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DIY, KIDS SPACES, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

$100 room challenge : week 4 -room reveal

100-room-challenge-week-4-room-reveal

Room reveal time! It is now week 4 of this amazing challenge to makeover 1 room with only $100 and I am so excited to show you the results of the room reveal.

Let’s take a look back…..

Remember my extra wide hallway space that was a dumping group for all things kid related?

…and these before photos are showing off the space after I had my kids do a bit of a clean up.  so not the best use of this space.

As my kids are getting older and 3 of the 4 are in school – they are coming home with projects and homework … the kitchen table was an OK area to do the work but my 2 older children in particular were quite distracted by the goings on in the family room with their 2 younger brothers.  So that is what motivated me to create a homework station.  This challenge popped up at the perfect time as I really wanted to have this space all set up before back to school.

Let’s take a look at the progress….

I knew this space would be perfect – we don’t need a massive ‘office’ for the kids and I wanted them to still be close by that we could check in on them and they could ask for help. This little nook space is located between my kitchen and laundry room.

It started with a total removal of everything that was in the space and everything was re-homed to a better spot in the house (baseball bats don’t need to be stored by the kitchen)

I then asked around (starting with family) to see if anyone had anything ‘hanging’ around that they wanted to get rid of — I lucked out with a desk.

The desk fits beautifully in the space and it is metal so it is easy to clean (white may not be the ideal colour for kids but if it gets really dirty and cannot be cleaned….it should be easy enough to spray paint)

I purchased the plastic 4 drawer chest at staples (it was about 1/3 of my budget but it is such an important item).  It comes with wheels so it is easy to slide in and out as my kids need items from the drawers.  I designated (using labels) one drawer per child and the top drawer is for shared items like scissors, erasers, pencil sharpener….)

I soon realized that I had some additional wall space in that nook area and that could be used for back packs! The kids back packs end up in various locations of the house and we need a system….so wall mounted hooks were need. I found some great ‘Buddy Hooks’ on Wayfair and I could have opted for something more typical but I thought these were really fun (and my kids love them, too!) That’s $20 added to my budget – so 1/2 already spent!

I wanted the space to have some colour and also demonstrate that it was a kids’ space – we have tons of kids’ art all over the house and some just stored in bins.  So I spent some time with the kids going through some of their favourites…we found some colourful canvases, a papier mache mask my son had made plus a bunch of other items…..I wanted to be able to show off all of their work but there’s isn’t enough wall space for that – so I thought about adding these clipboards to the gallery wall and this way we could switch up their art and work throughout the year!

I like to plan out my gallery walls on the floor first instead of just ‘winging’ it!

These clipboards were about $5.00 each…

See the full details of this homework station transformation…

week 1

week 2

week 3

Time for the room reveal….

I’m so happy with how this turned out! My kids are really excited, too – my daughter jumped right it to use the space as soon as I announced that it was done!

Here are the buddy hooks – in the back pack area – one hook for each child and I added a photo frame with a school photo – so they knew whose hook was whose….

The final budget…

4 drawer chest from Staples                                     $32.95

Buddy hooks                                                                         $20.00

2 clip boards                                                                         $10.00

3 wood photo frames                                                    $4.50

desk                                                                                     came from my parents

chair with pillow                                                               was already in my home just in another room

art                                                                                        already had

kids’ school photos                                                           already had

pencils, crayons – holder                                                 already had

2 file holders                                                                      $9.99 each

wall mount copper baskets                                             $20.00 (on clearance)

Total:                                                                        $107.43

So I’m slightly over budget….but the extra $7.43 I can live with for a space this useful and that looks this great!

A few more photos of the room reveal….

This new homework station is going to be really useful for us and the challenge really helped me stay on track with time and budget….I’m really looking forward to the next challenge coming up in September.


Let me know what you think of this homework station,

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, HOME TOUR

Home Tour : Stittsville Walk

stittsville-walk

Stittsville Walk is a community that is currently under construction. I recently sourced and styled the model home just last month.  It is located in a great nook of the city and we love the quaint feel of main street mixed with the chic style of the finishes in this model.

