OUR FAVOURITES

13 Best Anniversary Gifts For the Home

13-best-anniversary-gifts-home

My husband and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary this week.  March 15th, 2004 is when we tied the knot! It’s been a full 13 years (we have moved 5 times, each started new careers, supported each other during challenging times, we now have 4 kids -all under the age of 8- , we are best known for vegging out and hanging out with each other, we have lived, laughed and loved a whole bunch – we are best friends). It’s been 13 fantastic years with so many more to come!

People always ask – what are you doing for your anniversary? We usually have a nice dinner out just the two of us – it’s a great little escape from the every day.  I also get asked all the time – what are you getting him for an anniversary gift? We aren’t huge gift people when it comes to each other – I guess that’s our practical side shining through but something we have always done is to get each other something for the house (or sometimes we buy one big gift together).  It just sort of happened organically (we never discussed it) but I think it stems from the fact that we are building a life together, building a family and building a home together….

My wedding anniversary and our gifts for the home is what has inspired me to write this post. I don’t feel that anniversary gifts need to be big, elaborate and expensive.

There are ‘traditional’ anniversary gifts for each year if marriage (there is also a more ‘modern’ series of anniversary gifts).

To celebrate my 13th wedding anniversary – Here are some of my top anniversary gifts :

1st year – paper

I absolutely love this idea – His and Hers framed prints – an affordable and totally personal custom option.  Frame your vows, wedding invitation, love letter, any text you like! You can choose the font, colours etc…you get to approve and then you get this beautiful custom piece to hang in your home forever.

2nd year – cotton

So sweet! This cotton pillow has the best message plus it works with any decor because it is neutral! Perfect for a family room but personally I would put it on my bed!

 

3rd year – glass (modern series)

So this idea is not for every day use but it is very special and for one of my favourite times of the year, Christmas.  This glass Christmas tree ornament is another very affordable and totally custom piece.  You don’ necessarily want your home full of anniversary theme decor so this is nice to bring out once a year.

 

 

4th year – flowers / fruit

So this year seems very simple – a bouquet of fresh flowers is always nice.  A vase is also a great idea – don’t forget the flowers! But if you want to be a bit more creative but still sticking true to the theme, how about an outdoor planter? Fill it with flowers, plants or even herbs…and display at the front door – it’s a nice welcoming touch!

 

5th year – silverware (modern list)

Alright …I know…I’m bouncing from the traditional list to the modern list and back again…that’s OK – this list is all about finding the BEST Wedding anniversary gifts for the Home.  So silverware – well you may already have a set (likely a wedding gift) but you may find that your set is showing it’s age (especially if you use your current set everyday).  I love this Zwilling J.A Henckels set – (I love my Henckels knife block, too)

 

 

 

6th year – wood (modern list)

For any couple that likes to entertain or well, maybe just stay in with some great food and wine (that’s us)…I love these beautiful wood serving platters – they are just stunning on their own so you could even just have them on display…

 

7th year – wool

I’m a knitter so I totally appreciate handcrafted knits.  I LOVE these super huge chunky knitted blankets that are a big trend right now.  This is perfect for movie nights cuddling at home or maybe on your bed – the colour options are endless so you can find one that works with your space.

 

 

8th year – linen

Restoration Hardware is one of my favourite stores – I’m so inspired by their mix of neutrals and textures.  One of my favourites is their linen collection and I love it for the table! I love these napkins, table runners and placements – there are so many colours and you can personalize, too!

 

 

9th year – pottery

My husband and I NEED to start every morning with a cup of coffee (sometime more than 1).  Our kids even play ‘coffee shop’ and take our coffee orders from us – it’s part of the routine and we all know it!  I love these amazing Rae Dunn MR. MRS. mugs – cute, sweet, practical and I love the simple look of them!

