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home styling ideas

the-best-accessories-to-buy-for-your-home

There are many elements to home design from how you arrange your furniture to what you have on the walls and how the lights operate. No matter what you prefer, you can use such a variety of colour, or lack thereof to make your home reflect your personality and feel cosy. The first thing you need to do is to decide what kind of mood and look you will like to have. Are you going traditional and rustic or modern and clean? Depending on what you prefer, will dictate how you proceed with the rest of your decoration style. Once you have this nailed down though, you can start thinking about what accessories can bring your home altogether. Here are just a few ideas for you to think about. 

Vases

Many people have vases in your home. They are probably one of the most used home accessories in all of history. They date all of the way back to the ancient world where they were made in Greece and Rome for holding food, medicine, and oils as well as for decoration. Vases have survived so long because of their versatility not only in use but in style as well. You could prefer a ceramic look or a Rattan vase to make your room come together. You could go back to the traditional use of storing oils and food in them or you can display flowers to add a sense of freshness to any room in your home. 

Teapots

Teapots are one of the most used items in the home. All around the world people reach for the teapot in times of comfort or in times of celebration. Whether you are going through heartbreak or looking to mark a special occasion then grabbing the tea is something that everyone does. Much like vases, they have been used for many years dating from the 16th century in China. From there it has spread across the world and the world is grateful for it. Without the teapot, there may not be any afternoon teas. These are a great accessory for any home due to their variety in style from traditional to chic. 

Art 

This is always a tricky one to get right. However, the important thing to remember is that the art you display on your walls or in your home should reflect you and your personality. If you stick to this principle then you will soon find that you have a style and the pieces will all begin to gel together. There are a variety of different items you can get as well. You can look at small prints for the wall or larger more traditional portrait paintings. But you could also buy small sculptures to bring some texture to a room. Never buy a piece just because you think people will like it though, you will have to live with it. 

Rugs

Nothing makes a room cosier than a soft and fluffy rug beneath your home. They add a layer of warmth and comfort to your home and can be used against your stylish wooden floor. On top of this, there is a rug for every mood, colour, style and room. Depending on what you prefer, you can go for an antique rug with dramatic patterns or a more welcoming fluffy rug that will be comfortable enough to lay on. Think about the colour of your room and the floor. You will want your rug to stand out but not to be an eyesore. Spend time seeing which rug will work in your home before you purchase. 

Houseplants

Whilst many people have cultivated the houseplant, there has never been a time when they have been as popular as they are now. It is an inescapable conclusion that plants are good looking in any home and research has shown that they can even make you feel good. Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to oxygen for you to breathe as well as neutralising harmful chemicals like formaldehydes. Plants have also been shown to decrease stress and can even improve your creativity. Plants are also versatile. There are so many different kinds with a variety of needs. They are not as demanding as you would think. 

Accessories for your home

Getting the style right in your home is a tough one. There is a lot to consider and so many different options. Remember that you don’t need to do it all at once. Spend time experimenting and working out what you want. Before you know it, your style will come together. 

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Shelf decor is a way to add style to your room and display your favorite things. I just love what a shelf can do for a space. There was a time when a shelf was just all about storage but now they are way to showcase your style and a perfect way to add decor to any room.

I have been working on a few farmhouse inspired projects and renovations and I have used shelf decor in all of them! I love the idea of layering great decor finds and displaying items with meaning (or just items I am drawn too) and of course mixing up shapes and textures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases which further support the content on this blog.

I find that decorating a shelf works best when you follow these guidelines…

  1. Stick with a consistent colour theme (lately for me it has been a mix of neutrals and woods)
  2. Always add a touch of green. I know some of you have feelings about faux plant options but personally I do find that there are some incredible faux options that look like the real deal. And personally I love plants but just can’t keep them alive.
  3. Play with odd numbers when it comes to styling. For instance stack 3 books.
  4. Play with textures – mix metals (like a wire basket), wood (like a bowl or even a cutting board), and pottery (like a bowl or decorative piece).
  5. Get creative! Does a round wood cutting board belong in a living room? No! But I love the shape and texture that it can add to a display.
  6. Don’t add too much decor. Yes, you can overdo it when it comes to accessorizing. If a shelf (like a wall) doesn’t have any empty space (aka negative space) it looks and feels cluttered and you don’t get to appreciate the beautiful pieces you have displayed – it will be a mess!

