Browsing Category

HOME STYLING

6-ways-to-decorate-blank-walls-in-your-apartment

Blank walls are a perfect blank canvas to show off your personality and style. One of the best things about moving into a new place is having a blank canvas to decorate as you wish.

Here I will share some ideas on how decorating bare walls…

There are two ways to approach a blank canvass: be intimidated by the possibility of filling it or be excited for the same reason. Whichever spectrum you fall on, one thing’s for sure: you can’t let a blank canvas remain blank, especially if said canvass is a wall in your new condo.

Furnishing and decorating a new apartment allow you to personalize your space and truly make it yours. However, it’s understandable how you might be intimidated, what with dozens of things to do and options to choose from, especially for wall decor. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far. Below, we have a few suggestions on how to dress up your apartment’s blank walls.

1. Tapestries and other textiles

Don’t have plenty of time to think of decor ideas? You can buy a large tapestry, hang it on your wall, and ta-da! Your  

wall is filled. Keep the look cohesive with the rest of the design elements in the room by choosing a tapestry or other textiles, such as vintage quilts, with similar or complementing hues. Also, make sure to measure the dimensions of your wall so you can choose a tapestry that’s not too big or too small for your wall.

2. Trick the eye with a triptych

Triptychs are some of the most eye-catching pieces of wall art. They’re like a painting or a photograph, except divided into three parts. Triptychs come in different styles, from ones that form one image to others that can stand alone but are better viewed with its companions. Whatever you choose, it will be a good focal point meant to catch your guests’ eyes.

3. Floating shelves might float your boat

If you have plenty of books, plants, or knickknacks, then a blank wall is the perfect place to mount floating shelves on. Color-code your books, create a gallery of picture frames, display your jar collection-the options are endless as long as you have shelves mounted on the wall.

4. Passion for fashion

If you’re into clothes and accessories, you can show them off by sticking hooks on your blank walls and hanging fashion items on them. You can display your handbags, hats, or pieces of jewelry. This results in a functional wall art where your items of clothing have somewhere to hang while also making your walls look unique.

5. Living wall in your living room

Love indoor plants? Why not dedicate an entire wall to them? This is almost as simple as hanging a picture frame. All you need is a pre-made frame and your selection of plants. Some frames have built-in watering systems in them while others simply have hooks to hang your pots of plants on. With proper maintenance, your vertical indoor garden will be the focal piece of art on your wall.

6. Mirror, mirror

You might think, “Mirrors? How boring.” But if you choose the mirrors you will display correctly, not only will they give your place an illusion of bigger space, but they will also look like pieces of art. Raid thrift stores and garage sales to hunt for old, antique mirrors with interesting frames. Then arrange them however you want on one wall.

Filling up the blank walls of your condo unit doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the ideas above, you’ll hopefully be one step closer to furnishing your place.

SHOP WALL DECOR…

0 comment
Share:
the-black-and-white-pillow-my-top-12

I just love a black and white pillow! Black and white is a colour scheme that is a classic. If you have been following me on any on my socials you will have noticed that it’s my latest obsession. I have been making updates in my own home – especially the family room and I have added some great neutral pieces with contrast (tiles and pillows) to my room design. I’m waiting on orders to arrive but I wanted to share with you some of my inspiration and some great finds.

Black and White Pillow Inspo

Photo credit: Lulu and Georgia

This living room loom really inspired my plan for my family room – which I’m so excited about. What I love about this look is the neutral scheme (of course) but the mix of the textures and the prints. I love the boho elements of texture and tassels, too! The look and feel of mudcloth has always been a favourite of mine. The pattern rug with the neutral sofa and walls with the mix of pattern pillows is the look I am going for in my space!

Shop pillows

I have found some amazing deals on pillows and pillow covers that can be used in a living room, entry, or bedroom. What I love with these neutrals is that you can mix them with any colour or other neutrals. I am also really into the texture and tassels – can you tell?

