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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 10 ways to use wicker/rattan indoors

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“Summer is almost over but I love the look and laid back feel of my rattan furniture.  Is there a way to bring rattan pieces inside so I can keep that summer style all year?”

It is so sad to see summer on it’s way out – no matter how great the summer is it never seems long enough.  Rattan aka wicker furniture definitely has an outdoor air about it but it can definitely be brought indoors.  You definitely want to avoid bringing certain outdoor pieces inside, many are too bulky and don’t “translate” well inside.  If you love rattan than use it indoors and follow these tips.

1.  Mix.

Don’t have an all rattan set like a dining set indoors.  It just looks like you brought the BBQ inside.  Try this instead. The rattan chairs have an indoor look with clean parson style legs and the slip covered captain chairs in a light airy canvas fabric help to soften all of the wood tones and textures.  This dining space has that breezy and laid back style but it still looks like an indoor space.

2. Moderation.

A little bit can go a long way.  Try a few accents on indoor pieces.  This contemporary kitchen table with a touch of rattan on the seats only gives the space a casual look but doesn’t change the style of the space.  It adds an organic and natural touch to the space adding warmth and texture.

3. Decor.

Rattan has so much texture and warmth but maybe using it in furniture is too much for you or maybe it doesn’t work with your style.  Try using wicker baskets for storage and decor. We love the look of this wicker plate/basket ‘gallery wall’ it really softens up the modern streamlined look in this space and it gives the whole space such a unique style and up against the white washed brick wall it is a great contrast.

4. More than just seating.

Rattan is used in many pieces of furniture not just chairs, look at using a rattan ‘trunk’ as a coffee table or maybe a toy box.

5. Streamline.

Be sure to use items that have clean lines and feel free to add some great pops of colour and pattern but use indoor fabrics so the whole piece looks and feels like it belongs inside. We also love this image because of the wicker basket by the fireplace.

6. Colour.

Don’t love the natural look of rattan but love the texture? Paint it!!  It is so easy to do.  be sure to do it outdoors and choose any spray paint colour you like!  It’s a great way to customize your furniture on a budget.  Go as big and bold as you like

7. Tight on space?

Try stacking low wicker ottomans for coffee tables, end tables and maybe even some spare seating.  These are so versatile and we love them!

8.  Bedroom.

Wicker and rattan have a great way of making the bedroom cozy.  We love it as a textured headboard.  It looks amazing against a bold accent wall and the tone and texture add so much warmth to the space.  It is a great addition to a coastal or beach inspired room.

9. Lighting.

Rattan and wicker  light shades look great either as table lamps, floor lamps or pendants.  The texture is so organic and sculptural.  It works with so many styles of decor.

10. Alternative, sisal.

Sisal and rattan/wicker have similar tones and textures. If you are looking to add this natural texture and tone to your space but not finding furniture pieces you like or don’t want to buy new furniture pieces a sisal rug on the floor.  A classic casual area rug gives any space a casual look and works with most styles of decor.

We love what texture can do for a room, any room…

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Decorating Open Concept Spaces

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The open concept plan is still very popular.  Buyers love it because it is so open and fluid.  You have many options for furniture placement and layout – open concept allows you to do so much in a smaller space.  But open concept can be intimidating and tough to visualize.

As home stagers, we understand how buyers get ‘stumped’ when they see a big and empty open concept space.  Where do I put my sofa? TV? dining space?  Will my furniture fit? It’s very intimidating and over whelming.

This is why staging is so important.  when we stage a home we not only make it pretty for pictures but we think about living and entertaining in the space.  We think about the common questions that buyers have.

Here’s a great example of an open concept living/dining room in a townhouse.

Photo from centsationalgirl.com

It’s a great space for living and entertaining.  Seeing this property vacant you would never guess that you could have dining for six, a sectional and an armchair plus plenty of room to walk around.  So how did this work? Well, the size and scale of furniture is important but so is the placement.  Planning really is key.

A sectional adds so much seating and a clean line which is one of the reasons we love them.  We used the light cream tone because it is neutral and it brightens up the space.  By using a mix of bold and pattern pillows this brings some life into the room.  We love area rugs for a few reasons: they add some soft texture, colour and pattern to a room but they also help define the space.  This rug helps buyers visually understand this space is the living room and over there is the dining area.  It’s like building a wall.

