Sonya Kinkade Design

Its a Wrap!

2012-03-01T10:19:00.001-08:00

As they say in Hollywood It`s a Wrap!

On Friday February 24th my team and I but the finishing touches on this years Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition at the Foster Farm Family House Homework Club for the REVEAL the following day.

This years Extreme Makeover was a whirlwind of excitement. It was the second year and we were being recognized for our efforts. We received Media attention that we did not get in 2011, way more than what we expected (but secretly hoped) . I was lucky enough to be asked to go on CTV Morning Live and discuss the makeover, and put a call out for companies for donations of kind to the cause. This interview set everything in motion and the next thing you know I am being interviewed by several magazines, newspapers and TV, view one article in the Ottawa Citizen!

Photo credit: Charlene Burnside Photography

This years Extreme Makeover at the Foster Family Farm Homework club was something that I felt very strongly about. The Homework club provides underprivileged kids with a space to come to do their homework and get the support they need to succeed in life. This is something these kids need and the space I saw on my first visit was not a place that I thought could make these kids feel creative or motivated in their work. They had incredible support from the staff but your environment and surroundings play a huge role in what makes you who you are…..this space was not going to do that.

I was told, I would be making over one room called Homework Room and this is what I saw……

Does this look like a Homework room to you? There was a TV and cabinet, Sofa, bad lighting, bad flooring and a piano…..No tables, no chairs, nothing except a few items on the wall that were educational. This Homework club gets 30-40 kids 3 times a week!! were do they sit? when I asked this question they told me they would pull a table in from the kitchen area and some chairs…..but I guess the rest sat on the floor.

I then noticed a doorway into a room filled with computers, it was dull and uninviting but it did have computers for both the kids and the adults in the area who need to use it.

Being me I couldn't`t let this room go unnoticed, so I quickly told them I was going to do this room too……and then blurted out “And lets throw in the bathroom”

Did I just say that?

As soon as I got back to the Office I drew up a floor plan and elevations of the space. I showed the Extreme Makeover Contractor, who just happens to be my husband (lucky guy) and sent it off to my team for viewing. Just an FYI, D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD supplies all the labour and construction materials for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition, this is HUGE folks!.

Once the design plan was done it was time to start tweeting and emailing for donations. Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition starts with a ZERO budget beforehand…..yes I said ZEROOOOOO. Everything has to be donated!

The tweets and emails were sent out and the donations started pouring in. We received above and beyond what we expected to receive, Ottawa truly is a kind City and I am so proud to call it home.

I have rambled on enough and its time to REVEAL….

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012!

Photo Credit: Danielle Lynn Photography

Thanks to everyone who participated in this years Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition at the Foster Family Farm House Homework Club. It would not be possible with the community involvement. I think we met the needs of the kids to have the best possible learning environment and am sure the kids will enjoying it for years to come.

Photo Credit: Danielle Lynn Photography

See you this time next year

for

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2013

Thank You 2012 Contributors to Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

The Designers

Sonya Kinkade Sonya Kinkade Design (lead Designer)
Nicole Duguay Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates MODECOR
Mary Anne van Gaal Otta decorate!
Donna Hargrove dh designs
Kelly James JAX Décor & Design
Lisa Goulet Lisa Goulet Design
Sarah Kidder Sarah Kidder Design

The Contractor

D.E. Kinkade Konstruction Ltd- of all construction. ,labour and materials

The Contributors

· Ottawa Valley Kitchens- all build it cabinetry
· Sherwin-Williams store #8785- supplied all paint
· Brent Kelly Painting- All paint labour
· Barwood Flooring- New wood flooring
· Marchand Electric- new lighting
· Climate Works- New central Air
· Lafarge Canada- supplied all new school chairs
· Tamarack Developments- Cash donation for Homework room Décor
· Tag along Toys- All new school supplies
· Smart Space organizing- Office and school supplies
· Future Shop- Wall mount TV
· Marc Gagnon- Blu-ray player
· Faye Fortune Drapery- all new window treatments
· Ikea Canada- Office Supplies
· Matt Leblanc Abstract art- New custom art Piece
· Sheila Cane Sample Pencil Art- Custom art piece
· Danielle Lynn Photography- capturing the Makeover
Randy Little – donation of chalk board paint
· School Furniture of Canada- gave a charitable discount to the chairs donated by Lafarge Canada
· Spotlight Hair Studio & Spa- Donation on one Ikea side chair
· Kristin Berit- Donation on one Ikea side chair
· Tina Klein Walsh- Dictionaries

SURPRISE!!!

2012-02-26T09:13:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Saturday the 25th of February was the “REVEAL” of Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 at the Foster Family Farm House Homework Club for Kids. The day was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I was Surprised to see Michael O`Byrne host of CTV Ottawa's News at Noon there but assumed he was there to cover the story of the Extreme Makeover……I was wrong.

Michael was there to present me with the United Ways Community Builder Award.

I was overwhelmed and speechless but so very happy to receive it. Michael had a wonderful speech for me and I wanted to share it with you.

Good Morning, Everyone.

I`m Michael O`Byrne, host of CTV Ottawa`s News at Noon and a member of United Way Ottawa`s volunteer recognition team.

United Way is all about building community. One of the things that we like to do is recognize people who have made a real difference in the lives of others through their volunteerism and commitment to their community. These people truly demonstrate the ability to give, speak up and take action on the things that matter most to them. Today, we are here to honour Sonya Kinkade as an outstanding Community Builder.

As some of you know, this past week was Kindness week here in Ottawa. Kindness Week is a city wide initiative that encourages community members to choose to be kind and recognizes those who engage in everyday acts of kindness. For the past two years Sonya Kinkade has been a shining example of the kindness in action.

In her day job, Sonya is a formally trained Interior Decorator and Owner of Sonya Kinkade Design. With her keen sense for style and her attention to detail, Sonya can transform any space into something amazing. After hearing about Kindness Week, Sonya Decided to use her incredible talents to spread the kindness.

Last year Sonya launched Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition, a weeklong project that aims to redesign and makeover spaces for community agencies that wouldn`t normally be able to afford a makeover. Not only do they make the space beautiful, they make it much more functional. The first project that the Extreme Makeover team took on was the lobby at the Good Companions Seniors Centre. They took an institutional looking room and made it into a warm and inviting place for the staff and clients of the Good Companions Centre.

This year Sonya and the Extreme Makeover Team took on an even bigger challenge, here at the Foster Farm Community House. The Foster Farm Community House acts as a resource centre where a variety of services and activities are offered. One of those resources is a homework club for kids. Sonya saw a need for the kids to have the best possible learning environment and made this the focus of this year’s makeover. As we can all see Sonya and the Extreme Makeover team have hit it out of the park again this year, creating a beautiful and functional space that children will be enjoying for years to come.

What really makes the Extreme Makeover projects amazing, are that they wouldn't`t be possible without community involvement. They have ZERO budget, everything you see here today was donated by community members. One of Sonya`s biggest supporters has been her husband Daryl, not only has he been there to support her but his company D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD has donated an amazing amount of time and labour.

Sonya, it is my very great Pleasure to present you with a United Way Community Builder Award. The plaque reads: “Thank you for helping to build a stronger, healthier and safer community for all of us.”

United Way has a permanent display at City Hall, called the Community Builder Wall of Inspiration. Your name will be added to this display so that everyone will know the wonderful contribution you have made to this community for years to come. Congratulations!

Thank you to Everyone who was a part of the Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 Team. I received the award but you all played a part in making it happen and you make me look good. I love you all

“Coming together, sharing together, working together, succeeding together.”

The 2012 Dream Team:

The Designers

Sonya Kinkade Sonya Kinkade Design (lead Designer)
Nicole Duguay Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates MODECOR
Mary Anne van Gaal Otta decorate!
Donna Hargrove dh designs
Kelly James JAX Décor & Design
Lisa Goulet Lisa Goulet Design
Sarah Kidder Sarah Kidder Design

The Contractor

D.E. Kinkade Konstruction Ltd- of all construction. ,labour and materials

The Contributors

· Ottawa Valley Kitchens- all build it cabinetry
· Sherwin-Williams store #8785- supplied all paint
· Brent Kelly Painting- All paint labour
· Barwood Flooring- New wood flooring
· Marchand Electric- new lighting
· Climate Works- New central Air
· Lafarge Canada- supplied all new school chairs
· Tamarack Developments- Cash donation for Homework room Décor
· Tag along Toys- All new school supplies
· Smart Space organizing- Office and school supplies
· Future Shop- Wall mount TV
· Marc Gagnon- Blu-ray player
· Faye Fortune Drapery- all new window treatments
· Ikea Canada- Office Supplies
· Matt Leblanc Abstract art- New custom art Piece
· Sheila Cane Sample Pencil Art- Custom art piece
· Danielle Lynn Photography- capturing the Makeover
Randy Little – donation of chalk board paint
· School Furniture of Canada- gave a charitable discount to the chairs donated by Lafarge Canada
· Spotlight Hair Studio & Spa- Donation on one Ikea side chair
· Kristin Berit- Donation on one Ikea side chair
· Tina Klein Walsh- Dictionaries

Life, it is what you make it…..

