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WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

we-answer-wednesday-kitchen-backsplas

“I moved into my townhouse a year ago.  I love my kitchen!  it’s white with light grey counter top and grey tile floor.  This summer I want to add a back splash but I’m not sure what to choose.  Any advice?”

A white kitchen is classic and a great choice for a smaller space.  It’s light and bright and in terms of resale, it has mass appeal. Adding a backsplash is a simple update that isn’t disruptive to your life at home. A backsplash in a kitchen is like adding jewelry to an outfit – it really pulls it all together.  This year in tile it was all about shape, the colours were all neutral but the shapes were the focus.

For a back splash, you have lots of options.

Subway tile –

this is a classic and you cannot go wrong with this option.  Seen here in a brick or staggered formation it mimics the look of brick.  A typical subway tile is 3″ x 6″ but there are variations in size.  In terms of colour – a soft grey is a good neutral option as is white but you could also go with a charcoal for a more dramatic look.  If you are thinking you might sell in about 3-5 years choose something with some longevity like a neutral tone.

Stainless Steel Tile –

this has a bit more of an industrial edge.  This material works well in a kitchen as it’s easy to clean and maintain.  You will also have a lot of shapes and sizes to choose from.  This also looks great in a kitchen that has stainless steel appliances.

Glass mosaic tile –

this option was super popular a few years ago.  This is still seen today but more tone on tone like the image here.  Various shades of grey and a mix of clear and frosted glass.  Again, a soft look with a bit of texture and shine – ideal for a smaller kitchen.

Marble tile –

Marble is so classic and elegant but we have been seeing it in more modern and contemporary spaces, too.  It is a material that requires a lot of maintenance when installed as a counter top but as a back splash not to so much.  The natural variation and veins make it visually interesting and it look amazing when paired with grey and white.

 

Hexagon tile –

a popular shape in 2015 for backsplashes and floors.  Try this in a neutral tone and it will give even the most ‘tired’ kitchen a fresh look.  The shape is interesting  but not over the top.  Hexagon tiles also look incredible in bathrooms too, in a shower as an accent or on the shower floor.

 

Herringbone formation –

still looking for something a bit different but not totally off the wall? Try a herringbone formation.  Using a subway tile, instead of staggering the tile you lay it in a ‘zig zag’ format.  Herringbone is a pattern we often see in menswear but we are seeing it in tiles.  Stick with a neutral colour palette and a grout that is a few shades lighter (or darker) than the tile so that the pattern shows.  This also looks great on a floor with a 12 x 24 tile.

Arabesque tile –

this is a shape that’s recently popular.  It adds an elegant touch to a kitchen.  Again, use a grout with some pigmentation so that the shape is evident.  It’s lovely in white and soft grey.

Kitchen back splash tiles are that final touch that really pull it all together!

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“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.

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“My husband and I have a vacation property – we love being there but we aren’t up there all of the time since we both still work full time.  We will be renting it out to vacationers but there is a lot of competition in our area – how can we set ourselves apart?”

 

Great question!  Vacations are what we all dream of …so your property needs to be that dream.  Regardless of the location of your rental (mountain getaway or beach escape) your rental needs to look it’s best!  If you are hoping to rent it for top dollar to make some extra income you will want to spend some money and effort up front to make it that dream vacation spot.

 

So ‘staging’ your vacation property for photos and for when your guests arrive is a great way to set yourself apart for the competition – the up front costs will be worth it in the end – you will be able to rent easily, you will get top dollar and you will get repeat renters. Want to be that hot rental spot that people pay top dollar for and book in advance?

Follow our tips:

Start by keeping it simple –

keep the colours fresh, patterns to a minimum and opt for decor that makes sense for the space.  Stay with simple palettes and some pattern, stay away from wall paper and fussy details

A mountain home with some deer head silhouettes and ‘log’ inspired pieces makes sense plus natural materials like stone, wool, fur and wood – people will be paying for the mountain ambiance.  Warm colour and lots of layered textures give that luxurious and cozy cabin feel.

