How to Get Your Renovation Project Off the Ground

The number one thing clients tell me when they are thinking about a renovation, regardless of size or scope of the project, is that they don’t know where to start! Whether you are planning to renovate or expand your existing home, buy another property to improve, or update your existing furnishings and décor, careful planning will make all the difference in the success of your project.

A great place to start is with a designer or a contractor. Both will be able to provide you with the professional advice you need to evaluate the project and see what is possible within your budget, time-frame and existing structure. Bringing a designer on-board early in the project can help with getting advice and suggestions that you may not have considered from both a design and functionality standpoint. Designers often have great contacts for contractors and tradespeople that they work with on a regular basis and can bring them in to quote and consult on the project. Contractors and tradespeople bring all the technical skills and knowledge required to provide the accurate information you need to make informed decisions about what is possible and what the costs and timelines will be.

Once you have a designer and contractor on board, your designer will work with you to develop a realistic budget and select the best floor plan, furnishings, lighting and fixtures for your project – depending on what is involved. A designer will help you visualize what the completed space will look like by providing samples, inspiration boards or conceptual drawings. Many designers can even help you with the permit process – should your renovation require one.

Now that your design is in place, it’s time to get building! Your designer and contractor will work closely together to ensure your vision gets realized on-time and on-budget. Many designers, such as myself, act as project managers to oversee the entire renovation process and make sure that all materials are ordered and on-site in time for the contractor or other tradespeople to install them. We also coordinate the project schedule for the tradespeople and manage the final delivery and installation of furnishings, art and accessories. We are able to handle any issues as they arise since we are always checking in on progress at the job-site.

Most designers are a one-stop-shop in that they can assist you with the design, budget, permits and project management of your renovation; which is why starting your project by consulting with a designer is a great first step. Renovations can be overwhelming at times, but getting the right team on board at the beginning makes all the difference in how smoothly your project will run. Make sure you are comfortable with your designer and contractor, as you will be communicating with them a lot throughout the process!

If you have a project in mind that you would like to discuss, please get in touch! I can help answer any questions about what services may be right for you.

How to Refresh Your Cottage Without a Major Renovation

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for cottage season! As the temperatures warm up, many people start returning to the cottages that they said goodbye to in the fall. Now is the perfect time to refresh your cottage decor so that, when summer finally rolls around, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your newly rejuvenated space.

Here are my top tips for freshening your cottage without a major renovation.

1.    Paint. Okay, this may seem simple and obvious, but it really is the number one way to dramatically change any space with a minimal investment. An entire cottage can be completely transformed with a coat of paint and little else. Try white walls with black trim and doors for a dramatic look or opt for a more coastal and beachy vibe with pastel blues and greens trimmed with white. If your walls are in good shape, consider painting just the trim and baseboards to give everything a fresher look.

2.    Declutter. Cottages often become a last stop for items we are looking to get rid of in our city homes. As a result, cottages can often end up cluttered, with a hodge-podge of furnishings, décor items, kitchen gadgets and so forth. This time of year is perfect for going through your closets and cupboards at the cottage and getting rid of anything possible that is not serving a purpose or feels like excess. Sort though your extra linens and towels and take a hard look at the knick-knacks laying around. You would be amazed at what a little decluttering can do to make you feel more relaxed in your space.

3.    Freshen Your Furniture. Now is the time to make sure you have the right type of furniture in your space. Cottage furniture should be comfortable and casual, but also functional and durable. Make sure that your furniture can withstand wet bums and the occasional ice cream drip without too much fuss. The last thing you want to spend your summer doing is trying to get out stains. Go for slip-covered sofas or chairs that can be easily removed for washing; or opt for leather which can be easily wiped. Avoid end tables and coffee tables with glass tops – you don’t want to spend your precious relaxing time dusting and wiping!

4.    Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades. If your cottage kitchen or bathroom cabinets are feeling drab and outdated painting them and changing the hardware is a great place to start. If your cabinets are fine, consider upgrading your counter-tops or back-splash for a fresh look. Don’t forget about sinks, faucets and toilets too. These are all easy upgrades that can have a major impact for minimal investment – not to mention the ROI if you ever decide to sell. 

