Edmonton Renovation Show Main Stage: Get the look!

February 19, 2020/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

In January of 2020, I had the opportunity to design and set up the main stage at the Edmonton Renovation Show. The main stage was presented by The Edmonton Journal. I had a lot of great feedback on how the space turned out and wanted to share with you details about the design and the items that were used in the space!

January in Edmonton is rather cold and rather dark, so when it came to designing a space for a January home show in Edmonton, I wanted it to just feel good! Warm, inviting, and stylish!

Edmonton Renovation Show 2020 Main Stage

One of the first things I do when designing a space is put together some inspiration pics on pinterest. It is not an exact roadmap, but it definitely sets the tone! Here is the one I did for the renovation show main stage.

My first selection for the show was the paint colour!

feature wall main stage

I don’t normally start with paint, in fact, that is usually the last item I choose! In this case though the show organizers needed that info sooner rather than later. I had thought of doing a light colour, to make people feel some light and bright in the cool wintery months, but somehow, the fit didn’t seem right. I wanted cozy in yet crisp. Not Christmas cozy, but fresh stylish cozy. I began sifting through my Cloverdale paint samples. I found my green, but knew that if every wall was green, it would would too much and too dark. I decided to contrast with a soft white. I imagined a collage of simple black and white images on the clean white wall. My final Cloverdale paint selections were 0438 Delicious and 0011 Sugar Dust… Sounds like the perfect combo right?!

Next I worked on the layout of the space. I knew the dimensions and plugged them into my design program. This was a stage, more of a backdrop really for the speakers, but I was aware they may need a spot or two for sitting. A living room style set up made the most sense and for whatever reason I kept coming back to a U shaped seating area. I had hoped to find a U shaped sectional. I thought of everything being rather simple, but impactful. I wanted the space to feel relaxed, simple, but still oozing with style and quiet sophistication!

Collage wall of art. Original art. Toss cushions and throw on grey tufted sectional.

Feature wall

I headed to my amazing furniture suppliers; Konto and Sofaland, sister companies, locally owned. If you haven’t been to these two stores in a while I would seriously recommend going. I feel like they’ve really upped their game in recent years. They carry a large variety of furnishings and it seems to me the pieces are a lot more on point, style wise, than in the past. I’ve been so impressed with their trendiness and price points. I find myself sending my clients to them regularly!

Furnishings main stageI thoroughly enjoyed wondering through the Sofaland and Konto showrooms. First order of business was a brown leather U-shaped sectional. I found 2 fabulous U shaped sectionals on the floor, but they didn’t have quite the look I wanted. I also found an amazing leather L shaped sectional, but it wasn’t a U shape. I continued to wonder through and ponder what I should do. There was not the time nor budget to order in custom pieces, so I had to re-adjust the vision a bit. I found a grey tufted L shaped sectional, that I adored! I knew I wanted to use it, but I still really wanted to bring in the tan leather as well. I had an L shaped sectional and now I wondered, should I do a chair with it? Or a love seat? In keeping with the U look, I decided the scale of a love seat made more sense. The Gibson love seat sang to my soul with it’s clean but slightly retro lines and the shade of tan… completely swoon worthy!

One of the first pieces I spied was the amazing round wood top coffee table; no matter the upholstery I really wanted to use that coffee table! Finally, as I happily meandered Sofaland, I came across the fabulous ‘furry’ ottomans. These were quite simply a must-have!

With my main pieces decided, it was all about accessories now. I wanted a layer of different toss cushions, but I wanted to keep the overall look simple and not busy. I chose a variety of natural looking cushions and a throw. More texture over colours.

I realized that the look I wanted would have a lot of simple natural earthy elements. What’s the easiest way to make a space earthy and natural? Plants! I was sure to grab lots of plants, even a couple I could work into my collage wall! In an ideal world, nothing beats live plants. But let’s face it a fake plant always looks better than a dead plant.. some of us… uh hem… don’t have a green thumb. And, honestly, fake plants have come a long way! Many look incredibly real and they come minus all the upkeep.

One of my favourite things on that stage was the wood dog head. I found it at Konto. I had it sitting on an end table. I’m not sure why I loved it so. Maybe because I adore animals. Maybe the warmth of the wood. Maybe the unexpected whimsy. Anyway, I loved it.

Furniture from konto and sofaland, area rugs from homesense. Plants, lighting, home decor

Dog head!

