Happy Wednesday!

If you are travelling this summer and are looking for the perfect way to remember your trip then you should check out Modern Map Art.

Founded in 2016 Modern Map Art provides elegant, modern designs that capture cities that you may have a connection to. It takes your favourite cities, mountains and places and turns them into fantastic works of art. The maps are a great way to display something unique and memorable in your home.

There are so many cool designs to choose from, but below are some of my favourites.

The Map Heart Art is such a unique gift for a wedding. Celebrating three special places. Two sides show the places that you and your loved one are from and the middle shows the place you both live in today.

If you love to ski then you may find their Mont Tremblant Ski Trail Map Poster is the perfect art piece for your home or chalet. The Ottawa Street Map poster is also very cool and is a great addition to a home office.

I have ordered the custom Star Map and I can not wait for it to come in. Have a look at some of the maps below!

Tremblant – Modern Map Art

Ottawa – Modern Map Art

Heart Art – Modern Map Art

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Wednesday!

I hate to admit it, but our bedroom looks like a dorm. To make a long story short, we have been waiting for months for stained flush vents.  Scott decided it was easier to purchase them from Barwood Flooring and have them matched at Randall’s. Now that we finally have the vents I can start on our master bedroom.

It is only one room, so Scott will do the install himself. If you are ready to tackle a hardwood flooring project yourself, then there are some considerations before starting.

We have solid hardwood throughout our home, so we will stick with the same hardwood for our bedroom. We both prefer solid wood over engineered wood,  but that is just our personal preference. Solid wood can always be sanded and refinished in the future if we decide to do so.

If you are thinking about a DIY installation of pre-finished hardwood floor then you will need some tools.  A pneumatic flooring nailer, hammer, saw, drill, table saw, chop saw, drill bits may be used. You will need to purchase vapour paper or rosin paper depending on the project.

Plan ahead and take your time. Laying your first row is critical to the success of your project. Scott will start at the bedroom doorway but this can vary if your room is not square. He also installs the flooring boards perpendicular to the floor joists because he says it is just “better”.

Have a great day!

Daniela

xo

Happy Wednesday!

Irrigation systems can save you water and money by targeting specific areas. Scott always installs a rain sensor, so that water is distributed only when needed.

Sprinkler systems are not only for luxury. They are great for homeowners that do not have the time to water their grass, gardens or flower beds.

Scott has installed a few sprinkler systems. He just finished installing another one in our current home. They make for great curb appeal when you are trying to get top dollar for your property. We love a clean exterior for the simple reason that it may indicate to buyers that the interior is also well-kept (when selling).

If you love DIY projects then you may find the charts below useful. Scott likes the fact that you can make sure everything is indeed installed correctly with a DIY sprinkler system project. He also likes ordering better quality parts that last. He takes the savings from the labour and buys better parts.

Newly installed sprinkler system

Photos from Hunter Irrigation

Happy Monday!

It will soon be Mothers Day and if you are looking for something a little different, then you may like what I have found.

Beautiful bath bombs, yummy chocolate and jewellery are a few things I wanted for my list. I found them all. I really like these gifts for many reasons. Some products are made locally while others are made elsewhere in Canada. They are also not too expensive, which is great as well.

Owners Jen and Suzie from Foxy Originals have beautiful jewellery pieces to choose from. Their spring /summer collection is right on point. Not only is their jewellery made in Canada, but it has also been featured in magazines like The Oprah Magazine.

Check out some more amazing gifts right below!

Foxy Originals – Kali Earrings in Mixed Metals

Tammy’s Tub Treats – Pink Paradise Bath Bomb

Hummingbird Chocolate Maker

Happy Friday!

Does anybody not have at least one item from Ikea in their home? I love Ikea for their affordable accessories, textiles and furniture pieces.

A little DIY goes a long way with some of Ikea furniture pieces. By adding your own touches you can personalize your Ikea furniture to your own style and taste. I have seen many beautiful transformations using the Rast three drawer chest. I am thinking about using them and transforming them for my own bedroom. At the price of $49.99 each, you can’t go wrong.

Here are some incredible Ikea hacks that look amazing. Take a look!

Armelle

The Rast three-drawer can be painted and hardware can be used to elevate it!

create/enjoy

Gorgeous hardware and a beautiful faucet were added to this Hemnes vanity makeover.
Sugar & Cloth

The Rast three-door chest looks great with these leather pulls!

Kristina Lynne

Some paint, stain and hardware make this piece not so ordinary. This can be done to the Tarva six drawer chest.

Happy Easter!

Daniela XOXO

Happy Monday!

While we have saved thousands of dollars by refinishing our kitchen cabinets, we have also splurged on quartz countertops. The sleek and contemporary feel can really elevate a kitchen. There are pros and cons to quartz countertops and if you are thinking about upgrading or renovating your kitchen quartz may be a good option to use. 

I love the look of quartz but there are many good qualities that make it a great product. Quartz is non-porous. It is highly resistant and does not require sealing. It is also heat resistant. Not heatproof but heat resistant nonetheless. Prolonged exposure to high heat may scorch the surface. 

We have also stained our “white” quartz by leaving red juice on the surface too long, so be careful! 

Quartz countertops are man-made. Manufacturers use different compositions and formulas. Cambria Quartz is manufactured and made in the USA and Ontario (Canadian mined quartz). 

There are many places in Ottawa to shop for quartz. Lowes sells quartz from 55 to 80 dollars a square foot plus $220 dollars to cut, polish, seal and attach an under mount sink. We have saved the tax on their “save the tax” day which made buying there a good deal. Have a great day!

Photo Daniela Pluviati 

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Happy Monday!

Okay, I love you Winter but I am really ready for Spring. Skiing has been great yet I can’t wait for grass and nicer weather! Spring will be here in a just a day. Can you believe it? I am ready and can not wait to get some fresh and brighter colours into our home. 

If you are in the mood for a little Spring shopping then check out these items below. They are sure to add some much-needed brightness especially after our long winter here in Ottawa. 

Have a look!

Wayfair

Simons

Simons

Anthropologie