 

 

 

10th year – tin

So if you are anything like me – you like that farmhouse style at home – TIN is a texture to add.  Tin gives your space that authentic farmhouse look but it also works well with an industrial style.  There are so many ways to add tin to your decor but I think my favourite tin piece is the letter ‘B’ (from Pottery Barn) that I purchased for our family room gallery wall.  ‘B’ for our last name – Blok.

 

 

11th year  – steel

One of the best gifts we have ever purchased for our home – is our stainless steel (non-stick) cookware set.  It’s a big price point but we have had ours for about 10 years – yes, we don’t necessarily follow the traditional gifts in order…more about what we need in some cases.  But we love to cook and we cook a lot so these pots and pans have been very used but they are standing up to all that use!

 

 

12th year – pearl (modern list)

What’s an anniversary celebration without champagne? I just discovered these amazing Kate Spade stemless pearl base Champagne Flutes with a touch of gold! I’m in love (and I know Maddie will want these as soon as I send this link to her! Polka-dots, gold, Kate Spade and Champagne…what’s not to love!?)

 

 

13th year – textiles (modern list)

So this is what we have purchased for this year…..a new set of super luxurious bed sheets from Boll & Branch  – so soft, organic, fair trade, non-toxic dyes – you name it- they are gorgeous! I love this colour ‘Dune’ as well but there are so many colours. Maybe we are bed snobs (lol) but we love amazing bed sheets – being busy people and busy parents we don’t get a lot of sleep so we really try to make the most of it!

I love all of these gifts so much….and I love the idea of building a beautiful life and beautiful home together!

Happy Anniversary, sweetie – I love you!

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HOME STAGING, KITCHENS

Green in the Kitchen

green-in-the-kitchen

We love to work with the colour green and decorating the kitchen shouldn’t be over looked.  Green in the kitchen is easy, fresh and fun! Now that spring is here – we are starting to see green everywhere…the green grass is starting to turn, the green buds on the trees and green from the plants and flowers are starting to sprout. We love that green works is so many colour combinations and with so many styles.

 

Here are some of our favourite ways to use green in the kitchen:

A tea kettle is a great way to add a splash of colour in a kitchen.  This is one of our go-to pieces when we are staging a home.

Tea towels are a great (and functional) piece in any kitchen.  We love ones with a little colour!

A set of colourful chargers add a punch to your table setting- we love these simple green ones – great for spring and summer!

Practical items for the kitchen can also be colourful and fun – these spatulas, cutting board and scrub brush add some colour to boring kitchen tasks.

                                                

 

 

Cute oven mitts in a fresh print with a splash of green add some brightness to the kitchen.  If you are working away in the kitchen you may as well look cute doing it!

Want to look like a pro in your home kitchen? Try a green chef’s coat – you won’t go unnoticed!

Spring is all about the leaves and leaves are green! This green leaf platter is a great serving piece for spring and summer events!

I love colourful mixing bowls and serving bowls!  Using my green one today to bake a lemon cake – the bright and fresh colours were amazing to look at! I also love mine because it is so easy to clean after use!

When it comes to baking and cooking we all know the importance of presentation – so why not prepare beautiful meals in beautiful stoneware? Like this French Oven or Baker

                     

You can’t go wrong with a little green in the kitchen,

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

We Answer Wednesday – Farmhouse style

farmhouse-style

“I see this farmhouse style everywhere – I really like it! How can I get this look in my home without buying all new furniture?”

You are right!  The farmhouse look does seem to be everywhere!  The great news about this style is two fold.

One –

when it comes to the farmhouse look there are many options, levels and directions you can choose.

Two –

it is a cozy and timeless look, so you don’t have to worry about being trendy.

 We also love the versatility of this style.  The farmhouse look blends easily with the industrial look and also a rustic look.  But you can easily blend farmhouse with some traditional pieces and some modern elements too.

 

 

How can you get the farmhouse style at home?

You are in luck – to get this look you don’t need to spend a lot.  You can achieve this look with adding a few elements and pieces.

Here are some of our suggestions:

Farmhouse Art

– art, photography and  even country inspired signs are an easy addition to your space to help you get that farmhouse look. We love this farmhouse sign from Wayfair – so simple and clean a perfect addition for any space that needs that country touch.

 

Chalkboard

– the ease and casual look of chalkboard gives a space a warmth of a country farmhouse.  It’s relaxed and simple – we love chalk board paint – it’s easy to use and apply.

 

Galvanized metal

–  easy pieces like buckets, chairs, even light fixtures in this material add to that country feel.  Be sure to have a dull finish and even a few dings is totally OK. This galvanized metal pitcher – it ‘pitcher’ perfect! Add some fresh greenery or a cut bouquet and it is a simple farmhouse centerpiece!

 

 

Ladder displays

– add another rustic touch plus they are a eat way to store blankets and even books and magazines.  They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. We love this ladder display with framed family photos!

 

 

 

Layer textured rugs

– again keeping a very casual look and mixing up textures adds another element to the laid back farmhouse style.  We love to mix a cowhide with a natural fiber like sisal or even seagrass.

 

 

Lighting

– simple lighting fixtures in a metallic and dull finish add a farmhouse character to a space.  Look for pendants with simple and clean lines with a rustic feel. So much of farmhouse style is about simplicity – this pendant has a rustic feel due to the colour and finish and the design is just simple….

 

Textiles

– in pillows, drapery and blankets are another easy way to get this farmhouse look.   Look for knits, flannel, plaids and soft stone washed fabrics.  Mix them up – farmhouse is a very simple and relaxed look. Layer them and don’t get caught up in symmetry.

 

Add ‘practical’ pieces

– so decorate with items like laundry wash boards, old farm tools, bowls, baskets, pickle jars and mason jars.  These rustic pieces play into the farmhouse feel.

Add some personality

– the farmhouse style is a relaxed look in every way so keep it casual and fun!  We love to add signs and other items that have a bit of personality.  small accessories in any room can add to that farmhouse feel.  This kitchen utensil holder is a great little piece for a kitchen that fits into the farmhouse look.

 

Wood

– the farmhouse look is really focused on texture.  Wood is a texture that is closely connected with farms and the outdoors.  Add some wood elements to your space like bowls, boxes, trays, shelving and even a fireplace mantle.  Opt for reclaimed pieces with lots of character.

 

With this farmhouse style you can ‘dial it up’ or ‘dial it down’ as much as you like.  You can go very literal with farm pieces like signage and wire baskets OR you can take some influence from this style and play with the different textures and add the farmhouse essence into your space. We love the warm and cozy feel from this style – we hope you do, too!


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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Spring Home Decor

answer-wednesday-spring-home-decor

“Spring is almost here.  What are your favourite spring home decor ideas?”

 

Spring really is a wonderful time of year! Both us of have spring birthdays…but that’s not the only reason why we love spring!  Spring is fresh, fun and a new start.  Spring offers so much colour – just look around and you will see it every where.

 

We have a few favourite ways to bring spring into home decor.

 

Kristi’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

Greenery –

yes this is THE colour of the year but for me, the first spring home decor piece I add to my home is a beautiful floral arrangement (or potted plant).  It just brings a burst of life into your room especially after these long and snowy winters.  It’s so fresh to see ‘green’ again! I love to see fresh flowers on a kitchen or dining table but I also love them in my bedroom – it’s so lovely to wake up and see a touch of nature!

 

 

Let the light in (and the air, too) –

we are stuck at home all winter long and when that warm spring sunshine is out I want to bring it in – along with the fresh air.  I pull back the drapes and pull up the blinds and open the windows (even if it’s just for a little bit).  Our spring season here is still pretty brisk but letting that light and fresh air gives the home a good boost. That beautiful natural light and fresh air can really make a difference!

 

Switch up my textures –

if you don’t know this about me yet, you will soon figure it out.  I don’t decorate my home with a lot of colour (unlike Maddie) but I love texture! Faux fur, leather, wood, wool knits, cow hide, metal and well any texture.  But once spring is here – I tuck away my furry pillows and blankets.  I give them a wash and hide them away until the fall.  They just add a winter-like feel to my space and who needs winter all year long? Instead I have added some Stonewashed Belgian linen pillows in some different earthy tones and a few with some print.

