Timeless spaces with La-Z-Boy

On the top of my renovation requirements: Having a cozy and comfortable living room space, to both host in and veg out on the couch.

La-Z-Boy Coronado couch product number 610-685 colour B166302

Chair and a half 655-685 colour C161332

When a guest walks into my home, I want them to feel totally at ease, welcome and able to relax. When I set out on a new design journey I always prioritize this. This old home needed a major facelift and a renovation like this is not for the faint of heart. I made the decision to open up my main floor and create a large open concept living area. This would brighten up the home allowing the light to travel more freely and create a great space for hosting events, gatherings and dinner parties, which I love to do!

However open concept spaces do come with some challenges, and I needed to create various spaces within the open layout for cozy corners, nesting and intimate conversations. A new home with a new foot print also meant that I needed new living room furniture that would work with the new square footage.

I had limited space within the allotted living room area to work with. My home is 27 feet wide and the visual centre of the space would be a large gas fireplace, with hand pressed canvas bricks and a classic mantle. All in all I was allowing for the living room furniture to take up approximately 11x14 feet of the main floor area.

I’ve always had the best luck finding living room furniture I love at La-Z-Boy. La-Z-Boy is not just your grandfather’s recliner. They have a huge selection of all varieties of furniture, and you can’t beat the longevity and quality of these pieces.

My initial thought, when designing the room was a 3 seater couch with two chairs on either side of the coffee table facing toward the fireplace. But no matter how hard I tried this design was not working… it was feeling forced and tight. I was thrilled when the design team at La-Z-Boy recommended I go with two of the Coronado chair & a half on either side of my coffee table, rather then being stuck with my initial vision of two and two.

The design team at La-Z-Boy Halifax was also able to show me a 3D rendering of what my space would look like with the Coronado Chairs and Sofa. This was extremely helpful and put my mind at ease. When I was able to look at a visual rendering of the room how it would flow, and the walking space for entering and exciting the living room, I knew going in this direction was the right decision.

So my decision was made, I would go with a 3 seater couch and two chair & a half from the Coronado line.

Next up, it was time to select my fabrics. All La-Z-Boy furniture is customized and made to order. As someone who loves pink and has many blush pink home accents, I loved the idea of using the pink velour fabric (B166302) on one of the pieces. I also found a lovely neutral fabric with small colour speckles (C161332) in it that suited the space, my decor style and was dog friendly! As you can see from the photos it’s impossible to keep my pup off these super cozy seats. With the big fireplace and the armchairs, this room is by far her favourite place to hang out!

I was able to play around in the software with the La-Z-Boy designer with various fabric selections until I made my final decision, opting for the couch to be pink and the two chair & a half in the natural tones. Their design services are free, you can get the room of your dreams and have fun doing it! Book a virtual, home or in store consult today through this link!

Soft pastel tones and neutrals sit beautifully in this home. Keep scrolling to the bottom of this blog to see all the before pictures. You won’t believe how much brighter it feels in our home!

Coronado Sofa and Chairs from LAZBOY Halifax

Because La-Z-Boy also has tons of home decor items to shop from, I was also able to order my beautiful layered Surya rugs (AML2326, JS2) , side tables (68523) and this gorgeous hexagon coffee table (69542) from Mercana. If you want to get the look, call and book an appointment or head over to La-Z-Boy Halifax and get them to show you what DIY MOM has!

The room is a perfect combination of high design and comfort. The whole family loves this room, and we love our LAZBOY furniture. The quality, comfort, customizability and endless options are a designers dream come true. I love how timeless and classic this room feels.

Check out the before pictures to get a scope of how I brought this home back to life.

The previous space did not have that cozy welcoming feeling. The furniture and layout makes a huge difference in how the room feels.

Now it’s your turn to let me know what you think! Drop a comment in below with your thoughts on my living room transformation!

xo

Rebekah

• Happy Haul-idays • 5 Tips To Declutter This Season

Happy Haul-idays! This blog is sponsored by 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

My decluttering journey started a number of years ago. I was gifted the Marie Kondo Book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” over the holidays and the book truly resonated with me in a big way. I started the process of simplifying my home, donating access items and creating more space for friends and family in my home.

