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Guest Bloggers, HOME DECOR

Top 10 List of Shabby Chic Decorations That Will Add a Vintage Touch to Your Home

top-10-list-of-shabby-chic-decorations-that-will-add-a-vintage-touch-to-your-home

The frenzy over shabby chic decorations has been fueled by a number of unique and beautiful posts on Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media sites.  Shabby chic decors spruce up a home and make it look more enticing to live in. If you are looking for some ideas on shabby chic decorations to add a vintage feel to your home, then you have come to the right place.  

In this post, we are giving you the top 10 list of shabby chic decorations that you can get some ideas to make your home more vintage looking.  Check them out and do some home renovations this new year.

Shabby chic pillows

Pillows are among the small stuff that you can add to your home if you want to instantly change the aesthetics of your house.  Pillows are also affordable which you can easily purchase to provide that shabby chic vibe. Sofa, couches, chairs, and beds are the common sites for pillows but these days, the pillows can also be placed directly on the floor for a homier look.   

Picture frames

Picture frames are another type of decoration that can be easily added to a house to give that shabby chic look.  Get your old picture frames or you can also use new ones. The trick is to distress the paint of the frame and you have your own DIY shabby chic picture frame.  

You can even do a two-color distress frame.  Layer two colors of your preferred chalk paint.  Set it aside to dry. You can also opt to add other designs by pasting it on the frame.  Then distress the paint by rubbing off some of the paint slowly. You can also age a wood frame with some wax.

Framed jewelry organizer

It is convenient and space-saving to have a jewelry organizer.  Having a shabby chic one is far better especially if it is a DIY one.  Keeping your pieces of jewelry in small boxes makes it easier for you to forget about them because they are hidden from your view.  They can just clatter in your drawers, and worst, they can all be tangled and difficult to untangle when you are in a rush to use one.

For a DIY shabby chic jewelry organizer, get a picture frame where you can attach a wire at the back to replace the glass cover.  Fasten the wires with a staple gun and you already have a place to hang your earrings. You can also distress the frame for a more classic look.

Add a shelf for your bracelets and necklaces below the picture frame jewelry organizer.  Use some dowels and drawer pulls in the shelf to accommodate all your pieces of jewelry in one location.

Wood shelf

Wood shelves are easy to convert into a shabby chic looking one.  Just distress the paint off the shelves and you’re good to go.

Or you can make a new shabby chic wood shelf with these simple steps:

  1. Get lumber around 2″ thick and cut it according to the preferred length.  Prepare the number of lumbers according to the number of shelves you want to establish.  
  2. Prepare the brackets that will hold the lumber shelves.  Look for a shabby chic looking one to add more character to the shelves.
  3. Stain the lumber and the shelving brackets with your preferred paint colors.
  4. Wax the shelves for a good finish.
  5. Wipe the paint several times with a cloth, paintbrush, or sandpaper to distress the stain.
  6. Mount the distressed shelves using the shelving brackets.

Shutters wall decor

Shutters are no longer for windows alone.  They can be repurposed to fill up a blank wall to give a house a more rustic look.  You can opt to have it cover the whole wall or just a portion of it. You can focus on the window area by placing it on both sides of the window and you’ll have a dressed up window.

You can also dress up a headboard or a fireplace with some rustic shutters.  Some even used it as shelves and hanging area. A little creativity can go a long way.

Feel free to paint your shutters with your favorite tint.  Shabby chic paints usually belong in the female decor style and one cannot go wrong with a chalky, sage, cottage, metallic, or antique pinks, greens, or blues.

Mason jar pen holders

Some of us cannot live without pens and we hoard it like there is no tomorrow.  Consequently, our house and office space are cluttered with pens which usually are hard to find when you need them.  

Mason jars are nice containers for pens but they are prettier when painted and distressed for a shabbier look.  Paint your mason jar with your favorite rustic color. Paint it in thin coats and wait for the paint to dry. Then wipe it a bit to distress the stain once dry and your mason jar is ready for your pens and pencils.  Like the other stuff, you can also add some character with lace, ribbons, and flowers to make them look more enticing.

