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The 5 Best Houseplants to Grow Indoors

April 21, 2017

We are so thrilled to welcome our Guest Blogger – Marnie Bennett!

Houseplants are a great way to improve the look of any room in your home. They add a bit of nature to your indoor space and can make a room feel warm and inviting. There are also health benefits to incorporating plants into your house; they can remove toxins from the air and help protect you against allergens. If you’re a recent first-time home buyer or live in a condo in a busy Ottawa neighbourhood, you may not have the time or adequate space to grow an entire outdoor garden.

In this case, houseplants are a nice alternative. They allow you to satisfy your green thumb and still explore the benefits of home gardening without demanding all of your free time. These five plants are ideal for smaller spaces like apartments and condos where natural sunlight is often limited. They are hardy and difficult to kill which is perfect if you don’t have the time to care for a large outdoor garden or if you are new to home gardening and aren’t quite sure where to start.

ZZ plant-

The ZZ plant is a great choice if your new Ottawa condo doesn’t get a lot of sunlight. It can thrive in indirect light and only needs to be watered three times a month. It grows slowly so you don’t have to worry about it claiming a space for its own. It doesn’t attract pests which is a concern for a lot of first-time home buyers; after finally establishing yourself as a homeowner, the last thing you want is for pests to move in with you! The ZZ plant is stylish and exotic looking with beautiful glossy green leaves that will brighten up any room in your house.
Snake Plant –

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a very popular plant for those who have the tendency to unwillingly neglect their indoor plants. These plants are extremely tolerant and forgiving. Snake plants do best in the sun, but they can also survive quite well in the shade. They need to be watered every two weeks and prefer under-watering to over-watering. Many people choose this plant for its sculptural appearance and long, green leaves. As an added bonus, the snake plant converts CO2 at night so it’s the ideal plant for a bedroom. It has other health benefits as well such as removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
Pothos –

Many first-time homebuyers who quickly realize they have a less-than-green thumb opt for the pothos plant, also known as Devil’s Ivy. It is easy to care for and adds a warm, welcoming touch to any room. It is also adept at purifying the air from harmful toxins. It can thrive in low light and does well with a weekly watering. Pothos plants are ideal for hanging because they are a trailing vine that can grow up to six feet indoors. However, you can prune it to your desired length and shape if you prefer a smaller, more robust-looking plant. It adds a beautiful touch of lush greenery to your home and can be a great accent piece to your new Ottawa condo or house.
Lucky Bamboo –

According to Feng Shui advocates, a lucky bamboo plant has the power to bring peace, strength, and luck into a home (a great combination for first-time home buyers!). It’s an inexpensive plant and very easy to care for. It prefers low light or shade and you simply have to change the water once every two weeks for it to survive. If you notice the leaves losing their vibrant green colour, it may be getting too much sunlight. It adds a modern look to your house and an element of architectural design. With all of these benefits plus the power to remove negative energy from your home, the lucky bamboo plant is the perfect choice to explore your interest in home gardening.
Peace Lily –

If you want some flowers mixed in with your foliage, consider adding a peace lily plant to your home. This plant has long, dark leaves and elegant white flowers. Its compact size is a perfect fit for small spaces and it doesn’t require too much sun. If its leaves turn yellow, it’s best to move it farther away from the window. It also doesn’t need to be watered frequently and it will tell you when it needs re-hydration by bending its leaves downward. With its ability to purify the air, the peace lily plant is another great option for improving indoor air quality.

With all of these great options, there’s no reason why you can’t cultivate a home garden in your new house. Even if you don’t have the space, time, or expertise to grow an outdoor garden, you can enjoy all of the benefits of adding greenery to your home with some hardy indoor plants.

Have fun experimenting and enjoy your new indoor garden!

Read more of Marnie’s blog here

SHOP PLANTS, POTS AND PLANTERS….

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Connect the Dots – Decorating with Polka Dots!

April 20, 2017

We love a Polka Dot print! Polka Dots are a fun print to decorate with – they add a touch of whimsy and a bit of a retro vibe to a space.

What’s the History of the Polka Dot?

