Browsing Category

INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

top-10-colours-for-fall-2015-and-how-to

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!

  

0 comment
Share:
how-to-update-my-dining-room

 

“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!

8 comments
Share:
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 …

 

0 comment
Share:
we-answer-wednesday-how-to-mix-patterns-2

“I love my home but slowly I have been making decor updates.  In Interior Decorating magazines and TV shows, I always see designers mix different patterns and prints.  I love the look but I have no idea how to mix patterns, can you help me get that “designer” look?’

 

Great question and yes, designers and decorators are always mixing different prints, patterns, textures and colours – by doing that you completely elevate the look of any room but it can be tricky! Adding pattern and print to your space is also a great way to add personality to your space.  Pattern is so versatile and can be added to any room – bedrooms, living room, dining room and more.  Pattern can be brought into a room using drapery, pillows, chairs and rugs but don’t forget about wallpaper accent walls, head boards, bedding and even dishware!

 

Follow our simple steps, you be be able to mix patterns like a pro!

 

1.  Work with an odd number of patterns.

Odd numbers tend to look best, so if you’re going to play with patterns, start with three different patterns in three different scales.  Once you’ve mastered the key to mixing patterns, try for five!

 

2.  Use varying scales of pattern.

Incorporate varying scales to the space so that the prints don’t compete with one another.  Sticking with the rule of three, pick one large, one medium and one small pattern to work with.  For example, try one large floral/organic pattern, plus one medium geometric, plus one small classic pattern.

 

3.   Large patterns work best on large pieces, small patterns work best on small pieces

When choosing the location of your patterns, keep in mind the space in which you are working.  A large pattern works best on a large item, such as a wall, window treatment or area rug. because the space is large enough to accommodate the pattern in its entirety.  A medium pattern is better suited to furniture and a small pattern to accent pieces.  (Note: Sometimes, small patterns can look busy when used in large amounts.)

 

 

4.  Look for a large pattern that incorporates all of your colours.

One approach to begin building your mix of patterns if your space has several colors in it, is to think of the large pattern as your anchor.  It should be the biggest, boldest and incorporate ALL of your colors in your color scheme.  From there, pick a different, medium-sized pattern (about half the size of your large pattern) that utilizes SOME of the colors.  Lastly, the small pattern can use just TWO or THREE of your colors.  One easy way to do this is to look for a fabric that has coordinating patterns available.

 

 

5.  You can use pattern, even if you have a monochromatic room.

Alternatively, if you have a single color, play with different shades of the color.  So long as you still vary the scale and type of pattern, you can create a very cohesive look of mixed patterns this way.

 

 

6. Consider adding a solid to the mix.

Don’t be afraid to throw in a solid to soften and ground the look! A solid can also help anchor the whole room which will allow the eye to focus.

7.  Group together patterns that have similar qualities

If you have a defined style in your home, also give some thought as to the types of patterns that you mix together.  Traditional patterns tend to mix easier with other traditional patterns, versus mixing them with bold, contemporary prints.  So for example, traditional prints such as florals, plaids, and damask don’t always blend easily with chevron or ikat.  This doesn’t mean you can’t mix patterns across styles – in fact, sometimes, an unexpected print gives a pop to the room – but if you’re just starting to experiment with pattern, it is often easier to stick within a style.

 

 

8. Be sure to balance your patterns in the space.

Balance is key!  This includes not only balancing the scale of your patterns, but balancing them equally throughout the space to avoid a lop-sided feeling.

 

 

9. Stick with a consistent hue.

Within your color palette, use colors with consistent intensities.  If your palette is pastel, don’t mix in a bold jewel tone and vice-versa.

 

 

10.  Don’t be afraid to break the rules!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so break the rules if it looks good to you!  Sometimes, complementary patterns and motifs come together in an organic and unplanned fashion, so if it looks good to you, go for it and have fun!

 

Mixing up patterns and prints is so much fun and it really adds to the space – Don’t be afraid to mix it up!

