* in the PINK * http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com {a blog about inspiring design & stylish decor} posterous.com Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:27:00 -0700 Ottawa Life Magazine: The Greatness of Great Rooms http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-the-greatness-of-great-r http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-the-greatness-of-great-r

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Take a minute to think about your idea of a fabulous room. For many, the concept of a grand room hearkens back to the romanticized ideal of great halls and chambers in medieval castles or majestic homes. Are you visualizing a large room, bustling with activity? If so, then you will likely think it’s great that since the 1990s, these grand rooms have become very popular, solving the problem of the “dead” living room and the split between the living and family rooms.

The greatness of a room of course largely depends on whether or not the lifestyle that you lead requires one. Do you entertain a lot and find that everyone always ends up jammed into one room, typically the kitchen? Is space at a premium in your home? Or maybe your home is made up of small segregated rooms. Combining functions of various rooms into one larger space can be a practical solution to allowing you to live more comfortably, especially for those with families. As featured in the photos, the clients' existing galley kitchen and dining room spaces (designated by the original ceiling beam) were expanded from their original proportions by adding onto the existing footprint. This allowed for cooking, dining and family living to coexist while at the same time maintaining the architectural integrity of the home.  

The former living room that had very narrow proportions was repurposed and became the library-conservatory area. This space affords them a quieter, cozier zone to contrast the large great room, with a wall of bookshelves installed on the wall opposite the fireplace to improve the narrow rectangular proportions. Reading chairs and a spot for the children to practice their musical instruments were all this room was ever meant to accommodate.

The key is in the planning. You need to assess how you live, the events you host, your needs for space, not to mention how your home's footprint is laid out. Perhaps you can achieve greatness by repurposing your rooms within your home's footprint. For example, turn an unused formal living and dining room space into the living/family room and the family room off the kitchen into the dining area. This allows for maximum space for cooking, dining and living while avoiding duplication of spaces that often go unused. Ultimately, the goal of a great room is to increase your quality of life rather than just quantity of space. Plan for your home's greatness today!

 

 

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Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:20:00 -0800 Ottawa Life Magazine: Furniture Favourite - The Dresser http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-furniture-favourite-the http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-furniture-favourite-the
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January is here and thoughts may turn to ways to cut the clutter. Take a second look at how you store all of your day-to-day stuff. Perhaps the greatest, most versatile storage workhorse in your house -the dresser- can save the day. 

One of my favourite spots to locate a dresser is in a front hall. Not only is it a spot to place your keys and mail, but it is a great solution for storing all of the items you need in this cold weather, like hats, gloves, scarves and mitts. It is also the perfect place to put a hairbrush to neaten your child’s hair, stamps to mail your letters, sunglasses, a lint brush to take off those pesky hairs that always seem to accumulate on your wool coat and a shoe shine sponge to touch up your boots or shoes.

As you can see from the photos, your options are limitless. For a space expanding effect, consider a mirrored dresser. It also adds a bit of glam and who doesn't like a bit of that? A modern clean-lined dresser is a nice contrast to the rustic wood mouldings of this Craftsman home and the antique turn-of-the-century dresser adds character to the modern and graphic black and white touches seen throughout this front hall.

Consider repurposing a dresser and using it as a change table in a baby’s room. All you need to buy is a diaper changing pad ideally wrapped in white terry cloth for a neat clean aesthetic. Consider buying several for cleaning purposes. Yes white is actually the easiest to clean!!

Some of my favourite spots to buy dressers are from vintage stores found throughout the city, estate sales, and auctions. You are likely to get good quality construction made entirely of solid wood (hard to find in new products) and the price will often be less than what you would buy retail for a new piece.

This little decor tip hopefully will make your life a little less complicated and make those sunglasses easier to find. Seems like the perfect time to rethink and repurpose a dresser! 

 

 

 

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Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:08:00 -0800 Ottawa Life: The Power of a Pillow http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-the-power-of-a-pillow http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-the-power-of-a-pillow
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When it comes to decor, the effect of a pillow or pillows is greatly underestimated. Most often, they are an afterthought. However, if you think about it, pillows are one element that can dramatically alter the overall mood in a room, not to mention increase the quality quotient. 