The Polka Dot is a print that really became popular in the US in the mid 1920s. America’s love affair with the polka dot began, perhaps, in 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon darling Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and matching bow. Throughout the 1930s, polka dot dresses appeared in stores, the fabric suddenly subversive, nipped in by ribbons and accentuated with bows. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed in a polka dot bikini. And of course, the famous 1960’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini“.

The Polka Dot pattern is a series of circles that are evenly spaced and of the same size. A spot print isn’t necessarily consistent in spacing or size

The Polka Dot definitely has a retro feel but also a feminine one. The Polka Dot has mostly been used in women’s fashion but it definitely makes a statement in home decor.

Ways to decorate with Polka Dots

A nursery –

we love the fun and whimsy that polka dots add to a bedroom. We love this accent wall – it really adds visual interest to the room without using old colour and this can easily transition into a toddler room (and a little girl’s room and a teenagers bedroom)

Polka Dot Furniture –

try re-upholstering a simple piece of furniture with a polka dot fabric – this will add a fun element into any room and it will turn a simple piece into a statement piece. It’s a great addition to any room! This chair is an example of a spot print but isn’t it great?!

Polka Dot drapery and window treatments –

we love a patterned window treatment – it adds a nice contrast to the room against a solid wall and it’s a perfect addition to a room that doesn’t have wall space for art!

Polka Dot Pillows –

A polka dot pillow is another great way to keep a room from looking too serious. Polka dot prints comes in all colours – so you have a lot of options! We love different sizes and scales of polka dot prints, too. Plus polka dots are fun to mix with other prints!

Polka Dots in the bedroom –

Polka dot bedding can be used in so many ways on a bed. Just the pillows, bed sheets or the duvet cover. Mixing the polka dots with solids and other prints makes any bedroom unique. We love this bed set in white and gold with polka dots and stripes.

There are so many fun ways to decorate with this retro print – which is your favourite?

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How Paint Transforms A Room

April 6, 2017

Paint really transforms any space! when you have been living in your home for some time you really to get used to your surroundings and often you don’t even notice your space anymore. When we meet home staging and interior decorating clients – we always bring up, paint! Why? Well paint can totally and completely transform the look of any room.

Paint can do so much for a space – make it appear – brighter, bigger, cleaner and fresher! Undertaking the job yourself can be a bit daunting so don’t hesitate to contact a professional painter…it will certainly save you time and you will love the results.

Let us tell you about a recent paint transformation…

Our client moved to a new city and a new part of the country – her husband had a new job and her kids were starting at new schools. they didn’t know anyone and they had a lot on their plate. They moved from a new build open concept, classic contemporary home into a much older, more traditional and slightly dated home.

She did her best (and a good job) setting up their space but she knew the house needed something. That’s when we entered her life!

Our first suggestion was paint! Why? To get the fresh and more modern look she craved, the gold yellow sunflower walls weren’t working.

We worked with the furniture pieces and her art pieces along with the natural light to find the best paint colours for her.

Check out the difference paint can make!

So what did we do?

There are only a few changes in this room but what a difference! Paint was the big change…We selected an accent wall for the fireplace – Sherwin Williams ‘ Acier’ and the rest of the house (you can see the dining room to the left) in Sherwin-Williams ‘Mindful Gray’

We also swapped out the old and more traditional looking lamp shades for some simple white drum shades. You may not have noticed this subtle change but take another look – the shades are brighter and so much fresher.

We also played around with the art placement and looked through the pieces that she had still packed.

We also sourced out some new and more current wall sconces, again ones with those fresh and bright white shades!

We would say this room has come a long way! We are still working on some accessories but already this room (and this house) looks so much fresher and cleaner.

A little paint can go a long way…

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TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – What is Shiplap?

February 20, 2017

“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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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Matching Wood stains : furniture and floors

November 2, 2016

“Do our wood stains need to match? We are looking to buy a new dining room table. We like the idea of wood (but it doesn’t have to be wood) but we have wood floors – do we match the wood table to the floors?”