 

You can apply the same ideas to a condo space.

Photo from westernlivingmagazine.com

What you will notice these images have in common:

– sofas: choose the largest possible sofas to maximize on seating and the other furniture is a bit smaller
– lighting: you do not have matching table lamps on matching end tables.  Instead have floor and table lamps around the room to help spread the light around the room
– area rug: to add some colour, pattern and/or texture; they also define the rooms and pull the space together

Remember the following when it comes to decorating an open concept space:

– size and scale matter but look for the largest dining table and sofa that will work in the space.  Lots of little items will make it look and feel cramped.
– glass is a great way to get surface space without the bulk
– area rugs help define spaces without building walls
– a consistent colour concept with make the space look fluid and make it feel larger
– layer your light so add table lamps, floor lamps, under valance light in the kitchen
– get creative with nooks and corners – think storage, organizing or work spaces.
– think lifestyle.

Make the space work with your life,

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Family Photos

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“I always hear on real estate TV shows when the agents are giving home staging advice that the home sellers need to remove their personal and family photos.  Why is that?”

 

Yes, you definitely hear that one those shows! That is good advice and we completely agree with it.  We tell our sellers that they need to remove personal photos along with other personalized items like religious decor and collectibles. The reason for this is that you are trying to present this home as the buyers ‘new’ home, so your memories shouldn’t be ‘hanging’ around in the form of framed photos and gallery walls. You don’t want potential buyers to feel like they are just visiting when they attend a private viewing or an open house.  They need to see themselves living in the home and your photos all over the home can really create a mental block for buyers.

 

When it comes to family photos, don’t get us wrong – we do love a gallery wall, it is great way to display and cherish your memories -but when it comes to home staging, those are your memories and you need to pack up with you, so that the home is a blank canvas for new memories.

 

If your photos are in frames and not wall mounted but displayed on surfaces like side tables, coffee tables and bookcases – those photos are not only personalizing the space but they are also adding clutter.  It’s really important when you are staging your home for sale that the clutter is removed.

 

It can be tough for sellers to pack up those family photos but since you plan on bringing them to your next home, think of this as a pre-pack of your most precious pieces.

 

Same goes for religious art/items – you don’t know who will be buying your home so keep the look and feel neutral.

You don’t need to remove all art from your walls just the personal pieces.

Instead of displaying your photos, try these ideas instead.

If you have a gallery wall already in place and feel that removing all of the photos will make a mess of your walls.  Try replacing the photos with some temporary placeholders like neutral photos, maps, small art, letters etc…

The gallery wall is a current look and a lot of people like it.  It will take some time to remove the photos and replace them with a more neutral item but you won’t have to patch a bunch of nail holes.

 

Another alternative is over sized art

– it adds some visual interest, fills up the walls space and a splash of colour keeping the home warm and welcoming.  Over sized art also has an upscale look and feel.  Stick with landscapes and/or abstract- they are neutral options and work in every space from bedrooms to dining room and with works with every style.

 

Remember when it comes to staging your home for sale, you want to attract as many potential buyers as possible.  De-personalizing your space is one important element in the home staging process.

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Monochromatic Decorating At Home

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“I don’t love bright colour.  I know lots of people love colour in their space but it’s just not for me.  How can I make my space look great without big, bold colour? I don’t want it to look boring.”

Colour can do a lot for a space and we often tell clients to think – colour, pattern, texture and shine as the 4 key elements in a space to keep it visually interesting. But not everyone loves colours and that’s OK.  You can definitely have a chic pace with little to no colour but be sure to really play up the other 3 elements (pattern, texture and shine).  You will also want to play with varying shades of your chosen hue – it’s called ‘monochromatic’ decor.

Monochromatic decorating consists of only one color. At first, this may sound like monochromatic is another word for boring, but it’s quite the contrary. Decorating in a monochromatic color scheme relies on using various tones, textures, and patterns to build a beautiful space. It requires you to be more creative and use the basics
of great design.

What’s really great about monochromatic is that it usually results in a very calming and soothing space.  So for someone with a hectic and fast paced work schedule, a monochromatic palette to come home to everyday could be very beneficial. Monochromatic decor tends to look and feel very high-end and luxurious with a touch of glam and elegance.

Here are some examples of what you can use as a guide for monochromatic or tone-on-tone decorating.