2012-02-01T08:52:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning, being my 43 Birthday feeling a little sorry for myself. There were things that have changed in my life that I have been having a hard time with lately and being “one more year closer to death” as I always say, was not making me want to jump up and yell “Happy Birthday to Me!!!”

For one, a Gray streak now runs through my hair where my once red hair gleamed

My eyes were full of life and are now a little droopy and are showing the years with the bags, dark circles and a few little wrinkles… OK, maybe more than a few

With the pressure of my daily life for the last 2 years I have added on some extra baggage in all areas of my once not to bad body (picture was 2 years ago)…not in one spot, not in two but EVERYWHERE! at least I am proportioned…

Where there once was muscle from years and years of being a jock (that's me 4th in from the right) there is now bad hips, bad knees and boobs that no longer can be contained in a sports bra without slipping out and knocking me in the head….

I will never again get that morning call from My Mom & Moe wishing me a Happy Birthday…..something I never dreamed I would live without

My babies are no longer babies and the special hugs and cuddles are slowly fading…..

I have been married for 19 years now and can barely remember my husband and I looking like this…..is this real?

But then I turned on Facebook and twitter this morning and was reading all my Birthday messages from Old friends, new friends, business associates and my family members and something happened…..Like the Grinch my heart suddenly grew 3 sizes…..and I had a look on my face like this…

And I realized…

My gray streak in my hair was a sign of years and years of learning and loving and being on this beautiful earth and I am alive and healthy…. ( and there is a thing called hair dye….halleluiah!)
My eyes that are puffy and droopy and showing the tell tale signs of aging are no longer naive and insecure but are now full of wisdom and have seen enough in my 43 years to give me the strength to be my own person.
My weight gain that creeps up on me is not from laziness but from having a job that I love that keeps me busy, that consumes my days…. but how many of you can say you are living your dream, working at something everyday that fulfills you….
My sore muscles and joints are a sign….telling me I have been living a full life and not missing a step along the way
My Mom & Moe are no longer here but I have grown into a 43 year old woman who has overcome many things in my life from the wisdom they gave my and the lessons they taught me and even though that phone call never comes….I still hear them….I still feel them…They are still here
My babies are growing but with that is a feeling of accomplishment, each day is new and each day they are growing into the person I am shaping them to be….my babies will always be my babies
My wedding dress may no longer fit and the white has faded but my husband loves me still today and I believe loves me more then on the 23 of January 19 years ago….yes we no longer look the same but we are growing old together and I am grateful for him everyday

Last but not least, I have great friends and family who love me and who have helped shape who I am today….I love you all!!

IDS12 impressions from a designer

2012-01-31T09:11:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I attended the Interior Design Show in Toronto with 5 of my girlfriends who just happened to be design professionals too.

Catch my Impressions of the IDS12 here at Ottawa at Home Magazine!

Click on picture to see the Post in Ottawa at Home Magazine

Here are a few pictures I took of the show, enjoy the eye candy!

Small scale Living- Dee Dee Taylor Eustace

Fun design- Nordsouth & Living Lighting on King

BY_LISSONI & Gresham house

ELTE

Showstopper - Bloomsbury Kitchen designed by Brian Gluckstein

For more great blog post on IDS12 visit the links below

Lisa Goulet Design and JAX does design & Maureen at modecor muses

IDS12 Trends & Highlights

2012-01-23T16:30:00.001-08:00

As of Thursday afternoon I am off with a few of my designer gal pals to the Interior Design show in Toronto. This is my 5th year at the show I believe and it never fails to amaze me, always incredible things to see and learn. This year I have gotten the inside scoop on on a few of the trends and Highlights of the show. Here is your sneak peek into IDS12

Slow Design

•Encompasses traditional design using local & natural materials, handmade craftsmanship and influence, its back to basics at its best

Urban Tree Salvage

Holtz

Holtz Furniture – Modern, organic furniture art

Holtz Furniture is a family owned and operated furniture company that prides itself in designing and producing modern organic furniture art. They incorporate various elements to form living furniture art pieces, yet designing them so they remain functional for everyday use and display. Their wood is sourced from various countries and regions throughout the world with emphasis on trees that have perished due to urbanization and natural causes.

SNOB

SNOB Furniture - uses the talents of the South African people to produce exquisite products of modern design and art form.

Studio North

This year at IDS 12, STUDIO NORTH celebrates its 10TH anniversary of showcasing the best in Canadian Design. Studio North is a jury-selected display of established and emerging Canadian Designers, Often described as a show-within-a-show, that is beautifully set-up like a gallery.

Atelier 688- handcrafted Rope lights. A one stop Art and Design studio located in Toronto’s Art district of Queen West, Atelier 688 showcases the work of local Canadian artists and designers with a leaning towards the use of reclaimed and vintage materials.

Atelier 688

Kino Guérin is a contemporary artist from Montreal. Guerin challenges himself to make furniture with a unique piece of wood, no legs, crossbars or supports. Bending the extremities until they reach the floor, the table below reflects the equilibrium between the curve and the straight line, between exuberance and purity.

Kino Guérin

Outdoor Living

Homeowners today are using the outdoors as an extension of their living space by bringing the comforts and luxuries of the indoors OUT to enjoy a visually and virtually larger living area.

· Andrew Richard Designs- One of my favourite at IDS has always been the Canadian luxury outdoor furniture line of Andrew Richard Designs. They are known for materials and custom designs, created to enhance the lifestyle of their clients.

Andrew Richard Designs

Paloform – The pieces at Paloform are beautifully modern, hand cast concrete fireplaces and fire pits that are created right here in Canada. They are High-end, very unique pieces that are Eco-friendly.

Paloform

Small Scale Living

Small Scale Living, Inspired by condo living involves small-scale furniture, open floor plans, and the elimination of formal rooms it will take IDS 12 by storm this year. It is the year of less is more.

· Domison - Modern living calls for modern solutions. From small spaces to open lofts, DOMISON helps you create the perfect fit for whatever your needs with its new line of modular couches and contemporary living solutions.

Domison

· Bulthaup – The b3 multi-function wall conceals water, electricity and gas pipes and allows cabinets to appear as if they are floating. It becomes active, as functional as it is beautiful, and can merge the kitchen and its surrounding spaces together to form a single unit, simply incredible!

Bulthaup

· Nomo Creations - Jamie Sajdak, a Studio North participant and designer behind Nomo Creations, developed Orbit as an attempt to redefine flat pack furniture, allowing for reduced size and transportation costs, both economic and ecological, and the increased ability for the materials used to be disassembled for recycling/reuse. The whole structure can be flat packed by removing two bolts. I love this piece!

Nomo Creations

I can`t wait to walk through those doors! is going to be a great show

Watch for my IDS 2012 post show Blog post in Ottawa at Home Magazine website in February!

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012

2012-01-18T12:17:00.001-08:00

I have been asked to be the lead Designer for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition for the United Way Ottawa again this year and the plans are now under way.

The Lucky Recipient this year will be The Foster Family Farm House Homework club located at 1085 Ramsey Cres, Unit 334 Ottawa.

The Foster Farm House is a Community house * acts as a resource centre where a variety of services and activities are offered. One of those resources is a homework club for kids.

A typical day at the Homework Club goes like this:
The children come in at 5:30 and usually start their homework and request assistance if needed. Some of the children go into the computer room to do research for reports or projects. They usually have a snack about 30 minutes into the program which is provided through Kick start program from the Ottawa food bank. As we know that a hungry child is distracted and not focused so a healthy snack is important.
The children then return to homework and support from our homework club staff. Our staff speak English, French, Arabic and Somali. The children will sometimes ask for additional work to practice math etc. if they are finished their own assignments. Parents come and pick up the children and talk to the workers at 7:30 the program is finished. The program runs 3 days a week for 2 hours each night with 30 children using this homework club at any given time.

This year once again I invited my dear friends who are also terrific designers to help me make this happen.

EMKE Design Team:

From left to right

Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates – Modecor
Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta decorate!
Donna Hargrove - DH Designs
Kelly James- Jax décor & design
Sonya Kinkade – Sonya Kinkade Design
Lisa Goulet – Lisa Goulet Design

And joining the EMKE team this year is Sarah Kidder of Sarah Kidder Design (not shown in Photo)
We are pleased to say that D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD who was our our supplier of both Labour and martial has signed up to join us again.
All the photography for EMKE 2012 has generously been donated once again this year by Danielle Lynn Photography
To see posts on last years makeover click on the links below
The process
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition_28.html
The reveal
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition_02.html
The people who made it possible
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition.html

If you would like to be a sponsor for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 pf the Foster Family Farm Homework Club please email or call
Sonya Kinkade at sonyakinkade@bellnet.ca or 613-838-5252

Watch Sonya on CTV Morning Live talk about Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

WE NEED YOU HELP OTTAWA!!

