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Vanessa Francis Interior Design
  • Home
  • About Vanessa
  • Services
  • Process
  • Portfolio
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

JLT Showhouse at McLean House, Toronto

I have been thinking about blogging for about a year now and finally decided to just do it! It’s fitting that my first post is about the Junior League of Toronto Showhouse at McLean House because this is where I was married 11 years ago this month. The Showhouse which is on now until May 31, 2009 features the work of over 50 Toronto designers including Brian Gluckstein, Kimberley Seldon and Andrea Crawford. Proceeds go to various community programs including the Women and Babies Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. So you can be inspired while doing good!

It was interesting to see the design concept, room layout and colours used by each of the designers in their unique spaces. My favourite space was Katherine Newman’s transformation of the living room and conservatory, but I also loved Patricia Halpin’s graphic and fun baby’s room and Anne Hepfer’s Chanel inspired space. Taking photos was off limits, so you will have to wait until the October, 2009 issue of House and Home to see some inspirational photos.

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Thank you for stopping by. So glad you’re here. Décor Happy is a blog by Milton, Ont.-based interior decorator Vanessa Francis of Vanessa Francis Interior Design. On the blog, I share a behind-the-scenes look at client projects, along with design ideas and inspiration.

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Interior Design Services – Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto

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You bring the inspiration. I'll handle the 47 deci You bring the inspiration. I'll handle the 47 decisions that need to be made. 🩵🚿

#bathroomremodel #bathroomrenovation #wallpaper
Dear Dad, I will always remember your stories of Dear Dad,

I will always remember your stories of growing up in McCluskieganj (India) like taking a train to boarding school alone at age 8 and being chased by a panther while riding your bike. Or arriving in London (England) in the 1950’s and washing dishes to survive and finally landing a job in your profession. The boss who gave you advances on your paycheque so you could put a downpayment on a house for your growing family. You remembered that kindness right until the end. 

There were so many stories that existed before me. But what I do remember is this:

Endless family camping trips across the US and Canada. 

You tried to get us to play tennis as kids and were thrilled when we all took it up as adults.

The Crosstyx field hockey club you founded in the 70s - the tournaments, the picnics and the community you built from scratch.

The squash club you designed, built and owned and the camaraderie of the sport you loved.

You renovated every house we lived in all by yourself. There was no YouTube or internet. You had all these creative ideas and you figured out how to implement them. You loved arches and built them everywhere, inside and outside the house. You were ahead of your time!

You died the same day as Jesse Jackson (Feb 17) and certainly not to compare, but you always fought for what was right and good. You instilled that in me along with your steady work ethic, your resilience and your belief that family is everything. You weren’t perfect, but who really is? 

It was painful to watch someone so athletic, fit and smart become a frail shadow of himself. But 90 years is a long and meaningful journey and I’m grateful for the time we had.

We will miss you forever Dad. Please give Rick a hug from me. 

Love you, Van xo

#dementiasucks #dadloss
I just wish I had done this sooner. 🥱 The shut I just wish I had done this sooner. 🥱

The shutters don’t block out light at all so I was always waking up early with the sunrise. 

Did you see how these blackout drapes completely block out the light? 👀 They also block out noise. 

These are from @twopagescurtains:
Liz, Tapioca 1908-7, Pinch Pleat, Blackout lining, Memory Shape

The colour complements the wall colour and I had them made extra full and just kissing the floor. Nothing worse than drapes that are too long or too short and skimpy. #designertip 

You can purchase at the Shop My House link in my bio or comment Drapes for the direct link to your DMs. 😉

Cheers to a good night's sleep! 

#ad #twopagescurtains #bedroommakeover #beforeandafterhome
Just to be clear, I'm Canadian and I have no desir Just to be clear, I'm Canadian and I have no desire to visit the U.S. in the next few years. I wouldn’t feel safe and I can think of other countries I would rather spend my money in, e.g. Mexico which I just returned from.

There are no words for the atrocities happening south of our border. We all see them. We all know what they are.

I stand with those fighting for human and civil rights, freedom, democracy and justice.

If you support the current U.S. administration, ICE and their blatant abuse of power, including state-sanctioned violence/murder, feel free to unfollow. 👋 It’s not even about political beliefs, it’s about having a moral compass, compassion and ethics.

I pray for accountability, for justice and for real change soon. 🙏🏽

Back to pretty interior design content shortly.

Signed,
Your concerned (and enraged) Canadian neighbour 🇨🇦
I sure hope 2026 isn't the new 2016. 2016 was th I sure hope 2026 isn't the new 2016. 

2016 was the year my husband and best friend ended his life. 

Almost ten years ago but it feels like yesterday. Where did the time go? 

The pain and sadness of it all softens over time and it’s the love that remains. That never goes away.

Grief is weird. Not linear. Complicated. Exhausting. Changes you. Is never ever over. Is love.

The key is to keep moving forward even though you feel like you are taking two steps backwards. And not to miss out on this one beautiful life that we have. Because it’s pretty damn short!!

Say I love you.
Be kind.
Be generous.
Live unapologetically.

To everyone grieving someone, please know that the bad days don’t have to be your destiny. I can say that as it has been almost 10 years. 

To Ricky, we love and miss you. Wish you were here. xo

#widow #griefjourney #suicideloss #griefandloss
Welcome. 🤍 There are so many new followers he Welcome. 🤍 

There are so many new followers here from the House & Home video so thought I would say Hello. 👋 

I’m Vanessa, a designer who helps homeowners navigate renovations and decorating with confidence.

I work with clients who value good design, good collaboration, and spaces that age beautifully. 

I love sharing design advice and inspiration so anyone can have a home that makes them happy. 🏠 

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

#homerenovation #homeremodel #kitchenrenovation #cottagecoreaesthetic #nancymeyersaesthetic
Merry Christmas from our home to yours. Wishing yo Merry Christmas from our home to yours. Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful holiday season. 

Thinking of everyone who is grieving a loved one, feeling lonely or navigating difficult family relationships. ❤️ 

Thank you all for being here. 

#merrychristmas #christmasdecor #labradoodle
Do you have some oranges on hand? 🤚 Dried Ora Do you have some oranges on hand? 🤚 

Dried Orange Christmas Garland:

Preheat oven to 200°F.
Slice oranges thinly and evenly.
Pat slices dry with a tea towel or paper towel.
(Important step to get rid of moisture so they don’t burn like my first batch.)
Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 4-5 hours, turning every hour or so. 
They’re ready when they are no longer moist.
I added beads from Michael’s, dipping them in @farrowandball paint samples that we had on hand.
String with twine or jute using a large needle.

I hadn’t made one of these in decades so it was nice to add something handmade to our simple fireplace mantel.

Have you made these before? Save this so you can try it.

PS we also made the pottery on the mantle. 

#diychristmas #orangegarland #driedoranges #christmasdecor #fireplacemantel
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