First I would start by researching reputable dealers in your area.  Then pay them a visit.  If you are already at this point, then I’m going to assume you know what sort of items you want to buy so bring all your questions.  A reputable dealer will be happy to spend their time telling you about the items you are interested in.  He/she will give you it’s history, it’s age and origin, notable physical characteristics, how to spot a knock off, different clues that mark who the maker might be, what it might cost based on how rare it is, and whether or not it’s worth investing in.  The mark of a truly good dealer is when they offer advice on how to care for your antique to maintain it’s beauty.

I am by no means an expert on antiques but I know how to spot a great dealer who will teach me what I need to know!  A few I would recommend:

Guild House Antiques - member of Canadian Antique Dealers Asc (CADA), in business for 30 yrs, carries many items from 17th, 18th, & 19th century

RHV Tee & Sons – member of CADA, qualified appraisers

Uno Langmann Ltd – member of CADA, specialist in quality European & North American paintings from 18th, 19th, & early 20th century

CADA – safeguarding the purchaser of antiques in Canada

Like paint, choose a colour/pattern that is in harmony with the neighboring rooms.  However, if you want to make a bold statement, make sure the design is timeless and most importantly you love it: unlike paint, it is costly so choose a pattern you will not grow tired of in a year.

Good wallpaper ranges from $60-$150 per single roll.  At those prices, it is recommended that you hire a professional paper hanger & choose a pattern you can live with.  A good installer makes a huge difference.  It is not as easy as the experts make it look.  If it’s off just a smidge you will know and your eyes will zero in on it every time.

Consider lighting.  If you are contemplating a textured/metallic pattern, use indirect lighting or you will quickly learn to hate it.

Considering the room you’re installing it in.  I don’t recommend using wallpaper in your bathrooms due to the moisture but in a powder room where you’re not dealing with steam it can be stunning and adds a point of interest to what would be an ordinary room.

Powder Room, Brown Design Inc

Don’t substitute your crown moulding for wallpaper borders.  Don’t use borders around your windows or doors.  Don’t use it to make your painted wall interesting.  In fact, don’t use borders period.  It is tacky and just doesn’t work.

Consider the furniture in the room.  Pairing modern furniture with traditional patterns results in a spectacular space.  Your guests will be in awe and wonder who your designer is even though you told them you designed it yourself

Charles Rupert Designs, Victoria BC

Mix patterns but keep your colour scheme simple.  Adhering to this rule will balance the space and keep it habitable.

Wallpaper your bedroom!  With the right furniture pieces it is very glamourous, intimate and romantic.

House to Home, UK

Mixed Patterns, House to Home, UK

So have fun & know when you need help (before you swipe your credit card hopefully).  Here are a few more of my favourite rooms:

Tuxedo ready

Coop Residence, San Francisco

Fit for a Princess

With today’s modern and smaller families, “nursery” is becoming more a part of new parents’ vocabulary.  What shall we do with that extra room?  First things first.  Safety.  You can easily get carried away when decorating (there are so many bedding options afterall) and overlook safety.  However adorable those pink Italian Damask Sheeting from Restoration Hardware.  Without those Cuddle Plush Bumpers, your baby would not have the padding she needs when she becomes active.  Make sure you keep all electrical cords out of reach and out of sight.  Area rugs are definitely a plus if you have hardwood floors because at some point the crib will become too small of a playground; it would be nice if they had a floor that is just as soft as their crib, like this Gingham Pink Cotton from KidsDecor.Net.  But make sure to use a non skid pad under the rug so it’s not sliding around and posing a potential hazard.  You can also purchase safety kits which will have all the items you need to accident proof your baby’s room.

When choosing furniture, keep your eyes on timeless pieces that will age with your child.  For example, a lot of cribs now have the option to convert into youth beds.  Becareful not to pick designs that will “date” them though.  It’s ok to have fun with bedding and toys but for furniture pieces, stick to classic designs.

As for toys, think about how your baby will play with their toy…Holding them up to their faces and possibly into their mouths.  So definitely nothing sharp, hard, small-enough-to-swallow, or toxic.  Consider the Veggie Crate from Saplings Sustainable Kids Decor.  These organic cotton vegetable-shaped toys are safe and will help them to develop positive attitudes towards vegetables.  They will also be great when your child is teething.

There are so many things to consider; it is overwhelming how much preparation you need to do when welcoming your new baby.  But remember, you have sources all around you.  Your mom, sister, friend, co-worker, aunt, gramma, cousin.  You are bound to know someone who’s been through it.  If you’re really in doubt though, hire a professional and learn a few things from them!

PS. Best of luck to Jacqueline & Michael B, who are expecting their first this January!  I have no doubt you will be wonderful parents and may the force be with you on those sleepless nights