I completely understand the struggle of trying to bring your home décor together. Winging it often leads to wasted time and money. Having worked closely with countless clients, I've realized my passion for helping more individuals gain the confidence to make effective design choices and refine their living spaces. My goal is to help you create elevated and beautiful homes while saving you from unnecessary stress and expenses. With my 25 years of design experience, I'm on a mission to break down the snob-factor, judgement, and elitism often associated with design. Instead, I'm here to assist yo ..read more

Over the last little while I have been doing some soul-searching, reminiscing about a time when I was feeling less stressed and more content. What was I doing 25 years ago when I first launched my business that is so different from today? Back then, my focus was on helping people make small changes that brought BIG impact into their homes. I would provide budget-friendly solutions, like suggesting a paint colour that would transform the vibe of their space, providing styling tips for small spaces and decorative shelves, or ways to declutter for a more cohesive space. What I was really doing, w ..read more

Lighting is a crucial element of interior design that goes beyond mere functionality. It has the power to transform a space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that elevates your home to new levels of comfort and style. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of lighting in interior design, with a particular focus on understanding colour temperature and its impact on the mood of your living spaces. The Magic of Colour Temperature Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines the colour appearance of light emitted by a bulb. The right colour temperature can set the perfect ..read more

Hey there SSID community! I have another exciting announcement to share with you. Mark your calendars for August 9 at 7pm EST because I'm hosting our 3rd free virtual event that you won't want to miss—Wine Chat with Sarah St.Amand. Picture this: a cozy evening, a glass of your favorite wine, and the opportunity to get expert advice from a seasoned interior designer—all from the comfort of your own home. During this free event, I'll be answering all your design questions, providing personalized solutions, and sharing valuable insights to help you overcome your design dilemmas. Whether it's pic ..read more

When it comes to throw pillows, there's more to it than just throwing them on your sofa and calling it a day. Follow these tips to perfect your pillow game: The pillow insert's stuffing plays a crucial role in its appearance. Opt for down and feather inserts, with a 50/50 or 30/70 mix for the ultimate plushness. Polyester inserts just don't compare, and can make your pillows look flat and lifeless. Odd numbers of pillows are more aesthetically pleasing than even numbers. (This rule applies to many things in decorating!) Experiment with different sizes and shapes, starting with larger pillows ..read more

Can I be real with you for a moment? These days, there is so much uncertainty in the world it can be a bit overwhelming. I've noticed a shift in my business, with clients expressing hesitations and concerns about where to invest in their homes. It's not just them; it's a sentiment shared by many. We're all feeling a bit cautious about investing in our homes or rental units, unsure of what lies ahead with the economy. Even the rising prices at the grocery store are making me think twice! In times like these, I try to remind others that we need to find those moments of comfort, joy and stability ..read more

It is hard to believe another year has passed and we are soon to enter a brand new and exciting year at SSID. In 2021 we made a lot of changes at the SSID studio including expanding to a beautiful historical home in Brantford, Ontario that we are in the midst of renovating. We have been transforming the space from its original darker wood and dated aesthetic, to one that will be sure to delight our clients when they visit our studio. Renovations are not always easy to endure, and after renovating my own 1950’s home a couple of years ago, and working toward completing my studio renovation, I ho ..read more

Advent Calendars 12 Days of Wellness It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you should feel equally fabulous. Saje has put together 12 of their most-loved diffuser blends—including Peppermint Twist, Liquid Sunshine and Tree Scents—so you can try a different one each day during the holidays. This festive kit is perfect for fans of diffusing who are keen on trying new scents. Saje, $110, saje.com 24 Days of Tea If you’re a tea drinker, you’re probably familiar with this one. This year’s set of 24 teas is amazing—start December 24 and make one a day until Christmas Eve. Not only are there ..read more

When I’m not in my studio, you can usually find me with my kids or enjoying a glass of red wine with friends. (Sometimes plans are overrated.) But this weekend, I’m heading into Toronto for the National Home Show—one of my favourite events of the year. Held on the Exhibition Place grounds at the Enercare Centre, there will be more than 500 vendors at this huge show, all with innovative ideas and products designed to work wonders in your space. I have to say, I’m really looking forward to checking out a few displays—I want to see the feature home, designed by the team at Bonneville Homes, and t ..read more

One simple, essential guideline you should definitely keep in mind when hanging art—always display the artwork’s center 57 inches from the floor. That’s a tip gallery professionals use almost every day. But there are a few other tips related to the 57-inch rule that will make the difficult task of hanging art a whole lot easier. Hang placing the center of the artwork at eye level, it ensures the art can be admired comfortably. Find more tips + tricks in our Forest Hill Lifestyle Feature below ..read more