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KIDS, SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

Say it with a Letter Board

letter-board

If you are Instagram, Facebook or really out anywhere you have likely seen Letter Boards everywhere! Right now, parents everywhere are using these letter boards to mark the first day of school…Not sure what I’m referring to? See the image below…..

Photo credit: Sandrachile

So cute, right? I remember seeing these mainly at rec centers and churches but now they are everywhere….I really love the cute and funny messages that we see on social media feeds – but I think these would be a great teaching tool.  My 6 year old son is a busy boy. He is extremely tactile and is always using his hands.  He will be starting grade 1 in about 2 weeks and he’s already expressing nervousness about not being able to spell.  These letter boards would be a great tool for him – he gets that tactile element and we can practice letter recognition and get him spelling.  I have one on my amazon ‘wishlist’ (and will purchase once I get my back-to-school shopping done later this week).

I’m so not a fan of magnets all over my fridge – it’s so cluttered and messy looking so this is a great alternative, plus it’s super portable…..

SHOP LETTER BOARDS –

Like the idea of adding a letter board to your decor…I’ve done the ‘window’ shopping for you….and they are all under $30US … and for my Canadian friends, I have included links for you, too

I love this Grey felt letter board for a few reasons.  I love the size it’s 10 x 10 so it’s perfect for kids or just a cute sign for a coffee station or front entry.  And I love the colour grey (it’s a bit softer than black) and the oak frame – it’s perfect if you love that farmhouse look.

Grey Felt 10 x 10 letter board with 300 white letters from Amazon

Link to buy this in Canada, click here

This is the full set….this letter board is larger and a rectangular shape 12 x 18, comes with an easel and canvas bags for the letters – so smart.  I know this would be perfect for a wedding (greeting guests or table numbers). I also love this at an entry or on a wall instead of typical art – change it up with weekly quotes….

Black Felt 12 x 18 letter board with easel from Amazon

Link to buy this in Canada, click here

If you are like me – a bit torn on a grey or black board – problem solved! This letter board has 2 sides…one side is black and the other grey! Again it is 10 x 10 for perfect for a little vignette and again a great size for kids to use.

Double sided felt letter board from Amazon

Link to purchase this in Canada, click here

I know these are a bit of a trend right now but the teacher in me also sees the extra benefit for teaching kids spelling and letter recognition – I also think these could be a great item for a classroom – inspire your students with a weekly quote (maybe have each student pick a quote for the letter board….)

Where would you use a letter board?

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BATHROOMS, SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

The Turkish Towel Trend

turkish-towel-trend

If you have been browsing online on sites like Pinterest or Instagram you have probably noticed that Turkish towels seem to be everywhere….not sure what I’m referring to? Take a look at the image below…

Photo credit: Loving Home Decors

So what is a Turkish Towel?

they are loomed with premium Turkish cotton which has extra long fibers. These towels are known to be fluffier, softer and more absorbent (even after multiple washings) because of the unique material. Personally, I like how light weight they are and that helps them dry out faster. Plus they don’t pill in the washer / dryer – for someone who does a lot of laundry, that’s a good thing!

Photo credit : Room for Tuesday

The above image from Room for Tuesday – is a perfect example of how adding a Turkish towel to your bathroom adds an organic touch to a space.  These soft beige and white Turkish towels are clean and so fresh looking – the tassels add that boho feel.  Take the tour of this bathroom reveal – it’s fantastic! And you can see how a small and simple piece can do so much for a room…

Some Turkish towels in grey and white tones were a perfect accessory in this model home – we decorated about 1 year ago – I love the way they drape, the soft tones and of course, how soft they are.

Shop Turkish Towels –

I love the simple stripe detail on this Turkish towel – the tassels add that boho vibe – don’t like beige? This towel comes in all sorts of great colours….Click for more details

Turkish towels aren’t just for the bathroom – they work great in the kitchen, too! Add a bit of ‘tassel’ detail to your kitchen with a set of Turkish dish cloths – like this set of 4 these also come in multiple colours…

You might think that Turkish towels only come in stripes but no, they are available in bolder colours and in patterns, too! I love this one for a beach blanket!

What do you think of this trend?

SHOP TURKISH TOWELS….

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HOLIDAYS, SHOPPING FINDS

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

valentines-day-gift-guide

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and yes, gifts aren’t the only way to express your love but they are a sweet way to show your friends and family and express your love for them.

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive or lavish – a small and simple little something is often best! Here are some of our favourites….