0 comment
Share:
we-answer-wednesday-colour-combos-wi

“I jumped on the grey trend last year for my new place and I do love it but I’m feeling like tone on tone shades of grey is a bit bland and bordering on depressing.  How can I spruce up my grey condo? Are there colours you would recommend?”

 

Grey has been a trend for a few years and is becoming more popular especially in tiles, flooring and kitchens and baths.  You are in luck! Grey is a neutral so it can pair beautifully with just about every colour.  Here are some examples of what you can do with grey in your space.  There’s no wrong answer, it’s all about preference

 

The other great thing about Grey is that is works with all styles – rustic country, sleek modern and everything in between.  But when it comes to choosing an accent colour think about the mood you would like to set.  You can have a ‘moody’ house with a few different accents, maybe soft purples in the bedroom and blues in the main living space

 

Here are some of our favourite colour palettes with greys:

Yellow –

This image is an example of some contemporary with an eclectic vibe using a touch of yellow.  This look has a sophisticated vibe because it has introduced some brass touches in the coffee table and the lighting (so another element of yellow) and some bold graphic elements in art and pillows. We also see splashes of a mustard tone in the rug, This classic colour combo can work in a living room, dining room, bedroom anywhere in the house.

 

Pink –

Add some bright, bold and girly glam to your space.  This colour combo is perfect for a bedroom. Again using bold pink accessories in the bedroom makes a statement.  But you could opt for softer and lighter pinks paired with grey for a more romantic feel to your space.

 

Blue –

any shade will do!  You can opt for soft aqua tones for a more rustic country look, bold and deep turquoise tones with shades of grey for a more modern and contemporary feel.  But for something a bit more sophisticated try deep indigo with greys and fresh white. So clean and simple…..

 

Green –

lime green is fun and bright and paired with deep greys is it beautiful and not too serious.  But a deeper truer Kelly green with soft greys is also a great match.  Like yellow it works in any space

 

Orange –

love orange and grey, sophisticated and a bit sporty!  It works with all shades of grey – try layering your grey and add bold pops of orange like in this bedroom.  Don’t forget to play with patterns and prints in this orange tone. A great colour combo and a new classic.

Purple – 

Try pairing soft lavender and soft greys with a few pops of deeper grey and purple (like charcoal and eggplant) for a romantic room – love this combo in a bedroom.  Layering different textures will also add to a romantic space.  But if you opt for bolder, brighter and deeper tones of purple you will get a modern and edgy vibe

 

Don’t forget to add a secondary accent colour just to keep that designer look. 

This image is a great example of adding a secondary accent colour for additional pop.  Here we have a basic and neutral palette with the off-white sofa, light grey carpet and dark wood stain.  Adding the lemonade yellow and the deep teal is a slight spin on a classic combo of yellow and blue.

 

By layering your shades of grey adding a bit of white and/or black and a pop of colour (or two)…you will have a sophisticated and designer look in your space.

0 comment
Share:
house-rules-how-to-hang-art-work

Sure anyone can bang a nail into a wall and hang their art but to get the perfect look in your space, these are the tips and numbers you want to remember next time you are hanging your art

 

What’s the best height to hang artwork?

  • Art should be hung at eye-level with the center of the picture positioned between 56 – 60″ from the floor.
  • When hanging one picture directly above another, treat the two art pieces as one large picture with the center point between them being 56 –60″ from the floor.

 

How many inches apart should I place pictures in a gallery wall?

When hanging multiple pieces of art in a grouping, use a spacing of 1 –3″ between pictures. Smaller pieces of art can be hung a little closer together (1 –  1½”) than larger pieces.

 

How high should I place pictures and other art when hanging it above furniture?

When hanging artwork above a piece of furniture, leave 5 – 9″ of space between the top of the furniture piece and the bottom of the frame. This rule of thumb can be used for hanging art over a console or chest of drawers as well as a sofa or headboard.

 

How high should I hang other wall decor?

Whether it’s a decorative plate wall or a wall display of a favorite collection, a good rule of thumb is to treat the grouping of wall decor as one item and center it at 56 – 60″ off the floor.

