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Why is Farmhouse style so popular?

Farmhouse home decor has been a popular ‘trend’ for some time.  In recent years we have really seen this style rise in mainstream popularity.  The influence of country style home decorating isn’t new – I remember growing up with a kitchen that had a brick accent wall, oak kitchen cabinets and a wallpaper border with chickens, cows and pigs….(can you any of you relate?).  But the farmhouse style that we see today is less literal and more inspired by the idea of ‘farm life’.

Photo credit : 99architecture.com

Farmhouse style is popular for a few reasons…

1 – It is warm and approachable which (I believe) is the feeling that most people want in their home for themselves and for their guests.

2 – It’s a pretty versatile style that mixes well with other styles like industrial or traditional.  You can really play with the amount of country inspiration you want in the space.

3 – It’s family friendly.  The materials and finishes and the overall relaxed nature of the style works for families since the ‘chippy’ furniture already looks aged and a lot of the wood and metals already have dull finishes (plus a few dings and nicks) that add character.

4 – It’s everywhere!  It is easy to find at local and online stores … plus it is widely seen in the media.  With TV shows like Fixer Upper as an example, we are exposed to this style on a regular basis.

What is ‘modern farmhouse style’?

Modern farmhouse style is the ‘country’ home decor style of today.  It consists of country inspiration with a modern or urban edge.  So we still see home decor pieces with chippy and dull finishes, reclaimed barn wood, ‘used’ or ‘found’ decor items like old windows or pickling jars; brick walls, and even farmhouse signs plus the odd farm animal.  But with these typical farmhouse elements they are blended with modern influence like more monotone decor – lots of shades grey and white.  We also see a cleaner look – many of us think of country being a bit on the cluttered side. Displays are simple – like floating shelves with styled decor items like wood bead garlands and recycled glass vases and even floral arrangements are streamlined.

Photo credit : Damask et Dentelle

Farmhouse inspiration…

One of the many aspects of farmhouse style that I love is that it is so easy to update your space (even on a budget).  Here are some modern farmhouse images for inspiration on how to bring this style into your space…

Photo credit : Fox Hollow Cottage

Reclaimed wood elements like this amazing ceiling beam add so much character to a space.  And when you have this kind of character contrasting with clean white cabinets and walls – it is so fresh and still warm. The hand scraped wider planks hardwood floors add that farmhouse feel as well. The vignette with the glass pieces, antique clock and that chalk board really embrace the ‘aged’ look of farmhouse but this display has a clean colour palette. The reclaimed wood harvest table adds more character and contrast to the pure white elements in the space. The large dough bowl is a great centerpiece for greenery or seasonal fruit like apples in the fall months.  This dining area is modern farmhouse at it’s best!

Photo credit : Pine and Birch

This entry is farmhouse fabulous! It has the clean and crisp white walls that we often see in more modern homes but the shiplap detail adds that country house feel.  The wall display (gallery wall) is simple and with the crisp colour palette has a slight modern touch.  Adding ‘found’ pieces like the stunning church pew is genius (you need seating at your entry) and it adds character to the space.  Details like the sisal rug, galvanized metal boxes and the glass vase with greenery shows off that mix of textures that I love.  The buffalo check pillows on the pew have more country but in the grey / black and white scheme they feel more modern. This entry is a perfect example of modern farmhouse.

Photo credit : Twelve on Main

This modern farmhouse master bedroom is just dreamy….The layers of warm white in this room make it calm and peaceful and the black accents like the sconces, the barn door hardware and the chandelier add a rustic touch.  The white sleigh bed has a country feel. The paneled wall detail  and the tufted arm chairs add  bit of traditional elegance without being stuffy. And those exposed wood beams… bring in that great natural texture and wood grain adding incredible visual interest, that same texture is also seen as an organic side table being the arm chairs.  Other details like the greenery and the soft textiles on the bed and chairs make this bedroom so calming and soothing. A beautiful farmhouse bedroom retreat that I know I would never want to leave….

All of these farmhouse rooms have a unique look while still embracing the textures of country and the clean elements of modern design. I love how you can take this style and really make it your own – mixing with other style is a breeze, too!

Are you inspired by modern farmhouse decor?