This holiday season, I invite you to join me on this ongoing journey - get your junk hauled away and create more room for holiday cheer this season. Here are a few tips I incorporated into my home that I think will make a huge difference in your spirit levels this Christmas.

If It Doesn’t Spark Joy To The World- Let It Go Go Go

When I applied this principle to my closet, I was able to gift, donate or toss the access away without any pain. I just held the item in my hand and if it sparked joy I held on to it. No joy - it went in the donate bag.
Who doesn’t take advantage of those amazing deals during the holidays? Making room in your closet this time of year can help for when you bring home all those pieces you stood in line for during those save the tax events! By using the “Spark Joy” tip, I now have so much more room in my closet for those holiday parties and dinners!

Holly Jolly Decluttering! All Similar Things Go Together

Not only does decluttering give my brain more space to live whole heartedly but my life has become so much easier when I am not panicked and looking for my car keys all the time. This is a very easy principle to start your decluttering journey. It’s simple really. All the Tupperware are in a single drawer in the kitchen and all the snacks in another. Bags go inside of bags, purses inside of purses. Once you get all the same things together, you can see how much you have and can get rid of the access! Doing this also creates a sense of ease for your guests, so they can find everything easily!

Happy Places, Happy Faces!

With so many different cooks in the kitchen during this time of year, making sure everything is easy to find, accessible and organized is incredibly helpful. Doing things like putting ingredients into clear containers, so you can see what you have. Putting all like items such as spices, baking items, tea, coffee, etc in their own little baskets or clear containers helps to keep things together. Last but certainly not least, labelling is life changing. When you label what things are, it makes life so much easier, not only for you, but for your guests too!

Now for a few personal tips that I have garnered along the way.

Tis’ The Season For Giving - Declutter & Donate When Your Kids Aren’t Home!

Lennon has outgrown so many clothing items or no longer plays with certain toys. Now is the perfect time of year to donate her once loved items to other children. How many times have you gone through yours kids old clothing and toys, put them into bags, only to have them tear back through them and pull out various items? Lennon’s classic line is “I want to save that for my kids!” Really? There are a few sentimental items I don’t mind holding on to in a small box or chest for her, but trust me, those sneakers you wore the rubber out on, are not going to be worn by my grandchildren.

This pattern of me bagging all the clutter up and her unloading it back onto the floor has happened one too many times, so now I know. I declutter when she is out of the house, and make sure it is hauled away before she gets back! Out of site, out of mind. Just the other day her closet got a major face lift when she was at school and she has not mentioned a single thing she thinks is missing.

Lennon’s Closet AFTER

Lennon’s Closet BEFORE

GIVE THE GIFT OF SPACE!

It’s a great time of year to clean out the closet, get rid of the clutter and open up your space and your home to guests. My entry way and mud room are usually filled with so many coats and shoes, bags and every day items, but as the seasons start to change, I know I need to make room for family and friends. Having open coat hooks, spots in the closet and places to put shoes make guests feel at home and like they aren’t taking up any of your personal space.

If you need help making your clutter disappear, it’s easy with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? All you have to do is point and junk disappears! Not only is 1-800-GOT-JUNK? happy to help, they’ve been a trusted junk removal since 1989!

Here are just a few reasons why I love donating my junk to 1-800-GOT-JUNK? :

• They work on your schedule - They come when it's convenient for you.

• They do all the heavy lifting - just point and the junk disappears.

• The World’s Largest Junk Removal Service

• Whenever possible, they donate the donatables, and recycle the recyclables!

• When Got Junk has finished helping you declutter, your home will sing a happy song!

  Goodbye Junk - Hello Relief!

• How Efficiency Pays Off! •

Are you planning on doing a renovation? Make sure you take the time to build in energy efficiency and get the most out of your reno. Keep reading to hear all about my personal tips and recommendations for cashing in on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s rebate programs when you are renovating a house!

*This blog is sponsored by Efficiency Nova Scotia

Where Do We Begin?

You might think planning the design of a home is the most intimidating portion of renovations. Surprisingly, it’s actually much more intimidating to figure out how to run the house efficiently. There are so many options for heat sources out there - it’s hard to know where to start!

For my mid-century modern home, my top priorities were efficiency and saving a bit of money. Fortunately, Dave at Acumen Home Assessment was so helpful. He pointed me in a direction that would help me with both. Here are some great ways that I am able to see important savings, both environmentally and financially!

