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interior decorating

friday-favourites

It’s Friday! and it’s time to round up some of our favourite pieces from the week.  It has been a busy week at kiki interiors and we have been working on so many different projects for clients but here are some of our favourite finds from the week….

 

  Eiffel Side Chair

We are HUGE fans of these chairs – we used them most recently at Stittsville Walk but we have used them with a number of clients.  they come in a bunch of colours and different bases, too!

Zak Teak Dining Table

This was a recent purchase for our staging inventory and we love it! We just took it out of the box this week and wow, it did not disappoint! It’s a perfect table for a smaller space and the reclaimed teak has a raw and industrial look bringing so much character to the room.

 

Bull Printed Framed Art

Another new inventory piece … we love the simplicity and the unexpected element of this piece. It is such a clean looking framed piece – we hung this over an accent chair in our latest model at Stittsville Walk  – we love art with some personality, it really brings a unique feel to any space!

 Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse 1 light pendant

We needed something simple in the dining space – we already had an amazing 12 bulb chandelier in the kitchen over the island so we needed something complimentary in the dining space.  We love this simple glass one light pendant with a vintage bulb –

 

Bora Solid Acacia Wood Table

We love the look of natural wood – the character of natural elements adds so much to a space – we love mixing textures! We needed a smaller coffee table and instead of a standard coffee table we opted for 2 of these and placed them side by side.

 

 Bungalow Rose Zanzibar Area Rug 

We love this rug! The colour, the design and the vintage feel – we have 2 clients who have purchased this rug so far and they both love it! Are rugs are a great way to add visual interest to a room with colour and print!

 

Sevan Faux Mongolian Fur Blanket

We love adding texture like fur to living rooms, bedrooms and even dining rooms . Faux fur adds a great touch of softness to any space – it comes in all sizes and colours, too! We also like it as a pillow.

 

This is our round-up for this weeks favourites …. which is your favourite?

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connect-dots-decorating-polka-dots

We love a Polka Dot print! Polka Dots are a fun print to decorate with – they add a touch of whimsy and a bit of a retro vibe to a space.

What’s the History of the Polka Dot?

The Polka Dot is a print that really became popular in the US in the mid 1920s.  America’s love affair with the polka dot began, perhaps, in 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon darling Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow. Throughout the 1930s, polka dot dresses appeared in stores, the fabric suddenly subversive, nipped in by ribbons and accentuated with bows. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed in a polka dot bikini. And of course, the famous 1960’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini“.

 

 

The Polka Dot pattern is a series of circles that are evenly spaced and of the same size.  A spot print isn’t necessarily consistent in spacing or size

The Polka Dot definitely has a retro feel but also a feminine one.  The Polka Dot has mostly been used in women’s fashion but it definitely makes a statement in home decor.

Ways to decorate with Polka Dots

A nursery –

we love the fun and whimsy that polka dots add to a bedroom.  We love this accent wall – it really adds visual interest to the room without using old colour and this can easily transition into a toddler room (and a little girl’s room and a teenagers bedroom)

 

Polka Dot Furniture

try re-upholstering a simple piece of furniture with a polka dot fabric – this will add a fun element into any room and it will turn a simple piece into a statement piece.  It’s a great addition to any room! This chair is an example of a spot print but isn’t it great?!

 

 

Polka Dot drapery and window treatments

we love a patterned window treatment – it adds a nice contrast to the room against a solid wall and it’s a perfect addition to a room that doesn’t have wall space for art!

 

 

Polka Dot Pillows –

A polka dot pillow is another great way to keep a room from looking too serious.  Polka dot prints comes in all colours – so you have a lot of options! We love different sizes and scales of polka dot prints,  too. Plus polka dots are fun to mix with other prints!

 

Polka Dots in the bedroom –

Polka dot bedding can be used in so many ways on a bed.  Just the pillows, bed sheets or the duvet cover.  Mixing the polka dots with solids and other prints makes any bedroom unique.  We love this bed set in white and gold with polka dots and stripes.

 

 

There are so many fun ways to decorate with this retro print – which is your favourite?