5.    Revive Outside. As a cottage-goer myself, I can attest to spending more than 60% of my time at the lake outside on our veranda. Outdoor spaces should be given just as much attention as indoor spaces – especially at the cottage! Whether this means that it’s the year to invest in that new patio furniture you’ve been eyeing, add an outdoor rug or just freshen things up with new toss cushions, this is the time to do it so you can enjoy it all once the summer arrives.

Even if you decide to implement only one of these changes, I guarantee you won’t regret it! Time spent investing in our cottages is time spent investing in our well-being. These retreats are, for many of us, the one place we can truly get away and unplug from the busyness of life.

If you have a project in mind that you would like to discuss, or want some advice on the right design service for you, please get in touch and I’d be happy to help!

Family Acupuncture Wellness Clinic - Project Update Part 1

For those of you who follow me on social media, you may have seen some pictures of the progress of this project so far, but I am excited to share an official behind-the-scenes look at our biggest commercial project to date. I was thrilled when the owner of Family Acupuncture Wellness Clinic, Rebecca Sprintz, D.Ac, CPT (whom I attended elementary school with), asked if I would be interested in helping her expand her Acupuncture clinic. The unit next to hers had recently become available and her current practice was busting at the seams, so breaking down the wall between the two units seemed to make the most sense for growth. Of course, I immediately said yes and got straight to work since she was already renting the space next door and had a contractor ready to go.

The scope of this project was the largest that I have ever undertaken, and I spent several weeks getting quotes from tradespeople, developing a design concept, sourcing materials and creating special custom touches. I also took on the permitting process and worked with another designer to create the building, HVAC and electrical drawings that were required to get the permits approved. This project was also complicated by the fact that Rebecca wanted to continue to operate business in her existing space while we renovated the vacant unit next door. Then, once the vacant unit was completed, she would move her business into that unit while we renovated her current unit and, finally, we would knock down a portion of the wall between the two units to join them together. Are you confused yet? Suffice to say there are a lot of moving parts on this project, and an endless number of details to coordinate.

Just as our building permit was issued (after 4 impatient weeks of waiting), we encountered a major setback and lost our original contractor! Unfortunately, these things happen all the time in this industry, and you have to learn to roll with the punches. Within a week I had engaged another contractor, Hope Construction Ltd., who was able to start immediately and has turned out to be the perfect match for this project. Within the first week they completed demo, framing, electrical rough-ins, drywall, mudding and taping!

Getting started….

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This was the existing reception area of the vacant unit next door to Family Acupuncture’s existing clinic. This was our starting point for Phase 1 of the project. Big changes are coming to this space with an 11' custom live-edge reception desk, feature wall and more!

A sneak peak of what’s to come for the new reception area once the two units are combined.

This is the view in the reception area facing the street.

This was the existing layout of the back of the space that will now be turned into treatment rooms for acupuncture patients.

In no time at all, the space was completely demolished, debris removed and then framed and dry-walled!

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Stay tuned for more updates as we get started on Phase 2 of the project (retro-fitting Family Acupuncture’s existing unit) in just a few short weeks. Progress pictures will also be shared regularly on my Instagram stories.

If you have a project coming up that you want to chat about, or questions about which design services might be right for you, please get in touch!

Spring Update - Because It's Long Overdue!

Hey everyone,

It’s been a while since my last blog post, so I feel like this update is long overdue. Although I’ve been running my design business for nearly 10 years now, the past 5 years have been a slower season as I took time to start, and grow, my young family. When my oldest daughter started kindergarten this past fall, and my younger one started full-time daycare, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to bring the focus back to my passion and really grow my business. Let me tell you, it has been a wild 6 months!

When I sat down to map out my new business plan late last summer, I had every intention of being a regular blogger. I love to write, and I had hoped to share many of my projects, design tips, ideas and inspiration through frequent articles for my followers. However, the reality is that I quickly became so busy with actual design work, that many of the marketing initiatives I had planned to implement were forced to take a backseat while I focused on my clients and being present for my family. I often feel guilty about this, but I try to remind myself that being so busy that I don’t have time to write is a really good problem!

I think this is something that many small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle with. It’s virtually impossible to do everything well, so it’s important to know when to delegate. For the first time since I started my business, I hired and collaborated with an amazing marketing person to help me launch a promotional offering. It took a lot of pressure off of me, knowing that she was handling this aspect of things so that I could focus my energy where it was most needed – on my clients.