Reimagining Spaces

Space is precious, and as I love to host friends and family, I knew I needed a space for them. As you might have seen in Season 4, I decided to transform my furnace room into a guest bedroom.

I made my home so much more energy efficient by taking out the oil furnace, adding insulation into the attic and installing two mini split heat pumps. Doing this not only saved me energy costs but allowed me to utilise the space so much better.

Making changes like this to your home not only adds visual appeal and utilises the space better, but also helps the environment.

Big Statement, Big Savings

Front Door After

This pink door is not only a statement piece, but due to the materials used during insulation, it also keeps the heat in and the cold out. That might not shock you, but what might is that it came with amazing rebates!

This is what my front door looked like before!

Front Door Before

NEED HELP?
If you need a little extra help making your home more efficient, my big tip is to book a Home Energy Assessment for someone like Dave to assess your home before doing a home renovation project. Doing this can steer you in a direction you might not have considered before. Energy Advisors know how to help you save on emissions, costs, and your households environmental footprint! It was well worth it to have Dave come by early in the process, and together we came up with a plan to maximize rebates and make my home more energy efficient.

Once I finished the renovation of my property, Dave came back to give me a final home energy assessment. My rebate cheque is in the mail and I am continuing to look for new innovative ways to be eco-conscious in my own home and all other home renovation projects I have on the go.

Instant in-store product rebates

Efficiency Nova Scotia also offers year round in store rebates. Save up to $400 at the checkout and long-term on your energy bill.

Examples of this are:

Washer and Dryers- $75 off per appliance

Dimmer switches- $3 off per unit

Smart Thermostats- up to $100 off

For the full list of in store instant rebates click here:

I hope you are inspired to look for ways to make your home more energy efficient while renovating. Feel free to email me with your questions or watch my Youtube Video below to see the before and after of my efficiency makeover!

We can all do our part to help our planet by being more energy efficient. No effort is too big or too small, so why not start with booking your energy assessment with Efficiency Nova Scotia today!

XOX

DIY MOM

•It’s cool to be clean. Germ eliminating fixtures and other bathroom hacks•

IT’S COOL TO BE CLEAN

These Germ Eliminating Fixtures and Hacks are about to change your entire bathroom experience.

This blog was written in partnership with American Standard. All opinions are my own.

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There is nothing quite like the feeling of a clean and tidy house! When my home is put together and sparkling from corner to corner, I feel relaxed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way (except spilled milk!). I love getting Lennon involved in chores whenever I can because it’s a great way to teach responsibility and make her feel like she’s an important contributor in caring for our home. It’s me + you kid! 

That’s one of the reasons why I love my American Standard sink and accessories. The company produces high-performing fixtures, stylish faucets and sinks, and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen. And, since I’ve been on a cleaning kick lately, their touchless product offerings and clean technology make my life a whole lot easier and my home a whole lot more sanitary! Check out these tried and true cleaning hacks that will save you time, simplify your life, and instantly boost your mood. 

• Hack #1•

Clean In Every Corner

If you struggle with cleaning the nooks and crannies around your bathroom and kitchen, you’re not alone. These hard-to-reach crevices can be incredibly frustrating, especially for die-hard cleaning aficionados like us. I’ve come up with an easy hack that will make those tricky areas sparkle faster than you can say “clean as a whistle!”. Wrap a soft cloth around the end of a butter knife to clean the gunk around faucets, vents and other small fixtures. The knife is small enough to get into those tiny corners, and the cloth prevents scratches. They’re the perfect deep cleaning duo in my humble opinion. American Standard sink and accessories

Studio Carre Undercounter Sink

• Hack #2 •

Pearly White Surfaces

The power of a soft-bristled toothbrush goes beyond healthy gums and teeth. Wet the bristles with a mixture of baking soda and water and gently brush over the shower and wall grout. Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse and voila! Gleaming tiles every time! 

• Hack #3 •

When Life Gives You Lemons….

If you hate water spots on your chrome faucets as much as I do, I’ve got you! Cut a lemon in half, rub it all over your faucet, rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Easy, peasy and done in a flash. 

