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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

we-answer-wednesday-matching-front-door-and-garage-door

“I’m going to paint my front door a new colour something with some pop but do I need to paint my garage door in the same colour, so they match?”

Great question and a bit of a tricky one….it really comes down to how bold you want to be with your exterior’s statement, the architectural style of the home, the colour you choose, the exterior materials and overall personal preference.

For instance, if you are choosing a classic paint colour like black …

this looks great on the front door and garage door – it’s a more traditional style but a classic never goes out of fashion. This also works with a a minimalist or modern home- clean lines and simplicity are key and generally that style isn’t about being overly colourful.


Photo from Bright Green Door

If you want to be a bit more adventurous with your front door colour…

we suggest keeping the garage door more tame.  The garage door colour should match another colour on the home’s exterior.  A good idea is to have it match the framing around the door and windows. If the house has shutters, we like the shutters to match either the garage or the front door – this gives consistency to the exterior – or they should coordinate with another exterior colour maybe even the roof but the shutters need to connect with another exterior element. Too many colours on a home’s exterior is distracting and it is confusing for the eye!

Photo from Zillow

For homes that have a lot of texture like stone, brick, shingles, beams etc…

we like to see a wood front door and garage door – the allows the materials to shine. In this case, a home exterior with a lot of natural materials we suggest making a statement with a beautiful wood door (the garage doors can also be wood or they can coordinate with another colour on the exterior). When it comes to picking your front door colour – be sure to pick a colour that is flattering with your exterior materials.


Photo from best-home-decorpictures.us

You don’t need to match your door colours but you want to take into consideration a few factors (mentioned above) and also the statement you want to make.  If you want a really bright and bold colourful door – let that be the focal point and let the other elements including the garage door play a complimentary role.

Photo from thisoldhouse.com

With a garage door in a complimentary tone this really allows for your front door to be the WOW factor!

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easy-bedroom-makeover-using-only-5-pieces

We love a makeover! Don’t you? Many times small changes make a huge impact in your home. Changing some accessories, or a coat of paint can make a space feel brand new. Many people hesitate when redecorating because they think it is going to cost a lot. There are so many simple changes that can make a difference in your space.

Here is my guest bedroom – I have family and friends visiting all the time and I really wanted to spruce up my guest bedroom plus I wanted it too look and feel like the rest of my home.

My main accent colour is blue so the red and beige spare bedroom wasn’t really working anymore.  So what did I do to transform the look of my guest bedroom with only 5 pieces….

Here is a photo of my ‘old’ bedroom.  This was a colour motif from my last home but I have moved away from the warmer tones.  My current house has grey and white (as my neutrals) with accents of blue and some bright pinks pops here and there.

BEFORE:

Beiges and warm tones weren’t really the style we were looking for anymore. By changing the wall colour and removing the red, the look is more contemporary and fresh. I started off by changing the wall colour – I had some left over white paint that was used in the main part of my house, so this kept my costs down – this room isn’t huge so the brightness of the white made my room feel bigger.

Next I replaced the red drapery for something more neutral and airy.  Nothing custom just some simple store bought panels.  That adds some softness to the room.

I kept the bed frame  (although I may get adventurous and paint the frame one day) and the white bedding – that looks so clean and it’s gender neutral.

I found an interesting lamp with a funky base to replace the more traditional looking one that was in the room.  The base has a soft and soothing aqua tone and the shade is white!

I then swapped out the red accent pillows for some black and white damask printed ones (I love print) and a cobalt blue.  I love mixing colour and print and with the simplicity of the room I could add print and colour with ease.

Lastly, I removed the red art piece and replaced it with a calming almost beachy art piece that I positioned above the bed.

 

AFTER:


I kept the expenses low – I spent around $300 and the room looks and feels great!  These small changes make a huge impact! My guests feel at home because this room looks like it’s a part of my home.

Remember makeovers and room updates don’t have to cost a fortune,

 

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the-benefits-of-staying-neutral-in-home-decorating

You can ask anyone that knows me well or has least come to my home – I’m not overly colourful.

Don’t get me wrong I like colour, I like it a lot! My kids rooms are full or colour, prints, patterns and texture but for my main living space – I have remained neutral.

I love my home and my style at home.  I like neutrals.  Some might call it plain or boring but I have to disagree.

I love neutral decor, and I feel like there are some real benefits to remaining neutral.

1 – Neutrals are a classic.

They never go out of style, ever.  So if you decorate with neutrals you aren’t dating your space or making big commitments that might not work out.

2 – Neutrals work well with lots of texture.