SHOP FARMHOUSE…

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This warehouse loft model home is a past project of ours….we blended some of the typical warehouse loft elements like brick walls and industrial lighting with some fun accents of colour.  We love to play with mixing textures and adding some fun and quirky elements….

Loft elements – the ‘expected’ …

Often when we think of a loft style we think of raw materials like brick or concrete, wood and metal.  This loft model suite has a lot of those materials.  The kitchen lighting with an industrial look (above the island), the wide plank hardwood floors, the muted wood grain cabinets, the oversized black trim windows and that brick accent wall….are all seen here in this space.

and the unexpected….

Typically in this style of decor we see a lot of texture from raw materials but we see mostly neutrals – we decided to add some great colour and pattern – so this is the unexpected factor in this model loft.  This rug was a piece that we fell in love with and the bold teal tone is not something you often see in this decor style – that was one of the first pieces we found and wanted in this space.

The teal and the orange tone from the brick wall are natural complimentary colours – so we knew that this would work but it was unexpected.  We sourced out a simple and clean looking sofa in a great neutral tone would be a great canvas for some fun pillows.

We carried this bold colour theme into the bedroom as well for some consistency to keep the whole space looking fluid and therefore larger.  Looking at our inspiration vision e-decor boards – our final product isn’t that far off….

Loft model – take the tour…

See the end results of this model space –

Shop the loft look….

This art piece from Urban Barn is a favourite and it looks fantastic in the bedroom – it is a large piece (and we love oversized art) and would look great above a sofa…

These counter height stools in metal wire with a white leather seat are actually really comfortable – They offer great seating at the kitchen island but because of the wire detail they don’t look bulky and visually take up space.

Lighting makes a huge difference in a space and this industrial kitchen island pendant from Wayfair – really plays into the look of the space.

Metal is a big element in loft decor – we love these metal and stack-able bistro chairs – they are also easy to clean and as they age over time – it just adds character.

Warehouse industrial style is really unconventional and doesn’t really follow any rules – it easily blends with other styles which is just one of the reasons it is so popular…

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love-chunky-knit-blankets

I have to confess that I am in love! I’m in love with chunky knit blankets … I have loved them since they really started to emerge in current home decor.  I love being cozy and snuggling up with a blanket (as I am writing this post I have one of my many throw blankets on my lap …)

Photo credit : countryliving.com

Do you love chunky knit blankets?

I know in terms of trends I am a ‘little late to the party’ but to be honest I don’t consider knit anything to be a trend – I think there will also be a place for these fabulous knitted creations but yes, they are having a bit of a moment right now.

I have to share some of my favourite home decor looks with chunky blankets

Chunky Blankets in the Living room

Photo credit: My Modern Met

This white living room with black and grey accent is so clean and crisp – and this over sized chunky blanket adds so much texture to the room.

Photo credit : All Free Knitting

This big stitch oatmeal chunky knit blanket draped over this sofa is perfect for cuddling and snuggling plus it makes this contemporary tufted sofa look softer.

Photo credit : My Domaine

The chunk knit blanket was seen a lot this year in millennial pink – two trends working hand in hand.  The corner of this living room space is so fresh and feminine in millennial pink, clean lines and the over sized knitted throw is balanced and beautiful!

Chunky Blankets in the Bedroom

Photo credit: Etsy.com

There’s no better to place to snuggle than in your bedroom – add a chunky knitted blanket and you may never want to get out of bed again!

Photo credit: Decoratio

Again that classic combination of soft grey and millennial pink – so soft and soothing especially in a bedroom.

Where can you get a chunky knit blanket?

If you are crafty – there are some great arm knitting tutorials that show you how to make such a cozy and chunky knitted throw blanket.  This is one tutorial that I found easy to follow – here

I’m a knitter and my goal is to knit one of these myself – I found this step by step knitting tutorial for one of these chunky blankets on nourishandnestle.com – I can’t wait to make my own!

Not crafty? That’s OK…

You can purchase one!

Here are some of my favourites, found on amazon.com

This beautiful blue blanket is a stunning colour with this chunky knitted texture is available on Amazon.

This white handmade chunky blanket by wool + sea is stunning and available on amazon.

