Q: When deciding on drapery, should the drapes or wall paint be chosen first?
A: When choosing a fabric colour for your drapes, you’ll only fall in love with maybe one, two or maybe three colours, but paint comes in thousands of different shades so it becomes easier to pick a paint colour after you’ve settled on a fabric colour for your drapes. You should also pick the drapery first because when you’re renovating you want the drapery to be incorporated into the whole décor process, not look like you just added them in last.

2. What are some of the differences between buying drapery at a general home and décor store and the drapes that you create?
Ready-made drapes will not be specified to your window frames and to your décor. I don’t just throw the fabric on the window – I take the fabric and create custom, one-of-a-kind drapery pieces that show off a touch of the client’s personality while meeting the needs of efficiently covering their windows. Customized drapes will look timeless for years.

3. Is there a particular lining to use?
The decision of which lining to use is a big one, depending on the type of drapery fabric you’ve chosen, which room the drapery is in and what reason the drapery is being used for. For example: In the bedroom, blackout lining is used to block out sunlight, while silk fabric uses interlining plus regular lining.

4. Explain how drapery is integral to a room’s décor.
A room will never feel complete unless the right drapery is on the windows. They can be simple – nobody said you have to have the most expensive drapes – but getting them customized will ensure your windows aren’t just covered with hanging fabric. People use drapery for different reasons, so with customized drapes you can be sure that your personal needs and visions are met.

If you have any drapery questions, contact me at: draperybyannamaria@hotmail.com or 905.856.8655

Stay tuned for my next column, Measurements & Installations, in the Aug./Sept. issue of City Life Magazine.

1. Corsica Single Chaise and Cushion Feel like you are on vacation at a tropical resort as you relax in the beaming sun on this hand-woven, durable, all-weather wicker lounge chair. It is quick drying in case any cool drinks are spilled and features a thick, comfy cushion that’s covered in a stain-resistant fabric. www.potterybarn.com

2. Chesapeake Double Chaise and Cushion Sit back and enjoy a good book, a cool drink or some company in this inviting chair that adjusts to four positions and comes with a convenient pullout tray. As nature surrounds you, you’ll be consumed by summer’s beauty. www.potterybarn.com

3. Harbour Stripe Outdoor Pillow Sprawl out on the grass and make yourself comfortable with one of these classic, fluffy, striped outdoor pillows. They have a recycled polyester fill and come in different colours. www.potterybarn.com

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4. Agua Fresca Jug with Ladle Beat the heat by quenching your thirst with a tall, icy glass of homemade lemonade or a mojito. This glass jug comes with a convenient hanging wooden ladle to make serving even easier. www.potterybarn.com

5. Found Galavanized Metal Tub Used by villagers as laundry basins in the Central European countryside, you can now use these metal tubs to pot your prettiest plants and show off your creative vintage side. www.potterybarn.com

6. Eclectic Terra Cotta Planters All this summer sun provides the perfect conditions for putting your green thumb to work and start planting. Get rid of your plastic pots because these antique-looking terra cotta planters with a distinct glaze to make beautiful plant holders. www.potterybarn.com

7. Couches Forget traditional seats and bring forth energy and style with one of these beautifully crafted, vibrant coloured couches. Sit back and sink in as you tune into your favourite show or enjoy some good company. www.roche-bobois.com

8. Single chair When decorating your home, you want to incorporate a touch of your personality into the look of all your décor and accessories. This modern-designed leather couch from Roche-Bobois will allow you to show off your edginess and style. www.roche-bobois.com

9. Wooden Table Capture elegance and nostalgia with this gorgeous wooden table that is sure to bring back memories of the olden days. You can use it as a decorative accessory in any room or as an actual table. www.roche-bobois.com

10. Decorative Wall Plates There are other ways besides slapping on a bright, new coat of paint to bring your bare walls to life. Try hanging one of these subtle but striking, hand-painted decorative wall plates up for all to see. www.strawberrylane.ca

11. Giada at Home Bring a little taste of California and Italy onto your dinner table with help from the Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis. Her new book – Giada at Home Family Recipes from Italy and California – features delicious favourites from two regions that can be made even by amateur cooks. www.chapters.indigo.ca, www.giadadelaurentiis.com

1. Tridel Renaissance Tridel Renaissance’s luxury residential tower in Richmond Hill has suites that will sweep you off your feet. Those that admire refined, traditional architecture and design will fall in love with this classical condominium. www.tridel.com