Beale Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

• Hack #4 •

Let The Fixtures Clean For You

If there’s one job I hate, it’s scrubbing toilets and I know I’m not alone on this one! The American Standard Everclean surface makes cleaning toilets a cinch!The double-coated surface inhibits the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface, and that means less backbreaking work for this mama! It's like a self-cleaning oven for your bathroom!

Studio Touchless Toilet

• Hack #5 •

Keep Your Hands Out Of It!

My American Standard Studio Carré Undercounter Sink was made for me– someone who loves clean, contemporary lines, but not the maintenance as the EverClean Surface and Technology makes it super easy to keep clean! American Standard understands that dirt and build-up happen, which is why they’ve created the double-coated surface to inhibit the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface. The smooth, mirror-like surface stays cleaner longer, even after years of use, making my life a whole lot easier. I use some vinegar, warm water and buff it with a soft cloth to make it sparkle and that’s as much work that’s required from me. Heaven.

Beale Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

I’ve also become obsessed with American Standard’s Beale Pull-Down Touchless Kitchen Faucet, which features a Selectronic hands-free technology sensor so you can stop and start the water with a simple wave of the hand. The pull-down faucet spray head will also help you reach all regions of your sink with ease, while the sleek and contemporary design is sure to complement any home design perfectly.

• Hack #6 •

Even Your Mirrors Love a Clean Shave

If you have a can of shaving cream lying around, you can kiss foggy, dirty mirrors goodbye- for a couple of weeks anyway! Simply pump some foamy shaving cream onto a soft cloth or paper towel to stop your mirrors from fogging up when you’re in the shower. Who doesn't love a clean reflection?

Studio Carré Undercounter Sink

Looking to incorporate clean technology into your home? Visit americanstandard.ca/clean to learn more!

Your turn to come clean! If you have cleaning any hacks I should know about, share them in the comments Spill it!

xox DIY MOM xox

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•My kitchen do over•

My Mid-century Modern Kitchen Do Over

Designer Rebekah Higgs loves to repurpose and redesign.

If someone told me 2 decades ago that the kitchen would be my favorite room in the house, I would have said, “As if!”, (while watching my favorite movie, Clueless). Back then, hanging out in my bedroom with my girlfriends in tow, talking about our boy troubles while listening to sad tunes, or rummaging through my closet for try-on sessions was how I spent the majority of my time.

Fast forward to being a single mom with a busy 7-year-old daughter, the producer of a TV show featuring our latest renovation and a never-ending list of DIY projects and I can sincerely declare that the kitchen has my heart. Where else can I simultaneously make a grilled cheese sandwich, help Lennon with her homework, and jot down notes on my latest design plan? Did I mention the kitchen/dining room in our new home has the most expansive and breathtaking view of the Bedford Basin? When I say I love my kitchen, I mean….I LOVE my kitchen.

My vision from the very beginning was to design an inviting space that was both functional and stylish. This is the center of our home and that means it needs to work for every member, including @ziggymygirl who has created her very own special nook near the back door. While it’s hard to narrow down my favorite features, there are some that have stood out as fan faves from the very beginning. Interested to know what they are? Keep reading!

A resilient kitchen counter topped the list of absolute must-haves. The Et Statuario Silestone countertop from Cosentino Canada was such a great selection for our family. The anti-scratch and stain surface means I can cook, plan and work without worry, and the velvety touch of the suede finish elevates the entire look. We used the same material for our backsplash to carry the sophisticated aesthetic seamlessly throughout the space and I’m thrilled with how it all came together.

When I saw the 12” round Prospect pendants by Eurofase – blown glass spheres suspended from looped gold metal framework, I knew they were meant for me. This trio sits above my kitchen island and not only provides the perfect ambiance – think lulled, muted light versus bright and blinding, they also add that extra level of urban refinement that takes this entire space up a notch.

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My Trinsic Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Champagne Bronze featuring MagnaTite Docking has been a beautiful addition to this space. The dock keeps the kitchen pull-down spray wand firmly in place with a powerful integrated magnet, so it stays docked when not in use and I love that I can easily remove mineral build-up with the touch of a finger using touch-clean spray holes. It’s worth mentioning, the price point on this little beauty is incredible and the sleek, minimalistic design blends in perfectly with my vibe.