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what-is-shibori

Shibori – have you heard this term before? Do you know what it is? If you haven’t, don’t worry…you are not alone. But if you are paying attention to home decor trends you will be seeing a lot of Shibori very soon!

So what is Shibori?

Well it is a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding. twisting, bunching and pleating cloth, binding it and then dipping it in indigo. Usually the cloth is a natural fiber like cotton, hem or even silk. Basically it is a form of tie-dye that results in these amazing and totally unique blue and white prints – so stunning! There are countless patterns that you can create – so each and every Shibori design is complete one-of-a-kind!

Shibori seems to be having a bit of a moment…

Right now Shibori is a bit of a trend.  In my opinion, the reason for this is that the blue and white motif is a classic and it’s not going ‘out’ anytime soon but this technique makes these incredible patterns perfect for summer – they have a relaxed feel and look so perfect for outdoor patio pieces. And with summer right around the corner – we all have the carefree summer days and night on our minds….We love shibori for pillows or throws but you could get really adventurous and use it for upholstery fabric.

 

Shibori works well with the ‘beach’ look….

Because of the blue and white tones and the free spirited pattern of this technique every piece is completely different and no two are identical so Shibori really pairs well with other natural materials like sisal and driftwood – there’s a common organic thread with this tie-dye technique and nature. We love it in a space that has a nautical or coastal feel – it plays well with that theme without being literal.

 

Perfect for the DIY-er….

If you love to create and love this technique, with the right materials you can create your own Shibori designs.

Click HERE for a great and easy to follow step-by-step Shibori DIY that demonstrates 4 different designs.

 

What do you think of Shibori? Do you see yourself using this anywhere in your home? Personally I love it for my patio – it’s fresh and fun just like the summer!

 

 

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answer-wednesday-chalk-paint

“What is chalk paint? I have heard people talking about it. “

Yes – chalk paint is a term we are hearing a lot …so here are the details.

What is Chalk paint?

Chalk paint is an actual brand of paint – Annie Sloan has trademarked the brand (but there are other similar paints by other companies). But it is a paint used mostly on furniture.  The paint has a flat and chalk like finish and is used to create an aged finish on furniture pieces.  Plus you can distress the finish as well (very easily).

With the popularity of the Farmhouse look in home decor – chalk paint is being used a lot. To update great garage sale finds or transform pieces to give them a rustic, shabby chic or country look. Don’t you just love the charm that the chalk like finish adds to decor pieces and furniture?

Get creative with Chalk Paint:

Frames:

Chalk painting your photo frames or even old frames that you often see at yard sales or online – look so chippy and vintage with a spot of chalk paint.  These look great in a gallery wall

Storage furniture:

Adding chalk paint to a large piece of furniture transforms the look of the room.  This dresser looks aged and adds a romantic look and feel in the bedroom.

Vases:

Trying painting your mason jars . This is a great idea for a center piece, spring decor, weddings and Easter – the finish of the paint and the tones are perfect for the spring season!

Chairs:

I love these chairs – they look like an old vintage find from an old cafe and that robin’s egg blue really adds some personality in the space.

Chalk paint allows for you to get create with some old furniture items, garage sale finds or just updating your space! We all know what a difference fresh paint can make in a space so why not try something new!

It’s only paint…

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answer-wednesday-spring-home-decor

“Spring is almost here.  What are your favourite spring home decor ideas?”

 

Spring really is a wonderful time of year! Both us of have spring birthdays…but that’s not the only reason why we love spring!  Spring is fresh, fun and a new start.  Spring offers so much colour – just look around and you will see it every where.

 

We have a few favourite ways to bring spring into home decor.

 

Kristi’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

Greenery –

yes this is THE colour of the year but for me, the first spring home decor piece I add to my home is a beautiful floral arrangement (or potted plant).  It just brings a burst of life into your room especially after these long and snowy winters.  It’s so fresh to see ‘green’ again! I love to see fresh flowers on a kitchen or dining table but I also love them in my bedroom – it’s so lovely to wake up and see a touch of nature!

