QC Design School

DIY Dipped Planter

I'm sure you guys have noticed the big "dipped" trend going on right now. From dipped furniture legs, to tote bags, to wooden kitchen spoons, it's like the new chevron. Well, I have been itching to give this trend a try, but wasn't sure what I wanted to dip. Then, when we were gifted our new-to-us ficus tree for our dining room, I quickly thought about a dipped plant pot.

I don't know about you guys, but I find the usual planters at most stores to be ridiculously expensive. Even the ones that are a hard plastic (and generally aren't all that pretty) can set you back at least $30. So in came IKEA. They have a few different varieties of large planters - some metallic and woven guys that are pretty fab - but I was after a basic terra cotta pot. I found the Ronnbar pot and saucer, which were $9 altogether. You can't beat that price.

One of my favorite tricks for adding some interest and function to an empty corner of a room is to throw in a small chair. Nothing bulky and dominating, but a slim chair that can provide some extra seating, a place to throw down magazines or clothes (if it's in your bedroom), and best of all, a place to add a little color and pattern to the room. It's pretty easy to hunt down chairs that have wooden bases and an upholstered seat - they are a staple at thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales.

I found this guy online and paid about $10. The wooden chair itself was in great condition and I liked the back detail and the wider than usual seat (good for wide behinds!).

First step was to remove the seat - this is usually pretty easy and just consists of unscrewing a few screws in the bottom of the seat. No power tools required! Next up was to give the chair a good sanding (using medium grit sandpaper) and then a wipe down with a cloth. You want to remove any old residue and get the surface a bit scratched up and ready to absorb the paint...

Featuring QC Design School graduate Cristina Salerno

Cristina is a graduate from QC Design School's Home Staging and Interior Decorating courses. She now owns her own successful home staging and redesign company, Ella Staging & Design. With a creative flair and an eye for all things decor, Cristina's portfolio includes some very impressive spaces. Read on for Cristina's insights on the staging industry and to see some fabulous examples of her work!

Company Name: Ella Staging & Design Inc.

Description: We style to sell and design to please! Services include: Occupied home staging, vacant home staging, interior redesign, color consultation and professional organization.

Region: Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area
Phone: 905.605.2393
Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/ellastagingdesign
Website: www.ellastagingdesign.ca

What motivated you to start your career as a staging and redesign professional?

As long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in design and real estate. HGTV was and continues to be my go-to channel. My shelves are filled with design magazines and I’m always exploring ways to improve my families’ quality of life through organization and function. It’s something I truly enjoy and provides me with immense gratification.
Then there’s my personality. Innately, I’m a very organized person. Friends, family, and colleagues would always comment on how organized and beautiful my home was, or how my office was perfectly ordered despite working on multiple projects at any given time.

Here at QC Design School, we just love bragging about our students and grads. This month, we’re bragging about Mistie Couture Bogard, QC Design School graduate and owner of MistiK Design Studio. Mistie runs this successful business while maintaining her own unique design philosophy, that a well-designed space is liveable and comfortable. We’re so pleased to share some lovely examples of her work, as well as her insights into the design industry.

Company Name: MistiK Design Studio
Description: Home staging and interior design firm
Email: info@mistikdesignstudio.com
Website: www.mistikdesignstudio.com
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MistiK-Design-Studio/163496423692633
Phone: 867.334.4696

What motivated you to start your career as a staging and design professional?

My love of design and decorating began 30 years ago, with a little grade school project called “Creating a Beauty Spot.” I don’t remember what subject it was or even what grade I was in, but I loved the organizing and creation of a space pleasing to the eye! Since then, I have created hundreds of “beauty spots” in my own home, in friends’ homes, and now in my clients’ homes!

Graduate Feature Jennifer Campell, Set Your Stage

Meet Jennifer Campbell, QC Design School graduate and owner of Set Your Stage. Jennifer has always loved polishing up old spaces with her designer's eye, and since her graduation in 2010, she's been able to turn that passion into a successful staging business. Read on to get her insider's perspective on common industry questions, and to view some stunning photos of her work.

What motivated you to start your career as a staging professional?

I've been working at my staging career for 25 years. I drove everyone nuts when I was a kid with my constant tidying and organizing. Before I became a home stager, my first career was in the marketing industry as a graphic designer and as a hobby, I renovated a "fixer-upper" property with my family. Although the industry was creative and exciting, my heart longed for more. With my professional design and personal renovation experience, I decided to take a risk and make home staging my career.

Carole Holmes is an extremely talented graduate of QC Design School's Interior Design and Decorating course. She graduated with an Award of Merit from the Director, Alex Myers, and has since continued turning rooms into warm, inviting living spaces to be proud of. We're thrilled to share a bit of her work in this month's Best of Student Work.