Here is a list of items we need to complete this makeover. If there is anything on the list you can help us with please contact sonyakinkade@bellnet.ca 613-838-5252

What we need!

Wall shelves
Memo peg boards
Large clock
Small wall mounted TV and VCR
Office supplies
school supplies

Window shades
Durable flooring
air conditioning
Track lighting
Lumber and supplies
Colourful chairs for kids

Small but Mighty!!

2012-01-17T05:58:00.001-08:00

This small bathroom was part of a full house renovation of a somewhat small bungalow. There were two bathrooms in the home, one small powder room off the back of the house and this small main bath. The picture shown is after the bathroom was gutted. There was an existing pedestal vanity, bath/shower combination and a toilet...that is it.

Beside the bathroom was a small linen closet I was able to relocate in another area of the home leaving us the option to knock through the wall and closing up the linen closet door. This allowed us to have enough space to add both a stand up shower and a bathtub.

We now had a fairly large walk in shower where there was none. To add interest to the shower without the price tag I added different tiles laid in an interesting format. For interest on the floor, instead of using your typical 2 x 2 tile I used a small mosaic with interesting colour combinations for texture. The main wall tile was a 12 x 24 tile and to add interest I added two banding's of mosaic tile in between.

Continuing the tile from the shower, I used it around the tub area taking a fairly average tub to a new level.

I accented the small window above with a beautiful soft Roman shade to bring softness where there wasn't. A small burlap stool was used as a spot to sit or hold a cup of tea while enjoying a long soak. The burlap also added a new texture to the room.

There was still not a large enough space for a large vanity to hold everything, so I had a shelf installed above the tub where you could keep your bath items, as well as giving that area the finishing touch it needed.

Because we saved money in various areas on this project with sale items and box store stock items we were able to top the wood vanity with Crema Marfil marble that complimented the tile in the shower and tub surround nicely. We were also able to top with a large goose neck faucet with white porcelain Hot and cold symbols on the handles.

For the vanity I wanted something that would warm up the space and create drama even though it was small in scale. What better way to do it then with a solid oak, antiqued finished French Empire vanity that I found on sale. I added a gorgeous mirror in the same finish with metal detailing that topped it off nicely. Art work was added for a splash of colour and this bathroom owns up to its name...Small but Mighty!

Andrea Stajan Ferkul

2011-12-07T11:48:00.001-08:00

It all started with a 20 pack of Laurentian brand pencil crayons when Andrea was a little girl, and from there a star was born…

Her studies began in Fashion Design but in the end Andrea graduated from the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College School of Art and Design where she studied painting under the renowned Canadian artist, Helen Lucas.

After graduation Andrea worked in the advertising industry as a fashion layout artist, creating ads for newspapers and magazines.This exposure to fashion design has surely influenced her art and a source of inspiration subject matter.

Andrea says she paints in many layers, repeating the process of adding and subtracting as the work progresses. While not exclusive to fashion, it is a recurring theme in my subject matter.

Her work inspires me, the flow and movement in her paintings along with the subtle use of her colour choices always makes me want to design a room around each painting. Here are a few pieces of her work that I truly love.

Cocktails in Emerald Green

The Brighter side of things-1

Is it Christian Dior

Blue Satan Sash

Enlightened

Atelier on Queen St. West

Oh Marilyn

Chantilly Lace

Andreas newest paintings

Being a Girl

The Journey

For pricing and availability
of paintings and illustrations, contact

905-274-7764
andrea.ferkul@gmail.com
Mississauga.Ontario

Website: http://www.andreastajanferkul.com

Christmas through my Eyes…..

2011-12-05T12:04:00.001-08:00

Every year I spend November spreading all kind of pretty in the form of Christmas decorating for clients.

When it comes time to do my own decorating I always worry I will never have enough of the pretty left inside me…. but then I put my music on of all my favourite Holiday singers like Nat, Bing, Dean & Clooney.

I then light my scented candles and I think of my Mom who always sang in her beautiful voice while decorating our house, it was always breathtaking……and I push on, and her creativity and I become one and the magic begins. I am still working on it but here are a few pictures of what has happened so far…enjoy

Merry Christmas one and all

The Home-Coming

2011-12-01T11:43:00.001-08:00

The Home-Coming
A porch, a hall, a stairway, significant may be; I'm thinking what a rubicon your evening door, for me. On one side yearning, waiting, a thousand vague alarms, Tormenting worries women know; the other side your arms!

-Ruby Archer (Little Poems, pub.1900.)

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

Emily Matthews

Weekly Design Concept

2011-10-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

Pour me another Chianti

For your own design concept: Try Sonya`s Design in a Box

Interior Design in a Box helps the average home owner who does not want or need Sonya Kinkade Design's full range of services. It provides an easy & affordable solution to providing professional advice on decorating or design dilemmas. These clients are basically looking for a personalized "Master Plan" for their rooms. It is a Professional design kit that will give you the tools to design a space with the look and feel of the Sonya Kinkade Design aesthetic.

Setting the Thanksgiving table - Blogs - Ottawa At Home

2011-10-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

New Blog post for Ottawa at Home Magazine

Setting the Thanksgiving table - Blogs - Ottawa At Home

Client Kitchen #1 continued....

2011-09-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today went well and as promised the Quartz went in on Project Kitchen #1....it looks great!

Now waiting for the backsplash to be installed

See more on Client Kitchen #1 here: http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/kitchen-1-sneak-peak.html?spref=tw

Kitchen #1 Sneak Peak

2011-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have a few kitchens projects that I took on this summer that are very different from one and other and I had tweeted a pic of the finishes a couple of months ago for both kitchen #1 and Kitchen #2......

Kitchen # 1 concept image

Kitchen # 1 is well underway. The new addition has been put on for a new family room to create an open concept with the kitchen. The drywall is up, some of the painting is finished, floors are laid and the kitchen is in the installation stage.

Here is a sneak peak!

Cabinet paint : Benjamin Moore CC-90 Natural Linen
Island Colour : Benjamin Moore CC-512 Marshlands

I am loving the new hardwood

Tomorrow the Quartz goes in!!

Its coming along nicely, what do you think?

Vacation of a lifetime

2011-05-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

In August of this year my husband and I will be embarking on a journey that I have dreamed of my entire life. I have been on only 2 real vacations in my lifetime ( not including Florida with my children) one was my Honeymoon and the other was 13 years ago before my first child was born. Sure I have been on weekend trips with my sweetheart and a long weekend in New York city a few years ago, but nothing of this magnitude…ever.
My Dream has always been as far back as I can remember to go to Tuscany, and on my Anniversary this year my husband surprised me with that dream…..we were going to Tuscany for 3 weeks on a trip of a lifetime.
It has taken me a long time to come up with an Itinerary that I thought would fulfill the dream…..a lot of painstaking hours went into my planning as I was so afraid of making a mistake. Today I finished it! follow me as I share where my journey will take me…..

We land in Florence and drive to a beautiful little gem of a villa that sits on top of a hill in San Gimignano called Guardastelle We stay here from Aug 27-Sept. 3

Beautiful location in the Tuscan countryside, yet a short drive from San Gimignano

We then drive to Venice and stay at the Ruzzini Palace Hotel. Ruzzini Palace Hotel is superbly located in campo Santa Maria Formosa, at the very heart of the historic center of Venice.

Guests of Ruzzini Palace Hotel have the privilege of experiencing a setting that celebrates the aristocratic period of Venice, enhanced by modern luxury and charm

Back to the countryside we will go to the other side of Tuscany in the beautiful area of Cortona and stay for 5 days at a sweet little villa called Villa Petrischio

Villa Petrischio is in the heart of Tuscany. The Villa was built in the 18th century on the highest hill of Farneta, which is a little village ten miles away from Cortona. Villa Petrischio is surrounded by three hectares of park with secular pines and cypresses . Enchanting landscapes of Valdichiana surround the Villa. A long time ago the Villa belonged to the family of Count Lambardi, now the new owners have changed it in to a charming and elegant four star Relais.

From there we travel to a hotel set on a cliff-top overlooking the Bay of Naples in Sorrento the Stunning Parco dei Principi hotel .

While there we can visit Museo Coreale di Terranova set in an 18th century palace and featuring some of the rich artwork of the region including mosaics, archeological collections and paintings.
We may also want to experience the dormant volcano at Mount Vesuvius, renowned for its destruction of the city of Pompei in ancient times.

