A designer's diary

Be Inspired

Josie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:30:58 +0000

Yesterday night was opening night for the Interior Design Show. I was working as an exhibitor that night, and was thrilled to be there! IDS opening night is when the talented minds, media, and creative hands come together and get inspired. We drank, sampled food, and mingled from booth to booth getting ideas and setting the trends for the design world. If you are in the Toronto area come see the show and get inspired too! It is open to the public starting tomorrow, and you can get tickets at the door and online (it’s cheaper online). I have some pictures of our booth… Enjoy, and see you there!

Flower go to’s for Styling

Josie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:27:32 +0000

Adding greenery is a great way to bring some good energy in to your space and it’s a designer’s secret for adding a bit of fresh accessories to your space! I have the flower go to guide for styling! Try these when decorating your home…

Casablanca Lilies
Cut branches and twigs
Peonies
Garden roses
Queen Anne Lace
Forsythia
Tropical Leaf

A picture is worth a thousand words

Josie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:34:50 +0000

I have always admired a collage of photographs on the walls of interiors. I’ve always heard the saying “If your walls could talk”… and if that’s so, what story would you like it to tell? I would love to flood my walls with pictures of my family and loved ones, my heritage, and architectural elements. It’s nice to look back on where you came from and who you’ve become. Whether its pictures in black and white, sepia, or full of saturation… your photographs should mean something to you and inspire you on a daily basis. I have below some inspirational images of interiors with a collage of photographs. Be inspired!!

If my walls could talk I would fill them with some of these architectural photographs that my mother took of her latest trip to Malta. She was born and raised in Malta until she was 8 and a lot of memories have lived between the cobble stone paths and the honey coloured brick walls. I hope my photos will inspire you to get snapping photos that inspire you, frame them, and hang proudly on your walls!

“when I first moved to NY I bought VOGUE instead of dinner. I just felt it fed me more”-C.B

Josie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:57:53 +0000

We all have girlfriends that are made to fit the lifestyle of the four women on Sex and the City. My best girlfriend is definitely a Carrie. From her dominant and opinionated spirit to her loyal and flirtatious personality. I am told that I fit the role of Charlotte to the Tee. From how I dress to how I act is definitely Miss York’s. I admire the girls on Sex and the City and I love that me and my girlfriend can relate. I think we should all celebrate the Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha in all of us. Have fun and design a party with your best gals! I have put some tips together to help when designing your next night in. Cheers!

Charlotte and Carrie….

Me and my Carrie….

Decorate with these fun pillows! Great conversation starters and gossip pieces.

Bond with your girls over these table topics!

Personalize your martini glasses with these catchy names! You’ll never misplace your drink again!

Sex and the City cosmopolitan recipe:

1½ shots citrus vodka

½ shot Cointreau
¾ shot cranberry juice
½ shot lime juice
2 dashes orange bitters

Shake all ingredients well with ice and fine strain in to a cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange zest.

For the main course….

Enjoy your girls night! Party accessories can be purchased at Endless Ideas Interiors. www.endlessideas.ca

Designing Breakfast for Dinner

Josie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:29:55 +0000

At the end of a long work day all I can think of is my bed and curling up under the warm covers while turning on a good gossip show. I decided tonight I was going to embrace that idea and design dinner around breakfast food. Think delicious pancakes, succulent fruit soaked in maple syrup and honey, cheese and crackers, and fig dip… and to drink half baileys and steamed milk. Who says breakfast has to be before 12:00 am? Bone a petite!

My tips:

· Use cheese barrels for serving trays… great for display too

· Cover your fruit with half honey and half maple syrup

· Sprinkle your fruit and pancakes with cinnamon for extra flair

· Use vintage coffee mugs for your hot baileys drinks

· Play chill music to set a lounge atmosphere… and relax, after all you deserve it after your work day!

Christmas has gone to the dogs this year

Josie — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:52:15 +0000

Last weekend I put up my Christmas tree and I couldn’t help but put a santa hat and collar on my standard poodle. I hope that you are all finding time to get away from the busy malls and streets and spend time at home! Send me comments and pictures of your decorated home… would love to hear how you have decorated so far!

Snowman banister

Josie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:33:27 +0000

December Countdown: 17 days.

I’m counting down the days till Christmas with you. If you’re like me, you’re starting (or finished if you’re lucky) to decorate for the holidays. The tree is up and the porch is lit up with beautiful lights, but what about your banister? If you have a bare staircases don’t neglect it! Add some sparkle and texture with garland and ornaments. You can even hang your stockings up the banister if you don’t have a fireplace! Think original, how about garland spray painted white like snow has lightly fallen and pair it with glass and ice skate ornaments. I thought it would be cute to take a snowman’s top hat made of wicker and attach it to the top and bottom posts of my staircase. I filled the top hat, as it is hollow with scented pine cones which fills my house with a cinnamon aroma. Think outside the box and fill your home with what makes you ecstatic this holiday!

December Countdown: 25 days

Josie — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:23:36 +0000

Today’s topic is about the men I’m listening to this season. My two favourites are Michael Buble’s Christmas CD and Justin Bieber’s Under the Mistletoe. They are both great for young and for old. I even put this theory to the test when driving in the car with my friend (my age) and her mom and we were all singing along to both CD’s! They are tons of fun and mix traditional songs with a hip and smooth edge. Be sure to play these two CD’s in your home this season, especially when entertaining… your guests will love it (and so will you)!!

December Countdown

Josie — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:53:51 +0000

December first marks the countdown of holiday cheer! December is filled with things we love… fireplaces, candle light, hot chocolate, snow fall, and spending time with loved ones. My goal this month is to countdown the days with you until Christmas, providing you with blog posts of tips for decorating and entertaining for the holidays. Food, Fashion, and Furniture… all the good things for this holiday season!

Warmest wishes,

Josie (Downtown Design)

One Silent Night in the Country

Josie — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:47:49 +0000

This last weekend I stepped away from my busy work life and headed to the country to visit my friend. A colleague of mine told me to pretend that my phone has no signal just to escape work for a little while. Ironic enough, the minute I arrived to the countryside my blackberry stopped working! The weekend wasn’t what I expected… us girls did not rest at all! Instead, decorating followed me there as we spent all Saturday afternoon decorating the living room’s mantel. The living room is over looking a beautiful pond and lots of evergreen trees. It was such a beautiful change from the hustle and bustle of the city. When decorating, I started by removing all items from the fireplace to start on a fresh palate. Taking down the circle mirror and adding a longer and more rustic mirror added more sparkle behind the layers of gold decorations. The old circular mirror was then used as table decor! Adding red and gold pillows warmed up the leather sectional. It’s all in the little details with out over doing it. Yes, it’s still November but this room is definitely not over powering with Christmas cheer… but still warm and cozy for the holidays! Enjoy the before and after shots… hope you are inspired when it comes to your own home! Please feel free to email me at Josie@dtdesigninteriors if you are interested in holiday decorating services. Happy decorating!