Over the last 6 months, I have had the good fortune to work with many new clients, vendors and trades on a variety of different projects. Social media has allowed me to reach a whole new audience and, as a result, I have been doing a ton of design consultations with people I would never have had the opportunity to meet before. I have fully stepped into the world of commercial design and have taken on the role of project manager for a particularly large project (more details to come on this soon!). I have continued to work with Realtors to offer their clients Home-Sale Consultations, and many new Realtors have come on board to work with me in the last few months.

Needless to say, things are going well, and it’s unbelievably exciting. I truly feel like I am “living the dream” every single day that I wake up and get to do what I love. The flexibility of being your own boss can be a blessing and a curse depending on the day, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

If you have a design project in mind that you want to chat about, please connect with me via email, phone or DM on Instagram. I love to talk design :)

Interior Design Trends For 2019

Interior designers are always evaluating the trends from the previous year and trying to predict what will be popular in the year ahead. We love to do this, not only because we want to see what worked in past designs, but also to ensure we stay on the cutting edge of the industry. We know how easy it is to make a space feel fresh and new by incorporating one or two key trending pieces, colors or ideas. In 2018, we saw a move away from more minimalist approaches to design, and towards a more layered, lived-in and curated feel. These trends are set to continue into 2019 to create warm, inviting and sustainable spaces.

Here is the design forecast for 2019:

Blush tones are here to stay. If you love those beautiful soft pinks that you have been seeing in both design and fashion in 2018 then you’re in luck because they are sticking around! Blush is the new neutral. It pairs well with grays and natural tones for a soft, calm palette, but also with bold colors like navy and forest green for more of an impact.

Curves are coming. The straight and minimalist Scandinavian lines that have been dominating design the past few years are about to give way to more curves. We will start to see curvier lines in furnishings like sofas, armchairs and dining chairs. This will offer a more organic feel to spaces, and soften up the angular lines we are so used to seeing in furnishings.

Eco-friendly and sustainable design. People are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and want to utilize more natural and sustainable materials in their designs. Woods, natural stone and even terrazzo will be featured more in design in 2019 to create spaces that blend luxury with practicality. And don’t forget about plants in your design – the best way to add a natural element, purify your air, and add a pop of beautiful rich green color to any space. Why not try out a living wall in 2019?

Wall art is less traditional. This year will build on the recent trends in providing options for wall decor other than traditional framed pieces and canvas artwork. Beautiful, textile tapestries are all the rage, and we will see a move towards bolder and more geometric patterns, rather than the traditional bohemian looks we have seen up to this point. The stunning woven hanging pictured below is available through World Market.

Statement ceilings. This year will see a rise in the painted-ceiling trend but expand on it by focusing on ceilings as a place to make a real statement. From contrasting wallpapers, to mouldings, and even lacquer, the ceiling is the place to create an unexpected and sophisticated look. This allows us to keep walls simple and uncluttered while drawing the eye up for maximum impact that doesn’t encumber the space.

Geometric and tribal patterns. Geometric patterns are almost always in style thanks to their symmetry and repeating patterns. The year ahead will see the staying power of geometric prints in both textiles and wallcoverings, as well as the come-back of tribal patterns which have a way of instantly warming up a space. If a full-on tribal look isn’t for you, consider bringing in these patterns in pillow covers, linens and simple framed art that can easily be switched out when you tire of it. These, and other awesome tribal and geometric pillows are available through Society6.

Want to chat about an upcoming design or renovation project, or discuss how to add some of these trends into your current decor? Let’s chat! I’m currently booking new clients for 2019.

Get Your Home Holiday Ready

As the holiday season quickly descends upon us, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of all the cleaning, decorating and preparations ahead of you. With all the shopping, parties, meals, gifts and visitors, the holidays can be a stressful time trying to juggle everything.

These are my top 5 tips for making your home feel warm and inviting to guests while managing the madness that these coming weeks can bring!

1. Create a first impression. Set the scene for what guests can expect inside your home from the minute they walk up to your front door. Whether you want to keep it simple and understated with a holiday-themed welcome mat and a planter full of birch sticks, or go all out with a festive wreath, garland and lights, setting the mood from the outside is a great place to start.

