Sometimes a cigar is not just a cigar. And sometimes a drop cloth is more than just a paint accessory. Last year, when I was getting ready for a home show seminar, I came across a copy of Home Hardware’s Home at Home magazine and saw a brilliant idea from designer Bev Bell. She used a simple heavy cotton paint drop cloth (unused of course!) as a rustic tablecloth for a harvest dinner theme. With Bev’s permission, I used the idea in my holiday entertaining seminar. After the show, I began a quest for new curtains for my living and dining rooms, which form one long, large room.  I just about had a heart attack when I realized that the heavy linen draperies I wanted would cost a bomb. I knew I could not afford these beauties unless I sold a kidney (and I kind of want to hang on to both of them).  While I was fingering the fabric lovingly, I realized that it actually had a texture and shade very similar to my drop cloths. You know what’s coming, don’t you? Yes, darling! I now have gorgeous new, lined curtains with grommet tops that look amazing and cost well under $500. Devilishly clever, if I do say so myself. I could have saved even more if I knew how to sew. Which is why I’ll be taking an upcoming Sew Chic course. For more information, click here.

Here’s a reason to hang on to pretty pottery that’s seen slightly better days, or to keep your eyes open at garage sales, second-hand shops and flea markets for cheap pre-loved tea-cups and tableware. While they may no longer be dinner-worthy, they’re perfect for holding small bouquets of flowers, which can be placed throughout the house to add colour and fragrance. It’s especially easy at this time of year to pick a handful of blossoms, and plop them in a colourful tea-pot. To get an abundant look, gather the flowers together and tie the stems with a piece of string.  If you’re into vintage design, you may want to plan a trip to the Christie Classic Antique Show at the Christie Conservation Area on May 29th. Go and you’ll be sure to see editors from some of Canada’s top design publications and decor shows, who know it’s a fun way to spend a day and a place to find great stuff. For more info call 1-800-667-0619 or click here for information about this market and others across Ontario.

After a long, dark winter, I just can’t get enough of fresh floral colours and patterns. I love to celebrate Spring by introducing hot hues and flowery motifs into my home, cottage and garden decor. It’s quick and easy to do — even just by switching up bed linens to something crisp and floral, like this lovely set from Bouclair www.bouclair.com (see pics below).  Or go big and bold with oversized floral wallpaper from Marimekko www.newwall.ca. (Promise you’ll just do one wall, though. Otherwise this look could quickly overpower a room.) The other reason I Iove this time of year? No, not the playoffs! It’s the start of garage sale season, and yard sales and summer flea markets are where I find some of my best — and most affordable — pieces. If you want to learn how to transform garage sale and second-hand store finds (or hidden gems found on sites like Craigslist and Kijiji) into custom decor, don’t miss the Retro Reno seminar I’ll be giving. I’ll show you how to separate the junk from the jewels, and how to turn decor dross into one of a kind design.