An Office Space that Really Works!

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1. Ikea: Asele Lamp, $59.99

2. Ikea: Besta Burs Bench, $299.00

3. FabricCom: Waverly Indoor Outdoor Emma Lacquer, $12.98/yard

4. Ikea: Vika Hyttan Fintorp Table, $159.00

5. Ikea: Jules Red Chair, $49.99

6. Ikea: Fillsta Lamp, $49.99

7. AllPostersCom: Mountain Meadow Farm By Christine Triebert, $159.99

All Posters Parish Road Hill By Christine Triebert, $159.99

8. Ikea: Salong Red Vase $9.99

With the ability of having wireless Internet, the romance of having an at-home-office is becoming a thing of the past. But I find it much easier to keep track of everything: from work, to bills, to important documents, when there is a dedicated space to work. Why not make it a space with dual functions: a home office and family space. What could be sweeter than watching your kids work on a craft project while you finish editing that report for work? We all get distracted and day dream while working – why not make the best of it!

Storage is also important for an at home office. As apposed to a desk with drawers, I opted for something more whimsical and chose to have my storage separated into this lovely red sideboard.

If you’ll notice, all of the items listed above are fairly budget conscious. I believe that a home office should look great – but should not cost you the bank. Ikea (www.ikea.ca) can be a great place to find inexpensive items with big impact. Also, pick a simple colour scheme. The simpler the colours, the easier it will be to find coordinating bargins.

And I am sure that you all know my typical colour scheme – light blue, lots of white and my signature grey. But red is hot, hot, HOT! And I could not resist adding a splash of bold colour to this room. After all, it is an office and you need something that will energize you, not put you to sleep.

Mellow Yellow

All prints above are from the new 'Slub' collection from Premier Prints, available at Fabric.Com for $7.98/yard

‘Premier Prints’ just came out with their new line of fabrics. Yellow and grey are still hot! Good, because I have not had nearly enough of that combination yet.

Watch for the colour 'mustard' this fall - it will be hot in clothing and interior design!

The Bathroom

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1. Hourigans: CasaRoma 12 x 24 Carrara Marble, $16.34/sqft (bathroom floor)
2. Home Depot: Carrara Marble Counter with Sink, $529.99
3. Hourigans: TierraSol 1" Hexagon Carrara Marble, $28.00/sqft (shower surround)
4. Home Depot: Bazz Pendant Light, $59.99 each (two, either side of vanity mirror)
5. Hourigans: CasaRoma 3 x 6 Carrara Marble, $14.46/sqft
6. Hourigans: CasaRoma 1" x 1" Carrara Marble, $18.96/sqft (with item 5 for backsplash)
7. Liberty Living: Fluted Vase, $59.95
8. General Paint: Kingfisher CL2323W, varies
9. Liberty Living: Silver Containers, $179.00 each

To follow up my last post ‘Adults Bedroom’, I thought I would write about bathrooms. I have posted about bathrooms before (http://morgandesigninc.blogspot.com/2010/04/less-talk-more-action.html) but I have never shown you my ideal bathroom (which I am currently in the process of renovating).

Of course, the journey starts with marble (big surprise). For this project I am choosing Blanco Carrara marble, a light white/grey marble that is very popular, there for easy to come by. I will also install a heated floor underneath the marble, because I am a firm believer that this is completely necessary under cold tiles. A heated floor mat and controller for a small bathroom will usually run you about $400 – worth every penny once summer is gone. I installed a heated floor under my kitchen tiles, and cannot imagine living without.

White is the new beige – and that goes for more than just fixtures. Trim and cabinets can be white as well. It looks fresh, airy and clean (all my favorite words when it comes to design). Personally, I am not a fan of plastic tub surrounds – you can get a very custom look by using tiles instead (for nearly the same price). To complement all of that white and grey, I will be applying a nice light grey/blue paint to the walls.

The last thing to keep in mind with bathrooms is: know when to spend your money, and where to save it. I am caving and installing a big box store marble counter top – very unlike me. But I will easily be able to make it look custom by installing an interesting custom tile backsplash. And with a savings of $400 – how could I resist?

Adults Bedroom

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1. Liberty Living: Felicity Bed Queen, $2619.00
2. Designer Fabrics: MarantaSimum, $30.00/yard

3. Home Depot: Brushed Nickel 3-light Foyer Pendant, $137.12

4. General Paint: Blue Bound CL2272W, varies

5. Sarah Richardson Designs: Elsie Chair, $2119.00

6. Liberty Living: Bourne Mirrored Table, $899.00

7. Liberty Living: Congo Dresser, $2569.00

8. DCW Store: CR62 Silver Phone, $59.99

9. Liberty Living: White Finial Lamp, $279.95

Since I did a series on kids' bedrooms, I thought I would help all the adults out there achieve a beautiful retreat for themselves.

To get the bedroom you want, keep in mind that you will see this room everynight and everymorning - it should be something you love! Use colours that you love or find calming, and pay attention to every detail. A bedroom must do two things: release the stresses at the end of a day, and energize you in the morning. That is why for bedrooms I prefer colours that are bright and airy in the morning sun, and sultery when the sun goes down - a lot to ask from one paint colour!

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I'm a firm believer that a master bedroom is a place to spend some extra coin - it is all about you, so make sure you love every item in it. Choose a timeless bedframe, as this is a good place to invest in a quality peice, but have fun with the bedding as it is easy to change. If you have room, purchase one or two occasional chairs for reading and reflecting - this will give the bedroom a very luxurious feel and will give you another place to lounge.

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Choose colours and textures that you love, invest in quality peices, and enjoy the space that is all your own. And maybe let your spouse in once-in-a-while to.

All Things Marble

Those of you that know me well (or have said hello to me in passing on the street) know that I am desperately obsessed with marble. All things marble can cause my eyes to glaze over in a strange, euphoric manner. My husband is well aware of this phenomenon, and has been given approval on numerous requests by simply letting me pass by the marble tile section at Home Depot.

There is no specific things that creates this obsession in me for the beautiful natural stone – but instead many small things that I appreciate in it. The smooth polished texture, the cool feel, the light colours available, and the fact that I think it is the most extravagant item I will ever own. And boy, will I own a lot of it.

Good Deals - They Are Out There!

HomeDepot.Ca: Chandelier CC1168BN, $146.00

It's true that you can still get amazing products from big box stores. This candelier, available only online at www.homedepot.ca , is a steal at $146.00. Because of it's sleek lines, and feminine curves, this fixture will make people marvel like it is from a custom light shop, but will keep you out of the poor house.

I am a firm believer that when decorating that you should spend money on some items, and save on others. This way you get a custom look, but don't break the bank. This candelier gives you the best of both worlds.

My New Favorite Website!

I am all about my new favorite website: http://www.cercantile.com/

They have the most amazing tiles (especially marble!) that I have ever seen. Better yet, you order from Cercan Tile through Hourigan's (http://www.hourigans.com/)!

The above photo is a basket weave marble (in my favorite: Ming Green). I must have it.