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We Answer Wednesday – Best Front Door Colour

June 15, 2016

“I have a red masonry home and the style of my home is quite traditional. I want to paint my front door in something that’s a bit more fun (currently my door is black). Any ideas?”

Painting your front door is an easy update and it can really transform the look of your home. Your exterior is a classic and paired with a black door you have a timeless look. But you can update the exterior with some paint and it can really make a huge difference.

We love this home located in Carleston, SC (USA). This look is timeless. The matte black against the masonry is classic and the cream trim matches the cream mortar.

Assuming your roof is neutral like black or possibly charcoal – you have lots of options.

But remember when you are picking an exterior paint colour you really need to work with what finishes are already there. So the shade of red is important. We also suggest looking at the region for inspiration. A soft beachy blue for example works well in Southern climates like the Carolinas but looks out of place in Northern climates, so keep that in mind as well.

For instance, if you have a terracotta (orange) this works well with colours such as navy blue or even a cobalt blue, dark taupe, dark (warm) grey, khaki and olive are nice green options, a deep cranberry and espresso are good options as well.

This orange tone home looks current with this charcoal door with warm white trim.

This exterior has orange tones that have a few more variations but the olive-sage door looks fresh and clean especially with the warm white trim. This home has a lot of charm and is warm and inviting.

Now, if you have an exterior tone that is a deeper tone like a brownish red or a burgundy…

you will want to look at paint colours such as navy blue, charcoal grey, deep olive green, a dark cranberry with brown undertones is another great option. If you are looking for something a bit more unusual try a teal door with warm white trim. A red door is also a great look on a deeper red exterior home. It’s a classic but it isn’t as formal.

This navy door with white trim against the burgundy masonry is a very classic look but it looks great and isn’t as formal as the black door.

This teal painted door is a fresh and fun look but works with the reddish tones.

This burgundy home looks great with a red door – notice how the shade of red in the door isn’t orange, it is a true red.

These are some great options for your front door and as you know already paint can make a huge difference. Be sure to pay attention to the other features like the trim (is it chipping?), the mailbox, doorbell, grip set and address numbers – are they in good shape? Do they need replacing or repairing? Those small details can make a huge difference in the exterior and curb appeal of your home.

Your home needs to put it’s best foot forward and a fresh coat of paint on your door in the right colour will make a lasting impression!

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6 Ways to decorate with a Garden Stool

June 2, 2016

The garden stool has been a trend for a few years now and we will love it…always. Why? we love the options that a garden stool offers (yes, we are all about multi-purpose pieces). But we also love the look of a garden stool – they can add a great pop of colour and texture – plus they are easy to move around. They are great for smaller spaces too!

Here are some great ways to use a garden stool:

In the shower -a garden stool makes a great shower seat. A pop of colour and a spot for in-shower toiletries.

As Extra seating – tuck these easy to move garden stool under a console table or sofa table. There are so many choices in colour, finish and texture, too!

As a Side table – indoors or outdoors, a garden stool makes for a great side table.

As a Coffee table – short on space? A set of garden stools is a great option for a coffee table in a small space. Plus they can be some extra seating if you need it.

In the Bathroom – by the tub! If you are lucky enough to have time to soak away the log day… a garden stool is a great spot for your book, towels or a cup of tea (or glass of wine)

In the bedroom – garden stools are so versatile and can even work in a different areas of a room. The bedroom for instance, a garden stool is a great option for a bedside table but is also great as a corner chair side table but also a series of 3 would look great at the foot of a bed.

We often use garden stools when we stage homes. They are so versatile and add a great pop of colour and texture – give them a try!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to make my home look summer-y

June 1, 2016

“How can I make my home look summer-y? The cold weather is finally gone but my home still looks kind of winter-y”

Yes, the weather is absolutely beautiful these days and it looks like those chilly days are behind us (at least for a few months). It’s nice to celebrate the changing of the seasons and if you live in an area like ours, the changes in weather are pretty drastic! We love to have the inside of our homes light and airy like the summer weather so here are some ideas that we use at home.

