Monthly Musings | September 2019

Monthly Musings | September 2019

Catherine Yuen
Monthly Musings
 

SEPTEMBER FEELS:

 

BRING IT ON, FALL!

This time of year has always felt like the real New Year to me. Probably because it’s when a new school year begins – new supplies, new clothes, new teacher, new year. Even though I am no longer starting back at school, it still feels like a fresh start for me, so I may just treat myself to new office supplies, new clothes, and start this ‘new year’ off right!

Speaking of fresh starts, I thought it would be the perfect time to set some goals for myself – health and wellness, career, and creative. (I will write a separate blog post on this!) One of my career-related goals is to commit to my blog, at least sharing something monthly (if not weekly!) with you all. We’re well into the first week of September, so why not start this off by sharing a few of the things I am loving for the fall?

September is my favourite month of the year for several reasons - it is still sunny but I can wear fall clothing (my favourite), leaves start to change colour, and design and art events are filling my up calendar again. So many new things to inspire me in art, fashion, and design!

Here are some events that I am looking forward to in the coming weeks:


IDS Vancouver: an annual interior design trade show where you will learn about up-and-coming designers, find out about design trends, and discover new and innovative products.

MRKT by Make It: a craft fair full of handmade goods (art, decor, homegoods, etc.) of all kinds by talented local artisans.

The Chinese Culture and Arts Festival: a free event celebrating Chinese culture through food, art, and music, including a lantern exhibition during the evenings in the north square of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

I hope you all have a lovely September! Enjoy the sunny days, appreciate the cooler ones, and stay cozy.

catherine written.jpg
 
 
IMG4720.jpg

Hello! Catherine here.

I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!

Featured
3 Worthwhile Investments When Designing Kitchen Millwork
3 Worthwhile Investments When Designing Kitchen Millwork

Are you updating your kitchen for resale, for yourself to enjoy for years to come, or somewhere in between? Whichever your answer, the kitchen is a great place to add value to your home and we’ve got some tips for improving the design with smart – and worthwhile – investments.

Here are three design details to consider when designing your kitchen millwork…

Winter Bucket List 2021 / 2022
Winter Bucket List 2021 / 2022

We’re almost halfway through the season, so that means it’s better late than never for a new seasonal bucket list outlining all the things I’d like to accomplish in the upcoming few months. Read on to see what I have planned!

journal 001
journal 001

Today I went thrifting and found something special. I had already planned it in my schedule to go thrifting, and when I realized it also happened to be the day my mom passed away seven years ago, I just knew I would find something good.

Interior Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them!
Interior Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them!

Redfin reached out to designers across North America (including us!) to gather tips for how to correct common home design and décor mistakes. Our tip below is all about scale and proportion - something that is often overlooked, but when done right, makes such a difference!

My favourite background photo for my phone
My favourite background photo for my phone

This is one of my favourite images to use as a background on my phone. It’s a shot that is always beautiful, no matter the weather or the time of year, and that’s something I love about it. Download it for free to your phone!

Interior Design Trend Forecast for 2021
Interior Design Trend Forecast for 2021

Design trends don’t necessarily have to fit within the box of 365 days, starting and ending on the first and last day of the year. They ebb and flow over time, which means anytime is a new opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your space. Check out these interior design trends you can incorporate them into your home!

Recipe: Skor Meltaways (Shortbread)
Recipe: Skor Meltaways (Shortbread)
How to Style Open Shelves Like a Pro
How to Style Open Shelves Like a Pro

Looking at empty shelves and trying to figure out how to fill them neatly can be intimidating and overwhelming. So can having cluttered and messy-looking shelves, on display for everyone to see. But it doesn’t have to be daunting! If you are armed with the right tools, styling your own shelves can – and will - be a whole lot easier. Here are 3 tips for styling shelves like a pro!

5 Tips for Making Your Living Space Cozier this Winter
5 Tips for Making Your Living Space Cozier this Winter

With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to make your living room extra cozy, so here are some tips for ways you can create a snug and stylish living space.

Should I Hire an Interior Designer?
Should I Hire an Interior Designer?

If you are in the process of planning a renovation or looking to build a new home, you’ve probably considered hiring a designer (you’re here, right?) A renovation or new build can be intimidating, and so can the idea of hiring on a designer. Will they listen to my wants and needs? Will my budget allow for one? It’s a daunting decision, but you’ve come to the right place for some guidance.

INSTAGRAM

Getting some kitchen cabinet colour inspiration for my apartment! I’ve spent a good few weeks looking at colours and have a few options put aside and am almost ready to pull the trigger. I’m also excited that my landlord will be updating
Celebrating these two special people today (and every day, really, but just a bit extra today!) 💖💖
The last little bit always feels the longest, be it a renovation (or a new build), a long flight to a distant location (which won’t happen for a while), or the last flight of stairs (because you decided not to take the elevator that day). But w
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a credenza, a sideboard, and a buffet? And what about a hutch and a server for that matter? . Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are specific features that define and different
My Favourite Alternatives to Subway Tile

My Favourite Alternatives to Subway Tile
DIY | Springform Cake Pan Shelf

DIY | Springform Cake Pan Shelf
0