IDS12: OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Posted on January 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

It’s been a fun whirlwind these past 2 days- here’s a little recap of the Interior Design Show opening night party and the unveiling of my design of the National Bank Hub for the How Do You Live exhibit.

Furnished by BoConcept, I created a multifunctional space for the modern family. When you visit the space you’ll notice a home office, room for toys and lots of concealed storage to keep the space feeling spacious. Using the National Bank colours of red, black and white I was thrilled to outfit this small space. More detail shots of the space to come : )

Thanks to Larry from Arnal Photography for the great pics below from the opening party:

Photo 1&2: The lovely Allen Chan, Sharyn Smith and Glen Peloso paid me a visit. Photo 3: Showing Jen Wilson some of the smart storage solutions from BoConcept. Photo 4: With the lovely Sharyn Smith, the fantastic lady of Eventful PR who I’m so happy to be working with. It’s been a great start to #IDS12!

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SOME EXCITING (IDS) NEWS

Posted on January 17, 2012 | 2 Comments

Last week I tweeted a little teaser that garnered a few very supportive, lovely comments (thank you friends!). And now I can announce why I feel like I need to be pinched- I am designing a space at next week’s Interior Design Show!

The National Bank is the sponsor of the IDS 12 feature exhibit, How Do You Live? This exhibit will highlight small space living at its best, with TAS Designbuild developing the concept for the exterior shell of the multi-level showcase and six unique interior spaces, each designed and decorated by a different Toronto-based design firm.

The National Bank’s hub will sit side-by-side the HDYL exhibit- and yours truly is designing it! I’m thrilled to put my small space skills to use in this venue. I am humbled and excited to say the least to be a part of IDS 12.

What can you expect in The National Bank Hub? They have challenged me to transform a 16′ x 24′ shipping container (very cool that it’s reusable) into an office and den for the urban family. I’ll be going to one of my favourite retailers BoConcept (remember that great functional coffee table I used on The Marilyn Denis Show?) to outfit the space.

Not going to give away much more (surprises are so much fun)- but here’s a few of the sketches that led up to the final design:

Can’t wait to party with many friends and colleagues next week at IDS 12 and to unveil my design! I am truly so excited for this fabulous opportunity.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Posted on January 3, 2012 | 2 Comments

Merry Christmas, seasons greetings and happy new year my dear blog readers. For my first post of 2012, I start with a confession:

I hate my blog.

Ok, I don’t hate it- perhaps hate is too strong of a word. But I realize I have not given it the time and attention  that could make it a great blog. I don’t blog frequently, I don’t have stellar photos, I don’t always do the things that I read on how to make your blog great lists (although I try).

What I DO know however, is a great blog when I see it. So today on this bitterly cold Toronto winter day (way to wake us up 2012!) I share some warm love of blogs I love, and visit almost daily. Want to know how to write a great blog? Start here:

1. The Daybook Blog Sydney is the chicest self proclaimed dork you’ll ever meet. In a blog that began as a way to chronicle life with her family, it exploded when she started posting photos of her fab outfits. I love her blog because she keeps it real- her Awkward and Awesome posts are laugh out loud hilarious.

2. Meredith Heron- Sashay On to another woman who keeps it real. If you want candor, humour and a screen full of design eye candy, visit Meredith’s blog. You’re in for an entertaining look into Meredith’s design world- behind the scenes of client projects, what Meredith loves at the moment and revealing truths of the often gritty (as opposed to glamorous) design process.

3. Rambling Renovators  Truth be told, I can’t remember how I met Jen, my hero in DIY interpidness. We had our kids the same year, got married the same year, and connected over design and the balance of momyhood and career and all that talk grew into play dates with our kids. This is the mom who can whip a handmade quiche, while embroidering the napkins for lunch, while checking on the paint drying on her newly created custom costume closet, all without breaking a sweat. She is a mom who does it all and she inspires me all the time. Visit her blog for inspiring DIY’s and tender shots of her family life. 

