  To create a timeless look, mix classic items with new purchases, says designer Glen Peloso. |
It’s a sure sign that spring is on the way: the annual National Home Show comes to Toronto this weekend, and homeowners’ thoughts turn to refreshing and renewing their homes.
But a fresh look doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch.
“Everyone always thinks that to design or remake a room, they need to go out and purchase all new furniture and fixtures,” says designer Glen Peloso. “Sometimes it’s as simple as having a second look at what you already have and just re-arranging it to better suit your needs.”
Whether he’s redesigning a restaurant space on the Food Network’s Restaurant Makeover or giving homes a fresh look on Take This House and Sell It, Glen Peloso is one of Canada’s most recognizable designers.
With over 15 years experience in the design business, Glen also hosts Renovate My Wardrobe and is a frequent contributor to decor and style magazines. He also runs his own design company Glen Peloso Interiors, where he regularly consults on a variety of spaces from Supreme Court justices’ chambers to retail spaces to houses and condominiums.
Peloso will be at the National Home Show, where he will be hosting a series of workshops designed to show consumers how they can transform a room by using what they already have.
“We live in a world driven by consumerism, so naturally people think they need to throw out everything they own and start anew when they want to change the look in a room,” he says.
“I like to help people figure out how they can make big changes without breaking the bank and if we can reuse a few pieces, we’re helping the environment by reducing the amount of items being sent to the landfill.”
The pitfall for many would-be re-decorators is getting too caught up in what they want rather than what they actually need.
“I always recommend that people think really hard about how they want to use a room and then go out and find that perfect piece that looks great but also serves a function and will grow with the space over time.”
Peloso’s approach to creating a perfect space is to rely on a combination of current trendy pieces and classic items to ensure a look that will stand the test of time. He also tries to incorporate eco-friendly products whenever possible.
“My approach is to create spaces that are functional and adaptable to a person’s specific way of living,” he says. “I look to combine current trends with classic pieces and green initiatives to create a space that is a true expression of the owner and their lifestyle and something that won’t be obsolete in a few years.”
5 design tips from Glen Peloso:
1. Be environmental. Try to reuse existing furniture as often as possible.
2. Sometimes rearranging large items in a space can change the whole look and feel - saving you time and money.
3. Try creating a functional space, focusing on what you need for the space.
4. Mix in classic items with new purchases to create a timeless look.
5. Keep in mind that big changes don’t always have to break the bank.
Peloso will be presenting his workshops on Saturday, February 20 at 6p.m.; Sunday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 27 at 1:30p.m.; and Sunday, February 28 at 1:30p.m. at the National Home Show.