  1. Stripe Tassel Square Throw Pillow
  2. Embroidered Black and White Mudcloth Square Pillow
  3. Cottle Cotton Pillow Cover
  4. Hadleigh Black Pillow
  5. Tasseled Geometric Square Throw Pillow
  6. Rivet Modern Throw Pillow with Tassels
  7. Hadrea Handwoven Black and White Lumbar Pillow Cover
  8. Abner Cotton Throw Pillow
  9. Coen Cotton Geometric Throw Pillow
  10. African Mudcloth Lumbar
  11. Square Cotton Mudcloth with Fringed “X”
  12. Spraggins Ikat Cotton Lumbar

As you can see this is an extensive list with variety of styles and price points. When it comes to decorating I love to play with my budget and have a blend of splurge and save items. I really believe that’s how you can add your own twist on a design. Right now, I really love the boho elements like tassels and fringe. I have always been drawn to the organic texture of mud cloth and I love the visual interest that a pattern brings to a space. Add these in any combination of size to a neutral sofa or sectional or on a wood bench or paired with simple and neutral bedding.

Are you liking the boho trend? What about the black and white pillow – do you have any in your home? I can’t wait to share my family room updates with my new black and white pillows!

0 comment
Share:
top-10-shelf-decor-finds-on-amazon

Shelf decor is a way to add style to your room and display your favorite things. I just love what a shelf can do for a space. There was a time when a shelf was just all about storage but now they are way to showcase your style and a perfect way to add decor to any room.

I have been working on a few farmhouse inspired projects and renovations and I have used shelf decor in all of them! I love the idea of layering great decor finds and displaying items with meaning (or just items I am drawn too) and of course mixing up shapes and textures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases which further support the content on this blog.

I find that decorating a shelf works best when you follow these guidelines…

  1. Stick with a consistent colour theme (lately for me it has been a mix of neutrals and woods)
  2. Always add a touch of green. I know some of you have feelings about faux plant options but personally I do find that there are some incredible faux options that look like the real deal. And personally I love plants but just can’t keep them alive.
  3. Play with odd numbers when it comes to styling. For instance stack 3 books.
  4. Play with textures – mix metals (like a wire basket), wood (like a bowl or even a cutting board), and pottery (like a bowl or decorative piece).
  5. Get creative! Does a round wood cutting board belong in a living room? No! But I love the shape and texture that it can add to a display.
  6. Don’t add too much decor. Yes, you can overdo it when it comes to accessorizing. If a shelf (like a wall) doesn’t have any empty space (aka negative space) it looks and feels cluttered and you don’t get to appreciate the beautiful pieces you have displayed – it will be a mess!

Shop Shelf decor…

  1. Farmhouse distressed LOVE sign
  2. Candle
  3. Rusted Iron jack decor piece
  4. Set of 3 glass bottle in metal wire basket
  5. Decorative book stack
  6. Wood mannequin
  7. Bone bead necklace
  8. Small faux plant
  9. Shallow charcoal wood bowl
  10. Textured grey vase

I have put together this collection of shelf decor pieces that work well in small groupings or all together in one large shelf unit. You can follow me on Instagram to see the home decor styling projects that I’m working on I hope you find these tips and this shopping list helpful …

0 comment
Share:
how-to-create-a-relaxing-luxurious-living-area

If you lead a busy life, then the idea of having a room in your home that provides relaxation and calm whenever you need it is probably quite appealing. A place to unwind or spend time with family and friends can not only make your home a nicer place to be but can also do wonders for your mindset. If you have children, you will know only too well how much stuff they can accumulate, and if you look around your home, you might be surprised to note that their belongings have taken over every room!

If there’s a room in your home that is rarely used or has become a dumping ground for things that don’t have a home, why not consider transforming it into a clutter-free welcoming space instead? Here are 4 ways to create a luxurious and relaxing living area in your home. 

Choosing the right color palette

Color can completely change the mood of a living area, so it’s important to decide on a color scheme before you do anything else. Once you know the color palette you are going for, it will make it far easier to choose furniture and accessories. Websites like colorcombos.com are great for establishing colors that complement each other well. This can make it far easier to decide on the main color then add other colors into the mix by way of soft furnishings. Muted tones provide a far softer look and therefore work well to help create a calming and luxurious feel in any room.

Furniture

When choosing furniture for your room, it’s important to consider comfort as well as aesthetics. A modern sofa with clean lines and a picture-perfect look might be appealing, but if it isn’t comfortable, you aren’t likely to use it very often. On the other hand, a sofa with cushioning you can sink into is likely to turn your room into a space that you cannot wait to spend time in. 

