Lucie Pitt, Author at Versa Style Design

May 04 2022

5 Essentials for an Outstanding Outdoor Space

The proper planning of an outdoor living area is a simple and potentially economical solution to instantly increasing your living space without purchasing more property. Whether your outdoor paradise is a living room, eating nook or private sanctuary, imagine it as a quick extension to your home.

Here are the 5 essential elements sure to give your outdoor space greater functionality as well as the calm and serenity you need and worked for.

1. Establish the space with a structure of some sort

If our interior requires walls and a ceiling, well so does the exterior, even if only partial. Without any structure at all you will feel very exposed, as well as lacking in references for the placement of the furniture. The structure should offer shade and protection from the sun in addition to defining activity zones for each member of the family.

Perhaps you are in dire need of some privacy from the neighbours or would like to cleverly hide an electrical pole or an unpleasant view by planting a hedge or placing a trellis of climbing vines.

Also, you may appreciate a shade-creating pergola or simply draped fabric. Perhaps your need is for a simple wind-breaking wall like this. This black wall as well as the integrated storage bench was designed by Versa Style Design to solve the problem of excessively high winds blowing in from the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Today the clients spend many hours on their deck, lounging and entertaining. A wall and storage bench such as this are relatively simple to build for a qualified handyman.

2. Add flames for warmth and great ambience!

Outdoor fireplaces are amazing, whether they be custom made in stone like this Techo Bloc or the handy and mobile ones available off the shelf. Just make sure to position it for safety first, considering security and norms, above all else! Oil or ethanol fire torches and lanterns are all available off the shelf so elaborate excavation projects are unnecessary!

For those desiring custom fireplaces that are more elaborate, you will find that the possibilities are as irresistible as they are endless.

3. Traffic control and the creation of zones

Add multiple levels connected by steps that are well lit, leading people through inviting and strategic zones. Make sure any high traffic areas are spacious; the steps should be large and central rather than narrow and squeezed into awkward corners. This will encourage visitors to discover different areas as they flow through the zones. It also contributes to the functionality of the space as well as increasing the perception of even more space.

4. Optimize the space with storage

Clients are investing more and more in smart storage. Deck drawers are a must-have for every deck owner. You can finally effectively use the storage space available under your deck without comprising the look. Recover this unused space to store a large variety of articles such as garden tools, seat cushions, pool accessories, tires, toys, or any items that you use in your backyard.

5. Create atmosphere with lighting

When making the most of a small space make sure you light up the dark corners and that all the traffic areas and steps are properly lit.

New products out on the market give us ecological options that also happen to look great. The objective is to adequately light the area without being too harsh, as well as focusing the attention on certain features such as plants and interesting surface textures or accessories. Proper accent lighting doesn’t need to be expensive to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

The proper planning of a garden or outdoor living room has practically become non-negotiable for the simple reason that any available space in the suburbs or urban areas is a luxury high in demand!

In addition to this, Canadian homeowners endure harsh winters with half of the year spent hibernating indoors.

At Versa Style Design we believe everyone deserves an outstanding outdoor space for relaxing alone or enjoying good times with friends and family. We hope these outdoor design ideas gave you some inspiration.

If you need a helping hand, contact us; outdoor space planning, structures, lighting, candle globes, furniture, kitchen elements and trades-people are available with Versa Style Design.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Apr 10 2022

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

You spend a tremendous amount of time in your kitchen. Because of this, it is vital that it be functional and inviting and that you feel great preparing meals as well as entertaining friends and family. If you are like most folks, you are most likely waiting for the finances to completely renovate and create the kitchen of your dreams.

The good news is that you can transform your kitchen without breaking the bank. There are strategies and ways of making specific changes that will have a high impact, even on a tight budget.

The first thing to consider when renovating on a budget is recycling what you already own because the factor that causes a kitchen improvement project to skyrocket in price is purchasing new cabinetry.

The second thing to consider is that re-configuring the floor plan will increase costs because of the plumbing and electrical work that follows. All this also requires a new floor because the old one no longer matches the new set-up, etc.

The third thing to consider is improving your kitchen in well planned phases…doing a little each year. Here are a few simple ideas to give your kitchen a face lift that will cost you far less than doing an entire kitchen renovation.

