BLOG | Anthology

Erica Sharp
- Jun 28, 2020
- 3 min read

Everyone deserves to be beautiful...even floor vents!

Take a look at your floor, walls and ceiling. Likely you have some sort of hideous, metal vent cover dropped in. They do serve their purpose by either supplying or exchanging heating and cooling throughout your house, however they are very unattractive and can be a huge eyesore in most spaces.

The construction and design industry has had so many advancements over time expect for in one area - HVAC, that is until a father/daughter duo from Toronto came up with these (dare I say) stunning vent covers. In 2016, Aria Vent was developed by Paolo and Roberta who share a passion for innovative, thoughtful design - and thank god they did! After over 100 failed designs, a short-lived air vent/humidifier idea and aluminum foil prototypes, Aria Vent was born.

These patented products are the first and only modular air register system that can be adapted to any surface. The good thing is Paolo and Roberta thought of everything in order for their vents to be able to be used in any stage of design. Starting with the Aria Vent OG and lets not forget they are completely manufactured in Canada!

Lets take a look at the differences between the seven models they have created.

Aria Vent OG

https://ariavent.com/products/aria-og

The original design is a drop in system that is perfect for any DIYer. They are metal construction and available in three colours (black, white and grey). Aria vent OG are a perfect solution to spruce up any space, just insert and extra piece of your flooring material inside the vent and your are good to go!

Applications:

Floor
Wall
Ceiling

Aria Lite

https://ariavent.com/products/aria-lite-multi-packs

The Aria Lite vents are for the price-conscious project. Instead of metal they are made in high-grade ABS plastic, which can withstand heavy foot traffic and is good for commercial applications. Also available in matte black, white and grey this style can be purchased at Home Depot.

Applications:

Floor
Wall
Ceiling

Aria Flushmount Pro

https://ariavent.com/collections/vents

My favourite Aria Vent for obvious reasons. Once installed, this ultra minimal design only has a single gap air channel. This style must be installed prior for the floor finish as it is has a flush and seamless transition. The flushmount pro is only available in matte black but is so sleek it just looks like a simple shadow line.

Applications:

Floor
Wall
Ceiling

Aria Flushmount Pro Lite

https://ariavent.com/products/flushmount-lite-3-pack

Another alternative for the price-conscious project. This style also must be installed prior for the floor finish as it is has a flush and seamless transition. Made in a combination of ABS plastic (for body and tray piece) and solid steel (for base piece).

Applications:

Floor
Wall
Ceiling

Drywall Pro - Air Register

https://ariavent.com/collections/vents

Designed specifically for wall and ceiling SUPPLY air registers on drywall surfaces. The drywall pro should be installed by a professional and is a seamless finish that can be painted or wallpapered to match the surface. Truly a game changer when installed as it virtually disappears.

Applications:

Wall
Ceiling

Drywall Pro - Air Return

https://ariavent.com/products/drywall-pro-air-return

Designed specifically for wall and ceiling RETURN air registers on drywall surfaces. The drywall pro should be installed by a professional and is a seamless finish that can be painted or wallpapered to match the surface. Truly a game changer when installed as it virtually disappears.

Applications:

Wall
Ceiling

Drywall Pro X (Exhaust Fan)

https://ariavent.com/products/drywall-pro-x-exhaust-fan

Everyone knows how ugly, loud and dirty typical bathroom exhaust fans are, well not with the Aria Drywall Pro X. This model has a dual design - it can be used as an exhaust fan cover or as a cold air return and it seamlessly feathers into drywall to disappear. Paired with the Panasonic Whisper exhaust, your bathroom will never look sleeker!

Applications:

Wall
Ceiling

Take a look at how the sleek design is integrated into the ceiling.

There you have it! The complete line of Aria Vents. Next time you are doing a reno, or if you have extra flooring laying around - the integration of these vents are a must!

Erica Sharp
- Jun 12, 2020
- 3 min read

Fifty Shades of White

Ask anyone what my favourite colour is and no doubt they would say white! I have been a fan of neutrals for as long as I remember. In 2009 my dad and I went to get my brand new moped (so when I moved to the big city I would adapt effortlessly). I had my eyes on a crisp white 150cc classic Vespa but the showroom we went to didn't have any white and were offering mega deals for any in stock bikes - so I got baby blue. Funny thing is I told my dad before going into the store I really want white with a beige seat but I will take any colour BUT blue.

If I could have a millions dollars for every time somebody asks me "What is the best white paint colour?" well I'd be a millionaire! You would think it would be an easy answer, I mean its white how hard could it be? If you have ever looked a a paint deck you will know - it's a nightmare. You have neutral whites, cool whites, warm whites, off-whites and about 1000 in between. Lucky for you I am going to share with you my favourite go-to whites and what I use them for!

