Creatively speaking...

Did I ever mentioned that one of my son's is a figure skater?  Together with his dance partner they represent Poland and are among the best in the country.  He's been skating since he was 7 years old; today he is 21.  

Over the last 14 years, I've been the one who designed and made most of his costumes (with an exception of just a couple here and there) and some that his partner wore.  I spent countless nights beading their costumes, loosing my eyesight in the process... but what are contacts for?  ;)   They always looked amazing on the ice.

What do you think my sewing room hides?  

That's right, boxes and boxes of odds and ends, small and big scraps of most beautiful fabrics that I never had a heart to throw away.  

Now my son trains in US, and has a new skating partner, they are first year Seniors and I no longer have to worry about costume design... I do miss it a bit I must admit, and I do go back to go through my stash of fabrics from time to time just for fun.

source

For the longest time, I've searched for ideas on how to use the fabric and beads that I accumulated.  

Here is what I came up with: 

 All those flowers are handcrafted and one-of-a-kind.  They are sold online and through my friends.  All proceeds go towards the training needs of my son and his skating partner.  

How do you like my recycling idea?  

Beauty Underfoot...

Next stage... 

FLOORING!  My Client had her heart set on real hardwood flooring; but didn't consider one important obstacle.  We were working in the lower level, mostly below grade.  Even thought her home was designed with a high basement, 2/3 of that space was still... below grade.  We were unable to install hardwood directly on the cement slab.  She wanted wood, so I went shopping.  

I came across the "hand scraped beauty" that looked like wood, but wasn't.  

Spectacular warm brown color with hand-scraped design that adds loads of character once the flooring was installed.  

You really can't see the character yet, since the dusty footsteps are there, but believe me... it has character!  

A bit more detail:

 Under the staircase:

 Still needs a bit work right there....

And one last view with the already stained steps, but we may have to tweak those a bit.  What do you think? 

Walls? Done!

I'm so excited!  

One of my latest projects is putting a huge smile on my face.  

My Client waited so long to finish the lower level of their beautiful raised bungalow.   They live in a country on a beautiful property that allows them to host mid-summer parties and get-together's.  

But after the long day in the sun, it would be nice to have enough space to accommodate everyone in the evening; watch a movie, dance perhaps, have couple of drinks... 

The Clients had a pretty good idea how they wanted the space to feel.  They knew where they wanted storage, where the sofas would sit and what kind of TV they want.   

So we got to work and the progress was incredible.  

The ledge that you see, is the foundation (2/3 of the wall); the two pipes next to the light are there to transfer the cables from the electronic components like Blue Ray, Play Station or DVD player from the entertainment unit that will be placed in front of the ledge (pipes at the bottom of the picture). 

  

Here are the only windows in this area.  When the house was designed, the windows were positioned on that wall and not on the back wall as the plan was to have a deck built spanning almost entire width of the home.


The bulkhead you see here was a bit of a problem... Ceiling was quite high, but the venting system had to go... right there and we had to somehow avoid the existing window on the left when finishing the ceiling.  

The speed with which we are moving along, is very promising.  I should have the pictures from the next stage (flooring) very soon.   

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.