Decorating in all neutrals gives you the chance to really get creative with mixing textures (and lots of textures) and of course print!My family room has printed drapery and pillows plus textures like brick, cowhide, shag, fur, knits and more.

3- Neutrals are calming.

Yes, some colours are too but I find the mix of neutral shades to create a calm and soothing space.

4 – All neutral spaces are easy to update.

Getting bored with an all neutral space? Adding a new accent colour is so easy and you have a lot of freedom to play with any colour you like!

5 – Neutrals work with neutrals.

When it comes to decorating, if you don’t know what you are doing or you can’t commit to anything opt for mixing neutrals, it’s a no-fail decorating scheme.  It always works and is always in style.  All neutrals work well together.

6 – Neutrals work with all styles.

If you like modern, country, traditional even industrial interior decorating styles, neutrals work with neutrals.  Take black and white for instance, depending on how it’s used and styled in can look country (think Buffalo Check), it can take on a glamorous feel in a more formal or traditional home or look very modern with crisp white walls with black decor accents.

Decorating your home should always be a reflection of your taste and style- so don’t conform to what’s trending – be yourself, that’s always in style!

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we-answer-wednesday-how-to-create

“Christmas break is coming soon and we have out of town guests staying with us for a few days, how can we make them feel at home when staying with us?”

Hosting out of town guests is a part of the holidays and you definitely want your guests to feel comfortable.  When it comes to hosting house guests you really want to think of the details – it really is the small things that make the difference!

It’s always nice to have a guest room that looks and feels like a bedroom – you really want your house guests to feel like they are welcome and a part of your home.  A cohesive looking bedroom is always a welcoming touch.  We always recommend decorating a guest bedroom in a soothing and calming theme and in neutral colour tones.

These elements are musts when having guests stay over for a few days:

1. Fresh bedding and an extra blanket and pillows
2. Night stand with lamp and alarm clock
3. Trash bin
4.Tissues
5. WiFi password
6. Clean towels (a set for each guest)
7. Available outlet to charge phones, tablets etc…
8. Bottled water and snacks
9. Clothing hangers and space in the closet (and/or dresser)

It’s always a great idea to stock up on some extra toiletries too – everyone always forgets something…

toothbrush
– tooth paste
– dental floss
– ibuprofen
– hair dryer
– shampoo and conditioner
– q-tips
hand lotion

Some little extras that add a little something special…

fresh flowers or potted plant
– Spare reading materials (books or magazines)
– Notepad and pen

Be sure to tour your guests around the house and let them know where to find essentials like bathrooms, laundry, coffee and how to work the TV.

The best thing you can do when it comes to creating an atmosphere that will make your guests feel welcome is to imagine how someone else would make you feel welcome in their home.  Put yourself in their shoes…

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we-answer-wednesday-where-to-save-and

“We have bought our first home and we need to make a lot of furniture purchases.  We see the price tags and the costs add up, and quickly.  When it comes to buying furniture – which pieces are worth splurging on and where can we save?”

Congratulations of your home purchase ! What an exciting time! Furnishing and decorating your first home is a fun experience, it is a great way to bring your sense of style into YOUR home.  But you are right, the costs can really add up and very quickly.

 

 

The first thing you need to do – is figure out your budget.  Your budget is determined by what you feel comfortable spending. Figure out:
What you need to buy?
What (if anything is coming with you from your last place)?
Are you getting any furniture pieces from friends or family?
What would you like to have but it’s not needed now.
This is a great guide to figure out what you need to spend now and what to focus on later.

 

When it comes to actual items that are worth the extra cost, we have some suggestions.

– Sofa:

it is worth to spend on a sofa but again be sure it is an amount you feel comfortable with.  Not everyone feels good about spending $5,000 on a sofa.  But when it comes to sofas, there is a quality and comfort difference that is attached to price.  We also suggest ‘test driving’ a sofa in person – make it is comfortable and supportive – don’t just buy a great deal because it is a great deal.

– Mattress:

you will sleep every night on that mattress so find the right one and be sure to check them out in person.  Buy the best mattress that you can afford.  You don’t want to live with neck and back pain everyday because the mattress was a great deal!

– Labour:

when it comes to work that’s being done in your home, don’t skimp – it will be noticeable and you will end up spending more to have someone else come in and fix what was already done.

– Window coverings:

we would put this on the ‘maybe later’ part of your list but that does depend on your size and style of windows.  If you have a standard size window, store bought pre-packaged panels with a rod will be just fine.  Custom window drapery varies in price but if you have oversized windows, or odd shaped windows – the extra cost is worth it.

