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paint-colour-concept-whole-home

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

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

What is a paint colour concept?

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

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

What to know when making your paint colour concept?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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life-gives-pineapples

Pineapples seem to be everywhere these days, don’t they?!

The pineapple trend is going strong – pillows, art, outdoor furniture, decorative accents and more….You might be thinking that pineapples are trending right now because it is summer and pineapples have a tropical flare that we think of when the sun is out.  But pineapples actually have a history in home decor.

Photo credit – Erica Hammer

Pineapples – the symbolism

Seafaring captains used to impale fresh pineapples–souvenirs of their lengthy travels to tropical ports–atop the porch railings of their homes when they returned. It was a symbol then that the man of the house was home–albeit briefly–and receiving visitors.

During early Colonial days in the United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful centerpiece of the festive meal, especially when visitors joined them in celebration. This symbolized the utmost in welcome and hospitality to the visitor, and the fruit would be served as a special desert after the meal. Often when the visitor spent the night, he was given the bedroom which had the pineapples carved on the bedposts or headboard–even if the bedroom belonged to the head of the household.

Photo credit – Burkaton

There’s a small town in rural Alabama that boasts symbols of the pineapple everywhere  -the town ‘Pine Apple’, settled by “Easterners” from the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia around 1820 was originally named “Friendship”. But there was already another Friendship, Alabama, so they named their town in honor of the pine and the apple trees that gave the land its beauty and the town its wealth. These days, the town’s name is as often written “Pineapple”. Signs of this universal symbol of hospitality are seen painted on the front doors of homes and the town’s welcome sign, carved in finials and even Christmas decorations, on gate-posts and roof-tops, carved into bedposts and head-boards, and found in a variety of table centerpieces.

Not only have wood-carvers etched this symbol, but the delicate hands of needle-workers have preserved this symbol in family heirlooms over the centuries. Items such as pineapple samplers, table cloths, and crochet doilies are just some of the items found in homes to welcome friends and visitors.

The pineapple has been a universal symbol of hospitality and welcome for many centuries all over the world.

For more information of the history and symbolism of the pineapple, click here

Photo credit – Aimee Wilder

Decorating with Pineapples

Pineapples can be found in many areas of the home for decoration.  Historically they were displayed outside to send the message to friends and neighbours that ‘guests were welcome’.  In areas of the southern United States, we often still see pineapples on the exterior of homes – door knockers, address plaques and doormats are some of the more common decorative touches with pineapples.

Lately, we have been seeing a resurgence of pineapples in home decor and we are seeing a modern spin and even a bit of a quirky spin on the pineapple theme.

 Photo credit – The Pink Dream Designs by Ceres 

Our picks for decor pieces featuring pineapples:

These outdoor pineapple print pillows are perfect for a backyard oasis.

These pineapple string lights are perfect for an outdoor dining space or seating area – they add a tropical touch and a bit of whimsy.

Add a pineapple art piece at your front entry or mixed in with your gallery wall. We love this simple print from Minted.


These pineapple pinstripe bed sheets add just a small detail to any bedroom – we love these for a guest bedroom! Perfect for a warm welcome for out of town friends and family.

Welcome your house guests with a snack on this pineapple serving board – just another inviting touch to home entertaining!

Historically, pineapples were used as centerpieces when entertaining guests at a dinner parties – this ceramic pineapple figurine could be added to a table or at the front entry console table.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make guests feel welcome and add warmth to your home. Even a simple, fresh pineapple centerpiece inviting and natural way to welcome your guests – no matter where you live.

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scandi-industrial-home-decor-style

What is ‘Scandi-industrial’ style?

Scandi-industrial style is a blend of two styles: Scandinavian design and industrial design.

Scandinavian design is best known for warmth, functionality, clean lines and simple elegance. Think of elements of natural, simple minimalism, neutral tones, and white walls.

