Dear Kristen,
Spotlight lamps are some of the most stunning light fixtures on the market today. They have a mysterious look and incorporate a mixture of industrial, nautical and modernism, making them truly unique. They are a statement piece; some might say the Gucci of home design.

I often catch myself drooling over such a statement piece and wonder if it is possible to recreate a spotlight lamp on a budget. Some have said it is impossible, although I believe anything is possible with a little elbow grease.

In today’s project, a tripod and an empty can of paint will be transformed into a stunning spotlight.

The following supplies are required for this DIY Spotlight Project.

- Metal tripod
- Empty paint can
- Heat-resistant paint
- Scrapbook distressing ink
- Krylon gold leafing pen
- Lamp light kit
- Drill and appropriate size bit
- 2 Nuts and bolts that correspond with the tripod
- Sponge

Step 1:
Creating the spot light.
Remove the paint can label and wash the inside of the empty can. Be sure to thoroughly remove any paint residue. Dry the can with a cloth. Once dry, paint the inside of the can with heat-resistant paint.

Step 2:
Flip the can upside down and drill a hole on the bottom. This hole will be used to hold the light socket in place within the can.

Step 3:
Wire the light socket from a light kit into the bottom of the can. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for the kit. Caution: For those with limited knowledge of electrical components, seek professional help for this step.

Step 4:
Drill two holes on one side of the can. Use nuts and bolts to secure the can to the tripod mount. Place the mount, which is now adhered to the can, on top of the tripod.

Step 5:
The finishing touches.
Using a leafing pen, cover the plastic joints of the tripod with a beautiful layer of gold metallic paint.

Step 6:
Depending on the look desired, use scrapbook distress ink to age the metal tripod. Smudge a variety of black, bronze and brown inks in a vertical fashion on the tripod legs.

Step 7:
In order to visually tie together the top and bottom metals of the fixture, draw a line with the gold leafing pen on the edge of the can.

Step 8:
Place a low wattage bulb in the socket and turn on the lamp. You now have your very own designer spotlight lamp!

Warning: Use caution when placing lamps beside drapes and combustible materials as they can be a fire hazard.

Marc Atiyolil is a celebrity designer, the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, a design expert on CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm. To submit a question, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com

COPYRIGHT 2012 – Marc Atiyolil Media Inc

In today’s episode of the Marc Atiyolil Show, Marc visits with Glen Peloso in the design studio at Glen Peloso Interiors. Glen shares tips for creating a colour palette that works and shares some colour trends you won’t want to miss.

Dear Jenna:
Rustic weathered woods and wrought iron, paired with sleek modern touches are very popular in design! This look is reminiscent of the olden days when these types of woods and iron pieces were found in our grandfathers’ workshops.

Today, this look is classified as chic and it is sought after by designers. Thus, these pieces are usually found in high-end boutiques with a price tag that makes one wonder if the tray is in fact gold plated.

For the bakers among us, the supplies needed for this project will be found in our cupboards. For all others, simply visit a friend and borrow a cookie sheet as you’ll need it for this project. As you say your goodbyes, mention to them that you’ll bring them a fabulous rustic serving tray on your next visit.

In this project, we’ll transform an old cookie sheet into a designer serving tray using a few craft and hardware supplies.

The following supplies are required for this DIY Serving Tray project.

- Weathered cookie sheet
- Self adhesive black board
- 2 handles
- Square chrome studs
- Craft distress ink
- Sponge
- Glue gun
- Utility Knife
- Drill with bit
- Gold leafing pen

Step 1:
Apply the self-adhesive blackboard to the inside bottom of the cookie sheet. Using a utility knife, cut any excess material.

Step 2:
Using distress ink pads and a sponge, apply layers of ink to the side lips of the tray. Allow drying time before continuing to the next step. This will create the “weathered look”.

Step 3:
Measure the middle of the side lips of the cookie sheet. Drill 2 holes on each side and install the handles.

Step 4:
Glue three square studs below the tray’s handle using a glue gun. Leave half an inch between each stud.

Step 5:
Using the gold leafing pen, draw a line around the lip of the cookie sheet.

Step 6:
The cookie sheet has now been transformed into a designer serving tray. Place a few treasured pieces and a good book onto the tray. Pour yourself a nice cup of tea and enjoy!

Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, regular contributor to CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm.

To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com
COPYRIGHT 2012 – CHT Media

Join us for this episode of the Marc Atiyolil Show. Marc visits singer Matt Dusk at home to get a look at his newly decorated, 60′s inspired orange and gold living room. Matt shares some of his decorating tips and inspirations with Marc.

