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HOME STAGING, OUTDOORS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Curb Appeal

August 19, 2015

“My husband and I will be putting our home on the market but not for a few months. By the time, it is listed for sale we will be in Sunny Florida. The interior of the home will be clean and tidy, plus it will be furnished but do we need to get regular outdoor maintenance taken care of?”

It’s so great that you are planning ahead for the sale of your home. The interior of the home being clean, tidy and staged is great but don’t forget about the exterior! Yes, everyone loves to see a beautifully manicured lawn, lush and colourful gardens and green trees in the summer months but that doesn’t mean that curb appeal doesn’t play a role in the other months, too.

Curb appeal isn’t just a summer thing, it’s important year round! The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see and if it is not well maintained that could be a bit of a red flag to buyers. You also you want to make a good first impression and a welcoming one, too. And in the winter months, not maintaining your exterior can also be a safety issue – those are equally important factors when it comes to selling your home.

The summer months are definitely the prettiest months for curb appeal but a well maintained exterior is noticeable all year long. So much of the monthly maintenance is dependent on your climate but here are some helpful tips.

In the fall months –

*sweep the porch and walkway, and driveway
*make sure all light bulbs are in working order (the days are getting shorter so lights will be very important)
*the grass is still growing so be sure to have it cut
*for some extra curb appeal some fall planters or a wreath maybe even some pumpkins to celebrate the fall season.

In the winter months-

*be sure to shovel the porch,driveway and walkways,
*salt or sand those areas too
*again be sure that the light bulbs are fully functional and set to turn on at dusk, this is great for showings but also anyone driving by
*to add some extra curb appeal you can add a winter wreath!

In the spring months-

*the grass isn’t quite green yet but the flowers are starting to bloom (depending on the climate) so give your lawn a bit of a rake to remove any winter debris
*clear off the porch, walkways and driveways (debris, salt/sand and any garbage)
*for some extra impact bring out some colourful outdoor pillows to any bench or seating, add a spring floral wreath
*later in the spring add some planters with spring flowers to add some colour

Before you put your home on the market be sure to check that your exterior has the following:

– a clear address plate (you want buyers and agents to find your property)
– the paint on the front door isn’t chipped or peeling
– the front steps are in good condition
– the mail box, grip set and door bell are in good working condition
– windows close and open easily
– the exterior materials (brick, siding etc…) are in good condition

Any buyer that comes to your home should be ‘WOW’ed by it and it shouldn’t matter if it is May or January. Make that impression every time!

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Family Photos

August 12, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instead of displaying your photos, try these ideas instead.

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

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

Another alternative is over sized art

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

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

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Monochromatic Decorating At Home

August 5, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep your home decor calm and carry on….

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How To Style My Bedside Tables

July 22, 2015

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

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

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

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

The night stand furniture piece –

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

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

Lighting –

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

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

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

Art or Mirrors –

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

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

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

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

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

Accessories –

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

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

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

Anytime we stack things it just looks neater.

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

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

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

When it comes to styling…

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

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BATHROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to make a kids’ bathroom kid friendly but not too childish

July 8, 2015

“We are a family of 5. My 3 kids share a bathroom in our new home – which is great! I would love some ideas to make the bathroom ‘kid friendly’ and fun but still stylish since it is also used for out of town guests. We have a great palette to work with – it’s all white!”

What a find! A home with a full bathroom just for the kids, that can really make life easier! Being able to make their bathroom ‘kid friendly’ will be fun and easy – they will love it, too!

Since your bathroom is all white, your options are endless. Because this bathroom is also going to be used for other guests – we highly recommend sticking with some neutral tones that will work well for all ages. So even if you were going to do a bathroom renovation, we would still suggest staying in a neutral colour palette (paint is easy enough to update but tiles and counter tops are more involved and costly). If the all white palette, is just too much white, we love the look and feel of a fresh bathroom so if you are open and considering paint – opt for soft grey tones or perhaps even light blue. To add the fun and kid friendly touches – accessories are the best way to go! Easy updates that are affordable and not permanent!

Accessories can really add to a basic bathroom – bath mats, shower curtains, towels, art are all great ways to add some colour, texture and pattern to the space.

