Mother’s Day is going to look a little different this year.
Given the turbulence of recent months, it’s likely that you’re spending more time than ever in your house. Stay-at-home directives are making us more intimately acquainted with our places than ever before and reveal exactly how important it is for us to create spaces that both inspire and comfort us.
Thinking about how to best celebrate the mom in your life during these trying times? Maybe the answer is a new space. Three of our favourite local designers have lent their expertise on how to make the most out of even the tiniest nook—the perfect unexpected Mother’s Day surprise.
JODI MASON
Business-like precision paired with a designer’s perspective—that’s what Jodi Mason brings to her clients. Mason is the owner and operator of Urbanhome, a destination for inspired, luxury design services and uniquely chic décor pieces within her shoppable showroom. Mason makes it her business to understand not just how each space operates, but how its inhabitants will want to feel and what it needs to offer them. She shares that her leading inspiration for each space is the personalities of the people who will occupy it.
Jodi Mason’s approach to decorating her nook is restful yet purposeful.
The backless chaise is exactly what you’d love to lounge on with a morning coffee or while reading or cuddling with the kids or another human—all while taking in serene lake views. The natural hues and organic materials were chosen to emulate the restful stillness of a lake, completed with a lamp to light evening reading and area rug to warm the space.
Looking to redesign a small space on a moment’s notice? Jodi’s design tip is to shop your own house. “Take a wander through the different rooms of your home and collect key pieces—a chair from one place, a lamp from another, and maybe an accent table as well. Scan your walls or shelves for artwork to rehome within your nook. While these things might not be new, they’ll feel like it once they’re being used in a new way in a previously unused spot in the house.”
TIA HUGHES
Drawing on her graphic design background to inform her décor techniques, Tia Hughes applies colour theory and exceptional use of proportion to bring her spaces to life. After years spent working within Toronto’s boutique design agencies, Tia Hughes made her way back to Windsor to start a family and a studio of her own. Today, Tia Hughes Design is focused on creating uniquely beautiful, highly functional interiors and inspired brand identity services for her clients.
Warm, modern-transitional décor makes a big impact in Tia Hughes’s nook.
The space features a richly coloured statement chair, accompanied by a minimalist accent table to hold the essentials (favourite books, freshly cut flowers, and a well-deserved glass of wine). Finishing the space are a fiddle-leaf fig tree nestled in a woven basket and a cozy knit throw.
Hughes knows that we could all use a little bit of a refresh of our spaces given how much quality time we’ve been spending indoors lately. In addition to affordably shaking up the feel of a room by switching up textiles and accent pillows, an easy way to change the feel of a nook is by reorganizing bookshelves and built-ins. “To start, remove everything and clean your surfaces, then put everything together so you can see what there is to work with. From there you can place larger pieces evenly throughout the unit, and layer in small art pieces to rest behind the objects. To complete the look, pepper in your favourite found objects and little book stacks of varying heights.”
Wishing you could go out? You can always bring some nature in. “Try snipping some fresh spring tulips out of your garden, or even a branch that you can let bloom inside. Don’t have a vase? You can use a ceramic pitcher, a large glass mason jar, or a leftover votive container.”
DAVID BURMAN
David Burman is the founder, owner, and operator of Mister Style—the answer to a well furnished, creatively curated home, whether you’re staging to sell or styling to stay. Burman and his team take great care to get to know their clients, uniquely highlighting their personality in a space that functionally fits their lifestyle. For those uncertain as to how to attract a home’s best possible buyers, Mister Style offers partial or full home stages designed to highlight the true potential of a space.
An attainable approach to feminine glamour defines David Burman’s small space.
“We love this because it’s so affordable and still design-forward: the perfect spot for Mom to unwind. The room works for so many parts of her everyday life, whether it be a get-together with girlfriends, a romantic movie night with her spouse, or even just hanging out with the kids!”
When asked about his favourite tips for promoting a restful space, Burman notes that everyone is different with how they find peace during this period of uncertainty, but he personally finds comfort in tidying up.
“If you’re anything like me, why not take this time at home to declutter? In the times when it feels like we have absolutely no control, find refuge in keeping the calm in your home by opening the windows, getting organized, letting some light in, and restoring calm to your space.”
Feeling inspired to try something a little more involved? Burman has ideas for you too. “Why not try reusing old sweaters or rugs and reupholstering some new pillows or chairs? Or spray-painting that plain picture frame or old table? Little projects can go a long way to helping your space feel new (and passes the time for those of us feeling especially unproductive).”
For more décor inspiration, be sure to follow along with our designers on Instagram:
Jodi Mason @urbanhomewsr
Tia Hughes @tiahughesdesign
David Burman @misterstyleinc
