kitchen trends in 2024

(Above) Image Credit: Corvino Design

As a designer, I am somewhat cautious when it comes to trends. I have been in the industry for long enough to see certain trends come and go. The last thing I want for my clients is to invest time, money and energy into an extensive renovation/new build project to then feel like their space is dated in only a few years. That being said, I do believe it is possible to lean into a current look or borrow a few elements from a trend while maintaining an overall timeless aesthetic. Most importantly, I strive to design spaces that feel personal, curated and that my clients feel good in and resonate with deeply.

With that caveat in mind, here is a list of what I am seeing in the design world in 2024:

1. Warm calm interiors

Neutral balanced interiors with a calm colour palette feel so good to spend time in. In my designs, I love to create peaceful soothing spaces that set the stage for the hustle and bustle of busy daily activity. Life is noisy, colourful, busy and messy; I often gravitate toward neutral and cohesive color story as an attempt to bring back balance!

Image Credit: North Vancouver kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by Pinecone Camp

Image Source: April Tomlin Interiors

2. STATEMENT HOOD VENTS

Hood is no longer just a hard working appliance! Most of my recently designed kitchens incorporate a hood in a way that is a design moment in and of itself. Whether it be a plastered drywall hood or one clad with custom millwork or perhaps one that incorporates beautiful tile or a piece of reclaimed wood - today’s options to make a statement are endless. Range and hood are often positioned in a central and most visible portion of the kitchen; therefore, it is one of the most important areas to consider when starting the design process.

Image Credit: LT Homes

3. RETURN TO COOL METALS

While I still absolutely love brass, bronze, copper and other warm metals, I am noticing a lot more cooler metals making a comeback in the design world. Brushed nickel, stainless and polished chrome are starting to become a lot more popular again. I personally feel that most interesting interiors tend to mix several different finishes (such as in the image below).

Image Credit: LT Homes

4. ICONIC RANGES

For those with a passion for cooking and those that appreciate high-quality well-crafted products, there are quite a few options on the market. Classic and sophisticated French ranges such as La Cornue or Lacanche (pictured below) or beautiful Italian Bertazzoni range will elevate the functionality and the aesthetic of any kitchen design.

Image Credit: Studio McGee

5. something BLUE

Absolutely loving the color combination of pale blues, cool marble with warm accents of brass (pictured below). This color combination feels well balanced and both current yet timeless. Some of my favourite blues are Farrow & Ball De Nimes and Skylight.

Image Credit: Heidi Cailier

6. COFFEE STATION

When space permits, I love to set up a designated space for the coffee station. I find something special about creating small rituals at home. In the morning, I cherish my ritual of pouring that first cup of coffee and sitting down to write in my gratitude journal. Having a specific space for the coffee station (whether a separate coffee bar/station or simply a designated corner of the kitchen) will help to keep things organized and introduce a feeling of order and peace first thing in the morning!

Image Credit: Erin Sander Design

7. soothing sage

Green kitchens are certainly having their moment. However, despite its current “trendiness” and popularity, I consider green to be a color that has a timeless quality. In my opinion, spaces that are curated, personalized and feel good to be in will outlast trends and remain relevant. Humans are drawn to nature. We feel restored by spending time outdoors, by looking out at greenery and by being near plants. For this reason, soothing shades of sage such as Farrow and Ball Pigeon (pictured below) is a long-time favourite that I love to incorporate into my designs.

Image Credit: Glebe kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by JVL Photo

8. TEXTURED BACKSPLASH

Neutral does not have to equal boring. Playing with varying textures is designer’s trick to ensure that neutral spaces feel interesting and not flat.

Image Credit: Corvino Design

9. COUNTERTOP EDGES

In the design world, we are seeing a return to many traditional design elements. One way to incorporate a small traditional element but maintain a current feel is by varying countertop edge detail. Some of my favourites are oversized bullnose, ogee and double ogee variations. I love adding a special countertop edge to the island only while leaving perimeter countertop with a standard square edge (see examples below).