Next, I went to one of my all-time favourite lighting stores in Edmonton, Robinson. They have an incredible selection of lighting, from very affordable and trendy to amazing high-end designer lines! I know there are a range of places that offer lighting, these ones really stood out to me and were better suited to the aesthetic I was going for. Some of the fittings available look quite complex to install so I would recommend using a professional company to install them. After all, you want any lighting fixtures to be installed properly to avoid any damage or injury. I originally imagined my lighting to be a bit utilitarian for the stage. I thought about doing 4 tasteful simple pendant lights that would be hung in a box shape over the seating area. After choosing the seating and knowing it was technically more variety than I’d originally wanted, I settled instead on 2 pendants to accent the back green feature wall and then one simple earthy fixture hung over the coffee table. I found the pendants almost immediately, clean, sophisticated and simple; half brass and half milk glass spheres. They were perfect! Next, was something that would compliment them over the coffee table. What I really wanted over the coffee table was a woven looking light fixture or a wood beaded fixture, bringing in more of those organic earthy elements. Again due to time and budget, I had to choose something readily available. This was not a difficult task though as Robinson has a variety of beautiful options. I found the basket look in a fabulous brassy finish, the perfect compliment to my sphere pendant fixtures!

lighting, area rugs, furnishings

I was so excited for this look to come together. The organizers asked me if I wanted a faux window or millwork trim detail on my back wall. This was a no brainer for me; the trim detail all the way!!! Again it leant itself to the clean, simple, but stylish look I was wanting for the space. It made my 0438 Delicious (green paint) come to life!! This detail really added to the design of the stage, definitely would not have been the same without it.

I had acquired amazing original drawings by local artist Stephen Spisak. They are fabulous vintage ink sketches of Edmonton from 1971! I’ve been hanging on to them for the perfect Edmonton design project, but I thought why not showcase them at the Renovation Show. I decided to put them in my collage wall. The slightly yellowed paper added to the natural feel I was incorporating into the space.

Collage wall

With every home show, comes the obligatory Homesense run! Good ol’ Homesense! Truly, what did designers do before Homesense?! Needless to say, it is one of my favorites for all those extra little bits. It was at Homesense that I found so great black and white framed art to mix up with my Spisak pieces. The very last item I purchased for the show, was the area rugs. Also found at Homesense. I knew I wanted a natural-looking area rug, natural fibers, earthy, maybe Jute. I found 2. I really quite loved them both, so I decided to use both. There is something so casually cool about layered area rugs! I can honestly say that the area rugs were the touch that really pulled my look together.

Sectional, throw, collage wall

I wanted to give you a rundown of all the items in the space, their prices, and also how much my fee to design and set up would be. I was thrilled that people seemed to really connect with this space, so I wanted to share all the details I could about it in case you wanted to re-create any part of the look in your own home! Details below!

Main stage furnishings

Paint: Cloverdale 0438 Delicious (green) and 0011 Sugar Dust (white)

Light fixtures: Robinson (lighting and bath)

Gold Basket Pendant (over coffee table) – $333

Globe Pendant (green wall) – $123/fixture *Total $579

Furniture and Accessories: Konto and Sofaland

Gibson Loveseat, 100% leather $1799 (avail to custom order in 100’s of leathers)

Myles Grey Fabric Sectional $2299 (avail to custom order in other fabrics and leathers)

Block 42″ Round Coffee Table $599

Block 22″x22″ End Table $279

Cream & Grey Jolie Round Ottoman $349/ea (avail to custom order in over 400 fabrics)

8′ Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree $349.99

Cycas Palm in glass vase with brown twine $249.99

Set of 3 Octavia Round Wall Planters $129.99/set 3 (I only used 2 in my set up)

Colourful Wool Throw $179.99

White Toss Pillows w/ black writing $49.99/ea

Beige Macramé Toss Pillows and Woven pillows $99.99/ea *Total 7083.90

Original art: House of J $325/ea *Total $750.00

Accessories/Rugs: Homesense black and white framed art 3 small and 5 med size $189.94, coffee table potted grass plant $29.99, wood log stand $24.99, large patterned area rug $399.99, medium woven area rug 299.99 *Total $939.90

*Furniture and Accessories total: $9352.80 +gst

Design fee: Includes- floorplan and design, furniture and accessory sourcing/purchasing, and set up. *Total $2250.00

*Grand Total for design fee, furniture and accessories: 11602.80 + GST

Jennifer Woch, House of J

*Please note: Pricing subject to change. All pricing was calculated at the time of Renovation Show and may not be current. All product may not be available.

Thanks for checking out this post! Want more? Check out my recent post on What to Consider when renovating your home!

What to consider when renovating your home

January 21, 2020/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

Once you’ve decided to renovate what do you do next?