4. The Glow Looking to be inspired by enviable (mainly NYC) interiors and the fashionable moms who live there? The Glow is a fairly new website offering a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms (think a mix of The Coveteur, OhDeeDoh and The Sartorialist). Here you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor. Favourites for me include the home tour of my fav handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff and Dwell Studio’s Christime Lemiuex 

5. Bijou and Boheme I’ve met Christine a few times and she is as lovely as her well curated, style packed blog, which I consider more of an evolving scrapbook of her favourite things. Her giveaways are unique and inspired and anyone who has the guts to take a staple gun, some faux fur and create this is pretty fantastic to me.

Happy reading! xo Lisa

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HIGH-LOW HOLIDAY DECOR- URBAN BARN GIFTCARD WINNER

Posted on November 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

Recently I was invited to present a workshop at the Oakville May Court Table Tops Event. I created two table settings- one that cost over $2000 and one that was under $200. Can you guess which is which?

Special thanks to inVU Drapery Co and IKEA for kindly providing product.

(From the top- Image 1: Placemats, plate, utensils, IKEA. Flower candle holder, inVU Drapary Co. Image 2 & 3: inVU Drapery Co. Image 4: Candles, mirror, platter, serving tray, IKEA. Image 5: Bronze dish, inVU Drapery Co.)

And (apologies for the delay…) happy to announce that Carol is the winner of a $50 giftcard to Urban Barn! Congrats and thanks to all who entered, the random list generator appears below. Happy shopping Carol!

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URBAN BARN CONTEST-INDIGO WINNER

Posted on November 24, 2011 | 10 Comments

Thanks to all who entered my Indigo $50 e-giftcard contest! I put all the names into random.org’s list randomizer and the winner is… Kathleen!

Congratulations Kathleen and look for an email with how to collect your prize. And since I’m still in the prize giving mood, here is another fun contest just in time for the holidays.

Urban Barn is a favourite retailer of mine in Canada- love that many of the products are made right here at home and their price point and contemporary offerings are just lovely. They are currently hosting a contest I myself would LOVE to win- dinner cooked at home for you and 7 guests by Gordon Ramsay protégé Chef Dale MacKay. Coming off his Top Chef Canada win, this would be a delightful (and delicious) way to celebrate with family and friends. They’ve also sweetened the pot by including a set of 8 dishware, placemats and table decor. Approximate retail value of this experience is $15,350 CAD (wowza!). To enter the contest visit Urban Barn’s Facebook page for all the details.

In honour of this contest, Urban Barn has been so kind to offer one of my readers a $50 gift card to any of their Canada wide stores. To enter this contest, leave a comment below stating who you’d invite to dinner with Chef Dale MacKay, and of course visit Urban Barn’s page for your chance to win the big prize. I am all about experiences and memory makers- and sharing great food with friends is one wonderful way to do so.

The contest for a $50 giftcard to Urban Barn is open to all Canadian residents and closes November 27 at 11pm. Winner will be announced via email shortly after and the giftcard will be delivered via mail. (Images courtesy of Urban Barn).

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WIN A $50 INDIGO E-GIFTCARD

Posted on November 20, 2011 | 16 Comments

So I just posted about how I am one step closer to a stress free holiday, and I’d like to offer you something that will hopefully help you do the same.

Indigo has just launched its on-line holiday collection, and made updates to the website to make it easier to shop for you and everyone on your list. When given the (not at all difficult) challenge to spend my own $50 e-giftcard on the website, I was delighted by how easy it was to peruse the gift guides and by the wide assortment of product.

This wide assortment of product was really no surprise. In university, before I ever entertained the thought of pursuing a career in interiors, I would spend HOURS getting lost in the home section. In a languid manner I would smell the scented candles, admire the shiny pens and pick up one too many set of boxed note cards (a mild obsession I have, yes- notes cards, it is possible to have an obsession with them).