Image credit: Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent

Image Credit: Glebe Kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by JVL Photo

10. PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS

While looking for the perfect countertop material for a client project, I recently discovered porcelain (pictured below). My client wanted the aesthetic/natural beauty of marble countertop but, having two young children at home, was really worried about durability and maintenance. Additionally, the quotes for marble countertops significantly exceeded those for all other types of countertop materials. We finally settled on porcelain as a great alternative - beautiful, durable, low maintenance and much more reasonably priced. I love the marble-like aesthetic and the honed finish which elevated the look of it even further, in my opinion.

Image Credit: North Vancouver kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by Pinecone Camp

10 ways to optimize your kitchen

Kitchen is the heart of the home and the most used space in the house. This hard working room is a busy hub - from morning coffee to cooking and clean up; from having family discussions to hosting, socializing and making memories and festive meals. Due to all the demands that are placed on this space, it is important to thoughtfully design the kitchen with optimal efficiency, functionality, comfort and aesthetic value in mind.

Here are some of the key considerations I walk through with my clients when designing their dream kitchens:

*all images below are of projects by Marina Medina Design

1. Decide on your must haves

This is a utility-driven space so it is important to focus on the specific needs and lifestyle of your family. Spending some time on Pinterest can be helpful at this stage. Consider the following:

• Do you wish to have seating and if so, for how many?

• What types and sizes of appliances are you hoping to include? Do you prefer a range or a cooktop and a wall oven? Do you need a microwave? Are you hoping to include a beverage fridge? Built-in vs stainless counter depth fridge?

• What kinds of sinks do you prefer - stainless, porcelain, silgranite? Single or double bowl? A sink workstation?

• Do you prefer to keep everything in closed cabinets or display your tableware on open shelves? A combination of both?

Think about you list of non-negotiables and nice-to-have’s. I usually take an inventory of everything the client wishes to find room for in the new kitchen, such as that Kitchen-Aid mixer or the espresso machine so that we can find a home for those items in the new design.

Regardless of what budget you are working with, this exercise is a great starting point to get your thoughts organized and get your priorities in order.

2. focus on the floorplan

Before we get to the fun part of choosing finishes, figuring out the most optimal layout is key. Working with a professional interior designer can be very helpful because so much needs to be considered - design rules, local building code, ergonomics, scale and proportion. Professional will help to delineate work zones, strategically place appliances, plan for adequate storage and ensure there is enough circulation space.

Well-considered work triangle is the golden standard of a functional kitchen design. The refrigerator, sink and stove are spaced to allow the user to move between prep, cooking and clean up in an efficient way. The triangle spacing will be based on the industry standards as well as on the overall size of the kitchen, ensuring that the three stations are adjacent but not too close - just right!

Interior designer will draw up a floorpan of the space and shift the various elements around until everything works well together.

3.max out the storage

Whether you are working with a small or a grand space, properly considered and organized storage is critical. Regardless of the size of the kitchen, it is important to map out where various items will live and to design spaces accordingly.

I like to make sure the pantry has maximum functionality by incorporating a combination of adjustable shelving and pull out drawers. Blind corner’s usability can be improved by using a clever hardware solution such as a Magic Corner. Having an intentionally designed home for your spices, oils, cutting boards, small appliances or even a Dyson with a built-in charging station can make all the difference!

It is equally important to think about where and how to store tableware and glassware. Do you wish to show off some beautiful pieces on a curated shelfie or do you prefer closed doors? Glass cabinets with regular, frosted or reeded glass is another beautiful alternative.

4. consider continuity

In most open floor layouts, the kitchen is an extension of the rest of the home, visible from the dining or living rooms. It is important to take a look at this relationship from the layout, materiality and sightline perspective. These adjacent spaces must be considered as a whole not as separate distinct rooms.

For example, in the image above, the dramatic and impactful kitchen design provides a spectacular sight from the adjacent living room. The black island works well with the black windows throughout the home. Wide plank hardwood flooring extends throughout the ground floor creating continuity between these spaces.

5. figure out the finishes

While the chosen finishes can help to define the style and vibe of the space, this decision is about more than just the aesthetics.

Running hardwood flooring into the kitchen can help to unify kitchen with the rest of the home and many people find it more comfortable underfoot. However, tile flooring is certainly more durable and hard-wearing and can be a really practical choice for this high-traffic area. With either of these choices, an area rug is a great addition.