A new piece of furniture is a great update for any space and any style of decor. Wood is always a great option as it is durable and adds a natural texture to any space. When it comes to wood, you don’t need to match and we really recommend that you don’t match it makes everything blend and look a little washed out and you won’t draw attention to the new dining table.

We suggest adding some contrast with your new table. So if you have light floors opt for a darker stain table and vice-versa.

Other ways to get contrast with your wood floors is to opt for a table that isn’t wood at all! Metal or glass are ways to get contrast and add some interesting textures to your space.

When it comes to your chairs, try a chair in a different tone or a different material all together – this gives the room some contrast as well but also shows off your personal style. Depending on the style of chair you select this can either dress up or dress down your stable and give you the feel you want in your dining space. A dining room set with matching pieces tends to make less of a statement.

We love to see the different wood stains in a room but be sure that the stains have a common undertone and that you don’t have too many. when all of your wood stains match it’s a bit washed out and when you have too many it’s too busy. Aim for about 3.

Wood adds so much warmth to a space, it’s a great natural material to incorporate into any room. We love the character and texture it brings to a space but that can get lost if you over use it, so mix it up and let it be naturally beautiful!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 10 Best Timeless Patterns

August 10, 2016

“I love the idea of adding some pattern to my home but I am so afraid to commit. I really don’t want to spend on something that won’t be in style for a while. Any suggestions on pattern that won’t go out of style?”

You are right making a commitment especially one with a bigger price can be nerve wracking but have no fear there are some classic patterns that you can add to your space that will not only compliment but will add a level of sophistication to your home.

Pattern textiles are perfect for upholstery, drapery and accent pillows. Be sure to speak with your local textile expert to ensure that you have the right fabric for the use.

Here are some classic fabric patterns that you can bring into your space without any

regret.

Pinstripe:

Much thinner and more subdued than a normal stripe, these patterns add a faint, menswear detail to upholstery and pillows. But any stripe is a classic but we love the look of this menswear inspired look. A stripe can be paired with other patterns as well – Mixing patterns adds real sophistication and a designer look to a space. This modern chair in a navy pinstripe fabric with shiny gold arm looks incredibly chic!

Toile de Jouy:

De jouy fabric originated in France in the 1760s. The original patterns usually depicted pastoral scenes; today there are many pattern choices and colors available. Other patterns include more exotic Chinese themes became popular, as did famous moments from history. All were hand-drawn in a curvaceous style with fine detail that was then etched onto wood blocks and printed onto the fabric.

Certainly a more traditional option but if you use it and pair it with the right pieces it can work with a rustic country space – pair it with furniture that is clean and streamlined, so it doesn’t look fussy. Or use it as an accent wall with wallpaper

Fretwork:

These are geometric, interlaced patterns with sharp angles. Similar to the repeated nature of latticework but the design can be more complex, like a Greek key. There are many patterns with a geometric repeating pattern that fall into this category – your choices are endless and so are the colour options. This works beautifully in any space including bedrooms and even nurseries but it also pairs well with other prints – we love it with florals.

Tree of Life:

These sprawling nature-inspired prints are characterized by scrolling vines, flowers, leaves, and birds. The patterns are typically very large in scale and are great for draperies. Not sure if florals are your ‘thing’? Try incorporating them into art. A simple fabric swatch or wallpaper sample in a frame with matting and frame – looks clean and modern and adds a pop of pattern with zero commitment and very little cost.

Seen here this botanical fabric has been used as a wall panel for a pop of colour and great visual interest in this room. Plus see how it works with the trellis (fretwork) ottoman

Damask:

A reversible fabric commonly woven in silks and wools and printed on linens and cottons. The repeating medallion-like designs are often done in a single color with the ground (base cloth) in a flat finish and the
design in a sateen. Modern print versions are interpreted in more high-contrast color combos.

For a while Damask wall paper accent walls were all the rage – we saw them everywhere – that trends has softened a bit (high contrast less popular and more tone-on-tone is what we are seeing) but the pattern itself is a classic and it also pairs well with any fretwork. A Damask accent chair with a Fretwork area rug is a gorgeous combination. Damask can be fussy is paired with fussy and formal things. See the image below – using Damask in a roman shade is a clean and modern use yet it has great visual interest in this clean and modern space. We also love the pairing with the stripe area rug.