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

The simple design of this mug makes it a lovely gift for anyone The ‘Love’ Mug by Ed Ellen Degeneres crafted by Royal Doulton  

 

One of my favourite gifts to give (any time of the year) is a book. I often give my kids books for birthdays, Christmas and other holidays.  For this Valentine’s Day, a book might be a great idea for your little ones….Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool

 

Chocolate is a classic but I love these limited edition ‘Be Mine’ Tic Tacs – these are great for a class party or office colleagues….

 

Laugh a little …with these cute pillow covers – Couples pillow covers

 

For the LEGO lover …. this Valentine’s Day LEGO kit is just too cute! I know my son would love it! LEGO Bricks Valentine’s Cupid Dog

 

Don’t forget about ‘Galentine’s Day’ – I love these fun wine labels they add some humour and sass to a girl’s night out. Be My Galentine wine labels.

 

 

I often purchase a small token for each of my kids on Valentine’s Day and I have to say I love getting their homemade crafts and cards (I know they put so much effort and love into creating them, too). I know there are a lot of ‘haters’ when it comes to Valentine’s Day but remember that this day is not just about romantic love it’s about all love – love for your family, your friends, your pets and maybe even teat yourself!

 

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HOME STYLING, SHOPPING FINDS

Get the Look: Small front entry with Scandinavian style

get-look-small-front-entry-scandinavian-style

If you have a small entry by your main door do not think that you cannot have a functional space with style. A recent client of ours was struggling with this dilemma of a small (almost not entry – as there was no defined entry space) and she needed a spot for keys, mail, last minute make up check before heading out and of course, a touch of style.  She is a huge fan of Scandinavian style with the function and minimal decor and in a small space this really works!

Small Front Entry Inspiration

Photo credit: Homeyohmy

When it comes to finding inspiration for projects – starting online is the best! There is an endless supply of styles, looks and overall ideas.  I stumbled upon this image and this was just perfect! A beautiful balance of style and function – just what our client was looking for in her entry.

We made a few tweaks to this look in order to suit her space….

Shop the look : Small front entry with Scandinavian style

If you do not have a front hall closet or really much closet space – you need to get creative.  a wall mounted hook is a perfect solution to hang up what you need – jacket, sweater, hat even a dog leash…


Beaton Wall Hook is unfortunately no longer available but here is a similar option
from: Wayfair

A narrow console table is a must in a small entry – it offers some great surface space for a small bowl for keys, loose change and mail – it’s also a great spot for some extra lighting or a touch of decor.


George Oliver Woodbury Narrow Console Table – this model is no longer available but here is a similar option
from: Wayfair

A mirror is a useful ‘tool’ at a front entry as it allows for last minute checks before heading out the door plus a mirror makes a space appear larger, so if you have a small front entry – this can really help open it up…..


Beachcrest Bonnie Coastal Wall Mirror
from: Wayfair

A basket is perfect for storing items that you still need regular access to – for instance mittens, hats, yoga mat, umbrella and pet supplies like toys….I love the natural texture that these woven baskets bring to the vignette.

DUFMOD Large Natural Basket

from Amazon

I love the texture and pop of colour that plants add to a space – if you don’t have a green thumb don’t worry! These preserved eucalyptus branches don’t need any extra care just add them to a vase and you are done!

Preserved Eucalyptus Branches

from Amazon

This fluted pure white vase is the perfect piece to hold your eucalyptus branches – I love the simplicity of this vase and of course you could use it for fresh flowers anywhere in your home.

White ceramic fluted vase

from Amazon

Some type of seating is really ideal by the front door….so this minimalist looking 3 legged stool is just perfect for anyone needing a spot to sit while putting on or taking off their shoes.  This one fits beautifully under the console so it doesn’t take up a lot of the space and I love the mix of natural unfinished wood with the dipped legs in black.

Small wood 3 legged stool

from Etsy

This look is so fresh and clean yet functional – I just love it and so does our client!


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SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

5 Best Scandinavian Rugs

scandinavian-rugs

Scandinavian Rugs…

If you have been following home decor trends no doubt you have come across Scandinavian inspired rugs.  Typically they are black and white and with some type of ‘tribal’ pattern.  The shapes and patterns look almost hand drawn. Many of these rugs have a shaggy texture adding to the character of this trend.

