Friday, March 11, 2011

Bedside tables!

Watch this episode online now As Seen on Steven and Chris!
Jo Alcorn shows us that changing the look of your bedroom can be as simple as changing your bedside tables!
We just love to see a gorgeous headboard and luxurious bedding! The neutral colour and classic feel of this set up suits so many different styles. For instance, if your taste is TRADITIONAL...These white side tables are ideal. They have tons of storage and the pull out shelf for extra counter space always comes in handy!There are few things more luxurious than being served breakfast in bed! A side table with a removable tray is the ultimate in double-duty furnishing. A steel and glass table such as this one is perfect for a modern space. Adjust the height and you can swing it over to use as a tray in bed!
Where To Get It
Field piece shot on location at The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto,
Canada Headboard, all bedding: West Elm
White bedside tables: Pier One
Adjustable tables: Casa Life
Tray tables: Structube
Table lamps: all HomeSense
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Living Room Secret Storage

As seen Steven and Chris!

Regardless of the size of your home, many of us find storage to be an issue. Designer Jo Alcorn showed us some amazing "secret" storage pieces that would look great in any home!This bright, stylish living room not only looks great, it's got a wonderful little secret...heaps and heaps of storage! Our entire team fell in love with this sofa from Ikea. It's a pull-out bed and contains a TON of storage.These adorable pillows contain cozy little blankets. Perfect for cuddling up on the sofa.We love this coffee table from Structube... hidden media storage at your fingertips!This brilliant little side table can house anything, from brightly coloured blocks for kids to TV remotes - fill it up with ice for a party and use the top as a nifty little tray!These adorable Candy Pouffs from Calligaris are both stylish and functional and come in a variety of fun colour combinations!We just LOVE these Transit Mailboxes by designer Steven Hugo-Seinader for Centrifuge! In a grouping of three they provide both artistic appeal and 'hidden' storage in any stylish space.A sofa table or desk console is ideal such as this one provides drawer storage and room for baskets and boxes underneath.

Where To Get It
Sectional - Manstad, IKEA
Coffee Table - Modus, Structube
Side Table - Hatten, IKEA
Stools - Candy Storage Pouff, Calligaris
Table Lamp - Tube Top Table Lamp, Design Within Reach
Mailboxes - Transit Mailboxes, Centrifuge Design, Stephen Hugo Seinader
Pillows - Undercover Bear, Agent Oscar, NapSac Travel Blanket+Pillow Set, Lug
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Photo Shoot with Femke Photography!

Had too much with Femke Photography at her studio last week. Thanks so much! I was in despirate need of some new head/professional photo so I called Femke up and take a look at her work and her studio! She even did it with a full leg cast on, augh poor thing, what a trooper!


Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Margot Austin - Straight Shooter!

I had the pleasure of hosting Style at Home Senior Editor, Margot Austin in my class at Humber College North last week. I was so excited to listen to her talk about getting your work published, but, I wasn't expecting this little bitty thing to be such a straight shooter, no sugar coating anything kind of gal! I tell you it was truly refreshing and funny to hear this industry icon speak her mind and to be such a down to earth lady. Right down to using the quote "where the f*#@ is the magic!" Speaking about designs that are lacking that wow factor. It was very interesting to hear what they look for and what they do to the rooms/spaces that are published within the magazine. Let alone here what Margot had to say. I know the students enjoy it as much as I did, it truly was an interesting topic! Thank you so much for your time Margot and we do hope you are able to come back in the future!
Look Staci Edwards even stopped by to listen to Margot!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Windowless Den Makeover!

Now a day's with the layout of condos we are stuck with a boring windowless room with no creative features. WELL take a look at what I did when I was presented with the challenge! Turn a small box sized room into a stunning and fun guest room, plus extra storage and reading/office space and I did it all for under $1300!!


Pillows, throw, rug, floor lamps are from Bou Clair. Shelves from Ikea. Sofa found on Kijiji.

Wall Tats from Bou Clair and Decorative sticky mirrors from Winners.
Ikea frames, with greeting cards the client collected.
Augh the before.