2. Miracle at Yonge Love your space. Snag a deal at Miracle at Yonge while their offer of deluxe suites for a great price lasts. Located in a bustling part of Richmond Hill, the amenities and location offer just the right balance of entertainment and serenity in a large living space. www.miracleatyonge.com

3. Royal Garden Luxury Living Contemporary sophistication is a feature of the cosy 11-level condominiums at the Royal Gardens. Experience serenity in a peaceful neighbourhood as the illuminating glass windows pour sunlight into your living space. Enter one of their suites that offer the option of a beautiful balcony or a gorgeous rooftop terrace. www.libertydevelopment.ca

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4. The Ninety Located in the heart of the city, The Ninety is a sleek modern residence that offers space in a youthful and cultural neighbourhood. The exclusive loft is steps away from the Toronto Distillery district and despite its urban location, The Ninety offers a serene retreat in the form of the surrounding lush green courtyard. www.theninety.ca

5. South Beach Toronto Paradise awaits in the luxurious South Beach condos and lofts. Located at Park Lawn and Lakeshore, these gleaming towers of glass overlook the picturesque lake scenery. Indulge in Miami-inspired sophistication and enjoy the upscale amenities, such as delicious cuisine and an afternoon massage. www.southbeachtoronto.com

“People are entertaining outside nowadays, so the outdoor kitchen is being incorporated into a lot of our designs,” says Vince Baggetta of Valterra Landscape Contractors Inc.

Enjoying a meal with your family or a get-together with friends in your own yard is made easy with Valterra Landscape Contractors Inc., which strives to create a pristine setting that will leave both clients and their guests impressed.

Some outdoor embellishments Valterra Landscape can add to create a serene sanctuary include eye-catching waterfalls, ponds and lush, vibrant plants and flowers.

“We meet with our clients, inspect their land, and begin brainstorming ideas to change their yard from boring to breathtaking,” he says.

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With over 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry, Baggetta reveals that elements of time, care and design will get your backyard in top form. His company – which has completed residential, commercial and industrial landscaping work in Vaughan and Toronto – is an official member of Landscape Ontario, an association representing over 2,000 horticultural professionals.

“We provide any sort of design and detail that a client wants for a personalized and perfected yard. If our client is happy, we’re happy,” says Baggetta.

www.valterralandscaping.ca
905.832.3082

1. Pottery Barn refurbishes its spring collection for that fresh crisp feeling that accompanies a newly decorated living space. www.potterybarn.com

2. Implement a punchy pigmented piece to brighten up a neutral bedroom. In the case of a rainy spring day, this might be just the accent needed to wash your blues away. www.roche-bobois.com

3. Let timeless beauty dance into your living space with the elegant Vallauris double dresser, perfect for elegance and practicality. www.roche-bobois.com

4. Get cosy with Anthropologie’s Homespun Throw. This hand-knitted blanket combines rich tones with a quirky composition. www.anthropologie.com

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5. Fall in love with this deep-sea dish from Strawberry Lanes. Blending rustic patterns with majestic blue hues, this vintage piece is a must-have. www.strawberrylane.ca

6. Claim the Queen Bee throne with this embellished Honeycomb Mirror. The intricate detail of this circular mirror fans out, inviting only the fairest of all to catch a glimpse of their reflection. www.pier1.com

7. Celebrate the trend of floral patterns in fashion and in the home. The inviting Astrid Chair is adorned with scarlet dahlias overtop a mahogany hardwood frame. www.anthropologie.com

8. The Italique Sectional sofa from Roche Bobois combines top craftsmanship with rich leather and a velvet wash. Add this deep burgundy piece to complete the intimate ambience of your living room. www.roche-bobois.com

9. Cockle-doodle-doo. Wake up to the warm sunshine tones of this playful rooster portrait from Strawberry Lanes. Rural icons blended with floral patterns are a hit this season!. www.strawberrylane.ca

10. Bring spice to the table by accenting your dining décor with these colour-popping table runners. www.pier1.com

11. Anthropologie teams up with T-Fal to present the Ultra Glide Cordless Iron. Straighten and steam with flexible movement for an all-around finish. www.anthropologie.com

12. If a flamboyant floral print is too bold of an addition for your living space, the Natalie Chair is a perfect compromise between class and trend. www.pier1.com

13. Toss the embroided Mini Bird Pillow into the mix. This chirpy pillow might be just the piece necessary to liven up your surroundings! www.pier1.com

14. Divide and conquer your mess with customized cabinets from Anthropologie. This perfect little storage divider can be paired with the Floral Conservatory Chair. www.anthropologie.com

15. Tidiness begins with this dark wood, basic organizer from Canadian Tire. The basket woven organizer is perfect for storing loose objects. www.canadiantire.ca

Charlie, Salvatore and Filippo Bancheri.

