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Archive for the ‘Blog Post’ Category

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Powder room to luxury spa – Finding bathroom solutions for any space

August 9th, 2010

Powder room to luxury spa

Powder room to luxury spa

The bathroom, water closet, or rest room has transformed from just a utilitarian space to so much more. This room has become the safe haven from a stressful day, a playtime wonderland for little ones, or simply a space to showcase a gorgeous vessel sink. Today, many of the new homes and condos have incorporated living solutions to rectify the growing trend towards bathroom retreats. The product lines available today can accommodate the trendiest of buyers down to the most traditional. The market is flooded with many options and it helps to go to the experts to help find what is right for you.

Many Edmonton retail stores offer unique product lines that can accommodate those looking for luxury, colour, vintage/retro, futuristic, or even just simply a solid brand name that will withstand the test of time. Independent Bath Products and Soak are two great places to start!

Kohler DTV shower system, Independent Bath.

The charm: Independent Bath Products is your “one stop shop” when it comes to the bathroom. For over 17 years Camillo Esposito has been offering customized programs for countertops, sinks, tub surrounds and showers, whirlpools and steam baths, cabinets, and even the kitchen sink! In addition to this you can also find bathroom accessories, ceramics, flooring, faucets, furnaces, windows, and mirror packages. Depending if you are building new or renovating, you will work with a very hands-on company. From design to completion, each room is carefully planned out in the privacy of the private showroom.
Soak Luxury Bath Products complements your lifestyle demands for luxury with European designed fixtures and fittings. One can definitely create a private retreat that refreshes the senses and body with either a massage shower or soaker tub. Cabinets, lavatories, sinks, toilets, and bidets finish off their unique product offerings. Soak offers tons of personality and style!

Where to start: Sift through magazines, browse online, visit show homes and retail stores – the visual impact is incredible when searching out ideas on how to design your own personal haven. Do you want to follow the new trends of coloured fixtures and vintage baths, or perhaps stick to what is timeless with classic white? When searching for options and ideas keep in mind what you want your space to provide, how much room you have to accommodate these grand ideas, and what your budget allows.

Find them: Independent Bath Products Ltd. is located at 2856 Calgary Trail South. Find Soak at two locations – 10557-124 Street and 11432-184 Street.

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A room to love – Customize your living room to fit you

July 13th, 2010

A room to love

Designed in many shapes and sizes, the living room is one of the most versatile rooms in our home. You can use it for socializing/entertaining, as a TV room, office, dining room, or kids playroom. There are many creative furniture pieces out there to help you best utilize the living room to maximize functionality without compromising style.

Two Edmonton furniture and home décor stores specialize in making your space shine no matter the budget or size. From custom order programs to unique housewares, each of these stores will leave you wandering for hours. House 2 Home Furnishings offers a large variety of furniture and unique home décor accents. Henry’s Purveyor of Fine Things exemplifies the beauty of boutique shopping with items ranging from sofas to jewelry.

The charm: House 2 Home Furnishings incorporates function and style in both their in- stock and customized programs. With their distribution centre here in Edmonton you are able to walk out today with the living room setting you desire. Or wait six weeks and select everything down to the type of filling you want in your cushions. Whether you are decorating a small condo or large home, there is something for every space. Seasonal trends are intertwined with traditional classics to bring customers a unique shopping opportunity. Check out their home theatre sectionals and built-in fireplace centres.

Henry’s Purveyor of Fine Things will not just sell you a sofa. They offer a full design service to ensure what you purchase for your home is the right fit. Upon first entering the store you quickly feel the eclectic energy that flows between outdoor furniture to the artistic accent pieces. Being a part of the Jasper Avenue Art Walk District is fully embraced at Henry’s. Beautiful local painters are showcased throughout the store. Specialty items like the Lampe Berger, Crypton dog beds, Planika Fires (indoor and out), or the recycled wood line from 2 Day Designs set this store apart.

Your space: When creating your living room some factors should considered: scale of furniture to your room size; the actual function of the space to what furniture you need; budget; the overall mood or theme you want; and what personal touches can be incorporated to bring the whole space together. Living rooms are built to live in — enjoy your space and make it your own with the help of these fine retailers.

