When designing a child’s room, you need to consider the room’s required furniture, plus storage and organizing systems. Add in a touch of fun design that the child can grow with, and you will have a room you’ll both love! It’s also great to include artwork they love or (even better!) have made themselves.  My most recent makeover project ...

Colour. It’s a hot topic every year – what colours are in, what colours to paint, what colours to accessorize with. And what will be around today and tomorrow. The 2015 runways are filled with colours reminiscent of the 1960s – shades such as warm olive and rich orange are being given new life, while some colour trends continue to be popular. ...

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the laundry room must be the liver. The laundry room cycles through messy household clothing and towels, and cleans them up time and time again.  In addition to being the place to do laundry and store cleaning supplies, many households also have their laundry room act as a mudroom; a place to drop off ...

With the holidays just around the corner, so grows the list of “to do’s” within the home. Spending too much time inside makes you realize how many little projects you need to get done or want to do to jazz up your space.  Not every project has to be a big one: you can make just as much of an impact in a space with little effort. These project...

With the holiday gift giving season upon us, our stress levels rise as we try to decide upon ideal gifts for our loved ones. Whomever you are shopping for this holiday season, we have five great options that are suitable for anyone (and everyone!) on your list.   On first day of Christmas I bought an Oster Versa 1400 High Performanc...

City living may mean limited space, but you don’t have to sacrifice functionality. I was recently challenged to find a clever way to maximize a space. All of the bedrooms were occupied, but the home lacked a guest room, plus a more efficient workspace and storage in their walkout basement. This is how I created a dual-purpose room. An effic...

{Full article in this Friday's Toronto Sun!}You spend a third of your day in your bedroom. It should be a relaxing place you enjoy spending time. Here’s how you can create a beautiful, comfortable bedroom retreat on any budget. Cool Color Palette. I’ve had red bedrooms and I’ve had pale blue rooms. I can honestly say colour psychology is real...

Need Paint Advice? How about overall Decorating/Design Help? But can't afford a design consultation fee? Well you are in luck CIL has teamed up with a number of Design Experts across Canada assisting you once a week at a Home Depot near you for a limited time offer. Come out from 6 to 8pm at one of the locations below to meet with me for...

With our short Canadian summer, more and more people are buying all-season cottages or winterizing their existing cottages to make a year-round retreat. People want to enjoy a get away not only in the summer but also in the cooler Canadian months too. I recently took the design challenge of styling my client’s all-season cottage.  Decoratin...

Who says you have to sacrifice fashion for function? For my latest makeover project, I wanted to strike a balance between style and organization to create the perfect walk-in closet. I called in organizing guru Clare Kumar to help with a closet makeover to make sure we ended up with a space that was functional and looked fantastic.  I love ...

If you missed Jo's segment on Small Space Patio Décor on the Global Noon show no worries watch online: http://globalnews.ca/video/1401909/jo-alcorn/ Special Thanks to Home Depot for the products.  Have fun dressing you outdoor space this summer!  Until next time, w&c designer girl! ...

During the warm summer months, we tend to spend a lot more time outside, so it’s time to design or re-design your area to create a cosy ambiance that will encourage you to spend more time in the great outdoors. So for those of you who are seeking inspiration to spruce up your small patio or balcony space, I have some fabulous design tips to help y...

Breakfast Television's Kithchen and Bathroom Tile Segment with Jo!

Breakfast Television's Kithchen and Bathroom Tile Segment with Jo!

Let's talk tiles for your Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Project.


Starting a renovation can be very stressful let alone trying to figure out your tile scheme . . . .
Tiles Supplied by:
Make sure to tell them Jo sent you :)

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Carbon Footprint Controversy