Do you these chunky knit blankets as much as I do??

 

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Friday Favourites this week ….Large clocks!  They are one of our favourite ways to add wall decor to a space.  Large Wall mounted clocks are a great way to fill up an empty wall space but they are also very useful! You can hang these clocks on their own or even add one to a gallery wall. There are so many styles of wall clocks, so you will be sure to find one that suits your style.

Decorating with Large Clocks

Here are some great inspiration images for how you can decorate with an over sized clock.

Photo credit : Magnolia Market

This area is perfect for serving drinks and snacks in this ‘bunk room’.  The aged finish of the large clock adds character to this space and the light contrast with the wall colour is soothing and fresh.

Photo credit : Kirkland’s

This oversized roman numeral wall clock has a touch of a traditional feel but pair with with more casual pieces like the natural wood console table at this entry and some farmhouse textures – it looks more relaxed plus have the clock leaning (instead of wall mounting it) makes it look less formal. Clocks at an entry is beautiful but also practical!

This is a model townhome we styled just recently… and we used a large farmhouse style clock for above the fireplace.  We love the galvanized metal trim and the rustic rope (plus it was easy to hang).  Its fills up this fireplace wall space and the round shape adds some softness to the room as well.

Shop large Clocks

We have rounded up some of our favourite large clocks from various stores that we love for the home

The Dresden Wall Clock – available at Urban Barn – is one of our favourites! We love the painted wood plank detail, the antique trim finish and the roman numerals add another aged feel to this piece.

This Industrial style Wall clock is available on Amazon and the simplicity of this clock is a perfect piece to add to a space with some loft inspiration with an industrial look – this would look great mounted on a brick wall.

This Iron Tower Large Wall Clock from Wayfair would be a great additional to a traditional style space or even a farmhouse look.  We love the simplicity of this piece and in the oversized scale it adds great presence to any room.

We love design elements that are beautiful but also practical….do you have a clock in your space? Maybe it’s time to add one …

LOOKBOOK FOR WALL CLOCKS…

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decorating-buffalo-check

What is Buffalo Check?

This pattern is also known as Buffalo plaid.  It originated at Woolrich Woolen Mills in the 1850’s. This pattern is traditionally seen in red and black but over time there have been many colour variations.

Photo credit : hm.com

The pattern is often 2 or 3 colour striped fabric creating equally sized large squares (gingham is similar but the squares are much smaller).  Buffalo check had a real moment in 2015 holiday decorPlaid is always a popular choice at Christmas and this pattern fits the style plus with the popularity of woodland inspired decor the pattern is a perfect fit!

Photo credit : Etsy.com

Buffalo Check and Home Decor…

This plaid print works very well when paired with a rugged and rustic look (think ski chalet) but in other colour variations it can also work in more transitional, farmhouse and traditional styles.  Buffalo plaid can be used in many different ways – ranging from upholstery to table settings. Here are some of our favourite rooms with Buffalo check.

Photo credit: Simons.com

This bedroom has a rustic mountain home look with the traditional red and black Buffalo plaid pattern.  Paired with the cowhide rug and shiplap walls – this room has a rugged and cozy feel.

Photo credit : Magnolia Home

Add a touch of country to your walls with this water colour effect wallpaper in Buffalo plaid print – the black/grey/white colour scheme is very neutral easy to work with.  It pairs beautifully with the wood tones and the simple and clean bedding – the style in this room has some mid century modern elements but it works with this check pattern on the wall.

Photo credit : Damask et Dentelle

Pillows in a Buffalo plaid is a more subtle way to add this print into your decor.  Again the black / white/ grey plaid print is a great addition to any space – this is beautiful at a front entry bench, living room, bedroom and this dining banquet.

Shop Buffalo Check

Here are some of our favourite home decor items in rustic inspired pattern…add this print to your space this fall or winter to bring that cozy feel in your space.


Personalized Buffalo Check Throw


Urban Retreat 33′ x 20.5″ Buffalo Check Wallpaper


Twill Buffalo Check Cotton Throw Pillow


Philomena Classic Buffalo Plaid Check Table Runner

Buffalo Check Door Mat

 

What do you think of this classic yet rugged pattern?

