As featured in the Toronto Star’s Yourhome.ca  on May 7, 2012  – Childrens’ Wish Foundation gives boy a sporting chance at new recreation room

It’s every parent’s nightmare — your child falls ill with a life-threatening disease.

In August 2010, 13-year-old Dawson Faschia was struck with debilitating fatigue while assistant-coaching his brother’s baseball game in Cooperstown N.Y. Tests at a local hospital revealed shockingly low blood counts — shocking considering he’d energetically played hockey, baseball and football just days before.

Within hours, he was flown to the Hospital for Sick Children, had bone marrow testing, and received the diagnosis — Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) — and started on an intensive chemotherapy treatment.

Every child’s dream — especially if you’re a sports fan — is to shoot the puck in a major arena, throw the first pitch, and have your basement turned into a sports fan’s cave. And that’s exactly what Dawson got.

Though designer Jackie Morra’s own child is healthy, she personally faced a life-threatening illness when her best friend’s son was recently diagnosed with leukemia. In the fall of 2011, she was itching to do something to help, so offered her design services (and those of her husband Dan’s) to the Children’s Wish Foundation (www.childrenswish.ca). “We wanted to pay it forward, to see if we could bring some joy and hope to some child’s life.”

Since then, the Morras (jackiemorrainteriors.com) have redecorated three spaces, donating their time and expertise to design, source materials create the room a child wants.

While the first two wishes were for bedrooms, Dawson — sports fan extraordinaire — wished for a sports cave basement. This struck a chord with fellow sports fan Dan Morra, who took up the notion and thought constantly how to make it a reality.

“We always incorporate their needs and wants because we believe kids do better in spaces that reflect who they are and what they love, but also reflect who they wish to be,” Jackie says.

Although the Wish child’s desires take precedence, the idea was something the whole Fascia family could relate to — Dawson’s two brothers, his dad, and his mom are all love sports, and the family room would reflect that while being comfortable and filled with light so anyone could enjoy being there, Jackie adds.

The basement took about two months to plan and source materials. Designing the space was easy for Dan Morra — being a sports fan himself, it’s something he would do in his own home — and he got inspiration from hockey arenas and baseball stadiums. Wanting to recreate the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room, he sourced red benches, actual arena hanging shelves, rink boards, wall padding, and a goal light and horn that is standard equipment for all rinks.

The effect in a family room is perhaps a little foreign to non sports fans, but for the Faschias — equally at home in a hockey arena as they are in their basement — it’s a bit of heaven. One wall is entirely padded with authentic Blue Jays wall padding — the same as used in the outfield at the Rogers Centre — and donated by Apple Athletics.

The big-screen TV is placed on a console that’s nestled into a real hockey net, the basement stairs are covered in black vinyl like in the bleachers, and red benches skirt one side of the room. Fan Mats donated the carpeting — it comes in squares with two-sided tape and is easy to put down. Carpet tiles with Canadiens and Blue Jays logos are so durable you could walk across them with skates without doing damage.

It took about 10 days to prepare the room, says Jackie, with Dan building the rink boards, putting together furniture, putting up decals, laying down carpeting, and with Dawson’s mom and dad pulling down the old drywall and installing new.

The reveal took place on Family Day, which was Dawson’s 15th birthday. “We wanted it to be extra special, and he’d be home from school with his whole family,” Jackie says.

The day before, she and Dan worked from 11 a.m. to midnight to pull it all together.

“To see the look on Dawson’s face was worth all the hard work,” Dan Says. “And then Blue Jays’ pitcher Ricky Romero skyped in to wish him happy birthday and invite the whole family to a game. Dawson was floored when Ricky asked if he’d like to throw the first pitch.”

His mother cannot believe how much “love and support” the family has received from family and friends, and also complete strangers. “It’s terrible that Daws has to face this challenge but over the course of the last year and half he has experienced some very remarkable and generous acts of kindness,” she says.

“Our experience is that people want to help, they want to make a difference. We all have talents to share, whether it be designing a man cave, or sending a card, or sending kind words of encouragement. And they all make a difference.”