In terms of other furniture, consider how you will use the room. If you intend to read lots of books, you might want to get a stylish bookcase and some functional side tables. If you want to get a TV but feel it would ruin the feeling of relaxation and luxury, why not get a TV unit with doors so you can conceal it when not in use? Think carefully about what you need and make sure your purchases are considered ones.

Lighting

Lighting can completely change the mood of a room. Stark white bulbs can make a room feel clinical and unwelcoming, whereas warm bulbs will create a far more inviting ambiance. 

A mixture of table and floor lamps illuminating all four corners of your room will create a fabulous layered lighting effect. Multiple lights will give you the freedom to change the tone of your room as you please and, depending on the mood you are going for, provide you with the ability to have your room well or dimly lit. 

If you are unsure of the lighting styles you prefer, it’s worthwhile looking online for inspiration. Stylish Direct is an online business that sells a huge range of stylish décor items worldwide. From modern wall lighting to more traditional floor lamps, they have an abundance of lighting options available depending on your preference.  

Finishing touches

From curtains and cushions to rugs and photo frames, soft furnishings and accessorize provide the finishing touches to a room. Without them, a room can look incomplete and will be far less appealing. 

Cushions and throws are a great way to add an even more relaxing and luxurious feel to your living area. Whilst you might be tempted to buy matching cushions and place in each sofa corner, it’s a far better idea to mix and match. Buying lots of different sized cushions in a range of fabrics and textures will add depth and give the impression that your room has been carefully and thoughtfully planned. 

If you want to add a more personal touch to your room, add family photographs in an array of frame styles to different areas of your room. Hanging art that you love on the walls will help to complete the room and add to the relaxing mood that you are trying to achieve. 

Filling the room with relaxing and warming scents that you love is another great way to change the mood of a room. Light candles or have some wax melts burning then sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful and luxurious haven that you have created.  

SHOP HOME DECOR….

0 comment
Share:
location-matters-5-tips-on-where-to-place-a-mirror

Mirrors are almost always strategically placed where they get the best results. Everyone wants to look their best before they leave home. Mirrors have been used for hundreds of years. Some are enclosed in a beautiful metal frame, while another one may have an antique wooden frame around it. Some mirrors are as small as a compact used for applying powder or eye makeup while some are as large a room. Many mirrors cover the entire front of a closet or a door, or they’re placed at the end of a long hallway.

A Mirror is Always Found in the Bathroom

Number One: The most important location of a mirror is above the bathroom sink where every family member spends a lot of time getting ready for the day. Whether they’re going to school, to work or out for a jog, the first thing they do is take a shower, wash and dry their hair, shave and apply makeup. Some of the newer style bathroom mirrors include a magnification portion that makes it easier to remove eyebrow hair or see places that have been missed by the razor.

Floor-Length Mirrors Are Usually Placed in the Bedroom

Number Two: The bedroom is a great place to hang a floor-length mirror since the person looking into it has privacy. They can see if their slip is showing, or if the clothing they’re wearing looks okay on them. Whether a man or woman, they’ll want to know they look personable before heading out to work. There are many different types of affordable and attractive floor-length mirrors. Log onto capitolglassnyc.com for some great ideas.

Mirrors Are Placed in Entrance Ways

Number Three: Many people put a mirror at the bottom of the stair-steps near the entrance door so they can do a last-minute check on their clothing, hair, and makeup. This is where they make sure they’re ready to face the day. A mirror will reflect the beauty of a person standing in front of it and the room behind them.

They Belong in the Dining Room

Number Four: Large mirrors placed on the dining room wall will reflect candles on the table, and soft romantic lighting. The mirror will also make the room appear larger than it actually is by giving it a feeling of openness and comfort.

They Should be Placed in the Living Room

Number Five: Mirrors are beautiful when they’re placed above the fireplace in the living room. Along with the fire in the fireplace, the mirrors add a feeling of warmth, peace, and comfort to the living room on a cold winter night.