1 – Flowers

– bring in some beauty of the spring/summer season. If you have a lovely garden cut some of your own flowers, if you don’t have a garden to pick from the local Farmer’s markets have tons of beautiful flowers this time of year. We love the see arrangements on coffee tables, dining tables and even bedrooms.

2- Pillows and throws

– chances are if you live in a colder climate (like us) your pillows and throws (on your bed and sofa) you colour motif is likely deep and dark, so for the warmer seasons lighten it up! Can this get expensive? Sure. But if you are smart you can do this on a budget. Try pillow covers instead of all new pillows. This way you can keep the inserts, change the covers seasonally and send the off-season covers to be professionally cleaned. Tuck away your off-season pillows and throws in a closet or a trunk during these warm months. If you stick with a spring/summer colour scheme and a fall/winter scheme you will get a lot of use of your accent decor pieces. For spring summer, we love a pop of yellow. Yellow works with blue, green, orange, pink ….. plus it is so sunny and bright!

3 – Drapery and window coverings

– we aren’t suggesting a new set of window dressings is mandatory but if you have heavy drapery such as velvet or a really dark colour, you might want to consider a lighter option during the spring/summer months – this will completely transform the look of your home. And much like the idea with the pillow covers, take the cold season drapery to be cleaned. If you aren’t open to 2 sets of drapery, pull back the curtains and pull up the blinds and let the light in! this will brighten up the room.

4 – Fireplace

– the fireplace is a focal point in your room no matter the season. In those cold winter and crisp fall months, it is easy to style the fireplace but what to do in the warm months? The fireplace likely won’t be in use but it is a big piece of your room. Style it with some softer textures and tones. You have lots of options but we suggest adding elements that work with your spring/summer colour scheme and adding some botanical pieces (that could be floral arrangements or a seasonal art piece). We love the image below because it has that summer ease – the plants are a great touch and that mirror in the fireplace is such a great idea. The garden stool adds a pop of colour but is also another seating option when needed.

5 – Texture

– in the warmer months we all love to get outside, so to make your home decor more ‘summer-y’ bring the outdoors in! Yes, we already mentioned flowers but there are other outdoor elements that you can bring inside. Think about natural textures like wood, rattan and sisal – they add that soft and natural factor but also a warmth. These are great options if you lean towards neutrals, in terms of your decor palette. The richness of these textures adds a sophistication to any space.

You can create a welcoming entry in the summer by adding a summer themed wreath and planters. Maybe even a bench with some outdoor pillows – this will create a warm and inviting vignette for family and friends!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

What does it mean to “shop your home” ?

May 31, 2016

If you have been watching home decor shows on TV or reading online articles about home decor recently, you have likely heard the term ‘shop your home’. It’s #trending these days….let us explain to you what this term and trend mean.

Basically #shopyourhome is all about using what you have already and bringing it out (if it was stored away), maybe re-purposing it or maybe even updating it. It’s part of a recycling movement – instead of tossing out items that are just out dated but are still in good condition and work just fine, give them new life by updating them or re-purposing them (a new location or a new purpose all together).

Some great “shop your home” examples…

Paint –

We all know what paint can do to a room but what can it do to an old piece of furniture or a light fixture? Instead of buying new – update what you have! This is easy, affordable and you are recycling something that might other wise end up in a landfill. this painted light fixture is a simple fix, affordable too plus the end result is a unique ‘one of a kind’ light fixture that will add WOW factor to your room.

Fabric –

Give a bench or chair new life with some fabric. A few yards of fabric will go a long way and give you a whole new look. It is easy to re-upholster a simple bench or chair seat – you will need some fabric, fabric glue, staple gun and a screwdriver to remove the seat cushion. You may want to add some foam or cotton batting if the seat needs some volume or cushioning.

Hardware –

New hardware can completely change the look of a room. We recommend this to our home staging clients as well. This works on furniture and cabinetry – this is a great update for a kitchen and bathroom. It is easy to do but it really makes a big impact.

