tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911557345830727822024-02-06T23:50:19.005-08:00Michelle Lyn DesignMichelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-16436660764839320242018-02-01T08:01:00.000-08:002018-02-14T08:11:34.012-08:00Caribbean Colours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="m_8334933026704438787gmail-MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamvPx7QhCCbxy3ST1vdJFlEqUhIHYIX8-ZzyBjtBGDEiFl5brb5LqMe6MEl9tXUX02hLbxMZxz6h-2XMi_5STuYhTphXbF8fmjET9SIuDDkeijpY9gIHrhBcdZISjJdCu2-JxE7GwmR0/s1600/IMG_20140223_180546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamvPx7QhCCbxy3ST1vdJFlEqUhIHYIX8-ZzyBjtBGDEiFl5brb5LqMe6MEl9tXUX02hLbxMZxz6h-2XMi_5STuYhTphXbF8fmjET9SIuDDkeijpY9gIHrhBcdZISjJdCu2-JxE7GwmR0/s1600/IMG_20140223_180546.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="m_8334933026704438787gmail-MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #767171;">In September of last
year, hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc across the Caribbean – affecting
thousands and destroying homes, workplaces and communities. The Caribbean in
particular is a vibrant area that I like to call my second home and seeing the
devastation was heart wrenching. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #767171;">It is at this time
of year that we would normally consider going to visit, to break up the bleak
winter days. With all the pictures of the overturned homes and streets
cluttered with debris, you might not realize just how alive the island was, so
I've dug into the archives to offer a look into the vibrant life that was on
the British Virgin Islands before disaster struck.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #767171; line-height: 107%;">Being there, its hard
not to catch island colour fever. I really admire the use of such
strikingly rich colour in such inconspicuous places. We the North don’t really
seize the opportunities to brighten up our lives in little ways as the Caribbeans
do. Experimenting with a little color never hurts and could be the right
medicine we need for Spring renos!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #767171; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoLy3NKD-Mv-X_RaKR4BbV8XHXEOWkfDcYz_8uhvagflYDPRwHWCLwYmnuh21PKQgIebnGZEGgWsMg9Zdj-8C3nHW5cKTKvjftqspkaLaj9xVigibSsUHJ5ryxrLa3nVtdcRgBZCdtN0/s1600/mld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoLy3NKD-Mv-X_RaKR4BbV8XHXEOWkfDcYz_8uhvagflYDPRwHWCLwYmnuh21PKQgIebnGZEGgWsMg9Zdj-8C3nHW5cKTKvjftqspkaLaj9xVigibSsUHJ5ryxrLa3nVtdcRgBZCdtN0/s400/mld.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRKJeVf9cugmw445qgqNnVrut2ChBt_x9v5VMxy8hEARfoDlx3-61NS8EU1jTrep8x6F4_lNmZIWCYkGJF528YBVJq7xEZESLfBE51hvXKZmytV_luL-1OMk0PWVSKjdG-yMt1EGPJv0/s1600/IMG_20140227_134255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRKJeVf9cugmw445qgqNnVrut2ChBt_x9v5VMxy8hEARfoDlx3-61NS8EU1jTrep8x6F4_lNmZIWCYkGJF528YBVJq7xEZESLfBE51hvXKZmytV_luL-1OMk0PWVSKjdG-yMt1EGPJv0/s200/IMG_20140227_134255.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4uPQX1Hzm55saYH00hGOz2DqQ4M2uYotcEc-o-ay3yhYcLL5ZH-L8EIvS3EDW8Cw5Xj7s85uV3FaXJgem4DVmTqq9ny7a2YeCXg3TWneyHs1UPvrM5dOEjnyKG9YYsj0WO1Z4UH5C40/s1600/IMG_20140225_174500.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4uPQX1Hzm55saYH00hGOz2DqQ4M2uYotcEc-o-ay3yhYcLL5ZH-L8EIvS3EDW8Cw5Xj7s85uV3FaXJgem4DVmTqq9ny7a2YeCXg3TWneyHs1UPvrM5dOEjnyKG9YYsj0WO1Z4UH5C40/s1600/IMG_20140225_174500.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfv6BqLrMeH2VnKGkPzzJwFi60lZEGEva-Cvm-BcWAeBagX4LSXaPjqUE0jAMSivHyi2BU10Fzyf4hnZoi26xa1PSdi_sMsOcKLJpdALVFwN5cB7s4H16AXP1ki26TbhzA-7EXBi38l-w/s1600/IMG_20140228_111807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfv6BqLrMeH2VnKGkPzzJwFi60lZEGEva-Cvm-BcWAeBagX4LSXaPjqUE0jAMSivHyi2BU10Fzyf4hnZoi26xa1PSdi_sMsOcKLJpdALVFwN5cB7s4H16AXP1ki26TbhzA-7EXBi38l-w/s640/IMG_20140228_111807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 1px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 353px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-91734705953850186092017-09-14T13:04:00.000-07:002018-02-14T08:03:14.126-08:00Words to motivate the Workout<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5X2Aqp9b3IcmF-BBs8bIbYMSKPE8Qf8c_CIsVbevXfmimu5fVjgmK7R4S0QHJ3NQr_S9Oao3aT0HsY-2W60FasDvZaiqfWpXuMcOVq7XAZg5fs_efHros2ceChybF0wvK0Q3zsIAkU0/s1600/20160624_165421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5X2Aqp9b3IcmF-BBs8bIbYMSKPE8Qf8c_CIsVbevXfmimu5fVjgmK7R4S0QHJ3NQr_S9Oao3aT0HsY-2W60FasDvZaiqfWpXuMcOVq7XAZg5fs_efHros2ceChybF0wvK0Q3zsIAkU0/s640/20160624_165421.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlexbNOnnr2WFrWwqZ5ZMaHvxkUHA_4SMAxkejiBcIlYn0DKGdUiUT3JITlaPMbnLwcwlnGX_5EEzDfmDo-lfd0kW_nCCqR-OHPVmPakea8AWmraccON9M0uXIbrx8Fxt2qYPpqEcTA/s1600/IMG_20151211_140837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlexbNOnnr2WFrWwqZ5ZMaHvxkUHA_4SMAxkejiBcIlYn0DKGdUiUT3JITlaPMbnLwcwlnGX_5EEzDfmDo-lfd0kW_nCCqR-OHPVmPakea8AWmraccON9M0uXIbrx8Fxt2qYPpqEcTA/s640/IMG_20151211_140837.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Whether running for an extra five minutes, pushing for one more set or holding that plank for just a little longer, a motivational mantra will go a long way. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">In both spaces the client simply wanted some fresh paint, but I decided to go the extra mile with the design, without flexing too hard on the budget. I chose to rep bold colours and use cut vinyl to empower and inspire. I wasn't able to change the room layout or the flooring but I did get some choice phrases from my favourite personal trainer. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">In one I chose a bright and energizing orange along the bulkhead that crosses the large room and repeated the colour with the vinyl phrases on the walls. The other space is smaller but looks out onto the lake so I was inspired to reflect the blue hues onto an accent wall. The other walls are either </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">all </span>mirrored or glass which allow you take in the view. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">All in all I'd say I raised the bar with this quick and artistic way of putting the fun into fitness!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-68795599909857827832017-02-28T15:35:00.004-08:002018-02-14T08:03:36.350-08:00Lakefront Social Room is back in Action<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnVUrZFO8h7rFlGQtIk4pqj5w_m2Dt1gvJp7rC-MSM0OGtOsu-0iUlHUsSSjKNuPoy3mKXopu3XJR2mmwrPLbY85va8V1eeSzJQu6SUnV2tzeSEQ0MZqxhF2p1VHT4MjLxfG-nnvJ7aA/s1600/IMG_20160725_123835+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnVUrZFO8h7rFlGQtIk4pqj5w_m2Dt1gvJp7rC-MSM0OGtOsu-0iUlHUsSSjKNuPoy3mKXopu3XJR2mmwrPLbY85va8V1eeSzJQu6SUnV2tzeSEQ0MZqxhF2p1VHT4MjLxfG-nnvJ7aA/s400/IMG_20160725_123835+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a>On a beautiful property right on the water in Burlington, two sister buildings had dated amenity spaces in need of renovations. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">The intention was to transform the dated social room - not only used for social events, but also as an exercise spot. This meant that the space had to have the flexibility of creating an open area in a pinch. I got rid of the clunky counter and cabinets in the centre of the room and instead provided a long counter running along the perimeter of two walls.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fy6dvyYgThqUH80mXVKbDrXL7-C2-RugAzDddUZy04c-hj8Ld1BsalWBkogP7P55cVYo8rLMUKuK5iOAwILmFSfD83TzNTk-IhW0ltdHYxun87OpzyDvm-7-dhukhwN7czG8wnYM7h4/s1600/IMG_20160725_123528+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fy6dvyYgThqUH80mXVKbDrXL7-C2-RugAzDddUZy04c-hj8Ld1BsalWBkogP7P55cVYo8rLMUKuK5iOAwILmFSfD83TzNTk-IhW0ltdHYxun87OpzyDvm-7-dhukhwN7czG8wnYM7h4/s320/IMG_20160725_123528+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a>To completely transform the space, I touched every surface; removing carpet and installing porcelain wood tiles,
changed out the wallcoverings, redesigned the kitchen with built-in appliances and conveniences, and introduced a new lighting plan. And of course the furnishings had to be easily movable to make the space adaptable. I installed a 15 foot bench along one wall so seating would be out of the way, but always near by. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">I love the artwork in this reno - I have been waiting to use these glass pieces, and found that the nature-inspired pieces reflect the serene location of the property. The striking, yet in-expensive, piece over the sink is a compliment to the room and also serves to hide the electrical panel. The artwork adds just a hint of colour and vibrancy to the neutral space. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nvrMYp5mUGL0LiapjeyQIZSUrt0PN0yTWQDsnEae8clefHppOR74S-BwUajBRtE6teFZV-K_Hzlu9ROc5DolQptIbX_i0_7EkTDlybUawOa7vnt878jgGA_6LJcWuRBrGQrJ6_rnKZs/s1600/IMG_20140516_144021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nvrMYp5mUGL0LiapjeyQIZSUrt0PN0yTWQDsnEae8clefHppOR74S-BwUajBRtE6teFZV-K_Hzlu9ROc5DolQptIbX_i0_7EkTDlybUawOa7vnt878jgGA_6LJcWuRBrGQrJ6_rnKZs/s200/IMG_20140516_144021.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">before</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Up next, we're transforming the billiard room ...stay tuned!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cZ9ermCZj7pzp1xnISpmk7WNmj9jC8D7ZegqgZNnpMyV8OmFYuZdFAS6cQDrzKRh3QFlhQGLaXZ98lv6d11fsm2jg0zU5mg9yw16NKy8hjdQtp4mkUpBgXMEFmFIhzKJ7KhELO6O5kQ/s1600/IMG_20160725_123949+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cZ9ermCZj7pzp1xnISpmk7WNmj9jC8D7ZegqgZNnpMyV8OmFYuZdFAS6cQDrzKRh3QFlhQGLaXZ98lv6d11fsm2jg0zU5mg9yw16NKy8hjdQtp4mkUpBgXMEFmFIhzKJ7KhELO6O5kQ/s640/IMG_20160725_123949+v2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-15617723976779289952016-08-26T16:01:00.000-07:002018-02-14T08:12:26.686-08:00Washed-out to WOW!<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtY6Tark_e0rAhMaORxkLV02e8SaPB-6ENaCXk2PnLEZOfztijOImjFTahN4vjONXiHZP3zqrq7A5AKdls-r-8rzBITLcP1l0oyL6GZ2bnxZrJGxyibpltqtvtxgp7Z6zRINz1jeiohQ/s1600/IMG_20160526_154603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtY6Tark_e0rAhMaORxkLV02e8SaPB-6ENaCXk2PnLEZOfztijOImjFTahN4vjONXiHZP3zqrq7A5AKdls-r-8rzBITLcP1l0oyL6GZ2bnxZrJGxyibpltqtvtxgp7Z6zRINz1jeiohQ/s400/IMG_20160526_154603.jpg" width="347" /></a>For three laundry rooms in residential buildings mid-town and downtown, it was time to give a fresh look to the washed out spaces.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A laundry room, often overlooked despite it being a vital amenity seen by nearly all the residents, can say a lot about the building itself in terms of visual appeal, accommodation, and more importantly, functionality.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In most buildings the laundry room is more often in a dingy space in an obsolete corner, installed with the mindset for mere practicality. With this in mind, my goal was to change this focus so that residents would be able to enjoy their laundering experience in a comfortable and warm environment.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The plan for the two mid-town sister buildings was to freshen up their closed and stark-white industrial look with neutral colours. We started renovations by knocking down the dividing walls within the laundry room to open up the space. With the additional space, we were able to install large tables in the centre of the room where tenants could fold clothes.</span></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6YkvpC7WXNezbztFUPpdya04RO0MdYU1GvPyHvVgYIx_T4P9iZykFnghMZvC5SI-vPUz9Q9T78d70-P_N8esq7BK1-MUemAEh6loExV4AC7zF4pLWz5vuEivTmCGC5RGY_o3fpw8xCI/s1600/IMG_20150417_131921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6YkvpC7WXNezbztFUPpdya04RO0MdYU1GvPyHvVgYIx_T4P9iZykFnghMZvC5SI-vPUz9Q9T78d70-P_N8esq7BK1-MUemAEh6loExV4AC7zF4pLWz5vuEivTmCGC5RGY_o3fpw8xCI/s200/IMG_20150417_131921.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">before - Downtown </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Similarly, the building downtown followed suit with the founding neutral palette; we switched out the out-dated chicklet flooring for long wood grain tiles that continued up a feature wall. But of course, even traditional neutral schemes can always use a pop of colour! Seeing as how the building is mainly occupied by university students, we installed a youthful papaya coloured wallpaper in the lounge area. The mid-town buildings also shared a splash of colour with a feature wall tiled in a modern green. If ever they tire of the accent colours, it can be easily changed out.