While these five tips are places where most homemakers hang their mirrors, remember that mirrors bring out the best in any room of the home. Babies love to look in the mirror while they’re bouncing in their crib. Teenagers want mirrors in their rooms to see how they look before they leave for school. Some homemakers like to put a mirror on the table and set a plant, flowers, and candles on it so that when the candles are lit it provides a softly romantic setting. These are all ideas that anyone can use and none of them cost a fortune. Wherever there’s a mirror, it’s a sure thing that the room will look much more appealing and inviting.

0 comment
Share:
4-reasons-your-retail-store-needs-slatwall-panels

Slatwall panels can really make an impact in a retail space. Making the most of brick-and-mortar retail space is always a key to success. Retailers who do a better job than others of displaying their products tend to sell more and earn more loyalty from their customers.

Deciding how to equip and appoint a retail location can end up being one of the most important steps of all. This is particularly true of assets that are used to make products visible and accessible to customers.

Slatwall-style panels quite often end up being perfect for a given space. There are four excellent reasons to consider adding this type of panel to your own retail store.

Photo credit: Sarah Joy Blog

1.Slatwall panels are Rugged

Some types of product displays are not very well suited to handling the rigors of retail. That can leave a stand or set of shelves wearing down a lot more quickly than would be hoped.

High-quality slatwall panels, though, are made from particularly rugged materials like medium density fiberboard, or MDF. As a carefully engineered material that is both strong and resistant to wear, MDF thrives in areas with heavy traffic.

That often makes MDF-based panels and displays perfect for even the busiest of retail stores. The slatwall design also leverages the strengths of MDF especially effectively, making problems like chipping, cracking, and scratching much less of an issue.

Installing high-quality slatwall sections at appropriate parts of a store will allow a retailer to do away with plenty of related concerns. Ruggedness is almost always welcome in retail, and the best slatwall-style display panels feature lots of it.

Photo credit: AAA Dispays

2. They are Versatile

There are plenty of types of shelving and other display-focused assets that excel at showcasing very specific types of products. The slatwall design does so, as well, but it is also very versatile.

Generally speaking, unadorned slatwall sections work best for direct-display purposes when products require plenty of frontal exposure. There are many types of accessories, though, that can be added to pieces of slatwall to make them better-suited to other kinds of items.

In fact, a single expanse of slatwall can just as well display products of several markedly different kinds. When another display will be positioned in front of a section of slatwall, the latter can still serve as an attractive backdrop that is not distracting.

All of these features help make slatwall-style panels especially versatile. That will make them excellent additions to almost any retail store, whatever the particulars.

3. They are Attractive

Slatwall sections feature a clean, classic look that never seems out of place. Although most are not especially prepossessing, customization options can also render slatwall boards as eye-catching as could be desired.

Even when the goal is to make sure that display-related assets never command much attention, attractiveness will still normally be desirable. Many retailers find that their wall displays end up being some of the most appealing.

Photo credit: Xylea Wood

4. They are Affordable

Overly expensive displays and other assets can make it impractical to launch a retail store. Retailers intent on upgrading can just as well find that certain options have to be ruled out on account of pricing.

Fortunately, even top-quality slatwall sections are extremely affordable, particularly when their other strengths are taken into account. Retailers with any sort of budget almost always find it easy to justify in financial terms the installation of slatwall-style panels.

Slatwall panels are An Excellent Addition to Almost Any Store

While there are occasional cases where other options will fit a store better, retailers regularly find that these panels suit their needs very well. For the four reasons above and others, you would probably do well to consider adding them to your own store.


0 comment
Share:
were-bringing-feng-shui-back-use-it-to-organize-your-home

Feng shui was al the rage in the ’90s yet these days nobody really takes it into consideration when organizing the home or decorating.

This is a shame as it is a really good way to keep your mind clear while keeping a tidy and well-organized home.

Clutter and even a poorly planned furniture arrangement can kill your mood. That is what feng shui is all about. When there is no flow to your home and you see stuff everywhere that it doesn’t belong, it can make you stressed. Depressed even.

In this article, I will go over some ways to bring feng shui back when decluttering your home.

Clear your mind and your clutter

We’ve already gone over the benefits of decluttering your home.  Getting organized enough to tidy up and find the right place for everything is an emotional experience. 

It may take some time to get in the right mindset to tackle the project. Find some time to do some yoga or meditation before beginning. Try to put yourself in the right frame of mind before getting started.