The extent of the makeover would not have been possible without donations, Morra says. I am absolutely astounded by the response from individuals and organizations. People are hearing about this and they all want to help.”

The huge grey sectional that can accommodate Dawson and several friends was donated by Decorium. Fan Fever donated the goal light, the revolving light and various hockey accessories. The Blue Jays provided jerseys — one signed by Jose Battista, the other by Brett Lawrie — and a baseball signed by the whole team. The NHLPA donated a signed Carey Price Fathead decal and a Rick Nash signed jersey. 2M Sports donated the rink boards, benches and shelving. Fan Fever also sent Dawson and his parents to a Chicago Blackhawks game where he did a puck shoot.

Like other Wish Foundation rooms Morra has done, this one has come in under budget, something that makes her very happy since the money can be used for another child make another wish.

Despite the excitement of the makeover, complete with celebrity attention, it can’t minimize the seriousness of Dawson’s condition. Although his prognosis is good — ALL can be cured — he’s had over two years of treatment and will be on maintenance treatments until 2013, bringing the total medical treatment to three and a half years.

As for Morra, she will move on to her next Wish Foundation room, work on other design projects, and continue to speak at home shows across the country. She now talks not just about design, though, but about giving back, and using your talents to help others. 

See the video of the room reveal on You Tube at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9M6yFvKGnA&list=UUnCvBnQeOe1fQ8-SZaR-FaA&index=2&feature=plcp

For more information about Jackie’s Design services call 905-509-4139 or visit www.jackiemorrainteriors.com

 Alex Newman writes a weekly column for yourhome.ca on design and decor.

Most suburban homes are limited in terms of backyard size, but the opportunities are boundless to create an inspirational space that is both beautiful and functional. ThNo space is too small to implement these elements and creating a suburban sanctuary that fits your unique needs and wants, with the planning and some creativity. he key is in laying out a plan that details your needs, while allowing for wants, and ultimately creating a balanced oasis that inspires and you love.

Needs & wants, no reason to compromise

In this backyard, a list of needs and wants was established to set the plans in motion. The needs were comfort, low maintenance & durability, maximized storage, a dining area with bbq, shade from the sun, and improved privacy. The wants included use of natural elements of stone, water, and fire, creating a serene oasis through colours & textures, plants & trees, and a space that is inviting both in the day and at night. 

Design & layout

This 34’ x 34’ space was divided into 4 areas; water feature, pergola lounge, deck, and dining/bbq. Having these definitive spaces laid out on a rendered drawing that is to scale makes it much easier to allocate space. From this plan you can then look at adding unique touches and personality to each area in various ways.

Going with the flow

The sound of water gently babbling creates an instant sensation of serenity and you gravitate towards it. The “pondless” waterfall was a great option as it can be customized to adapt to any space, is low maintenance and looks so natural, as though it had always been there. Steve Handley of Westney Landscaping says, “An appropriate water feature is essential in creating a garden oasis.” This is true, as it is a focal point no matter which area of the garden you are in. Large evergreens were planted as the waterfall backdrop which helps define the space and provide privacy.

A Cozy Getaway

The seating is ultra comfy Leisure Design sectional made from durable high density polyethylene and aluminum frames. You don’t have to compromise style or comfort when purchasing quality furniture that can handle exposure to any elements.

Suppliers:

 Pondless waterfall by www.westneylandscaping.ca

Outdoor Lounge chairs by www.leisuredesign.ca

Deck and pergola by www.amazingdecks.com

Umbrella by www.treasuregarden.com

Patio stone by www.permacon.ca

Awning by www.aristocratshadeproducts.com

Accessories by www.pacificrimbrackets.com

Lighting by www.OutdoorLights.com

Napoleon BBQ by www.classicfireplace.ca

Spring 2012  is all about comfort and style while combining colour, vintage looks that are modernized, minimalistic textures and softening   modern decor to create an everyday casual living that is comfortable and luxurious.  