 

For a beach house think coastal colours, soft light and airy. Light colours and organic elements really set the tone for the ‘beach house’ look and feel that vacationers will be looking for.  Drift wood, cotton, canvas and sea shells work beautifully

Art pieces and accessories-

can really add to the cozy factor but don’t over do it – don’t get too many as it will appear cluttered and don’t purchase anything too expensive. Stay away from heavy and/or fussy drapery – especially if you have a view

Add some cute details that vacationers will remember – if they feel like they are welcomed, they really connect with the property and will want to return year after year

For bedding and bathrooms, keep it clean like you would see at a chic hotel.  You can’t go wrong with white bedding and bath linens.

And pay for professional photos…..

the lighting and the quality are so much better.   Photos are key here, so some staging techniques will really help. Most (if not all) of your inquiries will come from the Internet so your presence needs to be there and you really, really, really need to have spot-on photos. We know from looking at vacation rentals online how important photos are. Because of the distance your ‘renters’ will only see your property online, you don’t have the luxury of ‘maybe it looks better in person’.

Other great ideas:

– Be helpful:

-keep a binder with area hot spot – restaurants, movie theaters, shops, maps and more.  Great local hot spots and fun areas for couples and/or couples to check out. Also think about laundry facilities – this is a big help to families especially.  Also leave numbers in case of emergencies

– Amenities and comforts of home:

maybe when you are on vacation you want to be ‘unplugged’ but for some they may need to work a bit so having TVs, WiFi and more are also attractive.Maybe decks of cards and some basic board games, too

– Equipment:

stock the kitchen with crockery, cutlery, cooking tools and more are helpful.  Near the beach – maybe have some sand toys for kids.  First aid kits are also a good idea

– Research:

find out from a local vacation property manager what vacationers are requesting – hot tub? canoe? kayak? and try to offer those most requested items.  Also get in touch with a rental equipment company since some guests may require special items like cribs or wheel chairs

– Maintenance:

make sure the property is clean inside and out!  Grass cut and gardens maintained

– Decor:

it doesn’t need to be full of expensive pieces but find items that set the scene and the tone.  Choose soft and light colours if by the beach, think nautical tones if lake side and richer and warmer tones for a mountain home.  If you furniture is dated – cover it with slip covers (also easy to clean), old dining table – try paint or adding new chairs.

 

Some of my most memorable family vacations were when we could just relax and feel like we were at home.  By creating the vacation property that vacationers dream of you will always have renters, you will be able to charge top dollar and you will be in high demand.

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“Spring is almost here! How can I re-vamp my outdoor décor without replacing everything I already own?”
 
 
Spring IS actually here – after a long winter, I think we’re all looking forward to enjoying our
outdoor living spaces to their fullest. There are many accessories and products available to create your outdoor oasis.. most may seem obvious, but changing up your colour palette, or the addition of just a few pieces will be a game changer!
 
                                                                                                   Photo credit CentsationalGirl.com

Outdoor Rugs

are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space whether it be your front porch sitting area, or as an area rug around your table, the addition of an outdoor rug brings colour, pattern and texture to your space! The added pop of interest will instantly refresh your exterior.
 

Pillows are a common upgrade when trying to refresh your home.

BUT, there are many colours, patterns, and textures to choose from, so in order to make a big impact, choose something different! We love mixing and matching colours and patterns, so try that! The carefully selected mixture of the two will give your backyard that designer feel!
 
Photo credit: horchow.com

Side Tables are more fun than ever!

There are so many great options, garden stools are still a super hot trend right now. They are available in so many colours, designs, textures and patterns! Adding a garden stool as a side table is a welcome addition to the back or front yard! With their compact size, this is a fabulous option for a balcony or a front porch with limited space. There are lots of different styles of side tables, the great thing about patio furniture is that it comes in SO many colours.
 

Planters/Plants

Greenery is always a welcome addition to any area. Having plants and flowers around is a mood booster for most, not to mention its just pretty to look at. Pairing colourful plants in a beautiful planter in various sizes is a
interesting way to make your backyard cozier.
 

If you’re worried about plants dying….

Try using fake plants in real planters. Fake plants have come a long way and there are many that you cant even tell aren’t real! Adding those in a planter or pot is a great alternative for the busy family, or someone who’s lacking in the “green thumb” department.

