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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

What’s Hot in Textiles – 2016 Textile Trends

whats-hot-in-textiles-2016-textile

Textiles are a great way to switch up your look – this includes: drapery, pillows, bed linens, and even area rugs.  There are always certain prints that are in style.  Remember when we used to see chevron everywhere and on everything? Well, here’s what hot in textiles for 2016!

1- Fur has been ‘trending’ since about 2012.  It has been seen in living rooms, bedrooms and even dining rooms – pillows, throws and rugs. It is incredibly versatile – it works in a modern space, contemporary, rustic – any style!

2- Jungle prints  – big and bold jungle prints really add a splash of colour and fun to any space. We have also see a lot of tropical prints in wall paper, too. Not sure of this trend – try it in small doses, a pillow on your sofa in a bold jungle print can really make an impact.  We love this bold pillow available on Etsy.

3 – Stonewashed – the ultimate in relaxed.  Think soft texture, slightly crumpled and subtle tones – perfect for the bedroom.Check out Restoration Hardware‘s Belgian  linen collections. Layer it and add some other textures too like cable knit or fur to keep the room from looking flat

4 – Velvet is really making a comeback in women’s fashion too, it’s the whole nod to the 90’s! But we will be seeing this luxurious textile in the home too. Velvet looks great in any colour but we love it in rich jewel tones like this emerald green. The texture really adds a touch of luxury to any room.

5 – Botanical print – soft and subtle and a little whimsical.  This print still makes a statement, we love it layered with other prints or echoed in botanical print art (not matching prints). It works with all neutrals too

6 – Soft and low contrast Damask prints – we have seen the Damask print for a few years now in big and bold colours and black and white, so old Hollywood glam (very Kardashian – esque).  We will still see the print but in lower contrast and more subtle tones.

7- Colourful Geometric prints – if this looks like a bit of a retro throwback, it is! These colour combos and geometric prints have a bit of a mod vibe but refreshed and do you see the pops of rose quartz, too?

8 – Colour Blocking – similar to the geometric print but fewer colours but still that mod look.We love this bedding set in white and soft grey with a pop of coral – it’s a great balance of male and female elements too.

9 – Japanese tie-dye : Shibori.  Blue and white Japanese style tie-dye print is hot! We love this way this adds some organic looking print to this bedroom.This is fun and fresh plus we love the organic feel of this, it reminds us of your favourite jeans!

We love layering textiles of various textures and prints.  Which of these is your favourite?

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HOME DECOR

White Hot: The 7 Best White-on-white rooms

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White is a classic.  Some say it’s boring but we think it is chic and timeless plus it is totally transitional and works with all styles of decor.  Benjamin Moore even picked their 2016 paint colour of the year as ‘Simply White’. White is so clean, crisp and fresh!

In honour of today’s #snowday – here are some of our white on white rooms:

Monotone decor is so stylish but the key is texture.  We love this white on white bedroom. The mixture of  subtle print in the throw pillows, the antler table lamp bases and that over sized cable knit throw blanket is unbelievable cozy – why would you ever want to get out of bed if this was your bedroom?

This white on white condo living room is so chic.  Not ideal for a family (yikes the stains!) but we love the layering of pillows and soft prints but adding a few natural elements really ground the room.  The banana leaf plant and wood/iron coffee table break up the white. Light tones really work well in a small space.

White works so well with a nautical theme.  This stylish beach house has that white washed and drift wood look and a few pops of blue add to the beach house look.  This is the perfect balance of relaxed casual and elegance.

See how glamorous white can be?! Paired with touches of gold and a pop of cheetah so luxurious and glam! We love this combination.

When you think of farmhouse you may not think of white, but why not? We love the touches of white in this farmhouse kitchen and dining space.  The white kitchen is so timeless but the harvest table with the white wash treatment paired with the white metal chairs – it is spot on!

Who says white and rustic don’t work well together? We love this combination – the white ‘canvas’ really helps the rustic character stand out.  You really notice this incredible coffee table and the other wood elements in this room.

White decor can also be dramatic – it’s all about the pieces and the combinations.  This elegant bedroom has a subtle and soft combination of grey and white tones.  The room is so tailored and just stunning…

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HOME DECOR

Super Bowl 50 – Football Decor Ideas

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Today is Super Bowl Sunday!  Superbowl 50 between the Denver Broncos  and Carolina Panthers….who are you rooting for?