Find Them: House 2 Home Furnishings has two locations at 3909-99th Street and 14664-134 Avenue; find Henry’s Purveyor of Fine Things at 12222 Jasper Avenue.

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Spring into the bedroom

June 3rd, 2010

Spring into the bedroom

With spring in full bloom there is no better time than now to enhance your sleeping quarters with the beauty of the season. Take advantage of the bright colours Mother Nature has provided and rejuvenate your space with imagination. This time of year offers so much variety in colours, textures, and styles. Two incredible local retailers can enhance your bedroom, and also have products to extend into other areas of your home such as the ensuite or kitchen. Be prepared to walk away with some personalized treasures!

Visit Bella Casa Design Center to see how they can create the bedroom of your dreams from bedding to chandeliers. Additionally, Jilly’s Home & Lifestyle provides an eclectic array of accessories to decorate your home to perfection.

Bella Casa Design Center

Bella Casa Design Center

What’s in store: Bella Casa has become a local icon through their ability to offer incredible quality, exceptional personalized service, and products that are uniquely Canadian. Upon first arriving in the store your senses will be overloaded with ideas for every room in your home. The personalized bedding program offers customers the opportunity to create exactly what they want. From an array of fabric choices, pillows and comforters, there is much to behold and savour. Owner, Karen Visser, brings in 16 years of design experience to help solve her customers’ design dilemmas. To help bring the entire space together they also offer area rugs, Hunter Douglas blinds, drapery, and matching towels. Check out the consistently changing bedding displays for inspiration or admiration.

Jilly’s Home & Lifestyle combines the best of many worlds. They take the extra step to not only bring you accessories for your home but go as far as to bring in accessories that match your life via hand bags, jewelry and clothing. You have the complete package here to showcase your style and individuality. Take a look at the unique picture frames or vases to add some sparkle at your bedside. Ask to join their customer newsletter to take advantage of great seasonal specials and announcements. Consider taking home a dainty necklace to match that special outfit — which in turn also matches your new comforter perfectly.

Find them: Visit Bella Casa Design Center Ltd. at 9646-142 Street; Jilly’s Home & Lifestyle is located at 14227-23rd Avenue.

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Patio Oasis – Mixing function & style with container gardening

May 7th, 2010

Spring brings the desire for patio get-togethers, whether it’s on Whyte Avenue or in the privacy of your own home. Bursts of colors are drumming up inspiration for patios of all sizes. Plants and the right accessories can take even a modest-sized pad and turn it into an outdoor retreat. Determine what type of functionality and style you desire or need, and intertwine the space with decorative containers. Do you need an outside dining table with an area for the barbecue? Do you dream of a quiet corner to read a book? Do you want to grow fresh herbs and vegetables? The best thing about having a patio and container garden is the versatility. If you don’t like the way it looks, simply rearrange it!

The garden experts at EarthTones and Ellerslie Gift & Garden provide a wealth of knowledge to help you determine the best use of your space. Container gardening can be as low or high maintenance as you want it to be.

Charm of the patio: There is a common misconception that if you live in a condo you do not have the room to create a fantastic patio garden. There are different points to consider with a condo, townhome, or house. One must consider the amount of wind, sun exposure, condo board restrictions, architectural controls, and actual space you have to work with. There are many types of trees, plants, and containers available for personalizing your private retreat.

EarthTones offers a fantastic selection of water features that are perfect for any patio, unique accessories, and a huge selection of containers. With an eclectic selection you can create a sleek modern look all the way to a more classic look with European

inspired detailing. You definitely do not need to limit yourself to the “usual”. They offer unique tea cups to use as planters, garden gnomes to add some humour, and a great selection of greenery to enhance any style.

Ellerslie Gift & Garden also offers a colourful array of containers, every plant for every function, and a beautiful gift shop that will be sure to charm any gardener. Take one of their many classes available throughout the summer, specifically Container Gardener, May 15th or June 12th where you can learn which plants thrive on your patio and how to care for them.