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutxe3Lk0bAY_hCd6qxpIo-36YLbz8lf-MgcZhyphenhyphenK7nkziXwq_KXSydVBKA4w9t1iZiqGx6F8rWfmVWZd4odSHf_3AM3l6a4X5GuISm60pDpVLQnNoKtCzvOA2Pl0NzIpeZd-F3W0wQY_0/s1600/IMG_20150219_113708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutxe3Lk0bAY_hCd6qxpIo-36YLbz8lf-MgcZhyphenhyphenK7nkziXwq_KXSydVBKA4w9t1iZiqGx6F8rWfmVWZd4odSHf_3AM3l6a4X5GuISm60pDpVLQnNoKtCzvOA2Pl0NzIpeZd-F3W0wQY_0/s200/IMG_20150219_113708.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">before - Mid-Town buildings</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To add more interest in the otherwise blank walls, we included some key art pieces. The building downtown was finished with classic black-and-white photographs in gallery frames, whereas the mid-town buildings were gifted with bold full-wall murals of serene water scenes. <span style="text-align: center;">As part of the movement to make the destination of the laundry room more inviting, we re-vamped the lounge areas with comfortable seating and accent tables for a look that says "idle a while" for residents waiting on loads to finish.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Finally, the space was dotted with custom finishes that tie in with the modern aesthetic. This came in the form of custom millwork that doubles as a large folding table as well as chic recycling centres. I also designed new signs that are non-institutionalized, and further act as artwork as they are printed on acrylic panels.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now the residents of the building have a modern and practical space hat has turned the Tides of drab laundry rooms!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqWwuo3JIbRgI4IJstQbmsJSRmoiDfPmS-bSwxUwsC8zb9LAxDXiDHyiuYPnJ8vtFrmokggDexkaLKZ8JPyCIJu37vTzpeh8TwPACM3Vk8FqOyBmi2LEtm9q0Q6dqa65kFbMIpf2R3cg/s1600/SIGN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqWwuo3JIbRgI4IJstQbmsJSRmoiDfPmS-bSwxUwsC8zb9LAxDXiDHyiuYPnJ8vtFrmokggDexkaLKZ8JPyCIJu37vTzpeh8TwPACM3Vk8FqOyBmi2LEtm9q0Q6dqa65kFbMIpf2R3cg/s320/SIGN.jpg" width="230" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHhVnpIW3xC9tDitx_NMzdBnUY96Xjv1oRgXl06-YK7mHIMbX3KQC8MWd6p60twjF4mCogH-fLlHsASAGApIp84BoD2Znhqra5_9_Y4M0qvSi9X7UxIP3eXqZChTMPfjmkscawJRKLHw/s1600/mural+lounge+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHhVnpIW3xC9tDitx_NMzdBnUY96Xjv1oRgXl06-YK7mHIMbX3KQC8MWd6p60twjF4mCogH-fLlHsASAGApIp84BoD2Znhqra5_9_Y4M0qvSi9X7UxIP3eXqZChTMPfjmkscawJRKLHw/s1600/mural+lounge+area.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqldN0BxXbkG-GyuMCrmsQgUD5Z8oNDt42ORFxVgzLd9Xv7KDGrXjUykf9dqwQHpaHyxSOnKQN83xRdqszOXdR58VIzDpeJ7vQ_IEr5drfLSrthksG7qeE0SOVCtUe-K4wnaQHA67VYzo/s1600/edited+orange+lounge+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqldN0BxXbkG-GyuMCrmsQgUD5Z8oNDt42ORFxVgzLd9Xv7KDGrXjUykf9dqwQHpaHyxSOnKQN83xRdqszOXdR58VIzDpeJ7vQ_IEr5drfLSrthksG7qeE0SOVCtUe-K4wnaQHA67VYzo/s400/edited+orange+lounge+area.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRseRgoC0CGztd5fpcPvDCD8OOLbBrwmuSz_p-3Ao_Oyr6rfIoVPos9PCm6c437alKBhD9RieDaZlhoouX-D2vtvQxsZb7E-3S34hiaCVNmdejpKnAT1OWt106qHw3z9Xa4xiQcAvjEw/s1600/IMG_20160427_102839_panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRseRgoC0CGztd5fpcPvDCD8OOLbBrwmuSz_p-3Ao_Oyr6rfIoVPos9PCm6c437alKBhD9RieDaZlhoouX-D2vtvQxsZb7E-3S34hiaCVNmdejpKnAT1OWt106qHw3z9Xa4xiQcAvjEw/s640/IMG_20160427_102839_panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-10271543388434008862016-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:002018-02-14T08:12:46.210-08:00Lobby-licious!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeptokF4BfEYCiabfgvTxOEstwzTu-4iVuMq7tCFcssNf8dLq9UbVQG_VLfmXXSOQYRdO7VxmjzMsdjkGOPY6OjV1Cn_FxV6DD3i5kxzv9n6SjMLiKfVp-HQcQ0-seliYqJgWcx__yyk/s1600/IMG_2088+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeptokF4BfEYCiabfgvTxOEstwzTu-4iVuMq7tCFcssNf8dLq9UbVQG_VLfmXXSOQYRdO7VxmjzMsdjkGOPY6OjV1Cn_FxV6DD3i5kxzv9n6SjMLiKfVp-HQcQ0-seliYqJgWcx__yyk/s400/IMG_2088+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="346" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really can't describe this lobby makeover any better than Lobby-licious! - I love everything about it...just as I do chocolate!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After taking a brief look at the space I instantly knew how I would transform it.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally I would get to use a carpet I
had loved, for it's whimsical floral and it's dash of colour, not often found in contract carpets straight from the mill. I also got to inject a fabric I've been longing to use - a cut velvet in a modern geometric - on the backs of the occasional chairs. With all the colour and pattern in check I moved on to the neutrals and bones of the space.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I introduced a few walls of wood paneling to bring warmth to the spaces. And of course because I love the pattern of the carpet I simplified the floral and created custom wood panels - there are three areas to the large lobby, so the panels provide subtle division to the spaces. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm equally in love with the floor when you first walk into the lobby from the outside because of it's sophistication. I lost the battle with my client of installing a
polished tile throughout - they wanted a matte finish to reduce slips and falls - but we reached a compromise. I inserted a polished mosaic between the tiles in the same colour tone, and installed the grid at a 45
degree angle for more interest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the upper lobby by the elevators I changed the installation pattern of the tiles <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and </span>gave it the same sense of sophistication by inserting a custom marble medallion - it<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> i</span>s subtle and ties in all of the colours of our palette.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I even love the accessories of the space - the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">grand ornate</span> mirror, the planters, the commissioned artwork, the wall of sheers...ahhh, I could </span></span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">just move in and stay here<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz-9fB2Owbj4S-IgZdvOcm26xxMygoB8whM9VMJ9NPX7aYGBadFzl4mnQ9dvfJunqn73NjgPvJEie6r3F8EiwppK9-Gekyjn8fZS3HwNfKaPU5O5fBYUtxurZNlCKXQwu9kCtDlFvgVA/s1600/IMG_20150121_131859+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz-9fB2Owbj4S-IgZdvOcm26xxMygoB8whM9VMJ9NPX7aYGBadFzl4mnQ9dvfJunqn73NjgPvJEie6r3F8EiwppK9-Gekyjn8fZS3HwNfKaPU5O5fBYUtxurZNlCKXQwu9kCtDlFvgVA/s400/IMG_20150121_131859+-+Copy.jpg" width="378" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0eLr5oJHwofh0Vb1VVMikc45qGMs1s914640RU26p0XsUorW2ayzrt7c_mAw3DWZJAxuphVZTk1akM1GI0ee80UJ8EJ9rKIsOea37FvHNA-EH2_pawHAKrSc3vIK71h6e89bnT_06W4/s1600/IMG_2090+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0eLr5oJHwofh0Vb1VVMikc45qGMs1s914640RU26p0XsUorW2ayzrt7c_mAw3DWZJAxuphVZTk1akM1GI0ee80UJ8EJ9rKIsOea37FvHNA-EH2_pawHAKrSc3vIK71h6e89bnT_06W4/s400/IMG_2090+-+Copy.JPG" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSFuliaSuzEHiCm9Nw4WHgDhL9iCTolYChQTj3db4_d2fqjsyCUxWX1YVa3_vDw8x0eWp-ci4gHOQvuCQhZDwrJucLHuOTCnCt1FIXcUUqg5Xd6h8QmxOrQFHKpH68sbXMt6gXUSMJms/s1600/IMG_20141219_141956+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSFuliaSuzEHiCm9Nw4WHgDhL9iCTolYChQTj3db4_d2fqjsyCUxWX1YVa3_vDw8x0eWp-ci4gHOQvuCQhZDwrJucLHuOTCnCt1FIXcUUqg5Xd6h8QmxOrQFHKpH68sbXMt6gXUSMJms/s320/IMG_20141219_141956+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-11066761673056086262016-01-26T06:28:00.001-08:002016-01-26T06:28:41.013-08:00Farewell to 2015 - It was a great year! <div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Ghn8B2WyKtbNFC5vHLONk729uB-FI8wn51dVYQNgoQxcsF4gm43scAtk91-rT8yH4lTyxLbfhyphenhyphenK8Nks9zP0doZPHs8MGCJyH7EgEyu9WObCwlR5zyGD8yx0oyFQ0tZkhmDypi9aojE/s1600/IMG_20151129_155147+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Ghn8B2WyKtbNFC5vHLONk729uB-FI8wn51dVYQNgoQxcsF4gm43scAtk91-rT8yH4lTyxLbfhyphenhyphenK8Nks9zP0doZPHs8MGCJyH7EgEyu9WObCwlR5zyGD8yx0oyFQ0tZkhmDypi9aojE/s200/IMG_20151129_155147+-+Copy.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom!</div>
<div>
Ok, so 2015 wasn't exactly the Tale of Two Cities, but it was surely a roller-coaster year with a busy project schedule mixed in with some great travel time and a couple family calamities.<br />
<br />
However, to end the year off on a great note, I was pleasantly surprised to have two of my projects win <a href="http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/frpo-awards-top-rental-housing-providers-560555901.html" target="_blank">MAC Awards</a> by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) on December 4, 2015. The FRPO is the largest rental housing association in Ontario, representing managers, builders, services and suppliers, whose members collectively own or manage over 350,000 households across Ontario.<br />
<br />
The winners were selected by a panel of industry leaders and nominated by the property owners and managers. The news of my win came unexpectedly as I had no idea that my clients had submitted the spaces...but what a wonderful Christmas surprise!<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ioA3JlT1NnAzx13F-Vv48eGPOcrG6Eyk0BNxA62nN3nIdOWMxb_uHC-hSQflMIMPVoIEh-CzrKg5dHkPHysbgMP4oBrgz4kYbrzkvCx_389aECAcqdId5OZ8WVs5nfdvJC05ZoA6wo/s1600/IMG_20150220_164948+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ioA3JlT1NnAzx13F-Vv48eGPOcrG6Eyk0BNxA62nN3nIdOWMxb_uHC-hSQflMIMPVoIEh-CzrKg5dHkPHysbgMP4oBrgz4kYbrzkvCx_389aECAcqdId5OZ8WVs5nfdvJC05ZoA6wo/s320/IMG_20150220_164948+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This space is consistently a hub of activity, yet tranquil and recluse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sixteen awards were presented in categories such as Resident Management of the Year, Environmental Excellence Award, Best Renovations (lobbies and suites) among others. The <a href="http://michellelyndesign.blogspot.ca/2015/07/wi-fi-lounge.html" target="_blank">Wi-fi lounge/Boardroom/Study Area</a> won the Amenities Award of Excellence, while a Penthouse open-concept conversion project won for Best Suite Renovation over $10,000. There we touched every surface in the 2500 sq.ft. Suite - the in-suite laundry room was reconfigured with great organizational and storage solutions, the master ensuite was revitalized with separate bath and shower areas, and the entrance vestibule is now befitting of an executive rental. But we didn't stop there! We tore down the wall of the galley kitchen - incorporated incredible storage solutions and 24 linear feet of counter space, updated the mantel of the fireplace and created a spacious den. And because the space turned out so wonderfully, we replicated the same design and finishes in another Penthouse suite, in it's sister building.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIp3ne-I-mmndmLEnH_TYliR3iZvutRdgef3kpr4Rx5oM3Gpil13uxMl0NTAJwQlx39GDape38fAHnwZ9JgImpI03YJ2eyt7dBvSgmy1M9Tex0MmrPQo-7j_tbRd81Ai0qfwoj2PmvW4/s1600/IMG_20150408_143353+%255B299823%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIp3ne-I-mmndmLEnH_TYliR3iZvutRdgef3kpr4Rx5oM3Gpil13uxMl0NTAJwQlx39GDape38fAHnwZ9JgImpI03YJ2eyt7dBvSgmy1M9Tex0MmrPQo-7j_tbRd81Ai0qfwoj2PmvW4/s320/IMG_20150408_143353+%255B299823%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Suite Renovation over $10K - We tore down the dividing wall and gave them a 9' island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Part of what yields great designs and finished spaces is the collective collaboration between myself, the owners and managers and the contractors. I'm quite grateful for having a wonderful team to work alongside with and look forward to creating more exciting spaces in 2016. Stay tuned!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-56934586562065133262015-11-02T15:02:00.002-08:002016-04-27T20:33:37.411-07:00Details make the Difference<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyD5CbXxJFv6kcLDEonlmQd7J2vV4I6UWue-wnix6RbL8Hb1egWaY6U-YrZYkZoerWsXQPW1f2f6doTyV-sSSP9us24n82wN93yXhtCjyqyWZ4YV4XlVKE_x8xO5E6KE1LX_aqPzYgFc/s1600/IMG_2712+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyD5CbXxJFv6kcLDEonlmQd7J2vV4I6UWue-wnix6RbL8Hb1egWaY6U-YrZYkZoerWsXQPW1f2f6doTyV-sSSP9us24n82wN93yXhtCjyqyWZ4YV4XlVKE_x8xO5E6KE1LX_aqPzYgFc/s200/IMG_2712+-+Copy.JPG" width="163" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why are properties staged?