So this living room is a great example of monochromatic with warm grey tones.  there is some contrast but it’s not very high but there are a number of warm grey tones – the walls, drapes, art, pillows, carpet and they are all different and they look incredible together. There is a lot of pattern in this space – the pillows, the ottomans, the rug and even the walls.  The pillows ad the biggest punch due to the darker warm grey tone and the pattern.  We also see a lot of shine with the glass accents like the lamps, decor pieces and the coffee table.  The small gold accents really add the glam and elegance to this room. This room is timeless, chic and soothing.

This bedroom is another example of monochromatic decorating. Again what you will notice is the low contrast with the warm grey tones and the white tones.  There is a lot of layers which add volume and a level of richness.  We have lots of soft textures in this room – wood, and lots of textiles. A classic palette, gorgeous bedding and a relaxing bedroom. Neutrals have never been so far from dull. This bedroom has an understated elegance that is full of lovely features from the distressed beams in a white wash finish and the over sized mirror with antique details.

Another bedroom with lot of layering and mixing of patterns in a cool blueish-grey colour palette.  The dark wood accents add some depth and contrast to the space as well.  This bedroom feels like an upscale hotel room. The grey-blue palette is clean and sophisticated, focusing on luxurious textures such as the headboard and the wood accents in furniture like the bench at the foot of the bed add interest.

What you will notice in monochromatic decor is that the tones we see most often are neutrals, mainly grey, taupe and beige – they are easily to work with, there are a lot of tones and they are soothing and with the right mix of art, textures and accessories you get instant luxury. You can certainly have a tone on tone space in a deeper or bolder colour but those deeper richer tones are probably best used as a touch of contrast or an accent.

What really keeps monochromatic decorating from being boring is the combination of texture, pattern and shine but also the layering. Layering pillows of different textures and tone on a sofa or bed really adds depth and luxury to a room. But you can add depth with art and accessories, too. We also love layering lighting – so have different types of lighting in one room.

So to keep your space from being dull and boring, find a main colour you like and use that as your base.  Be sure to add some soft contrast so add some lighter tone pieces (in white or off white) and some darker pieces (a dark wood accent or a darker shade of your chosen colour).  Be sure to have lots of varied texture (so soft and hard), lots of layers using texture and/or some pattern – plus a bit of shine really brings instant elegance – glass lamps or a glass coffee table are easy choices.

Keep your home decor calm and carry on….

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How to Get The Look: Modern Country

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Country decorating has come a long way. It has always been a popular home decorating style but it has really changed in recent years. In the past this has included such elements of the style as handmade items, collections, and rustic charm. While country style will always epitomize home and warmth, its time to bring country design into the modern era. We call this decorating style “Modern Country“. Modern country is still charming, and rustic but with some clean lines and cool colour palettes it has a ‘cooler’ vibe. If you love that laid back rustic style with a modern edge – better know as Modern Country,  here’s how to get it.

 

Clean it up

Traditional country decorating has been often accused of being “cluttered”. Modern country decorating is anything but! So it’s time to seriously edit and pack away all those little things that don’t contribute to the overall design scheme. Don’t go overboard though, country is about home and family, so you don’t want to eliminate everything that’s personal. Create a box of decorative items to store, and rotate favorite accents with the seasons.

Choose a simple and clean color scheme

Update your country decorating look with a more modern color scheme. Pick one color, then try combining it with white or neutrals for a stylish look that isn’t dated, and doesn’t cause confusion for the eye. Add textures to give the room great interest and contrast. Keep patterns to a minimum, and try to incorporate some of the new classics or a modern floral that uses white and one color in its design. Think tone-on-tone for a soothing look in the space. We like a great light neutral on the walls and then for accessories layers of soft greys, taupes even dried herb tones look great with this style.

Choose your inspiration

Choosing your inspiration for the modern country decorating look is kind of like choosing a theme. But instead of the cutesy country themes of the past are passe, you are choosing an inspiration that creates a feeling. Gone are the roosters and instead think of a theme inspired by the mountains in Colorado, or the high country of Santa Fe.
You can actually picture the “feeling” of the room just by those descriptive words, and that’s what will give you guidance and keep you on track. Look through photos for inspiration, that will help you stay on track but again, don’t go over board! You don’t want a theme room like “this the dairy farm room” take what you love about the feel of the country and incorporate that in the space.

