What a Month!

It has been a crazy month since we moved into our new house. I happen to have some down time today, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to post an update...it's now or never, that's how busy our life has been. We've certainly been keeping our friends and family anxious to see what our new house looks like. I wish I had some photos to share but my "good" camera is being repaired for a power valve failure so I haven't been able to take any good pictures. Plus half of the house is still empty as I am taking my time to buy furniture that will eventually fit into our overall design themes.

Speaking of furniture, we've just finalized our order this past weekend for a dining set, which includes a Restoration Hardware Double Pedestal Dining Table that can sit up to 10 people (my Dad is going to love this as he has always been a "big dinner" guy), 8 chairs including 2 armchairs for hosts, and a sideboard. All is made solid mahogany stained in dark brown. Since they are being custom made for us to our dimensions, we won't get them until mid November however hopefully in time for our Christmas dinner. We also look to host housewarming parties for friends then if we don't go on vacation outside of the country.

Dining TableOval Back Dining Chairs with X Details

Sideboard

Moorish Tile Pattern, Sea Green and Hibiscus Pink

This past few weeks for me has been the research for window coverings, fabric, rugs and color schemes of each room in the house. I've come to realize that I don't really need to stick to any particular look/style but to mix things in new ways. The "style" I am intrigued to can be expressed more from how things are assembled, and then presented with a sense of harmony and balance. It's truly great to be able to design based on C&J's Home Heist's scale, but for someone like me who has been accumulating stuff over years might find a way out to design like Suzanne Dimma.

This is the color scheme I am using for the family room. Wallpaper ($295 per 10m roll) is from Farrow & Ball.

Moorish tile pattern cushion ($40 each) and area rug ($399) from Pottery Barn. These ones have been discontinued and it took me quite a while to track down some sellers in the States.

Greenpark's Princess Margaret Hospital Lottery Grand Prizes Are Back!

I guess slow market barely made a dent in a deep pocket like Greenpark. They continue to support Princess Margaret Hospital's Home Lottery with grand prizes ranging from 630K to 2.6M.


I am not a big fan of this year's design styles, probably because I am too Heisted by Colin & Justin! There are only a few spots here and there worth commenting.

I like the faux-windows/light boxes next to the fireplace. Colin and Justin made similar arrangements for a basement with very limited natural lighting.

This is another trick I learnt from last night's C&J episode. By pushing the moulding around the wall taller than half wall (e.g. 5 ft), it makes the ceiling looks so much higher.

Instead of shower curtain, glass sliding door makes a small bathroom so much more spacious. I might just do the same for one of the smaller ensuites in the new house. My only concern is that by doing so, it makes the shower very utilitarian, but it does lose that spa-comfort-soothing touch.

Retro Modern Interior Design Essentials

1. Arco Floor Lamp

Original Flos Arco Lamp available at Gabriel Ross for $3,977.

Cheaper Alternatives

A close replica called ZETA lamp for sale at Structube for $349. Similar design called CAST floor lamp through EQ3 for only $200, although the lamp base is not as solid and elegant as Arco or ZETA.

2. Barcelona Chair - Original: $6,470 at GabrielRoss with Stainless Steel Frame.

Cheaper Alternatives

Costco's Lux Accent Chair offers excellent quality with genuine leather and steel frame for 1/10 of the price at $700.

3. Knoll Saarinen Large Round Dining Table - Original Design with Marble Table Top at $2,000.
Cheaper Alternatives

Ikea's DOCKSTA Dining table with laminate table top has similar look and is for sale at a fraction of the original price.

4. Vitra Verner Panton Chair

5. Bertoia Diamond Chair

7. Damask Pattern Wall Paper or Fabric

8. Aluminum Bowls - Nambe Dharma Bowls Set of Two for $200

Cheaper Alternatives

Structube aluminum bowls from $39, made in India.

One down, dozens more to go

Call us tightly-wound you may, but we went ahead and ordered our appliance package yesterday from Sears. We had to provide appliance dimensions to our builder anyway for built-in cooking. We looked at a few options, but decided on the KitchenAid package with Whirlpool Duet laundry pair (see the picture). It didn't take us much effort to shop for the best deal in town, and Sears managed to knock it down by a few points. We walked away very happy customers, and with over $2000 below our initial budget for appliances. We were also able to take advantage of an EneryStar tax exemption program so for once we actually owe CRA less money!

If you are looking for pleasant shopping experience, superb customer service, and competitive prices, look no further than Sears in Richmond Hill on Red Maple. And remember to ask for Maurice! Please PM me if you need his contact information.