Curtains

Shabby chic curtains are mostly vintage in style.  They look a little worn in vintage floral patterns, ticking stripes, old French linens and soft kinds of cotton, lace, and frills.  With your shabby chic curtains, you can easily dress up your windows and be delighted with the colors, lace, and flowers they usually come with.

Decorated shabby chic bottles

Old bottles can be turned into shabby chic decors.  Clean them up and decorate with some lace, ribbons, and flowers and they are ready for your shelves.  You can use them as decors on their own or as flower base for your kitchen or living room.

Wreath

Add in a wreath on your front door and welcome your guests with your shabby chic decor.  An empty wall in your room or living area can also use some wreath. You can easily purchase them or create one using some old ribbons, flowers, fabric, and circular styrofoam.  

Repurposed tin cans and wine bottles  

Tin cans are always plenty of homes and restaurants.  These items can be up cycled into shabby chic decors. All you need are some paint, a paint brush, and a distressing material like cloth or sandpaper and you can start making repurposed tin cans.  You can also add some lace and ribbon to dress them up further.

Place these items on your shelves or on tabletops and you can use them as containers or flower base depending on your preference.

Additional Points to Consider in Decorating a House the Shabby Chic Way

  • Do not be afraid to mix and match.  

The shabby chic look comes in stained and distressed look as well as metals and irons.  So do not be afraid to add them in your decor. Furnishings must come in various colors, finishes, styles, and era.  The more varied they are, the more interesting and vintage will be the outcome.

  • Feminine look is fun and inclusive.

Some women are afraid to dress up their home in a shabby chic way thinking their husbands and other male children or home companions may not find it appropriate for them.  Keep in mind that the shabby chic look is actually fun and men also need the feminine comfort that it brings. Besides, it also includes vintage furnishings and you can add these up in a manly way like old, worn out bikes hanging on your wall.  Again, do not be afraid to mix and match. It is fun that way.

  • Add in vintage elements.

Vintage accessories, hardware, and fixtures painted in white or even in pastel colors provide a shabby chic look in a room.  Use the old stuff of your grandparents or rummage an antique shop and you will never go wrong with some vintage elements in your house.  

  • The shabby chic look is easy to achieve with distinct colors.

In terms of tints and shades, one cannot go wrong with pinks, blues, and greens.  Use the sage, bungalow, metallic, chalky, and antique ones to dress your house the shabby chic way.  Do not forget to distress the paint to make it more vintage looking.

  • Use different shades of whites.

White is not a specific color but different shades of it add a lot of shabby chic character in a house.  Use a lot of whites and give your house that intimate feel that any person can appreciate. Your white items can also add that extra-light, cool, and lovely feeling.

  • Fill your house with shabby chic fabrics and cover your furnishings for a more fluffy feeling

Delicate vintage fabrics like lace and some floral prints complete a shabby chic look of a home.  Use curtains and pillowcases with ruffles to add extra flair and texture. Add some slipcovered furniture with floral prints or French fabrics for a cozier look.

This list of decoration ideas can keep you busy the whole month.  Start it early so you can enjoy the cozy feels of a shabby chic new home this 2019 and you are all set for more Pinterest and Instagram posts.  

BIO:

Charles Watson currently is the head content writer for the Sunshine Behavioral Health group out of California.  During these long winter months, you can catch him at the local Detroit Pistons games. He can be reached directly on Twitter at @charleswatson00, or at https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com.


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HOME DECOR

10 Ways to (Effectively) Add Decor to Your Home

10-ways-to-effectively-add-decor-to-your-home

Are you looking to breathe fresh life into in your home? Adding new decor will transform your rooms and make them more soothing and energizing. The good news is it’s very easy to add style to every corner of your home with some well-laid plans and a few accessories.

  1. Pillows, pillows, pillows

Pillows can add personality and color to any room. They can also be quite useful. A good place to start decorating with pillows is in your living room. Does your couch look a bit boring? Adding a few throw pillows will help liven it up. Look for pillows that bring contrast to the fabric on the sofa. The contrasting colors add more visual appeal to the room.

