Pamper Your Pooch!

The dog days really are over!  You love your space to be a welcoming place to come home to, so why not show more love and appreciation by dedicating a space for your furry four legged pal/s to cozy up to on these colder nights ahead?  When I came across the article in the premiere issue of HGTV magazine, on designer Vern Yip's (one of my favourite designers since "Trading Spaces"), "room" for his four, yes FOUR canine family members, I had to share.  He has some great tips and advice on how you can keep the peace (and furniture clean!) in a house filled with pooches.  You can pick up the premiere issue on newsstands now.  Trust me...it's drool-worthy!

• Make sure each dog has his own bed and even better, get ones that are machine washable.
• The right flooring is essential.  Nonporous, close-fitting tiles for easy mop ups.  
• Hang metal hooks for keeping leashes and collars from lying around. You can even hang them above each dog bed and make it personalized!
• Frame photographs (the playful posing kind...), right above their bed.  You can even get fun toys like aquarium clocks that have real fish in them.  (Might want to place those higher up!).  
• Keep their chew toys, bones etc., in clear jars that are the same, and line them up on a nearby shelf for easy to reach snacks and fun!
• Paint the room in a darker neutral in an easy to wipe finish like eggshell or semi-gloss.  

Some Supplies Vern Swears By To Keep The Canines & Owners Content!

Mighty Toy Farm Grady Goat, vipproducts.com (Extra stitching and it squeaks too!)

Alpine lead from timberwolfpetproducts.com (Strong as a climbing rope!)

deshedding tool from furminator.com (Top-of-the-line comb)

Pea-Mutt Butter doughnuts from tajmahound.com (Looks good enough for people to eat!)

Phuket raised feeder with removable dish from unleashedlife.com 

Waves collar from souldier.us (Made from recycled seat belts...awesome!)

Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent.  Grocery stores nationwide. 

(Wash the little ones clothes with it too!)

Green Tea leaf grooming wipes from earthbath.com (Paws get wiped between baths)

Photo courtesy of jessiefreidin.com.

Tips From A Makeover Master, Tommy Smythe

Photo Courtesy of H&H Magazine (www.houseandhome.com/makeovers11)

Want a stunning reno or makeover?  Do you know where to start?  Luckily in the latest Canadian House & Home Special Makeover Issue, Tommy Smythe guides homeowners on how to get the most bang for your buck...if that's what you want of course.  See what he shares on good design principals and the triangle of expectation.


One of the top tips to keep in mind when doing a reno or makeover is if there is more work than retiling a backsplash, get out of that house!(His exact words!).  You are probably setting yourself up for more than you bargained for or for disappointment in the long haul.  


Always look at how a room will be used, how many people will be using it and at what time of day or night will it be used.  The first thing clients should be aware of is "The Triangle Of Expectation".  Good, being at the top point, fast and cheap being on either side.  These three cannot exist all in one reno or makeover, so pick two and decide on how it's going to be.  It's entirely up to you and if the bones of a house are right, the rest falls into place and will come together as it should with the decorating.  

Tommy's Budget tips and tricks

• Houseplants
• Paint
• Tile
• Spray Paint Is Your Best Friend
• Edit, Edit, Edit!

Last But Not Least!

Day 5 has finally come, and to wrap up this first week of summer, I had to choose a colour that had lots of APPEAL...(no pun intended!).  Orange has come a long way in the design world, and the shades are endless, so don't be shy when it comes to this one, because it's not going anywhere for a long time!  This definitely has been one of the most colourful 5 days of summer I can remember and I hope this will be one for you as well.  A little colour DOES goes a long way, so add a splash into your life and I promise...you're sure to get addicted!  

FUN FRIDAY

HOT HOT HOT!

The first day of summer solstice couldn't have proven itself any better...what a wonderfully hot sticky day! I don't know about you, but I certainly welcomed it with open sweaty arms!  Full of life, fun and whether it's light, dark or HOT, pink can be used anyway you slice it...watermelon anyone?

WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY

It's Official!

WELCOME TO SUMMER!  Yes, it's finally here, the day we've all been anxiously awaiting for~you know you have!~and even though it may not feel like it just yet, depending on where you are, you couldn't wait to embrace it!  It's just that "official" feeling you could say...so let's start day number two with a bright sunny yellow outlook and how you can incorporate this vibrant shade into your life...happy summer solstice!

TANTALIZING TUESDAY