The pillow is to home decor as jewelry is to a fashion ensemble. It does not necessarily have to be expensive, but should pack a punch especially when placed against an otherwise neutral backdrop. Make a statement by using colour or by choosing bold oversized patterns, a designer signature fabric, a furry texture, or just plain scale - the bigger the better!

Did you ever consider investing several hundreds of dollars in a pillow? I am guessing that the answer is probably not. But did you know that placing an expensive pillow on a low quality piece of furniture can take the piece from drab to fab. This is a clever stylist trick — next time look carefully at the high-low featured rooms in many of the shelter mags. 

Perhaps you are still not convinced. Try it yourself. Use a fantastic fabric or a signature designer print. Do you have any silk scarves or fabrics that you love and never seem to use? These can quite beautifully be made into pillows
and allow you to enjoy them every day. 

Like anything, it is all in how you put items together to create an artful effect. I often use a client’s favourite colour or pattern as the starting point for approaching the design of a whole room.

The fabric, David Hicks Herbert’s Carnation Weave in red/plum, is featured above on these pillows in this Glebe home. 

Here are some other sources of inspiration. The letter pillow from Jonathon Adler is perfect for the narcissist within. It is a playful and whimsical way to make your signature known. It can be customized not only by letter but by colour as well.
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Madeline Weinrib also has an array of beautiful ethnic fabrics done up in pillows. She is one of my favourite sources. Even at $350 a pop, it can be well worth the investment. 

David Hicks Herbert’s Carnation Weave in red/plum PHOTO BY GORDON KING

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Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:25:00 -0800 Sex and the City - Chicago Style http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/sex-and-the-city-chicago-style http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/sex-and-the-city-chicago-style

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As a follow-up to my former blog "Fresh and Contemporary at the Crosby Street Hotel NYC", I bring you more design inspiration except this time from Chicago.   You guessed it, I am back from another amazing annual weekend get-a-way with 3 girlfriends (you know who you are) - hence the Sex and the City reference in the title :)

Leonardo Da Vinci said "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".  To me, this quote perfectly summarizes my experience of the downtown architectural landscape of Chicago, not to mention the interior design of the Elysian Hotel and the Ralph Lauren Bar and Grill.

The docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise gave us a fantastic overview of over 50 buildings erected in less than 100 years, prompting us to enjoy cocktails and the panoramic view at one of these, the Hancock Tower, prior to our dinner reservation at "GT Fish and Oyster", one of the hottest restos in the US founded by the Boka Restaurant Group (http://bokagrp.com/).   I would be remiss not to mention the iconic nature of the Tower with its Mies van der Rohe "less is more" aesthetic.   External X-bracing, pictured below, is a pioneering system allowing greater usable floor space by virtually eliminating the need for interior columns.  Love it when interior load bearing walls are not required!

In reference to the first photo, the interior design of the Elysian Hotel (http://elysianhotels.com/) found in the affluent downtown Goldcoaster neighborhood of Chicago is no exception to sophistication with its simple color palette and beautiful materials.  Note how the palette is consistent using only tones of grey, black and white - could be the makings of what might otherwise be an austere hotel lobby however with the clever choice of finishes and balance of materials, it is perfectly conceived.  Let me take you through some of the details: Carerra marble, characterized by grey veining atop a white background, one of my all-time favorite hardscaping materials, crisp white architectural wood mouldings in an understated profile, Dior grey colored walls done in grasscloth for texture, hits of black in the revolving doors and reception desk for punctuation, scroll patterning both in the flooring and in the iron work for detailing, the glamorous chandelier for sparkle and the oversized sculptures not only for drama but to add a human element.  Sublime!

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In contrast to this cooler interior color palette, I also had the pleasure of lounging in the Ralph Lauren (RL) Bar and Grill, RL's first restaurant venture.  As one of my favorite all time designers for his expert ability to layer different textures and materials, this resto is not only a feast for the senses but a hallmark of his warm and luxurious styling.  As quoted from the RL web-site (http://www.rlrestaurant.com/), the bar/grill is "very British, very swanky, very posh. It begins with the small bar at the front, with its black marble fireplace, mahogany paneling and brass and ebony cocktail tables.  The dining room beyond completes the image. Its navy blue walls, interspersed with more mahogany, are covered with artwork from Lauren's private collection. Herringbone hardwood floors lead to plush, caramel leather-upholstered chairs and banquettes.”  

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Whether or not you are design-inclined, inspiration is abound in downtown Chicago -  check it out!