Countertop material is another decision not to be taken lightly. There is a vast number of options on the market varying greatly in terms of aesthetic, durability and price. A vintage marble is a personal favourite of mine. Some other alternatives are granite, quartz, porcelain, butcher block and stainless steel. When tastefully combined, two or even three different countertop materials or various colors of the same material can create a beautiful result.

Additionally, one needs to think about the millwork finishes as well as the finish of the faucet and hardware and to ensure all the elements work well together.

6. identify where to save & splurge

Kitchen renovations are a high ticket item; therefore, discussing budget and priorities at the outset is important. My goal as a designer is to get the client the best result while staying within budget. Together, we try to identify what splurge (if any) would create maximum impact and give the best bang for the buck. For some people, gorgeous decorative island pendants is the splurge item of choice. For others, vintage marble countertop will be where they decide to spend to get that fabulous aesthetic. In the image above, my clients decided to invest in a sink workstation to improve efficiency for this busy work zone.

7. remember the backsplash

Aside from its practical purpose, backsplash is an excellent opportunity to bring additional personality and design statement into your kitchen. There is no shortage of options on the market. The interior designer’s job is to consider the relationship between all the finishes in the space, making sure the backsplash works well within the overall formula.

In the kitchen above, we selected a beautiful vintage marble for the perimeter of the kitchen. To maximize the effect, we decided to run up the same marble along the back wall. I suggested adding a small ledge on top, which became the clients’ favourite feature in their newly renovated kitchen - a place to store oils and spices.

8. let there be light

Make the most of what natural light you have in the space but also don’t forget to add layers of ambient, task and decorative lighting.

I like to put a sink in front of the window or with a view of the window, if possible. This will help to provide adequate illumination but also potentially give one some views to enjoy while using the sink.

Undercabinet lighting provides both an ambient glow as well as critical task lighting for the work surface. Ceiling potlights are an important way to add some general illumination throughout the space.

Decorative lighting is an opportunity to add fun, drama, texture and personality to the room. Lighting fixtures really are the jewelry of the space!

9. Devil is in the details

Details are what make the space and must not be overlooked.

Adding walnut cabinet interiors is a detail that elevates the space (like in the image above). Using stylish designer vents instead of regular builder-grader floor ones is another example.

During the course of the renovation, there is a multitude of decisions to be made daily - decision fatigue is very real! An experienced professional will run through the list to ensure none of the small items are left as an afterthought as each of those is an opportunity for its own design moment!

10. Don’t forget accessories

After the renovation has been completed, the contractors left, and you have moved into your space, it’s time to build upon your kitchen with layers of functional and decorative objects, adding texture, color, warmth and elements of your own personality into the room.

Whether it is quality wood cutting boards, some lovely pottery or perhaps plants displayed on the open shelves, a beautiful bowl with a display of fresh fruit, your go-to cookbooks, fresh cut flowers in your favourite vase on the island, or some art - make this space unapologetically beautifully yours with all that makes your heart sparkle! Life is too short not to create intentional moments of magic - so here’s to romanticizing the everyday and the mundane in your beautiful new kitchen!

why hire a designer?

“DO IT ONCE. DO IT RIGHT.”

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New construction and remodel projects can be expensive. When the costs of your project are adding up fast, allocating part of your budget to interior design fees may be the last thing you want to do. As interior design professionals, it is our goal to simplify and streamline the design and construction process, making your investment in a trained expert well worth it. Here are reasons why hiring an interior designer is a good idea.

1. SAVING TIME. Time is a precious resource. A designer has a trained sense of what needs to be done and when, and will be able to anticipate any obstacles that may come up.

2. SAVING MONEY. This may seem counter-intuitive since you’re going to have to pay the additional designer’s fee, but the truth is that hiring a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and enable you to make design decisions that will increase the value of your home. If you’re on a tight budget, a designer is going to know how to get the best value out of what you can spend. An experienced designer is used to working on a line item budget and will help you understand where every penny is going.

3. PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EXPERTISE. An interior designer is a trained professional who is experienced in the art and science of interior architecture and design. A good interior designer will carefully consider form and function, while creating a space with the unique needs and preferences of the end user in mind. A trained pair of eyes will see things you are guaranteed to miss and will have a plenty of experiences and past projects to reference when making decisions.