Art –

Bored of your current art displays but can’t replace your pieces? Try moving your art into a different room or in a different arrangement. This can make a huge different in a space. It’s a great way to display pieces that aren’t usually seen.

Garden –

Do you have beautiful flowers in your garden? Instead of buying cut flowers from the market use your own – it adds a special touch to your space and it’s a great way to add a welcoming scene to a table scape, front entry, coffee table or even a guest bedroom.

Scarf –

If you are like either of us, you probably have a drawer full of beautiful scarves and for every season – so make use of them! Try re-purposing your scarves as a table runner. Think bright and colourful for summer, neutral for fall and airy for spring. It adds a fresh new look to the table, it sets the scene and it adds a unique touch.

Furniture –

Try moving your pieces into a different layout or swapping pieces around – accent chairs are a great and easy choice to re-arrange. Think of re-arranging your furniture to take advantage of a view of your garden in the summer months or place your furniture in a way to snuggle up by the fireplace.

Feeling inspired yet? Home decor can get expensive but if you shop at home and get creative you can get a whole new look !

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – A Whole Home Colour Concept

May 4, 2016

“I want to have a cohesive look in my home – my entire home. How can I do that without being boring?”

Most people like the look and feel of a home with flow and cohesiveness. There are a number of tricks and tips to help you achieve a cohesive space but the easiest way to create a cohesive or fluid look in your whole home is through colour.

Creating a colour palette or colour concept for your entire home will make your decorating choices much easier but also you will connect each room to the next, so even if the style varies a bit in each room you still have a common thread pulling it all together.

Think about the magazine images and model homes that you have seen (and likely fallen in love with) …sure, they are full of beautiful and brand new furniture but one of the big reasons why they feel so good is the colour choices.

We can’t all live in a ‘model home’ that’s not realistic but we can take inspiration from these showstoppers. Here’s how: by using a limited number of colours and using them in different ways in each space to create a fluid and cohesive home.

Let’s get started:

1. The colors you use in your home are completely up to you.

Do what makes you feel fabulous cause no one ever gets sick of that right? So you don’t have to paint your entire home white or beige – pick a colour that you like. It could be grey, green, beige, taupe, blues even bolder choices like yellow or purple.

2. Stick to 3-5 colors for your color palette.

For those of you who love color, this may feel limiting, but I promise you will still end up with a colorful home. For those of you with a fear of color, go with more muted shades of color so that you add color into your life without it being too in your face.

We personally recommend a neutral in that palette if you want some bolder colour, for instance if you want some yellow we like mixing in a neutral like grey. But you don’t have to.

3. We are not talking about redoing your entire home tomorrow

– that may not be in your budget and that’s OK. We are talking about setting up a color plan so that over time it will guide your decorating decisions and eventually you will have a beautiful home that is totally you and flows nicely from one room to another.

So be sure to write your plan down somewhere and include the names, brands and formula codes of the paint colours you have selected.

Starting with your favorite color means that you won’t be getting sick of it any time soon. Now I’m not saying that if your favorite color is cobalt blue to go paint all of your walls that color, but you can most definitely use it as a starting point. Use that bold blue as your inspiration.

Remember your ‘colour plan’ isn’t just about paint, it is about creating a cohesive look using colour – so think about your paint but also think about furniture, accessories, rugs and more.

See the image below – that bold cobalt blue is part of the decor scheme using accessories. Only you can determine the amount of bold colour you can handle or want in your space.

Still not sure on which colour direction to head in because you like all colour?

Think about the feeling you want to create at home. Do you want your home to feel calm and spa like? Or lively with lots of contrast?

Or how about uber modern? Color will help achieve the feeling you want.

So, in summary, here’s how to get the perfect colour concept for your entire home.