 

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Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:53:00 -0700 Ottawa Life Magazine: Baby, Bedroom & Beyond... http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-baby-bedroom-beyond http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-baby-bedroom-beyond

 

Got a baby on the way?  If so, then there is no doubt that images of creating a baby’s bedroom are probably dancing in your head.  You will want to design something that will grow with that child beyond the baby stage. Potentially, this could be viewed as a gargantuan task, an insurmountable challenge. However, I think that there is a universal formula that works.
You may want to ask yourself what kind of a person you are yourself – do you like the stimulation that colour provides or are you happiest in a neutral environment. A neutral environment can be a good foil for all of the colourful toys that tend to come with a new baby. Your baby is often times an extension of you, so what you like he/she will like.
Forget the concept of a “themed” room. Avoid using anything too specific like an item from a mass marketed child toy brand as you and your child will tire of this rather quickly. You can bring in lots of things your child loves to play with into the room whether that be dinosaurs or princesses to create a “theme” if you really desire one without the commitment of re-painting walls, buying new bedding, or furniture. Treat your childʼs space as you would any other room in your home. Create a room with colours that you love or that you think are perfect for your baby. There are many different philosophies as to what colours are best for your childʼs room – from restful, calm and soothing colours to graphic ones like black and white (the first colours that your baby can see). You can even look into the art of chromotherapy – the study of colours and the effects on the body. For example, red is a very grounding colour – dealing with our survival instinct, green is the colour associated with the heart denoting love and compassion while at the opposite end of the spectrum violet is purported to be the most spiritual colour. You choose what resonates. There are no mistakes as far as I am concerned – one colour is not necessarily better than another.
A babyʼs room can be modern, clean lined, energetic or classic, playful and/or sophisticated.  Whatever you choose, you know you have succeeded in creating the right vibe in your childʼs bedroom if it takes him or her from the baby stage onward.

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Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:03:32 -0700 Home Decor for the Fashionista http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/home-decor-for-the-fashionista http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/home-decor-for-the-fashionista
One of my favorite fabric and wallpaper companies, Quadrille Home Couture based out of New York is worthy of mention especially as Fashion Week gets underway here in Ottawa.  Quadrille has exquisite patterns, typically large in scale and bold in color not to mention are hand-printed so are of exceptional quality and truly unique.  For those who are not familiar with this company, perhaps you might remember the sofa from the movie "The Devil Wears Prada".  The Melinda pattern in black and white linen is very fashion forward!!

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The photo of the chair below highlights another of Quadrille's fantastic fabrics - Island Ikat in Royal Blue.  Much to my surprise and delight, Quadrille has chosen to feature my work, the playroom of the Colonel By residence, in their editorial portfolio!

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For the full link click on:

Are you wondering how this playroom came together?  Let me step you through the decorating process.  The client's bookcases and drapery were existing and slated to stay while an antique Louis Style daybed used in another part of the house was repurposed for this room.  The client was originally inspired by Quadrille's Ikat fabric after seeing it in Elle Decor magazine and since we both loved it, decided that it would be the jumping off point for the whole color palette.  I sourced out, re-upholstered and re-shaped 2 vintage swivel tub chairs wanting to juxtapose furniture pieces that were more retro, curvy, and modern in styling with the client's traditional and clean lined Louis-style daybed.  The daybed was re-upholstered in indigo velvet with contrast piping in vanilla velvet to complement the royal blue ikat.  This is an example of mixing furniture pieces together of varying periods.  It also illustrates how one bold printed fabric can add drama and impact to what would otherwise be a conventional room.  The playroom walls were painted an "unexpected" shade of purple to honor the two girls who spend the most time in this room (purple being one of their favorite colors) not to mention to continue the chic yet bold styling consistent through the rest of the house.  Gold floor lamps designed by Jonathan Adler for Robert Abbey were added to warm up the cool tones.

I happen to be using Quadrille's hand-printed wallpaper in the Java Java pattern in yellow in a powder room in one of my latest projects.  Stay tuned!  For those of you interested in purchasing Quadrille's fabrics or wallpapers here in Ottawa, you can check out their collections from my shop page at:

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Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:31:00 -0700 Quadrille's Fashion Forward Fabrics http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/quadrilles-fashion-forward-fabrics http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/quadrilles-fashion-forward-fabrics

One of my favorite fabric houses, Quadrille Fabrics Inc. based out of New York has featured my work in their editorial portfolio!  For those who are not familiar with this home and couture company, perhaps you might remember the sofa from the movie "The Devil Wears Prada".  The black and white hand-printed linen is very fashion forward!!