Doing so will ensure that you do it right the first time and are not just sweeping stuff under the rug.

Start with the closets

It may make sense to begin with all the clutter that is visible. My opinion is to get your closets organized and spacious. Having this space will make it easier to find room for your more obvious clutter.

Start your closet organizing by finding the right hangers. Hangers made from wood take up a lot of space so use them for your heavier items. Then, use slimmer hangers like wire or plastic for your lighter clothes.

Identify the problem areas

Your living room may be just fine and not need much organizing. Your guest bedroom, on the other hand, has become a repository where everything ends up.

Knowing where to focus your attention will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Open some windows to let in fresh air so it feels pleasant. Light some incense or fire up an essential oil dispenser to put you in a calm place.

Remove things that don’t belong in that space

The first thing when using feng shui to tidy up is to acknowledge what each space’s purpose is. For example, your bedroom is your oasis. It is where you rest and recharge and find intimacy with your loved one. There shouldn’t be exercise weights in there, or anything related to work. 

The front entrance to your home is one of the most important when trying to use feng shui. It shouldn’t have anything that interrupts the flow as you enter the space. Try to put coats and shoes in a closet that is out of the way. Mail shouldn’t be left out on a table for all to see. Find a drawer to put it in as you enter.

By clearing anything not related to the purpose of the space, you can reclaim it.


0 comment
Share:
five-great-design-elements-to-add-to-your-home

Design elements add some style and personality to your space – whether you’ve just moved into a new house, or you’ve been living there for a while and are thinking about updating a few areas, it’s worth doing a bit of research before you commit to any changes. Following trends in DIY and interiors can seem like a good idea at the time but could leave you with dated furnishings and wall colors that soon lose their appeal. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got five ideas for classic design elements to add to your home that will stand the test of time.

#1 Bare Floors

While carpets add a certain amount of warmth and comfort to your home, bare floors are the way to go for great design. Not only are they easier to clean and maintain, but they’ll also work with any future interior changes you might make. There is a vast range of options for installing bare floors in your home, from reclaimed floorboards for the eco-lover to engineered wood flooring in shades of oak, beech, and ash.

#2 Statement Windows

When you’re updating your home, it’s easy to think about the inside and neglect any outdoor spaces – but the exterior is the first thing you see, so it’s worth paying attention to things like windows, doors and the garden. Classic windows are a great element to add to your home, and switching uPVC for timber windows is always a good idea. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing, but they also won’t date or age like the plastic alternatives. Experienced timber window manufacturers will be able to create bespoke designs which fit in perfectly with the style of your house, and you’ll also have various color options as well.

#3 Plenty Of Greenery

Plants and greenery are hands down the best accessory for any home for lots of reasons: they have a wonderful visual impact, and they also help to purify the air and increase the humidity of a room. If you’re not the green-fingered type, don’t worry! There are plenty of plants that are really easy to keep alive with minimal effort; spider plants, ivy, and sansevieria plants just need regular watering once a week or so, while larger plants such as monsteras are also pretty hardy for beginners.


#4 Beautiful Furniture

When you’re choosing furniture, it can be tempting to look for quirky or brightly-colored pieces – especially if you’re aiming to make a statement in a room. This can end up being a costly mistake, however, as any future interior changes could mean your furniture no longer works in your home. So, when you shop for anything large, such as sofas or tables, opt instead for classic designs.  Wooden furniture in shades of oak, ash or even whitewash will all stand the test of time, and anything with a mid-century modern feel to it will adapt to any changes you might make at a later date – look for tapered legs, clean lines and gentle curves to get it right.


#5 Effective Storage

Effective storage not only needs to hold anything you want to keep out of sight; it also needs to work well with the style of your home. If possible, opt to have bespoke storage manufactured to fit into existing alcoves and along the entire length of any walls. The most successful storage is the type that you don’t notice! If you’re on more of a budget, try to fit ready-made furniture into your home. The key is to make sure it blends into the background; look for anything with minimal detailing and try to match it to the color of your walls. If this isn’t possible, try to make a feature out of storage – vintage sideboards are now collector’s items and can add real aesthetic value to your home, while accessories such as lidded wicker baskets are great for keeping those smaller items hidden.