 

 

Let the light in (and the air, too) –

we are stuck at home all winter long and when that warm spring sunshine is out I want to bring it in – along with the fresh air.  I pull back the drapes and pull up the blinds and open the windows (even if it’s just for a little bit).  Our spring season here is still pretty brisk but letting that light and fresh air gives the home a good boost. That beautiful natural light and fresh air can really make a difference!

 

Switch up my textures –

if you don’t know this about me yet, you will soon figure it out.  I don’t decorate my home with a lot of colour (unlike Maddie) but I love texture! Faux fur, leather, wood, wool knits, cow hide, metal and well any texture.  But once spring is here – I tuck away my furry pillows and blankets.  I give them a wash and hide them away until the fall.  They just add a winter-like feel to my space and who needs winter all year long? Instead I have added some Stonewashed Belgian linen pillows in some different earthy tones and a few with some print.

 

 

Maddie’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 
Colour –

I love colour.  I love all colours.  One of the reasons I have a lot of white and grey in my house is so I have a lot of freedom to play with colour.  Since I have lived in my home (coming up on 3 years now) I have played with shades of aqua and blue, teal and orange and now I’m on a pink kick!  (My office has a bold and bright pink accent wall) Colour is a great way to bring spring into your home.  Take some cues from your spring flower garden, green grass, robin eggs and all that the spring season presents.  Use colour with decor items, art,  and pillows.

 

 

Pattern –

I also love pattern.  I feel a room without pattern is pretty much incomplete.  Every room needs some pattern.  For spring think floral pattern – you might be thinking that it’s not modern enough for you or it’s too feminine – think again! There are so many options for floral pattern, I love and have some of these Bluebellgray pillows at my place.  I have it mixed with some other more geometric prints and my bold abstract art. I love the bold colours mixed with an abstract watercolour print against my gray sectional. If florals aren’t for you, try adding a bold pop of colour – one colourful print item can total change up your look (and maybe inspire you to add even more to your room).

 

Spring is such a great time to refresh your home decor – many of the new collections are out in stores at the end of winter and that’s when we have a ton of choices – colour, texture, print and pattern – you don’t need a lot to make an impact …just a few pieces can put a spring in your step!

 

 

 

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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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we-answer-wednesday-10-classic-colour

“We are looking to update our space.  It’s very neutral and we want to add some colour.  We have a medium sized budget and are willing to spend on some quality pieces but we want to make sure we have colours that aren’t too trendy.  What would you suggest?”

When it comes to updating your space, accessories is an easy and affordable solution.  A new pop of colour can really transform the look and feel of a space. When it comes to updating your space – don’t worry too much about trends, if you love something (a colour, texture, print etc…) than bring it into the room.  The great thing about having a neutral palette to start with is that it will work with anything! Colour can really set the tone and the mood of a space – so take a look at colour and think about how it makes you feel as it will bring that feeling into that room.

We definitely have some classic colour combinations that will never go out of style.

Take a look at these combinations and see how they make you feel.

1. BLACK AND WHITE –

Of course this is top on our list, it is a classic like no other! black and white can be too much contrast for some but you can add to it to soften up the look – in this image we love the addition of the natural elements and textures.  But this combo is so incredibly versatile, it really depends on the pieces you choose.  This can be super glam, it can be country and everything in between! This is really about the pieces you choose.


Photo from Homedit.com

2. TURQUOISE, COBALT AND SKY BLUE –

These colours work with all neutrals and any style.  Just because we are working with blues doesn’t mean you have to have a coastal look.  We love these fresh blues paired with a glass table with clean modern lines. We also love mixing the various tones of one colour.


Photo from 57sparklegirl.tumblr.com

3. BEIGE, BLUE, GREEN AND GREY –

Mixing soft neutrals and then adding some pop of colour is a great way to liven up a room! Forget the old rule of not “mixing green and blue unless it’s in the washing machine” – these hues look great together! We also love to see these colours in prints – it really gives the room a designer feel.


Photo from Eye for Design

4. CHARCOAL, CREAM AND BEIGE –

You cannot go wrong with neutrals! Some think that beige and grey cannot be mixed together but they absolutely can! This room is full of neutrals but mainly a deep charcoal, white and beige.  To keep it from being boring this room has some great texture (see the decorative twigs, the sisal area rug, marble fireplace surround, mirrors and the matching rattan ottomans). The pattern pillows also add some great visual interest to keep the space from looking boring.