The bedroom is the next place to experiment with pillows. You don’t have to pile a dozen pillows on your bed to make it a designer’s dream. Add a couple of pillows in fun fabrics. This can help draw the eye towards the bed, making it the room’s focal point.

  1. Add paintings and art to your walls

Blank walls can be intimidating when it comes to decorating your home. However, adding paintings and art to your walls will give the room some visual energy and coordination.

Walk through your home and figure out where paintings will have the most impact. Common places to display paintings and art include over the fireplace or couch. Look for long walls that need a bit of color and vibrancy. A painting can even adorn a wall in a guest bath.

  1. Frame and display personal photos

One way to make your house into your home is to bring to bring out your personal photos. These pictures of your family and friends will give your home a warm and cozy feeling for anyone who visits.

Now, displaying personal photos doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can add a stylish touch to any room. Put some of your favorite memories in identical frames. Then group the frames along the wall beside your staircase or down the hall. The identical frames provide visual coordination and style.

  1. Add a new coat of paint

Every few years most rooms require a fresh coat of paint to look their best. However, painting an entire room is not the only way to use paint to embellish the look of your home.

Consider adding an accent wall to draw the eye to a particular place in a room. You can go with a contrasting color or just paint the wall a few shades darker. Paint your front door a brand new coordinating color. This will help draw visitors to your entry and give the house a bit more curb appeal.

Try painting an old piece of furniture a bright fresh color. You can give any room a pop of color with the furniture transformation. You can also salvage old furniture pieces that look bad but are still in good structural condition.

  1. Place blankets in key locations

Blankets can be both decorative and functional. A warm blanket draped over the back of a sofa in front of a fire draws a person to snuggle in for the night. Adding a blanket to the end of your guest bedroom makes it more inviting for your guests.

When selecting blankets, it is important to consider their style and their intended use. A heavy blanket is great for winter nights but may be too much for a spring evening. A blanket with an antique pattern might not fit into your modern designer room.

  1. Upgrade your countertops

When you walk into a kitchen, the last thing you want to see is peeling Formica countertops. Those old plastic coated countertops look and feel tacky after a few years. Natural stone is the preferred replacement option.

Visit a store that specializes in natural stone to get some ideas. You can find a wide selection of stones including marble, quartz, and granite. Each slab of stone comes with its own unique beauty since no two are alike. You get the fun of looking through the selection and picking out the slab that you think will fit your home best.

  1. Create a memorable entryway

Where is the place your guests go through when they first arrive? It might be through the front door or maybe even through your mudroom. In either case, you want to make your guests feel at ease and comfortable. You can do this by giving your entryway a simple makeover.

The area should be clean and organized. Be sure to add a mirror where guests can have a quick glance. If you want them to remove their winter boots or summer sandals before going any further, give them a comfortable place to sit. Add some personal decorative touches to finish the space.

  1. Bring in seasonal touches

When it comes to seasonal touches, a lot of people think about the fall and winter months. But, bringing in items for each season helps keep a room feeling current and fresh.

Fresh flowers and blooming branches are a great way to bring in a touch of spring. Trading your heavy winter drapes for light flowing ones are a great way to celebrate summer. Of course, shades of orange and red are perfect for autumn, while ice, snow and the Holidays round out the winter.

  1. Add rugs to your floors

Rugs are items some people forget when it comes to home design. It may be that much of the house is carpeted or that the homeowners value a minimal design. Rugs, however, can work in any situation.

You can put rugs on any floor, including ones with carpet. A well-placed rug can bring a conversational area together. It can give guests a soft place to put their feet. It draws the eye to a particular location on the floor. It allows you to play with shapes and textures. It can also be a designer’s inspiration for the entire room.

  1. Get creative with textures

Texture appeals to the senses. It gives a space visual dimension and brings a luxurious feel to a bland room or set the room’s mood entirely. Repeated use of texture can harmonize a room.