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I feel very honored to be featured alongside so many other amazing designers and decorators!  I think I am the only Canadian as far as I can tell.  The playroom of the Colonel By Residence is featured along with a link to my web-site.  For those of you interested in the decor details of this room, I re-upholstered and re-shaped 2 vintage swivel tub chairs in Quadrille's Island Ikat fabric (see photo below) and mixed it with the client's own antique Louis-style daybed. 

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The full link of the feature is as follows:

The daybed was re-upholstered in indigo velvet with contrast piping in vanilla velvet.  This is an example of mixing furniture pieces together of varying periods - the traditional and classic daybed is juxtaposed with the retro and modern chairs - the walls were painted a shade of purple to suit the "unexpected" and chic personal style of the clients. 

Quadrille's fabrics and wallpapers have exquisite patterns and bold color not to mention are hand-printed so are of exceptional quality.  I happen to be using Quadrille's wallpaper in the Java Java pattern in yellow in a powder room in one of my latest projects.  Stay tuned!  For those of you interested in Quadrille's fabrics or wallpapers, you can check out their collections from my shop page at:

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Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:53:00 -0700 Ottawa Life Magazine: Wallpaper is Back, Baby! http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/wallpaper-is-back-baby http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/wallpaper-is-back-baby
Actually to be accurate, wallpaper is not back, it has always been around, just reinvented over time like the trends in fashion. With new technologies, wallpaper is now washable, long lasting, pre-pasted, and easy to remove. Patterns can be reproduced in any style from any period quite affordably too unlike fresco paintings, tapestries and hand-painted papers of the past.
However, to fully appreciate how wallpaper has evolved, a glimpse into the past is in order. As early as 200 B.C. in ancient China, rice paper was glued to walls. As much as the Chinese were the first to invent paper, it was the English in the 18th century who really put wallpaper on the map with their avant-garde manufacturing methods and products. At first, fashion-conscious Londoners ordered expensive hand-painted papers that imitated architectural details or materials like marble and stucco. Flocked papers that looked like cut velvet became immensely popular. This is also the time when borders resembling a tasseled braid or a swag of fabric were used.
After the revolution, Americans set up their own workshops. European fashions, from neoclassical looks to rambling roses were copied. American firms made their share of patriotic “commemorative” papers too, which we have come to know from trunk linings and bandboxes.
In the Victorian era, rooms were embellished by layering print upon print, mostly in sombre colours. The advent of machine-made wallpaper put the cabbage rose and arabesque patterns within the budget range of practically every home. Artisans such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and William Morris and their lyrical interpretations of nature,hand-printed by the wood block method, came to symbolize Art Nouveau. It was during the Roaring 20s’ that wallpaper really took off. Known as the Golden Age of Wallpaper, some 400 million rolls were sold during that period.
Modernism frowned on embellishments, so wallpaper fell into disfavour during most of the 20th century. But as the bane of cookie-cutter homes and sterile work environments is upon us in the 21st century, many have rediscovered the beauty of patterned walls.
Wallpaper adds not only pattern and/or colour but it offers that extra layer of texture in a room. This is especially the case in powder rooms, mud rooms, dressing rooms, and kitchens where many of the elements are hard, lacking the softness and texture that comes from fabric. Wallpaper is also a great option for other rooms in the house, such as the living or dining room where rugs, drapery, and upholstered furniture are plentiful. For those who are not ready to invest in original art to add texture and impact to their space, why not inject some personality and interest with wallpaper.
To illustrate the effect of wallpaper, take a look at the above photographs from my portfolio. Alongside all the white cabinetry in the dressing room (left), the purple damask wallpaper is perfect for adding a hit of colour and style. The similar effect was applied in the dining room (pictured on the previous page). Damask is a traditional print. However, when done in orange with a lot of white as the backdrop, the effect is fresh and modern. To create a more textured earthy vibe, grasscloth (top right) is used in this featured mud room.
Note how one wall in this principal bedroom (lower right) is covered in a chocolate brown quatrafoil pattern to transform an otherwise conventional space to a moody dramatic one. As you can see, the options are endless with wallpaper depending on the vibe you wish to create.
With wallpaper as with most aspects of decorating, it really all comes down to balance – knowing how to add it with other elements in the room so that the overall effect is timeless yet hip. Like fashion, your choice of wallpaper should reflect your personal style and not be influenced solely by trends.
So don’t hesitate to use wallpaper. Go for it. It’s affordable and easy to use and remove. Have fun with your decor – live in the now – wallpaper is back baby!