Colour Trends  2012

Blue remains strong in dark tones and serene in tones of aqua and teal

Orange and Fushia emerges as a top trend colour with a burst of energy and punch

Yellow adds warmth and happiness in shades of golden camel

Green represents stability in fresh forest tones and drama with lime green

Gray maintains dominance with clean & calming approach

Purple continues to add drama and luxury to any palette

 Inside & Out Living 

Indoor and outdoor living is inspired by chic animal skins, cool geometric patterns, vibrant stripes and solids. This palette features brights  in canary yellow, fushia, sunburst orange, apple green and turquoise blues paired with neutrals.   It combines durability, low maintenance, style and comfortable living spaces with personality

 Art Deco Influence

 Graphic patterns come alive in vividly contrasting colour combinations or look elegantly subdued in chic neutrals. 

 Vintage Blooms 

Beautiful blooms is vintage inspired that combines modern colour with tradition floral patterns creating a fresh and feminine look with an updated shabby-chic feel.

 Modern Global Style

 Inspired by current ethnic trends these patterns are culture and history based while rich in texture, colour and blends old world looks into a modern statement from all around the world

References and photos to Maxwell Fabrics Spring 2012 report www.maxwellfabrics.com  and Jackie Morra Morra Interiors.com

As featured on Breakfast Television on Oct 27, 2011 here is Haley’s bedroom makeover I worked on with Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada this fall. Thank you to Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada for granting this wish, one of over 500 pending this year in Ontario alone and to all of the companies who donate product for this wish including Bouclair,  Bunk N Bed,  College Woodworks,  The Brick Mattress,  California Closets, Shade O Matic, Maxwell Fabrics, Darmaga Hardwood Flooring

AFTER

Top 10 Tips for Kids Rooms

1 - Plan to Inspire, Beautify and Organize

2 – Plan out the furniture first with the bed up against a main wall, then at least a 6 drawer dresser and desk for school needs

3 – Use your child’s favourite colours, have them choose it and bedding they love then build the room around the fabric and colours

4 - Install a custom closet system to maximize storage in all areas of the existing closet doubling your hanging space

5 – Paint 2 walls one colour and the other 2 walls the accent colour found in the bedding

6 – Install a cordless, blackout blind or shade with drapery panels to blend out the window into the wall colour. This will take the focus off of the window area

7 – Add storage in various ways that is easy to use but still look pretty and use up the upper wall space of the room.  In this room the added 3 chest of drawers incorporated into the loft bed, narrow wall bookcase around the stage with storage baskets, a foldable cube that doubles  as  a seat, jewellery boxes.

8 – Build in the theme of what your child wants to be ( a singer above), or loves to do (play music)  or what they enjoy (the peace sign and hot pink  and purple) This can be done with accessories such as the cushions, decals on the walls, decor items, cork board, pictures

9 – Add comfort in the space with the best mattress for comfort, a duvet  and area rug for added warmth

10 – Add at least 3 pieces of lighting that works with the room or add interest and personality with the use of colours or materials used

Backyard Accessories

The key to finishing the look and adding extra comfort and luxury to your backyard living space is with speciality accessories such as shown above  the hammock, fireplace, lighting and in more detail below such as the in ground speakers to add great quality of music for an outdoor party or soft and relaxing for swaying in the hammock.  Here are a few highlights for each of the featured items including benefits and details on specs, and where to get for your convenience.

Hammock  – 6335-166, Double Sonata by Vivere Ltd  www.vivereltd.com

Available exclusively at Home Hardware for a great price of $89.99, this double hammock  is made with a polyester fabric and ropes and treated for UV protection along with grommets, hardware and o rings zinc coated to help withstand the elements better. For relaxing in style and softness a poly-fill is used in the middle to add comfort when enjoying a siesta in your backyard. The hammock is quilted with sew lines down the hammock to keep the poly-fill from moving around  or bunching up. The look is stylish and inviting and perfect for relaxing anytime.

