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kiki interiors blog

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” My decor style is contemporary.  I like the clean lines, simple colour palette and minimal accessories but I have inherited some art that I would like to incorporate in my decor scheme – how can I do that … the art pieces are pretty traditional looking and I don’t want to change my style.  Is there a way to use these family heirlooms?”

 

This is a great question and we complete understand why this is stumping you.  It can be very tricky to combine styles like contemporary and traditional and get it just right.  It’s all about finding that balance.  We love that you want to keep these beautiful art pieces in the family, it is so special to hold on and display meaningful items like art.

 

You can absolutely use these pieces in your decor.

Depending on the look or display style you choose, you may need to spend some money on frames and matting but there are often some great sales on custom framing so you can definitely save a bit. Just re-framing and matting with something clean and simple can completely transform the look of your piece and make it fit in with your decor without comprising the art itself.

Take a look at the art pieces you have.

Are any of them from the same collection? If so, it would be great to keep those together in a wall display. The image below is a great example of clean frames and matting and letting the art stand out.  It looks modern in this arrangement and makes a statement above the sofa. Plus it still works with the contemporary look.

If you have larger pieces on hand …

again opt for a clean and simple frame – in white or black with an over sized matte.  This will be an instant update to your piece.   This would be perfect above a sofa in a living room, dining room or bedroom.  Over sized art looks modern no matter the style of art. This is a timeless look so you won’t tire of it quickly. In the image below the white matte and frame almost disappear against the light wall colour and the art stands out more.

Some times just the arrangement itself can be modern.

We love a gallery wall and why not show off all of your pieces and their interesting frames in a gallery wall? It’s a more modern way to display your art. This arrangement is basically an accent wall.  We love the mix of frames and pieces with and without frames plus look at the heights of the pieces.  The one constant here is that the pieces that do have matting have white matting – you want to make sure to have a common thread.  So in this case, we have a mix of frames, colours and sizes but there is one constant.  This look is a bit more eclectic but it is definitely not traditional and it really allows to show off a lot of art pieces.

Another way to display your art in a more modern way is layering it on your mantle.

We love how casual and cool this look is and it is so easy.  Try a large piece at the back – art or even a mirror is perfect and in front you can layer some smaller art pieces even photography and a few knick knacks – it looks so chic.  You can try mixing modern art with some old family photos as well – it’s up to you.  this look also works on  floating shelves or even bedside tables.

Our advise …when it comes to art is to always follow your instinct!

Don’t get caught up in style, size, colour etc…if you love it there will always be room for it in your home.  Don’t worry about matching – art is a creative form of expression so displaying it should be too!

Those heirlooms are a part of your history, so honour it by displaying but do it with your own taste and spin,

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we-love-marsala-here-are-some-of-our

 

We love this year’s Pantone colour of the year: Marsala! It’s such a versatile colour that compliments every décor style! It’s also great paired with so many different colour palettes. If you’re looking to add some of 2015’s colour of the year to your space…

Check out some of our favourite Marsala décor pieces below!

 

Marsala in accent chairs..

Wayfair carries some amazing products and they have lot’s of options in Marsala!

Here is another chair from Wayfair

 

 

Marsala in area rugs …….

 

 

And another great option in this gorgeous hue..

This ottoman from Urban Barn is fantastic piece for a variety of spaces in your home such as Home office, Bedroom, Living room and family room!


This pillow is also from Urban Barn, adding a new throw pillow in the beautiful colour will instantly update your space! It doesn’t take much to freshen up a room!

Such an elegant and rich tone, we love how it works with spice tones, neutrals and some unexpected ones, too

 

 

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styling-bookcase

So many times we go into homes where the bookcase is an eye sore, when it should be a beautiful showcase of beloved items and treasures. Many people collect lots of books, but then overcrowd their shelves. A bookcase is a fantastic place to create a focal point in a room and show off beautiful accessories, photos as well as of course, books.

Here are some tips on how to create a stylish bookcase.

1. Don’t overcrowd the shelves.

In some instances, floor to ceiling shelves covered in books can be a really nice a look, if the books are arranged in an orderly fashion. Most people don’t take the time to organize the books in a visually interesting way and over the years it just becomes a whole bunch of add-ons. Try de-cluttering some of the books that aren’t in great shape and tuck those away.