I’m a big fan of your work. The new drab to fab projects are great! I’ve heard designers say that it’s good to have some basic tools around the house, but I don’t have a lot of storage in my condo. My closet space is full of clothes and shoes, so I don’t know where to store my tools. I bought a basic tool set and it came with a tool box. Since I don’t have a place to store the tool box, it just sits in my living room. Do you have any ideas as to how I can camouflage my tool box?

Margaret

Dear Margaret:

Storage is a rare commodity in some older homes and condos. Saturday morning cartoons have built up our hopes that we can stuff all our extra belongings into a single, tiny closet. Then one day, the door opens and everything pours out onto the floor. Of course in reality, the “clown car effect” doesn’t work for closet space. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to maximize storage space within unconventional items such as furniture and accessories.

Multi-functional furniture like sofas and ottomans with built-in storage bins are a perfect way to maximize storage capacity. Another great tip to camouflage the storage of excess items is to repurpose boxes. For instance, traditional tool boxes are usually awful looking, bright coloured, plastic or metal containers that rarely fit into a designer space. But not to worry, there are creative ways to transform designer tool boxes by taking vintage boxes and repurposing them. Once refurbished, the box can be placed as an accessory in any room.

This project will transform a vintage black reptile print, 8-track tape box into a designer tool box using a few supplies.

 Supplies needed for the Vintage Tool Box Project:

- Old box (any finish and size)

- Earrings

- Glue gun

- Sheets of scrapbook paper

- Scrapbook double-sided tape

Step 1:

Look for the perfect box to repurpose into a designer tool box. Flea markets and goodwill stores are great spots to locate supplies for repurposing projects. Marc’s Tip: Be sure to purchase a case in an appropriate size so that your tools will lie nicely inside the tool box.

Step 2:

Once a box has been selected, remove any separators found within the case.

We selected a vintage black reptile print 8-track tape box and by removing all separators, we created a large open area.

Step 3:

Cut pieces of scrapbook paper to the size needed to refinish the inside of the box. Use double-sided tape to glue the paper to the box.

Step 4:

Add a little pizzazz to the new tool box with old clip-on earrings. Remove the clip from the earrings. Using a glue gun, adhere one earring atop each chrome edge of the box’s handle.

Step 5:

Voila, you now have a designer tool box that can be stored in any room without anyone ever knowing.

Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, regular contributor to CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm.

To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com

COPYRIGHT 2012 – CHT Media

Dear Marc:
I bought an older home and there are slight imperfections on the walls in the bathroom. I’d like to add visual interest on the walls and cover up some of the imperfections. How can I do this without making it look tacky?
Anne

Dear Anne:

When working with unique spaces such as bathrooms, it can be a challenge to add visual interest to walls due to limited space and special placement of traditional fixtures.

Being creative when designing small spaces is important. You don’t have the luxury of large open wall areas to add that certain something that will draw the eye. I love taking traditional ways of applying design and making my own spin on them.

A great way to add visual interest in a bathroom is to look at wall panels. I know what you are thinking, “Oh dear, he’s going to tell me to put up that cheap looking paneling that looks tacky and ugly.” Actually it’s just the opposite. Think of those chic wainscoting panels that people put up at the halfway mark on their walls. They then add a lovely molding to cover the top edge of the panel and a baseboard to cover the bottom edge.

What we will be creating today will be a similar idea. Although, we will be adding a modern twist to this project by mimicking popular wallpaper designs on the panels and working with flat wood panels as opposed to the traditional ribbed wainscoting panels.

You will need the following supplies:
- Wood panels
- Primer
- Deer Feather (CLW 1047W) General Paint (Colour: White)
- Black Russian (CL 3127N) General Paint (Colour: Black)
- Roller and paint tray
- Paint brush
- Large paisley stencil
- Sanding Block
- Painter’s Mate Green tape

Step 1:
Visit your local hardware store and ask them to cut wood panels into 48” (width) by 40” (height) pieces. The panels must be thin in depth as you want to simply add thin wood panels to the wall. During your visit to the hardware store, be sure to pick up the remainder of the supplies listed above and to stop by your local General Paint retailer.

Step 2:
Set up a proper working area. Now that you are ready to start your project, with the use of your sanding block lightly sand the entire surface of the panel. This will help the paint adhere to the panel. Then apply a coat of primer to the panel’s surface.

Step 3:
Once the primer has dried, add 2 coats of Deer Feather (CLW 1047W – Colour: Black) from General Paint. You many also choose to do only one coat and create a really unique look of white with a wood undertone. I call it the beach house chic look.