4. QUALIFIED LIASON. A good designer is a liaison between the client and the architect, contractor, structural engineers, plumber, electrician and other trades. Interior designer understands the language of the design and construction industry and will help you make informed decisions and communicate well with all those involved on the project.

5. RESOURCES AND CONTACTS. Being immersed in the design and construction industry, a designer is indispensable in having access to pre-qualified and trusted trade professional and go-to materials and resources. Interior designer also has access and knowledge of products that are not accessible to the general public.

6. WOW FACTOR! A good interior designer has spent considerable amount of time immersed in the industry, learning technical and product knowledge, industry standards, art principles, and design trends. A good designer is a creative thinker, problem solver and has an innate sense of style that allows them to make thought out decisions with regards to the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Successful design professional will have a combination of training, expertise and an innate understanding of design principles that will result in an end product that is as visually stunning as it is functional.

my travels: london

I love travelling and try to hop on a plane every chance that I get. With the pandemic and busy work schedule, I have not been able to travel as much as I like to, which made this trip that much more special!

London was love at first sight! Beautiful architecture, exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, stunning unique interiors, unmatched restaurant experiences - this city has so much to offer to engage all the senses. All the novelty and excitement of a big metropolitan city was balanced out by a feeling of being “right at home”, a sense of familiarity - ease of navigating English-speaking city with many recognizable brands and stores. Somehow, London feels both new and familiar, metropolitan and cozy, big and small. Two weeks gave me a little teaser; however, I am confident that I will be back to continue to explore.

Here are some of my favorite moments/experiences:

FACADES OF LONDON

Advised by our local friends, we decided to stay in lovely South Kensington neighbourhood. One of the absolute highlights of this trip for me has been exploring the city by foot and soaking up the gorgeous facades with abundant architectural features and details.

HYDE PARK

Staying in close adjacency to Hyde Park meant that many of our daily outings led us through its charming paths on the way to another city neighbourhood. Hard to believe that such a lush and serene green space is in the heart of a city of 9 million!

FOODIE HEAVEN

The restaurant scene is London is unmatched. What an abundance of experiences and wildly different interiors and cuisines. Here are a couple that we had a chance to experience.

We stumbled on this gem on our first night in London. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and courtyards, Firebird is an open-fire restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Soho.

Image source: www.luxurylondon.co.uk

Laid back and effortlessly stylish in quintessentially Aussie way, Granger & Co. quickly became our brunch go-to spot. I loved the Chelsea (pictured here) and Notting Hill locations.

Image source: Granger & Co.

Granger & Co. in Chelsea

Many of London’s IT restaurants are embracing the Maximalist vibe. Luscious foliage, jungle textures and velvet banquettes - London’s Amazonico is truly a sensory feast!

Image Source: Amazonico

More is more at Amazonico! Fringe lampshades, decadent fabrics and curved walls ensure this space is anything but boring.

Image Source: Amazonico

Here is Cocotte, French farm-to-table rotisserie with many healthy seasonal homemade dishes and well appointed interior.

Image Source: Cocotte

Annabels was another decadently maximalist restaurant I had an opportunity to check out on this trip. What a wild (quite literally) experience!

Image Source: Annabels

I don’t think I have ever stepped foot in a ladies room more opulently decorated! From pink marble and mother-of-pearl details to walls clad in hand-embroidered wallpaper with whimsical botanical motives to flower ceilings to plush carpets to custom flower mirrors and bespoke furniture, this ladies room at Annabel’s is certainly one of a kind!

Image Source: Annabels

Enjoying honey cake and specialty tea in Notting Hill’s L’eto restaurant with my lovely friend who I got to visit with while in London.

This is NOPI - Ottolenghi’s restaurant in Soho. I have been obsessed with Ottolenghi’s cookbooks and have been making his recipes for years. IYKYK! I was so excited to stumble on his restaurant in London, but of course the place was booked for many days ahead. I am putting it on the list for next time!

Image source: Ottolenghi

GALLERIES

Such an abundantly rich cultural and art scene! I imagine you need to spend a couple of lifetimes in this city to visit even a fraction of the events and galleries!

