We have been beyond thrilled with the response we have received after debuting our new Hidden Desk Bed at the 2012 Home Renovation show. The comments and suggestions have been overwhelmingly positive. People have ideas for the HDB that we hadn't even considered. One gentleman who visited us at the show suggested it would make a great basement bar for 360 days of the year and when the mother-in-law visits for a week you don't even have to remove the bottles!
Since the show wrapped we have been inundated with calls and emails asking questions and booking free in-home consultations. Ottawa loves this bed!
For those who couldn't make it to the show here are a couple of photos of the space we lived in for 3 entire days:
The bed went up, the bed went down. The bed caught everyone's attention. Walking around the show you constantly heard people talking about us and how amazing this bed was. Even the other exhibitors were abandoning their own products to come by and see what everyone is talking about.
If you want to hear what kind of response we received from the visitors at the show, click here.
The single (Twin) bed and the double bed are launched and ready to go. We expect the Queen bed to be available in about 90 days. Be among the first to be told when the Queen bed is available. Submit a consultation request and we will give you a sneak peek before it is released.
Have you got questions? Give us a call or fill in our form. We would love to hear from you!
Well... this is it. The 2012 Home Renovation Show in Ottawa has begun! Weeks of discussions, planning and preparation wrapped up by a week of frantic last minute organizing, lifting and installing has lead us to this moment. Let the games begin!
This year we are debuting our newest product. The Hidden Desk Bed has been a hit at the show before the show even began! We have had lots of interest from the press, the public and of course other industry leaders. It is amazing how fast word of mouth can carry in this town!
For anyone who is planning on attending this year's show come by and say hello. We are located in booth 428, Aisle 400. We will surely be the booth with people surrounding it on all sides!
Hope to see everyone there!
Conferences are always economic events. Whatever the discussion is inside, the impact travels outside, influencing nearby business and industry.
Attendees to conferences and gatherings held at Convention Centre around Ottawa are sure to be welcomed by the surrounding locals. When people flock to an event, the lifeblood of the city flows with them.
Conferences also bring peripheral guests, like writers and photographers from trade magazines. As press and stories grow, so too does tourism which in turn effects real estate and the economy. News coming from Ottawa conferences may only be regional, but will introduce their fellow Canadians to the sparkling city. Spin-off publicity demonstrating the welcoming business atmosphere has the potential to draw corporations to locate facilities in or near the city, further enriching the area with new employment and commerce.
The 2012 Home show at the new CE Center in Ottawa is a perfect example. This year, with their move to the new conference center, the show has grown by 33% over last year. There will be more vendors and products to showcase as well as educational seminars and opportunities to touch and feel some of the newest renovation products out there. With so many vendors attending from all over Ontario, and in some cases - even further a field, this show is a perfect example of the positive community impact that comes from conference shows in Ottawa.
The ripples sent out by the experience at your local convention centre will strike the edges of the globe and come rippling back to their source; bringing renewed vigor, financial opportunities and glowing pride back into the heart of the city where it began.
Whether you are remodeling, building a new home or just reorganizing your existing kitchen, you may want to consider adding a pantry. If you have the space, a walk-in pantry is an ideal choice. If you are a little tighter on space consider an unused corner or an under used closet in the kitchen area that might be reborn as a pantry. Before you and your designer jump into your pantry design here are ten things to consider.
Plan your space. Pantries typically need floor to ceiling shelves if you want to make the most of the space. However, if you are building or renovating it might not be smart to wait until after you put up the drywall to shop for shelves. Choose the shelves you want and then plan the pantry with the shelves’ depths in mind. This will help you eliminate any unforeseen sizing issue and will help eliminate the possibility that you will be stuck with pantry shelves that are too deep or too shallow for your liking.
Know the doors that will work best. Pantries are already fairly small, even the walk-in variety. If you add a door that opens into the pantry, it can be really hard to get to the items you’ve stored behind the door, limiting the items you can store in your pantry. You may want to opt for a door that swings outward into your kitchen or a pocket door so you don’t lose any useable space in an already small spot.