For the decor, you may want to choose a theme for the bathroom. A theme will give you some direction when it comes to putting it all together. Does it all have to match? No. But it is a great guideline for when you are shopping. A nautical or beach theme are both popular ones because they do translate well with kids and adults, plus they are calming and soothing. You don’t need to go over board with a theme just a few touches can set the scene. See the image below for some inspiration on how to go light with a theme. The colour palette is soft and light. The art and the oar towel hooks are a unique nod to the theme, it’s cute for kids but suitable for adults sharing the space, too.

When it comes to kids’ bathrooms you need to make it accessible and organized with them in mind.
For instance, hanging towels on a hook is much easier for them. Hang your hooks at a height that they can reach.

We love this paddle with hooks paired with simple nautical themed art.

Towels are another great way to add some colour and/or pattern to the bathroom. For a little extra fun and organization, we love monogrammed or personalized towels like these ones from Pottery Barn Kids

A shower curtain is another great way to make a colourful ‘splash’ in the bathroom – print, texture and colour. We love to select a common thread in terms of colour in the towels and the shower curtain. Kids LOVE colour but it can get crazy, if you let them! So we suggest a great basic palette like this one with navy blue and white and then add yellow, orange, green or red to this classic colour combo, with towels, soap dispenser etc….Again, a great balance for everyone using this space.

Art in a bathroom really adds visual interest and really completes the room. There are some great pieces for kids. Some of our favourites are so simple and smart since they encourage daily hygiene and bathroom chores

These Superhero Bathroom Rules available on Etsy

Wall Decals are also a great addition to your bathroom walls. Again we love the idea of ‘Bathroom Rules’,a great reminder for kids.

Organization is so important. So labeled jars, bins, baskets etc…are a great way to keep the kids organized. Be sure to keep the routine simple and consistent.

These floating shelves are a great idea if you are low on counter space. Having them personalized with every day items is a great idea

If you do have more counter top space, try small baskets or even mason jars.

Other accessories can really add the fun in a bathroom – soap dispensers, shower curtain hooks, hand towels, Kleenex box, trash can and more. There are many sets in many different themes,perfect for kids!

The best advice when it comes to adding decor to a bathroom that is shared with adults and kids – is to not go overboard. So if you have a kids’ theme shower curtain maybe go neutral with most of the towels (the hand towels can be a bit punchy since they are small) or if you want the shower curtain and towels more basic then have fun with the art and accessories (like these Monster ones seen above). When every element of the bathroom is a kid piece or theme, that’s when it is no longer adult friendly.

But have fun – the bathroom is a perfect space to get whimsical and creative!

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BEDROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 5 Headboards for the Bedroom

July 1, 2015

“I am in the process of decorating my bedroom. I don’t currently have a headboard but it’s something I’ve been looking for. I just can’t decide what style I like. What are my options?”

Great question! A head board is often a focal point in the bedroom, so we understand wanting to choose the perfect style for your space! Choosing “staple” pieces for your home can be a daunting task, there is so much to choose from and so many to love! Believe me, we get that.

The most important thing is that your new headboard suits your space. Of course mixing styles is a fabulous idea and one we definitely recommend. While it may be a contrasting style, it has to flow and be harmonious. Having a random item that doesn’t seem to go with anything else will stand out like a sore thumb. If you are starting from scratch, you have tons of choices!

If you have existing décor in the space, our challenge now is to make your space beautiful and cohesive. Headboards come in all shapes, sizes, colours, textures, materials and with varying detail work. Narrow down what you like.Do you like button tufting? Great! We have a jumping off point. Are you into reclaimed wood? Fabulous! What tone and texture will complement your room?

Having a certain décor style that you like will help with this process. If your home has country flair or if it’s contemporary, try to stay true to those styles.

Here are some suggestions for headboard styles.

Leather:

this is a classic choice and will go with most décor styles. Depending on the colour you chose and the detail work, certain aspects will sway a leather headboard. A white leather headboard is typically a very modern look. Black or Brown leather is a more masculine fabric. A leather headboard is a safe option for a space.

