April 4, 2014

Look how wonderful this stripped chair looks with this Damask fabric wall! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson).

I must say I love a stripe! So very versatile, it adds a tailored quality to drapery, upholstery or flooring. In terms of colour, a multicoloured stripe can be used to create a sporty energetic vibe, a black-and-white stripe can give a dynamic graphic punch or a tone on tone stripe can add interest without overpowering a space. The images below show how I have used stripes to create different effects, as well as projects by others I admire. I love them all!

This traditional study has a soft, light-green palette and the striped draperies create a graphic yet warm quality (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

You can't go wrong with a multicolor stripe! (Oliver Yaphe)

Wow! What a way to transform a hallway! (Elle Decor).

Love the black and white themed office with the punch of black and white stripe! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson).

Art deco era master ensuite featuring cozy, striped settee (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

PostedApril 4, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesDesign Tool, Interior

TagsStripes, Living Room, Office, Hallway, Bedroom

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March 28, 2014

Love this cozy library/dining room featuring black walls (Elle Decor).

Painting your walls black might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're looking at paint colours. But, this is a very powerful tool in your paint selection toolbox and technically, black isn't even a color, so it deserves special attention. Sometimes when designing a home we want to have an area that's cozy and warm, and holds us in. Perhaps you live in a cold climate and you want to have an enveloping atmosphere when you come home at night. For this scenario, I suggest painting a cozy study, small family or living room black. Or if you want to create drama, say in your powder room, black is for you. In my own office powder room, a previously uninspired space was given high drama by painting the walls and ceiling glossy black in combination with a white vintage porcelain sink, antique brass faucets and a gold leaf mirror. The white sink gives some relief to the surrounding black, while the brass adds warmth and glamour. If the thought of black terrifies you, you can almost go there by using a deep eggplant purple paint like Farrow and Ball Mahogany #36. It's very warm and cozy, and you get all the effects of black paint without going as far. Another way to use black would be to paint an accent wall black or the inside of an archway. My point is that color, paint and atmosphere are very personal and all very achievable with a can of paint, so experiment a little and try something a little out of your comfort zone. See below some of the effects you can create with a simple can of black paint.

Black accents really create a wonderful, graphic bathroom (Paloma).

Living room, cozy heaven. Love the portraits! (Elle Decor).

See the drama and richness of these black kitchen cabinets (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

Living room: love the black walls, contrasted with the wife sofas and fantastic, patterned coffee table (Elle Decor).

The deep eggplant walls have a similar effect to the black walls, but is a softer and warmer paint selection (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

PostedMarch 28, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesColour, Design Tool

TagsBlack Walls, Paint Colour, Bathroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Office

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February 21, 2014

I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson) — I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson)

I love the drama of all black and white interiors created solely to play on the contrast between light and dark. One of my art school teachers, John Leonard, taught me that CONTRAST was one of the most valuable tools in the artist's tool box. Over and over I return to the truth of his statement. The other intriguing quality of black and white interiors are their calmness. I know this seems inconsistent when I've just said that these interiors are often dramatic, but I would say that if you look through the following images you can see how these interiors draw you in and have a peaceful quality. I would liken it to looking at black and white photos. Somehow the lack of colour helps us to focus more clearly, and to appreciate the simplicity of the palette. Another quality that you will often find in these black and white interiors is a rich variety of textures. Let me know what you think.

Gorgeous marble wall offset with handsome black accessories creates the drama I love! (Yellowtrace)

Ticking black and white stripe Chesterfield is yummy but what's really yummy is pairing it with black velvet drapes and gold trim. (Tokyo Jinja)

This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson) — This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson)

Villa Sorra, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, an old world take on black and white Italian style. So clean but so warm. (IIIInspired)

The client's non-functioning kitchen was redesigned to create this galley kitchen with marble counter top and backsplash that nicely contrast the dark cabinets. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I love everything in this room especially the minimal fireplace and the art on top! (Peek of Perfection)

The floating, walnut vanity in this guest ensuite leaves plenty of room for the toile fabric storage baskets below. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

The ultimate in black and white styling. I can't resist. (Ark Pad)

Wall Of Frames in Slanted-Ceiling Bedroom is divine and just as strong as one large painting. (House & Home)

Are these black silk pleated walls? If so, I want them. (Ark Pad)

I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality.  The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design… — I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality. The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedFebruary 21, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, Contrast, Design Tool

TagsBlack & White, Texture, Calmness, Drama, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Office, Bathroom

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October 29, 2013

Blue Velvet Banquette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Blue Velvet Banquette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Colour is the single most powerful tool in the interior designer’s toolbox that makes the most impact for the least amount of money. For the cost of a can of paint, you can transform the atmosphere of your space, and if you hate it, it’s only another can of paint. Hopefully though, you get it right by doing large samples on the wall - something I do on all my projects.