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My client was having difficulty renting 2-bedroom suites in the sprawling Midtown (Toronto) complex, as potential residents couldn't envision the space planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSApidwAvF-lLoknGpcWulOALYiejLW7RC-oehSOpx64a1a858OdPcHv4eKNKX8MSZpe7G2jQrEII_oRS952_QFGUa7qYkO5JdiEbaSsd1ZJTqpWeVE2W2qfHFBP2Ept0fOQjbeBYy_I/s1600/IMG_2738+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSApidwAvF-lLoknGpcWulOALYiejLW7RC-oehSOpx64a1a858OdPcHv4eKNKX8MSZpe7G2jQrEII_oRS952_QFGUa7qYkO5JdiEbaSsd1ZJTqpWeVE2W2qfHFBP2Ept0fOQjbeBYy_I/s320/IMG_2738+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To ease the conceptualizing, we staged the living room and kitchen, keeping in mind the intended audience is a mature demographic. We kept all the furnishings in neutrals and accessorized with green and blue pastels; a few pieces of coppers and golds and instantly the spaces had an air of sophistication and warmth. The rooms feel relaxed, curated yet fresh, and most importantly, inviting!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it's the details of finishing the spaces that makes it more believable - the "I could live here" moments, and the portion of the project that I most enjoyed. Finding just the right accessories - lamp, crystal for the beverage cart, vase or blanket - is always a thrill of the hunt, and it's the touches of home we long for...that treasured piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was delightfully pleased to see international retailer H&M bring it's Home accessories to Toronto, with the intent to transition the buyer to make accessories more fashionable and seasonal. Alongside with Zara Home, it's a great time to find that special something, perhaps of modern design, at affordable prices.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbihLq_y6fPA3JTUljRSXbg-PIpedi7r1QMz2L6Z8Fe-ekp6SdunZfdudYucFvq7V0O2ANazlM4izODPdVbVNoRGyd0FdkiipiJBOzOBj_I2qhGxgBsRq9SDNgF1MSVi38elmuGuO5zM/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbihLq_y6fPA3JTUljRSXbg-PIpedi7r1QMz2L6Z8Fe-ekp6SdunZfdudYucFvq7V0O2ANazlM4izODPdVbVNoRGyd0FdkiipiJBOzOBj_I2qhGxgBsRq9SDNgF1MSVi38elmuGuO5zM/s320/IMG_2810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1FXgc0mU1_jESjhkJAzSvvMHGaOSlw_bbiy5TgNOOnqC9iKL_rakf1ivr2JusF0GM52luXSedUuQ8oh2485P3VAX9Z2WcQSrsoXAdnQdknbHen1rptDkHKZZ0EWJALUrKz5kC-7RF_8/s1600/IMG_2694+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1FXgc0mU1_jESjhkJAzSvvMHGaOSlw_bbiy5TgNOOnqC9iKL_rakf1ivr2JusF0GM52luXSedUuQ8oh2485P3VAX9Z2WcQSrsoXAdnQdknbHen1rptDkHKZZ0EWJALUrKz5kC-7RF_8/s320/IMG_2694+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-56905077869050509132015-07-10T12:48:00.002-07:002015-12-09T15:19:38.030-08:00Wi-fi lounge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgZA6dtKpPKvp5uoTcilp73IMro5wF3QI-HkxfkNWZ5vm9MYRSy4k16VJ0V5GQGsUHzKVCVEoqxlUM9AYlBbnZd0b8Z9i3kpn7bzjhw-07wUMUROX_p9EgI_qFMQpdQp9KW4GWwv-1Rw/s1600/IMG_20150220_164545+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgZA6dtKpPKvp5uoTcilp73IMro5wF3QI-HkxfkNWZ5vm9MYRSy4k16VJ0V5GQGsUHzKVCVEoqxlUM9AYlBbnZd0b8Z9i3kpn7bzjhw-07wUMUROX_p9EgI_qFMQpdQp9KW4GWwv-1Rw/s400/IMG_20150220_164545+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm always looking for new design challenges and love the freedom of re-designing a space with a fresh spin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was approached to turn a couple storage rooms in a residential building into creative and productive spaces for the residents (a large student population).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPBjRr4ZK84lZZwCNy9vMZvTe6hkEQubyjzsZFzfyxp0oKSNEFX-EeSvWtiv7OqEMGPxD9hk2sBE-nwTls5WpTEH6-AnwGcrE_PucdLO7zZK78Jqd1bxM3VBoDF00gzR5_krAdL9kt_Y/s1600/IMG_20141120_141510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPBjRr4ZK84lZZwCNy9vMZvTe6hkEQubyjzsZFzfyxp0oKSNEFX-EeSvWtiv7OqEMGPxD9hk2sBE-nwTls5WpTEH6-AnwGcrE_PucdLO7zZK78Jqd1bxM3VBoDF00gzR5_krAdL9kt_Y/s1600/IMG_20141120_141510.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main lounge stripped back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whether composing an essay, drafting a proposal, or just browsing the internet, the space you work in has a huge impact on productivity. With that in mind, I tried to strike a balance with enlivening and tranquil, yet efficient spaces. Taking inspiration from </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">local libraries, keeping the spaces uncluttered, well lit and implicitly motivating. I added subtle hints of color so as to not overwhelm the workers who would be using this space. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I transformed the two rooms into three spaces: a main lounge, a boardroom and a quiet room with study carols. In the lounge, the open casual sectional seating creates differing lounge or work areas while simultaneously accommodating both small and large groups, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">allowing users to freely discuss project ideas or spend some solo time catching up on readings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJt3CWuiNsV9tqCczy_05v4bx6bQuCEGAcRbOgpMhvumkHSA2er0AxgS7oaWbss4Bv1k1T_6VBJmmvl7FTztiCQr_XWgWPRVdww02gJPC0DonNBPGKJporIJ33LZkRRNX2yq_N5lExBM/s1600/IMG_20150120_132348+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJt3CWuiNsV9tqCczy_05v4bx6bQuCEGAcRbOgpMhvumkHSA2er0AxgS7oaWbss4Bv1k1T_6VBJmmvl7FTztiCQr_XWgWPRVdww02gJPC0DonNBPGKJporIJ33LZkRRNX2yq_N5lExBM/s400/IMG_20150120_132348+-+Copy.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9kXBjmAtesL1epMdFyA_Htzzz2mv6COK3IDBejaUnYjhnvaORjSqzgZ2KaDEIvA9evZHYYWnNKxAdfhhmksEQ0cqyiB18k34YO3J0Ey8RljdZ9I8hpQdtkPJynaIXRchvWxgBr3rw20/s1600/Untitled-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9kXBjmAtesL1epMdFyA_Htzzz2mv6COK3IDBejaUnYjhnvaORjSqzgZ2KaDEIvA9evZHYYWnNKxAdfhhmksEQ0cqyiB18k34YO3J0Ey8RljdZ9I8hpQdtkPJynaIXRchvWxgBr3rw20/s400/Untitled-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The quiet study room has a great accent wall. The motif is an intuitive reminder to stay focused on the task at hand and gives a jolt of color in those moments when you need a creative stroke. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continued the same hue of blue into the boardroom, but placed it on the floor - it's that easy, when you use carpet tiles! The overall gray palette offers a soothing muted feel - orderly yet an unstuffy environment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpNMfTPh3L8c3JdeZeZz3O_Op3X9YvKxK7wJTPIPPx6OBABvd-hp2_oV6qq8Avk3bTiSbmOyJBKx4cxN9ra-pY1dD_uQ79IaCHdoFN0NwcFYFkFfc8uy8Qcox3nGRNIzv1H1s6cVXsgY/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpNMfTPh3L8c3JdeZeZz3O_Op3X9YvKxK7wJTPIPPx6OBABvd-hp2_oV6qq8Avk3bTiSbmOyJBKx4cxN9ra-pY1dD_uQ79IaCHdoFN0NwcFYFkFfc8uy8Qcox3nGRNIzv1H1s6cVXsgY/s640/Untitled-1.jpg" width="441" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I took a walk through the space a few months after completion and was pleased to see that the area had been completely embraced by the residents. All the rooms were being used! You could feel the concentration, prolificacy and gratitude for such an indispensable facility in the air. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now the only thing stopping me from using the space myself ... What's the wifi password? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-77711134798612077412015-05-01T11:45:00.000-07:002015-12-09T19:13:05.460-08:00Mid-Century Modern <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL3BRUXNKAW1nyb-H292iIA697aC03iX6WfDtHTeZSPArhXZiJCdqEzvuSaFGt_00Bojpzzc0BL8RZIjTyH1jJLqcCD5rWqOc_RO-2kqa8W3pEn2zvvgT3NVYq4LsoU-i5RrmMK_GRj0/s1600/IMG_20150416_114201+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL3BRUXNKAW1nyb-H292iIA697aC03iX6WfDtHTeZSPArhXZiJCdqEzvuSaFGt_00Bojpzzc0BL8RZIjTyH1jJLqcCD5rWqOc_RO-2kqa8W3pEn2zvvgT3NVYq4LsoU-i5RrmMK_GRj0/s1600/IMG_20150416_114201+(2).jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lobbies of two luxury residential buildings built back in the days of the Rat Pack were in dire need of modern rejuvenation. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Outdated and tired furnishings needed to be replaced with something with a little more "oomph".</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIHwClI4Xbx5BFTpL6t0riPnK4fXbSs7OdB5Px90gxIAdvUFcvBqu-_gvYUaqmvg0J6x4Nh7qzD_QA9mCMSWyhATf0Ikev8S95_MNA9nF8RgnJqlOV7NcvTz9P0c_xLsTXzeJdnW74fo/s1600/IMG_20140218_124423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIHwClI4Xbx5BFTpL6t0riPnK4fXbSs7OdB5Px90gxIAdvUFcvBqu-_gvYUaqmvg0J6x4Nh7qzD_QA9mCMSWyhATf0Ikev8S95_MNA9nF8RgnJqlOV7NcvTz9P0c_xLsTXzeJdnW74fo/s320/IMG_20140218_124423.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are four lobby areas - each with wonderful soaring ceilings, walls of windows and ample space. I liked the juxtaposition of the exposed concrete walls with the wood paneling so decided to keep the bones as is - however I gave the wood a new stain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jxWD75wVgvWM1x_h7Z9XXyqDrrt87zKoZh_1PweBYMJseWz-g_rQF1sq_7EZHqhevL-t5nFnH5Hf-TR1Ab28uAm8T6Ie7hcEFe4HgRsfvV6x1wZxk4s3QkprqgW-7L1CKOAFJcbKwic/s1600/IMG_20140218_124921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The client requested I keep the furnishings neutral, so I used a soft palette of greys, taupes and blues. In such a large space, each piece needed to hold its own so I designed a signature sofa - the craftsmanship is incredible! - and infused flare to the occasional chairs by placing a pattern on the backs. Placing pattern on the outside of the chairs was the best way to include motif since the client did not want any loose accent pillows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My aim was to make the furnishings soft and of equal weight to balance the space ...with a nod to what may be found in Frank Sinatra's living room. The glamorous, yet relaxed furnishings pay homage to the past while fusing together stylistic references both old and new. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I added a much needed central chandelier, a gold </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sputnik by </span><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Jonathan Adler</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, to give more presence to each lobby space</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. The large photography pieces mixed with the polished brass and velvets complete the feeling of grandeur.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sumptuous materials, respect for craftsmanship and attention to detail are key to recreating the elegance of the past. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The space now feels wonderfully inviting, tranquil and luxurious. </span><br />
<div style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3aVJTMrboYU91M7RkTzEAmR-ec5ggxLzlGfTGu4J7pfuZjshmNu5wuhimwJU11mbXaPlmFir-yI6KtWWvgcxt1vqdMj7UpRxsRrp-bCdKsLWtLlbYUwWj9-o7uYzXLLxZmwIyc31lhs/s1600/IMG_20150218_101515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3aVJTMrboYU91M7RkTzEAmR-ec5ggxLzlGfTGu4J7pfuZjshmNu5wuhimwJU11mbXaPlmFir-yI6KtWWvgcxt1vqdMj7UpRxsRrp-bCdKsLWtLlbYUwWj9-o7uYzXLLxZmwIyc31lhs/s400/IMG_20150218_101515.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut velvet fabric on the back of the chairs are inviting to touch!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JqdjMCtpzo6ePaSTgjFOHcXvVqzWWIdmiRHHASwSaPMwsqm4YNQvs4-e4BOjnM72FdLw6wm-a7FZQphPxgUpiisuvHdR0h2bxdsbymhFRzOj-xcYClE8P8bbYH93O6je9liVIOS5BUo/s1600/IMG_20150121_112935v2.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JqdjMCtpzo6ePaSTgjFOHcXvVqzWWIdmiRHHASwSaPMwsqm4YNQvs4-e4BOjnM72FdLw6wm-a7FZQphPxgUpiisuvHdR0h2bxdsbymhFRzOj-xcYClE8P8bbYH93O6je9liVIOS5BUo/s1600/IMG_20150121_112935v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kRgSBMG1L94%2FVT-90s1LnvI%2FAAAAAAAAApo%2FigG77XwyRKo%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20140218_124921.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jxWD75wVgvWM1x_h7Z9XXyqDrrt87zKoZh_1PweBYMJseWz-g_rQF1sq_7EZHqhevL-t5nFnH5Hf-TR1Ab28uAm8T6Ie7hcEFe4HgRsfvV6x1wZxk4s3QkprqgW-7L1CKOAFJcbKwic/s1600/IMG_20140218_124921.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-THE8GaiqXeU%2FVT_3xM0OT8I%2FAAAAAAAAAqI%2FhSTuwLaRnA8%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20150218_101515.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3aVJTMrboYU91M7RkTzEAmR-ec5ggxLzlGfTGu4J7pfuZjshmNu5wuhimwJU11mbXaPlmFir-yI6KtWWvgcxt1vqdMj7UpRxsRrp-bCdKsLWtLlbYUwWj9-o7uYzXLLxZmwIyc31lhs/s1600/IMG_20150218_101515.jpg" -->Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-6783253683276340812015-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:002015-05-01T15:15:34.481-07:00A boost of colour<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYdVdnv_9osV2H-FsfRrTM2zmkC2aFDzm5xz2o78fscKrGrc42ZA4sQZ1SumrCR6bqSWB2XcdOFjpZTUcdR7ajfHagIq8kvlFTrD0JHVN-HsOvnPy0Aa_7MJ8Vft_VPyKtTFuQx_-_uk/s1600/IMG_2017+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYdVdnv_9osV2H-FsfRrTM2zmkC2aFDzm5xz2o78fscKrGrc42ZA4sQZ1SumrCR6bqSWB2XcdOFjpZTUcdR7ajfHagIq8kvlFTrD0JHVN-HsOvnPy0Aa_7MJ8Vft_VPyKtTFuQx_-_uk/s1600/IMG_2017+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"...trying to make the colors intense, and not a harmony of greys." - <i>Vincent Van Gogh</i></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing says 'welcome Spring' more than yellows and blues! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as I love colour I'm normally asked to keep palettes neutral and can only add hints of colour in accents. But then I came upon a fabulous carpet that beckoned to be used, in a bursting palette - hand in hand with a client that urged me to go wild with colour... It was the creative colour boost I longed for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The assignment was to refresh a well used but forlorn lobby in Yorkville's premier senior's residence. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I began by looking for fabrics worthy of sitting atop of the beautiful carpet that was to be. It needed to be classic but updated since the palette was bold and the pattern modern. I came upon this ideal Robert Allen Crypton fabric featuring an updated damask in a Citron colour on a field of Taupe. To give the space energy I paired it with its complimentary colour - a brilliant blue velvet, again from Robert Allen's contract line of fabrics - it's a stunning shade and feels so luxurious, you'd never know it was a contract fabric.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Residents regularly use the lobby as a waiting area three times a day as they await the opening of the dining room, so we needed to accommodate a lot of seating. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rB3FAS-IzB6WmRLIxKn1BgWuBU3uqEOw-yLOWrK078CZfSQ2u66K2gdyAPB_lBcyKz6GNG3eM-LuR4UTEgitX19JEcdhqnclnmLCaxF5IrWGWkBxJi7Gtv3e5poGQoimXvQK_P7RUrE/s1600/IMG_20141107_155131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rB3FAS-IzB6WmRLIxKn1BgWuBU3uqEOw-yLOWrK078CZfSQ2u66K2gdyAPB_lBcyKz6GNG3eM-LuR4UTEgitX19JEcdhqnclnmLCaxF5IrWGWkBxJi7Gtv3e5poGQoimXvQK_P7RUrE/s1600/IMG_20141107_155131.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There were also a few pockets off of the main lobby space that we tied into this scheme, to give the main floor a cohesive look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I updated the fireplace by designing a modern surround and mantel and covered it in a wood </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">similar</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">to what was already in the lobby. The fireplace is now the focal point of the space, as it should have been... Some residents didn't even realize there was a fireplace prior!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I decided to place a custom glass art piece above the fireplace and had local artisans create pieces matching the colour palette. I gave them artistic freedom with the installment - my only direction and inspiration was <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/" target="_blank">Chihuly's</a> ruffles - and it came out beautifully! It's light and playful but sophisticated and bold. The space definitely needed some bright accents to reflect the radiance of the residents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhHW6pPg5pVJabDbVsW6UdZ2XwTzT5dF5Gx-XICE2NIjtF0frOxouTJokc9bPWnX9eOzRE-dqMrAfaTBaF9oIV9TICNBP5d_4ViTbjBT9W2dSEAKwggHTvKDhc-CzhLffjH7EvSAvQR4/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhHW6pPg5pVJabDbVsW6UdZ2XwTzT5dF5Gx-XICE2NIjtF0frOxouTJokc9bPWnX9eOzRE-dqMrAfaTBaF9oIV9TICNBP5d_4ViTbjBT9W2dSEAKwggHTvKDhc-CzhLffjH7EvSAvQR4/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And I'm still loving the flare of colours in the space! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-69614994968240602002015-03-06T18:56:00.000-08:002015-04-29T18:38:47.442-07:00A quick refresh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj657-DPiQfVWv3BIybDbrcqLQg1noQpXG9SzAHsxB4oWCqyy9mFp6D6VXQznJV44F2eXWFM5B0eDqxxtzBccSSK1zODsDS4JCtAhFX4uXR6Pv5NN2Y7VKXjzoZUEU3R3mtZcnITLjT09A/s1600/cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj657-DPiQfVWv3BIybDbrcqLQg1noQpXG9SzAHsxB4oWCqyy9mFp6D6VXQznJV44F2eXWFM5B0eDqxxtzBccSSK1zODsDS4JCtAhFX4uXR6Pv5NN2Y7VKXjzoZUEU3R3mtZcnITLjT09A/s1600/cropped.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTZ-7fgE679hyphenhyphenTdhJmH-7-6d3G4hMYE1T9oCVGzrZelbrTJU_y_C1Hi7XwYN029UBIErAj4uudnStGvF733OdL35iBNSnLcNInL6UCqT-VGv9nYU-g3NStnDt0JYCzhl7bNQA1j6nmaM/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTZ-7fgE679hyphenhyphenTdhJmH-7-6d3G4hMYE1T9oCVGzrZelbrTJU_y_C1Hi7XwYN029UBIErAj4uudnStGvF733OdL35iBNSnLcNInL6UCqT-VGv9nYU-g3NStnDt0JYCzhl7bNQA1j6nmaM/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This social room needed a quick refresh on a limited budget. I immediately thought the room needed to be warmed up and injected with a sense of personality. It's located in a desired area of downtown Toronto and is a large building.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The long wall by the pool table had taken a beating from the poking cues so I addressed that area by installing reclaimed barn boards. From there small changes to light fixtures, furnishings and a large piece of black and white artwork (photography) gave the space the downtown vibe it needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also changed out the kitchen and gave the bar area a small facial.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now the space is a little bit funky and ready for a party.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-13123325716081592902015-02-23T19:09:00.000-08:002015-04-29T18:47:01.136-07:00Mad about Plaid<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3231" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3234" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3235" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hpZhOm0iRNJMpg4xT5Nt21m-LEHALxLSA_W5p6kAHH-bbr-58SorxO_oL2gU2_auDIQypdeiYPL5z7XRLSffvYi6-KuPkLU5L2AJMO3W1NUnlq3mzaSZI6524TYGqnhcH3CfGnS_1fA/s1600/378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hpZhOm0iRNJMpg4xT5Nt21m-LEHALxLSA_W5p6kAHH-bbr-58SorxO_oL2gU2_auDIQypdeiYPL5z7XRLSffvYi6-KuPkLU5L2AJMO3W1NUnlq3mzaSZI6524TYGqnhcH3CfGnS_1fA/s1600/378.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again I tackled a space that was underutilized; the lounge adjacent to the laundry room, in the basement of a large mid-town building --dare I say it felt dungeon-ous? --which residents would pay no heed to unless they wanted to borrow a book from the large library, or abandon a piece of their furniture.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8T_vSS2p2Gtrx6tazwPO-G6iUV67L_FB6lw7DDHz-6RtXdh3IewiCh4RNeGtKLrljs-Vl6QguF9mBsGp3ADmI1eocdrPy3PnMQxHIvDSuNH9oKbNdxdUEf6c__OQxo_U2kHHOeN3MS9E/s1600/376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8T_vSS2p2Gtrx6tazwPO-G6iUV67L_FB6lw7DDHz-6RtXdh3IewiCh4RNeGtKLrljs-Vl6QguF9mBsGp3ADmI1eocdrPy3PnMQxHIvDSuNH9oKbNdxdUEf6c__OQxo_U2kHHOeN3MS9E/s1600/376.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as kings and queens of this castle would've beckoned, I took my inspiration from a wonderful tweed plaid I've had in my back pocket for a year, itching to put it to use. Plaid and checks can crisply jazz up an outfit and can work in a room too to have the same effect - traditional with a youthful spirit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to place the inspiration fabric on two large ottomans, and began layering in more squares into the space. The carpet was a no-brainer -- I'm still in love with it! The custom wall unit was also an instant must-have for the room to maintain ample space for all of the books, and now we even have room for growth.</span></span><br />
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3236" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I convinced the clients that the castoff wing chairs were also salvageable. They were reupholstered with a modern twist of croc vinyl with linen backs and the wood got a update with black stain. I love how these transformed!</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3237" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyWwtAvCOPG54vYpY_KS86xDS60WY1WnwsNg7QDskKsErisDCCc2QcwpZpuNxPbj0_xhuoNii0Rbk1GbK1n3dzdR5gOkWxYIMQnZHLUYMmpXx0rbKWms7sJKpJ9EsA7L0jPxgbj6A9Nc/s1600/IMG_20140715_180318+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyWwtAvCOPG54vYpY_KS86xDS60WY1WnwsNg7QDskKsErisDCCc2QcwpZpuNxPbj0_xhuoNii0Rbk1GbK1n3dzdR5gOkWxYIMQnZHLUYMmpXx0rbKWms7sJKpJ9EsA7L0jPxgbj6A9Nc/s1600/IMG_20140715_180318+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLCbl9SCETijzwufOs7bbtYvRu3Ru6lzeOBpIb6iwiWGXkgId9VY8L5v_gX8SJAZ8sDAAWaYdAN7hgt5VQtpsZrlyLE4eXSdYBoD7xw8DOka6nJGlkOiCkLBJSp0_NUWbDfiKMnqxmxw/s1600/IMG_20140723_165857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLCbl9SCETijzwufOs7bbtYvRu3Ru6lzeOBpIb6iwiWGXkgId9VY8L5v_gX8SJAZ8sDAAWaYdAN7hgt5VQtpsZrlyLE4eXSdYBoD7xw8DOka6nJGlkOiCkLBJSp0_NUWbDfiKMnqxmxw/s1600/IMG_20140723_165857.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QfEYKRrwmlZcizUXbAY-xSYPDlrIUXKK5GTBSNezN4R1FasCnqBoOzV9lhtvLqo8AGkpMMyTfMKFYCMnVObYlUo16taEkdubukzk1YLy5EDnRi7dTKddj42XxkBnp456Zyp4HMJbqpk/s1600/IMG_20140715_200951+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QfEYKRrwmlZcizUXbAY-xSYPDlrIUXKK5GTBSNezN4R1FasCnqBoOzV9lhtvLqo8AGkpMMyTfMKFYCMnVObYlUo16taEkdubukzk1YLy5EDnRi7dTKddj42XxkBnp456Zyp4HMJbqpk/s1600/IMG_20140715_200951+-+Copy.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3238" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The space now reads like a modern English library: cozy and warm, surrounded by time worn books, a few heirloom chairs, and comfy velvet chesterfields to relax in.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3239" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The residents are loving the space and I'm still mad for plaid.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4265619141MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411232850228_3241" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px/normal "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-88624966934424795842014-12-08T19:17:00.001-08:002015-12-09T15:19:10.298-08:00'Tis the Season to Decorate <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTQTyzwfGqOph81QUZQF52GowAzJZny7FXfMtcTtJNNuEmgqHx3j49sQYmNYBST-ibmELX40qWep08ptztS_xOd8K7RYU5afCch-FMFhtMKG-y8qQiRva7OBoEvvo3V4Hk598fGSSM8I/s1600/College+Park+upper+macro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTQTyzwfGqOph81QUZQF52GowAzJZny7FXfMtcTtJNNuEmgqHx3j49sQYmNYBST-ibmELX40qWep08ptztS_xOd8K7RYU5afCch-FMFhtMKG-y8qQiRva7OBoEvvo3V4Hk598fGSSM8I/s1600/College+Park+upper+macro.JPG" width="287" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The design business knows no breaks, not even for Christmas!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've been busy all year working hard to get client's properties in top shape, so it would be wrong to ignore the Christmas tree that will be the crowning glory of the spaces, for the next month at least. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Given the task, I chose to make every tree unique - from classic to whimsical for children and adults - every tree has been well curated for the spaces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had elves help out with putting up the many thousands of ornaments on the tens of different trees for the lobby spaces. Rule of thumb - 100 lights per foot of tree, and to get a full look, estimate 40 ornaments per foot of tree, depending of course on how wide the tree is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi6VOup3gp7sKLIkym9uxSkTzpBXrNMdxXn9wHZYfjZwmIELVZqwXV9seCHX6-1sxB6cPMGOp6LwKf_KlTOkt72rYO2CtcLvBzy20FAPZm76fvPn3bQ7xUcCvgrqvxqGaR6WW7H7FRKQ/s1600/88+Redpath+Lobby+macro+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi6VOup3gp7sKLIkym9uxSkTzpBXrNMdxXn9wHZYfjZwmIELVZqwXV9seCHX6-1sxB6cPMGOp6LwKf_KlTOkt72rYO2CtcLvBzy20FAPZm76fvPn3bQ7xUcCvgrqvxqGaR6WW7H7FRKQ/s1600/88+Redpath+Lobby+macro+2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I decided to use the traditional ball ornaments as my base, however to garnish the trees, we added special accent ornaments that would catch the eye and tie in the colours of the balls. Kids trees were given more of a jolly flare, hung with decorative plushies and shimmering lollipops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With now close to forty trees completed, tree trimming is a breeze, although the planning process is a little tedious it's all worthwhile in spreading the Christmas spirit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6BdwfHOtinT4-UHEda7W-IcrCVs4eGeRLd2WOUViq4oRGTHUqMX_PpeX8cZbG6tB1sD_2uIEFEOZsee8pOkjDcxmzpW7z0lzp7NYCL7hUT-dfAH2j0sA_33HrEnbxu77JrERl5VlB7w/s1600/PC040511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6BdwfHOtinT4-UHEda7W-IcrCVs4eGeRLd2WOUViq4oRGTHUqMX_PpeX8cZbG6tB1sD_2uIEFEOZsee8pOkjDcxmzpW7z0lzp7NYCL7hUT-dfAH2j0sA_33HrEnbxu77JrERl5VlB7w/s1600/PC040511.