Ogee:

Described as a bit of a mod look – another repeating pattern – it looks like strings of stacked onions. This pattern comes in various scales and sizes and of course, colour combinations. This is perfect for drapery but we love it as an accent pillow. See the image below for an example of Ogee – the grey on grey bedding in this print is so sophisticated but still visually interesting.

Suzani:

Likely a term you haven’t heard but you will recognize this tribal influenced pattern. These patterns are based off of the tribal textiles of Central Asia, Suzani’s feature colorful, circular shapes intertwined with vines, flowers, leaves, and fruits. Often seen in vibrant and bold colour combinations – so this is a pattern that makes a real statement! It’s perfect for little pops like accent pillows or bold splashes like an accent chair or bedding.

To maintain the focus on this bold print, keep the other piece simple and clean. In the image below, the head of the bed frame and other bedding is just plain and simple, the bedside lighting is also simple, even the art is under stated – the bedding coverlet makes the statement and the overhead fixture makes a splash just a smaller one. But this entire room works!

Ikat:

This is technically a term for the resist dyeing technique used to produce the painterly patterns seen on these fabrics. Similar to a tie dye, but ikat threads are dyed first, then constructed into cloth yielding the meandering look which is insanely popular right now. It is a combination of this organic almost tribal feel paired with the geometry of fretwork or even a more floral damask feel – the line work is softer in appearance due to the technique, so if you don’t like really clean lines this might be a good option for you.

Plus the colour possibilities are endless. And it pairs beautifully with simple stripes. We love these Ikat upholstered dining chairs seats – the colour combination is fresh – it has a softer damask look which adds a bit of a casual nature to the room but still so chic.

Chevron:

A repeating V or zig zag pattern, almost like a clean stripe just with a slight modification. In recent ears – this pattern was seen everywhere from drapery to pillows to nurseries. We saw this in every colour imaginable but the grey and white was probably the most popular.

It is still a classic even though it is no longer trending. It looks great as an accent pillow. Seeing the chevron in an area rug adds a pop to the room but because it is in neutral tones it isn’t trendy. and this simple and neutral chevron is a great backdrop if you wanted to add some other patterns to the room like pillows for instance.

Animal print:

Some say that an animal print is tacky but that is more about amount and application. Animal prints in a neutral colour wave are a great way to add some fun or glamour into your space without bold injections of colour. Animal print is also true to nature so it works with anyone opting for a more natural look.

Many animal prints mix well with other prints so you really can have a lot of fun. Don’t go overboard with animal print everywhere and on everything – that’s when it gets tacky!

Polka-dots:

Are another classic print – this works really well for kids rooms in a fabric or even vinyl decals on the wall. This print can be bold depending on size/scale and colour combination but it can also be subtle. Plus it works well with other prints -the polka dot sheets are a great backdrop for this WOW bed – the polka dots add a bit of fun and whimsy to the room instead of a solid sheet. You could also opt for the reverse – polka dots on the wall and plain sheets.

When it comes to adding some print and pattern into your space, start off slow (especially if you aren’t adventurous), add some accent pillows or bedding first – this is pretty low risk and easy to replace if you don’t like it. Next try a dining chair seat in upholstery (this is also a great and simple DIY project).

If you are loving the addition of pattern in your space – take the leap with drapery and an area rug. Pattern is nothing to be afraid of – have some fun!!

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

Is GREY still in? Here’s What We Think….

December 7, 2015

We are often asked about trends in home decor and design. Just the other day at a neighbourhood party, one of the questions asked was ‘Is grey still in?’

Here’s what we have to say…

Grey is a neutral so it is never really out.

But what we will say is the cooler greys (so think grey with a blue-purple under tone) is on it’s way out. We are seeing a lean toward the warmer greys. This is a tone that we love for many reasons.

We love it because it is warm. Who doesn’t want a space that feel inviting?

