Hilary Farr

“Choose paintings, sculptures, realistic or abstract or animal images woven into fabrics, rather than a faux zebra rug or a sullied Lion's head on the wall.”

“What saved me from total academic failure and overwhelming ennui, was my love of libraries and all they encompass.”

“I always encourage my young clients just starting to create a home, to buy at least one piece of investment furniture, or accessory, or piece of art each year rather than following a trend that will come along, be copied cheaply for the mass market and then be gone.”

“I predict that you students who are burning out from the pressure to fix upon a career choice as early as possible and tailor your studies accordingly, will find relief for a few hours here and there in a great library.”

“I believe in spending money to make your home the perfect sanctuary away from work and the stress of everyday life.”

“When dressing a table take out your old pieces of silver, hand-me-down linens and old candelabras, it will make your meal that much more special.”

“My point is, to emulate dead animals and their parts as decoration is pretty disgusting, and as a design statement, it also fills me with ennui.”

“There's more energy-saving innovations in lighting. Smartphone and various devices hooked into the home can control the lights and mood.”

“Attracting business to a city is of huge benefit for taxes, jobs, purchasing of homes and home goods.”

“No one wants to move if they have a choice - it's a horrible experience. If I manage to address their issue, there's really no incentive to pack up and leave.”

“Reupholstered furniture can look fabulous.”

“Year after year, animal print, hides, fur, tusks et al find their way into the home as design elements in various spaces; not surprising, considering that the use of 'animalia' as decor in the home dates back centuries, when, to be fair, they didn't have the choice of faux and tended to eat the animals as well as enjoy their pelts.”

“Every single color has a base to it. You can have a taupe that has a green undertone, a taupe that has a gray undertone.”

“I love fashion and I love interior design. There are times when the two worlds collide but more often than not, they go side by side in tandem.”

“So for anyone who is stumped by how to decorate their tree; Think of your own theme and see what inspiration you come up with. Anything goes!”

“I love window dressings. They're a quick and easy way to make a room look more inviting and cozy.”

“The value of real estate to a city is huge. A community that is invested in making deep roots in an area creates a commitment to making their city the best it can be. It becomes a common bond.”

“Many families are planning summer vacations and in Canada, camping is a very popular way to spend those long summer nights!”

“Great kitchens are a must-have. A place to relax and cook for friends and family. A gathering place for family of all ages and guests is a staple for me as well.”

“Time slows down in libraries in a good way.”