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-26246090567422649842014-10-12T13:24:00.001-07:002015-04-29T18:45:57.769-07:00Room with a View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2h5w9Pl7F3EYdEve0wvYZAlLg3RB2BalalTiM-pBTBNbCY3iKqyRpoO43e_kr9dANK0CQRaBNQcUctOk2YRgfs-98U2-x6Fry3lOWx_uXh8x-DKsWdeBWZIlOD8R-FBDig6VFethXeg/s1600/end+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2h5w9Pl7F3EYdEve0wvYZAlLg3RB2BalalTiM-pBTBNbCY3iKqyRpoO43e_kr9dANK0CQRaBNQcUctOk2YRgfs-98U2-x6Fry3lOWx_uXh8x-DKsWdeBWZIlOD8R-FBDig6VFethXeg/s1600/end+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2h5w9Pl7F3EYdEve0wvYZAlLg3RB2BalalTiM-pBTBNbCY3iKqyRpoO43e_kr9dANK0CQRaBNQcUctOk2YRgfs-98U2-x6Fry3lOWx_uXh8x-DKsWdeBWZIlOD8R-FBDig6VFethXeg/s1600/end+1.JPG" height="400" width="251" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you begin with a room that's so... uninspiring? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCSpTvrTyYB8o0nEMgASNcrv50ZQ05aaq23yeGtV5G6puUTaLBxww2jJDVBoTrPFDBIsva-Ee6F6BG2D4o5S5MAGONBC4nSkmxdy4lBbHIbAwfVmht7vVYy8TIosj-2pHMKZVBguOzI/s1600/1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCSpTvrTyYB8o0nEMgASNcrv50ZQ05aaq23yeGtV5G6puUTaLBxww2jJDVBoTrPFDBIsva-Ee6F6BG2D4o5S5MAGONBC4nSkmxdy4lBbHIbAwfVmht7vVYy8TIosj-2pHMKZVBguOzI/s1600/1076.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before - too many columns!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all, we had to take care of the bones of the space, which meant opening up walls and adding some architectural details. The room had a lot of potential, as there's a great view of the lake. Once we removed the columns, dated features and mounds of mirror, there was a blank slate to start over with something more up-to-date. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We created distinct spaces for lounging, dining, and cocktailing! Added in some practical finishes such as durable vinyl plank flooring and a 15 ft long bench, again in vinyl, for lounging and easy clean ups.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJACQEiIwjxxNGHHS1vxTDCmtBet2Mnshf-Fc5-bVzo0gS8BY9V7iNfV-7GKQLAA1vZnlocvnjUqgrG_B7uPmMwFhRrKAhXK6isTk779IlAFjhH8WOjqsB8zF8ky5k2vO5bXEq0h1cTI/s1600/fabric+and+bench+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJACQEiIwjxxNGHHS1vxTDCmtBet2Mnshf-Fc5-bVzo0gS8BY9V7iNfV-7GKQLAA1vZnlocvnjUqgrG_B7uPmMwFhRrKAhXK6isTk779IlAFjhH8WOjqsB8zF8ky5k2vO5bXEq0h1cTI/s1600/fabric+and+bench+-+Copy.JPG" height="147" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose neutral colours for the basic finishes and furnishings to evoke a tranquil, almost zen theme, with small pops of colour sprinkled around in the accessories. The inspiration for this room was taken from this Robert Allen flower print fabric - reflective of the lake, lush trees and flowers that can be seen out of the atrium in the summertime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGbpBEnRE8T7ztujv_idGt172tUPQvviS_EwBPpKb0vxPEMNqGwBzQthQluHaC7Gv_WbJPzT1R9v-UHHw-aBrIactcSv5qsR4Zb2HenLDQX5keI-kaVcZcG0oUvI29QLPDiIcJ-PDWUs/s1600/737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGbpBEnRE8T7ztujv_idGt172tUPQvviS_EwBPpKb0vxPEMNqGwBzQthQluHaC7Gv_WbJPzT1R9v-UHHw-aBrIactcSv5qsR4Zb2HenLDQX5keI-kaVcZcG0oUvI29QLPDiIcJ-PDWUs/s1600/737.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before - kitchen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRmhPV7aC6qbcciTp3zga7uL26CXuajchJOmqL9n3JTZgRgHq78V9ogJRVWdE1yqcCBUdRk6jRSfovVWmYI3-dizvaM46eiEtOGzOWfwnzACRYyGap7zUAnzjeovnZ0t82aF2mjcLMnI/s1600/kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRmhPV7aC6qbcciTp3zga7uL26CXuajchJOmqL9n3JTZgRgHq78V9ogJRVWdE1yqcCBUdRk6jRSfovVWmYI3-dizvaM46eiEtOGzOWfwnzACRYyGap7zUAnzjeovnZ0t82aF2mjcLMnI/s1600/kitchen.JPG" height="301" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After - kitchen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it seems much more spacious and accommodating for a party - and it's just as beautiful as the view of the flora and fauna outside! </span></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KP7eDXnylx0%2FUyCh9WlvqmI%2FAAAAAAAAAco%2FzFElR9u2k00%2Fs1600%2F737.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGbpBEnRE8T7ztujv_idGt172tUPQvviS_EwBPpKb0vxPEMNqGwBzQthQluHaC7Gv_WbJPzT1R9v-UHHw-aBrIactcSv5qsR4Zb2HenLDQX5keI-kaVcZcG0oUvI29QLPDiIcJ-PDWUs/s1600/737.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jC7T1OMVnfw%2FUyCh9og3I5I%2FAAAAAAAAAcw%2FKDN78EuE2Bs%2Fs1600%2F1076.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LCSpTvrTyYB8o0nEMgASNcrv50ZQ05aaq23yeGtV5G6puUTaLBxww2jJDVBoTrPFDBIsva-Ee6F6BG2D4o5S5MAGONBC4nSkmxdy4lBbHIbAwfVmht7vVYy8TIosj-2pHMKZVBguOzI/s1600/1076.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H2O-p5xvpzA%2FUyCguiufevI%2FAAAAAAAAAb4%2FGY6o0NypFfo%2Fs1600%2Fend%2B1.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2h5w9Pl7F3EYdEve0wvYZAlLg3RB2BalalTiM-pBTBNbCY3iKqyRpoO43e_kr9dANK0CQRaBNQcUctOk2YRgfs-98U2-x6Fry3lOWx_uXh8x-DKsWdeBWZIlOD8R-FBDig6VFethXeg/s1600/end+1.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-N5ibEnaMVGU%2FUyChppyLMII%2FAAAAAAAAAcg%2FBVoIvsCXo0w%2Fs1600%2Ffabric%2Band%2Bbench%2B-%2BCopy.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJACQEiIwjxxNGHHS1vxTDCmtBet2Mnshf-Fc5-bVzo0gS8BY9V7iNfV-7GKQLAA1vZnlocvnjUqgrG_B7uPmMwFhRrKAhXK6isTk779IlAFjhH8WOjqsB8zF8ky5k2vO5bXEq0h1cTI/s1600/fabric+and+bench+-+Copy.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RUp-os_jOCQ%2FUyCg1LE2cAI%2FAAAAAAAAAcU%2Ffa14em2YkKY%2Fs1600%2Fkitchen.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRmhPV7aC6qbcciTp3zga7uL26CXuajchJOmqL9n3JTZgRgHq78V9ogJRVWdE1yqcCBUdRk6jRSfovVWmYI3-dizvaM46eiEtOGzOWfwnzACRYyGap7zUAnzjeovnZ0t82aF2mjcLMnI/s1600/kitchen.JPG" -->Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-51073577293164075902014-09-20T08:50:00.000-07:002015-05-28T05:54:49.299-07:00Playing around with colour<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a fun and easy project for me...since I've got a large family, it's almost intuitive to design for children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The project was to convert this custodial storage room into a playroom for this large building, filled with families with small children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdltsmR3JhFfj3eQUsawd0buIt9tAfeqp0VnMRn7q3JGMvN2iwAa4WgEPjCRyWADCwvppCkdUeteoOIj7chAELrhe6G1ougDZYUe_82kPV1UTvtXup7_gtt2FAroK6Jq2yLu7sM0vOW8U/s1600/playroom+before+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdltsmR3JhFfj3eQUsawd0buIt9tAfeqp0VnMRn7q3JGMvN2iwAa4WgEPjCRyWADCwvppCkdUeteoOIj7chAELrhe6G1ougDZYUe_82kPV1UTvtXup7_gtt2FAroK6Jq2yLu7sM0vOW8U/s1600/playroom+before+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfr4e4zuxP5BvuDCHDdjvO9uCFGFm6xi_ImzGqxHtKXEff9Rx6e3jqpc_Ce2bpWC6ME9S5iAOeqUo1eYKh6hdkqXtHRz0CceLi0FtKcqKCIWlbzYyNlbxsbAZQWqHdP2zsfi0GQmWfLg/s1600/IMG_00000391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfr4e4zuxP5BvuDCHDdjvO9uCFGFm6xi_ImzGqxHtKXEff9Rx6e3jqpc_Ce2bpWC6ME9S5iAOeqUo1eYKh6hdkqXtHRz0CceLi0FtKcqKCIWlbzYyNlbxsbAZQWqHdP2zsfi0GQmWfLg/s1600/IMG_00000391.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After re-locating the janitor's closet, we were ready to begin on the new playroom.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This room ended up being filled with several colourful custom pieces: a fun sized and cutely cut green laminate activity table, library grade furnishings, and bright rubber tiles arranged to resemble the marshy water colours of this friendly forest theme. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCIyPwBtM_qxZduCVGFs-wz6RDn58qOCFc_Andra7VaIIo2ChwhYJptDOkHfbKCGvjUKuTfRbYuVTaIfsKCcSQHU8-UdcDThzJKbIXzWCIPWymU1y9asM-yOeK0V4fFeqXCk4T0iUbg0/s1600/playroom+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCIyPwBtM_qxZduCVGFs-wz6RDn58qOCFc_Andra7VaIIo2ChwhYJptDOkHfbKCGvjUKuTfRbYuVTaIfsKCcSQHU8-UdcDThzJKbIXzWCIPWymU1y9asM-yOeK0V4fFeqXCk4T0iUbg0/s1600/playroom+7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">The wallpaper was made from a hand-drawn vector file. The birch trees sketched in a Bill Watterson-reminiscent style, add a whimsical touch to the room. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxul7bQLz13zP5QR8E8K5YSEJcroSsqoc9n0VZ-b48WmPuzBIeRjPeI_t3BNPmqeI0U-q_8sxQ7eLMzEJOCUQfXuEAEUM3GDOrCIAOmcvbLzfjnS4jH7je0USFydttgGv2nbGAqkyk44/s1600/playroom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxul7bQLz13zP5QR8E8K5YSEJcroSsqoc9n0VZ-b48WmPuzBIeRjPeI_t3BNPmqeI0U-q_8sxQ7eLMzEJOCUQfXuEAEUM3GDOrCIAOmcvbLzfjnS4jH7je0USFydttgGv2nbGAqkyk44/s1600/playroom+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The large windows made this an ideal space for daytime playing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">One of the main features of this room was an alphabet wall installation. The key is to have a variety of textures and patterns, to make it diversely appeasing to the eye. </span><span style="text-align: center;">My intern and I scoured numerous stores, some online, and were able to find and create a playful array of letters that worked with the colour scheme; </span><span style="text-align: center;">some of them were items loosely resembling the alphabet letters, </span><span style="text-align: center;">some of them deco-podged, some painted onto canvases, and some cleverly matched up to their phonetic sounds. i.e. </span><span style="text-align: center;">The Y was wrapped in yarn, the S is made from a s-s-snake, and well... w</span><span style="text-align: center;">ho do you see when you look into that letter fixed onto a mirror? U! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0414CipCt8UfZPEMrmW_Q2Z3J6MVcCpKDNpf9VwXsupFUjgZv8ExsMBgxaEmUVhoIJlwWGFmhEBc5eCrKRhBH_d-ura0Q4rDe6GcGSoEdbKqKLbatOJNqls5gNOCGooJrlpeKcteugI/s1600/alphabet+wall+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0414CipCt8UfZPEMrmW_Q2Z3J6MVcCpKDNpf9VwXsupFUjgZv8ExsMBgxaEmUVhoIJlwWGFmhEBc5eCrKRhBH_d-ura0Q4rDe6GcGSoEdbKqKLbatOJNqls5gNOCGooJrlpeKcteugI/s1600/alphabet+wall+5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued this fun and playful colour scheme to the bathroom, using wide tiles to make a vibrant feature wall around the toilet and vanity. Plus, the fixtures are toddler-sized, perfect for tiny hands and toilet training.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLPwldQto8WklT_uympqejp-ch0QJXOF44ZYYUKGOFAqgrlpYLsYaKa5pmyG9lrosLQ7Bcx1tikuGx2n_bSzA57sWSW3JUszrFoj6j430lblUmf-ub-ykhaKv-Kmj2LQhmRlpM9u11L8/s1600/playroom+bathroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLPwldQto8WklT_uympqejp-ch0QJXOF44ZYYUKGOFAqgrlpYLsYaKa5pmyG9lrosLQ7Bcx1tikuGx2n_bSzA57sWSW3JUszrFoj6j430lblUmf-ub-ykhaKv-Kmj2LQhmRlpM9u11L8/s1600/playroom+bathroom+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now all the kids in this building have a modern, yet practical playroom, full of vibrancy and fun! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9VEklvXK4LU%2FU7RDDUAYjAI%2FAAAAAAAAAhc%2FKdA8jyFAHsk%2Fs1600%2Fplayroom%2B3.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxul7bQLz13zP5QR8E8K5YSEJcroSsqoc9n0VZ-b48WmPuzBIeRjPeI_t3BNPmqeI0U-q_8sxQ7eLMzEJOCUQfXuEAEUM3GDOrCIAOmcvbLzfjnS4jH7je0USFydttgGv2nbGAqkyk44/s1600/playroom+3.jpg" -->Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-12448409319248957862014-06-08T11:29:00.001-07:002015-04-29T18:43:23.501-07:00Oval-the-moon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99onv4mAnQQbh9fBKUCYAXz51TpiOHo7m3UZDsVsQdp6kFG9m81_ImnE93Xvb_Y0jQcOE-YRi6eZp0chc3raVEBkwUM9iPAPIIp2VDIBVCs83wpp_fXUYgOFVnHBjHnOAR0uae9Nerw/s1600/IMG_9713+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99onv4mAnQQbh9fBKUCYAXz51TpiOHo7m3UZDsVsQdp6kFG9m81_ImnE93Xvb_Y0jQcOE-YRi6eZp0chc3raVEBkwUM9iPAPIIp2VDIBVCs83wpp_fXUYgOFVnHBjHnOAR0uae9Nerw/s1600/IMG_9713+-+Copy.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My initial thoughts for the design of this boutique building was to go English Country. It is a beautiful property in a quiet area of Toronto that has the elegance and charm from the outside - lush gardens and well manicured lawns - but it desperately needed some help on the inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With dated and lack lustre finishes my jumping off point was the fanciful wallpaper that has the design of a residential paper, but not often found in a commercial vinyl. Then we laboriously worked on enhancing the unique oval corridors with a custom designed signature carpet. Manufactured in Denmark by <a href="http://www.egecarpets.com/" target="_blank">Ege</a>, we anxiously awaited its arrival over a few months, and was absolutely overjoyed with the results. The carpet is divine, couture and so beautiful that you're afraid to walk on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-EJSJF9SzyQF1BHGnQRg3Ilq0bWRgxZw2rQWhA2Vk-S0Txo93Wm8c8Ql-QZdtAlqgg_UpSEw2EXGiDT7gAX1Y6xQhpJ7OQFIAxT7cGcDeDr3DSV4oh-Ap3nXvFM7KTCCqlX4E4hUqBs/s1600/IMG_9682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-EJSJF9SzyQF1BHGnQRg3Ilq0bWRgxZw2rQWhA2Vk-S0Txo93Wm8c8Ql-QZdtAlqgg_UpSEw2EXGiDT7gAX1Y6xQhpJ7OQFIAxT7cGcDeDr3DSV4oh-Ap3nXvFM7KTCCqlX4E4hUqBs/s1600/IMG_9682.JPG" height="200" width="131" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also added wainscoting, crown moldings, created custom cast bronze suite signage and every door was changed out to house beautiful polished gold hardware.