 

 

Maddie’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 
Colour –

I love colour.  I love all colours.  One of the reasons I have a lot of white and grey in my house is so I have a lot of freedom to play with colour.  Since I have lived in my home (coming up on 3 years now) I have played with shades of aqua and blue, teal and orange and now I’m on a pink kick!  (My office has a bold and bright pink accent wall) Colour is a great way to bring spring into your home.  Take some cues from your spring flower garden, green grass, robin eggs and all that the spring season presents.  Use colour with decor items, art,  and pillows.

 

 

Pattern –

I also love pattern.  I feel a room without pattern is pretty much incomplete.  Every room needs some pattern.  For spring think floral pattern – you might be thinking that it’s not modern enough for you or it’s too feminine – think again! There are so many options for floral pattern, I love and have some of these Bluebellgray pillows at my place.  I have it mixed with some other more geometric prints and my bold abstract art. I love the bold colours mixed with an abstract watercolour print against my gray sectional. If florals aren’t for you, try adding a bold pop of colour – one colourful print item can total change up your look (and maybe inspire you to add even more to your room).

 

Spring is such a great time to refresh your home decor – many of the new collections are out in stores at the end of winter and that’s when we have a ton of choices – colour, texture, print and pattern – you don’t need a lot to make an impact …just a few pieces can put a spring in your step!

 

 

 

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HOME STAGING

Selling, Staging and Smells

selling-staging-smells

Bad smells in a home do not help when selling a home. I stage home so agents can sell them but one obstacle that we come across often is ‘smells’.

I just completed a home staging consultation for a client who is selling her home.

This seller has worked very hard to remove the clutter and make the needed (and necessary) updates to her house like flooring and her property is looking great!  The house has a lot of potential and the seller is really doing her best but one thing we could not get past – was what I decided to blog about today…

SMELLS

The seller has 2 cats and 3 children and like any other busy household there’s a lot happening.  When it comes to selling your home – you can update as much as you like and follow the home staging steps but if that house comes with smells? Buyers will be turned off immediately.  It’s so important to figure out what is making your home smell and how to deal with that (or those) smells.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO TACKLE THE SMELLS IN YOUR HOUSE?

Hopefully you have identified what the smell is (and don’t be embarrassed – all homes have smells).  There are different strategies to deal with each type of smell.

  • Stale air:

  • this can happen in a house that has been ‘closed up’ for the winter season or a vacant home.  It happens to most homes and it’s easy to deal with.  Open up the windows and let in that beautiful fresh air.  It is an instant refresh to the entire home and it doesn’t take long.  I suggest opening up all the windows and pulling the blinds up and the drapes back and let the air (and the light) in!

  • Regular garbage removal:

  • Don’t let the garbage pile up! Be sure to take out the trash daily – kitchen garbage, bathroom garbage and baby nursery garbage (that Diaper genie can fill up fast) all add to the smells in a busy family home, daily removal will keep the smells down.  As an added step, spray the empty garbage cans with a disinfectant (that can help too).  If you waste bins has any food residue (or other residue) give them a good clean with soap and hot water (not daily but every so often – this helps keeps the odours at bay).

  • Cat litter clean up:

  • This is a smell that really turns off buyers, so clean that litter daily! The ‘cat’ smell is a strong one and can really take over a house.  If the cat litter is located in a very visible space and a room that buyers will frequent like the kitchen, bathroom or laundry …try relocating it to a more discreet location like the basement (if possible).  For dog smells, a good carpet cleaning really helps.  Pick up after your dog from the front and backyards.  Before you hit the market – getting your pets groomed can make a huge different in their odour but also excess pet hair that can get on everything!