Our last visit will be Rome where we will be staying at the gorgeous Capo D’Africa hotel for our last 3 day in Italy.

The Capo D’Africa features Contemporary design within a beautiful early 20th century building. It is located Under the shadow of the Colosseum, located in the heart of Imperial Rome.

Well that's it! this will be our Journey staring August 27 2011. I hope all the decisions I have made are the right one……but seriously I`m going to Italy ….is there possibly a wrong decision?

Sonya

COLOUR

2011-05-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

Colour has the ability to create a mood when using it in a space. It has the power to inspire you, energize you or it may simply calm and comfort the soul.

I have put together a few colour palettes that I hope will inspire you try try them in your home. And thank you to the very talented designers who I have featured on my blog today.

Neutral Colour Palette

Although we see the world in colour, the neutral colour palette does not have to be bland and boring. Neutrals ,although subtle in nature will have hints of yellows, blues, greens and greys. Make sure you bring lots of texture into the space and layer, layer, layer for added interest. A neutral palette is a very soothing oasis in your space. It will create a sense of serenity.

Examples of a Neutral Palette applied in a space

Compliments of : Carol Reed Interior Design Inc

Earthy Colour Palette

The Earthy colour palette is an introduction of organic hues from the earth into your home. These colours create a sense of warmth and comfort to your space. Earthy hues are a great compliment to a rustic interior but are never to masculine or feminine .

Examples of an Earth Toned palette applied in a space

Compliments of: Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Soft Colour Palette

If you want a room that is crisp and fresh, then the soft colour palette is for you. Pair this palette with silver toned accessories, wainscoting , crisp white linen upholstery and clean white trim. Think Spring and Summer!!

Examples of an Soft Colour palette applied in a space

Compliments of: Sarah Richardson Design

Saturated colour Palette

Using saturated colours in your home is something most people would not dream of attempting but using bold colour is a great adventure and worth the plunge. using this palette will instantly create drama in a space by filling it with the rich hues . Remember, whatever bold colours you choose to use or paint, balance them with lighter elements in the trim, accent or floor coverings.

Picture below courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Design by Ian Stallings courtesy of Decorati

Don't be afraid to bring colour into your life and watch the magic unfold……

Sonya

In The Words of my Mother

2011-04-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

Awhile back I had promised that I would from time to time post writings or sayings that my mother had left me.

Yesterday as I was cleaning out my storage room I was going through a box of some of my Mothers old things and came across a treasure.

My Mom always wanted to be a writer and in her late years even started taking courses on writing and enjoyed them immensely. And in this box I found a short story she wrote and I would like to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did…..

THE MITTS

A story by Bette McClelland

We stood, my Mother says, in true military fashion, eyes trained straight ahead and backs turned to the small, grey bungalow on Ritson Road that had been our home for the last four years. It was early spring, 1946. The war had ended in Europe and with it my Father`s factory job in Ajax. We were going home, down east we called it, leaving a city existence of convenience and comfort, of things become familiar and friends adopted as family, to a farm in the Ottawa Valley. Only two things now separated and yet soon would link these worlds apart. A taxi bound for the railway station and boarding a train of no return. I could look back on ten years, my brother and two sisters on less, but really had no understanding of a future, no dreams beyond the events of this day.

I loved the train. The heavenly. intoxicating smell of burning coal and the clattering of the cars along the endless track. We had lunch of egg and sweet pickle sandwiches and cold milk sealed in jam jars, and backing powder biscuits spread with strawberry jam. My father would enter the coach first carrying Sherrill. Andrew and I would follow him just as we had done before when we went east for Grandfathers funeral. My Mother would follow behind him with our baby sister held gently on top of a feather pillow. “It will be good” my Father said.

The farm turned out to be a delight. The house was a century old stone building with huge bedrooms and windows with sills big enough to accommodate three knees to chest bodies at one time.The laneway circled the house and behind the wood shed, a creek with a walking bridge let to the barns and the green fields beyond.

Spring and summer passed quickly that year but the cool days of fall and the bareness of the trees brought on the first stirring of loneliness. My father put on extra windows and doors all around the house and the old wood stove was lifted foot by foot from the big summer kitchen into the dinning room where we would spend the winter. The days grew shorter and the time we spent in the company of each other became out world

Our favourite day was Sunday. My father worked away from the farm through the week so we saw little of him except at supper and later when he and Mother supervised our homework and listened with great sympathy to our tales out of school. But Sunday was a day apart. On Sunday morning Father perked coffee! we would wake to the crackling of the cedar kindling in the cold wood stove and the sound of water being poured from the dipper into the aluminum pot, the basket being lowered into place and the snap of the lid as that aromic concoction was set over a flame. Plup..plup..plup. We sat on each side of the long table and ate steaming rolled oat porridge with brown sugar and milk and hot buttered toast with strawberry jam from a pail or fresh apple sauce. By the time Mother and Father were on their second cup of coffee we well into dreaming my father`s dreams. A trip to the sand hills, a bathroom some day, a horse maybe, for Andrew. He loved horses. They were someday dreams to justify today.

It was just such a morning that the knock came to our front door. It startled us. First because there was a solid storm door closing in our front door and the knock echoed loudly and secondly because in the country, only a stranger used your front door and in the winter, even a stranger would follow the path to the back of the house. Glancing at all of us with a look the quite clearly meant “behave yourselves” my father walked into the front hall and turning the china knob, pulled the inside door open, unhooked the heavy storm door and swung it wide. The hall filled with sunlight.

“Good Morning Sir”

“Good Morning to you.”

“I`ve walked a good distance since night and I wonder if I might trouble you for a cup of tea?”

A tramp. We had seen a few over the summer. Strange men, traveling alone and on foot. They would knock on our door and ask my mother for something to eat and a cup of tea and if she had it a piece of cake. We were warned not to stare at these travellers, just go about our business and let them enjoy their meal in peace.

“Come in, come in,” my Father insisted.

“are you sure Mr. I don`t want to be a bother to you and your Mrs.”

“Never worry, come in and warm yourself and the name is not Mr. it`s Hugh”

A tall shadow eased into the hallway. The door closed and the shadow melted into the darkness of the room. My mother got up quickly from the table. stirred up the left over porridge and lifted the coffee pot making a circular motion with it to satisfy herself that enough coffee was left for the stranger. She smiled and nodded as the man entered the bright kitchen. This room that moments before was vibrating with well turned voices was suddenly as still as an unwound clock. The stranger looked us over but he did not speak. He removed his hat before coming in. His hair was grey and matted and standing at attention in little tufts.

It reminded me of my Betty doll that had spent the last winter under the outside steps and for a moment I thought I was going to laugh out loud. I dared not look at Andrew so I kept my eyes fixed on the stranger. He took off a heavy wool coat, it was khaki coloured like the ones the soldiers were wearing in the `Buy War Bonds` ads.

“Don`t bother about your boots,” Father said as he tucked a warm scarf into the pocket and hung the coat up on the wall peg. The stranger seated himself at my Mother`s place and she placed a bowl of porridge down in front of him. She set a jug of milk and another containing maple syrup near him and then neatly arranged pieces of bread in the wire toaster and held it high over the coals. The stranger ate.

My father spoke a little about the weather and commented on several items he had heard earlier on the CBC news, but the stranger made only a meagre attempt to reply. My little sister Sherrill, held captivated, as were the rest of us, by the presence of this man began to fidget in her chair. she had curled the red ribbon in her hair around her finger so many times that it untied itself and fell into her glass of milk. The strain of good behaviour was to much for us. We all burst out laughing, even Father. With her tongue rolling around behind her lower lip as if she was chasing a marble, and her bright eyes darting from face to face, she rescued the rather wet ribbon, wrung it out with deft of a washer woman and hung it to dry on her arm. The stranger, undisturbed by this family commotion, finished his meal and for the first time since he entered our home, a faint smile crossed his weathered face.

“A meal of brawn my good lady, I thank you.”

Tramp didn`t seem the right word to describe this man. Andrew`s curiosity was whetted.

“What is the word brawn?” he asked.

Sherrill, with the red ribbon, was weaving her way behind the chairs to get closer to the stranger. With her last dip behind Andrew, she came face to face with him.

“I`m Sherrill.”

The man looked mildly pleased with this attention and lifted my little sister up and set her gently on the torn knee of his trousers.

“Many years ago, Boy, over a hundred years to be more exact, Englishmen considered brawn to be a real food delicacy. At Christmas time especially it was sold in the market places by poulterers,fish dealers and even pastry cooks. It was made from the flesh of boars which were allowed to live in a wild state and as they were being fattened for market, their hides were strapped and beaten with leather whips to make the flesh become dense and brawny. After butchering, it was taken in rolls two feet long and ten inches in diameter and packed for show in wicker baskets. It brought a good price. In time, the French, who captured Calais from the Englishmen, found large portions of brawn and they too believed it to be a great delicacy. It was served for many years at Royal occasions and coronations. Of course the method of producing such a treat was barbaric by todays standards but never the less it was delicious just as was the meal your good parents have served me.