We love it because it works beautifully with neutrals

…like navy, white and charcoal but also just as well with bold colours like yellow and hot pink and even with softer hues like mint and lavender. It is so versatile!

It works with all styles of decor.

You can have a warm neutral farmhouse kitchen full of reclaimed wood and ages copper touches and an apron sink but you could also have a warm grey living room in a modern minimalist space with open windows, concrete floors and soaring ceilings. It works with either of these styles plus anything in between.

We love it because it is great transitional tone.

So if your home was very warm beige and you want to move into a grey tone for a change, a warm grey is perfect for you – it means you won’t have to adjust all of your furniture, it will still work because of the warmth in the new grey tone.

We love it in paint, flooring, furniture, tiles, cabinetry, textiles and more.

So to answer the question, yes, grey is still in! Thinking of making a change to grey? Stick to warmer greys that work with your current palette.

SHOP SHADES OF GREY…

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

How to Get The Look: Modern Country

July 29, 2015

Country decorating has come a long way. It has always been a popular home decorating style but it has really changed in recent years. In the past this has included such elements of the style as handmade items, collections, and rustic charm. While country style will always epitomize home and warmth, its time to bring country design into the modern era. We call this decorating style “Modern Country“. Modern country is still charming, and rustic but with some clean lines and cool colour palettes it has a ‘cooler’ vibe. If you love that laid back rustic style with a modern edge – better know as Modern Country, here’s how to get it.

Clean it up

Traditional country decorating has been often accused of being “cluttered”. Modern country decorating is anything but! So it’s time to seriously edit and pack away all those little things that don’t contribute to the overall design scheme. Don’t go overboard though, country is about home and family, so you don’t want to eliminate everything that’s personal. Create a box of decorative items to store, and rotate favorite accents with the seasons.

Choose a simple and clean color scheme

Update your country decorating look with a more modern color scheme. Pick one color, then try combining it with white or neutrals for a stylish look that isn’t dated, and doesn’t cause confusion for the eye. Add textures to give the room great interest and contrast. Keep patterns to a minimum, and try to incorporate some of the new classics or a modern floral that uses white and one color in its design. Think tone-on-tone for a soothing look in the space. We like a great light neutral on the walls and then for accessories layers of soft greys, taupes even dried herb tones look great with this style.

Choose your inspiration

Choosing your inspiration for the modern country decorating look is kind of like choosing a theme. But instead of the cutesy country themes of the past are passe, you are choosing an inspiration that creates a feeling. Gone are the roosters and instead think of a theme inspired by the mountains in Colorado, or the high country of Santa Fe.

You can actually picture the “feeling” of the room just by those descriptive words, and that’s what will give you guidance and keep you on track. Look through photos for inspiration, that will help you stay on track but again, don’t go over board! You don’t want a theme room like “this the dairy farm room” take what you love about the feel of the country and incorporate that in the space.

Light the way

One of the fastest ways to update an outdated decorating shame is to add a modern lighting fixture. This works great with the “Modern Country” as they compliment each other well. Think West Elm, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn.

Texture

So important in this look! When it comes to country decor it’s really about comfort and ease, so texture can really help with that. Think canvas, wool, distressed denim, flannel, distressed leather and mixing it all up on a sofa. Be sure to add other textures too like reclaimed wood, stone and brick for another layer of texture. Elements of nature are another great way to add texture to your space.

Accessorize

The “more is more” traditional country decorating look of the past is just that…it’s in the past. Choose a few great pieces to display at a time. Mix and match with other styles, offering interest and contrast, and bringing more attention to your beloved possessions. If you have a collection, or want to showcase Grandmas quilt, then showcase it. But display it gallery style and give each piece importance. Don’t just use something for the sake of having something fill a space. Treat the things you love like art.

Another great way to make a country piece look more current is framing your art. So a country landscape with a clean white over sized matte and black frame is easy and looks clean and modern.