Paint Out Your Old Kitchen Cupboards

This will require some effort on your part, but you are perfectly able to accomplish this. Every standard paint manufacturer has a line of products for prepping and painting kitchen cabinets and You Tube is abundant with friendly tutorials as support. Alternatively, you can hire this out and it will still cost less than purchasing new kitchen cabinets. In some cases, the painter can paint the cabinets on site, in other cases, the doors are dismantled and moved to a clean and dry shop for spray painting.

Cover Your Old Floor with a New Area Rug

Is your old floor tired and out-dated? Cover it with a nice area rug to hide the wear and tear. Choose a low maintenance indoor-outdoor carpet or one with synthetic fibres. There is also a wonderful selection of waterproof vinyl carpets on the market. My favourite line of vinyl rugs is from Adama Alma, which Versa Style Design imports from Barcelona. Make sure the carpet is dark and patterned to hide any stains. And if your kitchen is neutral-toned, go ahead and add colour!

Recycle an Old, Cherished Piece of Furniture

Integrating a unique piece of furniture can make a huge difference in the appearance of a kitchen. Give an old, cherished piece that you inherited or picked up at the flea market a whole new life and purpose.

Farmhouse tables can be repurposed as kitchen islands for food prep as well as provide seating for friends and family. Old armoires can be upcycled as food pantries.

Replace Your Counter

If your budget is too tight for a granite or marble counter (costing on average $100.00/sq. foot) then Quartz or Corian are great cost-effective alternatives ($50 – $80.00/sq. foot). If you want to save even more, consider the new generation of modern laminates such as Formica. They are as beautiful as they are durable and go for between $25 – $50/sq. foot. They are also easy to install.

Designer trick: To make a laminate counter look high end, invest in a great looking high-quality backsplash tile.

Install Backsplash Tiles with a Lot of Personality

An outstanding wall tile gives any kitchen a lot of style. I often recommend that clients change up their backsplash and add a coat of paint to the walls because if they do just that, the entire kitchen will feel like it was renovated. For high impact, choose textured relief tiles and add lighting so the surface comes to life. I believe that the kitchen backsplash is like completing an outfit with a great necklace or necktie. A new backsplash adds a wonderful finishing touch to a kitchen and stands out like a jewel.

Replace the Lighting

Suspended lighting is both functional and makes a big style statement. Adequate kitchen lighting is vital and should be positioned over your dining table and kitchen island as well as over your sink. Remember to properly light specific work zones so you can perform your tasks with comfortable lighting; the cooking area as well as clean up and food preparation areas.

Be bold when choosing the scale and style of a suspended light.

Change the Door and Drawer Handles

Sometimes just changing up the door handles will give such a face-lift to the doors and drawers that you won’t feel as rushed to renovate the whole kitchen. Choose handles that are harmonized with your general kitchen style. Also consider a different metal; if you kept it safe with brushed nickel, opt for a warmer tone like gold, champagne, bronze or copper. Perhaps a brass or pewter handle would be a nice match. Again, be bold and creative.

Inject Some Colour With New Decorative Accessories

Probably the easiest and fastest way to a new kitchen is simply changing all the decorative elements. Choose new chairs, vases, bowls, curtains, artwork, a tablecloth, and napkins in a whole new accent colour.

You can have a brand-new kitchen after a few hours of shopping. If you have open shelving (also a budget-friendly idea) make sure there is a common theme and colour palette to avoid a cluttered look.

Even just one of these budget-friendly ideas can transform your kitchen. As you can see, you don’t have to renovate your entire kitchen to have what feels like a new one that fits with your personal style.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Feb 15 2022

Ingenious ideas to keep your home organized

I don’t believe in perfect houses. I do, however, believe in homes that are a perfect reflection of the people who inhabit them. Do you ever dream of a home where everything looks the way you want it to, works the way you need it to, and just generally makes you feel good – without costing a fortune?

That’s why I’ve filled this blog with valuable ideas and organizing tips as inspiration for getting your home organized once and for all….so that you’ll have all you need for creating a space that you will be proud to call ‘’home’’.

Main entrance

In this hallway we use all of the walls to maximise function. You have closed storage for things you want to hide and an easy to reach open unit for stuff you want to show off. How do you keep open storage looking tidy? Keep stuff you use every day where you can see it. Drawers and storage boxes provide flexibility and keep the hall looking ordered.