Photo credit : 79ideas.org

This hand woven rug is a great example of the Scandinavian rugs that are trending now.  These rugs add a bold pop of pattern in a space so for those of your that like a clean and minimal look but worry that it might be boring – this is a perfect option!

These rugs are versatile

Scandinavian inspired rugs also work well with industrial style – they are neutral, they add some texture and print into an industrial space plus the ‘hand drawn’ designs work with the imperfect nature of industrial style. The blend of minimal and clean Scandinavian style and the raw material industrial look have created a look known as Scandi-industrial

Photo credit : Kathy Kuo Home

Scandinavian rugs also work well with modern farmhouse – the subtle and neutral designs add visual interest to this farmhouse look –  we used a Scandinavian inspired rug in one of our recent model home designs – we love the subtle and soft pattern in the space.  The mix of textures and patterns in this room make this space interesting and deep.

Shop Scandinavian Rugs…

Love the look of these neutral pattern rugs? So do we! Here are some of our favourite Scandinavian inspired rugs …

This rug is a great find on amazon – we love the black and white motif and the pattern is visually interesting and has a ‘tribal’ inspired feel.

This rug is very similar to the one we used in our recent model home project.  This pattern is very subtle and the cool combination of grey and white is very one trend.

This rug is a great deal on Amazon (8 x 10 for under $300!) – has a bit more contrast with the ivory and charcoal tone and the pattern is so unique -which is why we love it!

More black and white …. the diamond pattern is popular in these Scandinavian rugs and this one has some amazing shaggy textures which brings some texture to the room.

This rug has such a unique pattern (imagine this paired with some reclaimed wood) – it’s like art on the floor!

We love what area rugs can do for a room…don’t you?

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SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

How to decorate with Rose Gold

decorate-rose-gold

I am working on an exciting new design project with a client  – I will be sure to reveal this mystery client and the project as soon as we can- but for now we want to share one element that is inspiring us right now for this project…rose gold!

Yes, I know rose gold isn’t new but it is the first time that I have had a client to work with that has really embraced this stunning colour.

Rose gold…

is a sexy and feminine colour that blends gold and a soft pink.  It is warm, girly, sultry and we love it! Our client is a big fan, too and since this space that we are designing is all about her – we are definitely adding this tone to the space.

 Inspiration….

I love blending this warm metallic with shades of grey, white and millennial pink . When I am  designing spaces for clients I love for them to show me some images that inspired them …

Photo credit : Wedluxe

No, I’m not planning a wedding – but this image really sums up the elements that our clients likes – the florals that are full and subtle, the soft colour palette, the reflective surfaces (shiney and sparkly), the simplicity of the pieces and of course, the rose gold…

Photo credit : Flooring Canada Simcoe

Rose gold doesn’t just have to be in metal texture.  This room is another source of inspiration – it is so feminine and light.  All of the layers in this bedroom make it so dreamy and light.  Plus the pairing of the clean white walls with rose gold and blush tones is just so stunning.

Shop ….

1 light pendant in rose gold finish – these would look amazing over a kitchen island (if you want a feminine touch in your kitchen) or these could be a great light flanking a bed…

24″ Bar stool in rose gold finish – add some glam to your kitchen or bar space with these bar stools…

‘Tres Bien –  Art’ – Add some sparkle to your walls with this art piece in a metallic finish…this would be a fun addition in a bathroom or a bedroom for a teen.

Instead of art on the wall add some interest and function with this oversized 28″ wall clock

Love these faux silk pattern throw pillows they would look great on a bed with a bit of a glamorous feel like a tufted headboard – or a great accent in a feminine office space.

This accent stool is a great way to add this metal texture and tone to a space – this could be used as extra seating and even a side table for an accent chair.

This floral baroque rug is so feminine and pretty – this would be perfect in a feminine office…

I love this style of chair – it’s great as a small space accent chair, dining or kitchen table chair or even guest chairs in an at home office. This side chair also has a high shine finish that I like….

Metallic finishes and pieces can look very masculine but this is a great option for anyone looking for a warmer and feminine feel to add to their space….What do you think of this metallic tone?

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SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

Deep purple Home decor favourites

friday-favourites-deep-purple

Deep purple is the colour focus for this week. Shades of plum, wine and aubergine are some of our favourite fall colours to work with – they are deep, rich and warm plus they work with the standard golden yellow and orange tones. But they transition well into the cold winter months, too.