A company that has stood the test of time, Bancheri Bros. Interlock & Paving Corp. has transcended generations, fusing past traditions with modern materials. Aside from its revered paving and interlocking services, the company enhances its projects with landscaping, fountains and flowerbeds.

With projects throughout the GTA boasting the Bancheri brothers’ superior work, this 25-year-old company makes homes sparkle with curb appeal. “Our clients appreciate our professionalism and efficiency,” says Charlie Bancheri, who runs the company with his father, Filippo, and uncle Salvatore. “We’re clean, courteous, and we concentrate on one job at a time, which allows us to finish projects very quickly.”

The mark of a Bancheri Bros. project is its artistic design. The qualified team works closely with homeowners to create a look that reflects their personality and lifestyle. Their discerning eye for detail selects only quality stones that defend against the elements and bring outdoor spaces to life. www.bbinterlocking.com 905.856.6928

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Pottery Barn Desk set: The multiple drawers and shelved cubby holes of Pottery Barn’s Aris large home office desk set will help create a place that will keep you organized and get your mind flowing. www.potterybarn.com

Pier 1: Next time you’re cooking up something special, try sporting a chic, floral printed apron from Pier 1 Imports to protect yourself from food splatters in the kitchen.  www.pier1.ca

Dell Computers: Stay tech-savvy and connected with Dell’s Studio 15 laptops. They come in five vibrant colours and over 200 entrancing designs to personalize the look of your laptop. The Studio 15 also lets you enjoy an at-home entertainment system with its surround sound, a subwoofer and Blu-ray Disc drive. www.dell.ca

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Anthropologie: Strut around with style this spring in this sweet lift-off jacket, sundress and pair of foil-wrapped heels from Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

Strawberry Lane: This elegant chandelier from Strawberry Lane fuses the look of old lantern tops with flowers and round, hanging beads. Its featured bright hues of red, white and gold are sure to stand out and make heads gaze upwards at it hangs in any room. www.strawberrylane.ca

Pottery Barn Colanders: Make freshly washed fruit a healthy snack in your home as well as a centrepiece on the table with Pottery Barn’s ceramic colanders. www.potterybarn.com

Kind Notes: Get the chance to give someone a few kind, special words to start off their day with little messages in a jar. Kind Notes lets you pick ready-made designs or you can customize your own jar of messages by choosing your own everything, right down to the envelope design and container. www.kindnotes.com

Anthropologie: After a long day of work or play, plunge into Anthropologie’s canopy bed to feel like you’re resting in a luxury hotel room. www.anthropologie.com

Studio B: Studio B was founded in 1999 by David Beaton and now has four showrooms at its King St. E. location and three satellite showrooms in and around the GTA. This white wooden desk will give any room – indoors or out – an antique touch of class. www.studiobhome.com

Muti: Add a touch of comfort, decoration and liveliness to your oh-so-plain-looking couches and seats with beautifully detailed pillows from Muti. Muti is based in Woodbridge, Ont. and provides decorative household accessories and items. They aim to provide “fresh, trendy and affordable products”, that are perfect for redecorating during any new season. www.emuti.com

2. Pier 1 Imports: Spread the Holiday spirit with this vibrant plush pillow. As you prep your home for another successful Holiday celebration, give your house that extra splash with Pier 1 Import’s bright festive cushion. www.pier1.com

3. Hampton Bay Capiz Shells Polished Chrome Table Lamp: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t capture a soft romantic sunset atmosphere in your living room with the Hampton Bay Capiz Shell table lamp. www.homedepot.ca

4. Presidents Choice Plush Throw Blankets: Cosy up with a hot cup of cocoa by the fireplace wrapped in PC’s soft plush blankets. These ultra-soft blankets don’t just provide warmth and comfort, they are the perfect throw accents to complete your look at the end of your couch or on your bed. www.presidentschoice.ca