Carbon Footprint Controversy

For our next GREEN topic, I thought I should start by breaking down some very important terms. So today we are tackling the Carbon Footprint Controversy! Now I was surprised in today’s times that I can find people that don’t exactly know what a Carbon Footprint suggests. However at the same time I am not that surprised, with so many confusing definitions and information out there the word Carbon Footprint is loosely tossed around with no real thought processes behind it. So, to simplify the term it is literally the amount of energy used to create or develop. For example if I walked in a straight line to the other side of the room I would use less energy then if I zigzagged; to really simplify the meaning. So when products come from over seas they have created a larger foot print then a product from North America. Which make complete sense in laymen terms; however there is a controversy to everything and this one can be tricky. Just because something takes longer to ship does not always equal a larger Carbon Footprint. You must also look at how the product is produced and the materials that are used within which can lead to a larger Footprint. So if a North American company had to order a certain type of wood from a company overseas before they can ship it to you in another Province. The amount of energy to have both companies involved is greater then buying direct from the overseas company.
Wow, I feel like I am talking math equations here. However to really understand the power of the Carbon Footprint, you must think of it as a math formula. I know not that glamorous or fun, however once you get it, you are completely reshaping the environmental movement by keeping track on the Carbon Footprint. Hence the reason why Farmers Markets have become once again popular. Not just because it is supporting your local economy but because it has the lowest Carbon Footprint. When weighing out the math formula of a Carbon Footprint you must take in consideration the materials within the product and ask where they are from to figure out the amount of energy used. Where is the fabric produced and shipped from or wood that is used to make your sofa and so on and so on.
You might be surprised to find out that most of the big retail stores that are claiming they are GREEN actually have the largest Footprint. Due to the fact that most of them have had to rely on multiple countries to create the materials used within. Or the process that they have had to use to create a fibre or material within North America uses more energy then another country. To use Hence again, look at the oil market. Canada has one of the largest oil supplies in the World; however it is very evasive to produce which also mean more expensive, which is why we rely on our relationship with our Oil friends overseas.  I know this can be confusing but mostly more time consuming then anything to figure out the Carbon Footprint. However it is one of the best steps to in becoming GREEN!  The Carbon Footprint is just as important as the GREEN materials used within the product if not more! So next time you go buy a product find out the actual size of the Footprint before trying it on.  To quote Kermit the frog “it isn’t easy being GREEN!”



Until next time,

eco-jo
/
w&c designer girl!
Elle Decor White Interior Inspiration

Elle Decor White Interior Inspiration

 . . .  Oh LaLa!!












Stay clean in those rooms . . . hehe

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Summertime Entertaining Budget Tips!!

Summertime Entertaining Budget Tips!!

I love facebook for it connects you with fabulous people you would have never been introduce to other wise. I have been a fan of Roniques facebook posting since the moment we became friends, so it was only natural to ask if she wanted to do a guest post showcasing her always so inspiring pictures and helpful decorating/styling tips for all! I wanted all of you to be introduce to her as well so here she is and I do hope she visits us more often with her more of her inspiring tips! 

How to Save Money for your Summertime Party . . .

Summer inspiration is all around us! From the warm weather to the cool breezy nights that beckon us to linger with our friends in the backyard, summer is here and it’s time to throw a party! Whether you have a pool, small terraced apartment, or even meet up with your friends in the park, there is no need to be discouraged due to your pocket. Here are tips to help you save money this summer for your fabulous party!

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·        Come up with a theme: Before you start pricing out rental chairs, tables and tikki torches come up with a theme to carry out. If you have enough space plan for your backyard, garage or at your local park to save money on a venue. Once you have decided on a location the theme may become easier to decide. From seasonal ideas such as tropical, pool party, to choosing colors, flowers, or even choosing your favorite summertime movie can be great themes to carry out inexpensively.

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·        Use everyday items for decoration:  Once you have chosen a theme think of everyday items you can use for decor. Are you a beach-goer who has surfboards, life preservers and other water sport items laying around the house, use them for decor around your party! For a garden summer party use the natural backdrop as your decoration and embellish by hanging colorful paper lanterns and even string lights from trees and bushes. There are many string lights available today that run on small batteries, so no worries for finding and electrical source.

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 What are you waiting for? Summer is here and its waiting for you to enjoy the weather, the company of friends and family, food and quality time together. Use these helpful tips to create a budget-friendly summertime experience for all. Ask your friends to pitch in on food and beverage and you will love how much you save. Have fun!
 

Ronique Gibson, Assoc. A.I.A. LEED AP, is the principal of Stagetecture.com. A home lifestyle blog that helps home enthusiasts and homeowners love their home. From decor and organization to DIY projects, Stagetecture will help you find inspiration for your home. Ronique is also the author of 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home.

Thanks so much Ronique for these great tips, can't wait to put them to use!!

Happy Summer Days to all!!!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!!
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