Decision Made

I want to thank everyone who took the time to post a comment or send an email regarding which condo layout I should choose. As of 5 o'clock today, I am officially locked into an agreement to purchase a two bedroom condominium unit in a soon to be constructed project. Some people hate to purchase from a floorplan, but I am a fan (having done it once before), I love to envision the finished space in my mind. I have already started to consider my furniture layout and potential paint colours, although the finished product won't be ready for another year and a half.

I will let you in on which layout I chose, and the factors which influenced my decision. Here are the choices once again:

Suite D2
Orientation: Northeast corner
Square Footage: 874 + 41
Floor: 19th or 20th

Suite D3
Orientation: Southeast corner
Square Footage: 881 + 42
Floor: 5th or 6th

Suite D4
Orientation: Southwest corner
Square Footage: 883 + 72
Floor: 13th

Perhaps I should have pointed out in my original post that this building will be situated just east of a major highway. A highway view and the potential noise factor immediately ruled out the Southwest facing unit (D4). This is unfortunate because a Southwest exposure is generally preferred, plus this unit has the biggest balcony and is the least expensive of my three choices.

Next I should add that this condominium project will consist of three high rise buildings. The other two structures will lie to the southwest and west, with a mutual courtyard area. I overlook the courtyard in my current condominium, and although it can be pleasant, it can also be busy, with people coming and going at all hours. In the new project, the Southeast facing unit (D3) looks onto the courtyard, and is located on a lower floor. In my next home, I prefer to keep my distance from the hustle and bustle of the common areas.

The winning suite is the Northeast facing unit (D2). I am very happy with my choice, and I have compiled a list of the most important deciding factors:

• Suites on the 20th floor feature 9' ceilings, as compared to 8' or 8'6" on lower floors.
• East exposure on the 20th floor will capture views of the downtown Toronto skyline.
• Entry foyer layout allows space for a console table and mirror.
• Guest bedroom is the widest at 11'3", which provides ample space for 2 bedside tables.
• Living area is 11' wide, as compared to 10' or 10'3", allowing for easier furniture placement and path to master bedroom.

I can't wait to get started decorating the new space!! You can look forward to inspirational photos and mood boards over the next year and half during the countdown to moving day. Thanks again to all those who "weighed in" with advice and opinions!!

New Condo: Please Weigh In

Whenever I'm faced with making a big decision, I like to make a list of pros and cons to help make the process easier. I'm considering the purchase of a pre-construction two bedroom condo, and although I've made the decision WHERE I want to be, I'm debating over which suite to choose. There are several units which I'm considering, and although the layouts are all very similar, they all have pros and cons.

This is where I could use your help, dear readers. Take a look at these floorplans, consider the layout, the level, and the suite orientation, and then leave a comment or send me an email with your list of pros and cons. Tell me which suite you prefer and why you think it's the best choice. Thanks for your help!!

Suite D2
Orientation: Northeast corner
Square Footage: 874 + 41
Floor: 19th or 20th

Suite D3
Orientation: Southeast corner
Square Footage: 881 + 42
Floor: 5th or 6th

Suite D4
Orientation: Southwest corner
Square Footage: 883 + 72
Floor: 13th

Sarah 101: Episode 13 Chic City Condo

Since I was in LA when the thirteenth episode of Sarah 101 aired, I've just now gotten around to watching it online. Enjoy this final recap of the series.


Sarah and Tommy tackle a blank canvas condominium in Toronto's St. Lawrence market area, calling the design "vintage urban chic with soul". In the empty space, Sarah visualizes a gallery wall, inspired by the room's view of the surrounding historical buildings. A black and white photo gallery is the jumping off point for the room's monochromatic colour scheme.

After the initial step of removing the popcorn stucco from the room's ceiling (at a cost of $1100), Sarah and Tommy set out to take photos in the historical neighbourhood. By spending a few hours with a digital camera set on a high resolution, Sarah is able to compile enough interesting photos to fill the gallery wall. Tip: To achieve a professional gallery look, have mats custom cut to fit ready made picture frames.


Now it's time for vintage furniture shopping. Tommy and Sarah visit many of their favourite vintage stores, including Filter, Queen West Antiques, and Chair Table Lamp, where they pick up several great pieces to inject old soul into the new space. First up is a unique black and white dining table base with glass top which perfectly suits the room's scheme. A round table provides flexible seating in a small space and allows for optimal circulation. They pair the vintage table with six new Tobias chairs from Ikea.