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stittsville-walk

Stittsville Walk is a community that is currently under construction. I recently sourced and styled the model home just last month.  It is located in a great nook of the city and we love the quaint feel of main street mixed with the chic style of the finishes in this model.

Stittsville Walk – Take the Tour:

These newly built townhomes are perfectly located in this village like setting – the exteriors have a timeless colour pallete with a touch of a modern edge, take the tour inside to see the amazing features and finishes of Stittsville Walk.

I wanted the look to appeal to a younger demographic so I opted for some furniture pieces that suited a first time home buyers but also interior finishes that embraced what’s current without being too trendy.

I love a two toned kitchen but I wanted the look to be light an airy – so I stuck with a classic white shaker style cabinet in the main part of the kitchen.

I then decided on a ‘driftwood’ tone for the kitchen island – this cabinet has a grey-ish hue with a visible wood grain.  The light fixture adds a bit of an industrial element with the metal ‘pipe’ look and vintage bulbs, along with the grey industrial style stools.

The living room is a blend of soft grey tones, cow hide, reclaimed wood and some knitted textures. I didn’t want to add too many bold colours in the space – so just a pop of bright yellow pillows is all you need! A series of three mirrors with wood frames fill the wall space by the sofa.  This living room is cozy but also chic!

This designated dining space suits a mix of modern ad industrial styles.  The Eiffel chairs in white echo the white kitchen cabinets – when I design I love to see common threads throughout an open space to make the connections throughout the entire look.  These chairs are a classic modern element and I love the contrast with the table.  I added some simple small storage with the glass console table and these accessories add some visual interest.

Stittsville Walk – Get the Look:

I found these amazing pieces for great prices…let me show you how to get this look!

I wanted some grey colour on the walls but nothing too deep, too dark or too blue….what did I pick? Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray. It is become one of my favourite paint colours to work with …

30″ Bar stools  These come in a bunch of colours – neutrals to brights – I opted for the light grey to keep the space looking very light and clean.


This 12 bulb light fixture has a bit of a mid-century modern look but if you change out the bulbs to a vintage bulb (like I did) the look is much more industrial

A pouf is a great alternative for a traditional foot stool, it is also a good seating option if you are in need.

In smaller spaces, it can be challenging to find the right size furniture and we struggled with finding a coffee table so instead we used 2 of these wood accent tables instead.

SHOP THE LOOK…

This cinema light box from amazon is a fun accessory to any space – we love it in the dining room but it would be fun in a den, office, TV space, styled in a bookcase….so many possibilities!

I love the versatility of Eiffel chairs – they add that classic mid-century modern look to any space giving the whole room an updated look.  I found these white Eiffel chairs with wood legs on Wayfair.

I added another great light fixture to the space – over the dining room.  Because the fixture in the kitchen over the island was so visually interesting I knew the one over the table had to work with the industrial styling of the larger chandelier but it had to be simple.  I found this one – on sale at Lowe’s – I love the simplicity of the pendant paired with the pieces in the room, it has a touch of a scandi-industrial look

I love how this model home at Stittsville Walk came together,


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friday-favourites-fall-decor-finds

We know that summer is still here and we are soaking up the fun in the sun but fall isn’t that far away and of course, we love fall decor! The fall is all about adding nature elements to your space and getting cozy with soft textures – we love the harvest theme and of course those stunning fall tones.

Photo credit: Craftberry Bush

So in preparation for one of our favourite seasons we have rounded up some of our favourite fall decor finds.

Fall decor finds:

A definite fall decor must are some pumpkins…we are really loving the look of white pumpkins – they work with a more modern or contemporary style home or anyone who just doesn’t want to dive right into the orange, red and golden tones of the season.  These white pumpkins look great in a simple bowl, add them to a tablescape or style them on a tray or coffee table.

 

Pillows are a fun a simple way to spruce up your decor and celebrate the season or holiday.  again we are loving these unconventional autumn tones like the warm whites and even light blue tones.  This pillow is a wonderful addition – we love it for an entry vignette.

 

We love curling up with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on those crisp fall days.  We don’t turn the heat on just yet so we wrap up in a chunky knit blanket – this chunky knit blanket is perfect for a bedroom or living room.  The chunky texture adds a lot of character to any space.