Deep Purple Inspiration

You can be inspired by anything – we love the rich and warm colour combination of this bridal bouquet from an Fall wedding.  See how lovely the orange, deep purple and wine tones work together

Photo credit : Classy Petals

This eclectic living room / meeting room adds a bold statement with the plum area rug. The green velvet sofa adds another bold element and the furry mustard pillows really pull the two together.  This room has a mix of different styles to create this eclectic boho look.

Photo credit : my domaine

Yes, you can decorate with this hue…

When it comes to working with a big statement colour like deep purple you only need a bit to make a statement.  This living room in clean white tones is light and bright. By adding this signature velvet aubergine tone chair in the colour adds depth to the space (plus it looks so comfortable).  Paired with the different tones and textures – this colour adds a unique pop to this space.

Photo credit : jillianharris.com

When it comes to decorating with purple hues – you can always opt for something softer and even something with more of a grey tone.  This bedroom is a great example of grey-purple tones of various degrees. The accent pillows on the bed vary in pattern and shades of purple and the walls are painted in a grey-purple tone as well.  The purple hue is balances out with neutrals like white and black.

Photo credit : Sarah Richardson Design

Shop …Deep Purple

Here are some of our favourite deep purple pieces for the home…

This vintage finish hand-knotted area rug  – is a great way to add this deep jewel tone to your space plus there are many other colours in this rug that you could use as inspiration in your space…

This knitted textured pouf is a true purple.  The texture and tones are so rich and this pouf would add a great punch in any room.

A wreath is a great front door accessory but we also love decorating with wreaths indoors too. You can add a wreath to a front door vignette, gallery wall or as fireplace mantle decor.  This wreath from Amazon is such a great find – we love the rich and warm purple wine tones paired with the herb greens and that texture!

Urban Barn is one of our favourite stores and these stunning geode inspired coasters come in a set of 4 but unfortunately they are no longer available. But here is something similar and they are another great way to add this rich tone to your space

Pillows are a great accent piece because with literally no effort or mess you can transform the look of your space.  These deep aubergine toned pillows are a great pair to add to your sofa or bed.  This tone works well with all neutrals but also is a great match with olive green, mustard, teal and even millennial pink.

Art hangings are always a great way to switch up your home decor and add some colour! This purple tree print from Minted is a clean and chic piece that would be perfect in a bedroom, living room or entry.  The white matte and frame really let the deep purple tones stand out!

Adding just a few pops of this deep (and timeless) tone can really add a warmth and richness to any room.  You don’t need a lot to make an impact!

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HOME DECOR, SHOPPING FINDS

Friday Favourites : Large Clocks

friday-favourites-large-clocks

Friday Favourites this week ….Large clocks!  They are one of our favourite ways to add wall decor to a space.  Large Wall mounted clocks are a great way to fill up an empty wall space but they are also very useful! You can hang these clocks on their own or even add one to a gallery wall. There are so many styles of wall clocks, so you will be sure to find one that suits your style.

Decorating with Large Clocks

Here are some great inspiration images for how you can decorate with an over sized clock.

Photo credit : Magnolia Market

This area is perfect for serving drinks and snacks in this ‘bunk room’.  The aged finish of the large clock adds character to this space and the light contrast with the wall colour is soothing and fresh.

Photo credit : Kirkland’s

This oversized roman numeral wall clock has a touch of a traditional feel but pair with with more casual pieces like the natural wood console table at this entry and some farmhouse textures – it looks more relaxed plus have the clock leaning (instead of wall mounting it) makes it look less formal. Clocks at an entry is beautiful but also practical!

This is a model townhome we styled just recently… and we used a large farmhouse style clock for above the fireplace.  We love the galvanized metal trim and the rustic rope (plus it was easy to hang).  Its fills up this fireplace wall space and the round shape adds some softness to the room as well.

Shop large Clocks

We have rounded up some of our favourite large clocks from various stores that we love for the home

The Dresden Wall Clock – available at Urban Barn – is one of our favourites! We love the painted wood plank detail, the antique trim finish and the roman numerals add another aged feel to this piece.

This Industrial style Wall clock is available on Amazon and the simplicity of this clock is a perfect piece to add to a space with some loft inspiration with an industrial look – this would look great mounted on a brick wall.

This Iron Tower Large Wall Clock from Wayfair would be a great additional to a traditional style space or even a farmhouse look.  We love the simplicity of this piece and in the oversized scale it adds great presence to any room.