So when purchasing a little gift para mi, I navigated towards the paper products first, naturally. On my love list:

Kate Spade All Occasions Boxed Set

Assorted Hello Notecards

Moleskin Metal Roller Ball Pen

Design*Sponge At Home

Decorate: 1,000 Professional Design Ideas for Every Room

iPod Dock Clock Radio – Black

Silver Jam Jar With Brass Leaf

To get your own $50 e-giftcard, simply comment below telling me what you would purchase on the Indigo website. One entry per person and contest closes Wednesday November 23 at 9pm. Winner will be drawn at random and announced shortly after. Contest open worldwide (note Indigo’s shipping policies here). Good luck and happy shopping!

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DABBLE IN SOME HOLIDAY CHEER

Posted on November 20, 2011 | 1 Comment

As my mailbox fills with holiday party events I am reminded just how quickly the holidays come- and how each year I vow to savour them and not stress about a thing. The current issue of Dabble Magazine is a great resource for stress free holiday shopping, decorating and entertaining and I am so happy to be a part of it.

In my role as Market Editor I get to comb the marketplace bringing readers great home, travel and food products from around the globe. Check out my favourite selections for this holiday season by clicking on the images below- I am hoping to find the Chilewich place mats under my tree and that sumptuous HBC cashmere travel set wrapped up from Santa:

And in this issue we had the fun opportunity of having our house featured in the issue. So since this was shot long before thoughts of sugar plums entered my head, I am one step closer to a stress free holiday. Special thanks to Elte and Indigo for helping me glitterize my living room, and to photographer Simon Burn for managing to direct my kids in the shoot. Enjoy!

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DEBUNKING SMALL SPACE MYTHS ON THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW

Posted on November 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

As a follow up to my small space segment on Oct 13, I debunked a few small space myths on The Marilyn Denis Show. Click on the image below to watch the segment.

Myth 1: Small spaces must be painted in light colours to make them feel bigger.

I am often presented with this statement in consultations with clients with spaces big and small. A light colour may make a space feel bigger, but you do not have to subscribe to this rule. If you love a certain colour, use it- chances are it will inspire you and make you feel great. You can absolutely use a dark colour, as it can feel cozy, warm and dramatic, but ensure to use great lighting to illuminate the space.

Myth 2: Small spaces must be furnished with small furniture. 

A temptation in dressing a small space is to select everything in small scale- small sofa, small chairs, small table, etc. If you do this, everything will feel minuscule and like a dollhouse- which we want to avoid. Proportions must be considered- everything should be thought of in relationship to the other. Pairing a robust sofa with slender chairs will feel balanced. Space planning tools like icovia.com are helpful in judging scale and space.
Myth 3: Everything must match in a small space. 
This is a big decorating no-no. Going to a store and purchasing the entire set (dresser, night stand, sideboard, table, etc.) is pretty uninspired. In a small space where you may see each piece at one glance it is important to think cohesively, but it doesn’t mean everything has to be the same. Using pieces in a similar colour palette, or a similar style is a better approach.
Myth 4: Small spaces will look cluttered. 
Small spaces present a challenge for keeping clutter under control, but with savvy storage solutions, like some of the ones I featured here, or utilizing storage under furniture on taking advantage of height with bookshelves, you can keep it looking great.
Myth 5: Cabinetry will make a room seem even smaller. 
Creating great custom cabinetry, either from scratch or customizing off the rack ones can increase storage and save you space. There are a variety of options on the market such as small roll out desks that hide behind cabinet doors, and TV’s that are displayed well between attractive bookshelves.  Best of all, they hide clutter. Also, building high is a great way to use every inch, which is so essential in a small space.

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SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS ON THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW

Posted on November 20, 2011 | 2 Comments

I have always loved the challenge of designing small spaces, and over the last two years I have been exposed to some pretty amazing finds to make small space living less daunting and more grand. On a recent Marilyn Denis Show segment I was able to share some of my favourite pieces for your small space. Click here to watch the segment.

Purple was the inspiration for this vignette. I paired the purple with a cream Howard sofa from Elte ($1895.00) and Elte’s Billy rug ($1945.00).