Real Flame Sierra Outdoor Fireplace – www.realflame.com

Extend your outdoor living season and enjoy a real fire without the mess and hassle of wood. A slide out drawer holds up to four cans of gel fuel. Fireplaces comes with hand-painted cast concrete logs, decorative lava rock, and storage cover to protect unit when not in use.  Real Flame is the original, premium gel fuel designed for use with vent less gel fireplaces and accessories. It is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, clean burning gel that doesn’t leave any soot, smoke or ashes behind so there’s no messy clean up. Best of all, Real Flame creates a robust, bright yellow, orange and red flame that crackles just like a log fire.  Each can of Real Flame gel fuel is designed to burn for up to 2 ½ to 3 hours long. If you wish to create a fire for a shorter period, simply extinguish the flame and re-cap the can. Re-use any remaining gel fuel for your next fire. For each fire, you may use one to three cans of gel fuel at a time, depending on the size of fire you wish to create.

Indoor/Outdoor Flame-less Candles & Lanterns - by Candle Impressions -  www.candleimpressions.net

With up to  2000 hours of of battery run time with 2 D batteries, a 3 hour timer and weather resistant, these outdoor candles look stylish with a realistic flicker and glow of candlelight. There are economical, safe, convenient and a greener alternative. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars. Keep you patio luminous all summer long.

Ridley Acoustics EVIG8G High Performance In-ground Speaker by Higher Definition – www.hd.ca

This high performance in-ground speaker boasts a weather-resistant Teflon coating. A full-range 100-watt driver, 8″ Polycarbonate Woofer with butyl rubber surround and true 360° sound provide you with an outstanding performance.  Includes 50ft of cable rated for in ground burial and designed to be buried in-ground, approx. 8″ above ground exposure.  With a 5 year warranty these speakers are  14″h  with a base  of  13″ x 13″.   The retail price is $118.95 including shipping from Higher Definition in Oakville.  Sound quality does not have to be compromised in an outdoor setting,  so sit back, relax and enjoy the music

 

Before

  

Kitchen Makeover After 

A kitchen makeover is a great investment and creating a new layout provides a good opportunity to incorporate your individual needs. In the pictured example, the homeowner was looking for a complete fresh look with a custom kitchen. Their needs included a bright and contemporary with traditional elements, additional storage, expanded counter space and an area more conducive to cooking and baking, which the homeowner enjoys.

The result was dramatic changes including an extended peninsula for more counter space and seating, double ovens for space saving and cooking ease, and additional storage with a new pantry and removal of bulk heads for taller upper cabinets. The kitchen is a dramatic change and now a focal point in the house that is beautiful and functional. Decor and coordination by Jackie Morra Interiors, www. jackiemorrainteriors.com or www.homedecorsolutions.ca .  Kitchen design and installation by Perola Kitchens at www.perolakitchens.com

As seen in the August/ September 2011 Issue of Reno & Decor on newstands now.

Bathrooms are often a challenging space to renovate and redesign with style and function working together. Creating a multi-functional family bathroom with timeless style means investing in fixtures and faucets intended for modern day living.   

Here are a few tips and tricks to make that water closet feel like a roman spa.

• Showering Solutions: Multifunctional showerheads offer much more than the standard spray, providing a sense of showering luxury in a small space.

• Mirror: Reflective surfaces will help to create airiness in the room. This is especially important if the bathroom doesn’t have a window to allow natural light to filter in. The scale of the mirror is really dependent on the space and accompanying fixtures. Consider a wall-hung mirrored cabinet that will provide additional storage as well as reflectivity. Generally, a bigger mirror will create a more open-feeling room by reflecting light throughout.

• Wall Hung Vanities: Reducing the size of your bathroom fixtures is an excellent way to create more space. The growing availability of wall hung bathroom furniture provides storage and leaves the floor space open, making a small bathroom seem larger. Petite vanities, though small in stature, offer an alternative that is big on design and function, making the bathroom a unique escape from the ordinary.

• Colour: Choosing softer and lighter hues of colour will make a room feel more relaxed and open. In a smaller space it’s important to pull all of the elements together by selecting colours that complement and play off each other. Creating the illusion of space can also be achieved by matching the wall colour to the colour of the vanity or other fixtures in the room.

• Lighting: Without taking up counter space, add extra lighting to brighten the look of your bathroom and add interest. Recessed lighting can be used to soften the space while providing ample light and, when used to its full potential, can highlight some of the fixtures that make a statement in a tighter space. Wall sconces can add warmth and sophistication to any bathroom as long as the style suits the overall design of the room.