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5. Pier one imports: Damask Dining Chair: Bring some edge to the table with this Victorian styled dining chair. The Damask chair blends a pine frame with jacquard and printed suede for a classy embellished look. Pair this eye-catcher with any room colour to give it an extra pop. www.pier1.com

6. Lee Wilder Design: Lori Wilder and David Macri of Lee Wilder Design have been working in the design industry for well over a decade. Their experience has enabled them to approach design from a unique perspective, paying particular attention to fine details while at all times maintaining innovative and original thinking. Lee Wilder Designs reflects the strength of melding various textures, colours and styles to celebrate the ideals of modern luxury. The Lee Wilder design philosophy is simple: spaces are clean and timeless, inviting and beautiful, yet highly functional to reveal clients’ tastes and lifestyles. 416.203.9086, www.leewilder.com

2. Gracia Bath Kitchen Interiors: Outfit your home in functional, contemporary kitchen and bathroom products from Gracia. Its superb collections allow homeowners to create ambiences that reflect their tastes and cater to their needs. With help from this industry leader, your home will ooze beauty and innovation.
www.gracia.ca, 905.265.8777, 416.223.2241

3. Royal Doulton: Enjoy afternoon tea in your living room with the delicate and dainty commemorative Royal Albert collection from Royal Doulton. Delightful designs that dance around beautiful bone china will be treasured for years. www.royaldoulton.com, 905.760.0611

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4. PARA Paints: Were you inspired by the rich and vibrant hues of Europe on your recent getaway? Recreate the look and feel of the faraway in your home with PARA’s complete range of colour possibilities. A wash of terracotta brings beautiful Portofino to you.
www.para.com, 1.800.461.7272

5. Vaclav Vaca: Dreamy, whimsical and expressive decorative arts bursting with gilded details and inspired strokes is what artist Vaclav Vaca masterfully creates. His inimitable works bring a piece of Europe to your home while creating a focal point in your abode.
www.vaclavint.com, 416.788.1448

6. Canaroma Bath & Tile: Join Italian design company Artelinea on its search for beauty with the Kimono collection. Revel in the über-sleek and chic lines of this modern sink. Wake up with a purpose and wash your face in style. The stunning Artelinea line can be found at Canaroma Bath & Tile.
www.canaroma.ca, 905.856.7979

7. California Closets: Put an end to morning closet rummages that have you frantic and get organized with California Closets. This pretty pastel pink space from the Classic line provides a fitting spot for every shoe, blouse and hat.
www.californiaclosets.com, 1.888.336.9707

8. Pottery Barn: Entertaining becomes a breeze with Pottery Barn’s Metropolitan Console Table. Its flared mouldings and tapered legs translate into a simple design that transcends time.
www.potterybarn.com, 416.785.1233

9. MK Interior Designs: Your home will whisper centuries-old tales with distinctive interior designs from Marina Khajetoorian. Constantly travelling and seeking inspiration from ancient, alluring sites, Khajetoorian adds exotic beauty, worldly charm and relaxed sophistication to homes.
www.mkinteriordesigns.ca, 905.832.9899

10. Vivre: Get your home Halloween-ready by propping these whimsical glass gourds on your mantelpiece. The Glass Pumpkin and Squash collection from Cohn-Stone Studios uses twists of silver lustre glass to add artful details and touches of panache.
www.vivre.com

At Gracia Bath Kitchen Interiors, an expert staff and a comprehensive collection of designer products will achieve the look you’ve been craving. Whether you dream of an elegant Victorian finish or a modern vibe, Gracia has everything you need. “The two most renovated rooms in the average household are the kitchen and bathroom,” says owner David Tong. “Revamping these rooms can really change the look of your home and even increase its value.”

Offering contemporary European bathroom and kitchen fixtures, from quality bath and massage tubs, steam units, glass shower columns, to toilets, vanities, sinks and faucets,  Gracia uses its unparalleled experience and expertise to delight customers that desire a practical and aesthetically pleasing change. “We don’t follow the traditional style, and that’s our niche,” says Tong.

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Gracia Bath Kitchen Interiors
www.gracia.ca, info@gracia.ca
T: 905.265.8777, 416.223.2241
51 Jevlan Drive, Unit 8,
Vaughan, Ont.