Testimonial

"I recently hired Jamie Stephenson Designs to redecorate my bedroom for me. She was very professional in the way she conducted her business. I have a relatively small bedroom, and she was able to utilize the space better, so that I didn’t lose any storage space, but was able to eliminate unwanted clutter. I had my accent colours chosen, and she helped me with colour palettes for paint that would compliment the accent colours I had chosen. I highly recommend her services, and plan on hiring her to do my spare room and my bathroom in the near future."

Christina Guyton

E-Desgin

Times are tough right now due to the economy and many people are afraid to spend money due to it's uncertainty. People are changing their lifestyles to help save money such as eating in, canceling vacations and limiting their personal spending on luxuries.

Since you are more then likely spending more of your free time at home, then why not make your home a place you want to spend your free time in! You of course think "I don't have the extra money to hire an interior designer"! Yes you can, with my new design consultation to chose from, E-Design. It is a new way to update your living space in any room in your house at an affordable cost.

How does this work you wonder? It is simple and all done over the computer. Simply send me photos of the room you want work done in. Send as many photos as you can from each angle of the room and photos of any furniture pieces already in or ones you are interested moving in. Don't forget any important architectural pieces in the room along with room measurements. Send me a brief description about the use of the room and what you are interested in doing or changing or if you are open to all ideas! You have the option of reusing your current furniture or we can discuss purchasing new furniture as well or a combination of both.

Once I have gathered all the information required, I email back to you any ideas or suggestions regarding a new paint colour, new floor layout, flooring, accessories etc, anything goes!

Many financial experts advise spending money when you can to help the economy. So if you do decide to spend some money, then what better place than to put it back into, your home! You will have a beautiful space to come home to at the end of a hard day and more importantly helping out our troubled economy.

If you are interested in these services or have any questions or interested in quotes, please do not hesitant to contact me.

www.jamiestephensondesign.com
416-389-0038
info@jamiestephensondesign.com

~ Jamie

Pink Princess Room Makeover

I volunteer with the Make A Wish Foundation and was thrilled when they asked for my help in putting together a three year olds wish to have a pink princess bedroom makeover.

A lot of work was done to complete this room as you can see when looking at the "before" and "after shots" featured below. We removed the closet area and placed the bed and night stand instead to give the room more space as it is quite small. We installed new flooring and removed old outdated wallpaper boarder that was all along the room. Lots of primer and paint was need and endless hours, but it was all worth it in the end. The little girl's reaction was just priceless!!!

"Before" Shots

I had so much fun putting together this room. What girl wouldn't want a pink princess room???

We had a fabulous decorating company called Wall "N" Floor Decor & More help us with the floor installation and donated the gorgeous chandelier that worked perfectly in our room. The bedroom furniture was purchased from The Brick. The very cute Disney Princess bedside table lamp was purchased from The Home Depot and the curtains were from Rona. All the toys were provided from donations that are given to The Make A Wish Foundation.

"After" shots

Adding beautiful pillows to a couch is always a nice added touch! Try choosing pillows that are contrasting or complimentary colours to your wall colour and sofa. It is always great to chose ones that have texture to it such as these that have embroidery and that are varying sizes. Other options are pillows that are multi-coloured, patterned or varying materials such as suede, fuzzy, wool or even have buttons on them, etc.

This client lives in a condo where the living room and dinning share one space together, so space is an issue. End tables were still important to have, but rather then purchasing large bulky tables, this smaller hall table was purchased instead. It still allows enough space to keep the typical things such as drinks, lamp and accessories but since it is narrow it keeps the room open and airy.

This is a perfect example to keep your eye open for pieces to use not in its "intended" purpose.

My client was lucky enough to have quite a large bedroom, over 250 sq. ft! Although the fireplace was a non working one, it was still beautiful non the less. Rather then keeping it empty and bare, or the typical "large candles because I don't know what else to put in there"; try adding larger modern vases at different heights. It is something less expected and still looks beautiful.

We kept the top of the mantel pretty bare as we added a beautiful painting above it. Having too much "stuff" on all three levels would have become very visually cluttered and messy looking. When decorating a fireplace, always place an equal sized painting or mirror above to help balance out the wall space.