Photo credit: Louisiana Laginappe

Industrial design style  is also known as ‘ the warehouse look’. Taking it’s inspiration from old factories turned into loft dwellings. This style mixes textures like wood, metal and concrete and keeping the ‘unfinished look’.

Photo credit: vintageindustrialstyle.com

Why do Scandinavian and Industrial design styles work so well together?

The blending of these two styles resulted in a whole new style called ‘Scandi-industrial’. These styles work so well together because they have some common threads – neutral tones, mixing texture and functionality. These styles appreciate the beauty of natural and raw materials without a lot of ornamental detail.

Photo credit: House Beautiful

How can you get the ‘Scandi-industrial’ look?

When it comes to blending styles in one room – you need to have a dominant style and then a supporting style.  A 50/50 mix will look and feel confused.  Because these two styles have some common threads, they are quite easy to mix together.  An example of mixing these style is to have a Scandinavian style as the dominant (furniture for instance) with white walls or a brick wall painted in white and add some industrial lighting.

Photo credit: decoholic.com

Because you are mixing styles – no two rooms will ever be identical! there are so many combinations and modifications of this style – so you will never be bored.  Just be sure to have those common treads in each room.

Scandi-Industrial inspiration:

Photo credit: domino.com

This dining room is another example of Scandi-industrial design.  The furniture is Scandinavian with minimal details and simple lines.  The contrast in this room and the absence of colour blend the two styles nicely and the industrial lighting is functional and simply beautiful at the same time.

Photo credit: damasketdentelle.com

This home office work space is another example of blending these two styles.  The modern furniture like this Eiffel chair fits with the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design.  The neutral colour palette brings both styles together and this painted wall has a rough texture with a slightly unfinished look like we would see in an industrial warehouse space.

‘Scandi-industrial’ pieces:

Black and white art is a staple in Scandinavian design. This piece is simple and would look great hanging in a gallery wall of individually.

This mid-century modern design chair is another staple in this style – it works as a dining chair but also as an accent chair is a small room or a corner of a room.  These come in many different colours and even ‘armless’ designs, too.

Scandinavian design embraces the beauty and texture of nature. So this wool throw pillow with the tribal inspired print really puts a modern spin on this Scandi-industrial look.  The black and white scheme works with the neutral-on-neutral decor.

Industrial lighting has a raw and gritty appeal and adds so much character to any room. This desk /table lamp adds some detail to the space without being fussy.

This reclaimed wood and metal bed from Laurel Foundry has a great mix of textures – the metal and the reclaimed wood add a richness and lots of character to a bedroom. The white bedding is a beautiful contrast in tone and in texture, too!

When you mix two styles together – you get a truly unique look !

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its-a-jungle-in-here

Have you noticed all of the ‘jungle’ themed home decor ? I know it’s not wild to see in the summer time but I feel like the tropical theme is being seen more than ever before…What do you think of this jungle trend?

It definitely makes a statement in any room. It makes me think of a vintage tropical hotel.  It’s a bold print in vibrant tones but if used correctly it won’t be over the top.

My favourite ‘jungle’ theme rooms-

Jungle office decor:

This home office space has the right amount of jungle to keep it fresh looking and still clean and crisp.  These oversized ‘banana leaf’ prints bring a bright pop of green to this neutral room and the bamboo chair add to that tropical tone.

Photo credit: bhg.com

 

Love this look? Shop here

Jungle bedroom decor:

This bedroom is quite classic and neutral but the addition of these banana leaf print pillows adds some WOW factor to this bedroom.  This is an easy and affordable way to change up your look – with throw pillows.  This print is so bold that you only need a a few pillows to make this room stand out! Pillow cases for the seasons is a simple way to keep the room looking fresh on a regular rotation without having too much clutter.

 

Photo credit: theeverygirl.com

Get your jungle print pillow cases here

Jungle theme wallpaper:

This is for the person who really wants to make a bold and splashy statement – try some wallpaper! In order not to go overboard with the tropical look keep all of the other elements in the room simple and pretty neutral.