Container gardening tips:

  • Check moisture level daily and ensure each pot has adequate drainage.
  • Create small vignettes to add visual impact through screens, water features, wall plaques, or café tables. • Mix up styles from sculptural to floral or grasses.
  • Place fragrant plants near entryways or sitting areas for a sensory boost.
  • Be aware of growing requirements such as height and spacing.

Find them: EarthTones Garden Shoppe, 14020 Stony Plain Road; Ellerslie Gift & Garden, 10330 Ellerslie Road SW.

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A floor to adore

March 31st, 2010

There are many options out there when considering an eco-friendly floor. One environmental choice is Marmoleum. It’s one that lends itself amazingly well to kids playrooms, offices, kitchens or mudrooms. This unique floor is a hidden gem that certainly has its place in the market.

The Flooring People on St. Albert Trail carry a vast variety of options for colour and layout ideas. Take a look through their showroom for more information on Marmoleum and other eco-flooring options.

The charm: Marmoleum has been a mainstay floor covering for over 100 years because it is one of the few products made from primarily natural raw materials. It’s comprised of linseed oil, rosins, and wood flour, all adhered onto a natural jute backing. The natural raw materials, its durability and anti- microbial properties are the result of the continual oxidation of the linseed oil over time.

It is a tough yet visually striking floor covering, highly resistant to heavy rolling loads and foot traffic. Being a natural organic product, its performance is enhanced by time as exposure to air serves to harden and increase its durability. But even with hardening over time, the floor remains quiet and comfortable under foot.

The features: Marmoleum is all natural, comes in a rainbow of beautiful colours, and has no foul odours that can off-gas into your living space. Being asthma and allergy certified-safe in addition to being SMARTTM certified as a sustainable product, Marmoleum is a perfect complement to any LEED residential or commercial project.

Made with natural ingredients without any harmful VOC’s or other toxic chemicals, it’s natural and sustainable. It can be bought in sheets or in sections. Marmoleum sheets are installed with solvent-free adhesives and the Marmoleum Click Tiles are installed without any adhesive.

Natural antibacterial properties prevent micro- organisms such as salmonella and staph from multiplying because of the continual oxidation of the linseed oil. If you’re looking for a dust-free environment, the anti-static properties not only reduce the potential for electric shock, they also make the floor easier to clean because dust and dirt do not adhere to it. It’s also 100 per cent biodegradable so even disposal is
environmentally friendly.

Other options: Reclaimed hardwood is another eco- friendly flooring option. If you love the look of hardwoods, but can’t reconcile yourself to having trees cut down, think about reclaimed wood. This flooring is made with timbers recycled from old structures, such as barns, schoolhouses, or libraries.

Find it: Visit The Flooring People at 12736 St. Albert Trail or online at www.theflooringpeople.com

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Hoarder or sorter? – What’s in your closet?

March 2nd, 2010

Harder or Sorter?Along with spring comes the desire to polish golf clubs, find the tennis racket, and dig out the bikes. Do you know where to find all your favourite toys? Learn from two very organized companies how to conquer your overflowing closets, drawers and garages. Storage Revolution specializes in the home/office while Monkey Bars Solutions focuses on the garage.

What they offer: Storage Revolution is an organizer’s dream. This store offers a plethora of systems for cutlery, clothing, laundry, jewelry, food, and bathroom. Sort your messy kitchen cabinets with food containers that keep your favorite treats fresh and always handy. Get your closet organized with amazing shelving systems that will sort out any clothing dilemma. Need help figuring out where to start? Schedule a free in-home estimate. This is a clever store offering brands such as Umbra, Suction! and Shulte (Elfa system).

Monkey Bars Solutions offers an extensive product line that transforms ineffective and wasted space in your garage into usable and organized space by getting clutter up off the ground and into higher spaces. Their storage systems are comprised of heavy-duty shelves and hooks which are supported by a unique rack design. Each system is engineered for structural strength and stability and can support up to 900 pounds. Removable bars allow your system to adjust as your needs change. Exclusive to Canada, each system is professionally installed to ensure maximum strength. Look for Monkey Bars Solutions at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show and ask for your free in-home estimate.

