• Bookshelf styling with books, photos, book ends, clock & boxes
    Decor & DIY,  Organizing

    Bookshelf Styling Tips 101

    My built-in bookshelves in my living-room had gradually turned into a cluttered, over-stuffed mess. Bookshelf styling, to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, is something I have always struggled with. If you too have struggled with organizing Your bookshelves, read on to see how I did mine and find tips to transform your shelves. Bookshelves – Before Bookshelf Styling Tip…

  • Guest room makeover
    Decor & DIY,  Home Improvement

    Guest Room Makeover on a Budget

    Does your guest room need a makeover and do you have a very small budget to do it? After living in my home for six years I finally got around  to re-decorating. There are a few of my son’s personal things kept here as he sometimes comes on weekends. Read on for some tips to redo your guest room on…

  • Master Bedroom Summer
    Decor & DIY

    Top Ten Master Bedroom Decorating Tips

    Are you thinking of redecorating your master bedroom? How do you want it to feel? Do you like light and bright or more cozy and dark? Most bedrooms require a calming, peaceful, vibe to aid in a good night’s sleep. If you work shift work, having a darker room with good black out blinds or drapes might be needed. In…

  • Master Bedroom Mini-reno grey velvet comforter
    Decor & DIY,  Home Improvement

    Master Bedroom Mini-Reno Tips

    My master bedroom finally got a mini- reno this past winter. The drywall valance was finally removed and the “popcorn” ceiling is now history. I also painted over the original tan colour on the walls in a dark grey and white. Read more for a few tips if you are considering doing a mini-reno yourself. Drywall valance before Let the…

  • Living room refresh, redecorate
    Decor & DIY,  Organizing

    Living room Refresh & Tips to Refresh Any Space

    My living-room was in a state of upheaval (aka. a mess) while I was busy working on my other property that I recently sold. Some parts were okay but others were desperately needing attention. I was behind on my “spring” cleaning and I was ready for a refresh. The walls didn’t need to be painted, fortunately, as they had been…

  • Century Home Transformtion
    Decor & DIY,  Home Improvement

    Transformation of a Century Home 2020

    The transformation is complete! Last year when my long-time tenants moved out of my former home, I began the transformation 0f the century. What started out as a simple project ($25,000 to $30,000 and six to eight weeks) grew to be substantially more. I had lived in this house for over twenty years. Over that time, I had fixed, renovated…

  • guest suite #2 reflections grey bedding
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Welcome to Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #2

    I finally got Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #2 ready in August. I had already painted the main areas last year in neutral greys. The main kitchen, living, and dining room had red and green accent colours. Guest Suite #2 Entrance and Mudroom… Guest Suite #2 Furniture Transformation… I commandeered a couple of pieces I had in my shed, left…

  • Airbnb guest suite #1 reflections grey bed & antique night tables
    Airbnb,  Decor & DIY

    Church Hill Haven Guest Suite #1 (Before and After)

    Recently, I decided to turn my basement apartments into guest suites. (I’ve always loved an excuse to decorate.) During my travels I stayed at some accommodations on Airbnb and I was impressed at how easy it was to use the site. They handle all the payments in a safe, secure manner, submit the taxes where applicable, and then pay the…

  • kitchen reno after reflections
    Decor & DIY,  Real Estate

    Before and After Whole House Makeover

    It’s finally done! As some of you know, I have been renovating one of my rental properties for several months to get it ready for sale – giving it a complete makeover. Ninety percent of it took four months with the help of a few different contractors. Unfortunately, due to the untimely death of my mother and some other unfortunate…

  • Monkey puppet in shadow box
    Decor & DIY

    How to Make a Shadow Box Display

    Honor your sentimental mementos in a shadow box… If anyone has little mementos or sentimental items in storage, it’s time to bring them out.  It is time to honor those precious items and display them where you can see them and enjoy them every day. A shadow box is a display box with a glass-fronted picture frame that is deep…

  • Roman Shade & Ikea farmhouse sink
    Decor & DIY

    How to Make a Roman Shade

    I recently made a Roman shade for my kitchen window and thought I would share how I did it. It was not the first one I made, but it was a vinyl clad window which required it to be mounted differently. The way the window was trimmed also made it a challenge. I didn’t find out until after I put it…

  • Goals decorating senior's kitchen & dining room
    Decor & DIY

    Decorating for Seniors and Moving Mom

    Decorating for seniors can be challenging to balance safety and personal style preferences. It can also be an emotional time for seniors with changes in their health and mobility, their routines and leaving friends behind. Moving Mom… This past month has been insanely busy for me. I have prepared my basement apartment for my elderly mother to come to live…