Stittsville Walk – Take the Tour:

These newly built townhomes are perfectly located in this village like setting – the exteriors have a timeless colour pallete with a touch of a modern edge, take the tour inside to see the amazing features and finishes of Stittsville Walk.

I wanted the look to appeal to a younger demographic so I opted for some furniture pieces that suited a first time home buyers but also interior finishes that embraced what’s current without being too trendy.

I love a two toned kitchen but I wanted the look to be light an airy – so I stuck with a classic white shaker style cabinet in the main part of the kitchen.

I then decided on a ‘driftwood’ tone for the kitchen island – this cabinet has a grey-ish hue with a visible wood grain.  The light fixture adds a bit of an industrial element with the metal ‘pipe’ look and vintage bulbs, along with the grey industrial style stools.

The living room is a blend of soft grey tones, cow hide, reclaimed wood and some knitted textures. I didn’t want to add too many bold colours in the space – so just a pop of bright yellow pillows is all you need! A series of three mirrors with wood frames fill the wall space by the sofa.  This living room is cozy but also chic!

This designated dining space suits a mix of modern ad industrial styles.  The Eiffel chairs in white echo the white kitchen cabinets – when I design I love to see common threads throughout an open space to make the connections throughout the entire look.  These chairs are a classic modern element and I love the contrast with the table.  I added some simple small storage with the glass console table and these accessories add some visual interest.

Stittsville Walk – Get the Look:

I found these amazing pieces for great prices…let me show you how to get this look!

I wanted some grey colour on the walls but nothing too deep, too dark or too blue….what did I pick? Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray. It is become one of my favourite paint colours to work with …

30″ Bar stools  These come in a bunch of colours – neutrals to brights – I opted for the light grey to keep the space looking very light and clean.


This 12 bulb light fixture has a bit of a mid-century modern look but if you change out the bulbs to a vintage bulb (like I did) the look is much more industrial

A pouf is a great alternative for a traditional foot stool, it is also a good seating option if you are in need.

In smaller spaces, it can be challenging to find the right size furniture and we struggled with finding a coffee table so instead we used 2 of these wood accent tables instead.

SHOP THE LOOK…

This cinema light box from amazon is a fun accessory to any space – we love it in the dining room but it would be fun in a den, office, TV space, styled in a bookcase….so many possibilities!

I love the versatility of Eiffel chairs – they add that classic mid-century modern look to any space giving the whole room an updated look.  I found these white Eiffel chairs with wood legs on Wayfair.

I added another great light fixture to the space – over the dining room.  Because the fixture in the kitchen over the island was so visually interesting I knew the one over the table had to work with the industrial styling of the larger chandelier but it had to be simple.  I found this one – on sale at Lowe’s – I love the simplicity of the pendant paired with the pieces in the room, it has a touch of a scandi-industrial look

I love how this model home at Stittsville Walk came together,


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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR, SHOPPING FINDS

Friday Favourites : Fall decor finds

friday-favourites-fall-decor-finds

We know that summer is still here and we are soaking up the fun in the sun but fall isn’t that far away and of course, we love fall decor! The fall is all about adding nature elements to your space and getting cozy with soft textures – we love the harvest theme and of course those stunning fall tones.

Photo credit: Craftberry Bush

So in preparation for one of our favourite seasons we have rounded up some of our favourite fall decor finds.

Fall decor finds:

A definite fall decor must are some pumpkins…we are really loving the look of white pumpkins – they work with a more modern or contemporary style home or anyone who just doesn’t want to dive right into the orange, red and golden tones of the season.  These white pumpkins look great in a simple bowl, add them to a tablescape or style them on a tray or coffee table.

 

Pillows are a fun a simple way to spruce up your decor and celebrate the season or holiday.  again we are loving these unconventional autumn tones like the warm whites and even light blue tones.  This pillow is a wonderful addition – we love it for an entry vignette.

