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BEDROOMS, HOME DECOR

Budget Friendly Bedroom Updates

budget-friendly-bedroom-updates

 

So often we hear of people who are getting bored of their surroundings. Many can’t afford to completely gut and start from fresh with their existing style and are looking for fun, inexpensive updates to spice up their bedroom décor.

 

Here are a few budget friendly, simple fixes for those who need a little change!

 

  1. Change out your existing drapery.

There is so much great pattern and colour out there that this is an easy and effective change. Ready to hang blinds and drapes are in tons of big box stores and come in great fabrics, colours, patterns and at an incredibly affordable price!

 

 

 

  1. Purchase new lamps or lamp shades!

 

This is a great and inexpensive swap as well. Of course, there are some lamps that are crazy expensive, but there are also a lot of really affordable options. So many great stores offer colourful lamp bases, colourful shades and shades with patterns. These touches will make a difference, even though they may seem minimal. A new lamp or lamp shade will freshen up the space.

 

 

  1. New throw pillows and throw blankets.

Add pattern! Change your existing colour scheme! Do both! There are zillions of options for great throw pillows, and will be a welcome addition to your existing décor. Remember, we are freshening the space, and this is probably the most inexpensive way to do so. And don’t be afraid to mix colours and patterns! The easiest way to do this is to have one common element through your selections. Maybe they all have the same pattern but come in different colours, or have the same colour but come in different patterns. The combinations are endless!

 

 

 

  1. Paint an accent wall!

 

Of course, a new paint job is also a fabulous option, but depending on the size of your room, this has potential to soar into the hundreds. Painting one wall can add new life to the room and is not overly expensive. This can most likely be done with one can of paint and will make a huge difference. You can chose to go bold and make a drastic change, maybe paint some stripes into a pattern on your wall, or maybe chose a shade that is a tad darker than your existing colour. Either way, change is change! It will be different than what you’re currently bored of and that’s what we’re trying to achieve, right?

 

 

  1. New comforter or duvet cover.

 

This is an easy change. It will run you less than a hundred dollars if that’s what you are aiming for, and the bed is typically the main focal point in the room. It will be hard not to notice (and LOVE!) brand new bedding!

 It doesn’t take much to get a fresh new look (and feel) in your bedroom!
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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS, TRENDS

Farmhouse Kitchen Style

farmhouse-kitchen-style

The farmhouse kitchen is a style that we are seeing a lot of and it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.  I think the timeless nature and the warmth that a farmhouse kitchen offers are just two of the reasons why this style is sticking around.

It seems like we are getting back to basics when it comes to home renovations and design style.  We are turning back to ‘simpler times’ for inspiration and for the kitchen especially – it is the heart and soul of the home – so not only should it look beautiful but it should also be functional. 

If you are considering a farmhouse kitchen renovation in your home…

Here are the 8 essentials in a farmhouse kitchen: –

1.  A generous sized island. 

So practical for serving and for prepping.  Stock the island with an over sized sink, dishwasher, microwave shelving ,open or glass shelving and don’t forget seating.   The kitchen island is always the ‘hang out’ in the space so going bigger is something you will not regret. 

 

2.  Storage. 

If you have some odd corners consider custom cabinetry for more storage, these spaces are perfect for storing entertaining essentials like extra stemware, table linens and stoneware.  You can customize these pieces to look like old farmhouse style freestanding furniture with upper glass panel doors with mullions and long drawers.

 

3.  A Warm Colour Palette. 

When we think of southern living and farm tables we think warm and welcoming.  So make the colour palette warm – you can still use darker tones but aim for subtle contrast as high contrast in this style of kitchen is a bit harsh. You can still opt for white as well but be sure to add warmth through choice of materials and other accessories, stay away from really high gloss finishes for instance.

4.  Simple Cabinetry. 

Shaker style, bead board details and v-groove give enough detail but stay true to the ‘simpler time’ look.  The farmhouse kitchen is usually a large one so a lot of detail can look too busy in the space. 

 

5.  A functional layout. 

In this style of kitchen, the placement of everything is straightforward so that it all works in harmony.  Even though a kitchen is large you still do not want any wasted space, always consider the work triangle.

 

6.  Symmetry. 

The cabinets, pendants and counter top configuration from one side of the kitchen to the other need to be as close to exact matches as possible.  Oh course, there will be some different elements (like what is actually on the counter top) but keep size, scale and balance in mind.  The eye is naturally attracted to symmetry, so trust yourself if you feel like something is off balance.