Again the table fell silent. The stranger rose to his feet, setting Sherrill carefully down beside Mother. He lifted the heavy overcoat from the peg and as my Father grasped it by the collar to support the weight, the guest shuffled into it. He reached into his pocket and produced a pair of brand new, grey wool mitts.

“Have these Hugh, the sally Ann gave them to me yesterday.”

Father`s glance fell on the man`s bare hands. He hesitated only a moment, then reached out and shook the hand of the stranger.

“Have a safe journey.”

The stranger touched to peak of his hat and he was gone.

“Daddy, why did you take that poor man`s mitts. He is going to freeze. You have mitts Daddy, lots of them” we echoed each other.

Father stared down at the huge hand knit mitts in his hand.

“He had more need to give them than I had to refuse them” he said quietly and then set them up on the warming oven with all the rest.

Monday morning was bitterly cold; too cold to walk to school Mother said. Blowing snow had blocked much of the roadway. The milk truck, which usually arrived at our farm at 8 A.M. didn't`t get through until nearly noon.

“Bad morning Hugh, real late today.” Mr. Leonard apologized. Ben Leonard was a burly man with apple red cheeks and teeth so white they looked painted. He was always laughing, an infectious kind of laugh that got you laughing too and I liked him. In the summer, he had given me a ride over to my aunt Lou`s house for a few days holidays in that big red mil truck. It was like riding the telephone wires we were so high up. You couldn't`t be shy long with him.

Ben Leonard was not laughing today. His eye`s looked tired and when he spoke his mouth hardly opened. He chose his words with care.

“A man was killed over by Stittsville last night.”

My Fathers hand dropped from the zipper of his macinaw.

“What`s that.”

“Hit by the snow plough I suspect. Don`t know who else would not know that they hit him.”

I felt Mothers arms around my shoulders.

“Did you know him Ben?” my Father paled.

“No idea, no idea. I didn't`t even see him at first. He could have been buried till spring, but for this dog standing up on the bank making a hell of a fuss.”

I didn`t like dogs. One had left three teeth marks in my brothers face. I slid my hands into the sleeves of my wool sweater to steady from shaking.

“Weren't`t you afraid of that dog Mr. Leonard?”

“Well, I tell ya, I had a mind just to leave him be but strangest thing. I saw a little patch of colour in the snow, something red like maybe clothes, and I said I better have a look. I got out and crawled up on the bank and there he was nearly covered in snow. Frozen dead!

He pause a moment, his eyes fixed on a square of the worn linoleum on the floor as if he was seeing the awful sight all over again. We all searched the floor.

“You know Hugh, the man was well dressed too. Heavy coat and lugged hat and all. Strangest thing though, there was a red ribbon tied to his wrist. That`s what I saw, that ribbon.

My Father put his arm around my little sisters shoulder and with his big thumb he squashed the tears now weaving down her small face. With his other hand he reached to the top of the stove and took down the heavy wool mitts.

“I will give you a hand with those milk cans Ben”, he said and turning the mitts thumb to thumb, he slid them on, unlatched the back door and stepped out into the cold morning.

THE END

This story was written by her but had never been shared, I think it it deserved to be heard. Well done Mom.

Sonya

Does your Kitchen need a Facelift?

2011-04-06T05:52:00.001-07:00

Having your kitchen remodelled can be a daunting and expensive task. How about a KITCHEN FACELIFT?

I recently completed what I call a kitchen FACELIFT for a client. Rather than completely gutting the old kitchen we kept the footprint of the kitchen the same to cut costs and added new finishes and detailing. The space was completely transformed.

Kitchen Area Before

Kitchen After

Eating area Before

Eating are AFTER

What do you think of the transformation?

To see the details on what was done in this kitchen facelift go to my blog post at

http://www.ottawaathome.ca/Blogs/2011-04-06/article-2405569/The-kitchen-facelift/1

Click here for more information on Kitchen Renovations from previous blog post

Sneak Peak!

2011-04-05T12:54:00.001-07:00

A sneak peak at a Kitchen ‘’FACELIFT’’ That I completed in the fall. Watch for the REVEAL on my Ottawa at Home blog post and right here in the next few days.
Kitchen ‘’BEFORE’’

The Idea File

Island Paint-411-4 Photo GrayCabinets-411-3 French Gray Linen

Shaker Doors

Marble Backsplash Butcher Block for Island Caesar stone for Counter

Brizo Faucet Blanco Sink

Robert Allen Fabric

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat1701068#cat20015

http://www.restorationhardware.com/

http://www.wilmettelighting.com/

See you back here for the finished space

Sonya

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

2011-03-02T07:56:00.001-08:00

February 19th, 2011 its REVEAL day!!

Remember before shots in previous post?

The Before

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With a lot of hard work, dedication and love it all came together

All of the above Photos courtesy of Danielle Lynn Photography

It was an incredible experience for all of us and I could not have picked a better group of ladies to work on this with me. I am proud to call them my friends. A special thank you to D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD for their generous donation to the cause, We could not have done it without you. We are proud of out local business who heard our call and answered with their generous donations, thank you. To the staff and Members of The Good Companions Center, may the comfort of you new space wrap its arms around you each time you visit, and may you enjoy for years to come.

Sonya

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

2011-02-28T13:20:00.001-08:00

As most of you know I was the lead designer on a project called Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition that was taking place at the Good Companions Center in the heart of down town Ottawa during Kindness week in the capital.

My first visit to the Good Companions Center was January 7th 2011 and this is what I was faced with upon walking in the door. I was requested to make over a small store area to be created in the lobby along with the entire reception area and entrance. This was a BIG one and I was going to need some help!

Before

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I called on the best of the best here in Ottawa and also my dear friends to lend me a helping hand in this rather large undertaking. My crew, Lisa Goulet (Lisa Goulet Design), Kelly James (JAX Decor and Design), Donna Hargrove (DH Designs), Nicole Duguay (Solace Interiors), Mary Anne van Gaal (Otta Decorate!) and Maureen Coates (MODECOR)

Our first meeting was January 13th at the house of Lisa Goulet were we went over the initial plans for the space….along with enjoying a glass….or two of wine

We decided on using a variety of paint colours for the space. Our thoughts were that in order to get a large impact in such a large area it needed to have a mixture of colours. This would make the eye move around a large area and land on each vignette. We realized fairly quickly the space needed to be warmed up, it was very institutional and fabrics should be added to help soften the space. The basic layout was was done and final thoughts were discussed.

The Mood Board

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Now came the hard part…getting all the donations, after all this was a gift in kind and every item including construction labour and materials had to be donated. The first on board was D.E.Kinkade Konstruction LTD who supplied all the labour and materials. We then got Tamarack Developments to donated all the paint for the project. With the paint came needing a Painter in jumped Brent Kelly Painting who was going to paint nights to get it all done. We then needed the fabric for the new bench seat and cushions and the new roman blind for the window and Kravet Fabrics was happy to give the fabric along with Rockland textiles who donated the foam for the cushion on the bench.

We called on a few Twitter buddies to help us out, Michelle VandenBosch to look after the floral arrangments , Danielle Lynn Photography to document the makeover and reveal and Matt Leblanc to make a custom art piece for the space.

We then had the furniture….this was tough! Not only did we have to get people to donate the furniture…but it needed to all go together, be senior friendly and the style work with our plan! Guess who came to our rescue…

The Upper Room – donation of Red leather sofa, 2 occasional chairs, coffee table and end table
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries – Donation of 2 leather chairs and shelving unit.
Premier Executive Suites Ottawa- Donation of two armless chairs, sofa table and end table
Ottawa International Airport – Donation of 2 armchairs
Floor Coverings International – Donation of Senior friendly area carpet

Now, will everything match? the pictures started coming in on what we were getting from our donating companies. The first to come in was The Upper Room. What they were donating was incredible but the sofa offered was RED leather…Hmmm we already have the colour scheme…can we make it work? regardless we had to! We did not have donations for accessories, so the girls & I all chipped in and went out shopping for bargain pieces to make it all come together

The Furniture

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On Friday February 18th we started pulling it all together and having an absolute terrible time as you can see….just miserable!

Its Coming Together!

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^{All above photo`s courtesy of Danielle Lynn Photography}

Stay tuned for the last post and the Reveal of Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

2011-02-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

As most of you are aware, I am working on a project for Kindness Week Ottawa with the United Way Ottawa and The Yummy Mummy Club.

This campaign will focus on making over the Good Companions Seniors' Center, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The scope of the project was to redo their entrance and reception area.