Victoria and Albert museum

Trying to take it all in at the National Gallery.

A Van Gogh moment at the National Gallery

Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, Van Gogh, 1888.

ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

We took a little roadtrip to visit friends in the English countryside. Here is a view of Hereford, cathedral city approximately 3 hours drive West of London.

Image Source: www.cntraveller.com

A stop at Barnsley House on the way back for some afternoon tea.

SITE SEEING

With so many friends to catch up with, and so many restraurants and museums to explore, site seeing wasn’t always top of mind. However, we did manage to stop by a few of the iconic landmarks.

First time at Buckingham Palace.

Two days later, news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing would sweep the world and crowds would gather outside of Buckingham Palace to pay respects and leave flowers and cards in Queen’s memory. It was pretty surreal to have a historical event of this magnitude take place while I was visiting in London.

One of London’s defining landmarks - Tower Bridge.

Finally, a special shout out to my love for being a wonderful and patient travel companion. Two weeks felt way too short but we will be back!

my travels: Tulum

As much as I embrace cold and snow as inevitable and even enjoyable part of living in Canada, a mid-February sunny get-away with a side of generous dose of vitamin D is always a nice treat! There has been a lot of attention on Tulum as a beautiful tropical destination lately, so naturally my best friend, my sister and I set out to discover it for ourselves. I put together my list below to highlight everything I LOVED about vacationing in this boho-chic escape.

1. FOODIE PARADISE

This truly is a destination for a discerning foodie. From authentic Yucatan food to fusion restaurants to spectacularly indulgent international cuisine to health-conscious, vegan or gluten free offerings, Tulum has quite a generous selection of restaurants to meet the highest of foodie standards.

We ate our way through Tulum trying hard to sample as much of the decadent flavours as we could manage (while still fitting in our bikinis).

My personal favourite restaurants were Gitano and Casa Banana.

Nestled in the jungle, Gitano has a sexy moody vibe with an indulgence for all the senses - carefully designed outdoor space, thoughtfully plated dishes and beautiful tanned crowd, live music, seductive scent of the Frankincense burning throughout, decadently delicious food as well as the greatest of company and conversation, of course!

Image source: InMexico

This vegetarian meal of grilled avocado on bed of aromatic salt, mushroom tacos and tender asparagus was to die for!

Casa Banana is a gem of rustic Argentian cuisine offering flavorful wood-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables. Grilled octopus salad and filet mignon with merlot mushroom reduction were pure decadence.

Image Source: Well-Dressed Wayfarer

2. MAYAN RUINS

Town of Tulum as well as the famous ocean-side strip of restaurants and boutique hotels sit in close proximity to an ancient archaeological site of Tulum ruins which were inhabited as early as 564AD. We took a morning to bike over and walk around revelling in awe in the remains of the ancient Mayan structures.

Fun fact: Tulum means “wall” in Mayan. Early Tulum was built to be a fortress and a religious and ceremonial centre with only 1600 inhabitants living inside of its wall at any one time. Even as recent as 1995, population of Tulum was only 3000. By contrast, today’s population is around 35,000 with over 2 million tourists per year. Tulum has the highest population growth in all of Mexico and its great popularity has, sadly, caused it to grow far too fast to be sustainably supported by its current infrastructure.

3. GRAN CENOTE

Yucatan Peninsula, where Tulum is located, boasts many sites of beautiful Cenotes, which are naturally occurring sinkholes resulting in the collapse of limestone bedrock with access to water underneath. Being inside a Cenote has an other-worldly surreal charm with its perfectly turquoise waters, underwater caves, bats, turtles and other wildlife.

Image Source: Cenote

4. HEALTY SMOOTHIES, BOWLS & COFFEES

Because the food is soooo good in Tulum and also because food is what I care about the most on my travels (or in general, lets be serious), healthy food options deserve a separate point on my list. I loved that while travelling, I still had access to clean, nutritious and healthful food options. Some restaurants worth to be mentioned in this category are: The Real Coconut, Raw Love, Matcha Mama.

One of the many snack breaks we made at Raw Love. Besides some of the most delicious smoothie bowls and fresh coconuts, Raw Love has a few feline friends kicking around (whose company we were lucky to enjoy!)