We fit the piano beside the fireplace and continued the theme of adding photographs on top. Try to keep accessories balanced by having larger items at the end or staggered. through out.

You don't necessarily require a bedside table next to your bed. Try using a dresser instead! This works especially well if your bed is higher. To make this look work for you, buy a beautiful lamp for a reading light or to help set the perfect lighting tone. Put some small picture frames or accessories on top, but make sure you do not clutter it up. It is best to put accessories together grouped in odds rather then evens.

When you have a small breakfast bar area its best to keep it clear from clutter as it can quickly become a cluttered spot. Try putting an accessory to help with the visual interest (and less likely to clutter up with something pretty there).

I prefer choosing chairs that have backings for ultimate comfort and a spot to rest your feet. These chairs are also great to have to move to the living area if you have extra guest in your house.

If the chairs are not use often, then feel free to go backless. This will create more of a modern look.

I love these chairs as the fabric is removable and washable.

Having a bolder duvet cover in your bedroom is a great way to bring in colour and a focal point to your bed. When choosing wall colours for your room, it is best to have your duvet picked out first and work your wall colours around it along with any accessories.

Tips for organizing your home office

Often home offices are small spaces and are one of the last rooms to be typically worked on. Once you get to decorate your office, often there is not much money left over. Here are some tips to redecorate and de-clutter your office space.

1. 1.You do not require expensive furniture, source out garage sales and antique shows for special finds. It is inexpensive to put on a coat of paint or stain, so look beyond its current condition.

1. 2.This is a room where you will be spending some time in and for sometimes not fun reasons; the dreaded bills! So make sure you continue to put the effort into keeping with design schemes you enjoy. Paint the walls a fun colour, or have a focal wall with wall paper. Put in a funky desk lamp along with a small couch or chaise if you have the space. Make the space your own!

1. 3.Add some visual interest with artwork, photography, area rug, pillows and beautiful lighting. When you take those few moments to rest from staring at the computer, it’s nice to have eye pleasing pieces to look at.

4. 4.Don’t go for the standard storage boxes that you find at the big box stores. Look for ones made with natural material such as wood. Don’t be afraid to be creative and find ones with colour and patterns. You could even find inexpensive fabric to cover just with the help of a glue gun! Another option is to have all clear storage for papers to pens. It helps to have a consistent look through out.

Space Saving Tips

Living in small spaces is quite common these days with many people choosing to live in condos or smaller rooms in their houses such as home office, children's room etc.
Here are some tips to help save space within your home.

1. Keep dark spaces light and airy by adding low floor lighting behind furniture, wall scones etc

2.When purchases tables, buy glass tables so that your eyes can see through the room

3.Buy ottomans that open up for storage and also coffee tables, end tables, extra seating

4.No room for end tables? Place a shelf or narrow console table behind your sofa to place lighting, pictures, accessories onto

5.Purchase a few larger furniture pieces rather then many smaller pieces

6.Bought or built in book cases should stretch to the ceiling for optimal storage space

7.Keep windows free from furniture so your view and light is not blocked

8.To help a room appear bigger and brighter, paint with cool/light paint colours

9.Consider painting your ceiling the same as your wall colour or a lighter version of it

10.However, if you perfer your small space to appear cozy and intimate or a more dramatic look, use warmer colours

11.To bring a finished look to your room, add patterns and textures in your accessories such as pillows, lighting fixtures, paintings or photos

12.Adding accessories is fine, but avoid cluttering which will make the room appear much smaller. It is best to keep to collections

Make - A - Wish

I am excited to report that I will be volunteering my design services to
Make -A-Wish Foundation. Back in high school I used to volunteer for them and enjoyed it tremendously. They are a highly respected foundation that truly work miracles for very sick children and teenagers.
It is an honor to work with them and I am very excited to start my first room for them.

I will be designing a room for a 3 year old girl who's wish is to have a pink, princess room. What girl doesn't want that!

I will be posting pictures as the project comes along.

Please take a look at this inspirational organization.
http://www.makeawish.ca/