I would like to introduce you to the wonderful people and companies who have made this all possible. Please take the time to check out their websites as they have taken the time to help our community with their acts of kindness.

The Designers of Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition:

Sonya Kinkade – Sonya Kinkade Design
Lisa Goulet – Lisa Goulet Design
Kelly James – Jax Décor
Donna Hargrove – dh Designs
Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
Maureen Coates - MODECOR
Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta Decorate!

For their Generous Donations to Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition:

D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD - Donation off all labour and all materials

Michelle VandenBosch : Permanent Petals- Donation of all floral arrangements
Matt LeBlanc : Matt LeBlanc Art- For Custom Art piece
The Upper Room : Donation of Furniture
The Ottawa International Airport Authority: Donation of Furniture
Floor Coverings International: Donation of Area Carpet for reception area
Kravet Fabrics: Donation of fabric for window treatment, pillows and bench seat
Brent Kelly Painting: labour Donation for painting of Entire space
Danielle Lynn Photography: Donation of photography for entire event
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Ottawa: Donation of furniture
Premiere Executive Suites Ottawa: Donation of furniture
Rockland Textiles: Donation of Foam for bench seat
Tamarack Developments: Donation of all paint

The following Donators listed above do not have websites. The can be reached at:

- Brent Kelly Painting: 613-229-8665

Packaging an extreme makeover with kindness - Homes - Ottawa At Home

2011-02-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Packaging an extreme makeover with kindness - Homes - Ottawa At Home

Peoples Choice Business Awards

2011-01-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

It`s that time of year again where the Kanata Chamber of Commerce holds there Annual

l Peoples Choice Business Awards

You may recall last year I was nominated in the Category of `"Best New Business" and was lucky enough to be one of the 3 finalists. I lost in the end but it was a great night all around.

Great News!

I am so pleased to say that I am in the running again in the same category under

"New Business" (Goulbourn)

This is a`"Peoples Choice" vote and if you think I am deserving of it I would love your vote!!

If I get enough votes I may be a finalist and then after that it is up to the judges

Just click on the link below and it will take you to the voting page where you will have to register to vote

http://kanatachamber.com/m/events/view/People-s-Choice-Business-Awards-Gala

Thanks for voting!!!!!

information regarding the Peoples Choice awards

February 24th, 2011 will be the biggest event presented by the Kanata Chamber of Commerce; The People’s Choice Business Awards.

Every year this event is a celebration showcasing the outstanding businesses in the Kanata, Goulbourn and West Carleton areas. Each year the event gets bigger and better than the year before, and we promise not to let you down this year. With a wonderful “Old Hollywood” theme we promise a glitzy and glamorous evening as the backdrop to celebrating business with networking and awards.

This year we have changed the way the voting is done by opening the polls first to accept nominations. This will begin on December 13, 2010. During the month of December we are asking the businesses and public of Kanata, Goulbourn and West Carleton to nominate their own business or a business or individual they feel should be given the chance to win a prestigious award for their outstanding services!

We have also added some extra categories this year helping to set businesses apart. Find your category and get nominating!

The nominations process will close at the end of December, and voting to determine the finalists will begin. Voting will then take place during the month of January 2011, closing on January 26th. At this time the top 5 finalists will be asked to submit to a judging committee, supporting documentation to validate their nomination. The judging committee will then select the ultimate winner in each category.

Cynthia Adam-Wing

PCBA Committee Chair

The Kanata Chamber of Commerce is located at:

Suite 216, 555 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON K2K 2X3 Phone: 613-592-8343 Fax: 613-592-1157

Email: manager@kanatachamber.on.ca Website: www.kanatachamber.com

Delights of the Season

2010-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas, Just the mention of it brings such fond memories to me. I can almost feel myself sitting on top of the stairs with my sister and brothers on Christmas morning smelling the aroma of my Mothers freshly brewed coffee, hearing the radio playing the littlest Angel and all the rustling around in out little kitchen.

We would have to wait on those stairs (and it seemed like forever) until my Mother would say "OK, come on down Santa was here" Her voice I here still in every decoration I lay out, in every cookie I bake and in every kiss I give my children. Christmas will never be the same without her but I try to bring the same comfort and memories to my children as she did for us.....she, is a tough act to follow.

Decorating my house at Christmas is a big deal for me. We never had any riches growing up but my Mother could make something out of nothing and the house was always beautiful. There was never a corner that was overlooked. She would have beautiful little vignettes set around with things she had collected for years. She always decorated on the first weekend of December and I can see her puttering now and singing with her carols in her beautiful voice. My Mother sang like an angel.

I have started decorating my home and I have decorated a business for this Holiday season and would like to share some pictures and give a little advice along the way. While you view the pictures, I have posted my Mothers favorite Christmas Carol (and mine) "I heard the Bells on Christmas Day" below this post listen and Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-O-ENqlJiI

1- Groupings: We like to collect Christmas decorations each year, sometimes its Santa's, tree ornaments, table ornaments, whatever it may be it is a good idea to group them in vignettes on a table or a little corner of the room to add interest. Try not to spread throughout the house as this can get to repetitive and gimmicky

2-Urns: When decorating your exterior entry way of your home or business having large dark urns on either side of the door is always a nice touch. Be sure to make them as full as possible, don't skimp on greenery, you need to produce a WOW factor. Make sure you add several different types of greenery in various shapes and colours. Try adding Birch to the center for a exit from all the green.

3- Entry ways: It's not all about whats outside your door during the holidays. Make your guests feel right at home as soon as they come in the door. Decorate a small entry table, add candles for parties maybe leading up stairs. Greenery and lights.

4- Mantels: I always save my favorite things for my mantel. The best greenery I can find. I get the top of the line greenery Christmas specific and then add just your typical everyday greenery for interest. Remember to mix the shades and textures of the greenery. I rarely use a garland on the mantel put instead use the different greenery sprigs in different shapes and shads to create your masterpiece.

5-Dining Table: One of the biggest mistakes people make is to decorate all around their homes but forget the dining table....or just throw a little arrangement on it that just goes unnoticed. This is a big mistake as it it the perfect spot to create visual focal point. I like to use silver containers filled with artificial or real greenery keeping in mind the rule of different shades and textures. I use many different types of glass or silver candle holders in different heights and forms.

6-Antiques: This is one of my favorite things to use during the holidays. Look for vintage cards, carol books, & ornaments and use in a vignette or to decorate your tree. Look for old paned windows or a hollow frame and hang on the wall with a boxwood wreath hanging on it. Skates and skis are great for a bare corner and Children toys and books make a great display.

Here are some more pictures to grab your ideas from

All pictures and Designs Sonya Kinkade Design

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Harry Belafonte - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

2010-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sonya Kinkade Design In the News!!

