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Quintessential Stylegarage

June 28, 2010 - I've always been a fan of Stylegarage, the purveyor of crisp clean-lined furnishings. Over the years I've come to depend on them for stainless steel mirrors and smart ambient lighting. They even did a custom stair railing for me...all items I'll post in future blogs.But those items have to wait,…
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Don’t Be Too Revealing

June 02, 2010 - When it comes to real estate, first impressions count. That's why the expression "Curb Appeal" has merit. In the freehold property market, as house hunters pull up in their car they're already assessing the dwelling, the property environment, and the surrounding streetscape. In the condominium market, purchasers instantly gauge how the lobby and common…
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Soft Feelings For Hardware

April 26, 2010 - As part of my on-going saga to reorganize my home, I decided to relocate my stereo system. Situated beside the front door of my loft squeezed into a 60s teak buffet so the cabinet doors could never be closed, its cumbersome placement greeted guests the moment they arrived. Needless to say, it didn't provide a very inviting sense…
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Chaise For Days

April 23, 2010 - I've always loved my funky 60s chaise. It has such incredible support that when lying on it you feel like you're floating. In fact, if I were a psychologist I would have my patients lie on it while they revealed everything to me. I originally bought the chaise from Phil'z…
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I Love Green Tea

April 12, 2010 - My furnishing style would best be called 'eclectic', as I tend to gravitate to pieces that are unique, have character and originate from anywhere across the globe. One of my favourite Toronto retailers is Green Tea Design located on Carlaw Avenue in Leslieville. They have an amazing showroom of Asian furnishings that…
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House Poor, Home Pretty

March 22, 2010 - Ok, so I can finally afford to liberate my dependency on garage sales, auctions and Ikea to furnish my home, but I'm not quite ready to leap into the couture furnishing world. I don't know why, but I just can't justify shopping at The Art Shoppe where $10,000 gets you a…
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Feast or Famine at Home and on College Street

March 15, 2010 - Giancarlo's Wine Bar 593 College StreetPhone: 416-533-9619 Last weekend I enjoyed some sparkling conversation and spot-on tasty plates at Giancarlo's Wine Bar on College Street - the renovated storefront with the new contemporary wooden half arched entry and glass door. Have you seen it? It opened last year as the…
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I See Ya, Ikea

March 10, 2010 - First, I like Ikea and applaud them for bringing smart affordable design to the masses. After all, it sure beats much of the ugly cheap stuff most limited budgets can afford. However, when it comes to real estate return-on-investment, my challenge lies in the Ikea kitchen. Sure they're stylish, of…
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Left In The Dust

March 08, 2010 - Last week I had a beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookshelf nine feet tall installed in my study. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I've never completely unpacked my book and cd collection in over the decade I've lived here. Now I finally can. I derive no pleasure…
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