– Flooring:

if your current home has ugly or dated floors, or flooring that is in terrible shape – it is worth spending now on the update (before you move in!)

 

Where can you save?

On just about everything else.  You might be at a point in your life where you are figuring out your taste and style and this is a great time to experiments with less expensive pieces like dining chairs, armchairs, rugs and bedding.

 

When you move into your first place it is exciting but also a bit overwhelming.  Many feel that they need to drop a fortune to furnish their place.  Don’t spend anymore than you are comfortable with and don’t invest in anything that you don’t love or is uncomfortable – it’s not worth it!  True personal style comes from mixing the pieces, colours and textures that you love and building that ‘nest’ takes some time….Rome wasn’t built in a day!

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we-answer-wednesday-how-to-mix-forma

“I have inherited a more formal style dining table and chairs.  I like it but my own style is a bit more modern.  How can I use this furniture without completely changing my style?”

 

This is a great question!

And this is something that we are seeing more and more of…whether it’s inheriting family heirlooms or the merging of two people – mixing different styles of decor can seem very overwhelming but don’t let it stress you out!  What we love about merging different styles together is that you get a different end result every time.  Say good-bye to those cookie cutter rooms – this is where true individuality blooms!

 

Now that you know our own style is more modern, we assume that you have some updated pieces in your space already or you plan to purchase.  You have options how to incorporate this set into you life depending on how open you are to change. When it comes to modernizing a space you don’t necessarily have to change the furniture sometimes just updating the pieces around it can be enough!

 

CHAIRS –

Upholstery – a traditional set of dining room furniture would have some pretty traditional upholstery on the chairs so to make it more modern, get those chairs re-upholstered in a modern fabric.  You really can do anything – pattern, print, texture, colour – it’s up to you! This gives your dining chair a fresh look. You don’t have to go totally wild, you could stick with a timeless stripe but in a more current colour way or try an animal print like cheetah, oversized and bright florals can also ‘modern up’ a more formal chair.

 


* This old chair gets new life with a tie-dye upholstery in a charcoal and white – so unique, truly a one of a kind piece.

 

New chairs –

adding some new chairs with a more current look with give the whole set a new feel.  Matching sets are a bit more traditional so this one change will give the whole space a modern update.  You could mix up this option with the first option, and have more modern captain chairs and keep the traditional ones with the rest of the set.  Find a common thread between all of the chairs, so this is where upholstery comes into play.


*Look at how modern this room looks! The fresh white tulip chairs with pink seat paired with this dark stained traditional table – so unique! 

 

Paint –

we all know that paint can completely transform a room so imagine what it can do for furniture!  This is a big step, so if this is a valuable heirloom you might not want to exercise this option.  You will also want to get this done professionally.  Painting a traditional piece will give it new life and a whole new vibe in your space.

 


*Pairing this China cabinet in a Kelly green gives it a punch and an update in this space.  Also note the mix of chairs and varied prints in the room.  The pops of colour bring the more traditional pieces to life!

LIGHTING –

Statement piece –  so lighting makes a huge difference in a home.  When light fixtures look dated the whole space looks dated.  So to give your room a modern look, update that light fixture and make a statement! A modern traditional table with an interesting light fixture above it will give the whole room a fresh look plus it really shows off your decor style! (Always have your chandelier switch on a dimmer)


*This traditional table and area rug paired with a more casual chair makes the room less formal in look and feel.  Adding the industrial light fixture and the black and white abstract over sized art really gives this room so much flare.



WALLS –

Over sized art – this much like the light fixture can really give a room a fresh update.  Something about an over sized art piece not only looks expensive but it also looks fresh and current.  Think about displaying your favourite pieces in a different way – a gallery wall mixing old and new, or a more casual display where you lean and layer.


* sometimes is all about the presentation.  This room would have a very different look and feel if these art pieces were hung as opposed to the layered leaning style on the sideboard. 

Paint colour-

to give your dining room a more modern feel look at your wall paint colour.  Is it a mid tone? More modern looking spaces tend to choose a paint tone on either side of the spectrum – either dark or light. Before you pick a side, be sure to look at the items going in the room, like the furniture and the art pieces and of course, don’t forget about the light!

 


*The light walls allow for the table and the art to really pop in this space.

Wallpaper –

adding some visual interest to a wall in your dining space is another way to give that room a current look.  You can still hang your art pieces over the wallpaper – this will give the space a very designer look.  This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of wall space to hang art or if you have traditional looking wall panels that give the room a more traditional feel.


*In this room, because of the windows, there isn’t a lot of wall space for art so wallpaper on the wallspace is a perfect choice.  This also plays down the more traditional wall panels.