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The corridors are now an elegant welcome as you step out of the elevators. I love the transformation with this project!...and the residents are all over the moon with it as well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3iKwrjI-XHsdbn9r9ASoRqDfHAPZJvTPFlvlebywKQK9_p6jaSxKsx2VutPC3Bb4ukumapH8IvhBbeza9arNxG5JkfYCaE4H0QJVQlytNuWxvn2m3RwrnoP2bVBz98HQEhYuFf_Eyu8/s1600/IMG-20120516-01434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3iKwrjI-XHsdbn9r9ASoRqDfHAPZJvTPFlvlebywKQK9_p6jaSxKsx2VutPC3Bb4ukumapH8IvhBbeza9arNxG5JkfYCaE4H0QJVQlytNuWxvn2m3RwrnoP2bVBz98HQEhYuFf_Eyu8/s1600/IMG-20120516-01434.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-84193938700720791782014-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:002014-05-12T07:57:44.918-07:00From Hum Drum to Wow<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-6X18zGngUvDLnA97TTlyqM_mhWSFTkFKU6Dxc2uiowNg67FnMcF2fE7_NTSZ_QQzOBNHewSalWDMTH6jG3rLK6C8ftijMh4yhn3dUTyy7z3eoNrIiYHb9dx1hu1NG_HQj-XsMJSfgs/s1600/10+Roanoke+lobby+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-6X18zGngUvDLnA97TTlyqM_mhWSFTkFKU6Dxc2uiowNg67FnMcF2fE7_NTSZ_QQzOBNHewSalWDMTH6jG3rLK6C8ftijMh4yhn3dUTyy7z3eoNrIiYHb9dx1hu1NG_HQj-XsMJSfgs/s1600/10+Roanoke+lobby+picture.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ7O9Z6sfel3_LItw_q97M_6Y0tCm9LsCmr04RTgFfJQZP_FzEjNm5X_wNPmlh7Hc35SwuHH1Tp7LmI5Buk4stIDRrAvQjysLp0evYniJkuoASY_rb2-ag8t0n6QAw8oVFOQocpFv3aI/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ7O9Z6sfel3_LItw_q97M_6Y0tCm9LsCmr04RTgFfJQZP_FzEjNm5X_wNPmlh7Hc35SwuHH1Tp7LmI5Buk4stIDRrAvQjysLp0evYniJkuoASY_rb2-ag8t0n6QAw8oVFOQocpFv3aI/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3lKpD6SzU0FVZ4sOHLHDjkDkimxisJoPvze7kEMqIw6rj-6fSKOkaBtb7Z1bIFso6Dw_pjaFoqv-hm6C4fQQ2B8GmlTzJlQcxr8k7dEFMMGugkSGJm4ZEbqiatk047KByPzstl2L44/s1600/961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3lKpD6SzU0FVZ4sOHLHDjkDkimxisJoPvze7kEMqIw6rj-6fSKOkaBtb7Z1bIFso6Dw_pjaFoqv-hm6C4fQQ2B8GmlTzJlQcxr8k7dEFMMGugkSGJm4ZEbqiatk047KByPzstl2L44/s1600/961.jpg" height="150" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my recent renos of a residential building had me updating the upper and lower lobbies and </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the administration offices </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">of two sister buildings. Originally equipped with little to no seating, tired finishes and dull lighting I decided to keep things neutral and focused on natural elements. The t</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">errazzo floor in the upper lobbies </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">were in perfect condition and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">were to remain, so I used that as my jumping off point and created warm neutrals in the space.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The lower lobby/ mailroom sometimes doubles as a party area, so </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">flexible seating was added along with c</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ustom cabinetry, for easier maintenance. It needed to be a little more utilitarian, since it is used as a pass-through for underground parking, however it has the same elegance as the upper lobby. The feel walking through now is much more inviting. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVbaIhq4QqHqdoz0UHyaiTERZQGs-hPsx4jfJXEtxq0IBLU6JoDOSMqwH2HEpylLQ64PPavzForlcBzwpZpm6Zmxpt-HyoGtRa4jIAq3kTPSadKFHUZg-Xx-EcE2WZhMd74HoWait3_Y/s1600/IMG_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVbaIhq4QqHqdoz0UHyaiTERZQGs-hPsx4jfJXEtxq0IBLU6JoDOSMqwH2HEpylLQ64PPavzForlcBzwpZpm6Zmxpt-HyoGtRa4jIAq3kTPSadKFHUZg-Xx-EcE2WZhMd74HoWait3_Y/s1600/IMG_8836.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5bJWx0U2wNCySQDNIWriipSZihCKmRHEiyfwKHVcCPqLdnAJ9U50_dxj7BO4pSNZi79LRN-9R4UtJhVmBANr-57L88MMGWG-P9rkvLPTzSKRzC66eLSF46PrUDQuicZyEO1DBUIahqI/s1600/IMG-20131006-01169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5bJWx0U2wNCySQDNIWriipSZihCKmRHEiyfwKHVcCPqLdnAJ9U50_dxj7BO4pSNZi79LRN-9R4UtJhVmBANr-57L88MMGWG-P9rkvLPTzSKRzC66eLSF46PrUDQuicZyEO1DBUIahqI/s1600/IMG-20131006-01169.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lower lobby / mail room </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nMFJCz4b6VQ%2FUyCrRqak1vI%2FAAAAAAAAAdM%2FLwHk4ndzMgM%2Fs1600%2F961.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3lKpD6SzU0FVZ4sOHLHDjkDkimxisJoPvze7kEMqIw6rj-6fSKOkaBtb7Z1bIFso6Dw_pjaFoqv-hm6C4fQQ2B8GmlTzJlQcxr8k7dEFMMGugkSGJm4ZEbqiatk047KByPzstl2L44/s1600/961.jpg" -->Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-64865960628305515962014-05-01T15:02:00.005-07:002014-05-01T15:02:48.589-07:00More of Miami<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9z3-bwZolCD5iRETDuBY79rpquhNHBt9yKB3pgg8Qnnee1hwAiMLs8lYtSeWfVmfuL33R9ISXRR-Drtbix2HlCd23SExrjoWtkl3mfieLs7vwQtu9VyZp4ufZeKTaOpzfkle_aGghZg/s1600/IMG_00000054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9z3-bwZolCD5iRETDuBY79rpquhNHBt9yKB3pgg8Qnnee1hwAiMLs8lYtSeWfVmfuL33R9ISXRR-Drtbix2HlCd23SExrjoWtkl3mfieLs7vwQtu9VyZp4ufZeKTaOpzfkle_aGghZg/s1600/IMG_00000054.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are just a few of the other sites that were jammed into my Miami schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The newly opened (December 2013)<a href="http://www.pamm.org/" target="_blank"> Pérez Art Museum Miami</a> was designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the same Swiss firm that created the <a href="http://www.1111lincolnroad.com/" target="_blank">"House of Cards" parking garage</a> which is cited for its architectural bravado.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jF6l5JJyAv2W-p_efrvDjsuUhn0xDzBu6OHxfHoe4Wws-c1WSobyIyC7VF8Q56cNqDxNGk0E3dCVu4R_pcRE2heBbiPln_T4_8Ox6wS3GwcIDCwsrusGZTm163M05F_umTgbg0MZc1M/s1600/IMG_00000074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jF6l5JJyAv2W-p_efrvDjsuUhn0xDzBu6OHxfHoe4Wws-c1WSobyIyC7VF8Q56cNqDxNGk0E3dCVu4R_pcRE2heBbiPln_T4_8Ox6wS3GwcIDCwsrusGZTm163M05F_umTgbg0MZc1M/s1600/IMG_00000074.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Their design for the museum includes a library, an auditorium, classrooms, art and digital media workshop spaces, and a café. The entire structure sits on an elevated platform below a canopy, both of which extend far beyond the museum's walls, creating a shaded veranda and plazas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Surprisingly, <i>Ai Weiwei: According to What?</i> was in exhibition - it was a treat to see it again - it featured all the pieces that were exhibited in Toronto in 2013, with the exception of <i>Bowls of Pearls</i>, two giant porcelain bowls filled with freshwater pearls - it was well guarded. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifET48kiEvi6J1mm5EMeOJn2CphAHwNMwh5WyuGsA9IlAaj7wwNUTdN2NGLpXqeP7osi-pPrXH2VBbWCZ5kJwhT3DgEW1MSXGu1wmv46bNJl8HplbruBQ4Y6I1qhCk0-WoZWerH5y3rSQ/s1600/IMG_00000058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifET48kiEvi6J1mm5EMeOJn2CphAHwNMwh5WyuGsA9IlAaj7wwNUTdN2NGLpXqeP7osi-pPrXH2VBbWCZ5kJwhT3DgEW1MSXGu1wmv46bNJl8HplbruBQ4Y6I1qhCk0-WoZWerH5y3rSQ/s1600/IMG_00000058.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSpQMkzyIwPwhvvnEMKa788iT6XjShdwJZIAU67mzxuPFNNsCt6bc1Lt0RzmkKDoFUlBi6804apuYmFPkhB6e-rOzP5Kefwy8eoDMl0pN3ic2xOqiPuTMa-I0ZQTV1X1KmF8PNJTLdfg/s1600/IMG_00000068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSpQMkzyIwPwhvvnEMKa788iT6XjShdwJZIAU67mzxuPFNNsCt6bc1Lt0RzmkKDoFUlBi6804apuYmFPkhB6e-rOzP5Kefwy8eoDMl0pN3ic2xOqiPuTMa-I0ZQTV1X1KmF8PNJTLdfg/s1600/IMG_00000068.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e3i4BidnSlxcGdqJWnQOi3GD3fD1fG6Nn0GWLTD2GNTYNhgRJd-qkGuWHjjQPC8m8LrOSFJy6i7ZxCLjXj3rkGHts5FifvcN7QNRxR6D0hD3fX0h3Q2McPeZfma5gWNDsbzlrasCluQ/s1600/IMG_00000067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e3i4BidnSlxcGdqJWnQOi3GD3fD1fG6Nn0GWLTD2GNTYNhgRJd-qkGuWHjjQPC8m8LrOSFJy6i7ZxCLjXj3rkGHts5FifvcN7QNRxR6D0hD3fX0h3Q2McPeZfma5gWNDsbzlrasCluQ/s1600/IMG_00000067.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoQD2rZMUBNLVz-YvLjzJjDzkuPuoZ6z_-T8NdSY1uiY-TUBJ0GUjgFrQe6B4oTg5tBP-5jJ9-SktWrw-zQqis2ZGrAfZix9cgb7C5lj2RhQ0OtEGVtp_thedc_KLNRhUt1kN3NJtY7s/s1600/IMG_00000084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoQD2rZMUBNLVz-YvLjzJjDzkuPuoZ6z_-T8NdSY1uiY-TUBJ0GUjgFrQe6B4oTg5tBP-5jJ9-SktWrw-zQqis2ZGrAfZix9cgb7C5lj2RhQ0OtEGVtp_thedc_KLNRhUt1kN3NJtY7s/s1600/IMG_00000084.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pedestrian Entrance to PMAM: Reminiscent of Antoni Gaudi's Serpentine Bench Twists</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4twrkOE_AIpUBwOOWu-b5ClYAtP_-tFFBcNBH7OULYYAhR3NDM87NQF0rjbxtXGYodZUhVHYLK6ausk-cMjWfH0pA9-KEoYdvHKg1LWeNilqFcs9eMND6MJo9CL6retmarmwJFAqidPQ/s1600/IMG_00000031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4twrkOE_AIpUBwOOWu-b5ClYAtP_-tFFBcNBH7OULYYAhR3NDM87NQF0rjbxtXGYodZUhVHYLK6ausk-cMjWfH0pA9-KEoYdvHKg1LWeNilqFcs9eMND6MJo9CL6retmarmwJFAqidPQ/s1600/IMG_00000031.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also toured the grounds of Vizcaya, the estate home of John Deering, of the farm equipment legacy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The home was constructed from 1910 to 1916 with additional building until 1922. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">The </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Villa Vizcaya</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;"> is distinguished for its </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Italian Renaissance</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;"> inspired </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mediterranean Revival architecture</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">, its huge </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Italian Renaissance revival gardens</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2px;">, and sumptuously designed interior architecture not to mention all of the art pieces housed within - it is the closest thing to Italy, in North America. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHZsMS7EZMiFziSXymXU_9DixVpJy_FTAj1FeD6_ZnXHTYxGrEPdHX8V7lr9u2lNpVFPtwYcBmtLqIG44QaNkXVio6yL3aHsJNljnEFOhPaxdOMojAIIL7TpCcOouQ_9FEIYNcIvJR9c/s1600/IMG_00000043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHZsMS7EZMiFziSXymXU_9DixVpJy_FTAj1FeD6_ZnXHTYxGrEPdHX8V7lr9u2lNpVFPtwYcBmtLqIG44QaNkXVio6yL3aHsJNljnEFOhPaxdOMojAIIL7TpCcOouQ_9FEIYNcIvJR9c/s1600/IMG_00000043.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A peaceful retreat away from the main house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNktoqnhKzGoTH2quXkRuiQvxA2ooylg2Ynqdv2didU39-3Hmz5atezGNJPHqZCtmGBY1VzqU0zpNTRrr_Ie4-UXj5RZ0qQQqbvni0_xXtWJ2RD9Zu6K4t36bRD-aD1IHzFb9M8koWfA/s1600/IMG_00000038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNktoqnhKzGoTH2quXkRuiQvxA2ooylg2Ynqdv2didU39-3Hmz5atezGNJPHqZCtmGBY1VzqU0zpNTRrr_Ie4-UXj5RZ0qQQqbvni0_xXtWJ2RD9Zu6K4t36bRD-aD1IHzFb9M8koWfA/s1600/IMG_00000038.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A breakfront created to welcome visiting boats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-29869641116110635362014-03-12T10:32:00.001-07:002014-03-12T13:42:24.619-07:00Docking in Fort Lauderdale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwV5KlvKsa95AnE2a8t17-lolAFoUvb3wjAHS9PS2TtiasHPdSaFEwG0rRdlf_gLk32EG71_O9j8lu7o_V0BE29qqkifTMoNleQdcrgqE78DxSJ7sbXhgzzcjEeSoHQaYYf0EpIhfURs/s1600/IMG_00000149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwV5KlvKsa95AnE2a8t17-lolAFoUvb3wjAHS9PS2TtiasHPdSaFEwG0rRdlf_gLk32EG71_O9j8lu7o_V0BE29qqkifTMoNleQdcrgqE78DxSJ7sbXhgzzcjEeSoHQaYYf0EpIhfURs/s1600/IMG_00000149.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fort Lauderdale is home to South Florida's "powerhouse port", Port Everglades, and is one of the most diverse seaports in the United States.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quick trivia! Do you know which day of the week Florida sees it's highest water consumption?