• Eliminate All Clutter: A clean, neat bathroom always looks larger and more spacious than a dirty one. Don’t let clutter accumulate; organize storage areas and make use of them. Innovative, stylish design will always be lost if the space is messy and disorganized.

Don’t let the size of your washroom dictate the limits of your design. With creative ideas and great use of space, it can be a warm and inviting retreat that shows off your sense of style.

Tip #1 -  Add a pop of colour with new accessories such as cushions on a sofa, a new print, lampshades or tabletop centerpiece.

Tip #2 – Lighting can make or break any room so invest in a fixture that is large enough and one that makes you look up adding drama and enough light to the room.

Tip #3 – Get a spring area rug and put the fall one away for a completely new look so you won’t have to use the same one all year. Your spring rug can be lighter in tone and in weight as well with spring colours that are neutrals so you can add a new pop of colour each year.

Tip #4 - Paint is the biggest impact for the least amount of money. Paint an accent wall a fresh colour that will make you happy and don’t forget to paint your trim and baseboards to freshen them up for a clean new look.

Tip #5 - Bring in the green by adding flowers and plants that are various shapes and tones or green andwith scent if you like.  Remember spring is the best time to buy pots to coordinate with your decor for the indoors. Vary the size of pots and heights to create a mini green area or to help fill an empty corner instead of furniture. Cover up the exposed soil with decorative moss or rocks for a finished look.  It is also time to prune or get rid of plants that are not full and flourishing as we keep them too long.

Tip #6 – In the dining room, kitchen island or kitchen table add new placemats using a spring colour with floral napkins of your favorite flower. For a finished look add a beautiful clear,  coloured glass or solid white container for fresh fruit or flowers as a centerpiece.

Tip #7 – Rearrange your furniture in various ways and keep it for a week to adjust and see if you like the change.  Use angles with your sofas and chairs, take away an end table and lamp for a lighter look, add a bookcase for storage, replace a coffee table with an ottoman etc. Try something different and you may love it as we can get stuck in a rut.  

Tip #8 -  Add a few black or white accessories with a bold colour to give any room an instant lift for the season and new look for less.  This includes pictures, wallpaper as an accent, lampshades, cushions etc

Tip #9 – Remember less is more.   Put away collections or rotate half of your items in spring and fall. Edit and reduce items in cabinets and bookcases for a more open spacious look. 

Tips #10 – Use decor items you have in a new way and in a different room for a fresh take on its look and purpose. Shop within your home first and move pictures, organize and display accessories in a new way. For example remove a mirror and hang a picture instead, use the mirror in the bathroom or front hall.

Shown in photo- Shade O Matic Polysatin shutters are clean, contemporary and timeless.

Have you ever looked closely at your windows? We all look through them, but rarely at them and the statement they really can make in any space. Windows are a perfect opportunity to create a wonderful focal point while still being a practical necessity. Choosing the right coverings for any window can be simple once you take into consideration the room’s function, the homeowner’s needs, style & budget, and the overall décor tone and feel of the room.

Window coverings which are the functional treatment for the window include blinds, shades, shutters and drapery which all have specific benefits and add visual presence to the look of a home. Usually, I would recommend a more neutral colour for blinds, shades and shutters because any quality product will be around for many years but our décor taste in colours, fabrics and accessories can change more frequently.  The drapery and accessories can provide that punch of colour, added texture and style inspirations that will help with the finishing touch of the room. The way we dress our windows is comparable to how we dress ourselves, in that the blinds and shades are the under garments that are neutral and functional, and the drapery is the outerwear that is a truer reflection of your personal style.

Here are some key things to consider in selecting window treatments:

Function of the Space

The most important factor in the selection of the right product; it must fulfill your needs. For example, in most bathrooms the priority is privacy and moisture resistance, in a bedroom it maybe light blocking, or in a media room it could be reducing the sun’s glare. There are solutions to every need, in a bathroom a great option would be a shutter or for a softer look a modern roller screen. For many areas light control is important with the different opacities of the blinds or using a versatile blind like Shadow Magic from Shade O Matic that has different opacities all in one.