Light the way

One of the fastest ways to update an outdated decorating shame is to add a modern lighting fixture. This works great with the “Modern Country” as they compliment each other well. Think West Elm, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn.

Texture

So important in this look! When it comes to country decor it’s really about comfort and ease, so texture can really help with that.  Think canvas, wool, distressed denim, flannel, distressed leather and mixing it all up on a sofa.  Be sure to add other textures too like reclaimed wood, stone and brick for another layer of texture. Elements of nature are another great way to add texture to your space.

Accessorize

The “more is more” traditional country decorating look of the past is just that…it’s in the past. Choose a few great pieces to display at a time. Mix and match with other styles, offering interest and contrast, and bringing more attention to your beloved possessions. If you have a collection, or want to showcase Grandmas quilt, then showcase it. But display it gallery style and give each piece importance. Don’t just use something for the sake of having something fill a space. Treat the things you love like art.
Another great way to make a country piece look more current is framing your art.  So a country landscape with a clean white over sized matte and black frame is easy and looks clean and modern.
Look for country piece like large milk jugs, butter churners, pickle jars, mason jars etc…they add great character and some texture to the space and of course, they have that country feel
Look for inexpensive antiques that can be used to create a unique wall collection such as postcards or antique flatware. Add items from nature, but be selective. Leave some space around your treasures for the eye to rest. If a wall or a room is cluttered no one can focus on your beautiful pieces – art or artifacts. So keep it simple that’s really important in modern country decor.

Relax

Above all, relax and enjoy the creative process. There are no rules in decorating that can’t be broken. Modern Country Decorating is a fantastic way to take a beloved home decorating style of the past, and give it a current twist.

 

 Modern country might sound contradictory but it is a beautiful blend of relaxed and styled decor.  We hope you love this look as much as we do!
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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How To Style My Bedside Tables

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“My bedroom is beautiful! I love the furniture and the bedding but my night stands are cluttered and it really makes my room look messy.  I need some help with my night stands – help me make them pretty, please!”

 

That’s a common problem for most of us.  Our bedside tables become an area for clutter – books, hand lotion, tissues, magazines, note pads, lip balm and more ….We still need these items , they are a part of our bed time routine but we don’t need (or want) clutter in a space that is supposed to be relaxing and serene.

 

So here are some of our tips for a stylish bed side. When it comes to styling a bedside table, we keep it simple with lighting, art and accessories like a plant/flower/decor piece and possibly books.  The combinations are really endless! Be sure to find items that are in proportion with the space.  A small room may need a small end table so don’t add over sized lamps – look for something slimmer or opt for a wall sconce. 

 

Using these basic pieces you can really achieve a number of different looks, be sure to put your personality into it, after all it is your space!

 

 

The night stand furniture piece –

So this item is a key piece.  You need to find a piece that works in the space but also one that suits your needs.  A night stand without any storage is pretty much useless and is just inviting clutter into your space.  Look for a piece with at least a drawer, so you can tuck away a few items you don’t want to display. Many night stands have a top drawer and then an open space below.  That open space can get crazy and cluttered very easily.  Consider using that space to stack books (or place them vertically) and if magazines are more your style – add a basket or box to keep them in, it looks so much better!

In some cases, like if you are in a room that has very limited storage you may even want a small chest of drawers that will play double duty as clothing storage and a night stand surface. Even if you can only fit one small chest of drawers it might be more functional and practical that two small night stands.

 

Lighting –

A must! For reading and for ambiance.  You always want to layer your lighting in order to suit your mood but also fill the room with light (when you need it).  So think table lamps – depending on the size of the table you may be able to go big and bold and make a ‘decor’ statement in the room.

If you are low on space, try a wall sconce!

They attach right to the walls so the surface space on your night stand is free for other items. Wall sconces have come a long way – there are so many styles on the market now and they really create a clean and streamlined look.

 

Art or Mirrors –

You have a number of options but these items really add to the decor of your room.  We love creating a vignette with art or a mirror above a night stand, it really pulls it together.

 

 

So this image has a bold headboard so art above the headboard was not needed or necessary to make a ‘splash’ instead two pieces were hung above the end table.  This is a clean and classic look but with the choice of prints and accessories this room feel easy and comfortable but looks stylish.