 

If you love all things football, today might be a bittersweet day for you but you can embrace your favorite sport year round with these great Football theme room decor ideas. 

Here’s a few of our winning picks:

 

 

Love this accent wall for a boys’ room. and of course, the NFL bedding is a perfect touch

 

 

This DIY jersey chalkboard is perfect for any future hall of famer.  This works in a bedroom or even a mudroom!


This bean bag chair is perfect for the family room or rec room to watch everyone’s favourite game!

 

 

This vinyl decal is great and you can personalize it, too!

 

 

Dedicate any room in your home to your favourite team.  Try adding some life size wall decals, like the Urlacher ones seen here.  You can even colour match your walls to your favourite team colours

 

 

Have a favourite conference? Can’t pick a team because you just love all things football? Check out these NFL conference bedding collections….you don’t have to pick a team!

 

 

Now this is a stylish way to add football to your decor.  The gallery wall and  the leather arm chair with football themed pillows this would look great in any space

 

 

Want to start the little ones early? This framed football themed art piece is perfect in a nursery or any child’s bedroom, you can personalize it too

 

 

For something a little more subtle and contemporary, check out this black and white pillow – it says it all!

 

 

Ideal for a man cave but could also work outside.  This pub table with stools dedicated to your favourite team

 

 

Recycle old jerseys, your kids jerseys and any other football (or sports related) shirts into pillow slipcovers

 

Another cool and contemporary way to add some sport theme items into your space, with this football chalkboard play art piece

 

 

Cute for a boys’ room, football inspired personalized letters.  You could easily spell out the family name and use it in the family room or rec room

 

 

DIY headboard,  a fun project during the off season….

 

 

Another fun DIY project with a football theme, great idea to update old ceiling fans

 

Another beautiful and subtle football themed art piece, could work in a nursery, an office, living room, family room or man cave.  This would look great in a gallery wall

 

The ultimate Football man cave.  You’ve got everything you need (and more) all the TVs, lots of seating, a pool table for in between games, jerseys and more collectibles.  The ideal super bowl party spot!

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

The Bar Cart Trend

the-bar-cart-trend

Bar carts having been trending for a while now and we love them too!  They are the perfect open and accessible liquor cabinet plus they look chic.  But we love how multi functional the bar cart is!  here are some of our favourite ideas and uses for the bar cart.

1. Bar cart end table. 

We love this gold bar cart, so 2016! it’s open and airy and just perfect for someone who loves to entertain but we also love how it is being used as an end table in this small space.  Take a closer look the top shelf is styled with flowers and some books – this could be great surface space for coasters too.  The lower portion is used as the bar.

 

2. Bar cart Coffee station.

Short on kitchen space? Love all things coffee? why not add a bar cart and create a coffee station? We love how useful this is plus it looks great.  It’s great for entertaining, too! Try wheeling it into the living space for after dinner coffee and desserts.  You can also use the lower shelves for open storage of mugs, dishes and more or try adding some baskets for tea towels or store your pretty cookbooks.

 

 

3. Bar cart bathroom storage.

OK a glass of wine in a hot bath is a lovely way to unwind but maybe you don’t need a bar cart serving wine and cocktails in your bathroom but here’s an idea…try using a bar cart in the bathroom for some extra storage.  This is a great idea if your bathroom is short on space.  Make it pretty and spa like by adding beautiful and plush towels, candles and maybe a plant or just keep it totally functional for everyday items like towels.

 

 

4. Bar cart guest bedroom needs. 

Have an out of town guest? Want them to feel at home? We heart this idea! Add a bar cart to the room and stock it with essentials and a few treats.  This adds a bit of a hotel feel but it makes your guests feel welcome and like this space is theirs (even if it is just for a short time)

 

 

5.  Bar cart decor.

We love the open and airy feel of a bar cart so why not use it as an end table? You don’t have to stock with beverages you can just style it as you would any other end table. At first glance, we didn’t even notice this was a bar cart – we just loved the look but this is a great idea, because it is so multi-purpose for when you are entertaining.

 

 

6. Bar cart Baby station.

OK not as pretty but very functional.  If you have just had a baby, moving around is a bit of a challenge at first, so create a baby and mommy friendly space that cuts down on moving around.  Keep everything accessible.  Using a bar cart to hold the baby essentials is so smart! And you could easily use this in the nursery as well.