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...every Sunday, as cruise ships prepare for the week and fill their ships.</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Port Everglades is one of the top three cruise ports in the world and being just 45 minutes from Miami, I jumped at the opportunity to have an exclusive tour of one of the newest ships, Royal Princess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been a while since I last set foot on a cruise ship, so I was eager to soak in the details of luxury that every cruise ship exudes with their decor. The Royal Princess is aptly named as it was recently christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge in June 2013. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hZti0lQyktat83dnkzmz3SOxJ7Z4UgWQhMmaaTs94Deeln4vMjG9H4boAE3iZemX5ADiQqT6LeL7HG7PPsp1tnX3-KTlLXvbIQ8R1yCJkav29m7RgF6n9M2Q7olhEsxqy4i6jqpeqHw/s1600/IMG_00000187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hZti0lQyktat83dnkzmz3SOxJ7Z4UgWQhMmaaTs94Deeln4vMjG9H4boAE3iZemX5ADiQqT6LeL7HG7PPsp1tnX3-KTlLXvbIQ8R1yCJkav29m7RgF6n9M2Q7olhEsxqy4i6jqpeqHw/s1600/IMG_00000187.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She made her U.S. debut at Port Everglades on October 27 and will take more than 3,560 guests on 7-day cruises to the Caribbean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Royal Princess was a feast for the eyes... from the floors to the ceilings and everything in between! Each piece of furniture on the ocean liner reflects the majestic design of the space - the clean lines and unique shapes add distinction and refinement. The high, elaborate ceilings and the many crystal light fixtures give a spacious and airy feel. They also compliment the intricately patterned carpet and marble floors; each area of the ship has its own distinctive arrangement of color and form. With so many beautiful elements on board, luxury was definitely felt throughout the ship.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1EWPnTNTQE923Ol1j6Y7rw3pq5vjgkUnuwEGsjYDk_4FubRZxTXeiL3gHrEC1gtnoA8dKn0WF3uOO5WSGFSnQMIXIyhDqKZ28e0D4ak0zr1xt_BhuK-ruqVfEcQv8ywEJ0hS8bNu2aQ/s1600/IMG_00000155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1EWPnTNTQE923Ol1j6Y7rw3pq5vjgkUnuwEGsjYDk_4FubRZxTXeiL3gHrEC1gtnoA8dKn0WF3uOO5WSGFSnQMIXIyhDqKZ28e0D4ak0zr1xt_BhuK-ruqVfEcQv8ywEJ0hS8bNu2aQ/s1600/IMG_00000155.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63XX-zgAmrrnJP2NdPHc6YJhy6GpQ6EH6qekyRFcXspdmfr4Ky9DN1D_aBObsRJ2kWagh30El9E-fCqC5cnMOCXqdidHGHowPZUtl5o9AJo53QVEUyaRzPINu35NHwb5kixiTu57_5c/s1600/IMG_00000189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63XX-zgAmrrnJP2NdPHc6YJhy6GpQ6EH6qekyRFcXspdmfr4Ky9DN1D_aBObsRJ2kWagh30El9E-fCqC5cnMOCXqdidHGHowPZUtl5o9AJo53QVEUyaRzPINu35NHwb5kixiTu57_5c/s1600/IMG_00000189.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6KhgapbwWe83b5G0naovkRhRvIml6OnLhPV-LBvyZi3ZWGLiTdtJ2IgvhbWqDP9cuUUfon7Tpf4VJ3y_4mM937mfh9Si3CmrhDNABsB1pX7jgBp010mWdfh7ua3rKMXR6r0Wz_C_Tkw/s1600/IMG_00000190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6KhgapbwWe83b5G0naovkRhRvIml6OnLhPV-LBvyZi3ZWGLiTdtJ2IgvhbWqDP9cuUUfon7Tpf4VJ3y_4mM937mfh9Si3CmrhDNABsB1pX7jgBp010mWdfh7ua3rKMXR6r0Wz_C_Tkw/s1600/IMG_00000190.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzko7L8naQzfQUKaTrTsg08qyWVCw-eSDYuoPXUsRbou4UjPAGEHsGc8ht5hGUy874Vts6q1IeYGFbk8G9pGr9iwRH0opYY-xmHuLQuPmUHjscPBxx8OJhI-Jfl8A7bNWb3NltS7bLFDE/s1600/IMG_00000163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzko7L8naQzfQUKaTrTsg08qyWVCw-eSDYuoPXUsRbou4UjPAGEHsGc8ht5hGUy874Vts6q1IeYGFbk8G9pGr9iwRH0opYY-xmHuLQuPmUHjscPBxx8OJhI-Jfl8A7bNWb3NltS7bLFDE/s1600/IMG_00000163.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm3iCL1Hrk-Z09OrKxLphXthM8O4OG7C-HMDd4un0aTKcM3rMdi-PTDQVTCKt2UI6rIUvhUeghwlNLR9k-MKJXXEjEYIX5rz0Wlxwovfc2jrfpMRkNwvZJaSf9FKU5v9mi_Q_Oi3GHtM/s1600/IMG_00000162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm3iCL1Hrk-Z09OrKxLphXthM8O4OG7C-HMDd4un0aTKcM3rMdi-PTDQVTCKt2UI6rIUvhUeghwlNLR9k-MKJXXEjEYIX5rz0Wlxwovfc2jrfpMRkNwvZJaSf9FKU5v9mi_Q_Oi3GHtM/s1600/IMG_00000162.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y3u5zexOXHSCpd1ZT-gEQaWfKK5Wm9wOZB3yx-6saw0r3lXJ294XNfjWzOP_ue4z_96c_2SlpKNGfBvO_qmykNfR8wNo2qgUpK5I6WBXK8DJWyXJfHUtcUvT1PB_PJ5Jfu31kR78GQ0/s1600/IMG_00000170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y3u5zexOXHSCpd1ZT-gEQaWfKK5Wm9wOZB3yx-6saw0r3lXJ294XNfjWzOP_ue4z_96c_2SlpKNGfBvO_qmykNfR8wNo2qgUpK5I6WBXK8DJWyXJfHUtcUvT1PB_PJ5Jfu31kR78GQ0/s1600/IMG_00000170.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Enclave Spa - An extravagant space for almost every type of treatment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-83032849732564596052014-02-27T14:08:00.000-08:002014-03-13T18:39:09.063-07:00Miami's heat : Art Deco revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZEu9cb0SW_9J1ZCsyLn8u2cxblWr9o77SKKetploYipSHqIgInJ8abJt99ktD5tiT2Hrvs0P4IOVX7mhNFgKYo8xsjNpmxyO2uP8Z-BOLLuq3zYJ5QGxdrxlTttqi16YOANmDiUcf0c/s1600/IMG_00000122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZEu9cb0SW_9J1ZCsyLn8u2cxblWr9o77SKKetploYipSHqIgInJ8abJt99ktD5tiT2Hrvs0P4IOVX7mhNFgKYo8xsjNpmxyO2uP8Z-BOLLuq3zYJ5QGxdrxlTttqi16YOANmDiUcf0c/s1600/IMG_00000122.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the dreaded chill of Toronto's winter, I decided to forego the annual New York jaunt and instead booked a ticket to sunny Florida for my inspiration trip this year. Not wanting to simply sit on the beach, I had a rigorous schedule to see what Miami's design scene had to offer - I've never explored Miami in this light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started with the revived Miami Beach and toured the various Art Deco hotels of South Beach in the evening - admiring the buildings with their stunning neon lights and brilliant color combinations. The strip was alive with musicians and laughing crowds. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxq1HQ-dIkbnvIv_Y9pXk2yUXKBeJx8K_vdL0OnvHrF4g95VVrt2ajmzB6htkYHpjQFncbGgId1rL4Ro7YE47PA0XOg76PNCHC99syb4Y47Uuh8oNp0aphmaAja9IlVzr5-D23fD140g/s1600/IMG_00000251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxq1HQ-dIkbnvIv_Y9pXk2yUXKBeJx8K_vdL0OnvHrF4g95VVrt2ajmzB6htkYHpjQFncbGgId1rL4Ro7YE47PA0XOg76PNCHC99syb4Y47Uuh8oNp0aphmaAja9IlVzr5-D23fD140g/s1600/IMG_00000251.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went back during the day to soak in a few more interiors and was fortunate enough to get a tour of the National Hotel (1677 Collins Avenue), currently under construction. They recently restored the two-story lobby, where reproductions of the original furniture and light sconces can be found. The guest rooms have also been meticulously designed to have the original feel of the era. The 205 ft long pool, (not from the Deco period) in the back is impressively 'Miami'!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy0sNqhlph2giJxZLZxO5OqVq7yNQ5EyRIKNcq6ARRFDfk5W8MIwpXaont-KOqaZqOaiZ6Ev_0nrsihqdBCwoGdsSjX82vrnXsOPQ9M48UwC6oF-gyFxkjWLW_cs81SNS8KscSJa2OxM/s1600/IMG_00000257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy0sNqhlph2giJxZLZxO5OqVq7yNQ5EyRIKNcq6ARRFDfk5W8MIwpXaont-KOqaZqOaiZ6Ev_0nrsihqdBCwoGdsSjX82vrnXsOPQ9M48UwC6oF-gyFxkjWLW_cs81SNS8KscSJa2OxM/s1600/IMG_00000257.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnI4h8yYz6TJCpcNtHQHKSmPxIHPs08H8tZZ6897L57a26Saw76_Dzp8YE1CVGoIaiIHIzkicl4mHz88T-kaPJo-1jhMKDsTD5QvAln4VVgEwgC2E7Mz4N-aEa_t_EDsKoF7d4t-CtYs/s1600/IMG_00000275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnI4h8yYz6TJCpcNtHQHKSmPxIHPs08H8tZZ6897L57a26Saw76_Dzp8YE1CVGoIaiIHIzkicl4mHz88T-kaPJo-1jhMKDsTD5QvAln4VVgEwgC2E7Mz4N-aEa_t_EDsKoF7d4t-CtYs/s1600/IMG_00000275.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The journey of walking through the lobby of the Delano was also quite spectacular; designed by famed architect Robert Swartburg in 1947 and renovated by Philippe Starck in 1994, the Delano is the tallest building on Miami Beach. Its charm is found equally in its grand structure and its intricate details: between each column in the lobby is a secluded seating area each to its own, dimly lit comfy casual hideaways. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zVCMB9vnf9CBF0EFDIo_fctZicxRuO-1MfWwKkGcNOOx6FKNYqpCncmuQSyoIRzBVx9IX1buxlgL_ILhSzdLpIpzERkt59qQi7PhJrpScspKy_lnK1F8s2-g-uyky_KZdSTba_Aodkg/s1600/IMG_00000114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zVCMB9vnf9CBF0EFDIo_fctZicxRuO-1MfWwKkGcNOOx6FKNYqpCncmuQSyoIRzBVx9IX1buxlgL_ILhSzdLpIpzERkt59qQi7PhJrpScspKy_lnK1F8s2-g-uyky_KZdSTba_Aodkg/s1600/IMG_00000114.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Miami is also embodied in these large scale (approximately 6' high) art pieces by local artist Havi Schanz, exhibited in the Carlyle Hotel.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkqYWNunJiSS6sIqT9SkNIaOQ9stbXoF1Qr1KQRISqX9QHMLBh_ymkfA5GP8GyRHxprFZA74MdZNNX62byxGNxXSt0VGmnAG5qKAi9HyedZgo5xudtrChLmcLXDrmhOdHh37Yl3uUNek/s1600/IMG_00000115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkqYWNunJiSS6sIqT9SkNIaOQ9stbXoF1Qr1KQRISqX9QHMLBh_ymkfA5GP8GyRHxprFZA74MdZNNX62byxGNxXSt0VGmnAG5qKAi9HyedZgo5xudtrChLmcLXDrmhOdHh37Yl3uUNek/s1600/IMG_00000115.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's so much to share about Miami, I'll have more posts in the coming weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-54491310316046954992013-11-14T10:42:00.003-08:002015-12-09T19:15:13.331-08:00Midtown bathroom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaGo0EOcuwF7j458Jk7mV8BDurQI9scl-6k0JH9TOGXnugTpvFtll_glyTFJdjgutezntJh6LvCEibwSmCUeXcfGYASoBNjWWTC2qAWuOLs3h55vMic3-2y-evjNhmwY2AfqlwnYpznw/s1600/shower+after+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaGo0EOcuwF7j458Jk7mV8BDurQI9scl-6k0JH9TOGXnugTpvFtll_glyTFJdjgutezntJh6LvCEibwSmCUeXcfGYASoBNjWWTC2qAWuOLs3h55vMic3-2y-evjNhmwY2AfqlwnYpznw/s400/shower+after+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's a quick and easy reno. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A young family wanted to renovate their basement washroom. Although the washroom was in a convenient location - next to where the children hung out - they were afraid to use it!...well, to their credit, it was also being used as semi-storage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The clients wanted to be able to use the shower regularly, have the children not be afraid to enter the bathroom, and have construction done in weeks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have to say, that the clients were amazing!!...after a quick consultation on a Saturday morning (before they had to be off with the kids for their activities), and within a week of my proposal everything was set and ready for their contractor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What a transformation!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKG8WxpZZXW_oLn2FvCMcGkIfknNiYmniKD7nQ-c54kP8b9BBURlBLKThmcTEZ9MIJbWFMvfxnLDhvrRB70Y-F12_yscqxshinRx6FoKQmrIVRbXWowIgwWUrLX-Qq7INAEScBQm1Mjg/s1600/sink+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKG8WxpZZXW_oLn2FvCMcGkIfknNiYmniKD7nQ-c54kP8b9BBURlBLKThmcTEZ9MIJbWFMvfxnLDhvrRB70Y-F12_yscqxshinRx6FoKQmrIVRbXWowIgwWUrLX-Qq7INAEScBQm1Mjg/s400/sink+after.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5LVEO-DUU22vuhDi5ApK0OtfGxtP8qXdQXZetBu7H84EvdZc-dLe98pAUILitQcv66xqYXbFH_LVK22QvfA4HHxY22s3vTs3BdGCO4PiSc8qnpAJ984_z9PeezRootZC1EgFOscM9to/s1600/sink+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5LVEO-DUU22vuhDi5ApK0OtfGxtP8qXdQXZetBu7H84EvdZc-dLe98pAUILitQcv66xqYXbFH_LVK22QvfA4HHxY22s3vTs3BdGCO4PiSc8qnpAJ984_z9PeezRootZC1EgFOscM9to/s320/sink+before.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFvSO_mAjf0g_8c3iwGW9veCbrg9Tk6Xz4g0iTrg-vn2NvAsenvH4aeB3nRNGLkQr3mu479-V9fm6wUoNlFIlmrvp9i64242mem6ULhw2sxBlwUNe3lIoBIrm78eqH7DT-Lm11Neo1Tk/s1600/shower+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFvSO_mAjf0g_8c3iwGW9veCbrg9Tk6Xz4g0iTrg-vn2NvAsenvH4aeB3nRNGLkQr3mu479-V9fm6wUoNlFIlmrvp9i64242mem6ULhw2sxBlwUNe3lIoBIrm78eqH7DT-Lm11Neo1Tk/s320/shower+before.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-52142664966617693532013-08-18T12:19:00.001-07:002014-03-12T14:26:32.980-07:00Social Room Reno<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-k1qiJ8JJYLomlKZlbiVlygL2sMAqUs85l_rd5Lp_L4G36nrjbbormFhjHzUQqPW8w7K0Ck90PcRN1PI6EW9bwlFLI7DUzrFm_zXqvvv_PlTdYnU6N7moOXKvKLo0buORtnfPKxGtWQ/s1600/IMG_7486+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-k1qiJ8JJYLomlKZlbiVlygL2sMAqUs85l_rd5Lp_L4G36nrjbbormFhjHzUQqPW8w7K0Ck90PcRN1PI6EW9bwlFLI7DUzrFm_zXqvvv_PlTdYnU6N7moOXKvKLo0buORtnfPKxGtWQ/s400/IMG_7486+crop.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For 10 years, the residents of this 3-building complex in a desired area in Toronto have wanted their social room to be renovated - the dance floor had seen better days and the single sofa in the room was begging to be retired.