 

This room has a very clean palette.  The layering of the art piece and the mirror give it a cool and sophisticated look.  Simple but so chic.

 

This image shows a sunburst mirror centered over the night stand.  In this white room, this golden burst really makes a splash.  You could also swap this mirror out for an art piece.

 

 

Love the mini gallery wall look over this night stand.  Surround yourself with what you love! It could be art or beautiful photographs.  Look for pieces that preferably are calming and soothing.

 

Accessories –

This is really where you get really personal.  You can add just about anything to your bedside table for decor.  One tip – if you have kids who like to hop into your bed maybe stay away from glass decor!

 

In this image, the look is pretty clean.  A simple dish for jewelry, a clock and some framed photos.  The drawers could be filled with magazines, books and more but they are tucked away so it looks so neat and tidy!

For the book lovers – you can keep your favourite book at your side but try not to let your book take over the surface space.  It looks cluttered and messy.  Aim for a maximum of 3 books on your night stand.  Stack them up or even try a vertical arrangement.

Anytime we stack things it just looks neater.

We love some type of foliage – flowers, plants it doesn’t matter but it adds life to the room!  Small works best in most rooms but you may be able to use something with some height.

 

 

So once you have the items you want -start thinking about placement and arrangement.  It is a limited surface space so don’t too many or items that are too large.  Start with your art and mirror first, ten add your light and from there play with the additional decor items.

Other additions to think about – candles, a small dish for eye glasses and/or jewelry, a decor item, photo frames or a small clock – are also great additions to a night stand.

When it comes to styling…

– choose items that suit your style and taste
– stick with odd numbers 3 or 5
– play around with arrangements and items and let your instincts kick in…

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Top 10 Colours for Fall 2015 and How To decorate with them

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These 10 colours are the predictions from Pantone.  We have seen some of these tones in recent years or similar tones like Amethyst Orchid, Cadmium Orange and the Biscay Bay are very similar to Radiant Orchid, Tangerine and Emerald.

 

This colour palette is a great blend of some summer hues and richer fall hues.  These colours (more or less) all work together but in some unexpected combinations.  For example mixing an earthy shade like Dried Herb with a soft pastel like Amethyst Orchid.  The possibilities of visually interesting combinations are endless.

 

So how can you use these #Fall2015 colours at home?

Well, most of us likely have one of these neutral tones in our current decor – maybe a large furniture piece like a sofa or a wall colour.  If that’s the case, build on that neutral piece by adding art or accessories or even textiles like pillows, rugs or even drapery with some of the more colourful, punchy tones.

 


Here’s a very simple example of mixing the dried herb and the orange in accessories.

Look for some statement pieces that combine the colours together!  We love this leaf motif area rug that blends – biscay bay and stormy weather. With some white and soft aqua for contrast balance.  But this would look great in a living room or bedroom with shades of grey and some pops of biscay bay (and other members of that ‘teal’ family)

 

We love what art can do to a room.  Especially over sized art!  It makes a room look expensive but also complete.  An art piece is a great way to pull a colour scheme together or even add an unexpected pop of colour! The image below is a great example of a neutral and class colour combination and adding a piece of art with colour – it totally changes the space! This combines the reflecting pond and the amethyst orchid and cashmere rose.

When it comes to using colours that area trending you don’t have to have the exact hue, but keep it in the family.

Use the trending colours as a guideline – it’s a great way to come up with something new and fresh!

 

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Best Bookcases For Small Spaces

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We love to read and we love home decor but sometimes books lead to clutter which we don’t love.

Clutter is very stressful. It’s messy and can be overwhelming.  When you live in a smaller space you don’t often have the luxury of storage.  So what do you do? Sure, you can minimize your clutter but you can’t get rid of everything.

When you live in a smaller space you need storage but you also need it to be slim and stylish for your space.

We have found some amazing space saving book storage pieces.

The Brosna Bookcase from Urban Barn.  A fun and funky piece in two colours (black or white).  We love the simplicity and clean lines.  A great way to mix up books and some accessories.

 

 

The Sapien Bookcase from DWR is perfect for just stacking books.  Clean, simple, vertical and ideal for even the smallest of corners. The bookcase once filled with books almost disappears!