Chairs come in so many colours, shapes and sizes!

Chose what you love. The options are endless. Adding a few bright
colored Adirondack chairs with a fun pillow is a great spring/summer refresh. Depending on your budget, there are great lounge chairs, outdoor sofas and love seats that are a fun choice for backyard BBQs and get-togethers.

 
Accessories tie a space together both inside and outside. But adding accessories outdoor is pretty different than inside.

Here are a few accessory suggestions..

Outdoor String Lights
Lanterns
Candles
Outdoor Serveware
Outdoor Placements
Tablecloths
Happy spring!!!!
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“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!

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we-answer-wednesday-all-about-area-rugs

“I know my living room needs an area rug. But how do I know which size to get? How do I place my furniture around it and what are the best materials for area rugs?

Great question and I think many other are in the same boat as you.  Area rugs creates warmth in a space, they also pull a room together – so they play a very important role.  Area rugs can also add softness to a space and depending on what style you choose, they can act as ‘art’ on the floor by adding a big burst of colour and pattern into the space.

But picking the right size is crucial.  A rug that’s too small will make the room feel small and an area rug that’s too big can chop off a room from the rest of the house.  So how do you pick the right size and place it properly in the room? And which material do you choose?

Size of Rug

– start by measuring the room.  Measure the width and the length.  Then subtract 2-3 feet off of each measurement and that’s the size you should have.  You can opt for something that is custom cut and bound and get (more or less) the precise size or make purchase of something that is close to the measurement you just calculated.

– standard rug sizes range from: 3×5, 5×8, 9 x12 (sometimes you can find odd sizes but these are standard). If you need a larger one or you have an oddly shaped room consider getting a piece of carpet cut to size and bound.  It sounds expensive but it’s usually very affordable

Placement of Rug

– For a dining layout,  measure the length and width of your dining table and add 2 feet on each side. Most dining room tables require a rug that’s at least 8 feet wide.

– For a bedroom layout, extend a rug from the bottom 2/3 of the bed. Alternatively, you could also place two runners on each side or a single runner at the foot of the bed.

– a good rule of thumb when deciding where to put a rug, make sure at least the front two legs of each piece of furniture in the space sit on the rug.  Otherwise it can look like it is just floating and it won’t pull the room together

Material

– When it comes to ‘best’ material a lot of that really depends on what the room will be used for and the style.  Wool rugs are the most expensive and they are top quality – they are soft, they wear well and they have a range of colours but you would want them to be cleaned by a professional so this probably isn’t a great option for say a kids’ playroom. Opt for a synthetic blend for a similar look that’s just as durable for a space like that

–  Natural materials like sisal, jute and sea grass are very affordable and they are neutrals so they work with any colour scheme.  Keep in mind they have a more casual look and they tend to be a bit on the scratchy side.  A synthetic or nylon rug that has the same texture and look with be kinder on the feet. But if you want to get creative the natural sisal, jute or seagrass can be a great backdrop for a cowhide rug(see the image just above).  It still pulls the room together and you get texture and then the pop from the cowhide.

– Flat woven kilim and dhurrie rugs are usually made of cotton or wool, are a fun way to add pattern to a room.  But they are thin so they don’t hold up as well in the long run.  They are best for low traffic areas but if you love the idea of updating your decor regularly with splashes of colour and don’t mind replacing the area rug every few years – this could also work for you

– Rug pads will also help prolong the life of your rugs and the floor underneath.  You can find some very affordable rugs pads that will feel great and stand up to traffic. Plus it will help prevent the rug from slipping all over the place.

 

Pattern or Solid?

If your room got a lot going on, try a solid color or neutral rug to bring things down to earth—or make a basic sofa pop with a patterned rug.

Versatile Neutrals

A neutral rug forms a solid foundation when you want to  layer on rich textures, patterns or colors. Think of it as the canvas for the rest of your room.

Playful Patterns

If your furniture is a solid color or neutral, try a patterned rug. For foolproof color coordination, match the
secondary color in the rug to your sofa or key furniture.

Solid Colors

A monochromatic rug complements patterned furniture by grounding it in a primary palette. In a living room, try matching the rug to the secondary color in a patterned sofa.

