Browsing Tag

easy updates

what-does-it-means-to-shop-your-home

If you have been watching home decor shows on TV or reading online articles about home decor recently, you have likely heard the term ‘shop your home’.  It’s #trending these days….let us explain to you what this term and trend mean.

 

Basically #shopyourhome is all about using what you have already and bringing it out (if it was stored away), maybe re-purposing it or maybe even updating it. It’s part of a recycling movement – instead of tossing out items that are just out dated but are still in good condition and work just fine, give them new life by updating them or re-purposing them (a new location or a new purpose all together).

 

Some great “shop your home” examples…

 

Paint

We all know what paint can do to a room but what can it do to an old piece of furniture or a light fixture? Instead of buying new – update what you have!  This is easy, affordable and you are recycling something that might other wise end up in a landfill. this painted light fixture is a simple fix, affordable too plus the end result is a unique ‘one of a kind’ light fixture that will add WOW factor to your room.

 

Fabric

Give a bench or chair new life with some fabric.  A few yards of fabric will go a long way and give you a whole new look.  It is easy to re-upholster a simple bench or chair seat – you will need some fabric, fabric glue, staple gun and a screwdriver to remove the seat cushion.  You may want to add some foam or cotton batting if the seat needs some volume or cushioning.

Hardware

New hardware can completely change the look of a room.  We recommend this to our home staging clients as well.  This works on furniture and cabinetry – this is a great update for a kitchen and bathroom.  It is easy to do but it really makes a big impact.

 

 

Art

Bored of your current art displays but can’t replace your pieces? Try moving your art into a different room or in a different arrangement.  This can make a huge different in a space. It’s a great way to display pieces that aren’t usually seen.

 

 

Garden

Do you have beautiful flowers in your garden? Instead of buying cut flowers from the market use your own – it adds a special touch to your space and it’s a great way to add a welcoming scene to a table scape, front entry, coffee table or even a guest bedroom.

 

Scarf

If you are like either of us, you probably have a drawer full of beautiful scarves and for every season – so make use of them!  Try re-purposing your scarves as a table runner.  Think bright and colourful for summer, neutral for fall and airy for spring.  It adds a fresh new look to the table, it sets the scene and it adds a unique touch.

 

Furniture

Try moving your pieces into a different layout or swapping pieces around – accent chairs are a great and easy choice to re-arrange.  Think of re-arranging your furniture to take advantage of a view of your garden in the summer months or  place your furniture in a way to snuggle up by the fireplace.

 

 

Feeling inspired yet?  Home decor can get expensive but if you shop at home and get creative you can get a whole new look !

0 comment
Share:
we-answer-wednesday-girl-on-budge

” 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…

0 comment
Share:
we-answer-wednesday-boring-bedroo

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

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

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

 

1.  Overfill your throw pillows.

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

2.  Add a hanging light fixture.

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

3.  Rethink your nightstand.

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

4. Focus on the statement pieces.

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

5. Keep the floor empty.

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

 

6.  Upgrade your hardware.

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

7.  Reorganize your vanity.

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

8.  Add greenery.

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

Small changes to any room can make a big difference,

0 comment
Share: