Outdoor Living Inspiration

royaldesignstudio.com

Every year the outdoor living design/decor market expands and gets better. You can match up to the inside of your home or experiment with a totally different style. We are bringing you some inspiration this week, inspired by some of our favourite west end neighbourhoods, for outdoor living and taking advantage of whatever outdoor space you have. Use an outdoor rug to anchor the space and bring in pattern and colour. Pillows, throws and candles will add texture and more pops of colour.

daybed & accent chair | coffee table | rug

sofa | coffee table | accent chair | rug

sofa | coffee table | accent chair | rug

sofa | coffee table | accent chair | rug

Get creative and use lots of colour. Potted plants are an instant way to change the look and feel of your outdoor space. (And you don't have to be patient waiting for everything to turn green!). Have fun out there!

March Link Up

It’s officially spring. We made it.

We did a spring planter workshop last weekend at Wild Pansy. Can’t get out in the garden just yet, so this was a great way to get our hands dirty and look forward to spring gardening. She has such a great eye for flower arranging but also great gifts and cards as well.

Of course we went to Bothams for Sunday Roast afterwards. Never disappoints.

Do you do any spring cleaning at your house? On our list is clearing out the furnace room, just don’t know where we are going to put all that clutter!

Ina Garten announced a new cook book coming in October 2026. Simply Ina is sure to be another house favourite.

Speaking of cooking, I stumbled on this article while looking up a recipe. I had not heard of the bean soup theory but WOW! "I swear the bean soup fiasco should be in future sociology textbooks…"

Have you been watching any of the NCAA tournament? My bracket was busted early (as per usual) but it never fails fo amaze how exciting these games are. So many great games and I still have the Wildcats for the win so we’ll see!

We find Toronto Life does a good job at reporting on real estate news in a digestible, relatable way. Like this and this.

If you are interested in how the West End Toronto Real Estate Market has been performing, you can see the latest numbers here. We are still seeing multiple offers on desirable properties but pricing and presentation are key.

Have you read Lucky yet? Written by our neighbourhoods very own Marissa Stapley, the adapted miniseries comes out on Apple TV July 15th. You still have time to read the book before watching if you havent’ yet!

Have a great weekend! Spring weather will get here….

Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection

As a follow up to our post about Hygge, the Danish concept of creating joy and coziness in life's everyday moments, we wanted to talk about the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and how it relates to interior design and everyday life.

At its core, Wabi-Sabi is the concept of accepting imperfection. Roughly translated, Wabi means rustic simplicity or understated elegance and Sabi means taking pleasure in the imperfect. It believes that beauty is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. Its roots come from the Japanese Tea Ceremony, which is a ritual of purity and simplicity, in which the handmade bowls and utensils that are used are often irregularly shaped and worn due to use. These items are celebrated for their beauty, which comes from their deliberate imperfections and their emotional significance.

As recovering perfectionists (okay, we may be 'in recovery'), Kirsten and I are constantly reminding each other 'not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good'. This phrase has actually helped us immensely by giving us permission to put things out that may not be 'perfect' in our minds (whatever that might be!), but it moves the process along while allowing us to make improvements and tweaks over time, or sometimes just accepting it as it is.

This aesthetic is also making its way into home design, by embracing the lived-in and weathered. It is a move away from the impractical sleek images that we are bombarded with on social media, to an aesthetic that is more functional and livable.

It’s a long awaited invitation to stray from convention and expectation and instead celebrate individuality and comfort.

Dayna Isom Johnson, Canadian Living

It is also a celebration of sentimentality, embracing items whose beauty comes from their meaning rather than their austere beauty. This could mean a weathered armchair that was a family heirloom or a piece of ceramic whose beauty comes from its uniqueness and the story that it tells. It also encourages us to choose materials that weather beautifully over time such as wood, stone and metal and to choose colours that are a reflection of those seen in nature. In this way it very much aligns with the concepts behind Hygge, in the way that it promotes natural elements, colours and simplicity, and in its belief that every object in your home should be beautiful, useful or both.

medium.com

Wabi-Sabi is the antithesis to big box stores, fast fashion and mass consumption. At West Side Storeys we like to call ourselves the Mom & Pop shop in the big box world of real estate, and Wabi-Sabi embraces a lot of what we believe in and strive for - quality over quantity, true connection with our clients, relationship building, the importance of community, shopping local, waste reduction and an appreciation for the uniqueness and history of the older homes that we buy and sell.