 

7. Bar cart kids crafts. 

The bar cart is a great way to stay organized and because it is on wheels it can be moved around very easily.  We love the idea of a movable kids art cart!  Keep all of their supplies in the cart and you won’t have to take up other storage space in your home and this way it is easy for them to access.

 

 

8. Bar cart music station. 

If you love music, why not use your bar cart to store and display your love and passion for music? We love how this turntable is displayed on a bar cart, genius idea!

 

 

9. Bar cart office storage. 

Need a little extra storage space in your office? Try a bar cart! It’s perfect for storing items that you need access too but you don’t want them to take up useful desk surface space.

 

 

10. Bar cart outdoor entertaining. 

The bar cart is also perfect for the outdoors.  We love the vertical storage for drinks and other items – it’s easy to clean and won’t be in the way.

 

We absolutely love pieces that serve multiple purposes now and also in the furniture…

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Teen Space

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“Our basement was (and still is) the playroom but my kids are all teenagers now.  I’m clearing out the toys but the room needs a makeover suitable for my teen boys and girl.  The floors are covered in primary colour foam tiles and the walls have cutesy posters with ABCs and 123s.  It has to be cool! Any ideas?”

 

It sounds like it’s time for a refresh and we love to hear that you are wanting to do that for your kids.  It’s a great start to clear out the toys first – that way you can really see the amount of space that you actually have.  Toys can really take up a lot of room.

 

Once you clear out the space completely so that you can see what you are working with.  Also take a look to see if there are any small repairs needed.  Ceiling tiles? Burnt out light bulbs? Any floor or wall damage? Take care of those items next.

Now let’s have fun!

 

We feel the room should be gender neutral because you have boys and a girl, there are lots of options.  Here are some of our favourite ideas.

 

We love this NYC loft look!!  Try adding some brick pattern wall paper to get that exposed brick look and feel. 

We also love the large cityscape wall mural – pottery barn teen has some great options for wall murals ranging from music to sports to beach scenes.   It looks like you have the best view money can buy. 

The rest of the furniture is neutral a mix of grey and cream tones.  This bed is a sofa pull out option, so this is perfect if your basement is the neighbourhood hang out (and if it looks like this it definitely will be). 

To keep the basement from feeling dark be sure to add light.  Pot lights are great because they are streamlined and out of the way but you can add some other task lighting, table and floor lighting just keep it simple.

 

We love the idea of a teen space being fun and a place for them! 

Adding interactive games like pool, ping-pong, fuse ball and even a collection of board games is a great way for them to socialize with friends and family.  

We also love fun art – it could be colourful, thematic or just goofy!  We love the idea of signage and fun (positive) sayings! 

This blackboard wall is another great addition to a teen space.  It is so easy to do and the chalkboard paint comes in a selection of colours (blue, green, red, pink you name it). 

We also love easy seating options like these chairs or even bean bag chairs. They are casual and comfortable and easy to move around.

 

If the space will be for everyone – find a place for everything!

This small space (this is actually a garage) has seating, a home gym and a TV area. 

We also love how the decor is neutral and cool for everyone.  Add some great pillows to your neutral sofa.  Looking for some fun pillows?

We love the selection at www.denydesigns.com they have so many colours, prints, saying and you can even customize your own pillow!

When it comes to a teen space, you can still play with colours but we suggest staying away from your primary tones like red, blue and yellow and playing with a more sophisticated tone like navy or grey and then adding a splash of fun colours like green and orange, turquoise and yellow, turquoise and orange, for example. 

Fill the room with things they like – music, movies, sports and more…Add some fun prints and graphics too!

Be sure to think of them and what they need (and maybe what you would like them to have as well). 

Shelving for board games, video games and some decor? 

TV for movies and video games?

A gym area? 

Desk space?

A fridge or even a small kitchen space ?

Pool table or other large games?

Speakers for music and movies?

Electric fireplace (some basements are chilly)?

There are so many options for a basement space for your teens but be prepared to be THE neighbourhood hang out!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Traditional art in a contemporary space

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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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HOME DECOR, OUR FAVOURITES

Our Favourite Florals

our-favourite-florals

Who doesn’t love a beautiful floral arrangement??? We absolutely love florals – they add such freshness and life to a space (any space).  The colour, the texture, the placement, and the mixture – a floral arrangement is a beautiful piece of art. We love florals any time of year but this time of year when the skies are grey and a bit gloomy, the leaves have fallen and the grass is starting to turn…can be a bit drab -so add a little life in your home with some fabulous florals!