My new Blanco Precis U super sink has come in handy more times than I can count, especially during lockdown when there always seemed to be an influx of dirty dishes to wash. Trust me when I say that the extra large bowl and floating grid will be a kitchen dream come true for that reason alone. It’s easy to clean, non-porous, and heat and scratch-resistant so you never have to think twice about taking extra special care.

A contemporary wall mount pot filler is one of those luxury features you don’t realize you need until…well…you really need it! The Delta pot filler faucet in champagne bronze is a showstopper for several reasons. It’s easy to fill large cooking vessels quickly and without the walk from sink to stove. That may not sound like a big deal, but large water-filled pots can be deceivingly heavy! The dual shut-off valves allow me to turn the water off at either the wall or the spout, which has proven to be incredibly convenient and the beautiful finish adds a touch of old-world charm that makes it irresistible!

I was initially drawn to the pale pink hue and minimalist design of my kitchen island stools, but when I realized how easy it was to wipe and go, I loved them even more. The form-fitting seat makes them ultra comfortable and the contemporary base gives them a sleek, contemporary feel. This design from Wayfair is no longer available, but I’ve linked a similar option here.

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One of the biggest showstoppers in my kitchen has to be my Spicer and Co, vinyl floor cloth. In fact, I get asked about it a lot in the run of a day. A high traffic area like the kitchen needs something durable and stain resistant, but I also wanted something comfortable and curated– a nod to my love of vintage style and pink everything. Take it from this DIY mama, if you want something low maintenance without sacrificing beauty, this was made for you.

The coveted Café Appliances in matte white have been in high demand lately and for good reason! The polished finish makes them a designer’s dream, but it’s the added functionality that really sets them apart. My commercial-style range is inspired by professional kitchens and comes with a versatile cooktop that has it all– inspiral and multi-ring burners that evenly heat my cookware, and a caterer’s oven complete with precision cooking modes that make cooking dinners, small or large, a treat.

NDR Auto Solutions came to my rescue in a big way when I found out my refrigerator was on backorder and we were weeks away from filming season 4 of DIY mom. Let’s just say that we couldn’t halt production because of a delayed delivery. The NDR team swooped in with the most genius idea – taking a basic stainless steel refrigerator and wrapping it in white vinyl for a nearly identical finish to my Café Appliances. Confession time: I considered keeping this a secret because the dupe is THAT good, but the premise of my show is learning to find alternatives when things don’t go as planned, and guess what? That’s real life in a nutshell.

I wanted to repurpose the kitchen cabinets from the original house because they were in great shape and the quality was amazing, so I decided to put a modern spin on an old classic. I flipped and sanded the cabinets with my Ryobi tools and varnish from Home Depot, to give them a shaker style finish, then filled the holes, and moved the entire kitchen from the front of the house to the back for an open-concept design. For the island, I used the pre-assembled Hampton Bay Edison shaker style cabinets from Home Depot and had them color-matched to the kitchen cabinets for a streamlined look and feel. Then we added these pretty Contemporary Aluminium Edge pulls from Richelieu. The entire room received a chic and modern facelift– a brilliant way to create style on a budget.

I love looking back to see how my home has been transformed. What do you think of these before and afters?

Now Go Get it Done - 2021!

xox DIY MOM xox

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•Enchanting Ensuite Bathroom•

The Bathroom Escape of My Dreams

Let me fill you in on a little secret.

My ensuite bathroom is my happy place. A little haven that allows me to unwind after a busy day with some basic self- care rituals that have proven to be essential for me. Sometimes, it’s a decadent face mask before bed, other times, a long, lingering, sudsy bath or a quick pep talk in front of my vanity before I start my hectic day and have a lot of fires to put out. Lennon and Ziggy love it too (the heated floors might have something to do with that). It’s a good thing I don’t mind sharing!

I get asked a lot about my favorite features in this space and while it’s hard to narrow them down, I’ve come up with a list of highlights. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation and don’t know where to start, you’ll want to keep reading!

My freestanding soaking tub is by far one of the most celebrated features of this room. It was easy to install, crafted from durable acrylic making it incredibly resilient, and comes in a modern, glossy white finish. The best part however has to be the 63 gallon capacity which makes it nice and spacious– perfect for a relaxing night in.