 

7.  Paneled Appliances. 

Remember a ‘simpler time’ is key.  So you can still have multiple (Big family? Consider two dishwashers and two ovens – BTW that’s my dream! ) and/or sized appliances but consider paneling the refrigerator and other appliances like the dishwasher in panels that match the cabinetry – it gives a seamless look in the kitchen

 

8.  Hardwood floors. 

Hardwood in the kitchen is such a warm look, the stain and the natural material brings the farmhouse into the kitchen, the wider the plank the more authentic it will look.  Other great options, if you love the look of natural wood – butcher block counter top on the island or barn beam legs for the island.

 

Remember, if this farmhouse kitchen is just too country or too southern living for you – you can always take elements of the style and make them more modern.  An over sized island with imple cabinetry in bright white or a pop of bright colour and a smooth and uniform caeserstone counter top is fabulous – add that country warmth with your accessories or backsplash even!  You don’t have to go full-country take the pieces that you like and blend the styles together.

The farmhouse kitchen style blends well with a touch of glamour (this adding some sparkle with some simple pendants with crystal detail) but it also works well with an industrial look too (add a reclaimed brick or wood wall and some industrial lighting). You can do a lot with the farmhouse kitchen and not be stuck with an overall country look.

Or, a functional layout and symmetry work for all styles of kitchens.  And customizing odd areas of your home with storage options is always practical.

You can always work with the basics and put your own spin on it!

 

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

D.I.Y project- wallpaper your furniture

diy-wallpaper-your-furniture

Who loves wallpaper? It’s great for adding some visual interest to a wall.  But …what about adding wallpaper to your furniture?

If you really want to transform your space you need to go BOLD! 

Check out this great Do-It-Yourself project that will make any piece of furniture stand out from the crowd.

Wallpaper is a great way to add some whimsy, pattern, colour and design to a space.  We have seen so many accent walls with wallpaper but wallpaper-ing your furniture is still a newer trend.  We love the look and it is a great way to add a unique touch to a space!

 

Check out online sites for fabulous wallpaper options and breathe new life into an aging cabinet or a funky yard sale find. This is perfect for a cabinet, dresser or end table but nothing too ornate – keep it simple.

1.  Lightly sand the surface. Be sure to unhinge the cabinet doors and remove the hardware.

2.  Apply two coats of an oil-based primer, waiting an hour between coats.

3.  Cut the wallpaper to size using a straightedge blade. 

4.  Paint on a tin layer of mod podge and apply the wallpaper – starting in the center and working to the edges, this helps to flatten out the air bubbles.

5. Wait 24 hrs before applying a coat of acrylic sealant.

 

 

Wall paper on furniture really makes a piece look special but also custom.  We are loving these bookcases with a wallpaper backing. It adds so much visual interest to the piece and the room.  You can add a small amount of wallpaper that suits your taste to a basic bookcase and really make it yours!

 

Wallpaper on furniture is perfect for a child’s room too – chose so bold and playful options and add them to draw fronts.

 

Another super simple project for those who aren’t as crafty.  Try framing small samples of wallpaper (or even craft paper) and hang it on the wall.  I did this in my daughter’s bedroom and it looks great.  It’s an easy art project plus it’s fun to mix up all of the prints in one space.

 

 

Wallpaper offers you so many options – the selection and styles are so varied.  This is a great project fro the DIYer that loves to make a statement!

 

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BATHROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS

Incredible counter tops!!

incredible-counter-tops

 

When it comes to counter tops our selections used to be very limited, now we have plenty of choices. Here’s how to choose the right style for your home.

 

 

When a buyer first sees a home, the kitchen is usually the first room they wish to overhaul. Whether you are an amateur chef or someone who prefers take-out, the kitchen is usually the most lived-in room in the home. It’s no surprise that counter top options have evolved in recent years. Besides new appliances, counter tops can be one of the greatest investments and one of the most dramatic changes you make in your kitchen.
 
Speaking from experience, our most recent reno project was replacing our kitchen counter top. The results were astounding! Everything else stayed the same but the new counter top changed the look of our kitchen entirely. Choosing a counter top can be overwhelming, it is no longer a choice between laminate or granite. The factors to consider are durability, hygiene, style, cost, adaptability and maintenance.

 

How to start?

 
Think ahead of the counter top qualities that are most important to you, how your kitchen will be used and how much you want to spend. An aspiring chef will seek durability, spill and heat resistant surfaces, whereas a busy mother of three may be most concerned with hygiene and a single, condo owner might just seek a material that is stunning and achieves the ‘wow’ factor in the kitchen.
 
What are you looking for?

Here is a list of counter choices with a brief descriptor including price per square foot, hygiene,

maintenance and durability.

