Let's paint the walls, and of course the moldings, ceilings and doors. While we're at it, let's also touch up the bathroom because the tiles are too dated. But if we're going to change the tiles, we might as well change the vanity and the mirror. If we change all of that, then the shower and toilet will look dated and all of a sudden we're in the middle of a full blown major bathroom reno. Moving the washer dryer downstairs, moving the bathtub and adding a walk-in shower, installing an electric towel heater, changing the doors and molding throughout the house to match. Because hey! if we're going to make a mess painting, we might as well get the rest done at the same time!

So you probably think I'm exaggerating, but this is a true story that I experienced with one of my clients. And I can say that, to some extent, it happens on every reno project. It's hard to know when to stop, which is why you need to plan from the start. If you're not going to be changing everything, you have to make sure that the selections for the new compliment the old that you are keeping. And if you're not comfortable with that, you might want to adjust your budget for a few extra changes along the way or wait until you have the budget to do it all at once.

The last thing you want is to spend money changing a countertop that will only make the tiles beside it look even more dated. On the other hand, if you need help choosing the right countertop to compliment the dated tiles, that's where I come in!

PS. Dinner was at Grinder in Griffintown and I was extremely impressed! Great food, fantastic decor and very good looking waiters :) Win win win!

There are a few different ways clients come to me; most are from referrals, a few from Houzz, and some from my website. Of all the clients I get, the ones I get along with the most are usually those who have read my blog and contacted me partially because of it. I wouldn't say it's necessary for your designer to have a blog but it definitely helps.

First of all, it's important for an interior designer to have an opinion and be comfortable voicing their opinion. You are paying for their opinion and explanation for the choices you make together.

Secondly, an interior designer who blogs is most likely reading blogs and educating themselves. You can rest assured that if your designer is blogging, they are current with trends and new products. Sometimes designers will get used to a design style that works for them and just reuse and repeat. This is probably not something that you want unless you love what the designer has already done and literally want a duplicate. It's important for them to be innovative, and involved in the industry in my opinion.

Finally, blogs gives you a glimpse of the designers personality. Working together is a very personal experience. It happens that I get clients that I just don't click with. I'm not saying it doesn't work out in the end but it does take longer to understand each other, feel comfortable sharing opinions with each other and overall making it a fun experience. It does eventually get there as you get to know each other, but it definitely helps when there is an instant connection. Their blogs can give you an idea about what's important to them and help you determine if they are the right designer for you.

Navy is extremely versatile. It's gorgeous as velvets, mixed with whites or yellows and as a wall color, it creates an incredibly dramatic, yet cozy effect. It can be used as an accent color or even as the common neutral throughout an entire home.

1. If you're going for two completely different styles, materials and shapes. Try to find pieces of a similar size.

2. Open your options. They don't both need to be night tables. One can be a desk, a dresser or a hutch. Find pieces that you love that will be practical for you.

3. Your table lamps, artwork and accesories also don't need to match. The key is trying to achieve a proportional balance.

4. Get creative with the different mateials used. Mix mirrored, silver leaf, wood, painted, vaneered. There are tons of different textures that when pulled together marry well. Especially with a beautiful tufted, upholsted headboard. It's these design details that will really make your bedroom wow!

5. Take this idea outside of the bedroom and have the same mind set when shopping for living room end tables and other accent pieces like table lamps. Start questioning where you would typically think of putting something symmetrical and identical and look for fun alternatives. A great thing about having random pieces in your home that have multiple functionalities is that you can move them around from one room to the next. Bored with your living room? Swap the end table for one of your night tables in your bedroom.

• Share your style through Houzz. Create an account by logging on to Houzz.com, create an Ideabook and share it with Triandos Creations.  In your Ideabook, include all of the photos of styles that you would like to see in your space.

• If you're not very computer friendly, you can share your style by magazine cut outs and images you've seen of styles you like.

• Make a list of the pieces of furniture that you are keeping.

• Think about functionality. What will you be using your space for? Is there anything you would like to accomplish in the space that you are not currently able to due to the design?

• Determine a budget. It's very important for your designer to know how much you want to spend. This will save you both time because they will avoid shopping for and showing you pieces that will not fit into your budget. This will also help you get the biggest "bang for your buck" since your designer will work within your budget to get you the biggest effect.

• Think about how you would like to work with your designer. Do you like to be hands on every step of the way? Would you like to shop together and make every single decision together? Maybe you would prefer if your designer shops for you and sends you pictures of the items for your approval? Or, you might not want to be involved at all and just give your designer "carte blanche".

Once you've covered these simple steps, you are sure to make the most of your first consultation.

Buy Quality Pieces

This sometimes means that you may have to take your time until you can afford at least a medium to high end collection... even if you are living in an empty space! When ready, do your homework. Every salesperson will insist that their product is of excellent quality. Look up reviews, check the craftmanship of the item you are considering. Ask where it is made and if there is a warranty.

Forget Trends

Buy pieces that YOU like. Shapes, patterns, colors, and textures that appeal to you. Do not settle for what you see in current magazines because in a few years time, that trend will be gone and you will be left with a design that is dated. This also applies to colors. Fifteen years ago beiges and browns were the big trend, ten years later, greys took over and now people are looking for ways to transition to the new trend, which sometimes means replacing their perfectly good furniture. It usually better to purchase the big pieces in colors that you have always liked. If it's a couch for example, whether it's a deep purple, a burnt orange or a cream, you can always accessories with a trendy color in the pillows, paint color, throws, and accents. It is less costly to change your accessories then to start reupholstering,

Mix and Match

Eclectic styling is truly one of the most timeless ways to decorate. If you are mixing and matching different collections, finishes, styles, with signature pieces that you love, you are garanteeing a timeless design. What's more is it allows you to constantly change the layout of the furniture in your home since you are not limited by the style in each room. This comes very useful when moving or when you just need a change of scenary at home.

Take Your Time and Shop with an Open Mind

Do not settle. Yes, shopping can be very tedious. It can be exhausting and frustrating and sometimes we just settle for what's available now instead of going the extra mile to find what we really want. It is important that you keep an open mind when shopping since you may be inspired by pieces that you wouldn't have initially considered but we must never feel that we settled. You would be surprised by what you really need to survive. If it means eating dinner on the coffee table for an extra month, it's usually worth the wait. If you are in a rush, hire a designer. Show them pictures and ideas of exactly what you are looking for and they would save you time by presenting you options both online and locally.

Most importantly, be excited about the choices you make. Your home is your canvas that should describe you - have fun with it!