Nail Head:

This is a very nice touch to add to a room. A more contemporary/traditional option but can work with a more rustic décor when mixed with the right pieces. A nail head detail is a beautiful option, the nail heads can be brass, chrome, brushed nickel or gold.

Choose something that will go with the existing hardware in your room (maybe dresser pulls or door knobs?). BUT you don’t have to. We are also big fans of mixing metals. Nail head detail works on both fabric and leather.

Button Tufting:

Button tufting is similar to a nail head detail in the sense that is versatile. This is a great option with a traditional or country room. The detail is a bit fussier than a nail head but still a great choice! Play with colour when choosing this style! Button tufting is great on leather and fabric as well.

Fabric:

The material options are extensive. So are the colour and pattern options. Depending on your style, fabric is a fabulous way to incorporate a unique element into your room and for the savvy DIY-er, also relatively easy to upholster an existing headboard and customize it with your own fabric and details.

Wood:

Wood is a fabulous option for a country or rustic/industrial style home. What’s most interesting about this is how authentic and natural it looks. There are so many stains, washes, textures etc. with wood so you can be super creative. The various tones available are too many to count and having a natural element in your space is a great way to bring the outdoors in!

Play with colour! Play with height! Play with shapes! There are SO many choices, do some research and see what speaks to you. Then go from there! Recognize what your style is and then build off of that. Be creative!

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HOME STYLING, TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 9 Gallery Wall Ideas

June 17, 2015

“I love the look of gallery walls. I’m in the process of creating one in my own home right now but I want to add more than just photos. What are some suggestions for adding other pieces to the display?”

Great question! Creating a gallery wall is a fabulous way to personalize your space to exactly what you want. Since when you are decorating a wall, pretty well anything goes, there are really no rules!

There are lots of great options for adding unique pieces!

1. Taxidermy Heads

Such a fun addition to any space! There are so many different materials, shapes, sizes, textures and colours available for you to personalize your home with.

2. Mirrors

All shapes and sizes! Do you want an antique mirror? Do you love colored framed mirrors? Whatever you like! Adding a mirror will give a different texture and will add a new dimension to the arrangement!

3. Letters

I don’t mean penned letters, although, an interesting thought. Adding letters from the alphabet in various finishes and sizes – not sure which letter to add? Try the first letter of your family name.

4. Plates

Many people have beautiful collectables and are unsure how to display them, Instead of having them hidden in grandma’s old cabinet, display them as art! There are super easy ways to mount plates, and what a great way to showcase a sentimental family collection

5. Decorative Frames

You didn’t even have to fill them! Choosing interesting shaped or colored frames and leaving them open to show the wall is a great way to show off a paint colour, without adding too much clutter either!

6. Wreath

Adding some greenery is an interesting option as well! This is a great option for a more country/rustic style space. Its unique and the variety of texture will certainly make a statement!

7. Clocks

Adding in an assortment of clocks is a super cool way to do something different in your space! As with many decor items – the options are endless!

8. Art

Incorporating an art piece in the midst of your family photos and arrangement is another beautiful addition. For many families, this is a way to add in children’s artwork and help their little ones showcase their special pictures!

9. Wall Decals

This is a cost effective option for a few reasons: stickers are not overly expensive, and they don’t leave nail holes or ruin the paint when they come down! Adding quotes or phrases that have a beautiful meaning to you are a lovely touch to include in your decorative arrangement.

Another great way to do a gallery wall is on floating shelves. All of these suggestions could be done on floating shelves, whether it is leaning against them, or hung over top. Be creative! This is your home – let your personality shine through!

A gallery wall is a great way to show off your personality and style – we both have one in our home and it just adds a warmth to our spaces…

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WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Easy Ideas for Additional Seating

June 10, 2015

“My boyfriend and I live in a small home. We love our home but we know it isn’t massive. We love to have friends and family over for movie and game night but we never seem to have enough space on the sofa. How can we have extra seating in our small space?”

Entertaining in a small space can feel a bit cramped but if you think double-duty pieces you should be able to get a lot of mileage out of your furniture.

In a small space, you really want to maximize as much as you can. so we always suggest the largest sofa that will fit in the space. You will get a lot of comfy seating for guests but for yourselves, too.