While in Tulum, I jumped on the latest health trend of mushroom coffee. Medicinal mushroom (such as chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps) are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, gut-friendly and chock-full of antioxidants. These are added to regular coffee to contribute to the coffee’s health content as well as to lower the amount of caffeine while maintaining the awakening and focus-heightening properties. Pictured above is an iced bulletproof mushroom coffee (which does NOT taste like mushrooms btw!) from Matcha Mama.

5. PICTURE PERFECT BEACHES

Between the perfect weather (it rained for about 10 minutes the entire week), turquoise water and well maintained white sand beaches with an abundance of hammocks, cabanas and food and drink options along the stretch, this was one of the my favourite tropical beaches to date. I’m typically not the beach type as I get bored quite easily and need to look for something more entertaining and adventurous; however, it’s hard to get bored on this beach - between people watching, tanning, and eating, there is enough buzz going on to keep a busy-bee like myself entertained.

6. FRESH COCONUTS ON THE BEACH

This was a daily tradition! Nothing like a fresh coconut on the beach to stay hydrated.

7. MEZCAL COCKTAILS

After this trip, I consider myself to be a converted Mezcal-lover. Mezcal is an alcohol distilled from Agave syrup (literally translated, it means “over-cooked agave”) and has a strong smoky flavour which makes it a perfect base for many deliciously refreshing cocktails of complex and interesting taste.

Mezcal cocktails at Mur Mur

Beach-side deliciousness at Delek hotel beach.

8. HAMMOCK LOUNGING AT SERENA GLAMPING

For second half of our trip, we stayed at this gem of a spot - beautiful Serena Glamping resort hidden away in the jungle, right on the main street. It was surreal to experience this stunning resort with all the comforts of a luxury hotel, the friendliest staff and a distinctly glamping nature vibe. We spent a couple of lazy hours hanging out in the hammocks with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Image Source: Travelocity

Image Source: Travelocity

9. FRIDAY NIGHT AT ROSA NEGRA

Rosa Negra was definitely a great spot to hang out on a Friday night - great margaritas, awesome DJ set and a very happening and busy vibe.

10. CRUISING AROUND ON BIKES

Bikes were our preferred mode of transportation on this trip. Our first Airbnb was in Aldea Zama neighbourhood, from which we commuted to the beach on bikes (approx 30 minutes). After moving to Serena Glamping resort close to the beach, we still rented bikes to go up and down the street during the day.

my travels: paris

Ten years since my last visit to Paris, I was definitely overdue for another adventure in the City of Love! As an interior designer, I have been swooning over beautiful French architecture and interiors for years. Not to mention my obsession with French fashion and food! I knew this time around, I would be able to appreciate the city from a completely fresh perspective. 

Below are my top 10 favorite highlights from my trip:

1.  Climb the Arc de Triomph for best views

Aside from the beautiful architecture of the Arc itself, my visit was made complete by climbing the stairs to the top of the monument. The panoramic 360 views from top of the Arc were well worth the climb. This was, in my opinion, the best view of the city and the Eiffel tower.

2. Stroll down Champs-Elysees 

After a visit of the Arc de Triomph, we spent a lazy afternoon walking down Champs-Elysees for some window shopping. A lot of the luxury French brands have their flagship locations on this street - so much eye candy!!! And, of course, plenty of options for decadent refreshments along the way. Stopping at the original Laduree location for a macaroon or a fresh croissant is a must!

3. Enjoy a picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens

The day was made complete with a visit to the picturesque Luxembourg Gardens. We stopped at a store on the way to stock up on fresh baguette, gourmet cheese and charcuterie and a bottle of wine and then savoured all the above shamelessly while watching the sun come down behind the Palais de Luxembourg and the Eiffel Tower visible beyond.

4. People watch on the patio of Les Deux Magots

For a quintessentially French experience, wine and cheese afternoon on the patio of Les Deux Magots came highly recommended and was equally well enjoyed (“Wine and cheese” was definitely the theme of this trip!) From soaking up the surrounding French architecture to observing all the well-heeled Parisians and tourists passing by to the decadent food, we were glad to have made the time for a few lazy hours on this patio.

