Displaying posts from June, 2016

I recently found out about a great source of tile called Rustico Tile & Stone. They are a small, family-run company based in Leander, Texas (just outside of Austin). Not only are they the largest manufacturer for authentic Saltillo tile in Mexico, but they are also a leading supplier for Cement Tile and Cantera Stone. And the best part is they ship worldwide! I wanted to share some of my favourite patterns they carry and some inspirational photos of spaces with their tiles and similar ones.

I have to start with the cement tile because it is one of my favourite tiles and comes in such amazing patterns. I almost went with this type in my kitchen/foyer but in the end went with something alot smaller. I love the result but I am still dying to try some of these…maybe in my next kitchen. Their cement tile is reminiscent of older style encaustic tiles. Cement tile is available in many designs, shapes and sizes.  It is extremely durable, easy-to-maintain, and can be fully customized in colors specific to the space where it is installed.

(design in photo above by Egue Y Seta – one of my all-time favourite homes I have blogged)

I pulled out some inspirational photos we have featured previously. More reasons why these tiles are the best!

CUT architectures

Apartment Therapy

deirdre doherty interiors

jette creative

Meritxell Ribé

Shialice

NFA-ARQUITECTURA

Widawsky Studio Architektury

Saltillo Tile is a type of terra cotta floor tile that is handmade with rustic characteristics. It is available in 3 finishes – Traditional, Manganese and Antique Saltillo. All finishes comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and have natural color variations. This is the perfect tile for a rustic southern, Mexican vibe.

Cantera stone is architectural stone that is cut and hand-carved.  Available in many colors, Cantera is commonly used as columns, tile, balusters, range hoods, fireplaces, and surrounds.

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This post is in partnership with Rustico Tile & Stone. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Interior designer Chad McPhail has lovingly brought this 1930’s Art Deco Streamline Moderne home into the new century, refreshing and reinventing but not slavishly restoring. All the Deco details are there but in the hands of Los Angles-based McPhail the home is sophisticated and stylish, modern but not modernised. Beautifully created and curated, inside and out.

There is a time and a place where classy, elegant decor is suitable. A BBQ restaurant definitively calls for something casual and I absolutely adore the vintage industrial vibe that interior designer Jordan Littler went with Red’s True Barbecue in Sheffield, England.

‘On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all of his work.’  Genesis 2:2

On their seventh restaurant, Red’s wanted to evolve the concept and introduce a neighbourhood feel that would connect with the people of Ecclesall Road in Sheffield. 120 covers spread over two floors, the design takes it’s inspiration from Sheffield’s strong musical heritage combined with the authentic atmosphere of Rainey Street in Austin, Texas, to create a house party vibe at your Grandmas house. A collection of junkyard trinkets decorate the glass fronted bar alongside delicate tiffany lights, frilly standing lamps and traditional rugs, all set off against a rough, unapologetic interior utilising Red’s iconic batting cages and exposed lath walls. Our very own carefully curated teenage VHS collection was incorporated into the concealed door on the first floor connecting to the trippy, hallucinogenic corridor leading to the toilets. Photos: James Brown

It’s like I say time and again. If you have to drag your sorry self into work on a Saturday then it certainly helps if it’s somewhere cool. Like the offices of Epoch Films by L.A. based Reath Design.

As someone who has bought several Montreal condos in the last 15 years, I have worked with several interior designers. My experiences with them have been mostly positive, although I’ve also had my share of problems in the past.
Whether you’re planning to remodel your condo or buy new property, hiring an interior designer is a big decision. Most people who hire a decorator don’t have a concrete idea of what to expect, and this often leads to anxiety and problems along the way. But you don’t have to make the same mistake (which can be costly at times). Read through the suggestions that I’ve outlined here so your experience will be generally positive and you can expect a much better outcome for your home improvement project.

1. Preparation is a must!
A very common mistake that homeowners make is that they expect their interior designer to simply know what they want. The first time I hired a decorator, I merely told her my budget and shared a few ideas. Three days later she presented me with a design and as it turned out, I didn’t like most of it. It was then I realized that if I had only showed her some pictures of the concepts I liked, then maybe she’d present me with a design that I would approve the first time.
So before you meet with a potential decorator, you should have at least some idea of the style you like. You can also show your decorator the color schemes you want. Doing these will save you time and money.

2. Set realistic goals.
We see HGTV shows and start dreaming of high-end window treatments, hand painted wall designs, and shiny ebony floors. But you have to be realistic. Don’t expect your living room to look like a million bucks if you’re only willing to spend $5,000 for this project.
On a related note, it’s also important to be practical with your timeline. If you’ve been watching too many home improvement shows on TV, then you probably think that everything can be done in 3 days (or less!). But that’s usually not the case. Many interior decorators spend a week planning and creating the design alone. The whole project can take a month or so depending on how much work needs to be done.

3. Finally, have confidence in your designer.
Of course, it also pays to actually do your homework and find a designer that has the experience, training and track record. Ask around for recommendations and be sure to check their portfolio before you even consider them.
Once you’ve found your interior designer and you’ve already agreed on the design/concept then it’s time to let them work their magic. Designers should be open to your ideas if you’ve been thorough and explicit about what you want. Remember that your interior designer can visualize the completed project for your condo’s interior and veering from their design plan might lead to an unsatisfactory outcome.

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This post is a contribution by a guest writer