2010-11-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

Richmond designer featured in magazine

Her own home plus a cottage project highlighted

RICHMOND - “Ottawa At Home” is a magazine which celebrates home, living and food in the Nation’s Capital. Each issue features a designer at his or her own home. Each issue also features a cover story which in its Autumn 2010 issue was an article and photos about a year-round cottage delight. And what linked these two prominent stories was the designer, Sonya Kinkade of Sonya Kinkade Design of Richmond.
She not only was the featured designer in the issue in a five page story with photos entitled “Country charm plus urban appeal” with a sub-title of “A Little Glamour plus A Lot of Country” but also she was the designer who redesigned the interior space and chose all of the furnishings and fabrics for the cottage renovation project of Keith and Shauna Kirkham and family of Richmond.
Entitled “Mission Accomplished!”, this story told how the Kirkhams transformed a run-down Big Rideau Lake cottage into a four-season vacation retreat. And they did it with the help of designer Sonya Kinkade who made each room truly stunning but still comfortable and user friendly.
This all came about thanks to a Twitter friendship which Sonya developed with Mary Taggart, editor in chief of “Ottawa At Home” magazine and writer of both of these stories in the Autumn 2010 issue which hit the newsstands recently and will be displayed there until November.
Sonya had initially contacted Mary Taggart to seek her help in promoting a course about the business end of the designing trade which she was organizing for Ottawa. This led to a Twitter friendship in which they chatted back and forth and kept in touch with each other.
Mary liked Sonya’s approach to designing and her work and approached her about being spotlighted in the magazine’s Designer At Home feature which shows the home of a designer and tells about the designer’s style and inspirations. This led to a discussion about the projects on which she was working and the Kirkham cottage feature resulted.
Mary says that “Ottawa At Home” magazine features all kinds of designers in its Designer At Home feature.
“We are very eclectic – anything we think will be interesting to our readers,” she says, noting that Sonya Kinkade’s dedication to her style and her talent stand out.
“Her passion as an individual shines through in her work,” she says, adding that Sonya is not only well trained but has a natural, innate talent that adds a wonderful touch to her work.
Sonya Kinkade feels that it is rare for the magazine to feature a designer that is rural based like herself and so she considers it quite an honour to be the featured designer in an issue.
Most of her work involves renovations and re-decorating. She says that homeowners doing a renovation are coming to realize that hiring a designer up front, while increasing expenses, turns out better in the long run because no mistakes are made, work is done properly and the designer does all of the legwork in searching for appropriate furniture and décor.
An initial consultation in which Sonya gets an idea of the likes and dislikes of her prospective clients leads to a proposal from her which describes what will be done.
She says that designers tend to get labeled for a certain style and look. She finds that this has happened to her to a certain extent, an outcome which she blames on the fact that the look that she does is the look that most people want.
Her work has varied from urban country to a French country look to cottage sheek. But she insists that her work need not be limited to these styles.
“I can do anything,” she says, reiterating that she does not want to be labeled for a particular style.
Sonya is also not a trend follower.
“There’s lots of trends,” she says. “I don’t follow them.”
She says that she always sticks with styles that will still be fashionable 20 years from now.
“Just stay as basic as possible,” she advises clients, saying that she will never recommend a trend but that if a client insists, she will do it while warning that the trend will pass soon. She willingly changes colours and artwork but feels that the structure and major items of a room should stay traditional, a look that will last a lifetime.
One of the trademarks of a Kinkade design is the use of an antique or two in a space, not only because she likes antiques and enjoys mixing them with newer elements in a space but because they add interest to a room.
“I always try to work in an antique,” she says.
Most designers have a contractor with which they work and Sonya is fortunate that her contractor of choice is none other than her husband Darryl, a well known Richmond area contractor. Indeed, she and Daryl have branched out just recently, purchasing a home that they are combining their talents on to flip once all the work is done. It will be completely renovated and re-designed.
Sonya operated a store called “Simple Pleasures” in Richmond from 1995 until six years ago. The store featured home décor and gift items. When she ran the store, customers would frequently ask her for advice for their homes because they liked the way that the store looked. She even did some off-site seasonal decorating for special events, parties or holidays.
So, four years ago, she went back to school, taking an interior decorating course at Algonquin College and is now an accredited interior designer.
She says that she can pretty much walk into a space and immediately visualize how it should look. In some respects, this is a gift.
“Either you have it or you don’t,” she says in terms of this ability to visualize what can be done to space in terms of design. And she is glad that she has been blessed with this talent and that she is now able to use it to help others with their designing challenges.
Now, thanks to “Ottawa At Home” magazine, she should be even busier than ever and helping out even more and more people with their design wishes.
Sonya Kinkade Design’s website can be found at http://www.sonyakinkadedesign.ca/.

By John Curry

2010-11-09

2010-11-09T08:04:00.001-08:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Autumn's Glory

2010-10-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

When decorating for the fall season there is really no rhyme or reason, nothing to overlook.

It really is all in the placement of the elements you find. The beauty of the season can be found on a crisp fall walk or in your own back yard and from the gardens within it. Be sure to keep your eyes open and plan as you pick. The beauty will be in the form, texture and colour of the elements of nature.

For rich browns and deep purples look for : Smoke Bush Leaves, Red & Purple Grapes, Fall Viburnum & Hypericum Berries

For Your Greens look for: Under-ripe Persimmon, Green Pepper Berries and foliage & Lemon leaves

For your Reds look for: Pomegranate, Japanese Maple leaves, Fall Viburnum berries, Ripened Bittersweet

For your Orange tones look for: Maple Leaves of Fall, Bittersweet Berries, Ripe Persimmon, Viburnum (early fall)

Use these in all different and unique containers for fall like this double hurricane or my my personal favorite some antique silver pitchers from Pottery Barn

Attach Small Bundles with twine and hang on wall with old pictures or vintage cards

Better Homes & Gardens

Stuff Large Glass Hurricanes Like these shown from Pottery Barn and add small berries with stems and leaves to dress table settings.

Pottery Barn has some beautiful Pieces for Thanksgiving this year. Dress your Thanksgiving Table with Beautiful edged white or cream plates and add these stunning Turkey Plates and lay upon a beautiful linen table cloth.

Keep the wine chilled with this Gorgeous wooden Trough on your sideboard and float some cranberries on top of the ice.

This Stunning Foucault's Iron Orb Chandelier from Restoration Hardware would look stunning above any Thanksgiving table

And Fabrics.....Oh how a love fabrics. Use these fabrics from Waverly in all the beautiful colours and patterns in forms of Napkins, Pillows & Drapery. They will add warmth to any room or any setting

Happy Fall Everyone

and enjoy everything it has to Offer!

(Picture taken from Country Living Magazine)

A Couples Lakeside Escape.......In the making

2010-09-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago I started work on a new build cottage on the banks of the beautiful Centennial Lake in Calabogie. It has been a work in progress that has been one of the longest projects I have worked on.

As you can imagine this job was not an easy one to take on. It is located about 1 1/2 hours from my office so the drive back and forth would not be easy and would be expensive for my client. This means the amount of time I would usually spend with on site visits would have to cut in two....or truthfully probably more like quartered.

I was working with a Contractor my client had already hired on and communication has been difficult at t50es. The pace has been a little slow but is coming together. I did however get a chance to get my contractor on site to lay the beams, doors and do all the gorgeous trim work....this was a must!

Anyways it is coming together......and not without it's problems...but coming together just the same. I have decided to take you on the journey with me as I try to get this place ready to be the hideaway this couple has dreamed of.

Here we Go!

Just to show you were the job was at here are few of my original photo's

The Pictures Below are the kitchen area

So this is where I come in folks....So much to do!

below is the kitchen part way....keep chugging along boys!

Below the finished kitchen....well still some "Decorating" to do but the kitchen install is now complete

NOTE: Please pay no attention to the island stools...yes I do realize they are too short.....they are hand me downs and a temporary solution until we shop for new one......ahh shop, such a lovely word.....

I designed the kitchen with part shaker style cabinetry with bead board inlay and mixed with flat panel cabinetry with a small beading around the edges. The main set of cabinets are painted in Providence Olive HC-98 and the island is finished in Gloucester Sage HC-100. I chose a dark granite counter and a gorgeous mosaic back splash. The tiles are in shades of cream, tan and olive that is part polished for some "bling" and part unpolished. The floors are a wide planked rustic Engineered hardwood. Chandelier over the table and island lights are Murray Feiss from Marchand Electric in Ottawa.

Next we will look into the main floor bath and Laundry room....Stay tooned folks!

Birthday Wishes...from across the Hall

2010-09-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Last month, I posted a bedroom that I did for a young girl who had requested "Sonya Kinkade Design" makeover her room as a Birthday gift. This young girl has a teenage brother who while I was making over her room kept strolling by the door all day trying to get a peek inside.
The night it was finished, while his parents were relaxing the young man asked if he could speak to them for a moment. He had a request.....a Birthday request......can you see where this is going?
I got the phone call the next day asking if I could makeover his room too. I finished his room this week. As with his sisters room, nothing major was done to the space other than a few new pieces of furniture, artwork, bedding and fabrics and furniture layout. The room is tiny, but I got everything in I wanted. The end result..."He Loves it" Happy Birthday!!

Here is the "BEFORE" pictures of the room

Here is the "FINISHED" room

I MADE THE COVER!!

2010-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

www.ottawaathome.ca

Well, it's finally here...Ottawa at Home's October issue. And to my surprise I made the cover!! it makes all of my anxiety and stress about this day so worth while.

In this business, you really pour your heart and soul into every project. And when you finish a job a piece of you is left behind and to be recognized for what I do daily that usually go unrecognized is such an Honour to me. I worked with the very talented editor and chief of Ottawa at Home magazine Mary Taggart...who I like to call Miss Mary because she is such a kindred spirit. And I can not go without saying that everything looks so beautiful because of the incredibly talented photographer Mark Holleron who shot the photo's for both My Designer st Home shoot and the Home Reno shoot of the cottage I designed.

They were both incredible days and an experience I will not soon forget. Thank you to you both for all your kind words and support.....and most of all for thinking I was worth it

In the early spring I took the "Business of Design" seminar given by a very well known Designer who I am proud to say I know Kimberley Seldon. In this seminar we were to make a "Bucket List" of what we would like to accomplish........this was TOP of my list. Thank you Kimberley for all your advice and encouragement.

Below are some pics from the "Ottawa at Home" features. To see the full articles go to http://objmags.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Ottawa at Home - "Designer at Home" feature

photography by mark holleron

Ottawa at Home - Home Renovation feature


Outside "before"


Kitchen Before

Master Bedroom Before


Daugthers bedroom Before


Bathroom Before

Visit Ottawa at Home - http://www.ottawaathome.ca/

These articles in full at- http://objmags.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Birthday Wishes

2010-08-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I was hired by a couple to renovate their log home. We started in the Kitchen this led to the living room, sunroom, bathroom and office. The project has been going on since March of this year and is still a work in process.