We love inspirational words and quotes in our homes, on pillows or wall decor.  This ‘grateful and blessed’ sign is a great reminder for the everyday but it fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday.

Candle light is a great way to add ambience to your space – whether it is a bubble bath, a romantic dinner or just relaxing at home with a movie or book – candles really add soft and subtle lighting to the room.  We love these flameless LED candles – they are very authentic looking and we love that they are safe.

Fall decor is really about embracing the beauty of nature.  Bringing in the tones and textures that we see outside and bringing them inside – this wood dough bowl has a rustic look and it’s perfect for a kitchen island – fill it with seasonal fruit like apples for a simple and healthy snack.

A fall wreath is a must and we love the farmhouse look of this wreath – the mix of neutral tone sand textures is just beautiful and is quite transitional  in style plus this wreath comes with some personalizing options like scent and the message on the sign!

Fall is such a beautiful time of year to celebrate and when it comes to fall decor finds there are so many and we will likely find some more fall decor inspiration through our shopping excursions but for now these are our fall favourites…

 

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10-things-every-living-room-needs

The living room is where you entertain, relax, read, maybe watch TV but it is the most ‘public’ space in your home and sure, you can count on the sofa, the coffee table, and a few additional seating options. But the room needs to be personalized through decorative touches. Here’s some inspiration on how to add those personal style items to your space to give it a polished look

1 – A place for your books –

Your collection of first editions aside, designate an area to feature a few choice titles that complement your style. If your space is small, try blending the book case colour with the wall colour – it will look luxurious (like built-ins) and it will look streamlined

2 – Window treatments –

An empty window space is an incomplete one. Dress the frames with a set of drapes to maximize the height of the room, providing it with a simple yet elegant finish. Drapes also add softness to a room and they frame a window beautifully.  If you have blinds already add the drapes they really add a touch of style

3 – A styled coffee table –

A well-curated table keeps essentials on hand – minus the clutter. Stick to things that make like favorite books, vases, or trays. No, the remote control does not count as an essential or an accessory!

4 –  Something on the walls –

We’re all about the walls. Gallery of frames. One eye-catching print. An over sized mirror. Choose to decorate with pieces that will make the space totally your style.

5 – Pop(s) of colour –

Offset a neutral palette with hints of an eye-catching hue. It’s the key to an instant uplift. Accent pillows, art, accessories and even an area rug are easy ways to add some colour to your space.

6 – Painted walls –

A can of paint really is the easiest way to add personality to a room. As for the color, well, that’s up to you.

7 – A side table

A simple accent piece doubles as a geographically-convenient (and temporary) spot for all the necessities for a little lounge time. Plus these come in very handy when entertaining

8 – Personal touches –

Dedicate some shelf space for an edited assortment of pieces that reflect your personality. Throw some favorite framed photos to the mix as well.

9 – Light fixtures –

A little lighting goes a long way. If you don’t have a ton of natural light, then bring in table lamps to set the right mood for your space.

10 – The right seating arrangement –

Small space. Large space. We can’t stress this enough. It’s important to think about the shape of your room and its function. Arrange for how you will be using this area.

Make your living room a comfortable and chic space – if you are like me you spend a lot of time in that room so enjoy the space and make it beautiful,

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friday-favourite-quirky-pillows

It’s Friday time to round up our favourites of the week – instead of rounding up our favourite piece from our shopping trips we have decided to share a favourite items we love to add to our decor projects –  ‘quirky’ pillows!

What do we mean by ‘quirky’ pillows?

You have probably noticed over the past 2-3 years that accent pillows with fun or wise sayings have been everywhere… and we love this fun trend too! We have used some in our model home projects and also some of our client decor projects. These ‘quirky’ pillows are a great way to express your style and personality all at once! Plus they are an affordable way to freshen up your home decor.

Pillows are a great and affordable way to update a bedroom or living room.  These quirky and fun pillows are a way to show personality in your space – they set a mood and show off your attitude!

Pillows…

Are a great way to add a splash of colour, print, texture and in this post we are rounding up our favourite ‘quirky’ pillows! Layer one of these into your current scheme. Choose a pillow with a fun or funny saying, something inspirational or wise … there is a ‘quirky’ pillow for everyone!