The mosaic Miki Flower tile in Snow White & Crystal White from Centura Tile was the perfect addition, and what was left over, I used in our pantry. We pieced these Artisan tiles from Centura together like an intricate puzzle for a dazzling backsplash that feels like marble.

It’s no secret that mid century modern is a vibe I gravitate to. That’s one of the reasons love my 72 inch solid teak Coventry Vanity from Home Depot. The minimalist console vibe feels like an extension of my personal style philosophy– sturdy, spacious, simple design with a classic undertone that makes it timeless.

For a streamlined look, I carried my Torly’s Engineered hardwood flooring in Dorset Oak into my ensuite. I love that the warm, matte wood matches the rest of the house and offers clean lines and wide planks for a modern feel.

My Trinsic wall-mounted tub filler in champagne bronze from Delta offers classic, old-world charm and is guaranteed not to corrode, tarnish or discolor. Long-lasting, durable, and chic– that’s my DIY love language! We chose the same finish for our Delta Zura showerhead and handheld pendant, and I love the warm undertones, the added touch of sophistication, and the reminder that every room in the house deserves special attention to detail.

It’s all in the details! Find this Delta faucet here.

Belisimo Home always has a great selection of high-quality wallpaper. I love that I can take stacks of books home with me, hold them up in various light and sit with them for a while so I can be certain I’ve made the right choice. For my ensuite, I chose a muted style from JF Fabrics’ Bungalow collection– a plain textured wallpaper in a beige hue with metallic gold speckles. I love that it adds warmth and helps create the perfect ambiance for this space.

My custom teak shelves from East Coast Specialty Hardwood provide extra space for storing little trinkets and keepsakes I’ve brought back from my travels. They’re trendy but classic at the same time and they compliment my floors and vanity perfectly.

Finding the perfect pair of mirrors for your ensuite vanity is no small feat. I searched high and low for modern, stylish accent pieces that complimented the space, but offered a custom look at the same time. My Renwil mirrors were the perfect choice! I love the brass finish, decorative hook, and the way they reflect my personal style– swanky and sophisticated with a touch of glam to spice things up.

Simplicity was top of mind when I chose my frameless fixed glass shower screen. The Vigo Zenith model from Home Depot resists dangerous breakage and shards, making it incredibly safe without compromising style. It comes with premium clear seal strips to prevent water from leaking into the bathroom. Genius!

There you have it! A round up of my favorite ensuite features – guaranteed to make your bathroom experience luxurious and relaxing from start to finish!

Now Go Get it Done - 2021!

xox DIY MOM xox

•Budget Friendly Beauty Hacks for Busy Moms•

•Budget Friendly Beauty Hacks for Busy Moms•

This blog was written in partnership with Herbal Essences. All opinions are my own.

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I’m a busy DIY MOM

I run a production company, tv show, am renovating my home, taking time for some charitable projects AND am a single mom. So in order to make any time for myself, I need all the beauty hacks to save me a few extra minutes here and there. This also means my beauty products must work out of necessity, self care and affordability. The little free time I get to myself, I need to make sure the products I buy are necessary, affordable, and also WORK. Who else can relate to being on-the-go 24/7, with next to no time for getting ready?! Or, struggling to get the right products for you because they’re way out of your price range?

That’s why I’m excited to partner with Herbal Essences on my money saving, beauty & hair care hacks for busy women.

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• Hack•

Here are some personal beauty hacks that save me time and money:

Find haircare products that bring out your best, natural hair

Find haircare products that bring out your best, natural hair.

As I said, I’m mostly always on the go. Which means I rarely have time for styling my hair. So, I rely on high-quality hair care products to help nourish my hair – leaving it smooth, silky and soft, without the styling! It’s even better when it’s a low cost option, that doesn’t compromise on quality ingredients and is cruelty free and dermatologist-tested! The Smooth Rose Hips Shampoo & Conditioner from Herbal Essences is a new spin on their classic line-up (and they’ve still kept that iconic scent we know and love!) It leaves my hair feeling restored, nourished and extremely smooth – plus the scent of roses is exquisite! It’s also colour-safe (perfect for my red locks!), mineral-oil free and pH balanced. You really don’t have to compromise on quality ingredients when this comes at such an affordable price. CLICK HERE for a link of where to buy!

