Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

Now that I've found the bamboo bedside tables I've been searching for, I can finally move forward with the guest room design. Although my move in date is at least 9 months away, I think we can all agree that it's a good idea to start early. I mean, seriously, it took 6 months just to find the right nightstands!

These lily lamps are the room's jumping off point.
Obviously they will need new shades and finials:

Of course, each lamp will sit atop one of these
vintage faux bamboo Thomasville nightstands:

The new bedside tables will get a lick of Herringbone
SR73, Para Paints, Sarah Richardson Designer Palette:

Perhaps I'll add a pair of these pretty knobs
from Haveli Home to the drawer fronts:

I would love to use this Ophelia fabric as drapery
since there are so many colours to play with:

But that would mean this Sanderson Lilia
wallpaper is out of the question:

A tufted headboard covered in a plush velvet
will add a touch of luxury and warmth:

I've decided on this creamy Pearl for the walls

SR30, Para Paints, Sarah Richardson Designer Palette:

The bedding will be restful, like this simple

Lexington Quilt in pearl from West Elm:

It's all starting to come together!

Do you have any interesting design projects you'd like to share? I love getting comments, so leave one below and let me know what you're working on!!

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