A Girl Can't Design That Sort Of Thing Without Her Lipstick

Hey all!

I've been working hard in my Interior Decorating program and am ready to start blogging again! I've learned a crazy amount so far, and feel as though I am well on my way to becoming a design professional. So, in light of that, I think it's time I start sharing what I've been doing! I will also be posting on Twitter, under the handle @AprilLizHudson. Please feel free to follow me.

Here's a glimpse of my latest design project. I've been tasked with designing a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom with a vintage inspired theme. After doing a little bit of research, I came across a Breakfast at Tiffany's poster and knew I had found exactly what I was looking for! The Art Deco look with the fuchsia and turquoise colour combo is both vintage and playful at once. The added bonus is that these colours are making a huge comeback this spring, so the design feels fresh and relevant! Adding a classic rococo chaise, chandelier and wall frame molding adds that extra touch of visual interest and completes the Breakfast at Tiffany's look. Take a look at my inspiration!


That's all for now! (Kudos if you get the title)

April

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

This may come as a surprise to no one, but my mother is the main reason that I'm so passionate about interior decorating. Growing up, I saw my mom transform multiples places in beautiful yet comfortable living spaces. She has an incredible eye for detail and is able to add those perfect final touches to a room, whether it be a luxe Persian rug or decorative vase. My mom has also put a lot of time and effort into collecting timeless pieces that effortlessly mix modern and traditional styles. Some of my favourites are her harvest table and distressed chairs, antique china cabinet and white leather couch. Given how much of an inspiration she is to me, I thought I'd share some of her work! Take a look below:

Thrifty Finds

As I alluded to in my first blog entry, I was on a bit of a budget when I moved into my new apartment. However, that didn't mean that I was willing to sacrifice on quality or style. Believe it or not, you can find amazing deals on Craigslist if you're patient and in the mood for some serious bargain hunting. Case in point, I found my beautiful missionary style bedframe for a steal. I paid $200 for a practically new frame that cost a cool $2000 in stores. If you're looking to give it a try, remember to filter before you start your search. Checking off the picture and owner tabs at the top can save you a lot of time and frustration. Just keep in mind that a good piece of furniture is usually worth a couple hundred dollars, so be realistic when you're negotiating on price!

Craigslist finds of the day:

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/fuo/2518846539.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/fuo/2534964110.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/fuo/2534550112.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/fuo/2533858309.html

Happy hunting!

Making the Most of Tricky Spaces

From the start I knew that decorating my two bedroom apartment was going to be tricky, given that what was supposed to be the main bedroom was quite small and cramped. The den, though slightly larger in size, had no doors, so it lacked privacy. Despite this downside, the extra space seemed too good to pass up and so I decided to make the den my bedroom. Since the den was essentially an extension of the living room, I knew that I had to find a way to keep the continuity between the two rooms. That being said, I wanted the bedroom to be the softer and more romantic of the two. The solution? Using the same dominant colours in each room helped create maximum flow. I chose a creamy beige (yay beige!), a walnut brown, bronze and pops of white. From there, I added touches of purple and gold to the bedroom, and complemented it with delicate art and accessories. As a final touch, I added bold pillows for a little punch of modern.

Take a look at how I did it!

It's all in the Details

One of the first things I discovered when I moved out of my Mom's house was how many random things I had collected over the years. There were books, postcards from museums, my grandma's china, a few Beatles records and all sorts of cute figurines that I at one time or another thought were cool. Sure, some of it was easy to toss out, but a lot of it wasn't. This, of course, became problematic when I realized just how tight on space I was in my new apartment. Given my limited options, I decided to get a little creative and use my bookcase as a displayer as opposed to storing everything and wasting much needed closet space. The results were pretty great. Not only is this bookcase the focal point of the living room, but it adds a very personal and sentimental touch to the place which I love.

See how I did it:

Beige

The first thing you need to know about me is that I am obsessed with beige. It is the most versatile colour in my opinion, and can be used to set a variety of themes and moods. What it comes down to is you can do no wrong with beige. Sure, white is cleaner, but it can also be a little too hospital-ish if not done correctly. Beige is instantly homey and calming. It is also ridiculously easy to work with. Case in point, when I first moved into my apartment I was on a super modern kick. About midway through the year I decided to change gears and go slightly more traditional. Given that I had started with such easy neutrals, it was virtually pain-free to make the switch. Add a couple of classic, rustic pieces, change a couple of pictures and pillow cases and voila!

See how I did it:

New Beginnings

What I have come to learn in my first year out on my own is that this twenty-something life stage is really very awkward. To put it simply, I am completely lost when is comes to establishing a career, I have expenses coming out of my ears, and I am for all intensive purposes at the mercy of my cat, Sesame. Despite this, I am secure in the knowledge that I have created a home for myself. I have spent the better part of the year decorating an apartment that is totally and completely me. And that is the most comforting feeling in the world.

If I were to give you a reason as to why I created this blog, that would be it. I want to share what I've learned and hopefully inspire others to create their own unique spaces. I also want to be inspired in return. I know how expensive decorating can be, but being on a twenty-something budget forces you to be a little more creative when it comes to these things. It also happens to be a lot more fun!

So here it is, I'm just going to come right out and say it. My name is April and I am addicted to decorating. There is something so satisfying about putting together a space that is both comfortable and inviting, all the while full of personal style. It has been my preoccupation for several years now, and I've finally decided to share it! I hope you enjoy my ramblings and find at least a few of my tips helpful. (Please see the section on putting up pictures -very, very important)