The living area

Store more, stress less. Dedicate a wall for maximum storage with modules and shelves custom-made or off the shelf. Organisation helps you find what you want—and you buy only what you need. A row of drawers keeps things neatly stored, keeps dust away and keeps a clean line. A soft spot with cushions and a custom-made mattress pad is good for reflection and reading, especially by a window or a lamp.

The bathroom

Sure, small spaces are cozy, but they still need to match the practicality of any other size room, especially the bathroom.

Between all the toiletries, makeup, towels, toilet paper, and more, it needs clever storage solutions that cut the clutter and maximize space. When possible, I add retractable shelves to the end of the bath.

Wall space is precious, especially in an extra tiny bathroom. Shallow cabinets like these have adjustable shelving to make space for items of all sizes, like bottles of bathroom cleaner, toilet paper etc. This bathroom was fully customized to take advantage of every square inch.

Work zone

When your home is your office, it’s not easy to have work/life balance.

Create space to contain everything by surrounding your desk with shelves. Use solid-coloured, matching boxes to hide things away. Glass vases and jars can show off a few lovelies. Add in accessories, like a letter tray, to sort your papers.

Take charge of your family gadgets

Here’s an easy way to organize your electronics wherever works best in your home. An Ikea wall newspaper rack is a good size for tablets, and labels give everyone their own spot. You can put power strips in IKEA KVISSLE cable management boxes to hide cords and charge several things at once.

Optimize your stairs

Here is a clever way of making better use of the stairs to the basement or near the front entryway: Practical cubicles custom built around the steps to maximize every square inch. You can decide the shape and size of each module, as well as adding shelves and hooks according to your needs.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Dec 14 2021

Decoration Ideas For The Holidays

When it comes to Christmas decorations, there’s something for everyone this year. Here are the main trends to provide you with some inspiration, along with some great Christmas decorating ideas! And, regardless of the decorating style you choose, make it a point to be consistent in every room of the house, from the door entrance to the Christmas table decorations in the dining room! And… enjoy yourself!

Farmhouse style Christmas

To replicate this setting, fir branches are used in every shape and size, whether it’s as a Christmas wreath, Christmas door decorations, a Christmas garland on the stair railings or on the fireplace mantel etc.! Then add in elements that evoke nature – wood, nuts and pine cones, or cotton flowers, then throw in some older vintage finds like a wooden sled or maybe some old buckets…

Blue and silver

Red and green aren’t the only colours that can be used at Christmas time. For a more wintry decor, blue is a great hue! Combined with white and natural elements (branches and vines), blue allows you to create a cozy Nordic decor; who would have thought? For lights, it might be interesting to blend warm white with cool white.

Metallic and black

If you’re into glamour, have sparkly lights and place an emphasis on the gold and/or silver look by playing with shapes, motifs and finishes. In terms of complementary or contrasting colours, go for black – a little or a lot, but passionately! And to hide the base of the artificial Christmas tree, use a faux fur sofa throw or black fabric.

An updated version of Traditional

To get this type of decor, choose a white or green Christmas tree – snow-flocked or not – set in a wooden box or jute basket so the foot of the tree is hidden. Choose warm-white Christmas lights to create a cozy ambiance and decorate the tree with wood, natural-coloured ornaments and red and/or green Christmas balls for a traditional touch. Decoration-wise, you can add a few plaid touches, a pretty lantern and red berries here and there.

An all-white Christmas (or almost)

For pure-decor enthusiasts a white or snow-flocked green Christmas tree or garland is a great choice. And you can also opt for ornaments in matching shades and adorn them by putting in some artificial flowers! Elegant white Christmas bulbs in a dull finish are currently very trendy. Decoratively speaking, people are choosing glass or transparent acrylic objects to brighten the room.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Nov 26 2021

5 things to do before removing a wall

An open floor plan is definitely the current home design trend. But tearing down an interior wall to open up the space can be risky and should not be taken lightly.

Structural or load-bearing walls support the roof, floors and non-structural walls. They keep the house standing and, therefore, are vital. So before knocking down a wall, find out whether or not it is load-bearing.

Here are five tips to avoid disaster.

1. Determine whether the wall is structural

The blueprints or building plans for the house – available from your municipality if you don’t already have a copy on hand – will indicate the location of supporting beams and structural walls. There are also signs in the house that can help you identify them. For example, check in the basement to see if there’s a wall or an I-beam directly below the wall you’d like to remove. If the two parallel partitions run the entire length of the building, then your targeted wall is indeed load-bearing.