Pro Tip: NEVER paint match, always purchase the brand of paint that you pick from the swatches (the reason could be an entire blog post on its own!)

Below are my favourite Fifty (10) Shades of White.

Benjamin Moore: OC-65 Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace is probably the most universal paint colour out there. It is not too warm, not too cool and generates a fresh yet inviting space. It works well with all wood tones and it perfect for walls, ceiling, trim and cabinets. If I built a new home, everything would be Chantilly Lace.

Benjamin Moore: CC-20 Decorator's White

Decorator's White is a slightly cooler off-white. It contains a little gray, just enough This is my go-to trim and cabinet colour for most clients.

Benjamin Moore: OC-17 White Dove

White Dove is a warm white that has a luminescent finish and creamy grey undertone which brings a lovely calmness to homes in urban environments especially those that often experience grey and overcast skies.

Sherwin Williams: SW7005 Pure White

Pure white has no hidden undertones of blues, yellows or pinks. It is a white that is so soft and elegant it can truly ground any space.

Farrow & Ball: 2001 Strong White

Farrow + Ball has the most luxurious paint in my opinion and strong white is one of my favourites. It is best for south-facing rooms with blue and grey undertones. It has a subtle urban and contemporary vibe.

Benjamin Moore: CC-40 Cloud White

Cloud White is a stunning warm white that is effortlessly timeless and classic. A perfect cabinet colour for a country kitchen or a subtle cream for a nursery, this is a traditional style staple.

Sherwin Williams: SW7006 Extra White

Extra White is the perfect white for a contemporary open concept home where you want to paint the walls and trim the same colour. It is a very cool white so it is important to be careful when pairing it with warm wood tones and fabrics.

Sherwin Williams: SW7008 Alabaster

Alabaster is a soft neutral, off-white. It offers a stunning warmth without being too creamy. I love using this colour in a bedroom to create a soft, peaceful retreat.

Benjamin Moore: OC-117 Simply White

Simply White is simply beautiful. Its a crowd pleaser and a perfect white cabinet colour. It’s one of those colours that looks warm when paired with warm tones and cool when paired with cool tones. It also really works well in those darker rooms with little to no natural light with its cozy and crisp reflection.

Farrow & Ball: 2003 Pointing

Pointing is a classic white named after the colour of lime pointing used in traditional brickwork. It softens the feel of a room when paired with strong, traditional colours. For a little warmth on the ceilings, I like diluting pointing to 75%.

There you have it, a white for every occasion! The last thing I wanted to point out is never paint a ceiling just "ceiling white". I usually match the trim, doors and ceiling but change up the sheen - flat on the ceilings and satin on the trim and doors. The light reflects differently on each surface but you have the same tone for a seamless transition. If you are still lost after this, my best advice is to TRY IT! I do this for every project, paint large swatches directly on the walls in a few difference areas where the lighting changes. Look at the swatches at different times of the day and watch the patterns. When you do this - I guarantee it will be very obvious which white is best for your space (and if you still don't know - call me!)

Erica Sharp
- May 31, 2020
- 3 min read

Coffee Table Books...for reading too!

Coffee table books are a staple in creating that lived in, professionally decorated home. They are that one item you can keep out all year around, and you just change the accessories around them! I tend to like large, hardcover and neutral spine books as they create the best backdrop for your other table top accessories.

As you may or may not know, I am not a huge reader so for me a book really has to speak to me visually and that is simply enough.

It is important to make sure you have varying sizes, thickness of the spines and textures to create that designer look. Coffee table books are a great investment and although they may seem expensive, they are very versatile. They can be used on their own, or can add height and weight your coffee table, and don't forget, if they are actually good books - they may even be read!

Once you find the books that speak to your, or look good make sure to follow these tips for perfect styling.

Always stack in odd-numbered groupings, three will always work!
With a round coffee table, think of the surface as a triangle stacking a grouping of books in one corner, a floral arrangement or succulent in another and balance it with a tray with a larger candle and decorative beads in the other.
With a square coffee table, opt for quadrants or simply stack a single tier in the centre and add a clear vase with draping greens.
Try layering with a few books and a dramatic statement on top - like a sculptural piece or hand-crafted ceramic bowl.

Pro Tip: if the jacket of the books is too colourful, ugly or just doesn't seem right - take it off! Most books have a beautiful natural colour spine, which looks stunning all on its own.

You can find great coffee tables almost anywhere! Amazon.ca probably has the best prices, Indigo.ca has a really good assortment and most trendy books and used book stores have some stunning rare finds. I actually found my favourite 2 coffee table books I have while cleaning out my grandma's place after her passing. They are personal, beautiful, neutral and remind me every day of her when I see them.

Take a look at my top 10 favourite coffee table books.