 

We love curling up with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on those crisp fall days.  We don’t turn the heat on just yet so we wrap up in a chunky knit blanket – this chunky knit blanket is perfect for a bedroom or living room.  The chunky texture adds a lot of character to any space.

We love inspirational words and quotes in our homes, on pillows or wall decor.  This ‘grateful and blessed’ sign is a great reminder for the everyday but it fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday.

Candle light is a great way to add ambience to your space – whether it is a bubble bath, a romantic dinner or just relaxing at home with a movie or book – candles really add soft and subtle lighting to the room.  We love these flameless LED candles – they are very authentic looking and we love that they are safe.

Fall decor is really about embracing the beauty of nature.  Bringing in the tones and textures that we see outside and bringing them inside – this wood dough bowl has a rustic look and it’s perfect for a kitchen island – fill it with seasonal fruit like apples for a simple and healthy snack.

A fall wreath is a must and we love the farmhouse look of this wreath – the mix of neutral tone sand textures is just beautiful and is quite transitional  in style plus this wreath comes with some personalizing options like scent and the message on the sign!

Fall is such a beautiful time of year to celebrate and when it comes to fall decor finds there are so many and we will likely find some more fall decor inspiration through our shopping excursions but for now these are our fall favourites…

 

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

10 Things Every Living room Needs

10-things-every-living-room-needs

The living room is where you entertain, relax, read, maybe watch TV but it is the most ‘public’ space in your home and sure, you can count on the sofa, the coffee table, and a few additional seating options. But the room needs to be personalized through decorative touches. Here’s some inspiration on how to add those personal style items to your space to give it a polished look

1 – A place for your books –

Your collection of first editions aside, designate an area to feature a few choice titles that complement your style. If your space is small, try blending the book case colour with the wall colour – it will look luxurious (like built-ins) and it will look streamlined

2 – Window treatments –

An empty window space is an incomplete one. Dress the frames with a set of drapes to maximize the height of the room, providing it with a simple yet elegant finish. Drapes also add softness to a room and they frame a window beautifully.  If you have blinds already add the drapes they really add a touch of style

3 – A styled coffee table –

A well-curated table keeps essentials on hand – minus the clutter. Stick to things that make like favorite books, vases, or trays. No, the remote control does not count as an essential or an accessory!

4 –  Something on the walls –

We’re all about the walls. Gallery of frames. One eye-catching print. An over sized mirror. Choose to decorate with pieces that will make the space totally your style.

5 – Pop(s) of colour –

Offset a neutral palette with hints of an eye-catching hue. It’s the key to an instant uplift. Accent pillows, art, accessories and even an area rug are easy ways to add some colour to your space.

6 – Painted walls –

A can of paint really is the easiest way to add personality to a room. As for the color, well, that’s up to you.

7 – A side table –

A simple accent piece doubles as a geographically-convenient (and temporary) spot for all the necessities for a little lounge time. Plus these come in very handy when entertaining

8 – Personal touches –

Dedicate some shelf space for an edited assortment of pieces that reflect your personality. Throw some favorite framed photos to the mix as well.

9 – Light fixtures –

A little lighting goes a long way. If you don’t have a ton of natural light, then bring in table lamps to set the right mood for your space.

10 – The right seating arrangement –

Small space. Large space. We can’t stress this enough. It’s important to think about the shape of your room and its function. Arrange for how you will be using this area.

Make your living room a comfortable and chic space – if you are like me you spend a lot of time in that room so enjoy the space and make it beautiful,

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HOME STYLING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

What is e-decor?

what-is-e-decor

So what is our e-decor service?

E-decor is an interior design service that we offer for clients who love our style but don’t live in our area or clients who don’t mind doing the leg work but don’t know where to start.  The beauty of this service is you don’t need to live near by, we source items that you can purchase online and have delivered to your door and you can move at your pace as your timeline and budget allow…

How does the e-decor service work?