2. Add accessories.

Adding accessories to your bookcase is a fantastic way to add pops of colour or items you love. There are so many great accessories for bookcases: picture frames, interesting bookends, candles, decorative objects, beautiful storage boxes… Anything you want to have on display! You don’t need to add accessories to every shelf, but every other one is a nice look. Put your additional items in different spots on the shelf for a “designer look”.

 

 

3. Arrange books in a variety of patterns

Instead of just having those books standing left to right on every shelf, try stacking some on top of each other with an accessory next to it. Rotate every other shelf having them standing and stacked. The variety of the arrangement will give the bookcase more visual interest and make your accessories and beautiful books pop, where they all may have just blended together. Arranging your books by height or colour is a great organizational tool.

 

Breaking up the bookcase with different ways of displaying books and adding in decor pieces makes it look clean, organized and functional,
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all-about-wall-decor-ideas

 

Wall Décor is something we feel is crucial to every home. Whether you have modern décor, a country home, or a very traditional style of decorating, wall décor is what really pulls a space together. The amount of wall décor in a given home may vary depending on home style and personal taste. Many people have a hard time choosing the correct art to suit their home décor style, or lack the creativity to incorporate something other than photographs or pictures into their space. Wall Décor options are endless!

Here we will give you some suggestions on some wall décor variations other than the traditional artwork.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any space. The variations and options of mirror shapes, sizes, colours, textures is so vast – you can find anything you want. Mirrors can go in many places in your home as well. If you have an empty wall above your sofa, a large rectangular mirror in a great metallic or three smaller starburst mirrors in scattered pattern are a fabulous option.

 

 

 2. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall. Depending on what your style preference is, there are so many colours and wood shelves that will really add another dimension to your space. Open shelving is a great way to display family photos, accessories and whatever other small items you’d like to showcase in your home. Open shelving can be one shelf or a variety of shelves in different shapes and configurations. Open shelves look great in almost all rooms of the home, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.

 

 

3. Wall Decals

 

Wall Decals are used most often in children’s rooms, and they’re great because if a child grows out of them, it’s not a matter of changing the paint so often. There are also many options for wall decals for main living areas, whether it be a lovely quote or a pattern of some sort, wall decals are a fantastic option, especially for people who are living in rental homes/apartments and don’t want to spend the money on paint, these are stickers that peel off without leaving any damage.

4. Gallery Walls and Unique Art Arrangements

A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of elements you love, whether it be frames of family photos, quotes, small mirrors, an accessory, or just decorative frames. Creating a gallery wall in your home is a personal touch that makes any space feel like home. Be creative with what you add. Whether you like the look of a uniform wall with all the same frames arranged in very straight and evenly spaced, or if you like an eclectic mix of some of your favourite things, this feature is bound to be a focal point in your home.

 

 

5. Large Accessories

 
Deer heads, clocks, stars, metal wall art, various geometric shapes, porcelain birds etc are all great things to add to your space. Add what you love!
This is your home and you need to love it. So, make it yours!

 

 

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home-update-adding-reclaimed-wood

We love the look of reclaimed wood. So many people are styling their homes with a more rustic look these days and we’re all in! There is nothing cozier than the addition of warm tones throughout your home. While this may not be to everyone’s taste, those who like it, like it a lot! So how do you add this look to your home without re-vamping your whole décor? Easy!

Having every single surface in your home in various wood tones will begin to feel redundant and very cottage-y. Which is not a bad thing if that’s the look you’re going for. If you’re looking for a décor refresh, adding reclaimed wood tones to your space is a fabulous way to change the feel of your home without swapping everything you own.

1. Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table.

This is something that is sold in furniture and home décor stores everywhere!
The options are endless. Various tones and types of wood make the varieties borderline overwhelming. The variety of base options and elements will match any space. A reclaimed wood cable table is something that will stand the test of time, as wood is a classic material, so don’t think that this isn’t an investment piece. Decide what look you want in your space and build from there. A modern home maybe have a lot of chrome elements, and a reclaimed table with a chrome base will complement the existing décor.

2. Wood Lighting Fixture

You may think that sounds like something that belongs in a chalet but it’s not! So many light fixtures are super versatile, and work in a multitude of spaces. The addition of wood to a space almost instantly adds a warm and cozy vibe, depending on the décor of the space. If your whole home is ultra-modern with white and black leather everywhere a singular light fixture may not instantly do the trick, but you’re certainly on your way if that’s the idea! Adding various elements to your home give your home depth and personality. So, buy what you love!