Image Source: The Storefront Magazine

5. Delicious cocktails at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz

A warm intimate alcove nestled in the depth of the Ritz at Place Vendôme, Hemingway Bar has an atmosphere that takes you back in time. Frequented by Fitzgerald and Hemingway among other artists and visionaries of their time, it is still a spot well known and loved today. We came for the decadent cocktails, but lingered around for the vibe.

Image Source: Ritz Paris

Bonus: every cocktail comes with a beautiful rose! Cant think of a better way to collect a bouquet :)

6. Walk the stunning Alexander III bridge

This is the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris, spanning across the Seine and connecting Champs-Elysées with Les Invalides and Eiffel Tower. A stunning example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style, with its many Art Nouveau style lamps, cherubs, nymphs, winged horses and intricately embellished gilded elements, this landmark is truly a romantic and whimsical work of art.

7. Caroussel 

There is no lack of carousels in the City of Love. The one beside the Eiffel Tower is probably the best known and my personal favourite. Though this area is constantly crowded with tourists, there is something incredibly charming about the sights of the Tour Eiffel coupled with the soft melodic jingling of the carousel and the buzz of the crowd all around.

8. Drink wine on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur church

Ok, there are a LOT of steps on the way up but, trust me, it is worth it (and your Fitbit will be happy with you after a week in Paris!) Armed with a bottle of wine, we joined crowds of tourists to hang out, laugh and take in the views.

Those views - enough said!

9. Get close and personal with gargoyles of Notre-Dame

One of my favourite parts of the trip was the gargoyle tour of the Notre Dame cathedral. There was something very magical about seeing Paris through Victor Hugo’s eyes, imaging where the Hunchback of the Notre Dame spent his days looking out at the hustle and bustle of the city below. It was raining pretty hard during the tour, but it made for all the more beautiful visuals, seeing Paris shrouded in fog in all of its melancholy glory.

10. Catch the magic of the Eiffel tower at night

Eiffel Tower is a stunning sight at any time of the day but seeing it light up at night, reflecting and twinkling in the river Seine below, will take your breath away. Be sure to catch the sparkles go off every hour on the hour :)

WHERE TO STAY:

After a long time of searching on Airbnb and Expedia, we decided on this recently renovated gem (that I have previously come across on multiple design blogs).

I was very happy with the beautiful design of the hotel and the prime location; though be prepared for how small the rooms are (and if you have the slightest bit of claustrophobia, skip the elevator altogether).

Hotel Panache is conveniently located in the buzzy 9-eme arrondissement with no lack of trendy cafés and restaurants in the area. All the main tourist sites of the city are accessible by foot but pack comfortable shoes! Uber is also an option, but personally I always wanted to walk to take in as much Paris as I could!

Image Source: Hotel Panache

how to prepare for a home renovation

Whether preparing to renovate one room, a floor or your entire home, you may be feeling anxious and apprehensive about the process. A renovation is a big undertaking and should be planned for accordingly. As an interior designer, I have supported a multitude of clients through this process and can assure you that a home remodel is a manageable process. Nonetheless, I always encourage my clients to plan and prepare in advance.

Here are my designer tips for preparing for your home renovation:

points of frustration

Prior to starting the project, it is important to spend some time thinking about what you would like to change in your home. You can come up with a list of what is not working and what could be improved. As you go through your day, you can note down points of frustration - such as lack of counter space, overflowing/insufficient storage, awkward flow of the space. The longer your list, the better! Every one of the needs you identify is an opportunity to streamline your day and improve efficiency of your home with great design.

dream big

This is great time to jump on Pinterest, look on Instagram, flip through a shelter magazine and DREAM BIG. What kinds of spaces/homes are you drawn to? What design styles do you prefer? Are there certain elements you wish to include in the room? Start collecting a folder of images and ideas that you can share with your designer to help communicate your preferences and vision.