Silk Scarves

I’ve recently discovered the magic of wearing a silk scarf in my hair at night. After I have gone through all the trouble of blow drying my hair and curling it, wearing a silk head wrap or scarf extends my blow out for up to 4 days - that adds up to being a huge timesaver as well as a hair strengthener by keeping the heat off my ends a little longer! A great tip to find a silk scarf that works within your budget is to head to your local second hand or consignment shop. Make sure you check the tag- because it’s easy to get fooled by polyester.

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No-Beach, Beachy Waves

Since I’m on the go morning to night. I don’t have a lot of extra time for styling my hair. On a typical day I just wash and go- Here is a quick beauty hack you can easily make at home - If you’re feeling beachy, mix a bit of coarse salt with a drop of essential oil and water then spritz it in - towel dry your hair, brush it out and then put it back in a towel and let it set your beachy waves for the day.

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Make BB your Bestie.

Did you know you can mix your foundation with moisturizer or sunscreen to create your own BB cream that will give you a glowy fresh no makeup look. It will also save you money by stretching out your foundation. Taking care of your skin is always a money saver so by wearing sunscreen every day and drinking lots of water you will have healthy looking skin for years to come.

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Save on Clean up Time by Picking Products that Match your Décor

My final tip is a timesaver- and one that comes from the home décor enthusiast in me. To keep my bathroom looking sweet and ‘insta-ready’, I like to choose products that match my décor- and you all know I’m into those pink touches so Herbal Essences rosy pink bottles incorporate perfectly into my personal style. At an unbeatable price, you can leave the Smooth Rose Hips collection out for the whole family to use!

I’d love to hear your go-to time and money saving hacks – share yours with me by commenting below!

Now Go Get it Done - 2021!

xox DIY MOM xox

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•How I Customized My Bathroom•

• Bathroom Design Tips •

It’s all in the details and my celestial bathroom design has plenty of them, but can you spot them all before I point them out? Here are some tips and tricks you might want to consider if it’s time to revamp your bathroom space.

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• Tackling the Issues •

Living in a bungalow means that some spaces may be located in your home’s interior with no windows. To keep my reno on budget, we left all the existing exterior walls and windows as they were, but drastically changed the layout internally. This left me with a bathroom with no natural light. So what do you do when nature isn’t in the space? You bring nature in!

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Succulents and Faux Plants

Succulents love the steam of the shower and faux plants don’t need natural light to thrive. This is a great way to give your guests the feeling of freshness when they are in a closed space!

Piano Windows

No natural light? No problem. Installing piano windows into the interior walls of your home is a great way to harmoniously manipulate the light into those darker spaces. The face of my bungalow gets the most enviable light during the day, I figured it could spare a bit where needed! Flowing in from my mudroom and into my bathroom, even the smallest bit of natural light goes a long way.

Wallpaper

Maybe you haven’t thought about putting wallpaper in a bathroom since the 80s - but why not? This Cloud wallpaper from JF Fabrics is not only gorgeous but a truly special way to add a unique touch to any interior space. Why I chose this wallpaper? The quality is top-notch, so it will wipe-down easily and withstand the steam and sweat from the shower. And again because this bathroom is missing a window, this cloud wallpaper gives the illusion of airy lightness. The result is a room that feels light and crisp.

This Cloud wallpaper is the perfect match for my Riviera Melange tiles from Centura.

Painted Ceilings

Painting the ceiling to blend into the wallpaper not only carries the eye upwards, but is a playful way to make the peaked tile at the top of the shower pop. I selected Misty Morning by Dulux Paints as the perfect combo of blue and teal for this heavenly space.

Tile Selection

The entire bathroom inspiration started with the Centura Catalogue. I found this image and instantly knew that this is what I wanted to do with the soft and colourful La Riviera Melange Tile. The unfinished peaked top was a fun play on the mountains, but also gives an extra design moment in the space. Easy to tile and even easier on the eyes!

My Tile Inspiration came from the Centura Catalogue

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Glass Option

In stead of shower rod and curtain, I opted for an arched glass shield from Vigo .

With no gold hardware options in stock, I grabbed the Rustoleum metal spray paint and gave it a shake. One tact coat, and two additional coats later, I have what I envisioned for this space. An architectural touch that lets the tile design shine through.