1. Pick a white.

Not all whites are the same, they have various undertones. So put your white paint swatches up against your main space elements like flooring, cabinetry, and the furniture that you will be using/keeping. If you know what kind of palette you want – cool or warm, look at your whites. If a white looks a bit blue-ih or grey-ish, that’s a cool white. If your white looks warmer even with a touch of yellow, that’s a warm tone. You can choose either – it’s up to you but you want those undertones to be consistent throughout your colour palette.

2. Pick a neutral.

This will be the main colour in the home, some called it the ‘field’ colour. This will be the colour that really connects all of the rooms. Now using the term neutral doesn’t mean you need to pick beige or beige – you can get more creative with greys, taupes, even soft greens, yellows or blues. you will see a lot of this colour in your space – which is why we recommend something softer and more subtle, many of us tire of deep and bold tones after a while.

3. Pick a saturated colour.

Because you have neutral tone so far this is where you can get a little more adventurous, if you like; and you can choose any colour you like! If colour isn’t your thing, we suggest opting for a deeper neutral like a charcoal grey or perhaps a deep brown. Keep in mind this colour may not necessarily be on your walls – it might be used as an accent (remember the bedroom image above with the cobalt blue accents). If you really want this colour on a wall, an accent wall would work.

Typically for smaller and more open concept spaces, like a condo-apartment we recommend stopping at 2-3 paint colours and the rest be used for accent colours – so for accessories, bedding, art etc…

This room is playing with various neutral – really only 3. White, tan and charcoal. This is an easy neutral palette but the mix of timeless neutrals and adding some texture – see the wood framed mirror, the glass end table and pops of gold- they follow the colour palette plan and create this very sophisticated space. Neutral doesn’t mean boring.

4 and 5. Pick accent colours.

You have lots of choices depending on the look and feel you want. These colours will be used in decorative accents and they will compliment the above 3 colours – so everything works nicely together to get you that designer look and feel.

If you want a calmer feel and a monochromatic look – add some neutrals in various shades. If you want more ‘pop’ add some complimentary colours, so if you have blue already think about adding some orange and/or yellow to really make things bright and fun.

Take a look at the image above, there is a 5 tone palette – with a white, a neutral and 3 pops of colour. The soft aqua is the main colourful element and the blush and coral and secondary. there are some various tones in this image but they all work together to create a cohesive look because there is a plan.

So now that you have your palette or colour concept what do you do next?

Use these colours as your guide which means it is all about using the colors (or variations of the colors) you chose differently in each room. Remember this is just your guide. Going up or down a shade or 2 to make it work in the space you are doing is great. The idea is to stick to your palette as a guide. So when you are shopping for some art and accessories keep the palette in mind but don’t panic if you don’t have exact matches.

When you plan ahead instead of ‘making it up as you go along’ – you really see the difference and you get that designer look. But it’s never too late, so work with what you’ve got and pull it together using these tips!

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How to Decorate an Open Concept Space

April 30, 2016

Most of us love the idea of a big open concept space – it offers us to many possibilities and our living area feels so huge but it can be a big challenge to figure out how to decorate and use all of that open space. In a more traditional style home, we have a lot of walls and those wall provide definition for each room – a designated living room, dining room or office – it is simple to visualize and to furnish. Big open spaces, although lovely, they present challenges for many home owners because everything is so open!

So here are some great tips to tackle the challenges:

1 – Fluidity –

In an open-concept home it’s even more important to make sure that all the elements work together and the space looks cohesive. So stick to a paint colour concept throughout the open space.

If you want to introduce a new colour, try it in a room with doors – like bedrooms and/or bathrooms. One colour throughout keeps the open space feeling. Same goes for the floors – keep it consistent (like the paint) to keep that flow which maintains that spacious feel and look.

2 – Definition –

Some times open is just too open so how do you tackle that? Use rugs to define the rooms. An area rug in a living room pulls the furniture together creating a focused room that’s perfect for conversation but it still keeps that open look and feel. The area rug is also a great way to add some texture and colour.

The image below is a great example of an open floor plan with consistent floors and paint – see how the area rug helps designate the living room and pulls it all together – it’s perfect!