In the end, there really is no such thing as perfection, whether it be in design, houses, or let's face it, life. So isn't the pursuit of perfection inevitably a path to unhappiness and dissatisfaction? Wabi-sabi shifts this focus to one of gratitude and appreciation for what we already have, rather than the pursuit of the next shiny new thing. This powerful shift in perspective can help us to feel more peaceful and content in the current moment and improve our quality of life.

Why not try to embrace imperfection and maybe even take it a step further and seek it out? A good exercise is to purposely choose items with obvious flaws and love and cherish them for those flaws, not despite of them. By embracing an attitude of Wabi-Sabi, you allow your home to become a true reflection of who you are and perhaps this shift in attitude will lead to an acceptance and celebration of the imperfection in all aspects of our lives....wrinkles and all ;)

Making the Most of your Outdoor Space!

gabenjenny.com

One of my favorite things about summer is dining outdoors, especially this summer! The glorious weather we have enjoyed this summer has allowed us to get out of our houses (finally!) and feel a sense of normalcy after all those months stuck inside.

Even though Labour Day is fast approaching, there is still time to take advantage of the warm weather and the chance to dine ‘al fresco’, so we pulled together some outdoor dining furniture that works well with the outdoor living themes from last month. Bring in similar pops of colour, be consistent with style, and you will have expanded your functional living space all season long.

Outdoor areas are also a great place to have some fun and experiment with your style. Boho not your thing but you've always wanted to give it a try? Decorating outside is an easy way to get out of your comfort zone! Here are some great outdoor looks inspired by some of our favorite west end Toronto neighborhoods. We hope they will inspire you to make the most of your outdoor space.

Dishes | LED Candles | Table | Chairs | Bar Cart

Dishes | LED Lanterns | Table | Chairs | Storage Cabinet

Dishes | Solar Lantern | Table | Chairs | Serving Table

Dishes | Solar Lantern | Table | Chairs | Bar Cart

We plan on taking advantage of outdoor dining as long as we can, and don’t forget you can always invest in a propane heater and extend your outdoor dining season well into the fall! Have fun with it and enjoy!

Taking the Overwhelm out of Downsizing Your Home

Some of our favourite recent clients have been those who have been downsizing from their current home to a smaller, more manageable home or condo, a family suite in a family member’s home or to a retirement residence. We love taking the time to guide these clients through this big life transition and help them to start this new chapter in their lives.

Many of these clients have been in their homes for decades and some as long as half a century. These clients endear themselves to us with their stories about how the neighbourhoods have changed, the neighbours who have come and gone, the home renovations they have undertaken and the families they have raised within the walls of these homes. We are honoured and grateful to take this journey with them and consider it a privilege to play a part in this transition.

Some of these clients are in their 70’s, their children have long left home and they are finding that they either don’t want to or can’t manage the responsibilities of maintaining a house any longer. These clients require special attention because most have not moved for many years, they often have accumulated decades worth of belongings that need to be sorted and organized, and it is common for them to feel overwhelmed by the process and all the decisions that need to be made.

However, not everyone considers downsizing later in life, some other motivating factors can be a need to reduce household expenses or pursue a simpler lifestyle, a divorce, an empty nest or the desire to reduce responsibilities in order to enjoy more financial freedom and travel. Regardless of the reason or motivation, the process is similar for everyone and requires compassion, sensitivity and proactive planning.

We take a very thoughtful approach to the downsizing process and are sensitive to the many emotional components that this transition can trigger. Dealing with items belonging to family members who have passed away, engaging grown children in the downsizing process, getting rid of sentimental items that no longer fit or serve and dealing with estates or the division of assets are just a few of the unique obstacles that we need to consider and navigate. With these things in mind, we often suggest beginning this process far in advance of the proposed move in order to avoid undue stress and overwhelm. We sit down with our clients and map out a detailed plan of how to get them from where they are to where they want to go, and implement a timeline and provide resources to help get them there.

You can find more details about how we approach the downsizing process on our downsizing services page. If downsizing is something you are considering but don’t know where to start, we would be happy to sit down with you and chat through your options. With a good plan and an experienced team behind you, downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming and can open you up to a world of possibilities!

Home for the Holidays: A Realtor's Guide to Captivating Christmas Decor

'Tis the season to transform homes into winter wonderlands, and as a realtor, what better way to capture the festive spirit than by showcasing properties adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations? Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere can significantly enhance the appeal of a home, making potential buyers feel a connection that goes beyond brick and mortar. In this guide, we'll explore innovative and tasteful ways to decorate homes during the holiday season, turning them into irresistible destinations for prospective buyers. Even if you are not selling, here are some great ways to reflect the holiday season within your home.