  • Mold and Mildew:

  • This happens is wet areas like bathrooms and in the early stages – it is pretty easy to deal with.  A good scrubbing with a bleach cleaner will do wonders.  A professional cleaning can do a great job if you are pressed for time.  A mildew smell and musty smell in a bathroom just isn’t a great impression on buyers.  If the problem is really out of hand and can’t be handled with a good cleaning with the right products – consult a contractor as there could be bigger problems like a leak behind a wall – you will want to deal with that before you get on the market.

  • Add some natural scents to the home:

  • Ones that are pleasing and not over whelming.  I recommend natural scents like baking (cinnamon in a pot of boiling water with a dash of vanilla is so easy and smells great), odour-eater sponges (have them out discreetly) can capture unpleasant smells. A lot of plug-ins and potpourris can be overkill and the smells can be a bit chemically.  But this is an easy and natural alternative – Lemon, Vanilla and Rosemary Stove-top Potpourri

We all have smells in our homes but when it comes to selling we need to be extra careful not to have our house smelling ‘funny’ or ‘off’ – it is a huge turn off for buyers.  Your home may look great but if it smells – that won’t matter. 

If you are selling – get the opinion from friends, family and your agent and tackle those smells before hitting the market! Honesty can be tough but selling a smelly house is tougher!

I hope these tips are helpful and you get that home SOLD fast!

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TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – What is Shiplap?

answer-wednesday-shiplap

“I have been hearing this term a lot lately and I don’t know what it is ….what is shiplap?”

You are right!  This is a term that we have been hearing a lot these days especially if you are someone who watches a lot of Home design and Decor shows on TV or reading magazines. 

 

So what is it – you ask, well there is a little bit of debate on what some TV hosts

are calling shiplap. 

 

Shiplap is essentially a style of wood paneling – no, not that 70’s style that you may have lived with at some point in your life – this is different….

Shiplap are long and smooth plain wood boards that are installed on a wall adding a slight texture, a visual interest and with the spacing between the boards you get a stripe effect. We are definitely seeing this in the design shows especially the ones that have a slight country influence.

 

The debate in really on the install of these long and smooth wood panel boards.

In some cases we see these long wood straight panels that are nailed to the wall adding a slight bit of texture and a stripe effect in a room.  These boards are often painted in almost a chalk paint consistency.  We are seeing this a lot in homes that want a bit of a country or farmhouse look (this can also work with a home that is after a nautical feel). 

Now ‘actual’ shiplap looks very similar (which I would say is why the term is being used) but the install is different.  This shiplap is like a tongue and groove system giving the boards self-spacing – to get that striped look. the idea with this installation was to get a water tight ‘seal’.

 

If you didn’t see the install of the wood panels you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Shiplap is a great way to add some texture to a space. 

 

It looks great painted in any tone (the paint colour choice can really help determine the style you want in the room).  You can opt for a flat finish paint in a warm white, soft grey or even a light blue for a country look but if you chose a darker paint like a charcoal or even a deep navy you could get a bit of an industrial feel.  Of course the items like accessories, textile and lighting will also help with the overall look.

 

 

Shiplap can also be used as a great accent wall in a family room or even a bedroom.  It’s a wonderful way to make an impact without over whelming the entire room.  For those of you that feel reclaimed wood walls are just a bit too much this is a good alternative. 

If you are looking for some subtle texture and visual interest, consider shiplap.

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUTDOORS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Matching Front Door and Garage Door

we-answer-wednesday-matching-front-door-and-garage-door

“I’m going to paint my front door a new colour something with some pop but do I need to paint my garage door in the same colour, so they match?”

Great question and a bit of a tricky one….it really comes down to how bold you want to be with your exterior’s statement, the architectural style of the home, the colour you choose, the exterior materials and overall personal preference.

For instance, if you are choosing a classic paint colour like black …

this looks great on the front door and garage door – it’s a more traditional style but a classic never goes out of fashion. This also works with a a minimalist or modern home- clean lines and simplicity are key and generally that style isn’t about being overly colourful.


Photo from Bright Green Door

If you want to be a bit more adventurous with your front door colour…

we suggest keeping the garage door more tame.  The garage door colour should match another colour on the home’s exterior.  A good idea is to have it match the framing around the door and windows. If the house has shutters, we like the shutters to match either the garage or the front door – this gives consistency to the exterior – or they should coordinate with another exterior colour maybe even the roof but the shutters need to connect with another exterior element. Too many colours on a home’s exterior is distracting and it is confusing for the eye!

Photo from Zillow –

For homes that have a lot of texture like stone, brick, shingles, beams etc…

we like to see a wood front door and garage door – the allows the materials to shine. In this case, a home exterior with a lot of natural materials we suggest making a statement with a beautiful wood door (the garage doors can also be wood or they can coordinate with another colour on the exterior). When it comes to picking your front door colour – be sure to pick a colour that is flattering with your exterior materials.


Photo from best-home-decorpictures.us

You don’t need to match your door colours but you want to take into consideration a few factors (mentioned above) and also the statement you want to make.  If you want a really bright and bold colourful door – let that be the focal point and let the other elements including the garage door play a complimentary role.

Photo from thisoldhouse.com

With a garage door in a complimentary tone this really allows for your front door to be the WOW factor!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Makeover your bedroom with only 5 easy pieces!

easy-bedroom-makeover-using-only-5-pieces

We love a makeover! Don’t you? Many times small changes make a huge impact in your home. Changing some accessories, or a coat of paint can make a space feel brand new. Many people hesitate when redecorating because they think it is going to cost a lot. There are so many simple changes that can make a difference in your space.

Here is my guest bedroom – I have family and friends visiting all the time and I really wanted to spruce up my guest bedroom plus I wanted it too look and feel like the rest of my home.

My main accent colour is blue so the red and beige spare bedroom wasn’t really working anymore.  So what did I do to transform the look of my guest bedroom with only 5 pieces….

Here is a photo of my ‘old’ bedroom.  This was a colour motif from my last home but I have moved away from the warmer tones.  My current house has grey and white (as my neutrals) with accents of blue and some bright pinks pops here and there.

BEFORE:

Beiges and warm tones weren’t really the style we were looking for anymore. By changing the wall colour and removing the red, the look is more contemporary and fresh. I started off by changing the wall colour – I had some left over white paint that was used in the main part of my house, so this kept my costs down – this room isn’t huge so the brightness of the white made my room feel bigger.

Next I replaced the red drapery for something more neutral and airy.  Nothing custom just some simple store bought panels.  That adds some softness to the room.

I kept the bed frame  (although I may get adventurous and paint the frame one day) and the white bedding – that looks so clean and it’s gender neutral.

I found an interesting lamp with a funky base to replace the more traditional looking one that was in the room.  The base has a soft and soothing aqua tone and the shade is white!

I then swapped out the red accent pillows for some black and white damask printed ones (I love print) and a cobalt blue.  I love mixing colour and print and with the simplicity of the room I could add print and colour with ease.

Lastly, I removed the red art piece and replaced it with a calming almost beachy art piece that I positioned above the bed.

 

AFTER:


I kept the expenses low – I spent around $300 and the room looks and feels great!  These small changes make a huge impact! My guests feel at home because this room looks like it’s a part of my home.

Remember makeovers and room updates don’t have to cost a fortune,

 

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 10 Classic Colour Combinations

we-answer-wednesday-10-classic-colour

“We are looking to update our space.  It’s very neutral and we want to add some colour.  We have a medium sized budget and are willing to spend on some quality pieces but we want to make sure we have colours that aren’t too trendy.  What would you suggest?”

When it comes to updating your space, accessories is an easy and affordable solution.  A new pop of colour can really transform the look and feel of a space. When it comes to updating your space – don’t worry too much about trends, if you love something (a colour, texture, print etc…) than bring it into the room.  The great thing about having a neutral palette to start with is that it will work with anything! Colour can really set the tone and the mood of a space – so take a look at colour and think about how it makes you feel as it will bring that feeling into that room.

We definitely have some classic colour combinations that will never go out of style.

Take a look at these combinations and see how they make you feel.

1. BLACK AND WHITE –

Of course this is top on our list, it is a classic like no other! black and white can be too much contrast for some but you can add to it to soften up the look – in this image we love the addition of the natural elements and textures.  But this combo is so incredibly versatile, it really depends on the pieces you choose.  This can be super glam, it can be country and everything in between! This is really about the pieces you choose.


Photo from Homedit.com

2. TURQUOISE, COBALT AND SKY BLUE –

These colours work with all neutrals and any style.  Just because we are working with blues doesn’t mean you have to have a coastal look.  We love these fresh blues paired with a glass table with clean modern lines. We also love mixing the various tones of one colour.


Photo from 57sparklegirl.tumblr.com

3. BEIGE, BLUE, GREEN AND GREY –

Mixing soft neutrals and then adding some pop of colour is a great way to liven up a room! Forget the old rule of not “mixing green and blue unless it’s in the washing machine” – these hues look great together! We also love to see these colours in prints – it really gives the room a designer feel.


Photo from Eye for Design

4. CHARCOAL, CREAM AND BEIGE –

You cannot go wrong with neutrals! Some think that beige and grey cannot be mixed together but they absolutely can! This room is full of neutrals but mainly a deep charcoal, white and beige.  To keep it from being boring this room has some great texture (see the decorative twigs, the sisal area rug, marble fireplace surround, mirrors and the matching rattan ottomans). The pattern pillows also add some great visual interest to keep the space from looking boring.


Photo from renoguide.com.au

5. WHITE, BROWN AND GREEN –

Green is a very fresh colour and adds instant life to any room. Paired with white and brown it adds a nice pop to a simple palette.  We love how it is versatile with styles. In this image we see a modern eclectic spin but this would work so well with a country decor style.


Photo from Remodelista

6. GREY, BLUE AND WHITE –

Colour is great in the kitchen too! Such a fresh and clean combination! Look at this fabulous kitchen with the grey/blue island and soft white/grey cabinets, white stools, white walls and those blue and white pattern stools make this whole kitchen space and eating area look welcoming and chic.  This is a great colour palette for any room and we love how the wood adds warmth and character, too!


Photo from Citrine Living by Tamara Anka

7. WHITE, ORANGE AND  NAVY –

This is a fresh combination and it really works with any style.  If you like a nautical vibe try adding some natural elements like sea grass or sisal on the floor, some wicker pieces too.  We also love this colour combo in a boys’ bedroom. But this also works with a classic contemporary look like this image.  This is a very clean look.


Photo from Pottery Barn

8. WARM GREY, WARM WHITE AND BURNT ORANGE –

We love this gender neutral palette and it is perfect for every room including nurseries! We have been seeing a lot of orange in home decor but we love it in nurseries.  We are seeing more and more gender neutral rooms for babies, so that mom, dad and baby (and future babies) all feel great in the space.  The burnt orange is a bit softer than a true and pure orange. The warm white and warm grey are still very popular neutrals as well.


Photo from Apartment therapy

9. SILVER AND AQUA –

You may think that aqua is on the trendy side and yes there have been years where we have seen a lot of this hue but it never seems to disappear completely, which is why we are including it in our classic combinations.  Blend this soft aqua tone with silvers and grey, this is so soothing and stylish.  This is perfect for a bedroom, we love it in a guest bedroom but it is wonderful in main living spaces too.


Photo from COCOCOZY

10. GRASS GREEN AND YELLOW –

This is a fresh colour combination that also has a lot of warmth.  If you are a nature lover, this is a great palette for you as it really combines those lovely spring tones.  If you feel this looks a bit country but you like the colours….think about opting for some gold and glass accents like lamps, coffee and end tables.  Add some more classic pattern as well.  These colours work with any style.


Photo from Brabourne Farm

When it comes to adding colour to your space, you can add a much or as little as you like.  We suggest starting off slow – especially if you are trying a new colour and you aren’t a risk taker.  Take a look at these classic combinations and pick the one that really ‘speaks’ to you and go for it – it only colour!

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Layer Your Lighting

we-answer-wednesday-how-to-layer-your-lighting

“I have overhead lighting in my living room but it still looks and feels dark most of the time.  How can I improve the lighting in my living room?”

This is a great question and actually a very common concern. More often than not, homes are not designed and built with a lighting plan in mind.  Some builders are now offering that opportunity to buyers who have purchased from plans, to meet with an in-house design/decor consultant and review the lighting plans and they can make adjustments and some additions (at an extra cost).  But what about someone who has purchased an existing home? What can you do?

You still have options.  You could meet an electrician and see where you could add some extra ambient lighting sources such as pot lights.  But that can be costly.

Photo from tumblr.com  – This space uses different types of lighting – the ambient light from the ceiling fixtures and task lighting from the kitchen island pendants and the table lamps.  Look closely there are some candles on the coffee table too.

What you want to do and can do quite easily is layer your lighting. Think of your lighting plan a having 3 layers.  Each layer plays a role in the whole plan. Layering your lighting means to have different sources of lighting in one room.  Each source has a different function but they each contribute to the look and feel of the room. This way you can change up the lighting scheme throughout the day and to set the mood you like.  This is also a great idea for a room that serves multiple purposes (which is the case for most of us).

So what are the 3 types of lighting that should be in a room?

LAYER 1- Ambient lighting: this is the room’s overall light wash, this could be natural light streaming in from a window or it could be from overhead lighting.  This is your basic layer of lighting.  This type of light illuminates open areas, walls and main furniture pieces. For overhead ambient light, a dimmer switch is a great idea as it offers you options throughout the day to change it up with your mood. Examples of Ambient lighting include: overhead fixtures, pot lights, natural light beaming in from a window, and torchiere.

 

LAYER 2- Task lighting: this type of lighting is designed to help you perform activities at close range.  This type of lighting is more area specific.  For example, wall sconces or a swing arm floor lamp behind a chair is great for reading or a hanging pendant over a kitchen island are some examples of task lighting.  Task lighting is another layer in your lighting plan. Examples of task lighting include: table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and swing arm lamps.

Photo from eclecticallyvintage.com

LAYER 3- Accent lighting: this style of lighting adds a touch of drama to your space. This really allows you to change up the mood in your room quite easily.  Accent lights really let you direct the eye to objects you want to draw attention to, for instance picture lights or candles.  This type of lighting adds warmth (as well as drama) to a space. Examples of accent lighting include: picture lighting, library lights, spot lights, track lights, mini chandeliers and candle light.

Photo from Mattamy Homes  – Another great example of layering your lighting.  We see here the overhead lighting from the ceiling fan (double duty piece) and the pot lights.  The table and floor lamps add some great task lighting, perfect for reading.  And the wall mounted candle sconces add some accent lighting when needed.

Playing with the 3 layers of lighting helps create the mood in the room.  So for a gathering of friends and family, to create a cozy mood use layers 1 (on a dimmer) and 2.  For a more romantic mood, try blending various types of layer 3 (only spotlights mixed in with some candle light is very seductive).

When you are making your lighting plan you can mix up the styles of lighting from one category.  So a room could have a large picture window letting in lots of natural light (depending on time of day) with a beautiful overhead fixture and a few pot lights in the bookcases with a matching pair of table lamps flanking the sofa and a floor lamp or wall sconce behind a reading chair.  Add in some candle light or even twinkle lights by the fireplace and you have a room with a layer lighting plan that allows you to set any mood you like.  Plus this way you have light throughout the entire room, so it will never feel dark.

Photo from Zillow

 

You can never go wrong with adding extra light sources in any room.

I hope this helped bring more light into your life,

 

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