3 – Furniture Arrangement –

When it comes to placing your furniture many of us use walls as our guide – the TV goes on the wall and so does the back of the sofa, right? But if you don’t have any walls what do you do?

You need to place the furniture so that you can create conversation spaces and entertaining spaces and dining spaces, so floating arrangements are key. A floating arrangement means that the sofa or any of the furniture is not anchored to a wall – so it is floating. A sofa table is a great way to add a ‘wall’ and help anchor the sofa so that it doesn’t look lost.

4 – Lighting –

Just like the paint and floors stay consistent with your style and finishes of lighting. If you have brushed nickle – use brushed nickle throughout (at least for your fixtures – you can introduce a few other finishes in your lamps but not too many)

Have a plan when it comes to the fixtures you want to use : hang one big light fixture over each designated area; for example,install a chandelier directly over the dining room table, an overhead ceiling fan with a light kit over the living room, and pendant lighting in the kitchen. Then, go back through and add recessed lights or smaller fixtures throughout the three spaces for a complete lighting design,centering some of these over the walkways you created with your furniture placement.

The light fixtures you choose will have a large impact on whether the overall space is cohesive or disjointed, so take your time choosing the style, finish, size and placement of each.

5 – Accessories –

These little details really add some personality and pull it all together. The small touches you choose for accessories should set each space up as a stunning room on its own, as well as tie all three together so that they coexist beautifully.

Arrange the same style of accent pieces throughout the home; for example, if you’re partial to organic elements such as stones, landscape art and wooden decor, use similar items in each room. Center a low glass bowl of smooth river stones on the dining room table, add a water feature to the corner of the living room and arrange wooden bowls to hold fruit on the kitchen counters. You don’t have to match the pieces, and it’s preferable that you don’t, but keep the elements the same.

It’s easy to get lost in open spaces but I hope these tips are helpful and useful for decorating and planning your open concept space!

SHOP AREA RUGS….

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 3 Styles of Roman Shades

April 27, 2016

“I love the look of roman shades but am not sure which style to incorporate into my home. Any suggestions?”

We also love Roman Shades! They are a great option because you can see way more of the pattern this way. There are also a few different ‘shape’ options for these. Roman shades are a really great option if you are looking to add window treatments to a smaller room because they are most often mounted inside the trim. This way you are not losing any wall space.

One negative about having Roman shades is that they take a little more TLC to make them look right. When you put them up, you often have to re-fold and line them up to make sure the fabric isn’t wrinkled. Let’s call it “train your shade”. When using a lighter fabric, this is less of an issue because it will typically fold into the correct shape. This will mostly need to be done with a heavier fabric.

Roman shades are great in bedrooms because they can also be lined. This way you get the look and the darkness/privacy you would with drapery panels. There are a few styles that you can have of roman shades..

There are 3 types of Roman Shades :-

Flat Roman Shade:

A more modern look, it shows off the pattern so well and isn’t fussy. It can also work very well on French doors. See the image below, you can see the simplicity of this shade. We like this style in a ‘busier’ pattern as the print becomes the focus.

Relaxed Shades:

A more traditional option but can still work in any space. I would say that they are “prettier” and “softer” than a flat Roman Shade because of the curvature. Because they have less construction they will bow more in the middle which gives them that beautiful shape. The only downside to a relaxed shade is because there is less structure they shouldn’t be done on a window wider than 54”. It was sag more in the middle. If you window is larger than 54”, consider doing two smaller shades instead.

Butterfly Shades:

These are very traditional. A butterfly shade has a swoop in the middle and ties on the end. Almost like a small bow on either sides. They are very feminine and soft and look great in a light colour.

Roman shades can be mounted inside or outside the trim. If you have beautiful trim you want to show off or a smaller space you don’t want to cover the walls, we suggest an inside mount. The great trick with an outside mount is that you can give the illusion of a larger wall/window but mounting higher up than the window starts. This will elongate the window and also give you more space to show off that beautiful fabric!