FLOORS –

Area rug – this is like art on the floor and it can really help set the tone for your dining room.  The possibilities are endless in terms of design, texture, colour and print.  Find something that you love and paired with a more traditional set this will  really give your room an updated look. One style that we are seeing a lot of is a perfect blend of a traditional rug but the colour has almost an ombre finish – so you get a traditional or even vintage vibe with a modern twist, so transitional!


*This area rug is the perfect mix of traditional and modern – the ombre effect makes it more current looking and also less formal.  It pairs nicely with the simple art, vintage furniture and modern light fixture 


Don’t feel that a more formal or traditional dining set will limit your style or change it completely.  Get creative! Incorporate that inherited piece with some modern elements to give your dining room a look that is totally unique and totally you!

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hot-home-decor-trends-for-2017

As we slowly approach the end of another year, there is an excitement in the air! A new year means renewal, a fresh start but also new and fresh ideas! For home decor, we are excited to see what 2017 will bring to store shelves and magazine pages but we do have some predictions as to what we will be seeing in the new year for interior decorating.

 

1.  Neutrals:

Usually there is a ‘hot’ colour that we see emerge each year but this year expect to see a lot of neutrals.  White and black are classics and are never out of style but expect to see a lot of black and white trends for home decor.  Shades of grey will still be popular as well as cooler beige tones.

2.Wood:

We have already seen a comeback of wood in late 2016, we expect that trend will continue.  We will see wood in floors, furniture, art and accessories.  Wood with lots of texture and tones.

3. Global influences:

Every year it seems that interior decorating takes on some inspiration from somewhere in the world.  this year is no exception, this year expect to see a big surge of Scandinavian design.  There is more to Scandinavian influence than IKEA – white (like the snow), wood, simple design with a modern minimal edge are just some of what you can expect to see.

4. Ashy filter:

All of the woods, fabrics and other textures will all have a touch of a grey to them.  Almost as though they have been grey-washed or a grey filter to them.  This gives everything a toned down and cooler look – like driftwood.

5. Finish:

Expect to see a lot of matte or dull finishes in metals but also wood stains and paint.  High gloss is out.

6. Warm textures:

Smooth and sleek textures like glass and marble were once the hottest trends on the market but this year warm and natural textures will be hot for 2017. Such as wood, cork, sisal, rattan  leather, and knits.

7. Defined living spaces:

The ‘super’ open concept plans for living spaces where everything is in one big room won’t be as popular.  We won’t have tiny compartment rooms but we will have floor plans that are a mix of open and more traditional living offering some privacy and also designated spaces.

8. Purple, Blue and Green:

Although 2017 will be very much about neutrals we predict that purple, blue and green will be very visible this coming year.  This deep jewel inspired tones such as – plum, eggplant, blackberry, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. We will see this in accessories more than furniture.

We hope 2017 is your most stylish year at home, let us know how you plan on incorporating any of these trends in your home…

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we-answer-wednesday-matching-wood

“Do our wood stains need to match? We are looking to buy a new dining room table.  We like the idea of wood (but it doesn’t have to be wood) but we have wood floors – do we match the wood table to the floors?”

 

A new piece of furniture is a great update for any space and any style of decor. Wood is always a great option as it is durable and adds a natural texture to any space.  When it comes to wood, you don’t need to match and we really recommend that you don’t match it makes everything blend and look a little washed out and you won’t draw attention to the new dining table.

 

We suggest adding some contrast with your new table.  So if you have light floors opt for a darker stain table and vice-versa.

 

Other ways to get contrast with your wood floors is to opt for a table that isn’t wood at all!  Metal or glass are ways to get contrast and add some interesting textures to your space.

 

 

When it comes to your chairs, try a chair in a different tone or a different material all together – this gives the room some contrast as well but also shows off your personal style.  Depending on the style of chair you select this can either dress up or dress down your stable and give you the feel you want in your dining space. A dining room set with matching pieces tends to make less of a statement.

 

We love to see the different wood stains in a room but be sure that the stains have a common undertone and that you don’t have too many.  when all of your wood stains match it’s a bit washed out and when you have too many it’s too busy.  Aim for about 3.

 

 

Wood adds so much warmth to a space, it’s a great natural material to incorporate into any room. We love the character and texture it brings to a space but that can get lost if you over use it, so mix it up and let it be naturally beautiful!

 

 

 

 

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how-to-get-model-home-look-in-your-home

If you have ever been to a model home you have probably asked yourself  – ‘why doesn’t my home look like this?’ Well it can!  There are some easy and simple styling tricks that you can use at home to get that ‘model home’ look.