I’ve put together a list of considerations and steps to take to help you with the process of renovating!

House of J renovation

Figure out what areas you are renovating.

If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, are you replacing cabinets? Just counter top. If you remove the wall, will you have to replace the flooring in the living room too? Are you going to have gypsum underlayments anywhere for stability? Are you going to want to buy some new furnishings after the renovation? What are the things that may snowball? What about exterior? Are you going to be replacing the roof? These are the kinds of things to think about. Narrow down and confirm all the areas that will be renovated.

Gather ideas for what you might like the space to look like.

Whether you prefer physical magazines, books or online photos, start to gather inspiration pics. Find images of interiors that you like. Gather pictures or information on solutions to common design problems (i.e. cabinet organizers). You may not like everything in a picture, but try and find common links among the photos you do like. Do all the kitchens you like have white cabinets? One of my favourite resource/inspiration books is by Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Such a great source of inspiration and also just an awesome coffee table book! My favourite online collector of inspiration is Pinterest! With pinterest you can create boards, for example kitchen, bathroom etc. Then you can “pin” or save pictures to those boards. You can even categorize the boards themselves. For example, a Kitchen board can be broken down into backsplash, counter top, cabinets. Pinterest is my go-to as a designer.

Think about what the current pain points are in your space and what could improve them.

For example, is your dishwasher currently far away from you sink, could it be moved? Do you find you current tile floor cold and hard, could you look at an alternative flooring? Do you lack storage space, could you incorporate a pantry? Think about what works in your current space and what does not. This will help you plan your renovation.

Determine a rough budget of what you want to spend.

It is important to consider how much money you would like to put into a renovation. The 2 golden rules of renovating is that is always costs more and takes longer! Maybe not what you want to hear, but this is a reality in renovations because as you go along things will snowball, you will decide that yes, maybe you do want to upgrade appliances after all. Things like this. Sometimes the budget is more about how you are going about doing things versus a dollar amount. For example, are you wanting top of the line, or maybe in some spots you will do top of the line, in others more budget friendly, or are you wanting to keep costs as low as possible even if it means compromising on what you want. Think about where you might be willing to splurge and where you definitely want to keep things tight for price.

Talk with a designer.

House of J renovation (faucet)

Hiring a designer for even an hour or two to talk about your ideas and plans can be extremely valuable. You don’t necessarily have to hire them for the entire job, but being able to go through the key points of the renovation plans, get some professional feedback and ideas is huge and I can guarantee, it will save you time, money and give you peace of mind! . An advantage of having a designer on the job is that we are also trained to consider the details. For example, what is the best size for the grout lines, what height should the light fixture be, where is the best cut off from one flooring to the next, and the list goes on. We are trained to look at every aspect in the design of a space.

Talk with a contractor.

Also, a great contractor will have a team of vetted qualified tradespeople that they can call upon to get the job done. From professionals to scrap out the existing design to experts who give the final touch, they tend to have an all-in-one team. Besides, they also make sure that they leave the place as clean as it was when they started the project. So, they usually have roll off dumpster rentals to clear the site of the waste materials.

Again, you may bring in a contractor to discuss what you are thinking to ensure you are on the right path or you may have to go that step further and have them quote on the job. What I appreciate most about having a contractor on a project is that they know the scope of work for the full project, so they will ensure that the trades do not work in isolation from each other. This is important so that for example, the plumber’s work does not impede the electrician’s work. Sometimes individual trades do their job without considering who’s coming in next and this can cause problems. A contractor can ensure that everyone is working as a team. This is how you get the best results.

Get as many finishes and products selected prior to demolition.

This is huge! If you want the renovation to run smoothly and get completed in a timely manner, the more prepared you are before the demo and start of work, the better! In your home, you want to start sorting. Pretend you are moving. Sort out and get rid of what you can. Box up items and move them out of the space in preparation for your renovation. In an ideal world if you have a contractor and a designer and you can have a place to stay or go on vacation during the height of the renovating, then that will save you some headache. Renovations are messy, loud and inconvenient. You should prepare for this. But it is short term pain for long term gain!

Again, this is why planning and preparing will be so important.