Our e-decor service is so easy! First, we do need to know which room or rooms you want to design and decorate, we love to know a bit more about your taste and style (sending us photos of rooms you like is perfect!), we need a rough budget to work with (we all have a budget and we believe that style doesn’t come with a price tag), photos and dimensions of your room(s) (in the case of a property under construction, a floor plan is perfect), and we also want to know what purpose you want the rooms to serve, for example – TV room, guest bedroom / home office etc…

Next, we prepare a quote for you and once approved we get started!  Depending on the size of the project this could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. We send you a vision board with the furniture, art and accessories – you have the opportunity to then critique and we make the changes to produce the final concept.  We also provide a sketch with furniture placement and a series of styling tips (for example art placement)

 

E-decor is perfect for someone moving into a new home or space, some one who is short on time and someone who wants a designer space but doesn’t know where to start. E-decor is a great gift too! We love to work with clients and make their spaces come to life so they can enjoy life and their space without the stress that can come with it!

 

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

Friday Favourite – Quirky Pillows

friday-favourite-quirky-pillows

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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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Paint Colour Concept for the Whole Home

paint-colour-concept-whole-home

When it comes to a paint colour concept you really need to think about the whole home.  We just finished meeting with some clients earlier today to put together their paint colour concept – they have hired a painter to start later in the week and during our paint consultation we discussed the idea of a paint colour concept for the whole home – even though they aren’t thinking of paitning the entire home at this stage.

Photo credit : HomeBunch – This mudroom is painted in ‘Stonington Gray’ by Benjamin Moore

What is a paint colour concept?

Basically it is a plan with a series of colours for the whole home.  The colours all work together even though they may be different – there is a fluidity to the whole look, so as you walk through the home room by room the colours will work in a cohesive manner.

You may not be ready right now (for a variety of reasons) to paint the entire home now but if you have a plan you can focus on the rooms to paint now and still know what the overall look and feel of the space will be.  Be sure to record and file all of the paint info – so brand, name and code – you can refer to it when you are ready to paint the next set of rooms.

What to know when making your paint colour concept?

You really need to understand the lighting in your home.  Which rooms have a lot of light (natural or otherwise) and at what time of day.  Paint looks different in different lights – natural vs artificial, it also looks different depending on the amount of light and time of day.  So we always suggest to clients to paint test swatches on the wall and take a look at them at various points in the day.  Be sure you like the colour at all times of day before fully committing.

Our clients wanted a light and airy look with some ‘beachy’ inspiration without going too literal – their furniture is most neutral (think light warm grey sofas and coffee hardwood floors).  the home is an older home with original interior doors and baseboards, they wanted to maintain that character but give the home a fresher and more current feel.

Here is the paint colour concept we put together for our clients:

Benjamin Moore ‘Balboa Mist’ OC-27 is perfect for their hallways and guest bedroom – it is a soft and warm grey tone and it is one of our favourites to work with.

Benjamin Moore ‘Stonington Gray’ HC-170 is another favourite of ours – it is a true gray that adds some really pigmentation on the wall without being too deep and it has a great freshness about it too.  This is for the dining room (and will be paired with a farmhouse inspired table)

‘Silver Half Dollar’ 2121-40 by Benjamin Moore is a colour that’s really inspired by the beach (not just in name). We chose this for the living room – it is one of the brighter rooms in the house and they wanted a bit more colour in the room that they spend the most time in.

There master bedroom is on the top floor in an attic space – so the sloped ceilings add architectural detail to their master but the ceilings are also a bit lower – so we opted for a light and airy white.  This is a clean and calming tone for the room and offers with great contrast to the dark coffee floors plus this means they have a lot of options for accent colours in bedding and more  – We selected ‘White Heron’ OC-57 by Benjamin Moore.

The homeowners  are happy with some of the existing colours in the home – such as the kitchen and bathrooms (so previous owners must have really focused on where to spend their money when prepping the home for the resale market as the bathrooms and kitchens all had a fresh coat of paint). So we worked with those tones along with their own tastes to create a a whole home paint colour concept.