Consider the flow of your kitchen. When considering adding a pantry, think about the natural flow of your kitchen. If you don’t consider your pantry in your overall layout, you’ll find yourself walking around tables and carrying supplies clear across the house. Plan everything together.
Make sure to include electrical outlets. There are a number of small appliances that you may want to plug in your pantry. Some people put wine refrigerators or can openers in their pantries. Even if you don’t have plans for those items in your pantry, you never know what you’ll what in the future, and at that point it will be too late to easily add them.
Choose lighting carefully. The lighting you choose doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive – it just has to be functional. Consider how frustrating it would be to enter your new pantry, searching for a specific item and not being able to find it in the dark. At the very least you should have the wiring set up for a light so that you can install it in the future.
Where should you put the pantry? Look for unused space, a room beneath a staircase for instance. You don’t have to lose valuable real estate in your kitchen in order for you to have a pantry. You need to also consider that your pantry needs to be located in a clean, dark, dry place. Also important is the temperature of this small space. If your pantry shares a wall with a laundry room or any room that gets hot, like a computer room, your food could spoil more quickly. Think about your pantry’s location in conjunction with your entire house, not just in relation to the kitchen.
Don’t limit yourself. It is true that most people like to have large, solid shelving in their pantry. That isn’t your only option, however. Consider adding accessories like plate racks, wine racks, or vegetable baskets, to name just a few. Thinking outside of the box can help you make the most of your pantry storage.
Kitchen pantries come in all shapes and sizes. Although some people just opt for a glorified cupboard, most people dream of a walk-in pantry, large enough for their family’s needs. Avoid costly mistakes by thoroughly planning your kitchen pantry.
We have been working on a lot of mudrooms lately. People are gearing up for the “Who tracked snow through the house?” season. Mudrooms bring order to the most used entry to your home. You can create a good mudroom even in tight spaces. A well-designed corner inside a doorway will work just as well as an entire room dedicated to entering the home.
The location, size and function of your mudroom will help determine how it is finished. Perhaps you have a large family with lots of kids or maybe you own a home daycare and are focused on keeping tiny, wet, muddy boots and coats in an easily accessible and convenient location. Maybe you have teenagers or you are an adult only home concerned mostly with aesthetics and storage. Whatever your focus, there is a design solution for you. It is typical to find benches in larger mudrooms. Sometimes they are granite or laminate (depending on your budget) other times they have a cushion or cushions for comfort. High and low hooks allow easy access to adults and kids alike. If aesthetics is important to you, top-quality decorative hardware can add a touch of elegance without skimping on function.
No matter if your mudroom is dressed up or down, there are five elements common to every room. Here are some hints on how to bring order to your entryway.
Flooring
Mudroom floors take a beating on a daily basis. The floor should be a durable material and slip-resistant. Concrete, laminates and vinyl withstand wear and tear but tend to be slick when wet. Wood requires a lot of upkeep, especially in damp conditions. You may want to look at what's available in textured rubber, ceramic or unpolished stone tile. Choosing a dark colour for the floor will help camouflage dirt. Whatever the floor material, doormats can minimize the amount of dirt that gets tracked into the house.
If you are building a new home, you may want to consider installing a central drain so you can hose down the floor.
Walls
Wallcoverings can be anything from vinyl wallpaper for easy cleaning, a highly durable paint for easy repairs or wainscoting which also offers effective, good-looking protection. Ultimately all wallcoverings have pros and cons, it will truly come down to personal style in the end.
Seating
A comfortable, sturdy place to sit while pulling off shoes, boots or inline skates is important. Benches are the usual choice and are sturdier than chairs and stools. Seating should be located off the path that leads to the rest of the house and clear of the door swing area. Consider putting a hinged top on your bench or pull out baskets for more storage options.
Storage
Open cubbies, bins or baskets for books and backpacks are ideal storage solutions for mudrooms that are frequented by children. Colour-coding storage areas for each member of the family or daycare child will keep things in order. A high shelf that's out of a youngster's reach is perfect for things like purses, cel phones, keys and other adult necessities.