Roman shades work with all styles of decor and they are perfect for spaces where you don’t want any fussy drapery to deal with,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to decorate a stylish home with pets

April 20, 2016

“I love my dog. She’s my world but I need some ideas to make my home stylish yet still pet friendly.”

We love pets but yes, they can cramp your style and put some limits on your decor choices but you can live in style with pets. Work with your lifestyle not against it and it will all come together beautifully

But there are ways to live in style with your furry little friends – the right pieces, materials and a bit of creativity can get you the look you crave.

1- Ditch the blankets (the multiple blankets) that you use to cover your sofa and chairs to keep the pet hair off! Instead opt for pet friendly fabrics. Leather is a good choice for homeowners with pets. It is durable
and easy to clean. Most grades will only be affected by pet scratches. If you are uncomfortable buying leather, buy pleather. It is cruelty-free, cost-effective, and pleasing to the eye. Have you heard of Crypton? It is an upholstery fabric made to fit your lifestyle. Soft, durable, and resistant to both stains and odors, Crypton Home fabric is available in a wide array of textures and vibrant colors. The image below is a Pottery barn sofa upholstered in Crypton Home Fabric.

2 – Skip wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet is like a pet hair magnet, so either opt out or be prepared to vacuum regularly Want the look of carpet – choose an area rug – it’s less time consuming to clean and you can always bring outside to air out (and shake out). If you must have carpet choose a low pile. It’s easier to clean if there’s an accident. And avoid continuous loop carpet because a pet toenail can unravel it by catching a single woven loop.

3 – Put washable fabrics on your bed. If you have a pet, cat or dog, chances are they make their way into your bed at some point. Protect your mattress from the inevitable by covering it with a thick pad. Use cotton bed sheets, preferably in a medium color or a pattern that can hide the pet hair and stains between washings. For bedspreads, duvet covers work well because you can take them off and wash them regularly. Delicate-looking mattress coverlets are surprisingly durable; their tight quilting resists pet toenail snags and repeated washings.

4 – Animal space near the entry. If you have a pet that goes outside take that into consideration – it’s a part of your lifestyle so what do you have at your entry? Think about your flooring – easy to clean and scratch resistant are key. Hooks and/or storage for leashes and other dog belongings. A basket with park toys and/or winter apparel.

5 – Match your colours to your pet’s fur. Use your pet as a source of inspiration when choosing colors for your room. Paint a concrete floor the same shade of gray as your cat. Cover your sofa in a honey microfiber that matches your golden retriever. This isn’t just an aesthetic shout-out to your pet; it’s also a practical choice because the hair they leave behind won’t be as visible. Put a white floor in a house with a black Lab, you’re going to have black ‘tumbleweeds’ everywhere.

6 – Furniture options that include your pet. Our pets are a part of our home; they are family so it is important that they are welcome in our home with some space of their own. Some easy ways to make ‘fluffy’ feel at home…

Beside table that does double duty. Place a comfy dog bed or pillow inside and your bestie has their own bed right beside you. Have some fun and get your furry friend a bed in a coordinating colour – so cute!

The front entry is a high traffic area, especially for dog owners. So have a pet station by the front door. We love this converted front entry console furniture piece. It works for everyone – so storage, some decor, and even a spot to lie in. Plus it looks great too!

Think of small customization changes you can make. The kitchen island is a great spot for dog bowls and some storage. We love these built in dog bowls – they are tucked away and that means they don’t get in the way. You can add a drawer (perfect spot for storing treats, medication, grooming tools and documents) or have an open shelf – it’s a bit more decorative but still useful.

Pets add so much love to our lives so be sure to take them into consideration when you are designing and decorating your space. Another simple tip keep your dog or cat clean will help your house stay cleaner, longer. Trimmed nails won’t scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, your throw pillows, and your curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don’t need to be washed as often.

Think of it this way – It’s easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it’s usually more fun!