A paint colour conept is a great way to stay focused on your style and have a designer look in your home…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, OUR FAVOURITES

Summer Wreath Inspiration

summer-wreath-inspiration

A summer wreath is a great way to add a fresh look and some curb appeal to your home.  In the summer the gardens are in bloom and the colours are so bright and fresh.  I love a summer wreath because it adds just a bit some of the summer florals that I love!  If you are selling your home, a summer wreath is an easy (and affordable) way to add an inviting feel to your home.

Photo credit: Etsy.com

This boxwood wreath is a bright pop of green and this wreath would also work well for spring and summer

Selecting a Summer Wreath

When it comes to selecting a summer wreath – you have a lot of options – there are so many florals, colours and greenery that work for summer decor. I suggest a wreath in colours and tones that coordinate and compliment your exterior landscaping – so take a look at your planters and flower beds – that way the wreath and your landscaping plan all work together.

Photo credit : Etsy.com

This floral wreath with a mix of flowers and greenery has a main colour of coral and white and soft blue as accent colours – so in this case your flowers beds and planters should have a combination of these hues.

Multi-season wreath

If the idea of a new wreath for each season seems like too big of a commitment or you don’t have enough storage opt for a neutral or multi-season wreath.  Neutral tones work all year long as do simple greenery wreaths.

Photo credit : Etsy.com

This year round wreath is a beautiful blend of neutral and great texture and  the “L” adds a personalized touch.

Some favourite Summer Wreaths:

Summer wreaths are just another way to add some curb appeal to your home – whether you are selling or you just want to create a welcoming atmosphere, a wreath is a perfect accessory!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Spring Home Decor

answer-wednesday-spring-home-decor

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

 

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

 

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

 

Kristi’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

Greenery –

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

 

 

Let the light in (and the air, too) –

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

 

Switch up my textures –

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

 

 

Maddie’s favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 
Colour –

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

 

 

Pattern –

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

 

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

 

 

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Hot Home Decor Trends for 2017

hot-home-decor-trends-for-2017

As we slowly approach the end of another year, there is an excitement in the air! A new year means renewal, a fresh start but also new and fresh ideas! For home decor, we are excited to see what 2017 will bring to store shelves and magazine pages but we do have some predictions as to what we will be seeing in the new year for interior decorating.

 

1.  Neutrals:

Usually there is a ‘hot’ colour that we see emerge each year but this year expect to see a lot of neutrals.  White and black are classics and are never out of style but expect to see a lot of black and white trends for home decor.  Shades of grey will still be popular as well as cooler beige tones.

2.Wood:

We have already seen a comeback of wood in late 2016, we expect that trend will continue.  We will see wood in floors, furniture, art and accessories.  Wood with lots of texture and tones.

3. Global influences:

Every year it seems that interior decorating takes on some inspiration from somewhere in the world.  this year is no exception, this year expect to see a big surge of Scandinavian design.  There is more to Scandinavian influence than IKEA – white (like the snow), wood, simple design with a modern minimal edge are just some of what you can expect to see.

4. Ashy filter:

All of the woods, fabrics and other textures will all have a touch of a grey to them.  Almost as though they have been grey-washed or a grey filter to them.  This gives everything a toned down and cooler look – like driftwood.

5. Finish:

Expect to see a lot of matte or dull finishes in metals but also wood stains and paint.  High gloss is out.

6. Warm textures:

Smooth and sleek textures like glass and marble were once the hottest trends on the market but this year warm and natural textures will be hot for 2017. Such as wood, cork, sisal, rattan  leather, and knits.

7. Defined living spaces:

The ‘super’ open concept plans for living spaces where everything is in one big room won’t be as popular.  We won’t have tiny compartment rooms but we will have floor plans that are a mix of open and more traditional living offering some privacy and also designated spaces.

8. Purple, Blue and Green:

Although 2017 will be very much about neutrals we predict that purple, blue and green will be very visible this coming year.  This deep jewel inspired tones such as – plum, eggplant, blackberry, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. We will see this in accessories more than furniture.

We hope 2017 is your most stylish year at home, let us know how you plan on incorporating any of these trends in your home…

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