Remember to account for bulky winter gear when estimating wall space. Winter is bigger than summer when it comes to outdoor gear. Pegs and coat hooks are convenient in areas with limited floor space, but they aren't great for long-term storage since garments may stretch out of shape.
Designate a waterproof area for shoes and boots. You might want to consider pegs on the wall as a possible solution. They can be placed close enough to hold boots upside down while they dry.
Organizing Accessories
Specialized bins and hangers for sports gear collect oddly shaped equipment like racquets and mitts. Pet leashes can be strung from ordinary hooks, keeping them from tangling. A corkboard or chalkboards can help organize useful family information.
Why not opt for a key rack or a newspaper recycling center as an accessory? Really, it all depends on your lifestyle and why a mudroom is important to you and your family.
Good afternoon everybody,
This week's blog is going to be a link to a wonderful bog written by Closet Pages. I hope this blog will help inspire your own closet designs.
http://closetpages.com/closet-design/4-dreamy-custom-closet-systems
"This article was originally published on ClosetPages.com. You can find more articles in our closet organizers blog, browse local closet organizers, view our closet design photo gallery, learn about closet storage & subscribe to our monthly newsletter."
Our homes are becoming increasingly challenged as the struggle for space and functionality rages on. Modern homeowners are looking for new ways to do more with available space. The traditional wall bed has been vastly improved. With the introduction of the new hidden desk bed, homeowners are being offered a unique storage solution.
The hidden desk bed is able to convert from a desk to a horizontal wall bed in seconds- all of this with little effort and without adding or removing any items from the desk surface. The balancing mechanism provides a smooth, uninterrupted transition, allowing items on the desk to remain stationary while changing the unit from a desk to a bed.
Canadian statistics indicate that the average new home will decrease in size by ten percent over the next few years. Maximizing usable space and demanding smarter storage options are a must. The Hidden desk bed becomes the best solution by providing multiple functions without compromising on space or style.
Your home needs to meet all of your needs. For some people this means making a bedroom into a playroom or a study, a sewing room or a craft room. With the hidden desk bed you can have that specialty room without sacrificing the spare bedroom, the twice a year in-law suite or your children’s bedroom after they go off to university or college. You CAN have it all.
The desk bed can stand-alone, but adding shelves, bookcases, and storage cabinets can transform the space to an inviting room with ample storage.
The desk bed is offered in a wide range of styles and finishes providing deep color and a detailed wood grain look. With solid construction, precise engineering, and uncompromising materials, the desk bed is a high-quality solution for the organizational and aesthetic needs of Ottawa homeowners.
Everyone is looking for extra storage space in his or her home. Rarely do you hear someone complain that they have too much storage space! So the question is… if you are going to build more storage- what is the best way to go?
The first and most important thing to consider when weighing the pros and cons of built in wardrobes versus the conventional freestanding offers is the extra storage space afforded by built in wardrobes. Actually, I would go as far as to say that built-in wardrobes can give as much as 50% more storage when you take account the fitting from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Freestanding furniture not only stands away from obstacles such as baseboards and wall switches, but is also built with a top and therefore restricted in height and storage space.
The second advantage of having your furniture built in is that it can add value to your home, not unlike a custom kitchen or bathroom. People who are moving from one home to another and don’t have their own furniture or are looking to replace the furniture they’ve got would see built in furniture as a major advantage. If the home they are purchasing has fitted, built-in bedroom furniture, it will save them an immediate purchase and afford them plenty of storage space. Your home immediately goes to the top of their list.
One over-looked advantage of fitted bedroom furniture is that updating your colours or a change in the designs of your doors is simple with built-ins. You would be able to simply buy new replacement fitted doors for your bedroom furniture and get a brand new bedroom for a fraction of the cost!
Lastly, there is no dust collecting on top of your wardrobes. Floor to ceiling allows no room for dust collection… just think how wonderful that would be!