A word on TRENDS: throughout my career, I have seen certain design trends go in and out of style. A life cycle of a design trend seems to become shorter and shorter. We are not talking about a pair of jeans that are not longer in and can be donated tomorrow. Once you have invested time, energy and money into your renovation, my hope for you is that you can enjoy your beautiful home for many years to come without feeling like it’s starting to look dated. For this reason, I always encourage clients to go for timeless lasting aesthetic. We can always incorporate some smaller elements if you feel really drawn to a certain trend.

talk numbers

Once you have come up with your wish list, think about setting a realistic budget and determine your maximum spend amount. It might be hard to come up with this number, especially if you have never renovated before or haven’t done so in a recent while. Decide what seems reasonable and feasible for you at the moment, but be prepared for your contractor and your designer to give you a reality check based on going industry prices.

find your dream team

Depending on the size and scope of your project, you will need to build your dream team that will help you seamlessly get through the renovation process. For most clients, an interior designer or a contractor will be their first point of contact and first team member they will need to engage. Do some research online, ask your friends, colleagues and neighbours. Take the time to review the portfolio of work, to learn about the person/company and to read the online reviews. Personal connection is not to be understated. Since this individual or company will be your trusted ally for many months to come, it is important that you trust them and find them easy to talk to. Energy and fit is everything! Once you have found your first team member, they can usually recommend the rest of the team. As an interior designer, I have a wide network of contractors, engineers, landscapers, millworkers, stone fabricators, appliance and custom window treatment sales reps that I have personally vetted and am happy to recommend. Of course, you may still want to do your own due diligence for each recommended professional or trade.

make a plan

Once you have a list of wants and needs and a team that will help you manifest them into reality, it is time to flesh out the details - aka the design phase! Working with an interior designer is immensely helpful at this stage. A professional designer will guide you through the process in a manageable and organized step-by-step way, talking you through your vision, collecting all the required information in systematic way and creating a set of design drawings and specs that the contractor can use to price out the job and eventually to execute on the renovation. It is important to note that while you can engage the contractor after the design phase is completed, I typically recommend having a contractor lined up before you start. Great contractors get booked up for months in advance so it is important to engage one early in the process. Additionally, I always find it helpful to have the contractor involved in the conversation early on to help guild our decisions. For example, a contractor can help to accurately ballpark the job cost at the outset or to help identify any other important considerations from the construction perspective.

finalize project scope

Having put down the design vision on paper, it is time to finalize the scope of the project. At this stage, the design documents will be passed over to the contractor who will come up with a budget number based on all the specific selections and will come up with a game plan for execution. Contractor will identify all the tasks to be completed, the resources required to complete the tasks (including the cost of materials and labor), define projects schedule, specific milestones and final deliverables. The project scope will detail the accountabilities of stakeholders, create a working schedule and calculate all the expenses associated with the project. Having a well-defined scope and a thoroughly reviewed contract, will help you and your contractor set clear expectations, help the renovations stay on track and to avoid unpleasant surprises.

prepare your home & yourself

Move any furniture or items out of the area to be renovated. Discuss with your contractor to make sure they have a plan in place to protect the floors and to create a dust barrier, sealing off the places being renovated from the rest of the house. Have a clear understanding of when the project will begin and what time or additional expenses the contractor may required to prepare the space for the renovation.

Come up with a plan of action of how you plan to adjust your life for the duration of the renovation. Will you go away on vacation for a portion or entirety of the reno? Do you have the option to stay with the family members or in a hotel? Do you plan to set up a make-shift kitchen in an alternative area of your home and/or eat lots of take out? Can you line up the renovation during warmer months and take advantage of the back yard and barbeque your meals? Do you have a rental unit on your property or nearby that you could take advantage of during this time? If you are renovating one or several bathrooms, will all the family members be able to adapt their routine to share a bathroom or to use whichever bathrooms are not being renovated? Every person’s and family’s circumstances are different. Make sure to think through how you plan to adapt to the disruptive nature of the renovation so that you can set yourself up for success during this time.

expect the unexpected

With all this planning and a team of organized professionals to guide you, you will hopefully avoid any major suprises. However, the nature of the renovation process is that even in the best case scenarios, there’s usually an unexpected issue or two that can turn up throughout the process. There may be some problems uncovered once walls are opened up or flooring is removed. A selected material could go out of stock and need to be urgently reselected. Some items might be delayed or broken during delivery. Even if you have done all the due diligence, it is important to remain open minded and flexible in case some pivots need to happen.

Home remodel does not need to be stressful if you plan ahead and follow these tips!