2. Continue the ambience inside. Bring that welcoming feeling that greeted your guests at the front door into your home. Add festive touches such as holiday pillows and a cozy throw on your sofas and chairs. Candles and white lights throughout the house create a cozy and elegant glow. Trim your tree, but don’t forget about banisters, fireplaces and dining tables. These are perfect spots to add some holiday cheer with garland, centrepieces and other festive décor.

3. Stock your pantry. Ensure you have the essentials on hand that you will need for holiday cooking, baking and entertaining. Ask any guests that will be staying with you what they would appreciate you having available. Shop well in advance and stock up on all the basics you know you will need – that way you won’t be at the store last-minute battling huge lineups and frustrated people.

4. Get ready for overnight guests. Give your guestroom a good cleaning, wash the bedding, and ensure you have extra blankets and pillows on hand. Including amenities like fluffy towels, a pen and notepad, along with toiletry essentials not only show your guests that you went the extra mile, but also saves you from scrambling at the last minute when they request these things. Also, be sure to provide a card with your Wi-Fi password!

5. Dining room décor. If you’ve been thinking about updating your dining room, this is a great time to do so. If you have a table that you love but your chairs are underwhelming, consider replacing them to complement your table, or vice versa. A sideboard is a great place to set up a beverage station so that guests can help themselves throughout the evening. Create a beautiful tablescape that will have your guests oohing and aahing all night long.

Being organized and starting your holidays preparations well in advance can make all the difference in reducing the stress that often accompanies the season.

If you find that you need an extra hand with your holiday décor, I can help! I offer complete holiday decorating services, with packages starting as low as $250. Use some of your existing décor, complimented by a few new items, or start fresh with a new look and theme – I can accommodate both options. Feel free to give me a call to discuss what you have in mind!

Holiday decorating services available now through December 20th.

How to Mix Patterns Like a Pro

One of the things that my clients are most fearful of is mixing patterns. Whether it’s beginners who are just starting to experiment with their pillow story, or intermediates that are ready to branch out into their rug and window coverings, it can definitely be intimidating. But, when done right, mixing patterns adds a layer of sophistication and visual interest to to any room. Gone are the days where people would match their curtains to their pillows. Stick with me and I’ll lay out my top 5 tips for mixing patterns like a pro.

1. Use colors that are the same intensity. For example, pastels work well with other pastels, but not so much with jewel tones. Pick a hue and stick with it throughout all the patterns. Repeating a particular color throughout your patterns also helps to create a cohesive look.

2. Use at least 3 patterns in a room and vary the scale of the patterns. This means you should choose one or two larger scale patterns and one or two smaller scale patterns. This way the patterns are not competing and can work in harmony with each other.

3. Spread the patterns throughout the room evenly. If all the patterns are concentrated on one side of the room, the room will feel unbalanced. Start from the floor and work your way up. Rug, pillows, curtains and so forth.

4. Repeating colors and patterns throughout the space helps create a unified look. If you want your space to feel more sophisticated, choose 4-5 patterns in a similar color and then repeat them throughout the room. For example, you could choose a soft blue color, then select a large-scale pattern for an area rug. Follow this up by repeating 3-4 other patterns in the curtains, throw pillows and upholstery.

5. Anchor any space with a large, patterned, area rug. This provides a great focal point and splash of color and pattern, whilst offering a jumping-off point from which to pull out other colors and patterns.

The best way to avoid pattern overload is to make sure you have a neutral backdrop to start with. Simple white or light gray walls provide the best foundation for layering patterns and textures without overdoing it. A great way to venture into experimenting with mixing patterns is in your throw pillows. Try out the rules above when you are out shopping, then mix and match with some of your existing pillows. This is a great way to instantly refresh a space and try your hand at pattern-mixing for a minimal investment.

Want more design tips like this? Join our mailing list using the form at the bottom of the page and get exclusive access to pro design tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!

The Value of a 1-Hour Design Consultation

So, you’re thinking about a renovation or redecorating project and don’t know where to start. Or, you’ve just moved into a new house and are stumped as to what goes where and what colors to paint your new space. You think, “can I really afford to hire a designer?” or, “I don’t know where to begin.” Enter the 1-Hour Design Consultation.