We love design elements that are beautiful but also practical….do you have a clock in your space? Maybe it’s time to add one …

LOOKBOOK FOR WALL CLOCKS…

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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR, SHOPPING FINDS

Friday Favourites : Fall decor finds

friday-favourites-fall-decor-finds

We know that summer is still here and we are soaking up the fun in the sun but fall isn’t that far away and of course, we love fall decor! The fall is all about adding nature elements to your space and getting cozy with soft textures – we love the harvest theme and of course those stunning fall tones.

Photo credit: Craftberry Bush

So in preparation for one of our favourite seasons we have rounded up some of our favourite fall decor finds.

Fall decor finds:

A definite fall decor must are some pumpkins…we are really loving the look of white pumpkins – they work with a more modern or contemporary style home or anyone who just doesn’t want to dive right into the orange, red and golden tones of the season.  These white pumpkins look great in a simple bowl, add them to a tablescape or style them on a tray or coffee table.

 

Pillows are a fun a simple way to spruce up your decor and celebrate the season or holiday.  again we are loving these unconventional autumn tones like the warm whites and even light blue tones.  This pillow is a wonderful addition – we love it for an entry vignette.

 

We love curling up with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on those crisp fall days.  We don’t turn the heat on just yet so we wrap up in a chunky knit blanket – this chunky knit blanket is perfect for a bedroom or living room.  The chunky texture adds a lot of character to any space.

We love inspirational words and quotes in our homes, on pillows or wall decor.  This ‘grateful and blessed’ sign is a great reminder for the everyday but it fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday.

Candle light is a great way to add ambience to your space – whether it is a bubble bath, a romantic dinner or just relaxing at home with a movie or book – candles really add soft and subtle lighting to the room.  We love these flameless LED candles – they are very authentic looking and we love that they are safe.

Fall decor is really about embracing the beauty of nature.  Bringing in the tones and textures that we see outside and bringing them inside – this wood dough bowl has a rustic look and it’s perfect for a kitchen island – fill it with seasonal fruit like apples for a simple and healthy snack.

A fall wreath is a must and we love the farmhouse look of this wreath – the mix of neutral tone sand textures is just beautiful and is quite transitional  in style plus this wreath comes with some personalizing options like scent and the message on the sign!

Fall is such a beautiful time of year to celebrate and when it comes to fall decor finds there are so many and we will likely find some more fall decor inspiration through our shopping excursions but for now these are our fall favourites…

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES, SHOPPING FINDS, Uncategorized

Friday Favourite – Quirky Pillows

friday-favourite-quirky-pillows

It’s Friday time to round up our favourites of the week – instead of rounding up our favourite piece from our shopping trips we have decided to share a favourite items we love to add to our decor projects –  ‘quirky’ pillows!

What do we mean by ‘quirky’ pillows?

You have probably noticed over the past 2-3 years that accent pillows with fun or wise sayings have been everywhere… and we love this fun trend too! We have used some in our model home projects and also some of our client decor projects. These ‘quirky’ pillows are a great way to express your style and personality all at once! Plus they are an affordable way to freshen up your home decor.

Pillows are a great and affordable way to update a bedroom or living room.  These quirky and fun pillows are a way to show personality in your space – they set a mood and show off your attitude!

Pillows…

Are a great way to add a splash of colour, print, texture and in this post we are rounding up our favourite ‘quirky’ pillows! Layer one of these into your current scheme. Choose a pillow with a fun or funny saying, something inspirational or wise … there is a ‘quirky’ pillow for everyone!

Favourite ‘Quirky’ Pillows:

The message of this pillow is simple – when it comes to adding this to your decor take inspiration from the colours in this pillow.

 

This is a great pillow cover for a dog lover – it can be added to most decor schemes too…

Kids love quirky pillows too – this ‘PLAY’ pillow is great for a kids bedroom or a playroom.

 

We posted earlier about pineapple decor but here is another great quirky pillow featuring pineapples…love the message!

This Mr&Mrs lumbar pillow is a great anniversary gift or house warming gift – it’s cute on an accent chair or a bed.

 

Quirky pillows are also a fun addition to your decor for the seasons and the holidays…

Sometimes these pillows say what we are all thinking….like this one ‘more summer’! Who doesn’t want that?!

 

Pillows are another way to celebrate the seasons – this Fall pillow is fun and cheery and a perfect addition to a sofa or front entry welcoming friends and family!

 

Halloween is a holiday that is very much about decor so why not add a pillow like this one to your space to celebrate the spooky season….

Show off your personality with a quirky pillow,


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