Yes, you can live in style with your furry little friends – there’s no need to give up – you just need to make the right picks so you can all live together in comfort and style!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Decorate with a Sofa Table

April 13, 2016

“I love the look of a ‘floating sofa’ but I don’t like how the back of my sofa looks – what can I do?”

This is a great question!

We LOVE the look of a floating sofa arrangement too but yes, the backs of most sofas aren’t exactly spectacular but you have lots of options.

This is where we recommend a sofa table also known as a console table. We know you are probably thinking that the idea of a sofa table is a bit formal and stuffy but no – sofa tables come in all styles – there is something for everyone. A sofa table is a great way to enhance your style with some colour and/or texture. You can decorate it how ever you like and even use the space for some storage.

A sofa table can also be useful for some extra light (if you have outlet/plug access) in a case where end tables won’t work but it could also offer some extra storage for multiple things. Think about your space, your style and your needs when it comes time to select your sofa table and don’t be afraid to get a little creative – just because something isn’t labeled as a ;sofa table’ doesn’t means it can’t be used as one.

Here are some of favourite ideas for sofa tables:

Think about adding some colour.

We love this pop of yellow in this country chic living room. It hides the back of this sofa but it isn’t too heavy. the styling of decor items like the candles, the bird cage, books and plant soften the surface. We also love the idea of the tray underneath the the sofa table – this is a great idea for some extra storage.

Think sleek and contemporary.

This wrap around low shelving piece gives this living room some extra storage, some shelving for decor and it works in this more contemporary space – plus is hides the back of that sofa. This is a great storage saving idea if you are short on space.

Think about size and your space.

Sofa tables are typically 20-32″ shorter in length than the sofa and usually 1-3″ shorter than the height of the sofa but if you have a larger or long room you might want to consider something bigger like this image above. This is a kitchen table that has been re-purposed in this living room.

We love the over size lush fern flanked by two glass candle holders. The large rattan baskets underneath are perfect storage for books, board games or extra blankets.

Think practical.

Do you work in your living room or family room? Try adding an attractive desk as your sofa table – it’s a great way to keep an eye on the kids and still get some seat work done. This hides the back of the sofa but it is also practical for a busy lifestyle.

We also love a chic chair as the seat with this desk instead of a typical desk chair – it looks great and it is useful (plus this is a great idea if you are short on space and need a work space at home)

Think storage.

Try using a sideboard, dresser or chest of drawers as your sofa table – be sure to measure the depth of the storage piece but we love the extra storage a piece like this offers. It is perfect for storing multiple things – extra dining room items, DVDs, board games, books and even think about having a liquor cabinet as your sofa table.

We also love the surface space that a sofa table offers – if you like to entertain you can use this as a serving space for certain items or just as a great flat surface for guests to sit down their drinks

Think extra seating.

If you love to entertain the sofa table is a great spot to store some extra seating (like stools or ottomans)and the sofa table is perfect for snacks and drinks – think Super Bowl parties, big movie nights, playoffs (any sport) or season finale nights – if you entertain a lot, you might want to keep high back seating like the image above but if you only need it on occasion, you might want to opt for something that can be tucked cleanly underneath (see the image below)

The sofa table isn’t an ‘old fashioned’ piece – there are so many options and style to suite every decor.

It really completes the look of a floating sofa and they offer a lot of practical storage and surface options, too – find a piece that suits you and your lifestyle,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

In the Navy: 11 ways to decorate a room with Navy Blue

April 9, 2016

Navy blue is a classic and lately it has been trending in both fashion and home decor. Navy is a great option is you want depth but aren’t willing to go as deep and dark as black. Navy is a great way to stay timeless in your decor but you can also make your space look fresh using pops of navy.

We love working with Navy blue because of the possibilities, here are our 11 favourite ways to decorate with navy

1. Try a NAVY sofa.

We always recommend a neutral toned sofa so why not navy? Navy is a classic tone and it works with all colours. If you like the idea of a darker sofa, navy is a great option. Add some texture with pillows and a throw blanket, mix some pattern and print and we love the modern floor lamp in gold finish – it all works so beautifully together and it has a cool style in classic tones.