The biggest key to picking a successful colour is to ask yourself what kind of atmosphere you want the space to have. A good way to figure this out is to ask yourself what spaces that you have been in that have made you feel invigorated. You may want different moods for different spaces, i.e. you may want a cozy feeling dining room or restorative spa atmosphere for your bathroom. You may be someone who loves fresh pure colours, or soft neutrals, or jewel box gem colours. Whatever your preferences, start with some images that you can use as your visual reference and pick your colours with these images in mind. I love the variety and scope that can be achieved with a simple can of paint. See some examples of the spaces I have designed with these ideas in mind.

Green "Old World" Library (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Green "Old World" Library (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Bold Blue Dinning Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Bold Blue Dinning Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Red Reading Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Red Reading Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Rich Russet Red Cabinets with Green Countertop (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Rich Russet Red Cabinets with Green Countertop (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Raw Linen Red and Orange Wallpaper (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon) — Raw Linen Red and Orange Wallpaper (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Michael Graydon)

Exuberant Turquoise for the Curved Paneling (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Exuberant Turquoise for the Curved Paneling (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Pretty in Pink Bedroom (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Pretty in Pink Bedroom (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Green with Envy Living Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Green with Envy Living Room (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Luxurious Light Yellow Dining (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Luxurious Light Yellow Dining (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Warm and Dramatic Purple Painted Office (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Warm and Dramatic Purple Painted Office (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Bedroom with Rich and Playful Palette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Bedroom with Rich and Playful Palette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Bright and Brilliant Baking Centre (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Bright and Brilliant Baking Centre (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Multi-colour Master Bedroom (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Multi-colour Master Bedroom (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Perfectly Purple Dining Room Accents (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Perfectly Purple Dining Room Accents (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Dynamically Colored Drapery (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Dynamically Colored Drapery (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedOctober 29, 2013

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesColour, Design Tool, Interior

TagsDining Room, Kitchen, Library, Wallpaper, Living Room, Bedroom, Office, Drapery

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October 15, 2013

Shell Chair with wooden arms carved as fishes (Photo by Ted Yarwood)

1. I consider it an honour to be invited into people’s homes and for them to tell me about their passions and desire to make their homes a reflection of themselves.

2. It’s fun - we get to play together. Sometimes we are simply move furniture around, bring up stored furniture in the basement up to the main floor or brainstorm about how to make the space functional and funky, stylish or whatever mood suits you. Sometimes it’s as easy as that – moving furniture and making a room more comfortable and functional.

3. It’s like being a kid again – playing house, making models and looking at the possibilities of your space.

James Janz rearranging furniture in a client's home.

James is massing concepts and building a model home.

4. When clients realize that it is possible to have a home that they are thrilled to come home to and have their friends visit.

White Walls to lighten Basement Office (Photo by Angus Fergusson)

Fabric Upholstered Walls for French Deco design (Photo by Angus Fergusson) — Fabric Upholstered Walls for French Deco design (Photo by Angus Fergusson)

5. That this doesn’t need to be domain of the rich and famous or intimidating in any way. Not everyone has the budget for a major (or a minor) renovation, but, there is room for everyone. A two-hour consult allows you take advantage of experienced, problem solving dynamo-design brains. For me, the best part is the look of relief on my client’s faces when they see what is possible in their space.

6. It pushes me to see new points of view and my client’s interests that I have had no previous exposure to, like one of my clients who collects antique toy soldiers. His collection was stored away in boxes because he didn’t have a way to display it. We jumped to the challenge by designing built-in cabinetry that would ultimately be moved to their country home, yet still work in their historic downtown home.

Built-in White Oak Cabinet with glass door display case above and shelving below (Photo by Ted Yarwood)

7. Every job is always a challenge, new and different (as it should be!). There are some similarities from client to client, but ultimately, it’s about each individual client.

8. I love getting people unstuck. With a few key moves we can get a stalled project moving. See this before and after.

BEFORE - The client's kitchen was cold and outdate.

AFTER - We rejuvenated this kitchen by updating the cabinets with a new paint job and by raising their height. (Photo by Donna Griffith)

9. I get to play like a kid and be inspired by my travels. A great example is the "Elephant Love Tree" that we created for the Gardiner Museum "12 trees for the holidays". The theme was "All things great and small" and as one of the selects designers we were allowed to choose our concept. Having just returned from India, as a Canadian delegate for an interior design trade mission, we we're inspired to respond with a bejewelled giant elephant tree. See some of the images that inspired us and the resulting Elephant love Tree.