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were asked to be very conscious of the budget, so renovations were kept to be mainly cosmetic.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPceYIOKuc6GvZB7Xa_FwMVAN-jIn6ef4Q42afZyWr15XIKjQ4tHOFII7Fb_5VU_EUNWvCAsem_evtZCioFx55F1AM9JmUB1-edPMA6jBhyTdATviKx0APjdAqGfbKTxNbb6JaGxFxGU/s1600/IMG-20121128-02426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPceYIOKuc6GvZB7Xa_FwMVAN-jIn6ef4Q42afZyWr15XIKjQ4tHOFII7Fb_5VU_EUNWvCAsem_evtZCioFx55F1AM9JmUB1-edPMA6jBhyTdATviKx0APjdAqGfbKTxNbb6JaGxFxGU/s200/IMG-20121128-02426.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wall covering installed - Love the circles!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The project design was signed off in February 2012, and by October, every wall, floor and the ceiling had been overhauled with commercial grade wall</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">coverings, vinyl wood planks for the floor throughout, dimmable CFL pot lights and new cabinetry. In the bathroom, the expanse of wall tiles were kept and the new finishes worked with the colours and geometrics of the chicklet 70's tiles. The redesigned kitchen now has the all-important buffet island that's needed for party usage in this century, without the expanse of empty cabinets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This summer's budgets allowed for the much needed furnishings - so now the room is a party space you can really party in!</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX4jFXLbVIrCjatUyDJk5LR0ycVQmrUByvMIySF4oW3hgKFV9qpgfwEGuy_qLdRW-tdEJnT4QkYLXVJhq02BUadgS-CcHoeoWqWgvWowIaH9EWiVAeRVrL8tDCa30P8cFT6kl6mPzTu4/s1600/Toronto-20120120-00546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX4jFXLbVIrCjatUyDJk5LR0ycVQmrUByvMIySF4oW3hgKFV9qpgfwEGuy_qLdRW-tdEJnT4QkYLXVJhq02BUadgS-CcHoeoWqWgvWowIaH9EWiVAeRVrL8tDCa30P8cFT6kl6mPzTu4/s200/Toronto-20120120-00546.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrNe316Jis_IxVbwUFrTvKrk2rIxwgkb6s31c0ZB69bKH45uZ4kOaFzDmc8LaoRnRAATuom6xqqAyiMP7ElsUaSephnXbXNMRr7YgUP4JJeW1qTQU8sOy-MlJB7SH4uqW0m3mCI5bbP4/s1600/Toronto-20120120-00550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrNe316Jis_IxVbwUFrTvKrk2rIxwgkb6s31c0ZB69bKH45uZ4kOaFzDmc8LaoRnRAATuom6xqqAyiMP7ElsUaSephnXbXNMRr7YgUP4JJeW1qTQU8sOy-MlJB7SH4uqW0m3mCI5bbP4/s200/Toronto-20120120-00550.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeZuHJlpGUe4fH7zDc3flX4DQl1REbIO5JR-MpLu-zTaA3GXVE5jFzWoNXYvHikI-Pn4Jc4EYLj_gElBmBbMsjXRrjhhUyGDUWzeqoo0p8mGLhpi_expsa557M0Q79zTwoC4I8IlDwwg/s1600/Toronto-20120120-00542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeZuHJlpGUe4fH7zDc3flX4DQl1REbIO5JR-MpLu-zTaA3GXVE5jFzWoNXYvHikI-Pn4Jc4EYLj_gElBmBbMsjXRrjhhUyGDUWzeqoo0p8mGLhpi_expsa557M0Q79zTwoC4I8IlDwwg/s200/Toronto-20120120-00542.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa_H784-sT7Pg8mbDTK2bHJkUDgBiy94v5-6WBRTa1cC8sXQ4qPbbERjxRtQAUhyphenhyphenh5vbBtT2cdOkCc3Uj0_HD_8S2-xPzD4wIcdXcNpC6nhocQyM3OzW3eeYEZ_GrvhNhqTuMMnCdVz0/s1600/IMG-20121218-02529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa_H784-sT7Pg8mbDTK2bHJkUDgBiy94v5-6WBRTa1cC8sXQ4qPbbERjxRtQAUhyphenhyphenh5vbBtT2cdOkCc3Uj0_HD_8S2-xPzD4wIcdXcNpC6nhocQyM3OzW3eeYEZ_GrvhNhqTuMMnCdVz0/s320/IMG-20121218-02529.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's amazing what a transformation new cabinetry can make to the space</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YQOfNcQxH8rGzkQjmvbnE4zKb7Wr35cc9wlhSvXqqOsci7VX6t_pG_RUBcYF1DYRt9YjUQ3JQa5Vp1WwL5OqisyYzMPoe4ZLTAk8VB9_4bBeG1QPsbz9RdRE3ilkVvlHVdAIW698hSM/s1600/IMG-20121218-02518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YQOfNcQxH8rGzkQjmvbnE4zKb7Wr35cc9wlhSvXqqOsci7VX6t_pG_RUBcYF1DYRt9YjUQ3JQa5Vp1WwL5OqisyYzMPoe4ZLTAk8VB9_4bBeG1QPsbz9RdRE3ilkVvlHVdAIW698hSM/s400/IMG-20121218-02518.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-83512932566131231012013-08-01T19:06:00.000-07:002013-08-01T19:06:09.395-07:00Ashes to Fitness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu5GWTuO_jKnmWffNlAD48C4fZngGpvoESkNZhkybmdWLCGPHxED79-DgyZegPfRNkZQmKkiBE8409lWk_ipc43Gxk2WttrrlwoXRD5X7C3OvE4-16kJVcxHZF3az9iyFbRoswnaaM5A/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu5GWTuO_jKnmWffNlAD48C4fZngGpvoESkNZhkybmdWLCGPHxED79-DgyZegPfRNkZQmKkiBE8409lWk_ipc43Gxk2WttrrlwoXRD5X7C3OvE4-16kJVcxHZF3az9iyFbRoswnaaM5A/s320/IMG_7988.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This renovation was a quick and easy project...for me that is. For the residents of this beautiful lakefront property in Burlington, what was once their sauna had accidentally charred almost two years ago. We stripped everything back to the bare walls and after permits and studies, I was finally able to transform the room into the fitness centre they never had...but desperately wanted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtIaDfND_HTZGbQHposk7IwjPKkM_ymKKTItN7sXn6qr4Abnt4GsyqXTdUiDUFowNlW_hzGFbO34DxzleOSa9DmDpVq_YRYPzn_B9L19KTtHqFmZbb6S-uTmpGeMuje1WE528QMy9d7I/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtIaDfND_HTZGbQHposk7IwjPKkM_ymKKTItN7sXn6qr4Abnt4GsyqXTdUiDUFowNlW_hzGFbO34DxzleOSa9DmDpVq_YRYPzn_B9L19KTtHqFmZbb6S-uTmpGeMuje1WE528QMy9d7I/s200/IMG_7978.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The owners of the building asked to keep it simple, but I just couldn't bring myself to slap on paint and drop in flooring - so I added some trim detail to the walls to give the room some interest. A little detail goes a long way don't you think?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-74444067678937013772013-07-24T21:25:00.000-07:002013-07-24T21:25:39.871-07:00Tempted to Touch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9fisKE_2ESBk9YCwagqQtw7VEe7u6CRjrZv7cEgjDr_oCRwiaJUWGhYGx2miQiEDldYByAoy25pPeJUcxYAdVXyytQnqCXUaxy9WOw2M24ruA73AGMkwob86NSqYKMLMnsLpf7w9KTc/s1600/IMG_7114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9fisKE_2ESBk9YCwagqQtw7VEe7u6CRjrZv7cEgjDr_oCRwiaJUWGhYGx2miQiEDldYByAoy25pPeJUcxYAdVXyytQnqCXUaxy9WOw2M24ruA73AGMkwob86NSqYKMLMnsLpf7w9KTc/s320/IMG_7114.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My most recent design endeavor was to remodel a lobby area for a mid-town Toronto residential building that would reflect the hip demographic of its residents. I have re-done a few lobbies over the years, but wanted to make this one special. Since the building recently underwent renovations to it's exterior with a modern approach, I wanted to create a space that would mirror the contemporary touches, yet staying with classic finishes. The result included an astonishing detailed art-wall crafted by my finest carpenter and artisan. The natural walnut wall not only adds warmth to the space - its installed in an enveloping parabola - but also gives the space an edge to the formerly insipid lobby. The geometric forms really pop against the circular patterns, which immediately draws the eye, and invites you to stay a while. And if you get a chance to touch the piece of art, you'll relish how smooth each square is - like a fine French polish.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbtfYoZaNs0FKAZPGfZDkmO1EI_C1taecKD4qb9EBvPGRYSI6fxYlyP5SuRu0S5rivMH8ZzY7qjuR9XHEIiayyfJGJH0MHRIv16fI2VSIhosjwlEN8WnHqs6GSxk-Cz5XjRaGY4J8JSY/s1600/Toronto-20120125-00653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbtfYoZaNs0FKAZPGfZDkmO1EI_C1taecKD4qb9EBvPGRYSI6fxYlyP5SuRu0S5rivMH8ZzY7qjuR9XHEIiayyfJGJH0MHRIv16fI2VSIhosjwlEN8WnHqs6GSxk-Cz5XjRaGY4J8JSY/s320/Toronto-20120125-00653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: The paneling had been white washed which damaged the integrity of the finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDO45joUUX5CWUgIj8QbEZVpyf49pQ5PQPEv1dFigdHy69q2vT9IqTgs_v5wUpdSKygLEhyqN-mhYltqHiZ3x2ftWNJ3PFDJ84vExyfgLBs71kktJrvtCaP-uI5uDzzKTyRogEXkfXHE/s1600/IMG_7104+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDO45joUUX5CWUgIj8QbEZVpyf49pQ5PQPEv1dFigdHy69q2vT9IqTgs_v5wUpdSKygLEhyqN-mhYltqHiZ3x2ftWNJ3PFDJ84vExyfgLBs71kktJrvtCaP-uI5uDzzKTyRogEXkfXHE/s640/IMG_7104+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891155734583072782.post-24887836869415353972013-07-15T18:19:00.001-07:002014-03-12T12:19:23.304-07:00Lounging updated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVqdLhtkt9kxr3c5VfrN8Y_7qu0xLTBzpDzqp6AECeZmJVvqIy3bnjftpY672fvN6ILbhmcYy0p5AbeSRCAs8Mna_p48m_210Ry8cmX-_C4DSIF1tFjZ1ihNMs4Fi7DbDf24xE97cgGM/s480/72388_10151525676807559_2009346527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVqdLhtkt9kxr3c5VfrN8Y_7qu0xLTBzpDzqp6AECeZmJVvqIy3bnjftpY672fvN6ILbhmcYy0p5AbeSRCAs8Mna_p48m_210Ry8cmX-_C4DSIF1tFjZ1ihNMs4Fi7DbDf24xE97cgGM/s320/72388_10151525676807559_2009346527_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">In many of my commercial projects I'm updating a space that maybe hasn't been touched for a decade or two - the spaces are thus under-utilized and an eyesore. The transformation of these two lounges, in twin buildings in mid-town Toronto, caused great excitement, in a good way...Now the spaces are being used by many who never knew it existed in their building(s) before.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloZJuok3p6zuKqana-BxBVnxQo6YifEdV8ATOi_eHmWyk6rNfeKfhqRss0QoCltO7BqtQyo-x9a_yvLZ0foud6o6QiKMaAvHrfL7MQlSV68pZqhpje4obAPt8fDWantQFRFfZGbOOcgY/s1600/before+Bretton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloZJuok3p6zuKqana-BxBVnxQo6YifEdV8ATOi_eHmWyk6rNfeKfhqRss0QoCltO7BqtQyo-x9a_yvLZ0foud6o6QiKMaAvHrfL7MQlSV68pZqhpje4obAPt8fDWantQFRFfZGbOOcgY/s640/before+Bretton.jpg" height="155" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before l.to r.: Lounge 1 - seating for 5 maximum, Lounge 1 - the library was an essential to work into the new design, Lounge 2 - left over furniture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My aim was to make the spaces warm and cozy, using quality finishes the residents expect. I gave each lounge the same elements in finishes and furniture pieces, but in different scales since the size of the rooms were not the same. The wall units were custom built by my master carpenter using walnut - the continuous grains on the cabinet doors is the detail you appreciate of his work. The sofas have a luxurious feel of velvet, yet are of commercial grade and can stand up to wear - they're over 9' long, taking full advantage of the space, and making sure there's room for everyone. With large scale carpet tiles the floor never needs to look tired from stains - just pick it up and exchange it for a new one!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y24sZJHdjA0TlSuF1QMsOg1nWiFFTGxsyM-C6SJImKMjJZ2q4a9TO-R9Sq7DhyphenhyphenuzsRopgvjMfw6PhBkYBEv1cG5fhXXlqBw3YbxUieS2fELu-Jq-LqDRFzTp795MdkSTh6W7uoBrpmI/s1600/IMG-20130424-00222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y24sZJHdjA0TlSuF1QMsOg1nWiFFTGxsyM-C6SJImKMjJZ2q4a9TO-R9Sq7DhyphenhyphenuzsRopgvjMfw6PhBkYBEv1cG5fhXXlqBw3YbxUieS2fELu-Jq-LqDRFzTp795MdkSTh6W7uoBrpmI/s400/IMG-20130424-00222.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lounge 1: The library of books are now hidden inside the cabinet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA_kbO1c2Ul2ZEANGDUkClyL5JRWdbzq4dKB4xkFhU7ujGPJsm7Itjo_0QCNutgScNjOD6qJ72ejzIQ8v4PyrdbfG_GE7eRvYWidCCRw3R4mNph_mkmn3qHd0OiHmLdHZN8VQCaP607Q/s1600/IMG-20130424-00227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA_kbO1c2Ul2ZEANGDUkClyL5JRWdbzq4dKB4xkFhU7ujGPJsm7Itjo_0QCNutgScNjOD6qJ72ejzIQ8v4PyrdbfG_GE7eRvYWidCCRw3R4mNph_mkmn3qHd0OiHmLdHZN8VQCaP607Q/s320/IMG-20130424-00227.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lounge 1: Seating for at least eight</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMEpM2M-ulIzSbD2exPCHhufThlEd9LcXNYcQ1CjXzTDLK3Yf1mNvfwyFTKvoIHWAy73gGCfGBJ33eYKR2npkbddXbmHGsoyahby2IPNuDYVJ__lWS-_e5bD93L5P5ydJlUhlcGiyqkU/s1600/IMG-20130424-00229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMEpM2M-ulIzSbD2exPCHhufThlEd9LcXNYcQ1CjXzTDLK3Yf1mNvfwyFTKvoIHWAy73gGCfGBJ33eYKR2npkbddXbmHGsoyahby2IPNuDYVJ__lWS-_e5bD93L5P5ydJlUhlcGiyqkU/s320/IMG-20130424-00229.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lounge 1: Love the juxtaposition of the driftwood lamp against the refined fabrics</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn7YG9lc4qqcYTGNhpqOsJRs32H9Jk_zVMxreKDjkBKW2HN148Z9uoW4kMpzD4nBmunQ6GAR3bL-sFdh4wNKfMLyg_IbKSEEcFMhj2EoxBPwjemo5w84Z8h-VcJGqvwsSUf-WVxaLpAE/s1600/IMG_7316+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn7YG9lc4qqcYTGNhpqOsJRs32H9Jk_zVMxreKDjkBKW2HN148Z9uoW4kMpzD4nBmunQ6GAR3bL-sFdh4wNKfMLyg_IbKSEEcFMhj2EoxBPwjemo5w84Z8h-VcJGqvwsSUf-WVxaLpAE/s320/IMG_7316+crop.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lounge 2: Smaller in scale, but just as inviting to lounge in</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Michelle Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07200353457913836405noreply@blogger.com0