Look for country piece like large milk jugs, butter churners, pickle jars, mason jars etc…they add great character and some texture to the space and of course, they have that country feel

Look for inexpensive antiques that can be used to create a unique wall collection such as postcards or antique flatware. Add items from nature, but be selective. Leave some space around your treasures for the eye to rest. If a wall or a room is cluttered no one can focus on your beautiful pieces – art or artifacts. So keep it simple that’s really important in modern country decor.

Relax

Above all, relax and enjoy the creative process. There are no rules in decorating that can’t be broken. Modern Country Decorating is a fantastic way to take a beloved home decorating style of the past, and give it a current twist.

Modern country might sound contradictory but it is a beautiful blend of relaxed and styled decor. We hope you love this look as much as we do!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How To Update My Dining room

June 24, 2015

“I know my dining room is in need of an update. I do have a beautiful wood table with matching chairs that my husband would just die if I threw out or painted!! Any ideas how I could update my dining room and include my furniture?”

A great question for a common dilemma. Many down sizers go through this exact same issue. What to keep, what to toss, what to donate….you want a current look in your space but your existing pieces were expensive, high quality, in good condition – what to do?

Well, you do have a number of options that won’t involve altering your wood furniture.

An all wood furniture set can make a room feel dark and heavy especially if you do not have much light in the room. So how about brightening up the space with colour and light? Try updating your chandelier for a more current look and more light. A great, versatile option is a lantern style – it works with traditional furniture and farmhouse styles but it can also transtion well with other styles too.

You can also add light with table lamps on your buffet piece. Look for shades that will allow light through – white, cream or beige are best. We also like these table lamps that have a traditional vase shape but in glass so they don’t add bulk.

If you have a china cabinet that you don’t want to part with or separate – try wall sconces for additional light. They won’t add an abundance of light but they will help with mood lighting for dinner parties. This images shows off sconces with multiple heads flanking the china cabinet.

Mirrors are also great because they allow light to bounce around the room making the room feel brighter and larger. Mirrored furniture or accessories like decorative bowls, frames or vases can add some brightness to the room too. This image shows how the combination of mirrors and glass make a bulky piece look lighter.

Try switching up your wall paint. The colour on the walls could also make the room feel dark and heavy.
Wood furniture has a weight to it already so if it is in a smaller room without much light, the room will look dark so try lighter tones on the wall for a fresh update. Soft creams, beiges and greys are timeless and won’t take away from your furniture or art.

If that isn’t adventurous enough for you – you can certainly add colour on the walls just be sure to balance it out with some other lighter items. This dining room is a mix of classic traditional and contemporary elements. The dark wood furniture and floors and the navy wall paint together would normally be too dark but paired with the light beige upholstery and textiles, white trim and wainscoting, lighting and the decorative plate wall – there is the right amount of balance in this dramatic dining room.

Many wood furniture sets are lacking in ‘punch’ meaning they are very tone on tone. Lots of browns in the stains but often in the upholstery. Why not re-upholster your chairs for a fresh look? The possibilities are endless and it makes a huge impact without even touching the wood! We have done this with a number of clients and they love the look and the price point. It is way more cost effective and your set will look new!

You can opt for something neutral with a subtle pattern for some visual interest.

You can stay pretty neutral but then go bolder with captain’s chairs

Or make a statement with colour and pattern.

If you are really looking to make a big leap outside of the box, try some new chairs all together and opt for something modern to really update your space. This farmhouse dining room looks updated with these Eiffel dining chairs in cream – they fit with the colour scheme but they are totally unexpected. By adding modern chairs to a traditional table you get a more casual feel.

Other updates…..

Try adding some bold art – something big, bold and graphic really updates any space plus it is an easy addition. Look at arranging your current art collection in a modern gallery style.

Try an accent wall with wall paper. Another way to add visual interest to the room using pattern. We used to see rooms with wall to wall wallpaper and that can be overwhelming and even stuffy but just one wall is fabulous. We also love to see another statement piece like art, photography or a mirror hung on that accent wall.

Try a bold area rug. Make a statement on your floor with a bold area rug – it’s like art on the floor. This image shows how the area rug can be the centerpiece of a room – the colour scheme revolves around this rug. A classic colour combo but a big statement.