Think of all the items/products/finishes you will need for this renovation. Make a master list and start filling it in with selections made. You will have to start doing field trips to various suppliers for cabinets, flooring, backsplash, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc. etc. However, if you are working with an electrician, they may be able to source things like lighting fixtures at a cheaper price and so you may want to discuss this with them first. If you are considering working with an electrician, there is more info here on a company offering expert electrician services. As a designer, my job is to help client’s through this process and making their choices. I ensure that we keep a cohesive look that is inline with the overall design and function my clients are wanting. Keep careful track of what you have chosen and where it is from. This will be handy to keep you organized. Whatever you can select and purchase prior to the actual renovating, the better! Make sure you’re shopping online for these products too, shop around, compare them to each other, explore your options! What kind of bath tub and toilet will you get, and will they match? Where are they going to be placed and is this feasible? You can always talk to a plumber about things like this, for an example of a good plumbing service, view website here.

Jennifer Woch

Quick checklist

-what am I renovating exactly and why

-When is the best time to have the work done

-What am I thinking to spend

-Gather inspiration pics

-Do I know the pain points of my current space

-Do I know what works for me in my current space

-Talk to a designer (A 1-2 hour consultation is priceless when renovating)

-Talk to a contractor (Same is true as the point above!)

-Plan, pick, prepare and organize prior to start of renovating

-Short term pain, long term gain… get through those renos!

-Enjoy your wonderful new space!!!

Giving New Life to an Old File Cabinet with a coat of paint! Home Office Decorating.

September 23, 2014/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

I was in need of a new file cabinet, but instead I found an old one….

Old file cabinet found at Re-Store for $40

Using an electric sander, I lightly sanded the surface of the entire unit.

After wiping down the excess dust, I sprayed the cabinet with even overlapping strokes in an Avocado colour spray paint.

This is how it looked after the first coat. It looked pretty good after the second coat, but I did a 3rd just in case!

This is how it looked after the first coat. I probably could have stopped at 2 coats, but I did a 3rd just in case!

Here is my end result! Out of sheer impatience I painted over the hardware as well, however I actually like the monochromatic effect.

Functional and fun against my pale lavender walls!

Functional and super fun against my pale lavender walls!

File cabinet and magnet board all in one!! Gotta love a good Saturday afternoon project!

Canadian company: check, Green company: check, Stylish window coverings: check

September 5, 2014/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

I’m now selling some wicked window coverings from a Canadian company called Sunglow. Not only do they sell some really cool products for your windows, they are a company committed to being green. So not only are the majority of their fabrics environmentally friendly, they even have one fabric called PureScreen that, in their words, “actually cleans the air.”

You might be wondering how a mere blind can accomplish such a feat. According to the Sunglow website, the PureScreen fabric has “A special coating on the fabric enables it to accumulate harmful gases and bad odors on its surface and covert them in a catalytic process into harmless substances such as water (H20) and carbon dioxide (CO2).” Pretty cool right?!

Its always nice to know that you are choosing a product that is green, but also nice to know the company actually actively seeks out more environmentally friendly ways to manufacture. Other companies that are looking for ways to actively reduce their carbon footprint can learn more here.

The reason I fell in love with this company though, is that they actually offer bling on their roller shades. At the moment, they are the only window covering manufacturers that I know of with embellishments such as crystal pulls, leather trim, gem stones and more. It really spruces up the look of the shade and makes it more personal.

crystal trim and pull on shimmer shade

Roller shade crystal embellishments

Another really cool feature offered by this manufacturer is the ability to put a business logo right onto the roller shade. Brilliant little marketing gem for business owners! Many businesses have roller shades on their windows, how awesome would it be to have a couple with the company logo printed right onto the shade?!

I’m super stoked to get this product out to my clients, so if you know anyone who wants an environmentally friendly product, or anyone who wants a window covering that is totally unique, or anyone who owns a business and needs some blinds that double as advertising, Send them my way!

#superparty #yeg and me!

June 9, 2014/3 Comments/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

Interior designer-check

business owner-check

Local Artist-who knew?!

I recently had an awesome opportunity to create art out of recycled and re-used materials. #rethinkjunk The opportunity was created through Edmonton’s Green Window City project. Local artists collaborated with local business’s (on whyte ave for this pilot project). In April, appropriately timed around earth day, I took off my designer cap and donned my artist’s one to collaborate with Lululemon on Whyte. Basically I was asked to make art out of junk!

I wanted my window to represent the style and vibe of Lululemon and incorporate the vibrancy and energy that is Edmonton. And everything was reused or recycled. The paint was from the eco station and I had the excellent staff at Cloverdale paint, tint the paint to coordinate up with Lululemon’s current seasonal colours. The wheels were donated from a bike enthusiast who’d bought them 2nd hand on kijiji. The rope for hanging the wheels was sitting dormant in a barn begging to be used for something. The tree branch was found broken on an acreage, it reminded me of a yoga pose somehow, all bent over, clearly perfect for my Lulu window! Even the hardware to hang the wheels was second hand!