 

 

We love the metallic finish on this ‘etagere’.  Perfect for mixing books and decor.  The Nook Tower from West Elm.  there are a few variations on this design, some with a more industrial edge but this look transitions well with a few different decor styles.

 

 

When it comes to book storage, get creative!  Books can add a lot of colour to your space, so why not add skinny shelving for book storage and display pieces instead of art pieces on the wall.  Also think about horizontal book storage like you see here.  Under this bench is a great spot for kids books! Easy to access and to put away!

What keeps those 4 bookcases looking light, is that they do not have a backing!  You can see the wall behind the piece so it has an airy feel.  Plus the shelves are slim so they do not add bulk to the room.  Simple, slim storage can make a huge difference in a smaller space.

 

 

For kids, we also love bookcases flanking a headboard.

 

 

When it comes to your space and bookcases, you never want it too look and feel cramped, cluttered and heavy.  To avoid that be sure to not over stuff your bookcases and add some decor/display pieces or photo frames to the book storage – it will lighten up the look and feel.  For kids’ books, some time it is easier to storage awkward shaped books in a basket instead of in the shelf.

And remember for books that you are done with and don’t want to keep there are tons of used book stores, day cares, community centers and schools always looking to add to their inventory!

 

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How To Update My Dining room

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“I know my dining room is in need of an update.  I do have a beautiful wood table with matching chairs that my husband would just die if I threw out or painted!!  Any ideas how I could update my dining room and include my furniture?”

A great question for a common dilemma.  Many down sizers go through this exact same issue.  What to keep, what to toss, what to donate….you want a current look in your space but your existing pieces were expensive, high quality, in good condition – what to do?

Well, you do have a number of options that won’t involve altering your wood furniture.

An all wood furniture set can make a room feel dark and heavy especially if you do not have much light in the room.  So how about brightening up the space with colour and light? Try updating your chandelier for a more current look and more light.  A great, versatile option is a lantern style – it works with traditional furniture and farmhouse styles but it can also transtion well with other styles too.

 

 

You can also add light with table lamps on your buffet piece.  Look for shades that will allow light through – white, cream or beige are best.  We also like these table lamps that have a traditional vase shape but in glass so they don’t add bulk.

 

If you have a china cabinet that you don’t want to part with or separate – try wall sconces for additional light.  They won’t add an abundance of light but they will help with mood lighting for dinner parties. This images shows off sconces with multiple heads flanking the china cabinet.

 

 

Mirrors are also great because they allow light to bounce around the room making the room feel brighter and larger.  Mirrored furniture or accessories like decorative bowls, frames or vases can add some brightness to the room too. This image shows how the combination of mirrors and glass make a bulky piece look lighter.

 

 

Try switching up your wall paint.  The colour on the walls could also make the room feel dark and heavy.
Wood furniture has a weight to it already so if it is in a smaller room without much light, the room will look dark so try lighter tones on the wall for a fresh update. Soft creams, beiges and greys are timeless and won’t take away from your furniture or art.

 

 

If that isn’t adventurous enough for you – you can certainly add colour on the walls just be sure to balance it out with some other lighter items.  This dining room is a mix of classic traditional and contemporary elements.  The dark wood furniture and floors and the navy wall paint together would normally be too dark but paired with the light beige upholstery and textiles, white trim and wainscoting, lighting and the decorative plate wall – there is the right amount of balance in this dramatic dining room.

 

 

Many wood furniture sets are lacking in ‘punch’ meaning they are very tone on tone.  Lots of browns in the stains but often in the upholstery.  Why not re-upholster your chairs for a fresh look? The possibilities are endless and it makes a huge impact without even touching the wood!  We have done this with a number of clients and they love the look and the price point.  It is way more cost effective and your set will look new!

 

You can opt for something neutral with a subtle pattern for some visual interest.

 

 

You can stay pretty neutral but then go bolder with captain’s chairs

 

 

Or make a statement with colour and pattern.

 

 

If you are really looking to make a big leap outside of the box, try some new chairs all together and opt for something modern to really update your space. This farmhouse dining room looks updated with these Eiffel dining chairs in cream – they fit with the colour scheme but they are totally unexpected.  By adding modern chairs to a traditional table you get a more casual feel.

 

 

Other updates…..

Try adding some bold art – something big, bold and graphic really updates any space plus it is an easy addition. Look at arranging your current art collection in a modern gallery style.