Area rugs really pull a room together …

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“I have a mudroom in my house that I feel is underused. Sure, we come in and use it as the main entrance but I just feel it needs some organization. What are some tips for making a mudroom organized and functional?”
 
 
Having a functional mudroom can make the day to day hustle and bustle so much more manageable. If you are lucky enough to have a mudroom in your home, don’t let it go unused! A mudroom is a fantastic way to keep outerwear, books, shoes, mittens (depending on the season) tucked away so that it isn’t taking over your front entry. Of course, this blog will also show you how to make your mudroom both functional AND stylish.
 

1. Incorporate Storage

 
Depending on how much space you have, adding some cabinets or shelving will drastically increase the function of the space. If you have the space to add a “hall tree” (shelves, a bench and a place in the bottom to store shoes) you
will see the function of the space increase instantly. If you have kids, you definitely need the extra storage. Having a cabinet or shelf gives you places to store hats, mitts, scarves and all the extras kids need.

2. Add Hooks

Adding something as simple as hooks for coats will change your life. No more Jackets on the banister or laying on the floor for someone to trip on. Having a few hooks takes all the clutter away and stores it neatly.
 

3. Add Baskets

Adding baskets is a great place for hiding extra items such as winter clothes, the dogs leashes, extra keys etc. This is also a great place to add some colour or pattern! Adding baskets is an inexpensive way to add functionality.

4. Door Mats

Depending on the type of flooring you have, it may or may not be the most durable. Nevertheless, adding mats is another great way to pretty up your space. It also is a good spot for wiping your feet as you come in the door
instead of tracking the outdoors throughout the house. Get a mat that is easy to vacuum and not too expensive, chances are this may change with the seasons.

Don’t be afraid to use colour and pattern. Most mudrooms are not in the center of the home so it’s a great place to be bold! Typically the mudroom is not the prettiest area of your home so bring colour to the walls or shelves and use a colourful rug, baskets and art!

 
Part of keeping your ‘mudroom’ functional, is actually using these tools. So add name tags over hooks to keep the kids understanding where their things go. Adding their own specific area is a fun way for them to learn to clean up after themselves, and it saves you the trouble of always picking up book bags, coats and shoes!

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“This winter, my fireplace has been working over time!  I love snuggling up to my fireplace on cold winter days but my mantel is a mess. I want it to look good, can you send me some easy ideas to make my fireplace mantel pretty?”

Great question!  I think a lot of people have this problem.  The mantel should really highlight and bring focus to the fireplace not be an eye sore in the room.  We see this all the time when people use the mantel as a bit of a random collect-all area or a high ‘hiding’ space that the little ones can’t reach!

A mantel isn’t the place to pile up mismatched knick knacks or to leave bare, to gather dust…

It’s an eye-level stage of sorts, and a prime spot for showing off artful accents and collected treasures. Use the fireplace’s facade as a cue to your color palette.

Then select one large item to feature–a light or open sculptural piece is best because it won’t block the other objects. Pair it with a themed collection, like a few framed family photos or a grouping of different-sized glass vases. An oversized mirror or piece of art makes an ideal backdrop.

To keep it super simple but make an impact: follow this image –  even if this more traditional style isn’t to your taste, take the principles of layering and add a modern or country twist…..

Create 3 layers of décor

Always includes layers 1 and 2.

Layer 3 is optional depending on your decorating style.

1. Start with an anchor piece

– An oversized mirror is an easy option.  It let’s light bounce around the room and it works with any decor style.  We like a piece with an interesting frame.  This image shows a dark frame which give some contrast in this very light tone-on-tone room but you could add a bold art piece that would give you the same impact

2.  The weight and height. 

This image is demonstrating formal balance, that means you have two pieces (floral arrangements) that are the same colours, size, height, scale – identical and they are on each end of the mantel.  Creating a ‘frame’ for other, smaller display items.  These pieces could be vases, tall candles or candle sticks, sculptural items…it doesn’t matter just be sure to keep the height to the sides and make sure the items fit on the mantel (you don’t want anything to hang over)

3. (Optional) Filler.