During this my client had asked her 10 year old daughter what she wanted for her 11th Birthday and to this question she said Mom all I really want for my birthday is to have Sonya design my room.....just like the rest of the house. The wish was granted and I started having chats with the young lady as to what she would like in her space. Before I could get another word out she said PINK.
Now the fact that this little lady was soon going to be a teenager I thought there is not possible way I can do her entire room in Pink....she would grow out of it within the year. What I decided to do is vamp it up a little...make it a little more funky and updated. I chose a very pale purple for the walls, brought in some white to brighten the room as there was so much wood being a log home. I then introduced her pink in a more grown up " Hottie" Pink and for the drama queen in her a big splash of black.

The end result....SHE LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some Before and After....enjoy!

In The Words of my Mother

2010-08-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful words I have ever heard were from my mother. They would be read and treasured by me whether they were within a card, a note, a letter, a story or just simply words that were said in passing and are still floating within my mind. She was the most beautiful, smart, talented caring person I have ever or will ever know.

My Mom always wanted to be a writer and in her late years even started taking courses on writing and enjoyed them immensely.My Mother passed away in 2002 from Ovarian cancer and never got to see those dreams come alive but her words and voice still sing in my ears are are just to beautiful to not share.
I have decided to devote a section of my blog just for her. I will post different things she has written over the years that I found inspiring and beautiful...some are from her journal and some are just from scrapes of paper .....big or small I will write it and I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

A Perfect Day (from her Journal)

There would be warm sun on my face all day & just enough breeze to bring the sweet smell of my flowers to my nose or the fragrance of my freshly washed laundry blowing & flipping on the clothes line.
I would be at home amongst all the personal treasures of my days here on this beautiful earth.

I would have prepared in my head all the meals for the day and be satisfied that they will be as imagined & good.

I would sit out from time to time with a book, though probably not read but instead listen to the voices, inside of the people whom I love, whose love in turn sustains me & warms me past knowing.

I would listen to all the hustle & noise around me of life going on, being lived as God intended.... and every now & then a little chorus of birds & chipmunks & crickets would punctuate the message of Peace & Hope & Home.

I would water my flowers & smell them & if I’m really to have a complete & perfect day, over the air or around the corner will come the words that sooth my soul....”Hi Mom, Hi Nan or Hi Bette....that’s me, just me.....

Written by Bette McClelland-Thompson (Mom)

I recorded this song for Moms Funeral ...from me with love Mom

Miss Gracie

2010-07-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.daniellelynnphotography.com/blog/http://www.daniellelynnphotography.com/blog/

Yesterday my daughter Gracie was used as a model by a local and very talented photographer named Danielle Lynn Bernier.

The session was styled by Danielle –She chose the locations, the outfit, props and the general ‘look’ of the session... The feeling was raw in nature and sent us time traveling back to bygone days. Here are a few of the shots...more to come

I have to Say I realy love how raw and candid the shots are....nothing to fussy and the fact that Miss Gracie was having a bad hair day just worked into the look perfectly!

Danielle is very down to earth and easy to work with I would recommend her in a heart beat for your Children photography or family photos.

About Danielle

Danielle is a Mom, Wife, Sister and a Friend. She loves Converse shoes, Lattes, comedies, vintage clothing and crisp spring mornings. She has been described as passionate, fun-loving, quirky and full of laughs.

"Photography is my passion and its more than just a job for me. What started as a journey to capture and preserve the precious moments of my own family and children, has now blossomed into something much more. I take great pride and enjoyment in capturing these unique moments in the lives of my clients and feel so blessed when I am chosen by a family to capture their amazing memories!"

Danielle works on-location and with only 100% natural light.

For more information visit her website at http://www.daniellelynnphotography.com/flash/index2.php

What's Your Style in One Picture Challenge

2010-06-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine Kelly from Design Ties has sent out a challenge on Twitter to fellow designers that she heard of from Ally at From The Right Bank. This is Ally's third round of What’s Your Style in One Picture Challenge. The challenge is to post one picture that sums up your design style.

Now this was a tricky one for me as I love so many styles and trying to nail it down to one was hard. But I always come back to this style of Farmhouse/ cottage style of decorating. The combination of the fresh walls and light furniture combined with the harder elements of the stone fireplace and the wood detailing always make me stop in my tracks and make my heart go pitter pat! I would live in this space in a heartbeat.

This Beautiful space was a within the walls of a Stone Country home that was transformed into a family getaway that Sarah Richardson designed for a client on Design Inc.

ANTIQUES APPRAISAL DAY

2010-06-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

www.wish4niko.com GET YOUR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES EVALUATED!

Saturday June 19th from 10am to 2pm

At Gendron Antiques & Reproductions Big Red Barn

1145 Carp Road in Stittsville, Ontario

Come on down!

Here's a chance to find out what all that STUFF is worth and do a good deed at the same time!

Help them do something good for a little guy who really needs ALL your help.

Gendron Antiques is raising money for Niko!

This 4 year old boy and his family need our help. Niko recently had surgery for a brain tumor. Now, Niko needs to be in Montreal for his ongoing treatments. We are doing our part to raise money so his family can join him in Montreal to support him throughout his Treatment.

Help us Help Niko

Bring us your family heirlooms to appraise!

Meet the Antique Experts

Canadian Antique Road show appraiser Ross Wilson

Claude Aubin

Mike Cleary

Mark Gendron

Lindsay Lambert

Scott Wallace

Kim Murray

Bring photo's of large items so you do not have to carry them. Verbal evaluations only and based on expert opinion.

$5.00 per item/ limited three per per person

Proceeds to Niko's Family

For more information go to www.wish4niko.com

or contact Kim or Line at 613-831-2186

Designer at Home

2010-06-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Sonya Kinkade Design

Its a Wrap!

Did I just say that?

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012!

SURPRISE!!!

Life, it is what you make it…..

IDS12 impressions from a designer

IDS12 Trends & Highlights

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012

EMKE Design Team:

WE NEED YOU HELP OTTAWA!!

Small but Mighty!!

Andrea Stajan Ferkul

Christmas through my Eyes…..

The Home-Coming

Weekly Design Concept

Setting the Thanksgiving table - Blogs - Ottawa At Home

Client Kitchen #1 continued....

Kitchen #1 Sneak Peak

Vacation of a lifetime

We land in Florence and drive to a beautiful little gem of a villa that sits on top of a hill in San Gimignano called Guardastelle We stay here from Aug 27-Sept. 3

We then drive to Venice and stay at the Ruzzini Palace Hotel. Ruzzini Palace Hotel is superbly located in campo Santa Maria Formosa, at the very heart of the historic center of Venice.

Back to the countryside we will go to the other side of Tuscany in the beautiful area of Cortona and stay for 5 days at a sweet little villa called Villa Petrischio

From there we travel to a hotel set on a cliff-top overlooking the Bay of Naples in Sorrento the Stunning Parco dei Principi hotel .

Our last visit will be Rome where we will be staying at the gorgeous Capo D’Africa hotel for our last 3 day in Italy.

Well that's it! this will be our Journey staring August 27 2011. I hope all the decisions I have made are the right one……but seriously I`m going to Italy ….is there possibly a wrong decision?

Sonya

COLOUR

Neutral Colour Palette

Don't be afraid to bring colour into your life and watch the magic unfold……

In The Words of my Mother

THE MITTS

A story by Bette McClelland

THE END

Sonya

Does your Kitchen need a Facelift?

Sneak Peak!

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

February 19th, 2011 its REVEAL day!!

With a lot of hard work, dedication and love it all came together

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

All above photo`s courtesy of Danielle Lynn Photography

Stay tuned for the last post and the Reveal of Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

Packaging an extreme makeover with kindness - Homes - Ottawa At Home

Peoples Choice Business Awards

Delights of the Season

Harry Belafonte - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Sonya Kinkade Design In the News!!

Richmond designer featured in magazine

Her own home plus a cottage project highlighted

2010-11-09

Autumn's Glory

This Stunning Foucault's Iron Orb Chandelier from Restoration Hardware would look stunning above any Thanksgiving table

And Fabrics.....Oh how a love fabrics. Use these fabrics from Waverly in all the beautiful colours and patterns in forms of Napkins, Pillows & Drapery. They will add warmth to any room or any setting

A Couples Lakeside Escape.......In the making

Birthday Wishes...from across the Hall

I MADE THE COVER!!

Birthday Wishes

In The Words of my Mother

Miss Gracie

What's Your Style in One Picture Challenge

ANTIQUES APPRAISAL DAY

Designer at Home

^{All above photo`s courtesy of Danielle Lynn Photography}