Step 4:
Plan out your design for your panels. What pattern will you follow? Remember less is more. You want to keep the pattern and design simple. Grab your stencil and Painter’s Mate Green tape. Create a grid or straight line with the use of your Painter’s Mate Green tape as to ensure that your design will be straight and accurate. I suggest measuring the width you desire between each stencil. Once you have determined where you would like the first design to be placed on the wood panel, place the stencil in the appropriate area. Tape it down with Painter’s Mate Green tape so that it doesn’t move around as you are painting over it.

Step 5:
Gently apply the Black Russian (CL 3127N – Colour: Black) paint from General Paint to the stencil with the use of a paint brush.

Step 6:
Place the stencil where you would like to apply the next design and repeat step 5.

Step 7:
Keep repeating the same process for the remainder of the panel. Once the panel is complete, repeat the entire process for all the panels you will require for your wall panel project.

Step 8:
Your new designer wall panels are ready to be installed to your walls!
Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Home Trends Magazine, and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show – www.MarcAtiyolil.com.

George Canyon is a country superstar! You’ve probably heard his latest hits on the radio from his current album: “Better Be Home Soon”. This same album went Gold in three short weeks after its release making it his second album to go Gold in a time span of 6 months. “It’s a testament to George’s talent that he has received two gold albums within six months, both spanning different sides of the spectrum. Classics – traditional and Better Be Home Soon – non traditional, which shows his versatility as an artist. Universal is very proud to be part of his team.” notes Randy Lennox, President and CEO, Universal Music Canada.

Although an artist and musician at heart, George has added new heights to his list of talents. Recently, he has been dabbling in film and television as an actor. His recent film, “A Mile In His Shoes”, a made for TV movie, will air on TV in Canada.

When George is not performing concerts or filming, he spends most of his time on his ranch. It is tucked away in rustic Alberta, where he and his wife, Jennifer, are raising two wonderful children. When speaking of his abode, Canyon touches on how family and history is what makes a home truly unique. For instance, his antique early 1900s porcelain wood stove was passed down through generations. We see touches of the Canyon family’s history throughout the property, including George’s first saddle.

This piece is hung on the balcony banister overlooking the living area. The home follows a traditional rustic ranch design which is a true reflection of his personality and style. A strong surge of wildlife influences and natural elements were infused in the design of this log home. George attests his design style to his wife’s impeccable design taste. Unique pieces were carefully collected and showcased throughout the home, such as an old 1942 stand up radio and an elk antler floor lamp.

I asked George if this was something that he made out of his hunting leftovers but he replied, “No, but we are barbecuing elk tonight that my son caught the other day.”

George Canyon, as reflected in his house, is full of passion and energy which makes his beautiful rustic abode unique. – Text by Marc Atiyolil, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine

Canadian Home Trends Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Marc Atiyolil, chats with Dean Brody, the Canadian country singer and songwriter. They discuss music, design and family life.

Dean Brody is a rising star. As well as being a one of a kind artist, he is also down to earth and enjoys spending his spare time on do-it yourself projects in his Nova Scotia residence, where he lives with his wife, Iris. While Dean is not busy entertaining and touring the country, he loves to scour flea markets, scouting out unique treasures and refinishing them. “I love antiques” Brody notes. “While in Nashville, we found an old garden table. It looks like something out of an old Tuscan farmhouse.”

Dean describes his rustic getaway as home because it is filled with antiques that he and his wife have collected over the years. Dean notes that the living room is his favourite room in the entire house because he and his father worked together to transform the fireplace using a 100 year old barn beam. The floors, which were once a golden maple, were refinished and aged to complement the farm house style. It is apparent that Dean has great taste which attests to his impeccably designed home.

Colour: Tangerine orange was announced by Pantone, a leader in colour forecasting, as the colour of the year. Para Paints, a Canadian paint manufacturer teamed up with four Canadian designers: Glenn Dixon, Ambrose Price, Elizabeth Wharnsby and myself to help forecast the colours of the year. My colour scheme, Rhythm, showcases a beautiful tangerine orange (Para Paints: Sweet & Juicy P5072-85*) in an exotic worldly design featuring a patterned, gold Italian sofa contrasted against a zesty wall colour. Just like our Country’s “melting pot” effect, the space is infused by Asian, African and Canadian influences and melded together to create a true Canadian design.

With the world at our finger tips, it is much easier to import treasures. Designing with influences from foreign countries has become a hot trend utilized by Canadian designers. Although, we must not forget that our Canadian heritage is rich in history and has a lot to offer. Patriotism is another trend emerging in the design market place. In 2012, patriotic design elements will make their way into our homes. Gwen Prince, of General Paint notes that during her visit to the annual Colour Marketing Group, she saw a lot of new trends regarding the colour, red. Although, the new shade of red is quite different from the bright reds seen in earlier years, this year’s red is deeper, like the one showcased on many national flags, thus promoting patriotism. (General Paint: Rare Sensibility 132)

Other note worthy trends making an appearance in 2012 include: Repurposed furniture and accessories. Unique pieces are being repurposed into non-traditional uses such as old belt straps forming the arms of a wooden or chrome chair and tree stumps made into coffee tables.

