<![CDATA[Trio Design

<![CDATA[Trio Design - Blog ]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:27:14 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Latest Project]]>Fri, 30 Aug 2019 20:56:58 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/latest-projectFor more photos and information about this listing: http://www.seevirtual360.com/40353 or go to https://roykennedy.ca/

]]><![CDATA[South Surrey Landscape Before and After]]>Wed, 18 Jul 2018 22:43:13 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/south-surrey-landscape-before-and-after

Sometimes it takes a while for one of my landscape designs to look worthy of a photo. I designed this for a client in 2015 and was at a another neighbour's property for a consult when I took these photos. I am very happy with the results and I know the homeowner is too.

]]><![CDATA[Freaky or Unique? Witch Hazel Flowering Shrub]]>Tue, 13 Feb 2018 23:14:45 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/freaky-or-unique-witch-hazel-flowering-shrub

Mid-February and what a lovely sight in my garden! At the end of the fall season, I transplanted this shrub from a good location to an even better one. I love how the morning sun highlights the flowers and contrasts against the neighbours cedar hedge. This variety is Hamamelis x int. 'Jalena'.

Plant placement is important and when you can capitalize on a winter blooming shrub that is viewed from inside the house and welcomes you at the exterior entry way, it is a win-win.
Selecting plants for 4-seasons is always my objective for my landscape design clients. Book an onsite garden consult today to maximize your home's curb appeal. Contact Catherine

So what do you think: Witch Hazel - freaky or unique?

]]><![CDATA[Paint Transforms a Home For Sale]]>Wed, 10 May 2017 20:39:22 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/paint-transforms-a-home-for-saleMany of my staging consults require some colour advice to help enhance a property's interior. Unless a home has been built in the last five years, changing wall colour creates one of the best R.O.I. (return on investment).

Here are a few examples where the previous colours reflected the earthy trend of golds and beiges. Using a brighter, fresher wall colour (Sherwin Williams SW#7028 Incredible White) has updated the home as existing elements like the flooring and cabinetry are still in perfect shape.

This lovely home sits on sunny Southeast slope of Cloverdale (Surrey) and has some amazing views! www.roykennedy.ca

Photo Credits
Before: C. Kennedy After: Roy Kennedy & SeeVirtual360

]]><![CDATA[Fall Inspiration]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2016 18:14:11 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/fall-inspirationHere are a few of my favourite photos from a recent trip to The Butchart Gardens near Victoria. The fall colour is amazing. It is their business to look good 365 days of the year and they do not disappoint!

]]><![CDATA[Team Effort - Preparing to Sell]]>Wed, 10 Feb 2016 20:03:33 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/team-effort-preparing-to-sellThis special house is going on the market this week in Aldergrove. Working with the home sellers and realtor we did a redesign staging consultation to prepare rooms for See Virtual 360 photography. Using the client's furniture and accessories, simple changes were made to enhance each room's focal point. P.S. you might recognize this house from a colour consult I did a few years ago!
More information about the house can be found at: http://www.seevirtual360.com/themes/50/flashTheme.aspx?listingID=31335#.VruSZo-cG70

]]><![CDATA[What a Spring and Summer!]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2015 01:39:34 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/what-a-spring-and-summerYes it has been a while since I have posted in my blog area...what a fantastic busy season! I have been to over 50 homes (and condos) doing Garden Consults for Art's Nursery, new home Colour Consulting as well as Landscape Design work AND Staging for my realtor husband. I think I am finally starting to catch my breath.

It has been a hot real estate market and when the homeowner has done the pre-staging homework they have seen quick results.

]]><![CDATA[More Curb Appeal Tips ]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:34:53 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/more-curb-appeal-tipsWith the fall season in full swing right now, it is hard to keep up the well manicured appearance that is desirable when you are trying to sell your home. But a few simple tasks of leaf removal and deadheading perennials or annuals that are done for the season will still have your home standing head and shoulders above the rest. And right NOW is a great time to apply the composted bark mulch I mentioned in October's post.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING if you are selling your home you should know about 50% of viewings will take place in the evening so make sure the house numbers are easily seen in addition to having working fixtures at the entry.
ADD FINISHING TOUCHES like seasonal planters (especially fall and winter); new house numbers and a clean door mat for the front entry will create a memorable appearance for your home.And if there is room, styling the front porch with furniture or a sculpture is an exciting addition. (I am not thinking of Garden Gnomes as sculpture...)
ONE LAST THING please find a spot out of sight (and smell) for the garbage, recycling and yard waste bins. They are necessary but NOT your home's best feature.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive all ten Curb Appeal Tips.

When you need help to solve a Curb Appeal or Home Décor dilemma, please call Catherine Kennedy at 604 828-5033 or send me a note to triostaging@telus.net

Before

After: the Garbage cans are relocated out of sight, the car is parked on the road for the listing photo and for showings. The tire and garden hose were also removed.

]]><![CDATA[Gorgeous Townhouse ReDesign Project]]>Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:06:35 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/gorgeous-townhouse-redesign-projectStarting with a beautiful property and clients with good taste in furniture, helped make this recent redesign project a success. The current homeowners were agreeable to doing the preparation work ahead of the redesign day which meant dealing with the all the stuff that accumulates with daily living. Relocating furniture and accessories to make this home photograph well will help the property attract potential purchasers. Want more information go to the realtor's website at: http://www.roykennedy.ca/Properties.php/Details/11/1-14877-60th-street-surrey-british-columbia

]]><![CDATA[More Curb Appeal Tips to be the Best on the Block]]>Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:15:26 GMThttps://www.triodesign.ca/blog/more-curb-appeal-tips-to-be-the-best-on-the-block

AFTER: The new homeowners updated the all the colours, and repeated the spicy red on the front door.

BEFORE: My clients hired me to subdue the blue! Renovations included new roof, gutters and siding as the back of the house was yellow vinyl. Using the rockery for inspiration, we found a shade of grey that did the trick. Red was chosen as an accent colour that the clients fell in love with.

FRESH PAINT will always be the most reasonable and best return on investment for a renovation. Of course poor colour choices can affect the bottom line, so make sure your colour scheme relates in some way to your fixed elements like the stone or roof colours. This may be worth getting professional advice on. Your front door is about the only place for your ‘favourite’ colour, but if it is a strong colour like hot pink for instance, be prepared to paint a classic colour when it is time to sell.

PLANTS "right plant, right place" is key, consider　mature size and plant form when landscaping and if you are not sure, get help from a landscape specialist. Trim overgrown plants particularly the ones in front of windows or hire a professional, especially for tree pruning.

BARK MULCH to top dress garden beds (on the West Coast, I recommend 2" of composted black conditioning mulch) to create a neat tidy appearance. The added benefit: you won’t have to weed or water as much in the summer. This is a super tip to make your landscape beds look high end.

Always weed before applying the bark mulch. Composted or conditioning bark mulch (as it also may be described as) is a great way to suppress weeds, and help conserve moisture. Apply 2 to 3" thick, keeping mulch away from the crown or stem of the plant.

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