 

1. Keep it clean and de-clutter:

So you are living in the house and it can be tricky to keep clean but put together a cleaning schedule and do your best to stick to it – regular wiping down, cleaning or dishes and floors makes a huge difference.  Find some cute baskets or boxes to hold every day clutter like mail and flyers from school.  Commit to a purge (seasonally would be ideal) to get rid of the extra stuff that you aren’t using and haven’t used in a long time! You will be amazed at how much junk you hold on to – it feels great to let it go!

 

2. Floating furniture :

Not levitating furniture, but floating – in other words not pushed up against the walls.  Sure in some floor plans this is really the only choice but even just pulling it away an inch or two makes the space look and feel more intimate and designed. In a big open floor plan, separate the space with floating furniture that serves two distinct purposes, say a seating/conversation space and then a TV hang out space for a large and open living space.

 

 

 

3. Lighting:

Let there be light and lots of it! Not only does a brighter space feel bigger and cleaner but it’s a great way to update a space.  When you are adding lighting in your space think layers! So overhead lighting mixed with table and floor lamps etc…Layered lighting looks sophisticated but you can also play with the ambiance using your lighting.  Relying on one light source is a bit tired and one dimensional. also aim to have the light evenly distributed in the room (so not everything in one side or corner of the room).

 

 

4. Outdoors indoors:

Take a look at model home they always have some natural element – it could be a plant (large or small), natural herbs, floral arrangement or a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, branches or sticks in a vase, natural sponge in the bathroom – just some small natural touches can do wonders in a space.  It adds warmth and authenticity to the space.

 

 

5. Area rugs:

Are used to add colour and texture plus warmth but they also add a great visual effect in terms of creating designated spaces and functions. An open concept space with out any area rugs with floating furniture looks very lost but by adding the correct size area rug (even just in the living room) automatically grounds and defines the space.  Area rugs really are a must!

 

 

6. Bed:

Like the area rug – the bed really grounds or anchors the bedroom, this really is non-negotiable for a master bedroom.  You want the room and the furniture to have a strong presence.  Even a beautifully made/styled bed looks weak without a headboard.

 

 

7. Bookcases:

When it comes to bookcase we tend to see these 2 options.  1- complete jammed and over stuffed with books falling out, or 2 – sparse, bare and empty.  To get the designer ‘model home’ look bookcases are a great piece but they have to be balanced.  So books stacked in an organized fashion with some decor added in.  Carefully styled but still functional.  This gives the space style but it also isn’t over whelming.  Many think books in a bookcase is organized but when they are over stuffed the room feels heavy and cramped, and when they are falling out, it’s a mess! A bare bookcase looks light but it also looks weak and kind of pointless.

 

 

8. Drapery:

A great decorative feature that can also serve a function.  Yes, shades and blinds are go-to’s for privacy but add some simple drapery panels on either side of the window and you’ve got ‘wow-factor’!

 

 

The designer look doesn’t have to come with a big price tag! Follow these tips and you will have your home looking like a model,

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we-answer-wednesday-mixing-metallics

“I love the sparkle and shine of metallics but I’m worried about going over board with the look.  Any tips?”

 

The sparkle, shine and texture of metallics gives any room an instant boost of luxury and glamour but you are correct, you need to find the right balance.

 

1.  Softness.

So metallics have a distinct shiny quality and they have a hard and smooth texture, so balance that out with some softer textures.  Try adding some cashmere knits, velvet, and wool to counter balance the hard quality of metallics.

 

 

2. Neutral.

Metallics can really add a punch to a room and they are timeless so don’t get too crazy with your palette.  a few pops of colour is a nice touch but we really love pairing metallics (one metallic or a mix) with a neutral back drop and don’t forget those soft textures!

 

3. Classic.

Keep it classic when it comes to metallics – brass, silver and gold are totally chic and timeless.  Sure, copper is cool right now but it tends to float in and out of fashion.

 

4. Mix.

Keep it modern by mixing your metallics.  Like wood, metallics go with metallics.  So play around with  the finishes. But we really recommend sticking with the same colour metal but we like to see chrome mixed with brushed nickle and satin nickle same goes for the golden tones.

 

5. Small.

New to metallics? Start with small steps – some smaller decor pieces on a tray or bookcase and build it from there.

 

 

Metallics are a great addition to add some sophistication to a space and they can also make a room look and feel larger and brighter.  That reflective surface allows the light to bounce around the whole room plus it adds sophistication and glamour to a room. Plus who doesn’t love a little of sparkle and shine in their life!

 

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