And the After! Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Double duty storage pieces perfect for a small space den!

As seen on the Steven and Chris Show Watch this episode online now

Designer Jo Alcorn takes us on a tour of the stunning den makeover she recently did for a condo-dwelling client, then shows us double duty storage pieces perfect for a small space den!
More and more, we're seeing condos and lofts designed such that the "second bedroom" is a small space without windows. The challenge in decorating tight quarters with no natural light is two-fold: make the space feel bright and fresh and choose your furniture wisely!
A murphy bed is an amazing space-saving solution for any issue where floor space is a commodity! Here's one we love from CLEI UK:Mirrors are the best things ever for a small space! They create the illusion that the room is bigger and help bounce off the light as well. You can't go wrong with adding mirrors. Fake it! By using mirrors in the right place, you can create the illusion there is a window or an adjoining room. We love the way Elle Décor has used mirrors here!

Basements are another space often lacking natural light. Look at this gorgeous room designed by Candice Olson via HGTV. Hanging curtains gives the illusion that you are framing a window...when, in fact, there isn't one! Fake it and you will be amazed at the results!
When it comes to furnishings, Jo says the following pieces are ideal choices for any den - especially where space is an issue!

CUBERT CHAIR
We love this upholstered armchair with under-seat storage and side arm storage boxes - the best part is it's an environmentally friendly piece and you can't beat that!

AIRIA MEDIA CABINET
This streamlined storage solution keeps your work area open and clutter-free. It also works as a petite console storage unit for those tight places. You can hide objects behind the door and display your nicer pieces on the shelves and on top. We'd love to see it used as a little bar storage area or as a small entryway table.

OFFICE CONSOLE
Perfect for a small office, this multifunctional cabinet has a file drawer with a sliding printer shelf and two storage drawers, keeping everything conveniently within reach and neatly stored.
CLIO CORNER DESKThis desk makes great use of corner space, which is key in tight rooms! Its surface makes a great desk with lots of extra counter space. We love the idea of rolling a small filing cabinet or baskets underneath for additional storage.

Where you get it:
Den Makeover:
Wardrobe, shelves, picture & frames from IkeaRug, pillows, lamps, mirror & wall decals from Bou Clair

Studio Furniture Pieces:
Cubert Chair from 608 Design
Airia Media Cabinet from Design Within Reach
Office Console from Casa Life
Clio Corner Desk from Structube

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Small Space Tables

(As seen on the Steven & Chris show)
Designer Jo Alcorn shows us her current 5 favourite small space kitchen tables!
The SKY TABLE from InStyle Home & Rugs has a gorgeous sand- blasted tempered glass top and a chrome finish. This stunning table doubles in length making it perfect for both everyday use and entertaining!


The Ikea NORDEN table is made of solid wood. It's perfect for a small space as the drop-leaf construction provides seating 2-4 people and can be adjusted according to need. Drawers are great for storing: cutlery, napkins, candles, etc.

The OTTO Bar Table from Structube has many uses! This chrome and tempered glass table has an adjustable base allowing it to be lowered to 66cm/ 27 inches and as high as 104cm/ 41 inches. Would be great as a side table, a low bistro table or raised full height as a bar table.



The OLIVIA table by Calligaris is a drop leaf that seats up to 6 and folds down to 41cm/ 16inches. With a metal frame & wooden top, castors on 2 wheels and an adorable handle this table is light and easy to manoever in any small space.



The Desk/ Dining Set from BLVD Interiors converts from a compact desk (W31.5" x D23.5" x H30") into a dining table (W47" x D31.5" x H29"). Comes with 4 Modena dining chairs. Ideal for any small space especially a bachelor or studio where its dual purpose function would be put to great use!Where To Get It:
NORDEN Table - IKEA $219
Olivia Flash Table & Ice Chairs ($237 each) - Calligaris $783
Desk/Dining Table Set - BLVD Interiors $597
OTTO Adjustable Bar Table - Structube $279
Sky Table - InStyle Home and Rugs $1349

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!