A pair of rustic chairs lend an eclectic mix to the space, with seats newly covered in a wide black and white stripe. The vintage floating black credenza behind the chairs is the ideal media unit for the television, while also providing additional storage in the room.


Sarah chose a round back single deco chair for one end of the room for its iconic style statement. The vintage block coffee table is made from burled olive wood, which offers warmth and texture in what could otherwise become a cold black and white scheme. The sofa is one of the few brand new pieces in the room. Covered in a charcoal grey linen look fabric, and a splurge at $2700, it will provide durable comfort for many years to come.



Floor to ceiling polyester/rayon semi-sheer drapes with a slightly masculine stripe maximize the view when open and provide privacy when closed. A series of 3 pendant lamps in front of the windows are an attractive alternative to pot lights and they will wash the drapes with light.


The only other ceiling light fixture in the room is the vintage chrome chandelier which hangs over the dining table. Twelve individual lights provide plenty of illumination in the space. Note the wallpaper in the hallway - it features a circular motif which echoes the shape of the dining table and the deco accent chair. Sarah and Tommy created inexpensive artwork by stamping letters onto a ready made canvas, which was then professionally stretched and framed.


The overall scheme of the room is black and white, with many shades of grey. Tip: Minimize the amount of black in the space by using it mainly as an accent (for example, the black lamp shades add a masculine nod). Sarah advises that solid colours are best, and that too many black and white patterns can be very distracting and overpowering. Budget Friendly Tip: For such a large sitting area, Sarah purchased two rugs and had them professionally stitched together to create one large rug for the space.

What did you think of this episode?
Did you enjoy the Sarah 101 series?
Let me know your opinion in the comments!

Photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Furnished Rental on Olioboard

I recently discovered Olioboard, thanks to Shannon over at What's Up Whimsy. On the Olioboard website, anyone can create a mood board and gather ideas for room decor. Since my home isn't getting a makeover any time soon, I thought that just for fun I would put together a few rooms for my sister and her husband.

Recently my sister and brother in law invested in a new condo which they intend to rent furnished. The raw space is modern and contemporary, with polished concrete floors and a sleek open concept kitchen. Considering that the condo is a rental, the items chosen must be practical, budget friendly, and yet stylish enough to attract an upscale tenant.

Here's my concept for a modern living area:


Couch: Urban Barn, Durango Sofa Chaise, $1499.00
Rug: West Elm, Safari 8x10, $499.00
Coffee Table: Grabbed from Olioboard
Side Table: Urban Barn, Circa Chrome & Glass, $199.00
Arc Lamp: CB2, Big Dipper, $229.00 (similar)
Toss Cushions: Crate and Barrel, Pelliccia, $79.95 each
Media Storage: Ikea, Torsby, $369.00
Television: Best Buy, Toshiba 40", $499.99
Total: $3454.89

The space is very colour and gender neutral, which allows potential renters to envision themselves in the space. Each future tenant can inject their own personal flavour into the condo with the addition of their own art and colourful accessories.

I carried the neutral grey and white scheme into the bedroom as well:


Headboard: Nate Berkus for HSN, Tufted Velvet, $349.90
Bedside Table: CB2, Proof, $179.99 x 2
Table Lamps: WSHome, Black Crystal $332.00 x 2 (splurge)
Bedding: Dwell Studio, Sketch Queen Set, $196.00
Rug: Ikea, Gaser 6x8, $279.00
Full Length Mirror: Ikea, Songe, $149.00
Total: $1997.88

And finally, the combination den/guest room:


Daybed: West Elm, Window, $449.00
Desk: Crate & Barrel, Sawhorse Desk, $199.00
Chair: Crate & Barrel, Ripple, $299.00
Desk Lamp: West Elm, Industrial Lamp, $59.00
Rug: Ikea, Stockholm Rand 6x8, $229.00
Total: $1235.00

That's it!! To install the bare bones furnishings for the entire space, (we would still need a couple of bar stools and a wall mounted drop leaf table), the grand total is $6687.77. This includes a few tiny splurges which will add perceived value for potential renters. What do you think of my Olioboards?