 

Wood (maple)$100-$150

 
Food safe but can absorb odours
Treat regularly with mineral oil and keep dry
Will look worn over time be careful with knives

 

Stainless steel $40-$80+

Extremely hygienic, seen in hospitals for this very reason
Clean with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly
Will show scratches but is heat-resistant

 

Concrete $100+

 
Use food-safe water based sealant to protect
Use mild soap for daily cleaning
Can be dented or gouged

 

Glass $85-$200

 
Non-porous and extremely hygienic
Easy to clean but may show streaks
May be heat-resistant and may crack

 

Marble $80-$200

 
Hygienic when sealed properly
Mildly reactive and a matte finish helps hide stains
Stains, scratches and may crack

 

Granite $60-$200

 
Stain and mould resistant with sealant
Use gentle granite cleaner and seal regularly
Extremely durable and heat-resistant

 

Quartz $70-$100

 
Non-porous and food-safe
Can be wiped clean
Shouldn’t scratch or chip and it heat-resistant

Corian $60-$100

With proper cleaning will resist bacteria
Clean with soapy water, rinse and dry
Use cutting board to protect

 

Laminate$18-$26 (uninstalled)

 
Hygienic if cleaned properly
Clean with mild soap (don’t clean with any citrus product)
Protect surface and difficult to repair

 

 

So what about bathrooms?

 
A bathroom can accommodate nearly any counter top materials you’d find in a kitchen, but beware of durability issues. Products such as nail-polish remover can damage many counter top materials also beware of access moisture caused by improper ventilation. The most popular bathroom counter top materials are: quartz, glass, granite and laminate.

 

 

Manufacturing and installation times vary, but typically the process from measurement and planning to installation takes one to six weeks, depending on the availability of material and manufacturer.

 

 A new counter top can totally transform a kitchen (or bathroom) whether you are living in the home or selling it – it is a worthwhile upgrade…

 

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BATHROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS

Countertops can make a huge difference!

granite-counter-tops

Today our granite counter tops arrived!

As I mentioned in my previous blog posting, I am living in a renovation zone but things have picked up and starting to really come together.
 
This afternoon our granite counter tops (kitchen and bathroom) were installed and I cannot get over the difference! We had laminate counter tops in both rooms, the kitchen counter top was a solid grey which was probably not the best choice as it does not hide stains very well and every scratch is seen from a mile away; the bathroom counter top was a laminate but in aqua, white and peach speckled design. My husband and I were looking for a more modern look but we also love the natural look of granite and stone.

Looking for granite Counter tops….

 
We went to a few granite showrooms but everything we saw was quite typical, since our cabinetry was so plain we really wanted something special! We actually went to a granite supplier and had the opportunity to peruse their slabs and select ours directly from their supply. We found the perfect counter tops for our home and now that they are in the transformation is truly incredible.

Granite Counter tops made a huge difference….

What difference can a counter top really make? In our case we selected a slab of granite that was lighter in colour from the original laminate and now our open concept kitchen look enormous. Our stone back splash really stands out and the stainless steel accents add some sparkle. The whole kitchen comes together and is a true show stopper! The bathroom renovation was a complete overhaul (bye bye Barbie bathroom) but my husband was really worried about how the white wall tiles, grey floor tiles and blue glass accent tile would all come together – the ‘biano antico’ granite counter top was the key element for bringing all the pieces together.
 

When it comes to selecting your kitchen counter tops there are no right or wrong

choice but here are some tips:

 

1 – Colour –

 
Typically you want to choose a counter top that on the opposite side of the colour wheel from your cabinets, for example a dark espresso stain looks best with a lighter counter top but if you are selecting from granite you have some flexibility because granite has some many colours and fishers that you can choose from a variety of cabinet colours. But light can absolutely work with light but I always like something to ground the room so it could be the floors, paint or backsplash.

2 – Stay away from a single colour laminate.

 
A solid coloured laminate counter top does not stand the test of time very well, stains and scratches are nearly impossible to hide with this type of counter top. If granite is too pricey, keep in mind that there are many laminate options that look (and can feel) like a granite counter top.

3 – Looking for something different?

 
Try exotic granite or other natural stone such as marble or soapstone or even more cutting edge – concrete. With the increased popularity of granite certain colours are seen more frequently but there is a lot to choose from, so look around at other options.
 

