April 05, 2011

Welcome to Lumar Interiors’ Blog!

After 21 years in the decorating business, why start a blog?

Malcolm Gladwell made famous the concept of needing 10,000 hours in a given field to be considered an expert. Well, I’ve done over 40,000 in interior decorating and combined with my business partner, Luisa, we’ve done over 80,000 hours. Not only have we been around the block a few times, we’ve hit many dead ends, and went down a few wrong alleys. We’ve learned a lot.

So, I thought we’d have a ton of ‘stuff’ to share: lessons learned, decorating tips, favourite decorator finds, funny stories about life in the decorating world, and perhaps a little design philosophy while we’re at it. (for the closet philosopher in me). Now that the kids are a little older (15, 18 and 22), they are not so receptive to my dinner time stories recounting my day (as I notice their eyes roll back…); so I need a new audience!

We’ve been blessed with meeting so many different people and visiting many places through our work. Truly, I know I’ve been exposed to more than I ever would have in my previous work. (Did I mention I came from an accounting background and Luisa from social work? Probably explains how we’ve made it this long in this business. But that’s a story for another time.) We’ve met all kinds, seen all kinds and been inspired by many.

Life is full of inspiration! The people, places and things that cross our paths in life touch us and help form us whether we’re aware of it or not. The many clients we’ve had over the years have inspired us to be better at both our work and our personal lives. We’ve learned to appreciate and embrace different styles, different cuisines, and different cultures. Like I constantly remind my kids, ‘what a dull place this world would be if everyone were like me’. (….funny, I never seem to get an argument from them on this point….hmmm) Our work has expanded our personal potential: what a great reward!

As a ‘younger’ lady I always loved to window shop and browse through mountains of magazines. I still have a few copies of Vogue and Glamour magazines from the early 80’s.
I have always loved to look at beautiful things, to spot emerging trends and, really, there has been no better education. So, when I discovered the world of blogs through Canadian House and Home Magazine a few months ago, specifically, the blog Habitually Chic (Ok, so I missed the boat on this trend by a few years), well….I quickly became addicted to a new love. I now follow a dozen different blogs which I will share with you. I hope to get your feedback. I would LOVE to hear about what YOU love!

So to answer the opening question: we’ve got a few hours under out belt, a few stories to share, tips to give and hopefully, some inspiration to offer. Even if all it does is make you smile that day, then we feel it’s been worth it.

And truthfully, we always said we’d write a book one day about all our experiences and finally get rich….so maybe this is a start.

TESTIMONIALS

Working with Marisa & team was an absolute joy. Their brilliant design skills went above and beyond what we expected as they helped us navigate a total reno of our main floor. They took our vision and feedback and translated it into creating our dream home! They guided us through all decisions, big and small, with knowledge, professionalism and patience. I can confidently say I would not change one thing.

- HM, Thornhill -

Amazing team of interior designers, we were so fortunate to be referred to Lumar Interiors and worked with Marisa and team, they are professional and creative. We had just completed a home renovation project and needed help with furnishing and decorating our family and living room. The results of our project is way beyond anything we could have imagined. We are totally grateful to these two ladies and their team!!!!

- SC, Vaughan -

When we moved to Aurora, we didn’t hesitate to call Marisa again. She knows what the client wants and stops at nothing to get the job done….looking for that perfect piece of furniture, upholstery, drapery, lighting & accessories, she was able to pull it all together and successfully accomplish our dream. We could not have done this without her expertise, trade contacts and wonderful support staff at Lumar Interiors.

- PW, Aurora -

Working with Lumar for almost 20 years spanning two homes, one of which was a custom build, I have experienced first hand the knowledge, resources, and abundance of talent Luisa and Marisa offer their clients. Professional and never “pushy” ideas are brought to fruition with ease. I highly recommend Lumar for all decorating projects, small and large.

- OL, King City -

I met with Luisa and the team two days after we moved into our newly built home. In the following two years, they have transformed our house into an elegant and welcoming home. It was a pleasure working with them. I valued their creativity, dependability, attention to detail, work ethic & professionalism. I highly recommend them and appreciate all of their efforts in making our home a warm and special place.

- PG, Stouffville -

When we first began the renovating and decorating process, I had a vision of what I wanted our home to look like. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to get my ideas across to the people involved in the process. Thanks for being a crucial part in making “my vision” into a reality, and for all the decorating advice when I just wasn’t sure what to do. It looks great-you made it painless and fun!

- AL, Richmond Hill -

The compliments never stop. It was so nice working with Lumar Interiors. You made everything so easy and understood exactly what I wanted in style and in cost…I had used many decorators before that charged through like a steam roller giving little time to me and my wishes. Working with the team at Lumar was sheer pleasure. I felt I not only found a new decorator but a new friend as well.

- PK, Thornhill -

Marisa Lupo from Lumar Interiors recently helped me update my 1990’s kitchen and make it a beautiful room. I have known Marisa for many years now and together we have also redecorated my family room and dining room. Slowly we have successfully turned my house into a home. Marisa’s patience and knowledge have made working with her a pleasure. I look forward to our next decorating project together!

- MS, Woodbridge -