 

 

Try an accent wall with wall paper.  Another way to add visual interest to the room using pattern.  We used to see rooms with wall to wall wallpaper and that can be overwhelming and even stuffy but just one wall is fabulous.  We also love to see another statement piece like art, photography or a mirror hung on that accent wall.

 

 

Try a bold area rug.  Make a statement on your floor with a bold area rug – it’s like art on the floor.  This image shows how the area rug can be the centerpiece of a room – the colour scheme revolves around this rug.  A classic colour combo but a big statement.

 

 

What ever you do make a plan.  For instance if you decide you want to paint, re-upholster and add a new light fixture be sure those elements work cohesively that way the whole room update will look spectacular!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How To Pick The Right Paint Colour

how-to-pick-right-paint-colour

So you’ve decided to paint!  That’s the easy part.  Picking the right paint colour is the next step and there’s a lot to consider.  Sure, you could walk into a store, grab a paint chip you like, buy the paint and go home but….you will likely end up with a colour that just doesn’t work in your space.

 

So….if you are looking to paint – ask yourself these 10 questions BEFORE committing to a colour.

 

1.  Where am I in the decorating process?

If you are totally starting from scratch – so no floors, furniture, tiles etc…then you do have a lot of options.  Have a colour in mind, say grey tones, when it comes to make those selections and bring the paint fan with you so you can find a colour that works with everything. But if you have fixtures in place – flooring, sofa, other furniture, window dressings, wall paper etc… you will need to work with those items (unless you are doing a total room over haul).  So once the items you want to keep are in place start fanning through different colour options.

 

2.  How do I know if it is a colour I love?

In order to know for sure if you are going to absolutely love a paint colour – you do need to see it on the walls.  When it comes to narrowing down your choice – trust your gut!  Don’t let others tell you what to do – an opinion is fine as long as they have you and your taste in mind.  If you like deep colour or bold colour – go for it, it’s only paint!

 

3.  Am I rushing into this?

Take a breathe and take your time selecting your colour or colours.  Sit in your space and think about the mood you want and how you want it to feel for yourself and others.  Then look toward colours that support that mood. Take the time to test colours and look at them day and night.

 

4.  Have I looked at paint chips?

Going to a decorating store or a hardware store and seeing the walls of paint chips can be very intimidating – there is so much to look at.  Trying leafing through magazines before going to look at chips, and look at decorated rooms – that would help you focus on not only a decor style but a colour palette, too.  That way you have some direction and can easily weed out what you don’t want.

 

5.  Have I tried any samples?

Still uncertain? but narrowed down to a few options? Don’t rely on just the chip – get yourself some samples.  Buy a quart or pint of paint and paint swatches on your walls – don’t worry they will cover up when you actually start painting.

 

6.  Have I looked at the sample more than once?

Now that you have painted a few swatches on your walls.  Keep the swatches up for a few days before totally committing.  For some, this new paint (especially if it is very different from the old paint) can take a while for the shock to wear down. Be sure to look at the swatches throughout the day as the light changes, the colour may
appear different, too.  Make sure you like the colour day and night.

 

7.    What other colours am I using?

Likely your paint colour won’t be the only colour in the room.  Be sure that the wall paint colour will work harmoniously with the other colours in the room such as flooring, furniture, and textiles, even wallpaper.

 

8.  Have I considered the room?

Before you choose the paint colour, pay attention to the room.  How much light does it have? In south facing rooms, colours run very true.  North facing rooms tend to be darker so the colours will look different.  And, in east facing rooms, the colour looks a little blue. Do you have high ceilings? With high ceilings you can get away with going bolder and deeper than with standard ceiling height.

9.  What’s my sheen of choice?

So the sheen is very important – it affects how the light is either absorbed or reflected by the wall colour.  Higher sheen like a semi gloss or gloss will reflect more light from the surface so the colour will be deep and rich.  A flat or eggshell will absorb light creating a dryer looking colour.  If your walls aren’t perfect, opt for a flat finish to disguise the imperfections.

10.  Am I too hesitant?

Painting a room should take about a weekend of your time.  Compared to other projects it’s straightforward and cost effective.  Plus it makes a huge impact and when you tire of the colour – it’s an easy update!

We love what paint can do for a space … be sure to use your colour preferences as a guide and pick your colour based on the space itself …

 

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