 

We love expressing our personal style with home decor and floral arrangements are another creative way to do just that! There is a floral arrangement for every style from traditional to modern.

 

Some of our favourite rooms for florals – well, just about every room but here are some of our top picks for placing florals.

Living room:

we love a small arrangement on a coffee table – styled on a tray with some books and other decor pieces.  We love styling a coffee table with multiple items at a lower height, this really allows for great conversations. When it comes to colour – the choice is really up to you, but we suggest thinking about the season (maybe opt for deep orange tones with a touch of deep purple during the fall months and who doesn’t love red for Christmas)

 

Front Foyer/Entry:

what a wonderful and welcoming way to invite guests to your home.  A stunning floral arrangement at your front entry really sets a tone.  When it comes to selecting the right arrangement for your entry – take a close look at your furniture piece (do you have a narrow console table? Or a larger round table? This can be very helpful when thinking about size). Also take a look at your ceiling height -high ceilings can really open up your options for some arrangements with height. We love this taller arrangement – the colours are just vibrant and so bold yet the arrangement is so streamlined and simple.

 

Dining room:

this is typically where we find beautiful floral centerpieces but it really is another wonderful way to welcome your guests and for a dinner party, it dresses up the table.  We personally love a lower arrangement as it really allows for fluid dinner conversation instead of blocking it.  But one of our favourite floral looks is multiple arrangement on one table. Let the size of table (and number of dinner guests help determine how many arrangements you need).  We love a set of seasonal arrangements like the image below – so simple and clean but still very festive!

 

Bedroom/Guest Bedroom:

floral arrangements make any room feel special and the bedroom is no exception.  A beautiful bouquet can really add a romantic element to your room.  Having house guests for the holidays? Try a bouquet in their bedroom – it is just another welcoming touch to make their stay even more special.

Kitchen: 

So this is not the typical room we find florals in but why not? We often spend a lot of time in the kitchen, whether at home preparing day-to-day meals or entertaining – the kitchen is a hot spot, so why not add a little special touch! Since we love displaying florals where food is being served, the kitchen island is perfect!

 

Gift:

OK, you’re right not a room but we had to add this to out list! A gorgeous arrangement is such a kind gesture for anyone hosting during the holiday season.  It isn’t something one usually buys for themselves so that really makes it wonderful.  The host/hostess can place it where ever they wish.

You can never go wrong with florals – they are Mother Nature’s ART!

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – decorating with the colour of the year

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“I’m so excited about this years colour of the year! I love following home décor trends. What are some great places to add Rose Quartz into my home?”
 
 
Great question!
We’re super excited about this years colour of the year! Soft shades of pinks have been in home décor for the past few seasons and it’s a colour that pairs beautifully with so many other colours. We love mixing metals in with this
gorgeous shade of Rose!
This is a very versatile shade that can be used in so many places in your home. I don’t think there’s a room this wouldn’t work in!

Here’s a few suggestions for the most prominent places to show it off in your décor.

 

A fabulous spot for this colour is in your bedroom!

So many people are using soft, serene tones in bedrooms, and this is the perfect colour for implementing this in your home. Adding an art piece with rose tones, or lamps would be a great refresher for your space. Another easy place to add this colour is in throw pillows and blankets.
Adding just a few touches to your bedroom will make your space feel transformed and very on-trend!
 

Adding Rose Quartz to your living room is another fabulous idea.

The great thing about this too is that the living room is a more common area for you to show off these trendy new additions. (your friends will be jealous at how ‘on trend’ you are this season!!) As in the bedroom, adding a Rose Quartz throw pillow or blanket will be a great addition to your space. Combining this beautiful tone with golds and rose golds is a beautiful pairing. Even with chrome!!
 
We will be seeing lots of accessories with these soft pink hues, so if lamps and pillows are too big of a commitment
for you, try adding various accessories! Candle, candle holders, trays, floral arrangements and vases are great spots for this pop of colour!

Adding Rose Quartz accents to your bathroom is another great spot to be ‘trendy’.

Pink towels, art or soaps will give your space a modern refresh!
 