Photo from renoguide.com.au

5. WHITE, BROWN AND GREEN –

Green is a very fresh colour and adds instant life to any room. Paired with white and brown it adds a nice pop to a simple palette.  We love how it is versatile with styles. In this image we see a modern eclectic spin but this would work so well with a country decor style.


Photo from Remodelista

6. GREY, BLUE AND WHITE –

Colour is great in the kitchen too! Such a fresh and clean combination! Look at this fabulous kitchen with the grey/blue island and soft white/grey cabinets, white stools, white walls and those blue and white pattern stools make this whole kitchen space and eating area look welcoming and chic.  This is a great colour palette for any room and we love how the wood adds warmth and character, too!


Photo from Citrine Living by Tamara Anka

7. WHITE, ORANGE AND  NAVY –

This is a fresh combination and it really works with any style.  If you like a nautical vibe try adding some natural elements like sea grass or sisal on the floor, some wicker pieces too.  We also love this colour combo in a boys’ bedroom. But this also works with a classic contemporary look like this image.  This is a very clean look.


Photo from Pottery Barn

8. WARM GREY, WARM WHITE AND BURNT ORANGE –

We love this gender neutral palette and it is perfect for every room including nurseries! We have been seeing a lot of orange in home decor but we love it in nurseries.  We are seeing more and more gender neutral rooms for babies, so that mom, dad and baby (and future babies) all feel great in the space.  The burnt orange is a bit softer than a true and pure orange. The warm white and warm grey are still very popular neutrals as well.


Photo from Apartment therapy

9. SILVER AND AQUA –

You may think that aqua is on the trendy side and yes there have been years where we have seen a lot of this hue but it never seems to disappear completely, which is why we are including it in our classic combinations.  Blend this soft aqua tone with silvers and grey, this is so soothing and stylish.  This is perfect for a bedroom, we love it in a guest bedroom but it is wonderful in main living spaces too.


Photo from COCOCOZY

10. GRASS GREEN AND YELLOW –

This is a fresh colour combination that also has a lot of warmth.  If you are a nature lover, this is a great palette for you as it really combines those lovely spring tones.  If you feel this looks a bit country but you like the colours….think about opting for some gold and glass accents like lamps, coffee and end tables.  Add some more classic pattern as well.  These colours work with any style.


Photo from Brabourne Farm

When it comes to adding colour to your space, you can add a much or as little as you like.  We suggest starting off slow – especially if you are trying a new colour and you aren’t a risk taker.  Take a look at these classic combinations and pick the one that really ‘speaks’ to you and go for it – it only colour!

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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-6-best-white-paint-colour-for-trim

“My house needs a fresh paint job.  I feel good about picking a wall colour but do you have any suggestions for the perfect white trim paint colour?”

 

You are so right, picking the right white can be tricky.  The look of a fresh coat of paint is spectacular and painting that trim really completes the feel. But like every other colour – there are many whites to choose from.  Not knowing which paint colour you will choose, your safest best is you use a pure and true white tone, you can’t go wrong with that. We have a few favourites to share with you.

 

  1. Simply White by Benjamin Moore – this was BM colour of the year for 2016.

 

  1. Cloud White by Benjamin Moore – this is a designer (and painter) go-to.

 

  1. Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore -just like the name, it is a decorator’s (and painter’s) favourite.  It’s clean and crisp.

 

  1. Ultra Pure White by BEHR – so clean and so crisp -this is one of the purest whites you will see.

 

  1. Extra White by Sherwin-Williams – a great white trim choice, bright white!

 

  1. All White by Farrow & Ball – a perfect white

 

Other trim painting tips:

Caulking – be sure that before you start painting that trim to caulk any gaps

Order – paint the trim first and then the walls

Finish – be sure to use a semi-gloss when it comes to choosing a finish for your trim. A semi-gloss adds even more brightness but also when it comes to cleaning, the dust doesn’t stick!

I hope these tips  and suggestions on finding the ‘perfect’ shade of white work for you,

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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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