Now this can get a bit tricky…you want to fill that open space under the mirror and between the flanking vases with decor pieces.  Notice here everything is shorter, so not to block the mirror but the pieces have an airy quality – the glass candle sticks, the white planters and the silver circle pieces aren’t heavy or bulky.  We see 3 main style of items and a few votive candles that are carefully displayed

Here’s an example of a mantel with layers 1 and 2 but not 3.  Again these principles of layering can be used in all decor styles, just replace the pieces with items in your taste and style.

This country style mantel uses all 3 layers. The pops of black help anchor the space and the textural elements with the mantels itself, the greenery and the woven chargers add some warmth and the display items compliment the decor style and they relate to one another.

It important to keep scale in mind not only as the objects relate to the fireplace, but also as they relate to one another.  All of the items should overlap each other so that they feel connected to each other and act as a cohesive unit.  Think of it as a step-down effect from the tallest point in the center of the mantel to the shortest point on the outside edges.  You want to take small, gradual steps without any jarring height decreases.

Do you have a TV on your mantel but you still want to create a beautiful styled mantel?  Yes, you can!

See this image, that’s a TV anchored by 2 beautiful vases with height, texture and a pop of bright yellow.  Yellow is an excellent choice here because it is the most intense colour on the colour wheel and that means your eyes can’t help but be drawn to it.  So when the TV isn’t on, these vases stand out and look beautiful

Once you’re comfortable with the process, think about what you might want to showcase on your mantel and where these items might fit within the layers mentioned above.  Consider using a mantel to showcase art,
collectibles, seasonal decor, fresh flowers or even family heirlooms.  Then sit back and admire your work!

SHOP DECOR FOR THE FIREPLACE…

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we-answer-wednesday-boring-bedroo

“I am in need of some bedroom updates.  I really want a luxurious and expensive looking bedroom (like you see in chic hotels) but without spending a lot of money.  Any ideas?”

Although many of us don’t spend a lot of time in our bedrooms (with our eyes open) it is still so welcoming to come home after a long day and have a serene and relaxing room to lay your head down and put your feet up.  A luxurious bedroom doesn’t have to be over sized to be glamorous but the true luxury is in the details. 

Follow these 8 steps and you will have a dreamy bedroom that you will love.

 

1.  Overfill your throw pillows.

There’s something so luxurious about plush, overfilled throw pillows, which go a long way in transforming
your bedroom from “everyday” to a relaxing retreat that emulates the most sumptuous of hotels.

2.  Add a hanging light fixture.

The boob lights have got to go. Replace them with a statement-making hanging light or a glamorous chandelier. No need to spend too much money — this West Elm Capiz Round Pendant light adds drama and romance for less than $150. (See it in the image below)

3.  Rethink your nightstand.

If you’re anything like us, your nightstand is a hodgepodge of essential items: Hand creams, charging cords, half-full glasses of water, quarter-finished novels. It’s time to rethink how that’s all displayed. Hide some things away in a
drawer; display small items in a beautiful tray.

4. Focus on the statement pieces.

A dark wood bed frame; a gorgeous gilded dresser; a velvet arm chair — each bedroom has its own centerpiece, but make sure it’s the room’s focus. Don’t clutter the room with too much furniture, instead letting each piece stand on its own.

5. Keep the floor empty.

Granted, this is more of an organization and cleanliness tip, but don’t let that belittle its importance: A cluttered bedroom never looks luxurious, so keep the floor clean and orderly — that means no stacks of books and piles of extension cords, either.

 

6.  Upgrade your hardware.

There’s no reason to keep the default hardware that came with your dresser and nightstands (unless, of course, it’s already visually stunning!). Replacing hardware is a cheap and easy way to upgrade your room, and there are so many ways to personalize the look: Crystal, gemstone, copper, and so many more.

7.  Reorganize your vanity.

Just like your nightstand, a cluttered vanity can make your whole bedroom look messy. Now’s a good time to buy some makeup organizers and other small organizing pieces.

8.  Add greenery.

As always, the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your room from “average” to “expensive-looking” is to add
some greenery. What form this takes is up to you: A large fern? Small potted plants on your dresser? No matter how, adding a few plants helps a room make the final leap to luxury.

Small changes to any room can make a big difference,

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