2. NAVY in the bedroom.

Doesn’t this bedroom look crisp and clean? The contrast of the white and navy is so fresh and still warm. Navy can have a glamorous vibe too, it doesn’t have to be nautical. Look at the shape of the headboard and finished in navy velvet very chic and then paired with glass lamps and the geo print shams and duvet with just a pop of orange – it’s perfect!

3. Accent wall in NAVY.

Accent walls are still ‘a thing’ but we are seeing them more in deeper and darker neutrals. We actually did a commercial office and painted some accent walls in Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore – it’s amazing!! We love the classic colour yet the bold statement it makes on the wall. Add an over sized piece of art and instant chic!

4. One furniture piece in NAVY.

Since navy is a neutral it works with everything, so if you are on the hunt for a new furniture piece why not look for something in navy? This navy tufted over sized ottoman is the life of the party in this soft neutral room. We love it’s function but also how it pops in the space (to bridge it all together, a few pillows with some navy would be perfect)

5. NAVY kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of the home so make sure it looks it’s best! Try using navy to freshen up those kitchen cabinets. We love the navy blue lower cabinets in this kitchen – again a great alternative to black or espresso stain. It looks amazing with the oversized stainless steel pulls and against the white – the whole kitchen looks so bright. Colour in the kitchen can be a risk but not in a classic colour like navy.

6. Pattern drapery in NAVY.

We love patterned drapery it has such a ‘designer’ look and it’s like art framing your windows. We love this fresh look – the pattern isn’t too busy and the contrast isn’t too harsh. It adds some fun to the room but it still feels classic.

7. NAVY blue wallpaper.

A wallpaper accent wall is a great way to make a statement. But we are also loving all walls in wallpaper in a small space like a powder room. It’s fun and if you get bored it’s an easy room to update and switch up but if you have fabulous wallpaper why would you want to? This navy and white zebra print wallpaper is not for the faint at heart but for those who love to be noticed this is for you! We love it but caution this isn’t for everyone!

8. NAVY blue Boys Bedroom.

I know we sound like a broken record but with navy as a classic it just doesn’t age. So it is a great option for a boys’ bedroom – it is a neutral tone that he can grow up with even as his tastes change. we are big fans of light colours on bedroom walls but we do love this room – the navy with nail head bed looks great with the white and beige bedding but it would also look great with Kelly Green or Candy Apple Red, too. So it is a great piece in a classic colour. We also love the navy and white rugby stripe rug, so fresh! The pops of orange and the natural wood tones in the room make it stylish and perfect for a boy!

9. NAVY on the floor.

We are huge fans of a pattern rug – it’s like art on the floor. We do love colour but we know that many are hesitant to invest in colour and pattern for their floor coverings, so a navy pattern rug is a great compromise. We absolutely love how this navy trellis pattern gives life to this soft neutral room. We also love using a glass coffee table on a pattern rug – you get to see more of it! The rug colour and print is echoed with an accent lumbar pillow in same tones but slightly different pattern – but it’s all chic!!

10. NAVY and the unexpected.

We started to see the mix of navy and pastels last year but mainly on the racks and runways – unexpected colour combos with navy blue. We have all seen the typical combos – navy and white, navy and red, navy and yellow, navy and gold but what about navy and mint green, navy and soft pink (rose quartz, maybe?), navy and lilac but one of our favourite combos right now is navy and coral – it’s bold and bright but fun and still warm, we love it!

11. NAVY accent pieces.

Anytime you are introducing the idea of colour to your space, start slow…starting with accents is the easiest way and most affordable way to know if you are ready to commit. So have an ‘audition’ and introduce some small accent pieces like pillows, candles, art, table lamps and just decor accent to the space and let it all sink it. If you like it and want more see the list above…..

For even more navy blue inspiration – check out our Pinterest Board – Navy Blue Inspiration

Navy is becoming one of our go-to’ s in home decor – it works every time and we love it in every way!

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