Photo credit: mydomaine.com

If you love this daring look, click here for  jungle wallpaper

Jungle theme plants:

If diving into these bold prints are just too much for you – try adding a few palms in a vase.  It’s a simple look and it adds a touch of greenery to any room and with faux plants you don’t have to worry about maintenance…

Photo credit: weekday carnaval

Love this simple leaf arrangement? Shop here

What do you think of this tropical trend?

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wood-bead-garland-decor-trend-love

The Wood bead garland is a trend that we just love! I used some recently in an urban farmhouse inspired model home, not to mention I have some in my own home … I love these simple garlands and let me tell you why and how I love to decorate with them!

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

What is a wood bead garland?

The wood bead garland is probably best described as ‘jewelry for the home’.  It adds a great texture and a new shape to a space.  These wood bead garlands come in different lengths and colours, some even come with different size beads.  The beaded garlands have a touch of rustic which is why they work so well with farmhouse decor.

How to decorate with a wood bead garland?

There is no set way on how to decorate with the wood bead garland but it works best in a relaxed arrangement.  I personally have mine at my front entry draped over some books and a Dutch clog from my husband’s family.  It adds to our entry vignette

The wood bead garland works well draped over a vase, vintage trophy, glass or pottery piece or even draped over a wreath…it add another element of texture.

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

We also love the look of draping these garland in a bowl or tray – hung or coiled or a combination of the two works – just keep it looking casual…

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

Wood bead garland also work beautifully in Christmas decor – if you like a woodland or natural look, try an extra long natural wood garland in your Christmas tree

Photo credit – The Merrythought

Mix it withe some greenery to and add it to your fireplace mantle – it has a woodland look with a touch of Scandinavian inspiration.

Photo credit – Oleander + Palm

Where can you buy a wood bead garland?

If you are crafty, you can make your own wood bead garland….

I purchased my wood bead garlands through a great little shop on Etsy, PrettySimplyStudio I love the quality and the handmade craftsmanship, plus there are even customization options for colour and also some custom tags too.

Photo credit – PrettySimplyStudio

I love the texture and the shape that these wood bead garlands bring to a decor scheme…what other ways to you see this trend working in your home decor?

SHOP WOOD BEAD GARLANDS…

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red-and-white-home-decor-inspiration

Happy 150th Canada! What better way to celebrate a beautiful country than with decor….you can celebrate our nation (and it’s colours) with red and white all year long….

 

To celebrate Canada’s Birthday –

Here are some of our favourite red and white rooms:

This red and white country bedroom has such a relaxed look.  This is perfect for the cottage or any home that has a more rustic feel.  We love this metal bed frame that has been painted in a red chalk paint that has a bit of an aged feel and then paired with the crisp white sheets.

 

You know we love a white kitchen and this white shaker kitchen with a cute window seat is perfection! Red is a bold pop of colour so you don’t need a lot to make a statement – a few pillows in this window seat are just enough.  We also love the mix of pattern in this space – the toile in red and white for the window valance and the rug – add some more visual elements in red.

 

 

Tired of blue for a boys bedroom? Ya, we are too! Red is a great alternative – it is bold, sporty but also a classic it pairs well with the ‘typical’ masculine palette like grey, navy blue and brown – it is used in a lot of sports logos so you could use that for decor inspo, it also works well with a nautical theme but for something more current try adding red to a rustic theme boy’s bedroom, like this one featured in Style at Home.

 

 

We love the look of a two tone kitchen – either upper and lowers in different colours or the island one colour separate from the rest of the kitchen.  We showed you a red and white kitchen earlier but this one takes it to the next level….a red painted island in a white kitchen – it might be too bold for some but we like the warmth this tone brings to the space and how nicely it pairs with the wood tones, too

 

With red and white decor, think outside, too

A red door (white white trim) is such a fresh and clean look plus a red door is just so welcoming – depending on your existing exterior colours will help determine which shade of red is best but there are so many to choose from …

 

We love red and white for the outdoor patio and seating space, too! It adds a great pop of colour plus it is a timeless colour combination, so you can re-use these for a few years…

Red and white home decor doesn’t have to be just for Christmas or Canada Day …red and white is a classic combination that you can decorate with all year long….