 Your Style

This is how you can incorporate your own individuality to your windows, whether it is modern, contemporary, traditional or eclectic. There is a window covering that can work with any style or mood you are trying to create without sacrificing functionality. There are countless drapery fabrics with stunning textures and colours that compliment any décor. The style of drapery sets the tone through weight, colour, and type of panel or valance treatment.  The drapery hardware and accessories add the glitter and glam, or added interest with eye-catching finials, in wood, metal or glass. Other embellishments such as decorative fringes or tie-backs for the drapery can be used for added detail.

Budget

Cost is also a key consideration for any purchase, fortunately there is a window covering for every budget. It is more important to have a quality item fits your needs than to base you purchase on price, only to have to replace them in a short time. Consider proper window treatments as an investment that can help protect flooring and furniture from UV damage, lower utility bills by increasing energy efficiency, and even increase the resale value of your home.

Be sure ask about all options that are available with your coverings that could be of great benefit like motorized operation for hard to reach windows, cordless shades for those with small children and pets to prevent choking hazards, or customizing blind accessory colours to coordinate with other décor accessories in the space.  Choose a quality product with a warrantee, most reputable manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warrantee.

Jackie Morra is a certified interior decorator and owner of Home Decor Solutions.  She is a regular celebrity guest speaker on HGTV’s main stage at The Toronto Fall Home Show and National Home Show and appeared on TV and written nationally featured décor articles.  For special events and décor tips from Jackie visit her website at www.homedecorsolutions.ca or at www.jackiemorrainteriors.com .

Spring Into the Season – Revitalize your home

Spring is a time when we think of freshening up our homes as the weather starts to get warmer and thoughts of winter finally come to an end. It’s a time to look around your home to make each room more a reflection of your style and to update or change the decor without completely redecorating, to give your rooms new life. Think about the tone or mood you want to create such as cozy and warm, modern and simple and the style and colours that most inspires you.

Colours that are hot this spring include white, olive green and blues as shown in the picture.

If you want to create the biggest impact for the least amount of time and cost focus your energy on rooms that are used everyday by most of your family members or guest such as the kitchen, family room and bathrooms. These rooms are viewed and used at the beginning and end of each day so change will bring a sense of renewal and revitalization and will be significant. By implementing the following simple decorating ideas you can transform your home this spring to make what you have work best, in a new way.

De-Clutter and Organize

The first step in this home renewal process is to de-clutter each room in your home. Just as spring-cleaning can add a breath of fresh air, reevaluating the use and function of each item in a room will allow the space to be used and decorated in the best light.

De-cluttering will not only make a room look more spacious and balanced but will produce a sense of order and calmness. Less is more and if you don’t love it live without it. This simple approach will help evaluate what to recycle, reuse or remove and will help to take the guesswork out of future purchases. Only buy new items that work with the décor and that make you feel good everyday.

Painting

Painting can create the most dramatic changes with the least expense. By incorporating new paint colours that coordinate or complement the existing colour scheme, painting will produce a huge transformation without the expense of replacing major furnishings. Choosing colours can be a daunting task as light, shades and tones of each colour play a key role in the correct choice. Coordination of colours and using shades and hues of different values of colour is more important that matching colours in the room

Accessories are the Key

Just like a new lipstick or new hairstyle, your rooms deserve a new update. Accessories can provide a new element of colour, texture and inspiration without much commitment. Add a splash of colour for the season or accentuate an accent colour to your existing décor with a few new cushions for your sofa, an area rug, new lampshades, candles, family photos and pictures for the wall, linens for the kitchen and towels and bath products for bathroom.

As a finishing touch, add plants to a few of your rooms, real or artificial including spring bulbs to create a fresh look and smell which can then be planted outdoors. Plants are a great accessory, as they can fill up an empty space or corner and coordinates with everything. 

Make your home your dream living space, feel refreshed and proud without spending a fortune. Throw a party to celebrate your accomplishments. Happy spring cleaning and decorating!