Curb Appeal that Sparkles

The first impression is crucial, and during the holidays, curb appeal takes on a whole new meaning. Start by adorning the entrance with a festive wreath that complements the home's color scheme. Consider adding subtle outdoor lighting, such as string lights along the pathway or a beautifully illuminated tree near the entrance. This touch not only enhances the home's exterior but also creates a warm and inviting ambiance.

A Cozy Fireplace Setting

Highlight the heart of the home – the fireplace. Arrange plush holiday-themed throws and cushions on the furniture surrounding the fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting space. A well-decorated mantel adorned with stockings, candles, and garlands adds a touch of festive elegance, making potential buyers envision themselves celebrating the holidays in their new home.

Deck the Halls – Stylishly

Opt for a cohesive color scheme that complements the home's interior. Consider classic combinations like gold and red, or go for a more modern touch with silver and blue. Ensure that decorations complement the existing decor rather than overpowering it. Simple touches, such as a beautifully adorned staircase railing or strategically placed ornaments, can bring the holiday spirit without overwhelming the space.

Showcase outdoor entertaining spaces

If the property has outdoor entertaining spaces, don't forget to extend the festive decor outside. String lights, outdoor wreaths, and a well-lit patio can showcase the home's potential for hosting memorable holiday gatherings.

Bedrooms that Gleam with Holiday Magic

Create a serene and festive atmosphere in the bedrooms by incorporating holiday-themed bedding, pillows, and throws. A beautifully adorned Christmas tree in the master bedroom can add a touch of magic. Keep it tasteful and cohesive, ensuring that the decor enhances the room's ambiance without overwhelming the potential buyer's imagination.

Bathrooms with Seasonal Splendor

Even the bathrooms can benefit from a festive touch. Consider adding holiday-themed towels, candles, or a simple bowl of decorative ornaments. It's all about creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the entire home.

Kitchen Elegance

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and during the holidays, it becomes a hub for festive gatherings. Consider adding subtle touches like holiday-themed dishware, a decorative centerpiece, or even a bowl of festive potpourri. If the home has an open layout, make sure the holiday decor seamlessly flows from the kitchen into the adjoining living spaces.

Create a Holiday Scent Experience

Engage the senses by incorporating subtle holiday scents throughout the home. Consider placing scented candles, potpourri, or even baking a batch of festive cookies before showings. The inviting aroma can evoke feelings of comfort and home.

In the competitive world of real estate, making a memorable impression is key, and during the holiday season, decorating with care and thoughtfulness can set your property apart. By creating a warm and festive atmosphere, you not only capture the spirit of the season but also help potential buyers envision themselves celebrating future holidays in their new home. So, deck the halls, light the candles, and let the magic of Christmas make your home irresistible for the holidays.

Home design trends for 2021

grandmillenial style by hadley court

Without a doubt, the pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives; from working from home, navigating online school, eating at home more due to restaurant closures and lockdowns restricting our movements; the pandemic has certainly changed how we live and interact within our homes. Combine that with the fact that we have been staring at the same four walls for over a year, and a lot of us are feeling the desire to either redecorate, reconfigure our current space or move to a different space altogether. If you are considering a renovation or a move, here are a few design trends that we are seeing, many as a result of living life during a pandemic.

the home office

Working from home full-time means it is no longer feasible to just set up your laptop at the kitchen island or dining room table. Online meetings require privacy, tech capabilities and a way to separate work from home. A comfortable desk chair, ample storage, a proper tech set-up, good lighting and a pleasing zoom background are all factors to consider when designing a dedicated home office. In smaller spaces such as condos, where square footage is a premium and a separate room is out of the question, designating and designing a space within a space strictly for work is equally as important.

A screen is a great way to create a decorative partition in a smaller space. Designed by Charu Ghandi of Elicyon. Credit: Courtesy of Elicyon

multi-functionality

Spending so much time at home has also made us realize that we need to maximize all the space in our house and some spaces, such as formal living and dining rooms, get very little use and are taking up prime real estate in our homes. As a result, we are seeing a trend towards multi-functional space and furniture, so that we can get the most out of the space that we have. It has also forced us to re-examine our need for walls and privacy as we trend away from the open concept floor plan that has been so popular, and towards separated multi-use space.

outdoor living

Since our movements have been so restricted, we are all craving the ability to get outdoors, so there is a big trend towards blending the outdoors with the indoors and creating luxurious spaces to enjoy all-season. Creating outdoor living & dining areas allows for pandemic socializing or even just a change of scenery. Fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools and hot tubs are popular ways to add luxury to these outdoor spaces.