This is a fabulous shade to mix and match your colour palettes. Rose Quartz is such a soft hue, its practically a neutral! Pair with reds, blues, white, grey, beige, metallics, various textures and so much more!
Be creative!
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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

Is GREY still in? Here’s What We Think….

is-grey-still-in-heres-what-we-think

We are often asked about trends in home decor and design.  Just the other day at a neighbourhood party, one of the questions asked was ‘Is grey still in?’

Here’s what we have to say…

Grey is a neutral so it is never really out. 

But what we will say is the cooler greys (so think grey with a blue-purple under tone) is on it’s way out.  We are seeing a lean toward the warmer greys.  This is a tone that we love for many reasons.

We love it because it is warm. Who doesn’t want a space that feel inviting?

We love it because it works beautifully with neutrals

…like navy, white and charcoal but also just as well with bold colours like yellow and hot pink and even with softer hues like mint and lavender.  It is so versatile!

It works with all styles of decor.

You can have a warm neutral farmhouse kitchen full of reclaimed wood and ages copper touches and an apron sink but you could also have a warm grey living room in a modern minimalist space with open windows, concrete floors and soaring ceilings.  It works with either of these styles plus anything in between.

We love it because it is great transitional tone. 

So if your home was very warm beige and you want to move into a grey tone for a change, a warm grey is perfect for you – it means you won’t have to adjust all of your furniture, it will still work because of the warmth in the new grey tone.

We love it in paint, flooring, furniture, tiles, cabinetry, textiles and more.

So to answer the question, yes, grey is still in! Thinking of making a change to grey? Stick to warmer greys that work with your current palette.

SHOP SHADES OF GREY…

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We answer Wednesday – Mirror Image

we-answer-wednesday-mirror-image

“I know everyone says mirrors are a great way to make rooms look bigger.  What are some creative ways to use mirrors in my space?”

 

Mirrors are a ‘magic’ piece that really can make rooms look bigger and brighter.  They allow light to bounce around a room so it give that illusion of a larger space, so be sure to have light in the room with that mirror.

 

The great thing about mirrors is that they are also beautiful (the reflected image: you) the mirror, itself is also beautiful plus there are many styles to suit many styles of decor.

We can offer you a few ideas to inspire how you can use mirrors in your space.

In the entry:

it’s usually a small and tight space to begin with so a mirror is going to help make it look and feel more spacious but ti’s also very useful so you can do one final check before you head out for the day. This round mirror with a wide frame looks great over the console table.

In the living room:

We love that added glam that a mirror can add to a space.  Mirrors serve a function but they are also a great ‘fashion’ piece.  They instantly add a touch of glamour and make a room look expensive.  We love this set of 3 matching mirrors in this living room.  The dark glossy frames hanging above the sofa table make the room look so chic.

Try an over sized mirror:

Over sized mirrors are so stylish and we love what they can do in a room.  Try in the corner of a bedroom, the room will look instantly larger plus it another great way to check out your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) but try and over sized mirror elsewhere, like the entry, dining room, living room…We love this entry with the over sized mirror with a silver frame and lots of tone-on-tone.

In the bedroom:

We love a mirror in the bedroom but maybe not where you would expect….try matching mirrors above each bedside table.  The symmetry is classic and something the human eye is naturally drawn to. We love this scalloped edge mirror above these white and wood tone bedside tables and with the trellis wallpaper as the backdrop, perfection!

 

Try a ‘custom’ mirror in your bathroom:

Often when we move into a home, there have been some updates (maybe not to our specific tastes but updates none the less) but the bathroom mirrors are usually ignored.  Try adding an instant update to your bathroom by changing out those old mirrors for something new.  It makes a huge difference in the overall look of your bathroom. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your space look rich.

Try above the fireplace:

A perfect spot for a piece of art, yes but, if you can’t find a piece you love a mirror is a great solution – it never goes out of style and should you find an art piece you love you can always place the mirror elsewhere.  Another look we love above the fireplace is layering.  So try a mirror (a large one) layered with some smaller art or photography.

 

Try a gallery wall:

Have a gallery wall? A a mirror in your arrangement to mix it up! Lots of mirrors make a great mirror gallery wall.

A few tips when it comes to  decorating with mirrors:

– like art be sure to find the right size and be sure to hang it at the right height

– find a mirror with a frame that works with your current style. the possibilities are endless, the choices are too

– don’t be afraid to get creative, try matching over sized mirrors behind bedside tables – why not?

Mirrors do so much for a room – brighter and bigger…who wouldn’t like that ?

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