The fun part of texture is that you can use it evoke different emotions and moods. An exposed brick wall offers visual texture. A woven textile brings warmth. A concrete countertop lends an industrial vibe. A fluted column brings a classic touch. Linear molding soothes a person.

Each of these options will help you transform your average home into a designer’s dream. Just remember to give yourself the time to plan what you want to add to each room and which items would work the best.

And always have fun with it!

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HOLIDAYS

Christmas Decor Favourites

christmas-decor-favourites

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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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

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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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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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Layer Your Lighting

we-answer-wednesday-how-to-layer-your-lighting

“I have overhead lighting in my living room but it still looks and feels dark most of the time.  How can I improve the lighting in my living room?”

This is a great question and actually a very common concern. More often than not, homes are not designed and built with a lighting plan in mind.  Some builders are now offering that opportunity to buyers who have purchased from plans, to meet with an in-house design/decor consultant and review the lighting plans and they can make adjustments and some additions (at an extra cost).  But what about someone who has purchased an existing home? What can you do?

You still have options.  You could meet an electrician and see where you could add some extra ambient lighting sources such as pot lights.  But that can be costly.

Photo from tumblr.com  – This space uses different types of lighting – the ambient light from the ceiling fixtures and task lighting from the kitchen island pendants and the table lamps.  Look closely there are some candles on the coffee table too.

What you want to do and can do quite easily is layer your lighting. Think of your lighting plan a having 3 layers.  Each layer plays a role in the whole plan. Layering your lighting means to have different sources of lighting in one room.  Each source has a different function but they each contribute to the look and feel of the room. This way you can change up the lighting scheme throughout the day and to set the mood you like.  This is also a great idea for a room that serves multiple purposes (which is the case for most of us).

So what are the 3 types of lighting that should be in a room?

LAYER 1- Ambient lighting: this is the room’s overall light wash, this could be natural light streaming in from a window or it could be from overhead lighting.  This is your basic layer of lighting.  This type of light illuminates open areas, walls and main furniture pieces. For overhead ambient light, a dimmer switch is a great idea as it offers you options throughout the day to change it up with your mood. Examples of Ambient lighting include: overhead fixtures, pot lights, natural light beaming in from a window, and torchiere.

 

LAYER 2- Task lighting: this type of lighting is designed to help you perform activities at close range.  This type of lighting is more area specific.  For example, wall sconces or a swing arm floor lamp behind a chair is great for reading or a hanging pendant over a kitchen island are some examples of task lighting.  Task lighting is another layer in your lighting plan. Examples of task lighting include: table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and swing arm lamps.

Photo from eclecticallyvintage.com

LAYER 3- Accent lighting: this style of lighting adds a touch of drama to your space. This really allows you to change up the mood in your room quite easily.  Accent lights really let you direct the eye to objects you want to draw attention to, for instance picture lights or candles.  This type of lighting adds warmth (as well as drama) to a space. Examples of accent lighting include: picture lighting, library lights, spot lights, track lights, mini chandeliers and candle light.

Photo from Mattamy Homes  – Another great example of layering your lighting.  We see here the overhead lighting from the ceiling fan (double duty piece) and the pot lights.  The table and floor lamps add some great task lighting, perfect for reading.  And the wall mounted candle sconces add some accent lighting when needed.

Playing with the 3 layers of lighting helps create the mood in the room.  So for a gathering of friends and family, to create a cozy mood use layers 1 (on a dimmer) and 2.  For a more romantic mood, try blending various types of layer 3 (only spotlights mixed in with some candle light is very seductive).

When you are making your lighting plan you can mix up the styles of lighting from one category.  So a room could have a large picture window letting in lots of natural light (depending on time of day) with a beautiful overhead fixture and a few pot lights in the bookcases with a matching pair of table lamps flanking the sofa and a floor lamp or wall sconce behind a reading chair.  Add in some candle light or even twinkle lights by the fireplace and you have a room with a layer lighting plan that allows you to set any mood you like.  Plus this way you have light throughout the entire room, so it will never feel dark.