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happy-150th-canada-home-decor

Happy 150th Birthday, Canada!

When it comes to major celebrations – of course we like to celebrate with some decor…

With Canada’s 150th Birthday right around the corner – we have found so many amazing pieces to celebrate this milestone. These are perfect for the home or a cottage, cabin, chalet or lake house…

Favourite Canadian Home Decor :

The Hudson Bay blanket is a classic – this blanket is iconic Canada in wool and the multi-stripes – this has a historical element too that we don’t see often in home decor.  This would look great on a chair or sofa in a home or cottage.

 

 

Paddle art set is a beautiful decorative paddle perfect for a wall hanging – it might be a bit cliche to think of the outdoors when it comes to Canada but we do have beautiful and vast land with incredible scenery and the lakes and rivers are a big part of that natural beauty.

 

‘More Canada’ Pillow Cover has a bit of a retro feel. We love the colours and the classic Canadian images on this pillow.  It’s a visual across Canada tour all on one pillow.

 

 

 

 

Canadian Flag Canvas  you have to have a Canadian flag on Canada day – we love this stretched canvas with a painted barn wood detail – it adds an element of texture to any room.

 

Canada Maple Leaf Coaster Set    Try adding some small details like this coaster set to your decor – it’s practical and patriotic!

 

Canada Loves Hockey Poster….  Show your funny side and your love with this cute poster – perfect for a home bar or family room!

 

Canada Vintage Posters   We have seen a bunch of these vintage posters and we just love them! they add an authentic quality to any room.  You can find these for the whole country, specific areas like Algonquin Park, cities and provinces.


Canadian Flag Lumbar Pillow  The look of this lumbar pillow as a bit of a country or farmhouse style.  The muted tones and the mix of textures and print give this piece some character – it would be perfect on an accent chair or bed at a cottage or chalet.

 

Decor is a great way to celebrate any holiday and you can celebrate this great country any day of the year….

Happy 150th, Canada!

 

 

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fiddle-leaf-fig-tree

Have you noticed these Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees? They are everywhere! check out Instagram, Pinterest, Design magazines and home decor TV shows – this tree is trending!

So What is a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

This tree is known as a flowering tree in a tropical rain forest setting – but they have since been adopted as an indoor houseplant and that version doesn’t produce fruit (figs). As a house plant, these beauties do best in temperate climates. It’s called a ‘fiddle leaf’ because of it’s broad leaves that are shaped like a lyre or a fiddle.

How to care for your Fiddle Leaf fig tree?

Like all plants this variety needs watering but only water it once the soil is dry.  How often it needs water depends on the climate and surroundings. So keep checking your soil and water when dry.  The fiddle leaf fig needs light but not direct sunlight. Their broad leaves can get very dusty so yes, dust your plant with a soft cloth to keep it clean!

Why are fiddle leaf fig trees so popular right now?

There doesn’t seem to be a real reason for why this plant has grown in popularity recently.  These plants have been around for a long time but they are really emerging in home decor lately. Like other home decor trends we see these in flowers and plants, too.  I remember when Gerber Daisies were all the rage! This plant has a great sculptural presence, the green is very vibrant and it works well with the neutral, minimal and Scandinavian styles that are really popular right now.  It adds a great texture and visual elements and adds a wonderful contrast with the lighter tone walls e are seeing a lot of right now.

How and where to decorate with the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

This plant is a great space filler for a corner that needs a little something.  The beautiful shade of green and the oversized leaves add a visual interest to any room.  These look great in living rooms and bedrooms.  Try using a beautiful pot or contain to keep your fiddle leaf fig tree, these woven baskets look great but so do clean looking clay pots.  It dresses it up a bit more than plastic pot you find in the garden store.