The initial layout for my bathroom had the toilet next to the tub. I saw an image of a sink next to the tub on instagram and thought… that is such a better looking photo, why didn’t I think of that? So I made a decision to swap the sink and toilet plumbing. When my original vanity selection arrived, I quickly realized the proportions were too large for the room. I needed a new vanity, and quick so I went to Home Depot in a panic on a Saturday night, hunting for the right vanity. Luckily This Glacier Bay vanity was available, the right size and super affordable at $249 right off the shelf.

The only issue with my off-the-rack vanity was that they hardware it came with was silver when all my accents in this bathroom are brass and gold. A simple search in the Home Depot hardware isle led me to a pleasant discovery. Cloud-shaped nobs!! They’re adorable for this kids’ bathroom and really tie the theme together! These gold Richelieu handles are available at Home Depot and fit the pre-drilled holes in the vanity perfectly, so swapping them was easy.

< The original hardware was silver. I was able to swap them out for a custom look without having to drill new holes.

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Gold fixtures from Delta make this full bath feel luxurious.

Round Mirror and Pop Culture Round Bulbs

The Aspyn Bath & Vanity from Mitzi are an affordable option with a modern twist. I enjoy the way the round mirrors and the round lights with aged brass touches work together to reflect this cohesive design.

The round ORYX mirror from Canadian brand, Renwil introduced the perfect touch of gold I was looking for!

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Now Go Get it Done - 2021!

xox DIY MOM xox

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• 2021 Home Decor Trends•

• 2021 Home Design Trends •

Design trends come and go but one thing always remains, our need for personalized functional style. Check out our list of what’s on its way out in 2021, and what’s making a grand entrance.

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Grey’s Anatomy Is Out!
A combination of grey and beige, affectionately known as greige, has been designers color of choice for more than a decade. Celebrated for its ability to blend in while also providing a respite from boring builders white, this standard neutral has gone from being a chic, timeless color choice, to a humdrum basic. Bye bye greige, hello pastels!

Let Your True Colors Shine
This year is all about integrating pops of color for interest and vibrancy. Paneled walls in navy, seamless room transitions and curated wall murals, eclectic art collections and moody, layered fabrics all add relevance and charm. We can’t wait to see this trend come to life.

Nature Calls
2021 will continue to see the integration of home and environment. Lush, indoor gardens, natural wood cabinets and organic accents like rattan and wicker will continue to pave the way for ambient décor that takes its cue from Mother Nature herself.

A Nod to Mid Mod
This year, we’re channeling our inner Don Draper and propelling forward with sleek lines, curvy edged furniture and a classic, unassuming aesthetic for that coveted 1950’s vibe. We’ll see the continual quest for wood, metal, vinyl and glass with strong, geometric art and bold textiles taking center stage.

Modern Scandinavian
There’s a reason we see this soft, minimalist style reemerge every year. We’re drawn to uncluttered environments with muted, pastel hues, warm textures and organic materials like wood and hemp. The hallmark of Nordic style is functional simplicity with an emphasis on comfort and innovation, and 2021 will be no exception. Watch this design trend soar with the rebirth of home offices and the need for integrated spaces 

The Office
Last year saw the fast and furious collision of personal and professional spaces, with more people setting up makeshift offices at home. This year will pave the way for distinct separation of home and work life, comprehensive storage solutions, meticulous organization and shelving options that are sleek and functional. The home office is here to stay so it’s time to step up your décor game and make this little corner functional and stylish.

The White House
White is white, right? Wrong. With a clear nod to cozy comfort, 2021 will see the rise of warm white tones and the exit of the stark, cool shades we leaned on in the past. We’re crushing on Linen Ruffle by Glidden, a soft, gentle off-white that adds depth without being overpowering. Pro tip: Try painting your trim and crown molding 1-2 shades darker for a warm contrast that adds just enough oomph.

It’s All About You
Eclectic design will replace rustic and refined palettes. Shiplap wall features will make way for wallpaper and bold accent walls. We’ll step into brass hardware, crisp, modern lighting, linear, monochrome backsplash and tile work. The modern farmhouse vibe we’ve known and loved will start to dissipate and we’ll see the rise of majestic, personal styles, curated and unique to each of us. Who’s ready to own it?

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•Mood Boards•

Now Go Get it Done - 2021!

xox DIY MOM xox

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