After the Green Window City project, Startup Edmonton asked if they could purchase the wheel installation as a permanent fixture for their space in the Mercer Warehouse. I was quite honoured that they were interested in my creation so I happily donated the installation. The vibrant wheels compliment the raw exposed brick of the Mercer Warehouse.

Painted bicycle wheels - art hanging in the Mercer building - Startup Edmonton

The Mercer Warehouse, Startup Edmonton, Make Something Edmonton, Edmonton’s NextGen, The Culture Collective, and TD recently hosted a Super Party. Mercer Warehouse was opened up for exploration and a wicked street party topped it off. More art installations, a pop-up market, a lego building area, free slushies, ping pong, chalkboard drawing, dj, live music, live theatre, all kinds of awesomeness at this #superparty.

Easter, Spring, Decorating….Ready, Set, Go!

April 15, 2014/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

Easter, Spring, Decorating….Ready, Set, Go!

With Easter comes spring!! Or so we hope, in this part of the world! And in my world, new season=new decor! Who’s with me??

Yellow Grey Living Room Fireplace Vignette

I love to change up my home for the season especially in spring. There is a definite sense of out with the old and in with the new. These decorating changes can be as small as adding vases with fresh flowers, some trendy toss cushions, or even adding some really cool lights from the Neon Mama team to a complete overhaul of your space!

In the photo to the above, (courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens) the toss cushions, the layered art, a new modern floor lamp, of course some flowers and an adorable little bird house, all add a freshness to this space.

Decorating for the season does not have to be a pricey venture, although power to you if you have a healthy budget to really change things up. Some homeowners, during this season, even want to redecorate or completely revamp their exteriors as well: the garden, landscape, patio, deck, these are some things you can consider refreshing too. If that is the case, then maybe you should look for the professional services of a landscaping company (like https://tampalandscapingcompanies.com/) to help you out.

If you’re trying to be careful where you spend, simply moving around the furniture that’s already in a room can make a remarkable difference. Perhaps paring down and removing that tired old bookcase that has become the catch all spot, or taking out the chair that’s in the room because “we pulled it in at christmas for extra seating.” Little changes such as these can really have a big impact on the feel of a room.

Radiant Orchid Map Kitchen

If your wanting to take things a step further, how about a change in paint colour? And as you can see from the picture below (Courtesy of design sponge), paint colour does not just have to apply to walls. A table painted in the colour of the year, Radiant Orchid, makes a statement! Perhaps this isn’t your colour of choice, but painting up a piece of furniture can make it seem like a brand new piece. Moreover, you can also invest in drum pendant light fixtures above the table to serve as a single light source. It can lower the light from the ceiling and direct it to your table, a favorite chair, or wherever you need it.

Many of us move into a new home and like the paint colour that exists. Over time we add furniture, art, accessories, and that colour that looked great in the beginning is no longer a good match for the personality we have added to our space.

We tend to get very comfortable with the status quo, but changing things up can really add a vibrancy and energy to our homes.

Change is good. So Happy Easter, Happy Spring and Bring on the fabulous decorating!

2014 Upcoming Design Trade Shows

March 7, 2014/in Events /by Jennifer Woch

Spring is coming! Really it is. And with it comes trade shows.

One of my favourite trade shows being The Edmonton Home and Garden Show, March 20-23.

A perfect show for anything home decor! This show has an extensive list of exhibitors allowing for one stop window shopping, information and inspiration on both indoor and outdoor decor and design. A brilliant plan for all those who would rather not truck all over Edmonton to find flooring, kitchen cabinets, countertops, hot tubs, windows, landscaping, stone work, garage detailing, closets, spas, wood work…um you get the picture.

And if your an HGTV junkie or perhaps you’d just like to hear some darn good decorating info, you might be interested in catching one of the presentations by guest speaker designer, Sarah Richardson.

For more info check out the Home & Garden Show link below.

http://edmontonhomeshow.com/EHGS/EventsHome.aspx

And after you’ve had a thorough look at all the lovely things you would like for your home, give me a call to help you put it all together 😉

If you are interested in a design presentation that is a bit more intimate and led by yours truly, check out Windows on Wellness: A Women’s Conference, March 22.

I will be doing a presentation on design trends and how to incorporate them into your space. There will also be an opportunity to ask me your design questions!

Check out my 2014 Design Trends Pinterest page for a sneak peak.

http://www.pinterest.com/houseofJdesign/2014-design-trends/