Shop Shelf decor…

  1. Farmhouse distressed LOVE sign
  2. Candle
  3. Rusted Iron jack decor piece
  4. Set of 3 glass bottle in metal wire basket
  5. Decorative book stack
  6. Wood mannequin
  7. Bone bead necklace
  8. Small faux plant
  9. Shallow charcoal wood bowl
  10. Textured grey vase

I have put together this collection of shelf decor pieces that work well in small groupings or all together in one large shelf unit. You can follow me on Instagram to see the home decor styling projects that I’m working on I hope you find these tips and this shopping list helpful …

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how-to-create-a-relaxing-luxurious-living-area

If you lead a busy life, then the idea of having a room in your home that provides relaxation and calm whenever you need it is probably quite appealing. A place to unwind or spend time with family and friends can not only make your home a nicer place to be but can also do wonders for your mindset. If you have children, you will know only too well how much stuff they can accumulate, and if you look around your home, you might be surprised to note that their belongings have taken over every room!

If there’s a room in your home that is rarely used or has become a dumping ground for things that don’t have a home, why not consider transforming it into a clutter-free welcoming space instead? Here are 4 ways to create a luxurious and relaxing living area in your home. 

Choosing the right color palette

Color can completely change the mood of a living area, so it’s important to decide on a color scheme before you do anything else. Once you know the color palette you are going for, it will make it far easier to choose furniture and accessories. Websites like colorcombos.com are great for establishing colors that complement each other well. This can make it far easier to decide on the main color then add other colors into the mix by way of soft furnishings. Muted tones provide a far softer look and therefore work well to help create a calming and luxurious feel in any room.

Furniture

When choosing furniture for your room, it’s important to consider comfort as well as aesthetics. A modern sofa with clean lines and a picture-perfect look might be appealing, but if it isn’t comfortable, you aren’t likely to use it very often. On the other hand, a sofa with cushioning you can sink into is likely to turn your room into a space that you cannot wait to spend time in. 

In terms of other furniture, consider how you will use the room. If you intend to read lots of books, you might want to get a stylish bookcase and some functional side tables. If you want to get a TV but feel it would ruin the feeling of relaxation and luxury, why not get a TV unit with doors so you can conceal it when not in use? Think carefully about what you need and make sure your purchases are considered ones.

Lighting

Lighting can completely change the mood of a room. Stark white bulbs can make a room feel clinical and unwelcoming, whereas warm bulbs will create a far more inviting ambiance. 

A mixture of table and floor lamps illuminating all four corners of your room will create a fabulous layered lighting effect. Multiple lights will give you the freedom to change the tone of your room as you please and, depending on the mood you are going for, provide you with the ability to have your room well or dimly lit. 

If you are unsure of the lighting styles you prefer, it’s worthwhile looking online for inspiration. Stylish Direct is an online business that sells a huge range of stylish décor items worldwide. From modern wall lighting to more traditional floor lamps, they have an abundance of lighting options available depending on your preference.  

Finishing touches

From curtains and cushions to rugs and photo frames, soft furnishings and accessorize provide the finishing touches to a room. Without them, a room can look incomplete and will be far less appealing. 

Cushions and throws are a great way to add an even more relaxing and luxurious feel to your living area. Whilst you might be tempted to buy matching cushions and place in each sofa corner, it’s a far better idea to mix and match. Buying lots of different sized cushions in a range of fabrics and textures will add depth and give the impression that your room has been carefully and thoughtfully planned. 

If you want to add a more personal touch to your room, add family photographs in an array of frame styles to different areas of your room. Hanging art that you love on the walls will help to complete the room and add to the relaxing mood that you are trying to achieve. 

Filling the room with relaxing and warming scents that you love is another great way to change the mood of a room. Light candles or have some wax melts burning then sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful and luxurious haven that you have created.  

SHOP HOME DECOR….