Photo from Zillow

 

You can never go wrong with adding extra light sources in any room.

I hope this helped bring more light into your life,

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

The Benefits of Staying Neutral (in Home Decorating)

the-benefits-of-staying-neutral-in-home-decorating

You can ask anyone that knows me well or has least come to my home – I’m not overly colourful.

Don’t get me wrong I like colour, I like it a lot! My kids rooms are full or colour, prints, patterns and texture but for my main living space – I have remained neutral.

I love my home and my style at home.  I like neutrals.  Some might call it plain or boring but I have to disagree.

I love neutral decor, and I feel like there are some real benefits to remaining neutral.

1 – Neutrals are a classic.

They never go out of style, ever.  So if you decorate with neutrals you aren’t dating your space or making big commitments that might not work out.

2 – Neutrals work well with lots of texture.

Decorating in all neutrals gives you the chance to really get creative with mixing textures (and lots of textures) and of course print!My family room has printed drapery and pillows plus textures like brick, cowhide, shag, fur, knits and more.

3- Neutrals are calming.

Yes, some colours are too but I find the mix of neutral shades to create a calm and soothing space.

4 – All neutral spaces are easy to update.

Getting bored with an all neutral space? Adding a new accent colour is so easy and you have a lot of freedom to play with any colour you like!

5 – Neutrals work with neutrals.

When it comes to decorating, if you don’t know what you are doing or you can’t commit to anything opt for mixing neutrals, it’s a no-fail decorating scheme.  It always works and is always in style.  All neutrals work well together.

6 – Neutrals work with all styles.

If you like modern, country, traditional even industrial interior decorating styles, neutrals work with neutrals.  Take black and white for instance, depending on how it’s used and styled in can look country (think Buffalo Check), it can take on a glamorous feel in a more formal or traditional home or look very modern with crisp white walls with black decor accents.

Decorating your home should always be a reflection of your taste and style- so don’t conform to what’s trending – be yourself, that’s always in style!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Where to save and where to spend when buying furniture

we-answer-wednesday-where-to-save-and

“We have bought our first home and we need to make a lot of furniture purchases.  We see the price tags and the costs add up, and quickly.  When it comes to buying furniture – which pieces are worth splurging on and where can we save?”

Congratulations of your home purchase ! What an exciting time! Furnishing and decorating your first home is a fun experience, it is a great way to bring your sense of style into YOUR home.  But you are right, the costs can really add up and very quickly.

 

 

The first thing you need to do – is figure out your budget.  Your budget is determined by what you feel comfortable spending. Figure out:
What you need to buy?
What (if anything is coming with you from your last place)?
Are you getting any furniture pieces from friends or family?
What would you like to have but it’s not needed now.
This is a great guide to figure out what you need to spend now and what to focus on later.

 

When it comes to actual items that are worth the extra cost, we have some suggestions.

– Sofa:

it is worth to spend on a sofa but again be sure it is an amount you feel comfortable with.  Not everyone feels good about spending $5,000 on a sofa.  But when it comes to sofas, there is a quality and comfort difference that is attached to price.  We also suggest ‘test driving’ a sofa in person – make it is comfortable and supportive – don’t just buy a great deal because it is a great deal.

– Mattress:

you will sleep every night on that mattress so find the right one and be sure to check them out in person.  Buy the best mattress that you can afford.  You don’t want to live with neck and back pain everyday because the mattress was a great deal!

– Labour:

when it comes to work that’s being done in your home, don’t skimp – it will be noticeable and you will end up spending more to have someone else come in and fix what was already done.

– Window coverings:

we would put this on the ‘maybe later’ part of your list but that does depend on your size and style of windows.  If you have a standard size window, store bought pre-packaged panels with a rod will be just fine.  Custom window drapery varies in price but if you have oversized windows, or odd shaped windows – the extra cost is worth it.

– Flooring:

if your current home has ugly or dated floors, or flooring that is in terrible shape – it is worth spending now on the update (before you move in!)

 

Where can you save?

On just about everything else.  You might be at a point in your life where you are figuring out your taste and style and this is a great time to experiments with less expensive pieces like dining chairs, armchairs, rugs and bedding.

 

When you move into your first place it is exciting but also a bit overwhelming.  Many feel that they need to drop a fortune to furnish their place.  Don’t spend anymore than you are comfortable with and don’t invest in anything that you don’t love or is uncomfortable – it’s not worth it!  True personal style comes from mixing the pieces, colours and textures that you love and building that ‘nest’ takes some time….Rome wasn’t built in a day!

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BEDROOMS, HOME DECOR

Top 10 Headboards

top-10-headboards

A headboard is an important elements in a bedroom.  It really is a centerpiece that helps anchor the room.  It gives the entire bed presence and can also set the tone for the style you want in your bedroom.

 

Here are some of our favourite headboard and tips on how they work with your style:

 

1. Headboard with ‘floating’ storage

So this is a very clean look.  It’s perfect for anyone looking for a bedroom that’s easy to clean (no dust will collect under end table legs) and because the end tables are floating they give the whole room a calm and zen like feel.  We love this look in a wood tone ad paired with soft tones and clean white.

 

2. Tufted Headboard

This look is a true classic and we have seen a real ‘comeback’ of this style.  It is great because it really works with any style – you can opt for a classic contemporary or even a vintage style.  It really depends on the colour of the upholstery and what you pair with it.

 

3. Rustic headboard

If you love the country or farmhouse look, than this is for you! These old windows have been converted into a headboard.  The aged paint give it a relaxed look and the window panels make the headboard look and feel lighter in the room.  Pair these with soft layers of linens or for a true country look opt for some small florals or even a gingham print.

 

4. Fabric panel headboard

This is an easy and affordable way to make a headboard.  This is also a perfect solution for a smaller room.  When you are tight on space, you need to be smart with your furniture choices.  We love a simple curtain rod with a drapery panel, it adds softness to the space and your choices of colour and pattern are endless, so you could even switch it out with the seasons or trends. This is also a great way to display a treasured quilt.

 

5. Rattan (Wicker) Headboard 

If you love a laid back natural or beach inspired look in your bedroom, this is a great option for you.  The texture adds some visual interest to the space and the natural material and tone give the room a relaxed feel. This looks great with lots of soft tones, especially blue tones. Pair the headboard with distressed finishes in cream tones to really maximize the laid back look in your room.

 

6. High headboard 

This really makes a statement in any bedroom.  We have seen these extra high headboards for a while, they aren’t as popular as they were a few years ago but they are perfect if you really want your bed to have great presence in your space. These come in a variety of styles, too.

 

7. Old Doors as a Headboard

This is a rustic yet romantic look for a bedroom but depending on how your style it, it can look country or vintage.  We love this headboard with a statement light fixture over the bed. The aged paint adds character, texture and a softness to the space.  If you love the shabby chic look – this is for you!

 

8. Decorative carved wood headboard

This is all over instagram!  We love the romantic look of this headboard and the detail work is just gorgeous – no need for an art piece over the bed when this is your headboard! Painted or natural this is spectacular.  When it comes to styling the room – go with your style, so keep the tones light or go dark on the walls to let the headboard really stand out – it’s up to you!

 

9. Wing back headboard

The ultimate in luxury and sophistication! This style is a true classic but like anything else you can add your own spin to truly make it yours.  We love this style in any colour or tone – dark or light, it’s up to you! This works with really crisp bedding, so not the best for anyone looking for a more boho look in their room…  This clean, crisp and balanced – tailored headboard is a stunning piece in the bedroom.

 

10. Low Headboard

This is great for a smaller room as visually the headboard won’t be taking up as much room.  This is a great option if your like a soothing almost zen style and feel in your space.  This is also a great option if you want larger art above your headboard. Try adding a floating shelf with some display decor items (ones that have meaning to you or just add to the overall look of your room) a low headboard gives you space for that, too!

 

 

There is a headboard for every style – make a statement in your bedroom that truly reflects your style…mix it up and put your personal stamp on it!

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