Returning to the things I love...

Sometimes life brings you back to square one and reminds you where you wanted to be in the first place... I've been going back to this for years now and never really left.  I just didn't have time to pursue it like I wanted to.

My longtime, sleeping dream...

Years ago, I owned an Interior Design Studio.

We did custom designs for commercial and residential spaces, then shifted towards soft furnishing designs like draperies, sheers, intricate window decor and custom fitted slipcovers.  All because I loved to sew and it relaxed me.

Then with small children, it became a bit too much and I wanted to try my luck at something different.  Design Studio activities were suspended and I went back to school to pursue yet another dream.

Working as a Realtor gave me an opportunity to combine all my passions.

What can I tell you... I'm just not a one-thing-kind-of-gal.

One of my first passions was Interior Decorating and Design.

This is just a sneak peak of the initial design idea board for a great room that 

I'm now working on for a Client. ©GerberStudioDesign

Two years ago a friend called me to see if I could help out with the renovation of one of the ballrooms at their facility in Mississauga.  They wanted ideas, suggestions, I was happy to get into it again.

About 6 months ago, I was put in charge of the interior design of office, meeting, library and non-formal prayer spaces at our new church.  I was thrilled.

Then, about a month ago, a Client asked me to redesign the lower level in their raised bungalow.

I couldn't be happier.

Two weeks later I found out that together with another Parishioner we will be leading the team of designers and decorators who will determine the final functions and look of our new banquet hall.

This is great!  I love this more than the first time around!

Master Bath... the Serenity of beautiful, new space

Master Bath was the ugliest place in this home and now, pretty much is one of my favorite spaces.

The vanity together with a sink was purchased second hand (brand new "leftover" after someone was unable to get building permits to finish up his basement) $200!

One of the best toilets available out there at an amazing price from Costco.  My goal is to have them in all 7 bathrooms (no I don't have a mini mansion  - just two homes) Those are stylish, one piece (tank and toilet) and very easy to clean.  And let's not forget the dual flush function.

 We chose a beautiful ceramic tile from Olympia Tile in Toronto.  That went onto the floor and on the walls.

Just half way up, then we added a border from Costco.

 Don't you just love that tile?

I was able to put together several pieces that work well together and make this small space truly inviting.

Mirror from somewhere else in the house and light sconce from Lowes.

Sanding, Painting and Polishing... the Buffet and Hutch

After few long months in the garage...

we are finally ready to reveal our finished project.

It did not find it's home on the wall in the dinning area... instead it sits stately in our home in the city.

It looks perfect here:

As you can see, I left the bottom doors as they were.  I think they looked a lot better and not as substantial once they were painted.

Here is the piece in the full view.  I really like the way it turned out.                                                              

As you can see it works well in the space... even thought it does not sit in the dining area.

Rest of the space is still being worked on, it looks a bit sterile, but we will fix that soon.

My Mom's Stairs

So I stayed away for a good reason... My Parent's home needed some extensive renovation before it was listed for sale. 

Here is what we were up to:

Removal of the 15 year old carpet, and refinishing of the staircase.  Under the carpet, we were lucky to find solid pine steps.  BONUS!

Here is more before pictures:

The plan from the start was to pain the risers and the spindles and stain the steps and the posts to match the brand new pre-finished hardwood flooring in the family room.

Here is what we got ofter several looooong days of hard work...

And this is the staircase in all it's beauty.  It truly is beautiful.

Staircase Transformation

SO, here is why I was so busy lately that I could not sit here and post...

My Parent's home needed some major transformation before it was listed for sale.

Here is the Starcase right after we removed the 15 year old carpet.

We were lucky there were solid pine steps under that carpet.

The sides, spindles, posts and rail were hand sanded to remove the original finish.  Than, we started a looooong process of painting, and sanding, and painting... to get this beauty:

And here it is in it's all glory:

Here is one more, a close up of the rail; I love this stain colour!