What’s your favorite part about being a design professional? Is there a project that stands out in your mind?

The most favorable part of being a design professional is putting the passion into action. Interior design is an art that I can express into a space, applying the vision with knowledge and skill. Decorating and creating a space into a style perfectly fitting my client’s practical needs and desires.
A project that I thoroughly enjoyed was a guest room that was originally occupied by a teenage boy. The vision was to completely create a space into a chic and elegant atmosphere. The bold color scheme and chic accessories gave this beautiful Paris theme guest room a definite feminine touch and a stunning appearance.

What’s your dream job?

My dream is to have an established business and design beautiful, practical and unique spaces for my clients. Creating an end result and helping them fall in love with their home is the most rewarding experience.

Graduate Work Feature Interior Decorator

Company Name: Broadhouse Design Inc.
Description: A Staging & Decorating Company
Region: Our offices are located in Mississauga, but we complete projects all over the GTA and in the Niagara region.
Phone: 1-416-420-0197
Facebook Fan Page: Broadhouse Design Inc. FB Page
Website: Broadhouse Design Inc.

What motivated you to start your career as a professional designer?

I have always had a passion for design and elegant living. After too many years of frustration working in Corporate Canada, I finally took the leap of faith to follow my passion.

What are some highlights of your career so far?

Starting my own company and building a network of industry professionals. My first contract will always be memorable. I was asked to turn a functional but dated room into a Man Cave. I learned so much while transforming it into a classy gentleman's quarters. It was very satisfying to see a reluctant client trust me and the smile on his face when the project was completed. He loves his Man Cave!

How did your course prepare you for working in the field?

QC Design School's IDDP course prepared me for working in the field by covering, in detail, three things that every designer must know. These things are Space Planning, Color Combinations, and Accessorizing.

Brenda is a current student of QC Design School's AIOP Advanced International Organizing Professional course and a talented organizer. We love seeing her work and are excited to share her student feature with you this month. Read on to learn more about Brenda and her company, what she thinks of QC, and to check out examples of her recent projects. Enjoy!

Company Name: Streamline Spaces, LLC.

Description: Providing organization in the home, yard sales, and for the wanting to downsize.

Region: Serving the Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware counties.

Website: Streamline Spaces

What motivated you to start your career as a professional designer?

Many people throughout my life have commented on how organized I was. When I ended my 32 years of teaching in special education, I was stirred to divert from education and follow the voice within me to embark on a new career. I figured, what better profession than the one I was naturally born to do? Be a professional organizer!

What are some highlights of your career so far?

The biggest task, or project, has been working on my church. It's a huge church and was built over 100 years ago. Through the decades, a lot of stuff accumulated in every room and I decided I would take on the task of organizing, purging, and bringing new life to the rooms that were crying out for attention. Since the project started, I see the church members admiring the work I have done and they feel more pride which has resulted in a more active group of participants in Sunday services. I am doing all of this work for free and feel much satisfaction from doing so.

How did your course prepare you for working in the field?

Prior to taking the Professional Organizing course, I already was "an organizer" but the course provided me with insight on furniture placement and floor plan designs. I really enjoyed the CDs and use them as guides and reference. The most notable of my appreciations is how the course binders, workbooks and homework assignments were organized. They were understandable and the scenarios offer problem solving experience. Thank you, QC Design School!

I am currently saving money to take a dual course in Home Staging & Interior Redesign. I can't wait to jump into that course!

Do you have any advice for anyone starting out with their training or career?

It's important to not be a good listener, but a GREAT listener. Listen to what is not said. Don't be judgmental or quick to assume. Be respectful to all economic levels. I learned from one of the scenarios in which there was an elderly woman who had to squint to read the business card. Just from that, I realized that different business cards should be available so that information is legible for people of all ages, disabilities and those with other challenges. I even have made business cards in braille for those with visual impairments.

Paint The House Green in 2013

Are you loving the green trend this year? We sure are! That's why we've brought you these beautiful, inspirational photos - to get you thinking about ways to incorporate this vibrant color in your next decorating challenge. You should definitely check them out.

Color Inspiration

As a design lover, we know that you're inspired by color. That's why we've put together five fabulous color schemes to spark your imagination and get you adding lots of color to your designs.

Brighten Up Your Home - On A Budget

Are you looking to spruce up your space without spending a fortune? It might be simpler than you think. We've put together some great tips to help you update the main rooms in your home without breaking the bank. It's a great way to get you through the last of the winter blues.

DIY Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Sometimes, good design is all about the simple, personal touches. Design blogger and QC newsletter contributor Gemma Bonham-Carter shares her own simple touches in this fun and easy DIY. Read on to learn how to make your own mason jar soap dispenser.