Here are the after photos of my bathroom and kitchen :-

I can’t get over how different the house looks with these new counter tops!
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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Living large in small spaces

living-large-in-small-spaces

 

The first rule of real estate might be location, location, location but the second must be storage, storage, storage! This holds true especially now. Small spaces are back in style – mainly because buyers don’t want to be stuck at home maintaining large homes.  They want to enjoy the amenities around them and live life to the fullest!
In Ottawa, the condo market is really just at the beginning stages of taking off, cities like Toronto and Vancouver have experienced their condo booms already. Condo sales are on the rise in Ottawa – statistics show that 323 condos were sold in April 2009 as compared to 318 condos sold in April 2008. Average sale price was $216,502 in April 2009 as compared to $210,661 in April 2008; A 2.8% increase.

The reason for this increase and interest in condo living? Downsizing.

 

As the baby boom population ages, they are seeking a maintenance free lifestyle which will allow them to live luxuriously and live practically. Condo living could be in a low or high rise building or in a townhouse or semi detached but usually it consists of less maintenance but also a smaller living space. Many downsizers feel very anxious about selling the family home and purging their most precious pieces but this does not have to be if you plan ahead and use your space wisely.

You will want to invest in some multi-functional pieces or some pieces that can give the illusion of a large space.

Furniture choices are a huge factor when downsizing but you are in luck – there are lots of options!

Storage furniture:

In the living room – look for storage options such as a storage ottoman – this can serve as a coffee table, extra seating for entertaining and storage. One on wheels can easily be moved around the room. If you prefer a solid coffee table, look for one with some open shelving for books, or other pieces and use storage cubes as end tables. Another option is a glass table, it disappears but is still functional and practical.

 

For your entertainment unit, look for a lower piece and/or one with cupboard doors to hide your stuff. You do not want a piece that is too bulky as it can take over the room. Look and see if your existing unit comes in two pieces, often they do and use the lower piece only.

TV:

If you are looking to upgrade your television set, opt for a flat one, as it will also take less space.consider wall mounting your TV this will free up surface space and give a clean look in your space.

 

Seating:

For a sofa and /or occasional chairs, find apartment size furniture, now available at most retail stores. Also look for arm-less options, they are less bulky but if you must have arms on your furniture look for a more streamlined style like a tuxedo style which can also be very comfortable not just pretty to look at.

 

A very modern look for occasional chairs, is the ghost chair. It is a smooth and curved chair that is made of a clear plastic. It’s a very sleek look and versatile, too.

Dining room:

most couples have a dining set that they love and could not imaging replacing. You can still use your set just re-purpose it. Remove the leaves and keep a table for 4 and just add the leaves and chairs when needed. Your additional chairs could be tucked in either corner of the room and add a decor pillow for a splash of colour this will also draw the eye to the outer corners of the room, again making the space appear large.

 

Your china cabinet /buffet likely comes in two pieces, keep the bottom and put the top portion in storage. This will make the room feel larger. Add a long mirror above the buffet, mirrors let light bounce around the room and make it seem bigger than it is.

 

 

Area rug:

If your space is very open concept and the rooms are not solidly defined, add an area rug in the dining room. How big should it be? Big enough so when the chairs are slid out from under the table, all 4 legs are still on the carpet. Go neutral in colour, especially if your furniture is dark and rich like a cherry wood or mahogany.

 

Bedroom:

Again storage is key. If you are in the market for a new bedroom set, look for one with storage, likely drawers under the box spring, this is perfect to store blankets, sheets and other linens. Keep the bed linens light and neutral in colour. Add side tables that have drawers for storage.

 

In a guest room, a Murphy bed is a great option, especially if you do not have regular guests. Use that room for a multitude of purposes, craft room, sewing room, home office etc…Keep it clean and clear and it can serve multiple tasks. Too many downsizers are used to having extra space to have unused rooms such as a guest room.

 

Accessories:

Do not overpower your new space with too many pieces. If you have a lot, go through your items and determine which ones are the most important to you and put the others in storage or pass them along to your children.

 

Other tips:

  • Clutter makes any space no matter how big or small, feel tight and crowded.
  • Flat surfaces are not designed to be used as storage areas they should be clear except for decor or function items (example, vase of flowers, candy jar or a phone).
  • Keep other items in drawers, baskets or other storage containers.
  • Use mirrors whenever possible but don’t have your place look like a fun house (a mirror above a fireplace mantle is a very classic look but it also adds light in the room).
  • Keep your walls light in colour and for a bold look (if that is your taste) paint your ceiling in a bold colour this looks great in a well lit space and one with high ceilings.
  • Use punches of colour in your artwork, pillows, blankets and keep the main pieces of furniture neutral.

 

 

Downsizing is an exciting time! A time to start over and really enjoy a new lifestyle. If you are looking to take the next step contact the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) for more information on condos in Ottawa. . Call them today and take advantage of this new time in your life!

 

Small spaces open up big opportunities for home decor and for living life,

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