Where can you purchase a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

You might be fortunate enough to have access to these lovely plants in a local nursery or home garden shop but we have also found some online options where they can be shipped directly to your home.

This is a great option from Amazon – it measures 3 – 3.5′ high and yes, it’s real!

 

Another great affordable option from Wayfair – a favourite home decor shopping destination – because they really do have everything!

This option is another economical choice, you have height options – and you can select your planter style too!

 

What do you think of this tropical and trending houseplant?

 

SHOP PLANTS FOR THE HOME…

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farmhouse-style

“I see this farmhouse style everywhere – I really like it! How can I get this look in my home without buying all new furniture?”

You are right!  The farmhouse look does seem to be everywhere!  The great news about this style is two fold.

One –

when it comes to the farmhouse look there are many options, levels and directions you can choose.

Two –

it is a cozy and timeless look, so you don’t have to worry about being trendy.

 We also love the versatility of this style.  The farmhouse look blends easily with the industrial look and also a rustic look.  But you can easily blend farmhouse with some traditional pieces and some modern elements too.

 

 

How can you get the farmhouse style at home?

You are in luck – to get this look you don’t need to spend a lot.  You can achieve this look with adding a few elements and pieces.

Here are some of our suggestions:

Farmhouse Art

– art, photography and  even country inspired signs are an easy addition to your space to help you get that farmhouse look. We love this farmhouse sign from Wayfair – so simple and clean a perfect addition for any space that needs that country touch.

 

Chalkboard

– the ease and casual look of chalkboard gives a space a warmth of a country farmhouse.  It’s relaxed and simple – we love chalk board paint – it’s easy to use and apply.

 

Galvanized metal

–  easy pieces like buckets, chairs, even light fixtures in this material add to that country feel.  Be sure to have a dull finish and even a few dings is totally OK. This galvanized metal pitcher – it ‘pitcher’ perfect! Add some fresh greenery or a cut bouquet and it is a simple farmhouse centerpiece!

 

 

Ladder displays

– add another rustic touch plus they are a eat way to store blankets and even books and magazines.  They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. We love this ladder display with framed family photos!

 

 

 

Layer textured rugs

– again keeping a very casual look and mixing up textures adds another element to the laid back farmhouse style.  We love to mix a cowhide with a natural fiber like sisal or even seagrass.

 

 

Lighting

– simple lighting fixtures in a metallic and dull finish add a farmhouse character to a space.  Look for pendants with simple and clean lines with a rustic feel. So much of farmhouse style is about simplicity – this pendant has a rustic feel due to the colour and finish and the design is just simple….

 

Textiles

– in pillows, drapery and blankets are another easy way to get this farmhouse look.   Look for knits, flannel, plaids and soft stone washed fabrics.  Mix them up – farmhouse is a very simple and relaxed look. Layer them and don’t get caught up in symmetry.

 

Add ‘practical’ pieces

– so decorate with items like laundry wash boards, old farm tools, bowls, baskets, pickle jars and mason jars.  These rustic pieces play into the farmhouse feel.

Add some personality

– the farmhouse style is a relaxed look in every way so keep it casual and fun!  We love to add signs and other items that have a bit of personality.  small accessories in any room can add to that farmhouse feel.  This kitchen utensil holder is a great little piece for a kitchen that fits into the farmhouse look.

 

Wood

– the farmhouse look is really focused on texture.  Wood is a texture that is closely connected with farms and the outdoors.  Add some wood elements to your space like bowls, boxes, trays, shelving and even a fireplace mantle.  Opt for reclaimed pieces with lots of character.

 

With this farmhouse style you can ‘dial it up’ or ‘dial it down’ as much as you like.  You can go very literal with farm pieces like signage and wire baskets OR you can take some influence from this style and play with the different textures and add the farmhouse essence into your space. We love the warm and cozy feel from this style – we hope you do, too!


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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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