The direction of the roof trusses or the floor joists can provide another clue: If they run perpendicular to the targeted wall, the latter is definitely structural. For peace of mind, it’s highly recommended that you consult a building professional such as a structural engineer or licensed general contractor. Your house’s structural integrity and your own safety depend on it.

2. Open up the wall

Once you’ve determined the type of wall you’re dealing with, the next step is to find out what’s inside. Use a utility knife (never brute strength) to cut out an opening.

Proceed cautiously so as not to damage what you might find within, like electrical wires, water pipes, heating or vent ducts, or some other surprise or two if your house is several decades old.

If you do find something, be sure to call in a professional electrician or plumber who can safely remove or relocate anything unexpected. This will inevitably involve extra costs, but it’s necessary. A word of advice: Contact the professionals ahead of time to avoid delays.

3. Support the load temporarily while the wall is being removed

Removing a structural wall requires careful planning. Before proceeding, you must absolutely install a support beam or pillar – from floor to ceiling – to bear the load while the wall is being demolished. This will prevent damage to the structural integrity of your home.

A tip: If the wall in question is used to support the roof, it’s preferable to remove it in summer rather than winter because any accumulated snow on the roof will increase the load on the temporary support beam.

4. Replace the load-bearing wall

Once the wall is demolished, you will need other means to support the weight of the level above, such as ceiling beams and pillars on either side of the new opening. Note that these replacement structures don’t all have the same strength and rigidity, so make sure the weight is properly distributed to prevent the roof or floor from sagging, either in the short or long term.

Also, the new beams and pillars must extend all the way to the basement foundation to ensure overall stability. The job of assessing load-bearing capabilities and the related construction work to be done is complex and requires professional attention. Consult a structural engineer or a licensed general contractor. For good references, contact Versa Style Design.

5. Factor in extra expenses

The project doesn’t end with the wall removal. There are still repairs necessary to make everything match throughout the house. These will include redoing or patching the floor, filling the gap left in the ceiling (for example, with a strip of gypsum board), fixing the joints, and repainting.

This work should be planned ahead of time and be included in the renovation budget, with extra allowances if you plan to have them done professionally.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Home Renovations

5 Essentials for an Outstanding Outdoor Space

1. Establish the space with a structure of some sort

2. Add flames for warmth and great ambience!

3. Traffic control and the creation of zones

4. Optimize the space with storage

5. Create atmosphere with lighting

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

Paint Out Your Old Kitchen Cupboards

Cover Your Old Floor with a New Area Rug

Recycle an Old, Cherished Piece of Furniture

Replace Your Counter

Install Backsplash Tiles with a Lot of Personality

Replace the Lighting

Change the Door and Drawer Handles

Inject Some Colour With New Decorative Accessories

Ingenious ideas to keep your home organized

Main entrance

The living area

The bathroom

Work zone

Take charge of your family gadgets

Optimize your stairs

Decoration Ideas For The Holidays

Farmhouse style Christmas

Blue and silver

Metallic and black

An updated version of Traditional

An all-white Christmas (or almost)

5 things to do before removing a wall

1. Determine whether the wall is structural

2. Open up the wall

3. Support the load temporarily while the wall is being removed

4. Replace the load-bearing wall

5. Factor in extra expenses

Versa Style Design
Lucie Pitt

Interior Design & Renovations

Design Blog

1. Establish the space with a structure of some sort

2. Add flames for warmth and great ambience!

3. Traffic control and the creation of zones

4. Optimize the space with storage

5. Create atmosphere with lighting

Paint Out Your Old Kitchen Cupboards

Cover Your Old Floor with a New Area Rug

Recycle an Old, Cherished Piece of Furniture

Replace Your Counter

Install Backsplash Tiles with a Lot of Personality

Replace the Lighting

Change the Door and Drawer Handles

Inject Some Colour With New Decorative Accessories

Main entrance

The living area

The bathroom

Work zone

Take charge of your family gadgets

Optimize your stairs

Farmhouse style Christmas

Blue and silver

Metallic and black

An updated version of Traditional

An all-white Christmas (or almost)

1. Determine whether the wall is structural

2. Open up the wall

3. Support the load temporarily while the wall is being removed

4. Replace the load-bearing wall

5. Factor in extra expenses

Versa Style Design Lucie Pitt

Interior Design & Renovations

Design Blog

Versa Style Design
Lucie Pitt