So now that you have a big, comfy (yet stylish) sofa. You can start adding some occasional or accent chairs/seating.

1. A slim accent chair.

You have a lot of choice when it comes to selecting an accent chairs. You could purchase an additional chair for your dining set or you could just use one from your dining set (this is a great if you are really tight on space). The different styles for dining chairs are endless. So You can easily find something that will work in your space.

Some of our favourite chairs are ghost chairs. They have a bit of a traditional look but with material gives it a modern twist. These are also amazing in a dining room with a wood table.

And when it comes to decorating smaller spaces we always recommend that you keep the same style throughout say industrial instead of changing styles from room to room – that will make the space look and feel choppy.

2. A slipper chair.

Another great option. A slipper chair is armless so it isn’t bulky. It has a leaner look but still comfortable. This style of chair comes is many finishes – we love a patterned slipper chair! It can make such an impact.

3. Stools.

Stools are maybe not the best for lounging on a movie night but we love them because they are great for a casual gathering like a cocktail party. They don’t take up a lot of room and they can easily be moved around. Plus they can also be used as a foot stool when needed.

We love the look (and ease) of these African inspired wood stools. They are a comfortable seat, visually they don’t add bulkiness and the style works in this space.

If your style is a bit more glam or traditional we love these T-frame stools that are positioned in front of the fireplace. We have used this style of stool for both home staging and with our interior decorating clients. They are another easy seating piece and you can really get playful with colour and pattern.

4. Poofs.

We love poofs. Again easy seating, great look and ‘portable’. They come in so many styles too. Another great way to add colour and texture to your space.

We love how they can also be tucked under a console or coffee table. This image is a great example of styling a small space – the light colour palette, the glass coffee table and these leather poofs. Extra seating or footstools and so chic!

This style of poof is a little more relaxed and casual but still cool and comfortable. Position them where ever you like. these are also great if you have children or ever have children visiting – they will love them! Some poofs in this style even have removable covers – so easy to wash!

5. Small ottomans.

Another favourite of ours. These are a little more structured than the casual/relaxed poofs but the same fashion and function and variety, too! We love them in pairs!

There are so many seating alternatives, we personally love ones that are easily moved around…you never know when people will just pop by…

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How To Mix Patterns

May 27, 2015

“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!

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HOME STYLING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How do I style my coffee table?

May 20, 2015

“I am an avid design magazine reader. I always try to mimic what I see in photos, but something I always struggle to get right is my coffee table. I love the look in magazines but I can’t seem to get it right at home. What’s the trick to styling a coffee table?”

Great Question!
This is always a tricky one because while we of course want to have a beautiful table, we also use coffee tables in a functional way. So where is the balance? Depending on what kind of coffee table you have, the options truly are endless….

Photo from Domaine

Using trays is a great option! Especially for ottomans.

Since an ottoman is a fabric or leather surface, having a tray on top is a great functional additional, but also a great décor piece! Depending on the size of the tray, using beautiful hardcover books is a great décor item. Adding some greenery also adds a bit of colour to the display. If you have the space and it doesn’t look cluttered, add a beautiful candle or a bunch of candles.

Trays don’t necessarily have to only be used on an ottoman either. Using one on a solid surface is a great place to neatly have your decorative pieces together, while still leaving space for drinks etc. for your guests and family.

If your coffee table has a bottom shelf…

Don’t forget to add some decorative pieces down there. Hardcover books, magazines, and decorative accessories are great on the bottom shelf.

Adding vases with flowers is a classic option for a coffee table. Having beautiful fresh flowers not only look good – but smell nice too! Using a colourful vase is a great addition to the space.

Depending on the size of your coffee table, try adding a few lanterns. They give the table some height while also having an interesting piece as an accessory. Incorporating interesting objects are a great way to add visual interest to the space, as well as giving you and your guests a conversation starter! Bowls, vases, candles, abstract objects and even picture frames are welcome additions to a coffee table.

Now, the trick is to have items that are to scale with your furniture. If you are going to incorporate oversize pieces, make sure you don’t have too much stuff in addition to them.

Having a cluttered tabletop isn’t going to achieve the ‘designer look’ you’re aiming for. It’s all about the right balance.

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