Natural woods will also continue to segue into our homes. With the “Eco” movement taking design by storm, expect to see nature-inspired elements pop up on retail shelves. Whether the object is made out of “Eco” material or showcasing a nature-inspired pattern, Mother Nature has influenced this year’s design trends.

This year, patterns in wallpaper and fabrics will feature feathers, birds, and animal prints. These patterns will be complemented by exotic textures such as the ones introduced in wallpapers. As for fabrics, expect funky materials, such as horse hair, to appear on design boards across the country. As usual, these luxuries are used in moderation so that designer spaces offer visual interest without overwhelming the eye.

Last but not least, an exciting trend showcased by fabric mills is “water colour designs”. These patterns imitate how a water colour sits on a painted canvas. Each drip and gradient is shown in a delicate fashion as it is mass produced for our design needs.

2012 has an exciting compilation of design trends giving you all the tools to create the perfect designer space!

Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, regular contributor to CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm.

To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com

COPYRIGHT 2012 – CHT Media

Sourcing Information:

Greater Gator in Espresso (T6802), an embossed vinyl wallcovering, from Texture Resource Volume 3, Thibaut, $79 per single roll; www.thibautdesign.com

Martini Strap 2 Seater Leather Black – Available at www.esquirehomecollection.com and www.haloprivatelabel.com

Sweet & Juicy P5072-85* – Para Paints www.Para.com

Rare Sensibility 132 – General Paint – www.generalpaint.com

Para Paints Room Shot: Photography by Don Barnard

Sources: Tomboy Tools, The Scrapbook Cottage

Dear Marc:
I love your projects! They are so much fun. I have an old kids’ lamp that I found in the attic. Years ago, it sat on my son’s dresser when he was a toddler. He is now grown up and has moved out on his own. The house seems empty without him around so I’m turning his spare room into a guest bedroom. The lamp is still in good shape although the shade is childlike. How can I create a new shade for this lamp?
Yvonne

Dear Yvonne,
The best cure for “empty nest” syndrome is to keep busy. Many are accustomed to living their lives around the energy that children bring to a household. As the kids grow up and move out on their own, the house may feel empty, and somber.

Redesigning a room is a great way to cure “empty nest” syndrome. Small decorating projects, depending on what they entail, can be quick and easy and bring new life to a home. A well designed home should reflect the personality of the homeowner. Every quarter of the house should have a different mandate. The common living quarters are to reflect the overall design style of the homeowners with pops of societal influences. Guest living areas, whether they are a guest house or guest room, should reflect a neutralized design style. For instance, nobody wants to stay in a guest bedroom filled with the homeowner’s puppet collection contrasted against lime green walls.

A wonderful theme for a guest bedroom is an oasis where a guest may rejuvenate after a long trip and feel at home. The amazing thing about redesigning a room is that one doesn’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to achieve a designer look. I love taking unused items from a childhood bedroom and making them appear new again. Today, we will revitalize a lamp shade using inexpensive scrapbook paper to replace the childlike lamp shade.

The following materials will be needed for this DIY Scrapbook Paper Lamp project:

- Two sheets of graphic scrapbook paper
- Two sheets of neutral coloured patterned scrapbook paper
- Scrapbook knife
- Surface protector
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Scrapbook quality double-sided tape

- Hot glue gun

Step 1:
Remove the plastic shade covering the lamp.

Step 2:
Measure the lamp’s height where the old shade sat. Layer one sheet of each scrapbook paper over the surface protector. Cut the scrapbook paper to the length measured. Apply double-sided tape to the back of the first sheet of scrapbook paper and adhere it to the second sheet of paper.

Step 3:
Measure the width of the scrapbook paper and cut two pieces of ribbon to the length measured.

Step 4:
To cover the seams between the papers, apply doubled-sided tape to the back of the ribbon and glue it to the scrapbook paper.

Step 5:
Using a hot glue gun, place a bead of glue in the joint where the shade meets the lamp. Gently place the new scrapbook paper shade in the joint. Repeat the same process on the opposing end.

Step 6:
Repeat Steps 2 to 5 on the other side of the lamp.

Step 7:
This childlike lamp has been transformed into a mature looking decorative accessory that fits perfectly in a guest bedroom oasis.

Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, regular contributor to CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm.

To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com

COPYRIGHT 2012 – CHT Media