August 29th, 2014

With many employers providing options to work from home to obtain a work-life balance, we're finding that many of our clients now require a home office as a part of their design programming. Whether it's simple correspondence or working late into the night to meet a deadline, the capabilities and requirements of a home office are often straightforward: desk space, capabilities for a computer / laptop and peripherals, and plenty of storage. However, the design of an at-home office is another opportunity to allow the client's personality and aesthetic to shine through. Here, we've shown some of our favourite at home office designs to help inspire you.

Industrial antiques create a unique sense of character to this space. Juxtaposed with colourful accessories, this home office is playful and inviting. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Ted Yarwood)

A painted red brick wall adds some colour to the black and white home office. A wall of picture frames and a striped area rug creates a sense of character in the space. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Angus Fergusson)

This small home office is an efficient use of space in a master suite. Keeping furniture and accessories neutral allows the office to be tucked away from view when needed (Harper's Bazaar)

The dark wood built-ins provide ample storage while hiding unsightly ductwork. White chairs and draperies contrast to create a sense of formality in this home office. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Ted Yardwood)

An antique industrial sign and desk provide character to this home office for our client and their family. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Michael Graydon)

Custom-designed millwork makes this office feel like it's been in this space forever. Open shelving and glass doors make the space inviting. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Ted Yarwood)

August 22nd, 2014

One of the things that many of my clients struggle with is how they should place their furniture in a room. This is often a difficult thing to plan, with so many variables that make each space unique. I consider the following factors essential when creating a functional furniture plan.

First, I consider the flow and size of the room. Is it a closed, a transitional or an open space? Is there enough space in the room to have different "zones"? These factors will help determine how you place your furniture.

In an open concept kitchen, the dining and living areas required the use of different "zones" to distinguish between the functional requirements of each. Repeating the rectangular shape of the couch, dining table and kitchen island helped to create … — In an open concept kitchen, the dining and living areas required the use of different "zones" to distinguish between the functional requirements of each. Repeating the rectangular shape of the couch, dining table and kitchen island helped to create a sense of structure and rhythm in the space. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Ted Yarwood)

Second, I determine what the focal point of the room will be. Is it a stunning fireplace in your living room, or a beautiful view through to the backyard? These are elements that we want users to see first when they enter a room, and furniture placement will be driven by the location of this focal point.

The green walls and fireplace act as the focal point to this room. Aligning furniture in a way that directs the eye to the focal point creates a sense of hierarchy and balance in this room. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Michael… — The green walls and fireplace act as the focal point to this room. Aligning furniture in a way that directs the eye to the focal point creates a sense of hierarchy and balance in this room. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Michael Graydon)

Finally, I consider the ultimate function of the space. Is it a family room for watching TV? Is it a living room for entertaining? These functions will naturally direct where furniture is best placed.

An at-home library requires space for reading and working. Based on the clients' common activities, this dual purpose space has two zones, a table for work / study, and a seating area for relaxing. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc.- photograph by … — An at-home library requires space for reading and working. Based on the clients' common activities, this dual purpose space has two zones, a table for work / study, and a seating area for relaxing. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc.- photograph by Donna Griffiths)

August 15th, 2014

Vinyl flooring has been around for a long time and appeals to many because of its durability and its attractive price. But the choices and variety of products available today make it more than just a cost-saving option. Recently, we found some designers who have helped to re-energize the vinyl market, adding bright colours and pattern options to appeal to design-savvy customers.

Take a look at some of the gorgeous vinyl flooring options we've found:

These beautiful vinyl geometric tiles, designed by Neisha Crosland for Harvey Maria, help to define the area in this dining room. (Neisha Crosland for Harvey Maria)

Who would guess that these are actually vinyl floor tiles? (Shaw Floors)

This red and white patterned flooring is so bright and cheery in this side entryway. An added bonus: it's easy to clean and durable! (Roses des Vents for Zazous)

This large graphic patterned blue tile is a great way to add dynamic colour into a space - without spending a fortune! (Casablanca Flooring)

August 8th, 2014

While I love to use bold colours and patterns, using a calming colour palette is often desirable, depending on the client or environment we are designing for. One of my favourite colours to use are light pinks and peaches. These colours can be so light and delicate, and still make a statement in a room. The key to making this palette exciting is to mix in some metallic elements, strong textures and visual contrast. Take a look at some of our favourite peach spaces:

Light peaches and pinks work great with pastels, metallics and white accents. It's such a delicate and calming colour palette, we love to use it! (Linda Rodin - The Coveteur)

Peach wallpaper and bedding play with yellow and blue pastels to create a harmonious and serene master bedroom. (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Donna Griffith)

Red and black accents against a dusty pink wall can make this space feel anything but boring! (Paul Costello)

A zebra print rug and gold accents add texture and dimension to this space. (Tumblr)

August 1st, 2014

Flooring is often the "foundation" of a room on which the rest of the design decisions are made. From hardwood and laminates to tiles and carpeting, there is a vast amount of choice available in today's flooring market. Each varies in its durability, maintenance and life span, and these are the important criteria to consider when determining what works best for you.

When I design a room, flooring is a perfect opportunity to add colour, pattern and texture. Here are some images of unique and bold flooring applications that I love!