 

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Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:50:00 -0700 Our Homes Magazine: Cover Photo/Feature Article http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/our-homes-magazine-cover-photofeature-article http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/our-homes-magazine-cover-photofeature-article
Check out this client project on the cover page of Our Homes Magazine Summer 2011/Anniversary Issue  "Charming Reno in Westboro" with feature article "From '40's to Fabulous".  The article was written by Andrea Tomkins and photography was done by Suzanne Bird.  

For a quick snap shot of the magazine spread you can view it at:

To read the full article, you can view the digital version of the magazine at the link below - article is featured on pages 22-26.   Excerpts from the article pertaining to Tanya Collins Design are as follows:

{Following the advice of Tanya Collins, the main floor space was opened up to make full use of the space.  "Our initial vision was to just add on an extension to the space" says Ariel.  "If it wasn't for her vision we would have ended up with these tiny sectioned off rooms that we would have never used" she says.}

{The living room walls are filled with artwork pieces that Tom and Ariel had chosen prior to the renovation.  "I had gathered everything we had from before and asked Tanya what her thoughts were on the pieces." says Ariel.  "She grabbed her hammer and just went to town hanging them up.  It was amazing!" }

{Ariel also credits Tanya with bringing together some pieces that were important to the couple.  A wooden cabinet that once belonged to Tom's great-grandparents displays flower artwork painted by Ariel's great grandmother.  These are just some of the thoughtful pieces that personalize their living room to make it truly their own.}

{From top to bottom Ariel and Tom managed to create plenty of open bright personable living space that despite the boost in square footage still maintains the home's 1940's charm. "We are absolutely thrilled with it" says Ariel.  "Renovating can be stressful but we had great help 'til the end.  When we began this process I don't know that we imagined we would be this satisfied at the end of it all."}

 

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Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:02:00 -0700 Ottawa Life Magazine: Transforming Vintage Furniture = Personality http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-transforming-vintage-fur http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/ottawa-life-magazine-transforming-vintage-fur
Now that spring is in bloom, it seems like a great time to inject new life into your old-fashioned hand-me-downs or uninspired vintage finds.  The question is, how to do it?  
Transforming vintage pieces is a sure fire way to add personality to your decor. When you buy everything new, you can sometimes create an impersonal, bland space – not always desirable if you intend on projecting “you” in your home.  Vintage furniture is often less expensive, of higher quality, is something no one else is likely to have, and is a great way to recycle. The decorating options are endless.  If the frame of your piece is in poor condition, spraying it in black or white is a great way to freshen it up and modernize it.  There is something about white or black that emphasizes the simplicity of form and line. Of course, if the vintage piece in question is teak or is an heirloom antique, it is best to re-finish to let the wood grain show or let the patina continue to evolve over time.  Let your intuition guide you — if you don’t love the piece as it exists, change it, resell it, or donate it. 

Besides paint or stain, upholstery is another great way to make a dramatic change to a tired piece. Pairing opposites is an approach I often take - for example a granny chair upholstered in a modern, colorful, graphic, and boldly patterned fabric is a great way to make something old-fashioned feel current. By placing great designer fabric on a yard sale find, you elevate the entire piece and have something that is of value and one of a kind. (The photos highlight this effect.) Personality is added without losing any of the character.  For those who may be intimidated by reams of fabric, or for those savvy do-it-yourself decorators who appreciate stylish fabric but are unable to access it, check out my web site.  Personality trumps perfectionism when you decorate with vintage pieces — all the more reason to support many of our great vintage stores, antique markets, and auctions right here in Ottawa.  Better yet, reuse what you already have. With a little attention, you may just have a treasure lurking in your basement. 