You would be amazed at how much information you can get from a designer in as little as one hour. I offer this service specifically for people who just need some general advice to get started on a project, are stumped halfway through a project and need a fresh set of eyes, or those want some overall advice on their home before making any major investments.

Designers see your space differently and consider things you may have overlooked. When you live in a space for a while, it’s hard to be objective.  Or, if you’ve just moved into a new home, the process of getting started can seem overwhelming. We ask detailed questions about how you want to use your space, and how you want the space to make you feel. We use this information to help guide you in the right direction and provide advice unique to your space.

So how does it work? For a redesign project, a typical 1-hour consult usually starts off with a tour of the spaces you are thinking about redoing. We talk about how you want to use the space and consider the furnishings and accessories you already have, as well as things you may want to purchase new. We will discuss wall color, space planning, existing architectural features or focal points, and window coverings. All aspects of the space will be considered. Whether you are planning to improve each facet of the space or not is up to you, but we like to offer all possible advice and suggestions while we are there. Since you are paying for the time and advice, we believe that you should have it all! Then, you can consider what makes the most sense for your timeline and budget.

If you are considering a renovation project, we can provide advice on how to get the most bang for your buck versus places you should splurge and spend a little more. We know how, and where, you will see the most return on your investment. If you are already in the process of looking at new flooring, counter-tops, back-splash, tiles etc., it is helpful to have these types of samples present during the consultation. This way we can provide instant advice on what will work best, both functionally and aesthetically.

A 1-hour design consult is a great way to get you started; or put a stamp of approval on a project already in progress. A minimal investment upfront can save you from making potentially costly mistakes down the line if you decide you aren’t happy with your initial decisions and selections.

Please connect with me to book your 1-Hour Design Consultation.

BONUS OFFER – 10% OFF a 1-Hour Design Consultation if you mention this blog post!

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204.955.0993
jadah@jtinteriordesign.ca

Welcome... A little about me

Hi! Welcome to my site and first blog post! This is totally new for me and, for those who know me, a bit difficult too. I am typically a very private person, and have a hard time sharing personal details about myself and my life - especially online. But, I am rolling with the times and trying to be better at putting myself out there in the world.

When I started my business 10 years ago, there was none of this social media stuff to contend with. Heck, people were barely even texting each other yet! But, after taking things slow the past few years while I focused on my family, I have come back to a marketing landscape that has completely changed from the way I knew it before. I am excited (and a bit nervous!) to have you get to know me, what inspires me and share my work with you.

So… who am I? My name is Jadah and I am the owner and Principal Designer of Jadah Rochelle Design. I have always had a love for design and, as a kid, I was always organizing and rearranging the accessories in our house, styling my Barbie’s homes and play sets, and generally being bossy about where things should go in closets and cupboards! I believe that you should do what you love and brings you the most joy; and design definitely does that for me.

I initially started out my career as a Certified Staging Professional, and staged homes for sale for many years. Although I have given up the staging side of my business, I still do frequent Home Sale Consultations and help sellers prepare their homes for the market by providing advice on how to best present their home. I love the real estate world, and I get great pleasure from helping people during what can be a very stressful time in their lives as they transition from one home to the next.

Nowadays, I work on a variety of different projects. From small renovations to home builds, color consultations to full design concepts, I love collaborating with my clients and trades to see a project come to fruition. Nothing gets me more excited than envisioning the final results of a space and guiding my clients to get there. The look in their eyes when all the pieces come together to become their dream space is truly priceless to me.

In my personal life, I have two daughters, 5 and 1 years old. I love the flexibility that running my own business offers to our family life. I can be there for school pick-ups, extracurricular activities and volunteering. Life is hectic, and these girls always keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been married to my husband, Jerry, for 8 years. He is my rock, my biggest supporter and a true family man. My business would definitely not be possible without all he does for our family behind the scenes. My favorite thing to do is spend weekends at our family cottage, which is the one place where I can truly relax and unwind. I love to be outdoors watching my kids explore the world around them through nature and chasing around our little dog, Milo.

I’m always open to hearing your feedback, suggestions and questions, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

JadahRochelle