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Did you know that there are homes out there with entire rooms dedicated to holiday decorations storage? Some are outfitted with uniform rows of shelving units stacked with color-coded bins for Easter, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, and countless Christmas bins. Others have basements, garages, and attics full of these same bins. If you are one of these holiday decoration hoarders and you are feeling like it's all too much, here are some thoughts for whittling down the decorations without giving up the same festive look:
Before you purchase the next adorable decoration that gives you pause, ask yourself these questions first:
- Do I have a place to store this after the holiday is over?
- Will this item survive for a few years in storage?
- Will this item be high maintenance, requiring electricity, inflation, a noisy air compressor, or light bulb(s) that might be hard to replace? Will it require daily attention?
- Is this decoration trendy and likely to be out of style next year?
- Can this decoration stay out for the entire autumn season and not just Halloween, giving me longer enjoyment?
- Is this item safe for everyone? (Fire, Choking, or Poison hazards)
Consider as many consumable decorations as possible, like pumpkins, straw and leaves as a greener option…
These can form the base of your décor and they can possibly even be eaten or composted at the end of the season.
Consider the durability of your decorations for another season…
Were they worth all of the work involved? Could you have decorated less and still felt the same same sense of fun?
Consider donating your unwanted decorations to Goodwill, a greener option that diverts items from landfills and also creates jobs in your community. (And don't forget to find costumes at Goodwill and donate them when you're finished!)
For greener decorating, try:
- Buying LED lights to save energy.
- Making your own decorations as a creative project, and recycling what you can.
- Choosing beeswax candles over paraffin, which is petroleum-based.\
Are you dreaming of a Winter Wedding? Not only can you get a break on venue costs as well as catering, photography and flowers to name just a few, but let’s face it – nothing says romance like freshly fallen snow. If you just recently became engaged and are trying to decide in what season to set your date, consider making your plans based around the beautiful winter season. Maybe you are not the type of couple to wait another year for your wedding – walk down the isle sooner than later by embracing a winter wedding.
Your guests will love this unique theme. You will find that your wedding can be both striking and heart-warming with just a little innovation and imagination. Make your wedding something that won't easily be forgotten. Think about hosting your wedding in the great outdoors, among the icicles and snow. While it may seem intimidating at first, with some careful planning, you can have an incredibly romantic ceremony and an unforgettable reception.
Here are a few tips on incorporating wintry elements into your outdoor winter wedding plans.
Location
What could be more romantic than using the snow laden great outdoors as your ceremony setting? If you are concerned about guest comfort or you live in a particularly cold climate, consider setting up a platform or holding the ceremony in a heated outdoor tent, allowing for your guests to get the feel of the beautiful winter season, without becoming uncomfortable. If snow is your thing but it is in short supply in your climate, look into hosting your wedding at a nearby ski resort.
Attire
Dressing for outdoor weddings can be a fun challenge. To keep warm, use an affordable faux fur cape or capelet over your bridal gown and order matching ones for your bridal party. It will also add some glamour to the proceedings. For the groom, suggest a cape or a dress coat. Not only do these touches add some drama, but they also ensure that you feel comfortable during your ceremony.
Décor
Winter décor can be a strikingly elegant touch to any wedding. Once you get started, it's easier than ever to incorporate your favourite winter elements into your plans. Choose dark, striking colours, snowflake or snowman accents, depending on the formality of the event. Use fairy lights everywhere to add a feeling of a winter wonderland. Who doesn’t love a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snow? Embrace the early sunset and dusk, use it for the ceremony and for wonderfully unique photographs outside. The best part…? A coconut cake that looks like snow, adding flavour and tying your theme together perfectly. Don't be afraid to incorporate stark or woodsy elements like branches, pinecones, or holly!
Do a Google or Bing images search and see what other brides have used for their winter weddings. Let other people’s experiences be your inspiration! What other time of the year let’s you serve hot apple cider or hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey’s during the cocktail hour? How about adding two or three frozen cranberries in the champagne glasses… adding a touch of whimsy and class at the same time? I could go on and on. Winter weddings are original, romantic and best of all – discounted!