 

 

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Thu, 19 May 2011 09:13:00 -0700 Fresh and Contemporary at the Crosby Street Hotel NYC http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/fresh-and-contemporary-at-the-crosby-street-h http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/fresh-and-contemporary-at-the-crosby-street-h
Having come across some photos of a weekend get-a-way with girlfriends to New York City last spring, I was reminded of my experience lounging in the drawing room at the Crosby Street Hotel.  Kit Kemp's interior design is a source of inspiration to be sure.  The use of varying shades of pink and red with grey is one of my all-time favorite color palettes.  
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The integration of wide plank unfinished wood floors, rough plaster vases, highly polished silver metal lamps, ethnic pieces, quirky dog portraits, modern lighting, and classical furniture is so well done!  The overall organic, earthy, ethnic vibe done in a modern fresh way is certainly not typical of a hotel drawing room.  The unexpectedness in the bold choice of color and the eclectic mix of textures is perhaps what I love the most.

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I particularly love the printed drapery fabric as shown above, that is repeated on the wing chairs in the next photo.  The wool patch-work upholstery on the sofas and the Indian armoire in the corner is also worthy to note.

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In this shot, I am really fond of the color and styling of the button tufted velvet sofa.  Note how the wing chairs instantly become "hip" when a colorful print is applied!   The African stools used as coffee tables are so fresh in white!  This hotel drawing room provides a great visual example of how non-neutral colors and bold patterns can lend a fresh, contemporary effect to interior spaces.  

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Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:29:00 -0700 Fashion Inspires Home Decor http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/fashion-inspires-home-decor http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/fashion-inspires-home-decor
Inspiration is all around you - translate fashion to your home's decor!

I splurged on this Coach handbag while on vacation as I love the color story of beige gold, silver hardware and lilac purple.
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I admit my decor inspired my fashion first.  The handbag just happens to share the same color palette as my bedroom - classic, restful and soothing in a fresher way than all beige.  I think the lilac makes the beige sing.

How do you translate inspiration from fashion to home decor?  Let me step you through the process.  Try varying the shades of an accent color to create depth within a room.  In this case, the purple hue is the accent color of the handbag and so too is it in my bedroom.  Note that the ceiling color (paint - matte), sheets (cotton), drapes (silk) and bench (velvet) all vary in shades of purple and in texture.  The walls, mirror, and capiz shell light fixture have that same beige-gold glow as the leather of my handbag, and the silver metal accessories of the room (drapery rods, dresser knobs, lamp base, and clock) mimic the silver hardware on the handbag.

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Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Ottawa Life Magazine: Soulful Rooms and Original Art http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/soulful-rooms-and-original-art http://blog.tanyacollinsdesign.com/soulful-rooms-and-original-art

Original art. It is one of the first things that comes to my mind when creating a soulful, inspiring space. It doesn’t have to be the work of a well known artist or be expensive to create an impact — nor does it have to match your decor. Fill your walls with pieces that mean something to you. Buy what you love, what moves you. Great art will evoke a feeling within you — it is alive. Art has the same effect as a vase of flowers on an entrance hall table. It can warm your soul. A reproduction can add colour and interest, it doesn’t add life.

Not sure what you love or are paralyzed by the thought of choosing something for your home? Start by exposing yourself to many different styles of work. Familiarize yourself with the artists featured in our local galleries and studios. The West Wellington Art Walk takes place the first Thursday of every month and is a great way see art while getting some fresh air and strolling through this vibrant Ottawa neighbourhood. Spend a Sunday afternoon comparing well known artists featured in our National Gallery with works of up and coming artists at the Ottawa School of Art. Not sure what to invest in or don’t have much money to spend? Seek out local artists in your neighbourhood who may be home-based and not yet established – you can often buy medium to large canvases for under $500. There are even opportunities to rent-to-own at the Ottawa Art Gallery for those who are not ready to commit to buying and want to test the work out in their space first.

The photos taken from two different clients’ homes illustrate the impact of original art. I like to surprise and create unexpected impacts. For example, I tend to prefer modern abstract pieces in traditional homes, as shown on the previous page. Notice how it creates a dynamic tension with the architecture. If you cannot budget for one large piece to suit the scale of your room, one of my signatures is to group varying sized works together and hang them salon style to create drama. As you can see in this photo, I was able to use the clients own travel photography to achieve this effect in their foyer.

Artful shopping everyone!

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http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/heO3IUvBpE2Dw Tanya Collins Design Tanya Collins Tanya Collins Design