What ever you do make a plan. For instance if you decide you want to paint, re-upholster and add a new light fixture be sure those elements work cohesively that way the whole room update will look spectacular!

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, TRENDS

Home Staging and Decor Trends

March 30, 2015

Decor Trends and Home Staging are really important when putting your home on the real estate market. A big part of staging your home is making it look current. In the final steps of prepping your home for the real estate market you want to make it pretty, buyer ready and photo ready. One way to do that is knowing what decor trends are out there and bring them into your home. Since 95% of buyers are online first trying to find the home of the dreams…you need to make your photos stand out and attract those buyers!

1. Outdoor spaces –

Assuming the weather is working in your favour – stage your outside. Staging is about creating the vision of what life in the home would look like and including the outdoor living areas is critical! This staging trend is probably one of the most essential and we see so many sellers not have their outdoor areas staged. Remember a photo is worth a thousand words.

Clean up the outside – rake, cut the grass, plant some colourful flowers, set up the patio and prepare it as though you have guests arriving any minute!

2.White Kitchens –

Huge ‘trend’ now for home owners is light, white, bright kitchens! In a recent Houzz survey an overwhelming amount of respondents desired a white kitchen in their home. When the kitchen comprises almost 30% of the buyer’s decision (according to NAR – National Association of Realtors) a little more expense in this main area makes a world of difference in price!

Can’t replace the entire kitchen or paint the cabinets? Look at updating the back splash (or adding one) in a light tone, update the kitchen lighting to make the kitchen light and bright, paint the walls in a lighter tone and/or update the hardware.

3. Birds On Display –

The bird in the pillow is just a taste of what we will see more of in the future. Whereas last year’s trend was the white porcelain deer head on the wall and horses, this year’s trend is sweet, little birds. Right now, birds are hot for spring and every spring we tend to see animals and florals pop into all decor.

If you home is going on the market in the spring – think about adding some ‘nods’ to spring like floral, birds or any botanical elements. Currently, the hot trend is peacock but any bird in spring is up to date

4. Metallic accents –

Framed mirrors, art or brass bar carts add warmth and sophistication in any room. Metal accents add an element of shine to any room and they add some sophistication too. Right now warm metals are hot like gold, brass and copper. So think about adding a few touches of those in decor pieces, frames of mirrors, lamp bases even occasional tables.

5. Pops of colour –

Colour can help you stand out from the crowd. Even a neutral space could benefit from a floral arrangement in bright yellow or orange. If your home decor style can handle it, try adding some colourful pillows to the sofa or bed and a throw blanket. Colours like yellow, orange and bright green are perfect for spring but coral, aqua and purple can also make a big impact when used in small doses.

6.Dual Coffee Tables –

Placing two coffee tables next to each other to scale a larger space is a much better staging solution than just one. This is also a great way to add surface space to a small room. Look for side tables, benches even stools (as long as they are the right height, 16″ to 21″) to be used as a coffee table

7. Clear Tables, Chairs, Lamps and More –

Glass has always been an excellent staging tool because of it’s reflective nature and ability to create more light in what would probably be a dark corner. Glass is great because it gives the surface space without the bulk. If you are selling a condo or a smaller space – try a glass dining table and pair any style of chair you like. It makes the room look nice and big and you still are showing off how to live in the space. Glass furniture comes in a variety of styles too, and price points! You can use the ‘buddy system’ too so if you have a glass dining table add some glass elsewhere maybe a side table or in a lamp….

8. The Navy Comeback –

Navy blue is making a come back in a huge way! Navy just stole our hearts originally via patterns like chevron, ikat (see below) and floral but now it’s really making it’s presence known as a “new neutral” that pairs well with yellow, turquoise, coral, chartreuse, wheat …almost all of the spring 2015 hues that add pop to a space. Navy is one of those versatile colors that can work with bright or earth tone accents (just open your latest Pottery Barn catalog to see it with earth tones). If your space has a lot of neutral beige, cream or sand tones add navy for a rich contrast and timeless combination.

Photo from EmilyClark.com

Just a few tips and tricks can make all the difference…

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