HOME DECOR

Black and White Home Decor

black-and-white

Black and White is a classic!  It is always “in” and works with so many different styles of decor.  Here are a few of our favourite rooms in black and white.

This condo living room is gorgeous! We love a consistent colour palette in smaller spaces but what’s so effective here is all of the white-on-white and accents of black and silver.  The white walls and furniture blend together making the space feel so much bigger.  The glass and silver add so much glamour to the space.

Another stunning living room, we love that this black and white has some ethnic elements with the choices of print and pattern but also materials.  We love to mix patterns but also materials.  The small touches of gold add some shine to the room

This dining area is relaxed but still modern.  The clean, black table paired with Eiffel chairs keeps it cool but the mix makes it relaxed.   The over sized lighting also makes a big statement in the room adjoining rooms.

We love an accent wall and in black and white so chic! This stripe wall in this work space adds instant drama.

Black and White is the bedroom is so chic.  We love the over sized mirrors with mini chandeliers in this bedroom paired with the modern bed frame make this space very unique but still very stylish.

We love the simple glamour of this bedroom.  The full and fluffy white bedding with lots of layers against the black wall is so chic.  And the added detail on that black wall just takes it to the next level. The sphere chandelier is modern but with a classic twist.

We love black and white photography, gallery walls, pillows, prints, area rugs and so much more.  when it comes to decorating your space in this classic contrast don’t be afraid to mix up prints and textures.  In fact you really should so that you get a chic designer look .

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HOLIDAYS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Hosting for the Holidays

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“OK, Please help!  I just found out I’m hosting the office Christmas party.  It’s in 3 weeks and I have never hosted this type of party ever.  I need to provide food and drinks (luckily I have some friends who are going to help with that) but I’d like to decorate as well without spending a fortune and easy but stylish holiday decorating ideas??”

 

The holiday season is so much fun but it can be stressful.  Throwing a Christmas cocktail party in 3 weeks might feel impossible but it isn’t!  Good for you for enlisting some support in the food and beverage department.  It’s OK to ask for help.

 

If you do not own any holiday decor items, it might be a good idea to ask friends and family if they have any decorations around the house that they aren’t using.  This could save you a lot of time and money.

 

If you want to do it all on your own but on a budget there are lots of fun and festive ways to decorate on a budget.

1.  Use items you have around the house already like vases.

We love filling vases with season items like pine cones, ribbons and bows, candy canes and even ornaments – for a clean and simple look but it still celebrates the season.

 

2. Add a few natural elements for an instant Christmas feel.

We love this simple wood tray with candles, pine cones, simple metallic ornaments and some cedar branches on this coffee table.  It is perfect and simple.  Try a scented candle for an extra special touch.

 

 

3. Edible arrangements are easy and fun.

We love this simple and clean centerpiece with votive candles, cranberries and some cedar branches.

 

4. Wrap some old boxes and use them in corners or by the fireplace.

So simple and still very festive.  Not great at wrapping? You can purchase pretty boxes from more Dollar stores, add a bow and you are done.  We love these 3 boxes on candle sticks – perfect on a console entry to welcome guests!

 

5. Recycle your bottles and make them beautiful with some winter berries or other faux foliage.

We love these green glass bottles with winter berries.  A bit of a rustic feel for the holiday season.  Perfect on a mantle or as a centerpiece.

 

6. Candy!

Christmas candy is so pretty so why not show it off? We love this simple Christmas candy tower and you know what? It’s a great DIY gift for a host, neighbour or teacher.  The vase can be re-used and the candy, who doesn’t love candy??

7.  Welcome guests with a wreath!

Wreaths are a great accessory for the front door.  But you can definitely bring them inside.  They look great on walls (this year I’m adding one to my gallery wall), windows, mantles and interior doors – why not? Look for wreaths that are your style – shiny, big, bold, natural, there are so many to choose from.  Crafty? Try making your own.

 

A few other things to consider….

– Colour palette:

Who says you have to stick to the traditional green, red and white? Mix it up a bit! Try bold and bright tones like hot pink, purple, aqua and lime green.  Go glam with white and mixed metallics.  Keep it simple with one hue like just red.  choose a colour palette that works for you!

– No room for a tree? No problem!

Look for a mini tree instead, artificial is a great option too – you can re-use it year after year.  Try a rosemary ‘tree’.  Most local supermarkets have rosemary plants in the shape of a mini Christmas tree, it’s perfect by the front door, coffee table or as a centerpiece. We also love DIY projects like these Christmas tree cones – a great option for small spaces and you can decorate them however you like!

– Light!

Candles make any event look and feel special so bring out your pillars and votives and dim the lights.  The candle light will make your place look beautiful.

– Budget.

Be sure to check out your dollar stores for decor and party supplies.  You might be very surprised at what you find on such a tight budget.

– Have a theme.

Yes, OK it’s Christmas but what is your style or theme? Stick with one colour palette and inject your sense of style.  Do you want a country Christmas or a contemporary Christmas?  There’s no wrong answer but stick to that decor theme throughout the entire home to keep it looking chic and sophisticated.  The best party planners plan their decor scheme, so we suggest you do the same.

Have fun!

It’s a party and yes the host has extra duties and responsibilities but have fun! If the party isn’t perfect, it doesn’t matter just go with it and have a good time, and everyone else will too !

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HOME DECOR, STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – stylish TV stands

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“I have a typical, TV media stand right now and I find it such an eye sore in my home. What are some unique ideas to use as a media stand in my living room?”
 
 
We agree! While the typical, glass media stand is a cheap and easy option but it certainly doesn’t enhance the style of a space. There are tons of great options that are not necessarily the ‘typical’ option but will look fabulous!

Here are 7 suggestions for ‘unique’ media stands.

 
 

1. A dresser:

Depending on how much space you have in your living room this is a fantastic option for a few reasons. It is GREAT for storage, it will hide cords and it is a unique option to have. You don’t have to choose a typical bedroom dresser, maybe a decorative option with some detail work, or some curves to the wood, perhaps in a bright colour. The flexibility with a dresser is awesome. Just make sure that the height works for your space. If you are using a lower, more modern dresser, it helps to check the height of your sofa to ensure its not too low to comfortably watch.
 

2. A chest:

Depending again on the height, having a chest with or without detail is a unique look. This is also a great
way to hide any cords etc since a chest is typically bulky.  There are so many different colours, styles, sizes and finishes to choose from! A great way to personalize your space.
 

3. A console table:

A clean lined, simple console table with a bit of storage is a great space saving option. You can hide any wires by adding baskets underneath, or a small bench or ottomans. This is very versatile and comes in many options, depending on your décor and the size of your home. Make sure that you have enough depth to hold the items you need to.
 

4. A fireplace:

Before committing to this though, make sure you have checked that your TV can with stand the heat that a fireplace will generate. For some people, having their TV over mounted or resting on the fireplace is a fabulous space saver as well as a great look!
 

5.  A bench:

Be sure your bench is sturdy enough to handle the weight of a TV but this could be a great small space solution because it won’t add a ton of bulk but pay attention to the height.

6. TV Easel:

We love this option but understand it isn’t necessarily budget friendly.  This is a great option for spaces where your wall space is limited (hello condo dwellers) plus these come of wheels so they can be moved around if you need room in your main living space if you are hosting a larger TV free party!

7. Bookcase:

Having a lower bookcase is another fantastic idea for a small space. This will incorporate a ton of storage and hold your TV – so practical!! You can never have enough storage. Plus, this is a great idea for showcasing accessories as well as being functional – doesn’t get much better than that!!
 
I believe even your most functional pieces can be stylish –
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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Girl on a Budget

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” I’m a girl on a budget.  I’ve moved into a new place and I need some ideas to make my new place look expensive.”

 

We are all on a budget but there are some home updates that you can do with minimal money that will result in maximum impact.

1 – Lighting.

Swap out that old dining or entry way light fixture for something with visual impact

2 – Neutrals.

Ever notice that those classically chic spaces we all drool over in the magazines are always in neutral tones? So opt for neutral paint on your walls, the depth is up to you but greys, taupes, creams and beige always looks chic.

3 – Tile.

Is your kitchen missing something? A back splash is like jewelry on an outfit – it pulls it altogether and makes a statement! So same with tile.  Update your kitchen with some back splash tiles and maybe give your powder room a boost too.  Looking for something timeless? We love a subway tile, it comes in many colours and it’s always in style.

4 – Built-ins.

Yes, they are expensive but fake them! find some pre-fab or packed shelving and create that custom built-in look with floor to ceiling bookcases.  Aim for shelving that is the colour of your trim to get the built-in look. Be sure to style your bookcase with decor pieces and books to make it look elevated!

5 – Dimension.

Add some depth and elegance with panels and molding. Use this to draw attention to special features of the home like a fireplace.

6 – Hardware.

Make sure your hardware finishes match.  Replace any hardware that doesn’t match or that is broken. Coordinating your hardware pieces will make the whole room shine.

7 – Walk way.

Even the exterior of your home can look expensive.  Update that walkway it will give the whole exterior an instant boost and make your landscaping look even better.

8 – Exterior entryway.

A full exterior make over can get pricey but try a few easy improvements like paint your front door – a fresh coat of paint always looks great!  Update your mailbox and address plate. Try adding some flanking planters to your front exterior, for symmetry and balance they frame the entry and look welcoming.

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to look like you are…

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HOME DECOR

7 Easy Ways to add a little Colour to your world

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It’s officially November and we can all see it, not just on the calendar but outside, too!  The days are shorter, the leaves have fallen off of the trees and those beautiful fall colours have turned to grey….everything is just a little dreary.  So maybe it’s time for a change, a dash of colour and some fun at home.

The easiest way to make a change to your space to liven it up is with colour.  Here are some of favourite (and easy) ideas to add some pop to your decor.

1 – Florals.

This is perfect for anyone non-committal, fresh flowers don’t last for after about 10 days – they will need replacing. Or try some silk flowers, these keep, they are low maintenance and you can bring them out when ever our home needs an extra boost! They look great in bedrooms, bathrooms, on coffee tables and more….

2 – Art.

Such an easy way to add as much or as little colour as you like.  Any style of art piece can have colour from abstract to landscapes – go with what you love.  You can use the colours in that piece as an inspiration for adding even more colour in that room, so not, it’s up to you!

3 – Area rugs.

Think of them as art on the floor.  This is a great way to make a statement in any room.  Mixing colour and pattern can really transform a room.  The options are endless!

4 – Drapery.

A fun way to add colour, pattern and texture to your space.  This can really wake up a neutral space.  Like area rugs – the choices are plentiful…

5 – Small furniture pieces.

Keep your main furniture pieces neutral but try adding an accent chair, side table or stool in a colour.  This is unique and it’s a great way to show off your personality.  We love this kitchen with orange stools – it really adds some fun to a mostly white on white space.

6 – Decor pillows.

This is probably the easiest way to give your room a colourful update.  We love to mix bold colours, patterns and complimentary colours against a neutral sofa or bed.

7 – Accent wall.

If you feel you need a bigger change, consider a painting accent wall in a fun colour or splashy wallpaper.

Colour your world – add a little or a lot …

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HOME DECOR

What is Scandinavian Style?

scandinavian-style

Scandinavia has a long heritage of beautiful home furnishings. Scandinavians are renowned for incorporating clean lines, using the color white like total pros, and emphasizing both function and form.

You might think that Scandinavian style is that famous yellow and blue store with ‘assemble yourself furniture’ that comes in boxes.  but Scandinavian style is more than that!

If you love a clean and minimal look that embraces natural elements, Scandinavian might be your style!

Scandinavian style includes…

1 – Light toned wood.

2 – A rug with one pop of colour…

Maybe…but usually they are neutral, black and white are often seen in this style of decor.

3 – Lots of white, and white on white

4 -Simplicity is key

When it comes to hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms, clean lines and minimal to no detail.

5 – Invest in classics.

Scandinavian style is very minimal so you will only have a few decor items, so it’s worth investing in them. For example, a glass vase by designer Alvar Aalto

6 – Signature ‘Scandinavian’ pieces

Furniture pieces that embrace the Scandinavian style like the Tulip Table

7 – Gallery walls with a monochrome colour palette.

Not cluttered at all – it’s a very clean look in a consistent and neutral colour palette.

8 – Pendant lighting is essential and an important decor feature in the room.

It is functional but also decorative. Plan the room around it

9 –  Plants.

Streamlined and clean in a simple planter or vase.  But every Scandinavian styled room has a plant.

10 – Wood flooring.

Think wider, lighter planks with visible knots and minimal to no gloss.

11 – Make a point of having and highlighting the fireplace.

In Scandinavian styled homes, we often see corner fireplaces and furniture plans are often designed around them.

12 – Open Shelving.

For functional items like dishes in the kitchen.  It’s about easy access and operating effectively.


Scandinavian style is all about simplicity, it is clean and minimal but has a signature look. Scandinavian style isn’t just IKEA…

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HOLIDAYS, HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Selling and Seasonal Decor

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“We will be selling our home during the holidays.  We love the holidays and especially the decorating.  Is it OK to decorate our home for the holidays while it is up for sale? “

 

We love the holidays too and the decorating is our favourite part but when it comes to selling your home you need to be careful.  Holiday decorating can be a negative when it comes to selling your home.

 

We love how simple and subtle this entry way decor is.  It is perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving season.  It is clean and tasteful.

 

Although we love this because it is both fun and festive for Halloween, it is too much if you are selling your home.  The mantle is too cluttered and crowded, and taking away from the fireplace – a great feature for any home

Here’s why:

1.  Certain holiday decor may be religious and that can turn (some) buyers off.  You need to keep the home neutral and depersonalized.

 

2.  Holiday decor (in most cases) adds clutter.  You might think adding a large Christmas tree in your family room shows off the size of the room but it actually doesn’t.  It cramps the space, adds bulk to the space and although beautiful it may even cut off the flow of the room.

 


This is a lot of fun and totally chic for a Halloween party but it’s very cluttered and is very distracting.
 

3.  Holiday decor can be distracting.  Lights, trees, baubles and bling really take the focus away from features like flooring, new paint, large windows and just about anything else that is included with the home

 

4.  Holiday decor dates your photos. We love holiday decor but if you are decked out for the holidays during your photos, those photos will get old and quickly.  No one wants to see a fireplace mantle with garlands and wreaths in late January or February (and depending on your market and price point that could be a realistic time frame).

 


This is clean and simple plus it isn’t religious.  This would be cute on a mantel or as a centerpiece during the season.

 
Now if you just can’t come to terms with not decorating for the holidays while your home is for sale, here are some ideas.

1.  Tone it down and keep it tasteful.  So keep to less than 50% of what you would normally do.


This is a great addition on the front porch or by the fireplace.  It’s clean and simple and it can be up over the months of December and January as it is pretty generic.  But remember to maintain any natural plants – you don’t want a fire hazard or pine needles everywhere!

 

2.  Keep your decor up for a shorter period of time.  So don’t put up your items too early and keep them up too long.

 

3.  Don’t have your decor ‘up’ for your photos.  That way you will be giving buyers (who are looking online) a true snapshot of what the home looks like and you will be able to use the photos longer as they won’t be dated after the holidays.

 

4.  Hosting the holidays? Be sure to let your agent know and coordinate with him/her any showing restrictions in advance – you don’t want to turn away showings if you can avoid it. It can set a bad impression.

 

Don’t forget the exterior – keep your decor simple, clean and tasteful.  White lights are very flattering and work beyond the Christmas holidays.  Also with the days getting shorter, these lights help buyers and agents see the house better!

 

This is really fun and very festive and probably a neighbourhood attraction but it is distracting and a look to avoid when selling your home.

 

Remember once you are in your new home you can make up for not being able to decorate during the sale of your last home! Happy Holidays and happy Selling!!

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HOME DECOR

The Golden Rule : How To Decorate with Gold

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For 2016, GOLD is hot!

We saw this metallic used in home decor in 2015 but this coming year it will be everywhere.

Gold is a great way to add some shine to your space but it also can add a touch of glamour or tradition depending on how you use it.  One of the great things about gold is that it works with every colour.  Paired with navy, black, white or cream it is a classic but try getting a little ‘edgy’ by pairing it with pinks, aqua, grey and prints.

When you think gold in the home you probably think fixtures like hardware, plumbing and lighting but think again….gold can be used in many other ways.


We love gold in this bedroom.

A touch of glam, modern and tradition.  The touch of gold in the hardware and the lamp base adds some sparkle and shine.  Adding these gold elements to the high lacquer and clean lined gives the room a bit of a clean modern feel.

You don’t have to go overboard when it comes to gold.

A few touches here and there really go a long way.  We love the gold edging on this coffee table and bar cart.

Re-think gold in your light fixtures.

We love this pendant.  The modern lines and angles make it simple but still interesting and having it in gold…adds some simple glamour.

Look at frames in your home, mirrors or photos, a touch of gold adds some bling and personality to any room.  We love the gold frame mirror in this powder room

 

Pillows in a gold finish is so glamorous and gorgeous!

Pair is with some texture and voila! – instantly chic!


Make a statement with bold, gold art! We love the mix of shades of pink, beige, white and gold.  Girly and fun!

Gold accessories on a coffee table, bookcase or mantel – elegant and modern.

Look for bowls, vases and candle sticks in gold for a touch of glam.

Gold furniture  is so sophisticated and modern.  We love this gold base with glass top paired with upholstered chairs.  It’s the perfect balance of traditional and modern.

 

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BEDROOMS, LIGHTING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Bedroom Chandelier

we-answer-wednesday-bedroom-chandeliers
“I see in magazine so many people are using chandeliers in their bedrooms these days. I love the look, but am worried I won’t know how to choose the right one. What are some of the things I should be looking for when choosing a chandelier for my bedroom?”
 

Who doesn’t love a chandelier in the bedroom?

The elegant look they give a space is so beautiful. A gorgeous light fixture is such a feature in a room and lighting is something that can really change a space. Both design wise and functionally. Choosing a chandelier for your bedroom doesn’t need to be complicated!

There are tons of options out there, from rustic to modern, but chances are, your home décor is already headed in a certain direction. Be true to your style! Whether the look you desire is traditional or modern, there’s many options that will work with your decor and provide the ambient light you need.

 

If you love bling, adding a little bit of glitz and glam to your room will give it that sparkle you’re looking for. For a more traditional look, choose a chandelier with more ornamentation or decorative details. If your room’s look is more modern, a fixture with simple lines and fewer details can be a stunning touch.

 
Chandeliers usually work best in rooms with a ceiling height of more than 9 feet. Though, in a child’s bedroom, you might choose a mini-chandelier, since children’s rooms are typically smaller than master bedrooms.
A mini-chandelier may be designed more like a semi-flush light, which won’t take up as much space. This can also work in small scale dining rooms or living rooms.
 

The chandelier should complement, not overwhelm, furnishings placed underneath. One of the most noted mistakes when installing a bedroom chandelier is choosing a fixture that is too small for the room.

Chances are this lighting fixture is going to be a focal point of the bedroom (among others), so we want to ensure that is not falling into the background. Choose a chandelier that at first glance may look too large for the room. Obviously, choosing something gargantuan is going to look silly, but choosing an oversize chandelier will really make a statement in the room. It’s better to have a chandelier too large than it is too small.

 

Once you’ve determined the right size chandelier for your room, choose a fixture based on the room’s main color or material.

What type of statement you want to make?

Is there a certain mood or feeling your looking to invoke?

We want to be true to the décor you currently have/love.

 

 

If you are looking to create a romantic space, go for the sparkle and the glam look of a crystal chandelier. (Put that on a dimmer!!) If you are looking for a rustic space, add some organic textures.. adding a wood element is a sure way to bring the natural feel inside. A modern bedroom is best accented with clean lines and minimalist extras.

A traditional bedroom looks great with a candelabra chandelier and a little bit of crystal. Do some research. Think about what you love in your home and carry that into your décor choices!

 

 

An incredible light fixture makes a statement in any room, so don’t forget about the bedroom – the lights might be off most of the time but why not have a fabulous fixture to look at in the day light? Who knows you might try and spend more time in there…

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HOLIDAYS, OUR FAVOURITES

Halloween House of Horrors – Our favourite Halloween decor ideas

halloween-house-of-horrors-our

We love Halloween, well let’s face it we love any excuse to decorate!

Here are some of our favourite decor ideas for this spook-tacular holiday!

There are so many options ghouly-goregous, boo-tiful and vamp-tastic….find you spooky style and have fun!

We love this fireplace vignette.

It’s the right amount of spooky without terrifying your guests.  It’s festive and fun but classy at the same time.  The white and black theme isn’t too ‘Halloween’ it still has a designer look about it.

 

Easy and fun but also subtle.  Try these printables to make your current books look like old spell and potion books.   Perfect for a coffee table!

Creepy floral arrangement…add some spooky and inexpensive spider and snakes to an existing bouquet or opt for a fake floral arrangement and re-use this every year.  Love this for a foyer or coffee table and why not for a centerpiece at your Halloween party!

An easy DIY with foam pumpkins from any craft store and re-purpose those candle sticks ! You can really play around with this idea…orange pumpkins, glitter pumpkins, add some creepy crawlies….so many possibilities!

Instead of a planter to celebrate the fall season, why not a witch’s cauldron?

Another easy idea with many options…fill it with spooky pieces like this image or make it more child-friendly with cute pumpkins and ghosts!

Love this for a centerpiece or maybe just on the kitchen island!  Re-use old bottles meant for the recycling bin and use some great printables to transform them into spooky poisons and potions!

Simple and festive!  Love this idea for napkin rings…this could be for a dinner party or just for the kids before trick-or-treating!

If you are that house on the street that goes full out and creates a haunted house…this is for you!

This “DEAD and Breakfast” sign is amazing and perfect for the DIYer in you! Go to your local hardware store for the posts, chains and the wood for the sign, pumpkins and crows and paint to create the sign are all available at a craft store

In my house, we can’t get too scary just yet so we decorate with felt bats, trees, owl and pumpkins…very similar to this image.  It’s very family friendly and it looks great!

We love a great Halloween wreath – an easy way to be festive and participate in the holiday ! there are so many options, it could be hard to decide.

Hosting a Halloween party?

This is a great idea….give your home that creepy haunted old home look with white sheets covering the furniture (this will also help protect your furniture from spills and crumbs) add some candelabras, candle light and cobwebs and you have the look!

Get create with your vases and fill them with little skeletons, spiders, pumpkins, mice and anything else Halloween.  Add some florist moss and you’ve got a simple vignette for the fireplace, coffee table or console.  Simple yet effective!

Happy Halloween……

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