Because art doesn't have to be boring...

Raising kids in rainy Vancouver requires parents to be creative with indoor activities, thankfully I found Cedar Works and they did the creative thinking for me! I found Cedar Works online while searching for indoor play equipment for my kids' Christmas present and I just had to have it! It was so simple, I designed my set, received a quote, they shipped it to our door and we put it together in no time! I am very happy with this product and highly recommend them. Here is a picture of my Cedar Works creation.... with a touch of Beetling on the wall of course :)

CedarWorks has designed and manufactured custom swing sets out of Northern White Cedar since 1981.  Since that time, we have increased our product line to include three swing set lines, the basic PlayAround, bold and noble Revelry, and the artistic and stylish Serendipity sets.  Company president, Barrett Brown, likes to tell the story of how the first CedarWorks indoor playsets were born.  "Our twins were about to turn two when my wife, Lynne, anticipating another long Maine winter posed a perfectly reasonable question.  'Could we put a playset inside?'  So, we attached a slide and a ramp to CedarWorks' smallest outdoor playset and put it down in our basement playroom.  Little did we know that we had stumbled upon a big idea."  That's what lead us to create Rhapsody -- a playset line designed with the with the optimal materials, finish, and scale for inside your home.
 
Since its inception and release, Rhapsody sales have exceeded our wildest expectations.  Not only did we have a fun and beautiful product for areas where weather (both hot and cold) can be a concern with young children, we also had a product that is a play solution for even the wee one's.  And, it can grow as your children grow by adding on age-relevant components over time.
 
CedarWorks has recently expanded its manufacturing  plant in Rockland, Maine,  to accommodate the ever-growing demand for the Rhapsody sets.  Each set is manufactured to customers' specifications and delivered, with professional installation availble if requested. Everyone plays a part, every detail is considered.  The CedarWorks Rhapsody sets have found their way into homes across the US and Canada, and into daycare and preschool centers as a wonderfully beautiful piece of play furniture.  Now, with the addition of the Rhapsody bunk and loft playbeds, the Rhapsody line is really holding its own as a well-received CedarWorks product line.  Our customers love it, and we love to design and build these beautiful and whimsical pieces.


You can find CedarWorks online, Facebook and twitter

Kristy and Debbie Travis met recently at a design show where they had a chance to chat a little and Debbie wrote us an incredible compliment in the Winnipeg Free Press and I had to share it with you! 

One of my favourite design magazines, House and Home, highlighted some important tips on how to spend wisely on trends. Editor in Chief, Suzanne Dimma has some great advice on how to stick to a your style and not get carried away with today's trend that may become tomorrow's disaster! Here is my take on a few of her rules:

Look for long term love.

I absolutely agree with this! Just like looking for a long term a relationship, find that attractive and comfortable match for you and any little imperfections it may have can be fixed with some accessories or lighting. 

When I purchase something big like a new sofa I need to think about comfort, durability and style. If I can't cozy up with a great book and cup of tea, it isn't for me. If the gorgeous fabric can't hold up to my 2 little boys rough and toughness, I may cry a little but I won't buy it. Most importantly, and this should speak for a lot of us, if it isn't neutral, it isn't worth it. I want something I can change up with a few new throw pillows and I don't want to have to buy a new couch every time we paint. Basically,  If you can't live with it for the next 10 years, don't buy it. 

Channel your inner stylista

This one can be a little tough. Not all of us are born with an eye for great style, my tip would be if you can't channel your inner stylista, dial your stylish friend. We all have one and I am sure they all love the compliment so don't be afraid to call a friend for advice. If that isn't an option Suzanne suggests that you ask yourself, "Is this something (stylish friend) would have in his/her home?" If not, then keep looking. This could save you a lot of time and money. 

Stay focused

With so many new trends and and styles out there it's easy to get carried away. If you don't pick your style and stick with it you can end up creating something very confusing and what I like to call "a hot mess." Do some research first, look through magazines, watch some design videos or call a designer for a consultation. I like to walk through some new show homes for ideas and sometimes they will even sell you some of the pieces. If you haven't made up your mind between eclectic, modern or classic style, you probably aren't ready to redecorate. Pick up this edition of House and Home, they have some great tips and showcase some gorgeous kitchen and bathroom renovations.