Buying large-scale art can be expensive. Since I know most of my clients invest in family portraits, I try to convince them to display them prominently. The trick is to get family portraits done in such a way that kids won't cringe with embarrassment, especially as they grow older. I have seen some really fun family portrait sessions online lately. One of my favorites was the family dressed as zombies in their mid-renovation home. They were able to make a real mess and not worry about it.

As an interior designer, I'm often called upon to assist clients with displaying artwork and photographs. My personal preference for less is more in design often comes into play in these situations. It's just a good idea to display multiples and groups of images on one wall, leaving some walls empty. The temptation to fill every open piece of drywall with framed art is a common mistake of new homeowners and it can make or break the décor of a room. It's best to have just a few focal points and some negative space.

Interior design trends come and go but some styles have staying power. For example, the hotel bathroom influence of the past decade is still a great idea. Lately, I've noticed a trend towards incorporating café/coffee shop style into residential kitchens. It's a trend I really like and not just because I am a coffee addict. For the couple or family who loves to entertain, the café materials and design elements make for a durable and crisp kitchen/dining room style.

Calgary has approximately 700 kilometres of pathways connecting along the Bow & Elbow Rivers, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Creek, West Nose Creek, the Irrigation Canal and the perimeter of Glenmore Reservoir. The Calgary Greenway is a 138 kilometres pathway that will eventually loop around the city and we already have another 290 kilometres of on-street bikeways in place. Bikeculture is growing and more and more people are taking advantage of the great cycling in and around Calgary. As an interior designer, the question I often hear is "Where do I keep my bike?" Don't worry; I have some smart, well-designed solutions for you.