Favourite ‘Quirky’ Pillows:

The message of this pillow is simple – when it comes to adding this to your decor take inspiration from the colours in this pillow.

 

This is a great pillow cover for a dog lover – it can be added to most decor schemes too…

Kids love quirky pillows too – this ‘PLAY’ pillow is great for a kids bedroom or a playroom.

 

We posted earlier about pineapple decor but here is another great quirky pillow featuring pineapples…love the message!

This Mr&Mrs lumbar pillow is a great anniversary gift or house warming gift – it’s cute on an accent chair or a bed.

 

Quirky pillows are also a fun addition to your decor for the seasons and the holidays…

Sometimes these pillows say what we are all thinking….like this one ‘more summer’! Who doesn’t want that?!

 

Pillows are another way to celebrate the seasons – this Fall pillow is fun and cheery and a perfect addition to a sofa or front entry welcoming friends and family!

 

Halloween is a holiday that is very much about decor so why not add a pillow like this one to your space to celebrate the spooky season….

Show off your personality with a quirky pillow,


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paint-colour-concept-whole-home

When it comes to a paint colour concept you really need to think about the whole home.  We just finished meeting with some clients earlier today to put together their paint colour concept – they have hired a painter to start later in the week and during our paint consultation we discussed the idea of a paint colour concept for the whole home – even though they aren’t thinking of paitning the entire home at this stage.

Photo credit : HomeBunch – This mudroom is painted in ‘Stonington Gray’ by Benjamin Moore

What is a paint colour concept?

Basically it is a plan with a series of colours for the whole home.  The colours all work together even though they may be different – there is a fluidity to the whole look, so as you walk through the home room by room the colours will work in a cohesive manner.

You may not be ready right now (for a variety of reasons) to paint the entire home now but if you have a plan you can focus on the rooms to paint now and still know what the overall look and feel of the space will be.  Be sure to record and file all of the paint info – so brand, name and code – you can refer to it when you are ready to paint the next set of rooms.

What to know when making your paint colour concept?

You really need to understand the lighting in your home.  Which rooms have a lot of light (natural or otherwise) and at what time of day.  Paint looks different in different lights – natural vs artificial, it also looks different depending on the amount of light and time of day.  So we always suggest to clients to paint test swatches on the wall and take a look at them at various points in the day.  Be sure you like the colour at all times of day before fully committing.

Our clients wanted a light and airy look with some ‘beachy’ inspiration without going too literal – their furniture is most neutral (think light warm grey sofas and coffee hardwood floors).  the home is an older home with original interior doors and baseboards, they wanted to maintain that character but give the home a fresher and more current feel.

Here is the paint colour concept we put together for our clients:

Benjamin Moore ‘Balboa Mist’ OC-27 is perfect for their hallways and guest bedroom – it is a soft and warm grey tone and it is one of our favourites to work with.

Benjamin Moore ‘Stonington Gray’ HC-170 is another favourite of ours – it is a true gray that adds some really pigmentation on the wall without being too deep and it has a great freshness about it too.  This is for the dining room (and will be paired with a farmhouse inspired table)

‘Silver Half Dollar’ 2121-40 by Benjamin Moore is a colour that’s really inspired by the beach (not just in name). We chose this for the living room – it is one of the brighter rooms in the house and they wanted a bit more colour in the room that they spend the most time in.

There master bedroom is on the top floor in an attic space – so the sloped ceilings add architectural detail to their master but the ceilings are also a bit lower – so we opted for a light and airy white.  This is a clean and calming tone for the room and offers with great contrast to the dark coffee floors plus this means they have a lot of options for accent colours in bedding and more  – We selected ‘White Heron’ OC-57 by Benjamin Moore.

The homeowners  are happy with some of the existing colours in the home – such as the kitchen and bathrooms (so previous owners must have really focused on where to spend their money when prepping the home for the resale market as the bathrooms and kitchens all had a fresh coat of paint). So we worked with those tones along with their own tastes to create a a whole home paint colour concept.

A paint colour conept is a great way to stay focused on your style and have a designer look in your home…

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