This BoConcept Urban Design Functional Coffee Table ($1495.00) provides storage and additional surfaces in a tight space.

Sconces attached to the wall free up valuable floor space when square footage is at a premium. I love these from DVI Lighting ($101.75).
And this table was the highlight of the segment- when you are really short on space, the Lacuna table by VNO Designs ($1099.00) is a great solution. Beginning as a mirror or photo (which you can customize), it transforms into a table for 5 in 10 seconds. The table was invented right here in Toronto by an architect who was expecting a child in pretty tight living quarters. So he developed this innovative table and I was so happy to debut it on the show! It is such a joy to find unique and original products that can make small space living easier. I paired it with two Ghost chairs from a recent HomeSav sale I curated.

Another tool I mentioned in this segment is icovia.com- a great on-line resource that allows you to plot a room and play with furniture placement so you don’t make errors when purchasing pieces.

Lastly, the lovely Marilyn Denis made an announcement that will definitely impact my small space- Marilyn was kind enough to announce that we are expecting our third child in April! We are so excited to give John another sibling and make Evelyn a big sister! Thanks to all for the wonderful tweets and messages  : )

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PLAYING CATCH UP- JERGENS OVERNIGHT FIX REVEAL

Posted on November 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

It has been a crazy last few weeks in the world of Lisa Canning Interiors- having just wrapped Season 5 of For Rent in my gig as the production designer plus the usual load of client work and my work over at Dabble Magazine. But now (sigh of relief) life is getting back to a more relaxed pace and I can (finally) get back to my love of blogging.

I am going to play a bit of catch up starting with the fantastic experience that was the Jergens Overnight Fix (read a bit of the background here). This 24-hour makeover for a Toronto YWCA was an amazing experience to be a part of, mainly because of the dedication, enthusiasm and tireless efforts of the 30+ volunteers who worked in shifts around the clock. There was a great camaraderie and sense of purpose among the team of mostly female, non-renovation experienced volunteers (even at 3am when delirium started to sink in for some!).

I described it to the media who attended in the morning as a labour of love- and that is so much what it was. The reveal reminded me why I love my job and my philosophy behind designing great spaces- to improve the quality of life of the people who use it.

Special thanks again to Arren Williams for connecting me to this project, Apex PR for their support and innovation towards PR, Jergens for donating the funds to make this happen, and to my partner in overnight crime contractor Christian Pavey. And much thanks to all the media who attended the breakfast and for their great posts on the event including Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators, Alex from Chick Advisor, Caitlin Kenny of Flare, & Elaine Song from Style At Home. Here’s a look at how it happened:

Here’s the beginning of our Allure flooring installation from The Home Depot. Christian and the volunteers adhered a contrast white strip to create some detail on the floor. This vinyl product is easy to clean and maintain, perfect for this high traffic space.

Storage became a bit of an issue while we laid the floors- here’s a peek at the hallways and the cube van outside the YWCA.

Here with Christian, still smiling at 1am.

And on to the reveal (photos courtesy of Jen from Rambling Renovators)…


And here we are at 9am, after our CP24 feature:


And a little Pure Design reunion with a visit by Julia Black of Chatelaine!

And for those of your who are curious where everything came from in this 24 Hour makeover, here is my source guide. It is amazing what can be accomplished with hard work and a lot of love in an Overnight Fix! I feel truly blessed to have been involved in this project.

Vinyl plank flooring- Allure available at the Home Depot

Wallpaper- Putkinotko by Marimekko available at Newwall

Framed purple floral images- Home Outfitters

White bi-cast leather chairs- Structube

White lattice cut side chairs- Home Outfitters

Purple ottomans- Home Outfitters

White round side tables & coffee table- IKEA

Silver vases & faux flowers- Bouclair Home

Pillows- Bouclair Home

Custom pillow fabric from Designer Fabrics

Commercial Flip Top tables from Triad Office Interiors

White dining chairs- IKEA

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