — one room at a time or all at once? Remember — home takes time.
WHEN
will you concentrate the most time and investment? It should be the spaces that matter most to you.
WHERE
do you gravitate towards certain styles, colours, types of furniture and decor? This will help you further refine how they will play in your space.
WHY
To start, think about your personal style. Are you drawn to modern, minimalist designs or do you prefer a more traditional aesthetic? Maybe you love bold colours or prefer a neutral palette. Whatever your preferences, choose a design style that speaks to you and stick with it throughout your home.
Before you hit a single store, take stock of what you already have and shop your own home first. Figure out what you want and don’t want. Moving an object to another room can instantly make it feel new.
I love incorporating artwork, family photos, and other sentimental objects into a space. Whether it’s something that’s been sitting in a box in your basement or a decor piece from one room that you move to another, you can work with what you already have and discover new ways to enjoy old things. They can be great conversation starters and really add a personal touch. For example, if you love to travel, you can create a gallery wall of photos from your favourite trips or create vignettes of treasures you have picked up on your travels.
Focus on items that have real meaning and significance to you. Items that have a backstory.
And if you really can’t find anything in your own home and budget is a consideration, you can also look for second-hand pieces of furniture or accessories at thrift stores or garage sales. These items can often be refurbished or repurposed to fit your design style.
From there, you can build a colour scheme that’s going to carry throughout your space.
Colours impact the mood and feel of your home, so choose a palette that will invoke the emotions you are going for. If you’re going for cozy and inviting, stick with warm earth tones. If you prefer a bright, energizing space, go for bold pops of colour.
Whatever your preference, be intentional with your colour choices and use them consistently throughout your home.
Furniture and layout are also key components of cohesive design. When selecting furniture, opt for pieces that work together and complement your design style. Consider the size, layout and scale of each room. And when arranging furniture, be intentional about creating a sense of balance and proportion.
Accessories and decor are the finishing touches that bring a space together. Choose accessories that complement your design style and colour scheme, and be mindful of the placement and arrangement of decor items. And don't forget to incorporate those personal touches.
Creating a cohesive home design that tells your story takes time and effort, but trust me, it’s worth it. A home that truly reflects who you are is a space where you can thrive and feel at peace. So get started on your design journey, and remember to stay true to yourself and your unique style.
We would love to help! Book your free discovery call today.
