Store-bought or hand-made, cozy up with knits at home

Knitting is one of my favorite hobbies; I love watching the yarn transform into wonderfully textured pieces to then become clothes, stuffed animals, or whatever the project of the moment is. I have joked that I would surround myself with all things knitting if I could - and now I know that I don't have to say that jokingly anymore.

Couture Deco's knit-look wallpaper has me wishing that my crafts room was due for a make-over. Although this wallpaper can work just as well as an accent wall in a bedroom or living room, in a den, or even in a hallway.

If knits for home decor appeal to you - and why shouldn't they? They are so cozy! - you'll be happy to know that knitting, and all things knitted, are continuing to grow in popularity and trendiness.

Of course there  are the usual throws and pillows (like these cushions from Pottery Barn), but there are also more unusual pieces out there like knit vases from Ferm Living.

Better yet, visit the Etsy website to support artists and artisans by purchasing knitted items that are hand-made. Choose by category, search by item, narrow your search by location or  by colour...

Or pick up a pair of knitting needles and watch a skein of yarn turn into something fantastic!

A picture may say 1000 words but not a complete story

Have you ever seen an amazing-looking promotional photo for something on sale at a store, and then when you went to see it in person you were terribly disappointed?  If you answered yes, then you'll certainly understand what I am going on about.

I was recently criticized for taking on a certain project (still in progress).  Someone saw the "before" photos and told me I should be ashamed that I am involved in tearing out a beautiful, new-looking bathroom; the terms "wasteful", "environmentally and economically irresponsible", as well as a few others were harshly directed at me.

(The businesswoman in me maintains that even if this project was purely frivolous, if not me then some other designer would have the contract.  But that is not the point...)

In a luxury home, does it make sense to have only  a small en-suite bathroom with a tiny shower when there is room for significant enlargement?  In a luxury home, does it make sense to have an en-suite washroom outfitted with mediocre quality finishes and fixtures?  Does it make sense for the owner to want to invest a bit to increase the property value?

Yes, the bathroom looked lovely as it had been - if it were in an average home.  But where it was is comparable to placing a thrift-shop futon in a room with an Austrian crystal chandelier, a hand-woven silk rug, and museum-quality original art.

So although a picture can say a thousand words, make sure they are the right ones before jumping to conclusions.