 

 

3. Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall

This is such a cool idea and a fantastic DIY project. There are so many tutorials on how to make one yourself. But if you’re not a savvy do-it-yourself-er, this is also something that are sold in many places. The addition of the wood wall is such a cozy addition to a space, there are even wallpapers that look like reclaimed wood, without the price tag!

4. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Sideboard

Another fabulous addition to add into your space. There are so many options with reclaimed wood. Do you want a studded metal detail? A chrome base? Do you love the look of wrought iron? Round? Square? Rectangular? The options are truly endless! A reclaimed wood dining set is a great investment piece for a multitude of reasons: 1. Such versatility! If you suddenly decide you love contemporary décor, fabulous! This works. Traditional décor? No problem! A solid wood table is a long lasting investment and typically, worth every penny.

 

5. Reclaimed Wood Headboards

This is a fabulous DIY project. A reclaimed wood headboard is such a fun addition to any space. There are so many links for making this at home, and it is a fabulous budget friendly option. This addition to your home is a warm and cozy material and your bedroom is definitely somewhere you want to feel warm and comfortable!

 

 

6. Add Wood Accessories.

The most budget friendly addition to your home: accessories. If you love the wood look and are looking for cost savings, this is the place. There are so many home décor stores that carry such great wooden accessories be it a wooden horse, lamps with a wooden base, a wooden tray to add to your coffee table, wooden candle holders.. the options are endless!
Even small changes make a difference in your home!
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preparing-your-spare-room-for-house

Having house guests is a reality for almost everyone. Whether it’s family or friends, at some point everyone has been and will be a host to a guest in their home. Having people stay in your home can sometimes be challenging and in this blog post, we will help you prepare your home to make your guests (and you!) as comfortable as possible.

 

When hosting family or friends, you want to make sure that they feel welcome and comfortable. Remember they are in an unfamiliar territory and are not necessarily relaxed living in someone else’s routine, rules and spaces. Do your best to make your home warm and welcoming!

 

Choose a convenient room.

 

Your guests don’t want to have to cross the whole house to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night. They also aren’t going to want to wake anyone else in the house by getting up. The most ideal situation would be a guest room with an attached bath, or at least next door. Convenience is key and bringing people more out of their comfort zone is not what they want.

Create a warm retreat for your guests to sleep in.

A comfortable bed is a top priority. You want your guests to sleep well and feel refreshed. This may be a vacation for them! Make your guest room beautiful, comfortable and an experience they will remember. Outfit the bed with high quality sheets, a comfortable duvet or fluffy comforter, and lots of extra blankets. Having a variety of pillows is also a nice touch. Not everyone likes a soft pillow, so having a few to choose from will make the guest most comfortable.

 

Be sure to decorate in subtle prints and soothing colours. For many people, an abundance of bold colour in the bedroom is a distraction. It may be to your personal taste, but remember, you are not sleeping in here. For guest rooms, less is more. Of course, beautiful prints are lovely, but try and keep the colours more muted. It’s important to have a tranquil space. Your 80 year old grandma may have a heart attack if she walks into a lime green bedroom, and that doesn’t go over well with anyone.

 


Closets and drawers.

Have some closet space available in the guest room. Depending on the duration of their stay, this is something that will make them feel at home. A dresser is also a nice touch, living out of a suitcase for more than a few days are never fun. A full length mirror is a nice feature as well.

 

The extras.

If you have the space, a reading chair and side table is a nice addition to a guest space. It gives them a little retreat throughout the day to have quiet time to themselves. Have a few books and magazine options available for your guests, it will be nice for them and they will appreciate that you went out of your way to cater to them.  Having a clock in the room, as well as fresh flowers are nice touches that don’t clutter up the space.


Mandatory Bathroom Items.

Sometimes people forget things. Have extras available of all the necessities like extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine paper, deodorant, shampoo, soaps etc. Make sure there are adequate towels available. Plush, luxurious towels are a nice extra and will add to the guest experience.  If it is a shared bathroom, leave some space for your guest to leave their toiletries so they don’t have to bring their bathroom stuff back and forth for the duration of their stay.

 

Of course not everyone has the luxury of extra space. Do your best to find a private space for your guests and make it comfortable, using the suggestions above. Be thoughtful and be welcoming, and enjoy the company!

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