 

 

Of course, the most important rule of all is to not be afraid to break the rules! These rule of thumb measurements are great to use as starting points and will help you develop your own eye for hanging artwork at a height that’s perfect in your space. But if something looks and feels right to you but doesn’t fit with these rules, by all means go with your gut and try it out!

 

0 comment
Share:
we-answer-wednesday-small-budge

“My boyfriend and I just moved into our first home.  We are on a super tight budget but we want to make a big impact in our space.  What can we do?”

 

Everyone has a budget when it comes to everyday expenses and of course, when it comes to home decor.  But don’t panic you can make a big and beautiful impact on your space even with a restricted budget.  Best advice for you is – create a feature wall.  A strong feature wall will draw the eye, making the rest of the room less on an issue.  You can make maximum impact with just minimal materials.

 

 

A feature wall could consist of a fireplace (that would be a higher price point), wall paper or bold paint (medium price point depending on the product) – you can get creative with painter’s tape and stencils. How about a feature wall of reclaimed wood planks or a textured brick wall?

 

You can even create a feature wall using furniture, art and other accessories.  Try placing a long rectangular console table against the wall and add lamps, books and/ore decor pieces.  The wall behind the table can be home to one large piece of art, a large mirror or even a grouping of many smaller pieces hung in a gallery style.

 

 

When it comes to selecting your feature wall – generally a larger wall with lots of open space is the way to go.  In other words, a wall with a lot of distractions like lots of light switches, thermostat and other functional elements shouldn’t be the wall of choice.  But having a feature wall in a room with all those ‘distractions’ will pull the focus away from those purely functional features in the room.

A feature wall in another great way to colour, texture and/or print into your space and show off the space and your personality!

0 comment
Share:
7-easy-tips-to-make-small-rooms-feel-big

Just because the rooms in your house are small, doesn’t mean they can’t look big. You can make any space look bigger by using these simple tricks. Transform your small rooms into an inviting, seemingly spacious home. These tips are perfect for anyone looking to sell their home

1. Lighting.

It all starts with light. Lightness evokes space, while darkness constraints and hides it. So first, use all the natural light you can. Don’t block off  windows with heavy or dark curtains or furniture. Instead, frame your furniture around the windows and other appropriate lighting fixtures. A bright room always feels more airy than a dark one. Let the natural light in – open up those blinds and drapes (this is also important for photos) For your photos – have window dressing pulled back and have all the lights on!

2. Color.

With that same idea, use light colors in your home. Your walls, floors, and  ceilings are most important because they take up a lot of space. For maximum impact, your walls and ceiling should be a neutral, light shade that radiates light and your floors will be on the lighter side as well. A paint job on the  walls will make a world of difference and if the floors are a dark color this makes the room feel heavy, try using a large, light-colored area rug. You can use dark colors in your furnishings, but keep them minimal.

3. Clutter.

Get rid of it! For most people, this means packing up about half of the miscellaneous objects scattered around the house. It will probably look a little empty to you, but it will only look like more space. This is this process as a pre-pack and the bonus is you get a great head start and you won’t be lugging all sort of extra unnecessary ‘stuff’ with you to the next space.

4. Mirrors.

It’s a classic trick, but it’s still around because it works. First, make sure there is a large mirror in the bathroom, which is likely the smallest room  in the house. Another one in the bedroom, above the dresser, is preferable.  Then, in the living room or dining room, if a mirror might work  with the space, add it. You could place one over a side table or find an artistic mirror to hang near photos. Because mirrors reflect light and images,  they create the illusion of a bigger space. Mirrors are also great in an entry. But don’t put one in every room, the buyers will catch on

5. Furniture.

First, reduce the amount of furniture in rooms that look cluttered. Less furniture means more space. Then, look at your floor plan. You want open arrangements that don’t block off space. Boxy areas reduce traffic flow and  impede movement. By increasing flow, you can make your house look bigger. Don’t get stuck on how you live in the space – think mass appeal how would this lay out work for most people and in spaces like a family room and living room think about TV placement (this is a top question that buyers ask themselves – where would I put my TV?)