Organization ideas:

  • Sinking under clutter? The ‘Under the Sink Storage’ shelf unit adjusts around pipes so all of those cleaning products, garbage and garbage bags have a neat home.
  • Small bathroom? Use the Suction! product line to place items such as toothbrush, soap, razor, and towels on the wall up and out of the way.
  • Small spaces? Place narrow plastic storage bins under the bed for seasonal items. Over the door hanging systems are great for clothing, jewelry, and shoes. Utilize the top of your double-stacked laundry system to store items you rarely use in TupperwareTM bins.
  • Personalize your closet space with the closet organizational system from Shulte.
  • Place large bins above your garage door for seasonal items or clothing. Hang garden tools/ shovels on the wall. Use the hanging bars to place golf clubs, bikes or other seasonal items.

Find it: Storage Revolution Inc. is located at 12422-102 Avenue. Visit Monkey Bars Solutions online at www.gorgeousgarage.com

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Art and Flowers – A Playful Valentine’s Day.

February 16th, 2010

No matter how many Valentine’s Days we have experienced, it never gets old to say “I love you” in a special way. Go beyond the traditional dozen roses to excel your partner’s heart rate — entice them with something bold from The ArtWorks. An Edmonton icon nestled perfectly in downtown since 1982, The Artworks offers the perfect unique gift you will be looking for.

They offer: Old with new. An eclectic mix of merchandise guaranteed to satisfy the most astute consumer: flowers, jewelry, home décor items, stationery, journals, customized art framing, and many other kitsch items. Emphasis is placed on small production items to bring both quality and uniqueness into your home. The porcelain collection by Klein Reid (New York) offers hand-detailing with unsurpassed beauty you will not find elsewhere. New York jewelry designers Philip Crangi and Jill Platner craft statement pieces that will definitely ignite a fire. Floral arrangements showcase the best the season has to offer with a focus on quality over quantity. Interesting texture and colour combinations, offered in each floral masterpiece, will make any heart flutter.

The charm: Witty and intriguing. With a very loyal customer following, Edmonton has grown to expect both the unusual and beautiful to come from The ArtWorks. This

store moves beyond disposable goods into unsurpassed quality that will last for generations. Owner Peter Turner, has taken great strides to mix old with new in both presentation and merchandise selection ultimately resulting in a truly inspirational atmosphere. When you receive a floral arrangement from The ArtWorks it is more than just flowers — it is a sculpture to behold. Every item tells a story — small vignettes make it easy to visualize how you will be able to work the items into your own home. The jewelry pieces are one of a kind and worth every compliment.

Gift ideas: For ‘her’ use the customized floral program (flowers for each day of the week or once a week or month), wrap a necklace or bracelet around a bouquet of flowers, pick out a bold vase or carafe to place your perfect arrangement in, or simply place a ring around a single long

stem. As well, beautiful scarves and purses await loving embraces.

For ‘him’ slip some small cards that whisper sweet nothings into a funky business card holder, clip a few of your favorite photographs or date ideas with a shiny new money clip, wrap a bracelet around a new journal, make sure he is never late with a new watch, or buy some new wine glasses to celebrate.

With a feeling of nostalgia and modernism twisted into one, The Artworks is a real gem to visit.

Find it: The ArtWorks is located downtown at 101B in Edmonton City Centre.

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Blend is working with Axis Cafe!

February 16th, 2010

Excited to share that Blend Marketing is working with Axis Cafe on Jasper Avenue!  Coming up with some exciting and creative strategies to gain more exposure/traffic.  If you have not yet tried their amazing coffee (beans from Vancouver) definetly take the time to do so.  Watch for updates in the portfolio section. Visit www.axiscafe.ca

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Edmonton Home & Condo Guide

February 5th, 2010

Pick up the February edition of Edmonton New Home & Condo Guide to see my article on “Art & Flowers – A Playful Valentines Day”.  Want to be featured in the magazine? Contact me!

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Little seasonal wish…

December 9th, 2009

Be thankful for life’s sweet provisions-health, loved ones, friends, challenges, opportunity, choice, love and hope…