Sustainable Decorating

There's no better time to go green than when you're redecorating. But with so many different choices, it's difficult to know where to begin. That's why we've put together a few green design tips to help get you started. Read on to learn more.

DIY Holiday Wreath

Are you looking to add that final touch to your holiday decorating? Here's a simple, inexpensive, and lovely DIY for you to try. Design blogger Gemma Bonham-Carter gives you step-by-step instructions to make your very own holiday wreath. Read on to make it yourself.

Why Hire A Home Stager?

A home stager has so much to offer a stressed homeowner. From saving time and money, to offer an expert opinion on what sells, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to hire a home stager. Read on to learn how to better sell your services and get new clients.

Organize with Style

Is organizing at the top of your 2013 Resolutions? Don’t worry, it’s going to be a lot more fun than you thought. We’ve put together some great ideas to help you get organized, and add some extra flair to your home’s design. Read on to check them out.

Decorate your mantle this holiday season

Mantle, Mantle on The Wall

The holidays don’t quite seem complete until you open up your boxes of decorations and deck your home with holiday cheer. And there’s no better spot in your home to decorate than your mantelpiece. This month, interior decorator Darlene Hall-Barrett offers some great tips on how to decorate your mantle for the season.

Darlene's tips for organizing your closet

Get Brutally Honest with Your Clothes

A big part of organizing your home and maximizing your space is to tackle the dreaded closet. Most of us tend to hold on to old, unworn clothing for far longer than we should. That means that our bursting closets have no room for new and exciting items! Thankfully, design professional Darlene Hall-Barrett is here with her top tips for an organized closet.

Thanksgiving Tables

There’s nothing better than sitting around a great big harvest table with the whole family, enjoying the bounty of the season with good food and beautiful decorations. We've collected some absolutely gorgeous photos of Thanksgiving tables to help you get inspired this season.

Dealing with A Difficult Client

A difficult client can be a design professional's worst nightmare. How do you keep them happy while at the same time making sure you're getting a fair deal? Interior decorator/home stager Darlene Hall-Barrett offers six tips on working with difficult clients.

Let these lanterns guide you!

What do all of these differently styled lanterns have in common? Besides having the ability to light up a garden walkway or front porch, they're all fantastic for summer. This summer, do more with your outdoor living spaces by creating an oasis where you can escape to. Enjoy the setting sun, or cozy up and gaze at the stars.

Autumn Inspiration

The change in seasons is the perfect time to change up your home decor. The autumn color palette is so vibrant with its lovely reds, oranges, and yellows. We're pretty sure that at this time of year, decorators are most inspired to bring the outdoors in. The great thing about decorating with themes such as seasons or holidays is that you have the freedom to go a little more outrageous than you would with your regular home decor. After all, it will only be up for a few weeks. Make the most of it!

How to use social media in design business

Social Media in the Professional Design Industry

Whether you’re on Instagram sharing a photo of your morning latte, tweeting about your favorite song, or updating your Facebook status with a photo of you and your friends – you’re able to share as much (or as little) information as you want absolutely free. Social networks are so powerful that some businesses operate solely through social media, without an office or separate website. This can be great news for a start-up business.

5 Clutter Control Tips That Really Make an Impact

Sometimes all it takes to improve your space is a little organization. Interior decorator and home stager Darlene Hall-Barrett gives some practical tips for a clutter-free environment.

5 Sources of Inspiration

Everyone, even the most experienced of interior designers, can use a little inspiration. It's how we keep our minds going, keep our ideas flowing, and discover new trends and concepts we love. We've compiled our top five sources of inspiration and hope you'll share yours with us as well! Do you have a site or blog you regularly visit? Share it on our Facebook page because we'd love to check it out.

How to Ace Your Job Interview

Making a fabulous first impression is something that can be taught. Sure, some people are gifted with the social butterfly gene, but meeting new people can seem intimidating to others. Not to worry, though, as we've got some simple solutions for you.

Fall Cleaning

A home shouldn't be limited to one good cleaning a year. Spring cleaning is great, but personally I would prefer to have all the extra "stuff" out before winter hits. Fall cleaning is a great way to rid your home of excess clutter before you're stuck inside with it all winter long. Whether you decide to donate, consign, sell, or toss - your home and the people in it will thank you.

DIY Colorful Paint-Dipped Vase

Here at QC Design School, we love a great DIY project. We stumbled across a DIY Colorful Paint-Dipped Vase tutorial on Curbly.com and knew we had to share it in our first monthly newsletter. We'd like to thank the gracious Curbly team for letting us share this DIY with our valued subscribers.