6. Cleanliness.

An airy, clean room will always feel bigger than dusty, stale one. So with  that in mind, do a thorough cleaning job, getting into all those overlooked  areas like corners, fans and lights, behind furniture, and the tops of shelves.  Any little carpet stains, nicks in the walls, or bits of dirt and dust will draw your eye away from the open space and into the dirty details. And open those windows and let some fresh air in, that can do wonders too

7. Books.

On bookshelves, place bigger and darker books on bottom and smaller, lighter  books on top. Its a simple trick that transfers weight to the bottom, leaving  the top more open and light. And don’t over crowd them – it looks messy and it sends the message to buyers that this home is lacking in storage.

I hope these tips help your rooms feel and look bigger,

SHOP NEUTRAL HOME DECOR…

0 comment
Share:
interior-decorating-dos-and-donts

We all want our homes to look their best – so we have a list of the Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Decorating

Don’t: Use White Decor If You Have Kids or Pets

If you have pets or children, white rugs and upholstery are just not in the cards. People love the way they look but never realize that you have to hermetically seal your household to keep them clean.

 

Do: Find Inspiration in Your Travels

Travel as much as you can, and stay on the alert for inspiration wherever you go — you could find a great floor plan in a museum’s period room, or a color in a painting. And don’t just rely on your camera. If you draw something, you’ll really absorb the detail. Or just amazing pieces that you love, display them in an artful way – this is such a great way to show off your style and surround yourself with what you love. After all your home should reflect who you are and what you love.
 

Don’t: Forget About Seating

Today everyone likes rooms sparse, but for a living room, you need the sorts of chairs people can pull up together, so that they want to come into the room and sit down and chat. Think about pieces that can do double duty (especially for smaller spaces) like drum stools, cubes, ottomans – they can act as seating when needs or surface space, plus this is a great way to add colour and texture to the space.

Do: Use Dramatic Color in a Small Space

Color is best used in small spaces that you pass through. A dramatic color in a room where you’re going to be spending a lot of time might feel too heavy or dark, but if you use it in a foyer or pantry, it makes the whole house feel colorful. It also makes the house feel bigger, because it turns a space you might not notice into one that catches your attention. Plus if you are toying with the idea of bold colours in your home, a small room is a great place to start to see if you like it and can live with it…

 

Don’t: Be Afraid to Splurge on Great Pieces

Invest in one great-quality piece. It sometimes hurts in the beginning, but you end up having that piece forever, and it can really carry a room, or even an entire house.

Do: Test Paint Colors in a Big Way

When you test paint colors in a room, make big patches so that you can really see if you need to go darker or lighter, or if it is the right colour for that room depending on light and the other elements in the room like the flooring.  Paint in the store can look completely different in your home and can look completely different room to room.  Also take a look at the paint at different times of the day.

Don’t: Ignore Architectural Details

Respect the architecture of a space. That’s not to say you can’t be surprising — I might use period furniture in a modern room, but I’ll make sure the lines and silhouettes are appropriate. The whole room has to hang together.

 

Do: Trust Your Instincts

‘Be true to yourself, and trust your instincts.’ We all have different points of view — that’s what makes each of us special — and our rooms should be a reflection of that. But if something looks off, it probably is.  We all have a natural inclination towards symmetry and balance

Don’t: Make a Room Too Formulaic

Start a room with a classic furniture layout that’s functional, then add in funky pieces to loosen it up, relax it, and keep it from feeling too formulaic. With the trend continuing toward open concept living in small spaces but with functional floor plans, it is important to have a cohesive look but add unexpected elements to make it fun and not formal.

Do: Draw the Eye With an Interesting Piece

A photographer I worked with taught me the importance of the axial view. When you’re looking down a corridor, you want a wonderful object at the end of it to draw you forward — a sculpture, a chandelier, anything to define the space and pull you in.

 

But what is always a do…DO incorporate the pieces you love and DON’T worry if they are ‘in style’ or ‘trending’ …always DO follow your decorating instinct!

 

0 comment
Share:
15678