Credit: Neue Focus Photography

go natural

We all also want to be cozy and comfortable these days so there is a trend away from the sleek, sterile modern look towards a more warm and welcoming esthetic. This can be achieved through the use of natural fabrics, wood accents, earth tones & (real) greenery. Natural materials such as rattan and cane are also seeing a resurgence, and we are seeing a move away from the design equivalent of fast fashion, with homeowners choosing to invest in more sustainable furnishings.

colour

We are seeing a real trend towards pops of dark colour, whether it be in a statement couch, accent wall or kitchen cabinetry. Dark green is particularly in vogue at the moment.

italianbank.com

grandmillenial style

Goodbye midcentury modern and hello grandmillenial grandeur! This style, also referred to as ‘granny chic’, incorporates pattern and texture in order to infuse individuality and personality into a space. It is old school design trends (think toile, chintz, floral wallpaper, heavy woods, vintage prints) with a modern twist.

kitchens

Kitchens are seeing a boost of colour these days with kitchen style trending towards darker and two-tone cabinetry, wood grain accents and statement range hoods.

elledecor.com

mix it up

The old rules no longer apply, you now have permission to mix it up, whether it be metals, patterns, styles or vintages, anything goes. This does take some skill, but when done right, the effect can be stunning.

If you are considering a move or a renovation and don’t know where to begin, feel free to reach out to us, we are always available for your questions!

Home trends & a pandemic to thank for them

The past six months have had us discussing everything from the best sour dough bread starter in lockdown, to whether or not to wear a mask in the spring, to now, whether or not to send our kids back to school or keep them there!

One thing we can all agree on, is that after spending so much time at home over the past several months, the place where we live has never felt more important. People are making big lifestyle decisions and we are seeing new patterns with clients with regards to their home searching criteria. I personally have spent too many hours scrolling ‘the gram’ looking at desert homes, beach homes, country homes…in almost every country in the world!

Many of our lives have changed in ways that a year ago, we could not have imagined. Every pandemic in history has brought about changes to how we use our homes and what design trends will be moving forward. We have noticed that during private showings over the past few months, clients are prioritizing home office set ups and outdoor living spaces and not worrying about a great kitchen for entertaining.

Apartment Therapy released an article about how Coronavirus will change the way homes are built and designed moving forward. Some key points and predictions from the article are:

the end of open concept

More defined spaces and privacy for family members will become increasingly popular over the open concept, one-room-for-all of the past. Big YES to this.

antimicrobial surfaces

Using materials like copper and krion to build, making homes naturally antimicrobial from the start. As we start to renovate our own home, it will be interesting to see what decisions become directed from a ‘clean’ point of view.

outdoor living space for the win

YES! Even though we have a shorter outdoor season in Ontario, I’m 100% here for this. I would love to expand our porch into a 3 season room, or even cover it for rainy evening meals outdoors. Can you find me a patio heater please!!! Carving out space for a small patio or balcony in urban settings will become a priority for architects.

larger master bedrooms

Huh? This one I don’t get. The rationale is that if you had to self-isolate, a larger sanctuary would be beneficial. Personally, I’m not going to give up valuable square footage in my house for this one.

Low rise living

Ok, I see both sides of this, but in a city like Toronto it’s not really an option with affordable housing already being in crisis mode. Architects will have to get creative on how to make elevators “cleaner” and providing green space to residents, but in densely populated cities this one will pose a challenge.

back to basics kitchens

With at home dining being the norm, people are going to improve their cooking spaces for quality cooking (high end appliances etc), not for showy entertaining. Makes sense to me but I don’t love cooking so I’ll stick to pretty.

healthy homes

Smart technology, with the ability to monitor air, water and light quality, will be used in new construction and with the ability to adjust filtration based on reading. One company, HED south, is already doing this and more will follow. Love the idea, but think I’ll hate the price tag.

touch-less technology will become the norm

Motion sensors were once a luxury but will become the norm as builders lean towards touchless light switches, faucets and everything else. Like it!

the front vestibule or mudroom

Having a designated spot as a transition space from the “outside world” to your inside space, both psychologically and physically. Love it, just wish it could work in my 100+ year old home.

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Historically many design trends and building finishes have been directly influenced by plagues and viruses. Have a look!

Our home design has changed drastically over the past 150 years. Once commonplace items like claw-footed tubs and standing armoires have fallen out of favor....

Our takeaway from all of this is that after spending so much time at home over the past six months we are really thinking about how we use our home and how we can improve it to work best for us. Not all from a “virus” point of view, but how it can be more comfortable, more efficient and more organized moving forward.