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westpark-master-bedroom-project

I’m working with a client right now and we have been decorating her new home. It has been so much fun! Right now we are almost finished with her master bedroom. We have selected, ordered and placed almost all if the pieces – but we still have not decided on a rug. The look for her bedroom is soft, soothing and a beautiful space to relax at the end of a long day.  We opted for furniture with slightly darker than natural wood tones (but we wanted the wood look). The headboard is upholstered with tufting details and a wingback which adds so much presence in the room. The table lamps and accent mirrors will be flanking the bed for his and hers plus balance in the room.  The bedding is slighting more feminine with a modern floral motif but the grey and white tones keep it looking gender neutral.  The soft pop of lavender adds a splash of colour but it is soothing.

Shop the Master Bedroom Look

  1. Upholstered Headboard
  2. Accent mirror
  3. Table lamp
  4. Accent pillow
  5. Decorative succulents (faux)
  6. 2 drawer nightstand
  7. Bedding set

Master Bedroom area rug options

So this is where we are a bit stuck. There are so many options that we love and we just have not decided on one area rug yet.  The floors in the bedroom are a medium stained oak hardwood.  The area rug will not cover the hardwood completely but area rugs always help to define and anchor a space.

  1. Arana Hand-Tufted Area Rug
  2. Makenzie Woolen Cable Hand-Woven Area Rug
  3. Marcelo Hand-Woven Area Rug
  4. Hillsby Area Rug
  5. Arviso Hand-Woven Wool Area Rug
  6. Brandt Dark Grey Area Rug

Help us decide and let us know your favorite for this master bedroom!

BEDTIME FAVOURITES….

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Take the home tour of this Champagne Avenue condo!

The condo …

It’s always fun to start with a blank canvas – the couple moving into this condo did not have any furniture – so we had a lot of planning to do and of course, a budget to work within. We had 2 bedrooms and an open concept living room space with a kitchen. The colour palette of this condo is a blend of white and shades of grey, so very ‘on trend’ and great neutrals to work with!

The look…

This space was a fun one that really challenged us – why? Well, the couple had a totally empty condo with some pretty contemporary finishes like the high gloss white kitchen, the grey glass tile back splash, all white walls, grey floors plus tons of huge windows.  But their style is more rustic meets industrial … they love reclaimed wood, Industrial lighting, lots of texture and not a lot of colour.  We had to bring all of these styles together in this small-ish space and although a blank canvas is fun it can be hard to know where exactly to start. We started with the master bedroom – not a huge room but it was a great place to start with the furniture and of course the styling. And once we had the look of that bedroom we used that inspiration to move into the main living space….

The secondary bedroom is a smaller room and since they didn’t need another full-time bedroom, we turned this room into a small work space / den to be used if they needed some quiet space to work or extra room to host over night guests.

 

Take the condo tour….

To blend the more contemporary finishes with the tastes of the new owners we decided to work with neutrals as our colour palette and add lots of textures that would create contrast – that way there is ‘common thread’ with the colour palette and introducing the rustic and industrial elements with texture.

We added lots of galvanized metal detail like the kitchen counter height stools.  The coffee table is a painted metal piece, metal antlers and the metal frames on those round mirrors in the master bedroom. We also added textures like rope and reclaimed wood.

You will notice that we angled the rugs in both the living room and den – these rooms are a bit on the long side so by angling the rugs the room appears a bit wider and not just long.  We played with with wall space as much as we could – we think art is a great way to show off your personality and style plus it helps pull a look together. We have some unique pieces in different sizes which keeps the space interesting.

So this is the secondary bedroom, since they didn’t need (or want) another fully dedicated bedroom in their condo – we needed to create a multi-purpose space that was still clean in design.  So we added a small work space – neither of them needed a full home office. And this pull out sofa is perfect for another seating space for reading and a private sleeping area for guests.  We added some poufs as foot stools instead of a coffee table – we didn’t need the bulk and we love the texture of these rope poufs! This art piece is huge and we love it! It really shows off the couple’s fun personality!

So this master bedroom, was where we started with the design….the leather headboard was a great deal and it’s super versatile.  We kept the room looking fresh and bright with the pin tuck white bedding, it’s adds some femininity to the space as well. We love these round mirrors with rope detail but wall space in this condo was pretty limited so we decided to add them on either side of the bed over the reclaimed wood night stands – they look great and they make the room look a bit bigger, too!

Shop the look ….

Love the rustic and simple design of these round mirrors from Wayfair with the rope detail (they are so easy to hang, too)

 

These rope poufs are great foot stools or extra seating when you need it! We love the texture of these poufs – they really work well with the industrial or rustic look.

These metal stools were just one of the metal details we added to the space.  These stools have an industrial look (they are pretty comfortable, too) and easy to store – you can stack them!

This all white pin-tuck duvet added another detail and a feminine touch to the masted bedroom – we love how it looks with contrasting textures like brick and reclaimed wood.

You absolutely mix styles and textures to create a space that is all yours – that’s what personal style is all about,

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home-tour-warehouse-loft

This warehouse loft model home is a past project of ours….we blended some of the typical warehouse loft elements like brick walls and industrial lighting with some fun accents of colour.  We love to play with mixing textures and adding some fun and quirky elements….

Loft elements – the ‘expected’ …

Often when we think of a loft style we think of raw materials like brick or concrete, wood and metal.  This loft model suite has a lot of those materials.  The kitchen lighting with an industrial look (above the island), the wide plank hardwood floors, the muted wood grain cabinets, the oversized black trim windows and that brick accent wall….are all seen here in this space.

and the unexpected….

Typically in this style of decor we see a lot of texture from raw materials but we see mostly neutrals – we decided to add some great colour and pattern – so this is the unexpected factor in this model loft.  This rug was a piece that we fell in love with and the bold teal tone is not something you often see in this decor style – that was one of the first pieces we found and wanted in this space.

The teal and the orange tone from the brick wall are natural complimentary colours – so we knew that this would work but it was unexpected.  We sourced out a simple and clean looking sofa in a great neutral tone would be a great canvas for some fun pillows.

We carried this bold colour theme into the bedroom as well for some consistency to keep the whole space looking fluid and therefore larger.  Looking at our inspiration vision e-decor boards – our final product isn’t that far off….

Loft model – take the tour…

See the end results of this model space –

Shop the loft look….

This art piece from Urban Barn is a favourite and it looks fantastic in the bedroom – it is a large piece (and we love oversized art) and would look great above a sofa…

These counter height stools in metal wire with a white leather seat are actually really comfortable – They offer great seating at the kitchen island but because of the wire detail they don’t look bulky and visually take up space.

Lighting makes a huge difference in a space and this industrial kitchen island pendant from Wayfair – really plays into the look of the space.

Metal is a big element in loft decor – we love these metal and stack-able bistro chairs – they are also easy to clean and as they age over time – it just adds character.

Warehouse industrial style is really unconventional and doesn’t really follow any rules – it easily blends with other styles which is just one of the reasons it is so popular…

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navy-peony

Navy Peony ….Have you heard about this colour? Navy Peony is one of fall 2017’s hottest hues for fashion and for the home.  Navy blue is of course a classic that never goes out of style but this fall we will be seeing even more of this stunning tone.

Navy Peony….

this colour is fresh and clean….it is a bit lighter than the traditional navy blue.  Navy Peony is a true blue colour.  It works will neutrals (we love it paired with white) but it also looks modern with tones like millennial pink. This versatile shade will be everywhere…

Photo credit :Caitlin Wilson Design

Navy Peony Home Decor Ideas…

We love the depth of this colour but the versatility is also a great feature of this stunning shade. You might think that navy is boring but it can be anything…ranging from classic and traditional to fun and fresh – it all depends on how and where you use it! Mix it with some metallic tones, bold colour, mix and match prints or keep it with the neutrals. Try it in unexpected rooms like a nursery or the kitchen! Here are some of our favourite rooms (right now) with navy peony…

Photo credit : Domino

Navy peony in the kitchen is a huge trend.  This year we saw navy in the kitchen (mostly kitchen islands or lower cabinets) and we love it! The navy island with detail ‘furniture’ style legs makes it look like a piece of furniture.  The white tone is very clean and bright. Some might say this combination is traditional but add some interesting pieces to make it less formal.  These ‘riviera’ stools add a relaxed feel with a bit of a beach inspired vibe.  The simple white and gold pendant lights add some modern feel to the kitchen.

