Is an island the solution to your kitchen issues???

Well I can't answer that for you , however it was the solution for my kitchen . I opted to build a large eat at island in place of the four seater table that we had lived with for 2 years since we have an ajoining dining room with a generous table I didn't feel I was loosing anything . It offers first of all visual appeal , as well as a large work surface , loads of storage and a comfortable spot to eat meals.

The work top is solid pine boards that I simply edged with pine chair rail to give it a great detail edge , we all distressed the top by beating it up with saws , chains , forks , which was a lot of fun for my oldest daughter to lend a hand to. I then stained it dark with a few coats of walnut stain , three coats of varathane , it has been a great addition . In hind sight I would have made it an inch small which would have allowed for a solid butcher block top from Ikea . My dream counter top would be soapstone though .

I used these glass doors from Ikea , they were clear so I frosted them to hide the contents inside .

It was a family affair .

Here are some during the build shots .

Creating a beach style ensuite

Starting with the right colour was key to the success of this crisp clean look . The colour fittingly is "beach house " by Debbie Travis , a great pairing with the fresh white I used to paint the standard golden oak cabinets .

New lighting replaced the movie star make-up strip style lighting. Two mirrors replace the large slab mirror.

Towel hooks in place of a towel bars.

A pretty place for special things.

White and blue scheme beckons to the sea side feeling .

Adding salvage legs from a table that was 100 years old gives the vanity some needed visual interest .

The apron front of the soaker tub was clad in bead board and edged with marble to bring a plain tub into a custom feature .

There is still work to be done , bead board trim will wrap the room and will be painted white , as well as a new pretty faucet will be an added touch as well as crown moulding. I will make sure to show you when those improvements are made , all things in good time , there is no need to rush .

Getting all dressed up for the holiday's

I have made a few changes to the dining room space yet again , I decided to stripe the walls just on the dining room walls , just to enhance the detail , it really warms up the space .

A few festive and glittery ornaments to say Christmas is near .

I also added what I refer to as a scrunchie to my chandelier chain , a little fabric never hurt when adding personality to a fixture .

I am very pleased with the stripes , where could you add stripes ?

Dining room make-over

• I wanted to break down all of the changes that took place to transform this dining room from bare and dated , to a classically beachy style.
  
  • The most obvious change is the colour of the table and chairs , I hesitated painting this set for a long time , it was given to me by my mother and it was a very good quality piece . This was a very country flavoured piece , I would never go out today and pick a piece with this finish , "honey pine" so paint it I did , I now cherish this piece as one of my best makeovers .
  • the chairs fabric is also changed , as well I added upholstery tacs to the seats,for more style.
  • Recessed panelling which is my favourite style of wall trimming.
  • Paint colour , reflecting pool by CIL
  • the swinging door was added a charming feature.
  • the wall accessories
  • the two decorative brackets around the window area
  • the striped rug Dash and Albert
  • the ribbon added to the leading edges of the draped
  • new curtain rod
  • new window casings
  • wall sconce lamps

  Lots of work but not lots of cost still equalling lots of style.

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Design plan

Click buy now to order yourself a one room design plan , I will work with you to come up with a detailed plan for you to work from so that on your own you can create a wonderfully warm and beautiful space that reflects your personal style .

Sometimes all you need is a fresh eye and a plan .

Small improvements

Although it has only 6 years since I had chosen this checkerboard pattern ,I have tired of this look . My choices were limited through our builder and tile has evolved greatly in this time . It being such a small area I decided after finding natural slate for a very fair price it was time to rip it out and install a more stylish and durable option , as it is dark = hides dirt , non smooth surface = non slip , great for families pets and winters.
This photo is however the unfinished product , but you can already see what a huge style difference it has made. I will keep you updated with the finish shots asap.

Last week my home was featured on the Steven and Chris show click the link below to go directly to the episode , if you fast forward to the last 15 minutes you will find me giving a tour of some of the work I have done on my house. Hope you enjoy and get a better sense of what I can do .
http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/fullvideo.html?id=911679604&playlist=791b66dd77bf681a88cc0090ae76651b58a444e0