I hope you find these 5 great design elements for your home inspiring. Which one is your favourite?

0 comment
Share:
how-to-decorate-with-recycled-glass-vases

Recycled glass vases are one of my favourite pieces to use when decorating any room. They have a one-of-a-kind look because of how they are made. They have a clean and simple shape and they work with a variety of styles ranging from a modern look with clean lines to an urban farmhouse style. Recycled glasses vases come is many different colours – but personally I am drawn to the blue and green tones.

Photo credit: Target

How to style a room with recycled glass vases

I love the smooth shape of these recycled glass vases – there is something so soothing about the curved lines of these vessels. They are so simple but they add a sophistication to any space. I love the pop of blue this vase adds to this room and even empty it makes an impact in the space.

Photo credit: Twenty One Two

These vases are so sculptural and beautiful that they don’t need big and lush bouquets (plus with the bottle neck design you couldn’t really use them for bouquets). I love the volume they bring to a coffee table or entry table or as a dining centre piece and by adding a seasonal branch it adds a touch of nature to a room.

Photo credit: DecorPad

Recycled glass vases also come in different sizes – so they are perfect for bookcase styling. I love adding glass to my decor because it adds a new texture, a pop of colour and the glass element makes the look light and airy (not bulky or chunky). I love pairs or trios of glass vases (depending on the size) when styling a bookcase or coffee table.

Photo credit: Made by Katy

Shop Recycled Glass vases

I love these vases – they work so beautifully as a set . The light beach glass tone adds a delicate pop of colour in a neutral room. I also love the twine detail – it works with in a coastal decor inspired room or a modern farmhouse look.

This vase is a beautiful shade of blue unfortunately it is out of stock . With these simple branches it adds a touch of nature to the space in a very clean and modern way. I love a vase like this as a simple centre piece or on a coffee table. But here is a link for something similar

This vase is so simple and that angled bottle neck is a detail that makes this piece totally unique and perfect for displaying beautiful seasonal foliage. This works in a modern home or a country home.

There is so much beauty in simplicity…


0 comment
Share:
top-10-most-popular-posts-from-2018

Well 2018 is over and 2019 is here and I love taking this time to look back at past projects and clients that I have helped this year.  I also love to look back at the posts that you loved and responded to…

Here is the Top 10 Most popular posts of 2018…

10. Door mats were a big trend that started in 2017 and continued into 2018.  I love doing the ‘window shopping’ for you – so I took it upon myself to curate some of the best ‘Welcome’ mats for the home … Post number 10 – Welcome Home

9. The Modern Farmhouse continues to be a popular style and the round up of modern farmhouse stools was a success! You loved the inspiration images and the links to actual stools for purchase…Post number 9 – Modern Farmhouse Stools

8. Decor on a budget is my jam! And when it comes to home staging I like to see just how far my dollar can go – turns out you love those cost friendly tips for home staging, too! Post number 8 – 7 Low Cost Home Staging Tips

7. I have been sharing some small updates and projects around my own home and the update of my son’s bedroom was a fan favorite – the furniture, brick wallpaper and the affordable accessories totally transformed his room … Post number 7 – Boys Bedroom Update

6. Pattern tile is something I love and you all do too! I have used pattern tile in some recent projects … I think you felt inspired by these ways to use pattern tile. Post number 6 – How to Use Pattern Tile

5. I was a home stager for about 8 years and I just can’t keep a secret when it comes to home staging tips that work! Can you keep a secret? Post number 5 – 10 secrets about home staging

4. Home staging is a must – I believe that and so do you! I shared my 6 must-have props for home staging and you are great listeners (readers) … Post number 4 – The 6 Best Props to Stage your Home

3. Yes, you can make your home look and feel larger and this post shows you how…Post number 3 – 7 Easy Tips to make a small rooms feel big

2. Learn from your mistakes … or maybe just don’t try these at home…Post number 2 – 8 Home staging mistakes

1. We all love kitchens and we all know that they are the heart of the home – so it is no surprise that the number 1 post for 2018 is….Home staging tips for the kitchen

I will have many more tips, tricks, trends and of course projects to share with you in 2019! Looking forward to sharing with you and looking forward to hearing about what you have planned for this new year,

0 comment
Share: