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HOLIDAYS

The Best Neutral Christmas Home Decor

December 11, 2017

Christmas time is in full swing … but you say you don’t like colourful Christmas home decor. Well you are in luck, Christmas decor comes in all styles and ‘colours’ – let me show you some of the Best Neutral Christmas Home Decor …

Neutral Christmas Decor – white, gold and beige

Maybe not your typical colour scheme but this is just so elegant and chic. Gold and white are a classic combination and by adding the beige and taupe tones – this room looks so rich! The white lights add some beautiful shine and the rustic touches like the deer head on the tree top add a woodland look which is very popular right now.

Photo credit: Kirklands

Neutral Christmas Decor – Silver, Green and White

I love Christmas decor that can really extend through the long winter months and when you opt for a neutral palette you definitely have that ability to keep up a lot of your decor through the winter. This combination has a cool, outdoorsy vibe think evergreens, snow and ice….This beautiful staircase with evergreens and baubles is so seasonal and fresh looking!

Photo credit: Lowe’s

Neutral Christmas Decor – Brown and Gold

This combination of brown and gold is so rich and elegant. This tree has a traditional feel and the colours of brown and gold add drama and depth. Al of the the sparkle that contrasts with the more rugged textures like the burlap makes this tree make this tree one of a kind.

Photo credit: TrendyTree

Neutral Christmas Decor – Black, White and Wood

This combination is not your typical Christmas combination but it also has a great modern meets outdoors feel. The mix of the Buffalo Check and the wood log chargers gives this Christmas table setting a relaxed and casual feel but still says Christmas.

Photo credit: HobbyCraft

Neutral Christmas Decor – Navy and Metallics

Navy Blue is a great way to add some depth and drama yet still keeping it classic with a winter feel and you can easily mix in some metallic tones like silver or gold (maybe even both). Navy blue and white are also a great neutral combination for the season – a little unexpected but it works!

Photo credit: lushome

Neutral Christmas Decor – All White

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…..make your home a winter wonderland with layers of white on white Christmas decor. With these colour scheme you can remove the tree and keep other decorative touches up because the white decor is more seasonal and less holiday focused.

Photo credit: skimbacolifestyle

Remember, neutral decor is never boring mix it up with pattern and texture for everyday and for the holidays,

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HOLIDAYS

Christmas Decor Favourites

December 3, 2017

Christmas time is here! and you know what that means…Christmas decor! I love any excuse to decorate but Christmas has to be my absolute favourite time of year – the cool air, the white fluffy snow, the music and the overall spirit of the season is just so warm and welcoming. In my house we love to start decorating around the American Thanksgiving weekend – that way we can make the most of the season and really get into the spirit.

Over the years, my Christmas decor style has evolved and every year I add a few more pieces to the mix – here are just some of my favourite Christmas Decor items…

Christmas Decor Pillows

I love how simple these are to ad to an armchair or a sofa – plus these would look really cute in a guest bedroom (how welcoming). This is such an easy piece to add to a room and what I really love about it, is it brings the holiday feel into all areas of the home. You could either store away your ‘regular’ decor pillows or if you are short on space, get some Christmas pillow covers instead and zip them on for the season and zip them off at the end of the season.

This is a really cute and festive option from Wayfair…

Christmas Decor Canvas

One of the big holiday trends that we seeing a lot of this year and it is a bit of a nod to the whole farmhouse look is the canvas signs with sayings – I love the simplicity of the farmhouse style and adding in a great farmhouse sign with a Christmas feel is a great addition to a fireplace mantle, a gallery wall or a front foyer vignette.

This wrapped ‘Peace on Earth’ canvas from Wayfair – is not only a wonderful message but it comes in great neutral tones so it will work with most colour themes.

Christmas Decor Wreath

The Christmas wreath is a classic, we all know that but I am loving wreaths in vignettes, fireplace mantle styling and handing indoors. I added a festive red and white one to my gallery wall in my family room and again I love how it brings the spirit of the season into all areas of my home. I also love the look of a wreath hanging on the outside and the inside of a front door – so chic!

When it comes to a Christmas wreath – there is a style for everyone but in my home I tend to stick to the classics like this one….

Christmas Decor Candles

Candles are a great way to add some soft lighting – they also make a great gift. This year I purchased some beautiful ‘Christmas scented’ candles for my kids’ teachers – I love the simple look of these ones in the mason jars – plus it is a ‘one size fits all’ gift. Candles are great addition to a coffee table, console table or a fireplace mantle….

Christmas Decor Snowy Tree

This year, we finally purchased a new Christmas tree – we are a big fan of the artificial tree for a few reasons…it’s not as messy and high maintenance as a real one and with 4 children under the age of 9 – we need to keep it simple. Plus we used to travel quite a bit over the Christmas break and a real tree can lead to some real problem if it is not watered regularly, so a fake tree it is. But there are so many beautiful options – like the one we just purchased. I have been eying these snow flocked trees for a while and my husband surprised me with one this year and I LOVE IT! It is so pretty just on it’s own but once you add the white lights and all of the ornaments, it is just magic!

Christmas Decor Countdown

My kids are always asking me…”how many days until Santa?”. It’s cute and I know they are SO excited! I saw this sign at one of my favourite stores, Urban Barn and I knew it had to come home with me this year. I love the rustic farmhouse feel of the sign and of course, that chalkboard feature – Santa stops here in # days . We have placed ours on our mantle (we have the height) but it is actually designed to stand on it’s own, it would be great by the fireplace or at the front entry – it’s a cute addition to family friendly Christmas decor….

Do you have any favourite Christmas decor pieces?

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES, SHOPPING FINDS, Uncategorized

Friday Favourite – Quirky Pillows

July 14, 2017

It’s Friday time to round up our favourites of the week – instead of rounding up our favourite piece from our shopping trips we have decided to share a favourite items we love to add to our decor projects – ‘quirky’ pillows!

What do we mean by ‘quirky’ pillows?

You have probably noticed over the past 2-3 years that accent pillows with fun or wise sayings have been everywhere… and we love this fun trend too! We have used some in our model home projects and also some of our client decor projects. These ‘quirky’ pillows are a great way to express your style and personality all at once! Plus they are an affordable way to freshen up your home decor.

Pillows are a great and affordable way to update a bedroom or living room. These quirky and fun pillows are a way to show personality in your space – they set a mood and show off your attitude!

Pillows…

Are a great way to add a splash of colour, print, texture and in this post we are rounding up our favourite ‘quirky’ pillows! Layer one of these into your current scheme. Choose a pillow with a fun or funny saying, something inspirational or wise … there is a ‘quirky’ pillow for everyone!

Favourite ‘Quirky’ Pillows:

The message of this pillow is simple – when it comes to adding this to your decor take inspiration from the colours in this pillow.

This is a great pillow cover for a dog lover – it can be added to most decor schemes too…

Kids love quirky pillows too – this ‘PLAY’ pillow is great for a kids bedroom or a playroom.

We posted earlier about pineapple decor but here is another great quirky pillow featuring pineapples…love the message!

This Mr&Mrs lumbar pillow is a great anniversary gift or house warming gift – it’s cute on an accent chair or a bed.

Quirky pillows are also a fun addition to your decor for the seasons and the holidays…

Sometimes these pillows say what we are all thinking….like this one ‘more summer’! Who doesn’t want that?!

Pillows are another way to celebrate the seasons – this Fall pillow is fun and cheery and a perfect addition to a sofa or front entry welcoming friends and family!

Halloween is a holiday that is very much about decor so why not add a pillow like this one to your space to celebrate the spooky season….

Show off your personality with a quirky pillow,

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HOLIDAYS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Christmas Tree Ideas for Small Spaces

December 14, 2016

“I really want a Christmas Tree but I’m in a small apartment. Any ideas how I can still have a tree without taking over my whole space?”

You can absolutely have a tree in your space – Christmas trees aren’t just for large homes!

Depending on the size of your space and where you want to put your tree you may need to get a little creative but we have some ideas for you.

A smaller tree can still make a big impact! To make it look even larger without all the bulk try placing it on a stool. This image has a mini tree placed in a steel bucket (for a bit of a rustic feel) and propped up on a stool. this gives the tree height but the stool isn’t big and full.

Photo from House Beautiful Magazine

Instead of a whole tree why not make use of some branches? They are easy to find this time of year and they are an affordable option. We love the simplicity of some evergreen branches in a glass vases, add some colourful decor and you are set.

Photo from Buzzfeed.com

This idea is nothing short of brilliant! This ‘half tree’ (aka Corner or Flat back Christmas trees) takes up half the space of a full Christmas tree but you can push it right up against the wall so it won’t eat into your living space. Half the lights, half the decorations so half the work!

Photo from Treetopia Christmas Trees

Want the look of a gorgeous Christmas tree without all the work and mess? Try a hanging Christmas tree canvas. IKEA knows all about decorating and furnishing small spaces and they knew that the Christmas tree would also be a challenge – so they came up with this!

Photo from bricobistro.com

Have you heard of a pencil tree? These are tall and skinny trees, they are perfect for anyone short on extra space as they don’t fill the room but they are full of holiday cheer.

Photo from martahome.com

Maybe you want something child friendly? This wall hanging felt tree is perfect for the little ones in your life. It’s fun and festive and bonus – it’s mess free! It’s child height so even the little ones can participate in decorating too – perfect for parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles!

Photo from Etsy

The shape of a tree can be an inspiration, too! Use cards, twigs, photos, branches and even lights to create a beautiful wall art display in honour of the Christmas tree.

Photo from PSbyDila.com

Another fun and simple idea is the Christmas tree wall vinyl – this is so easy to put up and it won’t cause nay damage to your walls. There are so many different designs you might find it challenging to pick one!

Photo from Chrisymas.com

Keep it fun and festive and find a style that fits you and your space,

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HOLIDAYS, HOME STAGING

Selling and Staging during the Holiday Season

November 30, 2016

“We are selling our home and our agents wants to book our photos. Should we have them done before or after we decorate for Christmas? Our house looks so beautiful with the tree up and the stocking hung on the mantle. We love it and we think others will too!”

Christmas is right around the corner and it is such a wonderful time of year! Decorating is one of our favourite parts of the season, too – it’s festive and fun! But when it comes to selling your home, holiday decor presents more negatives than positives….and there are definitely buyers out there looking for their new home during the Christmas season, so you don’t want to turn them off!

We love the welcoming exterior – it’s seasonal but not over done. But be sure not to leave it up too long….or put it up too early….

What are the negatives of seasonal decorating (for any holiday) while selling your home:

1. Distracting.

Yes, Christmas and other holiday decor is beautiful but it can really distract buyers from seeing the beauty and features of your home as they will be focused on the tree, wreath, lights, stockings and more…..and not the windows, layout …

A few festive Christmas mantle but this would be distracting for buyers. I would remove the banner and gifts. You could keep the garland and stockings for the Christmas season – but decorate after your photos!

2. Clutter.

Although we never really view or consider holiday decor pieces to be clutter when they are out on display they do take up room and can make a space look and feel cluttered and over stuffed. Think about how much smaller a room looks with a 7 – 8 ft tree in it – it takes up space!

3. Dating.

Holiday decor can really date your online photos and make your home look like it has been sitting on the market a lot longer than it has. Let’s say you have your photography done in early Dec with all of your decorating done. By mid January these photos will already look dated and it will send the message to buyers (and their agent) that your home has been sitting even though it has only been 30-40 days.

4. Personal.

When you decorate for Christmas or really any holiday, it can be a very personalized touch to the space especially if you have family heirlooms, religious items and handmade ornaments and other crafts made by your children or grandchildren. It personalizes the space and that can make buyers feel uncomfortable (or like they are just visiting) as they are trying to picture their lives and building memories of their own in this house.

So definitely have your photos take BEFORE you decorate.

When it comes to seasonal decorating before showings and open houses – really try to eliminate or at least limit the decor – for the same reasons listed above. But if you must decorate for Christmas while your home is on the resale market – keep these tips in mind…

1. Do NOT decorate BEFORE your photos.

2. Do keep it simple and tasteful with a consistent theme (for example: mixed metallics or traditional green, white and red; or country or modern). This year keep it simple by only bringing out some decor – the house shouldn’t look like Christmas town!

3. Do NOT keep the decorations up too long or too late. Or decorate too early either. Aim to have the decor packed up by Jan 4 (approx)

4. Do NOT hang up or display really personal decor such as family photos, religious items, handmade ornaments and crafts by children or grandchildren

5. Do keep it welcoming and inviting with a small vignette by the front entry and then some decor in main living areas (try to limit to a room to two, for example the family room as the main Christmas decorating space and maybe a few items in the dining room and/or formal living room – stay consistent with that theme)

Celebrate the season without going totally over board. Remember in your new home (the next one), you can decorate as early as you want and keep it up as long as you like and you can go all out!

Remember, when it comes to selling your home you really don’t want to drag out the process so follow the steps to get it sold quickly and next Christmas you can really make up for the lack of decor!

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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR

Christmas decor for everyone!

November 24, 2016

Yes – there is Christmas decor for everyone and every style! Well…it’s about 1 month away – Christmas day! Have you decorated yet?

If you love to decorate but feel like Christmas just doesn’t blend with your style we have some news for you – this year there is something for everyone!

In the past, Christmas decor was all about a traditional look and sticking with a white, green and red motif with a touch of silver or gold; or, it was very child like and full of animation.

For the person that loves bright colour and even neon hues –

This option is for you….try a white tree with lots of bright and bold colour decor items! You can even find bright colour trees like aqua or pink. We love a fun punch of colour and colour is so festive so why not opt for colour and fun this holiday season? Try adding some different elements to your tree to make it really unique like bright bows that are oversized and full or print, bright colour feathers from a craft store, bold neon baubles, ribbons, pompoms and so much more!

For the person that loves glitz and glamour…

Why not dress up your home for this Christmas in metallics? The shiny and reflective surfaces look so chic and sophisticated (timeless too). You can stick with one metallic like silver and keep it so cool and clean or blend them all. Mix in some glitter and crystals for a total glam look. We love to see metallics mixed with white twinkle lights. Paired with a white tree gives the look a more modern feel but paired with a classic evergreen makes it a bit more elegant, it’s up to you!

For the person that likes a more rustic look…

You can incorporate your favourite woodland animals like owls, deer and moose along with wood textures like birch, mix in some plaid and knit textures for a cozy cabin Christmas vibe. Burlap garlands around the tree, grapevine accessories and pine cones are easy and simple additions to any evergreen tree and will give the look that rustic country feel.

For someone who likes a more modern look…

Try a minimalist and monotone look. Grey is a hot neutral and why not incorporate it into your Christmas decor motif? Pair it with some silver decor and you do not have to fill the tree with decor – keep it clean and simple. If you have grey in your home currently and like a tone on tone look this is a great option for you.

For the sports fan why not find a another way to display your team colours?

Try a sports themed tree celebrating Christmas and your team! You can find logo decorations for all of the professional teams and college team plus you can easily find lights, ribbon, baubles and more in your team colours. Go Team! Go Christmas!!

For the person that likes something a bit different but you want to nod to tradition somewhat…

why not decorate with an unexpected colour combination? Black and white are not your traditional Christmas colours but they are a classic combination, they look great together even on a tree. Add a fun pop like yellow or even aqua (Tiffany Blue like the tree here) for something really unique and eye catching. Make the Christmas a part of your decor scheme!

For the fashionista or aspiring fashion designer…

Show off your flare for fashion with this dress form tree. Dress this tree up how ever you like! Add as much bling as you like and in any colour – you can really take this idea to the next level and completely customize it! This tree truly has a style of its own!

For the person that loves the beach…

Try a coastal Christmas tree! Shells, starfish and silver dollars look amazing on a tree paired with soft pastel tones. If you love Christmas and you love the beach this is perfect for you or if you live on the coast and want to compliment the surroundings this is a great look, too! The beach themed items pair so nicely with the green tree and the silver tones and glass baubles.

For the person who loves the traditional colours but want to make a statement…

Make your tree a total designer showpiece and go over the top with oversized decor items all over your tree! To get this sculptural look you will need time, patience plus lots of floral wire but you can definitely achieve this fabulous look and it gives a fresh take on the traditional colours.

For the person that loves the snow….

A snow flocked tree is for you! Take the look of nature, those stunning snow covered evergreens and bring it indoors – this is a great look with any colour scheme or style. It works beautifully with bold and bright neon hues, the rustic look and even the more elegant and traditional looks. You can even transform your current artificial tree to a snow covered one with a little DIY

Remember when you are decorating for the holidays, keep the theme consistent – that will give your home that designer holiday look no matter which style you prefer. Make sure that no matter your style – have fun!

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HOLIDAYS

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

December 1, 2014

It’s December 1, is it feeling like Christmas time to you? For many this is the day to put up your tree and start celebrating the season

Whether you’re lacking in space or are opting out of a traditional Christmas tree for any number of reasons (the fact that they tend to become a fire hazard before they make it to the curb in my case), a DIY option might be the perfect alternative. We’ve rounded up five great, creative options from around the web , here are our great alternatives to traditional Christmas trees.

1. Washi tape Christmas tree

2. Christmas Tree Cones

3. Christmas Tree of Books

4. Popsicle stick Christmas trees

5. Christmas Lights Tree

I remember one year, as a child, we just didn’t get around to getting a tree (must of been a busy year…) Anyway, we really wanted one – so my sister, my brother and I made one out of construction paper and taped it to the wall. We added Christmas cards and paper ornaments and of course, a star to top it all off. My parents have great memories of us doing that together – and that’s what the holidays are all about – beautiful memories,

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HOLIDAYS, HOME ENTERTAINING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – All About the Holiday Centerpieces

November 26, 2014

“I am always looking at magazines for ideas for my centerpieces, but they all look so expensive and hard to put together. How can I get that look for my home?”

So many people are entertaining from home these days. This is a fad that many thought wouldn’t stick around but entertaining at home is typically more budget friendly and a great way to show off your beautiful home! There are a lot of different ways to throw a dinner party from a formal party to a backyard BBQ, but regardless of your type of party, 9 times out of 10, there will be a centerpiece on the dinner table.

Here are some suggestions on what to use as a centerpiece for your dinner parties.

Floral centerpieces

– are a classic and traditional option. There are so many different types of floral arrangements that can be present on your table. So how does one decide?

Incorporate a colour scheme

Part of hosting is making things look nice for your guests. Plan your floral arrangement based on a predetermined colour scheme. For example, if you have all white dishes and serve ware, incorporating another colour will enhance the table setting. Maybe you love purple and don’t own any purple dinner accessories. A centerpiece is a fabulous place to incorporate it. A white and purple floral arrangement would be a beautiful way to spice up your traditional white dishes.

There are so many sizes and shapes and styles of centerpieces to create. Depending on the size of your table, you may have the space to have multiple arrangements on the table. A series of small vases instead of one large arrangement gives your table a fresh look. It doesn’t have to be flowers either! As you can see in this photo, beautiful and bold lilacs in these oversized teal vases with glass bottles mixing in for fun make a big impact but the arrangement is so simple, paired with robin’s egg blue dinner plates and glasses set on the rough textured, reclaimed wood harvest table looks absolutely incredible for a spring dinner or wedding

Candles

Candles are another classic option for a center piece. These can be arranged in many different ways using various colours, sizes and textures. Candle centerpieces have so much DIY potential, and with sites like Pinterest and Houzz, the options are truly endless for what you can do! There’s no reason to go crazy expensive either… Simple is beautiful too. If you’re looking for a wow-factor, be creative with your arrangement, it will look great!!

Holiday Themed Centerpieces are so much fun.

For Christmas, try adding ornaments into a large dish. Throw in a little sparkle if you can! A little glitter by candle light will make your table shine.

When it comes to ‘dressing up’ your table think about these important points…

Time of year, seasonal decor is easy to find so it won’t be a stressful endeavor to under take

Type of gathering. Is it formal? Casual? Family-friendly? Inside or Outside? This will be vital when decide what to put on that table

How crafty are you? There are tons of great ideas with glue guns, glitter and so much more but if you aren’t a crafty soul you could get stressed out, keep it simple, sometimes the simplest decor makes the most impact.

Waste. If you worry about waste think about edible centerpieces like fruit, candy, nuts or even beautiful artisan bread laid and displayed in a chic way. If you opt for florals, think about how you could re-purpose the arrangements in your own home or give them away as a ‘prize’ like you often see at Weddings.

You can do so much with basics like ribbon, mason jars, flowers, paint, glitter, flowers, twigs, burlap, leaves, pumpkins, nuts, fruit, coffee beans, candles and other basics from around the home, the possibilities are really endless…

We love the look of a simple and seasonal centerpiece – celebrate the beauty that surrounds you everyday and embrace it!

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HOLIDAYS

Step-by-Step (professional) Tips : How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

November 23, 2014

We took some time just before the holiday season to talk to experts to get the best step-by-step tips on How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree this year.

Before you start think about the overall look you want, check out sites like Pinterest for ideas. A white tree can be very funky or elegant depending on the choice of ornaments and colour theme. Do you have high ceilings? A 9′ ft tree might be a perfect fit for the room. There is so much selection of Christmas decor nowadays the possibilities are truly endless.

Step 1: Make sure you like the placement of the tree, it could be tricky to move it later.

*Fluff the tree (if artificial) and add lights (if your tree isn’t pre-lit).

*Keep the lights on while decorating the tree. Add the tree skirt now, so you don’t knock any of the decor off later

Step 2: Add the garland.

*Start about 1/5th the way down from the top of the tree.

*Use floral wire to attach the garland or twist branches together if the tree is artificial. If you want to keep it super simple, look for ribbon garland with wire so it is easy to twist around the tree.

*Run at an angle around the tree: 2-3 times around a 6′ tree and 3-4 times around a 9′ tree.

Step 3: Add oversized ornaments and decorations.

*Use 2-3 oversized items on a 6′ tree and 3-4 items on a 9′ tree.

*Lanterns and/or urns work great on a tree. Just remember to make sure they are sturdily wired in place and add filler. And don’t use a live flame on candles!

*Place the largest pieces toward the bottom of the tree.

*Mix the items up. They don’t all need to match

Step 4: Add ornaments.

*First, place larger ornaments on the inside of the tree for added dimension.

*Next, place a few large ornaments toward the outside of the tree. This is where you’ll want to put the ornaments that you want to showcase.

*Use long ornaments to help fill empty spaces.

Step 5: Tweak, tweak and then tweak some more.

*Step back from your tree and it examine it throughout the process. Do you have too much of one colour in a certain area? Have certain styles of ornaments clumped together? Does the decor look even/balanced?

*Make tweaks as you go.

Step 6: You’re finished!

Now pat yourself on the back and enjoy the oohs and aahs of your family and friends!

Enjoy the ‘tree trimming’ – play some music, take your time and relax – it doesn’t have to look perfect! It’s a part of the celebration of the Christmas season,

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