Photo credit : Robin Caskenette Interiors

Navy blue in a nursery is a perfect colour palette – navy and white is so crisp and of course, classic. The mix of pattern like polka dots and chevron makes this classic colour combination look fresh and fun, very age appropriate.  This is a space for the baby and the whole family to enjoy! Plus the existing palette can easy transition as your child grows and you can add a secondary or accent colour like green, red, orange or pink!

Photo credit : Tigmi Trading

We love an entry that has some personality – sure it is a small ‘room’ but this space really sets the tone for your home – it is a well used space by those who live in the home and those who visit, so don’t over look that area.  This entry has so much character – we are huge fans of displaying pieces you love and found items.  Displaying artifacts from your travels is a decor style that is truly one of a kind.  Typically display walls are painted in lighter tones but here we see this bold navy wall and it makes a great statement especially with the concrete floors and the wood accents.

Photo credit : Studio McGee

We are huge fans of this family great room (and this home tour)! Plus this space goes to show how navy peony can be used as a simple accent and not the main colour.  Here we see these white built-ins flanking the fireplace with the backing in navy wallpaper with a linen-like texture.  We also see in the space some navy pattern pillows that mix so well with the sofa and chairs and of colours the styled accessories and library lights all work together so beautifully in these built-ins – navy in this space really compliments and doesn’t dominate.

Photo credit : bhg.com

Again we see how navy peony is not over powering this room.  We see a great balance of deep navy and crisp white and some great ‘in-between’ tones that bridge it all together – the grey and teal hues plus the mix of printed pillows add warmth to the room.  There is a lot of great layering and styling in the space that give it a contemporary feel that is still very cozy.

Shop Navy Peony…

Thinking about adding this hot hue to your home? 

Here are some amazing pieces – we love – in this colour of the moment…

Add some depth and some print to any room with this navy trellis area rug

If your look is a bit more farmhouse, you can still add some of this colour to your decor – this navy Milk bottle vase is a great accessory for a console table.

Add some blue to your walls – not with paint but with art! Add this beautiful blue watercolour abstract print to your home.  This would look beautiful in a bedroom (guest or master suite).

Navy peony is going to be everywhere this fall…what do you think of this unconventional choice for the fall season?

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love-chunky-knit-blankets

I have to confess that I am in love! I’m in love with chunky knit blankets … I have loved them since they really started to emerge in current home decor.  I love being cozy and snuggling up with a blanket (as I am writing this post I have one of my many throw blankets on my lap …)

Photo credit : countryliving.com

Do you love chunky knit blankets?

I know in terms of trends I am a ‘little late to the party’ but to be honest I don’t consider knit anything to be a trend – I think there will also be a place for these fabulous knitted creations but yes, they are having a bit of a moment right now.

I have to share some of my favourite home decor looks with chunky blankets

Chunky Blankets in the Living room

Photo credit: My Modern Met

This white living room with black and grey accent is so clean and crisp – and this over sized chunky blanket adds so much texture to the room.

Photo credit : All Free Knitting

This big stitch oatmeal chunky knit blanket draped over this sofa is perfect for cuddling and snuggling plus it makes this contemporary tufted sofa look softer.

Photo credit : My Domaine

The chunk knit blanket was seen a lot this year in millennial pink – two trends working hand in hand.  The corner of this living room space is so fresh and feminine in millennial pink, clean lines and the over sized knitted throw is balanced and beautiful!

Chunky Blankets in the Bedroom

Photo credit: Etsy.com

There’s no better to place to snuggle than in your bedroom – add a chunky knitted blanket and you may never want to get out of bed again!

Photo credit: Decoratio

Again that classic combination of soft grey and millennial pink – so soft and soothing especially in a bedroom.

Where can you get a chunky knit blanket?

If you are crafty – there are some great arm knitting tutorials that show you how to make such a cozy and chunky knitted throw blanket.  This is one tutorial that I found easy to follow – here

I’m a knitter and my goal is to knit one of these myself – I found this step by step knitting tutorial for one of these chunky blankets on nourishandnestle.com – I can’t wait to make my own!

Not crafty? That’s OK…

You can purchase one!

Here are some of my favourites, found on amazon.com

This beautiful blue blanket is a stunning colour with this chunky knitted texture is available on Amazon.

This white handmade chunky blanket by wool + sea is stunning and available on amazon.

Do you these chunky knit blankets as much as I do??

 

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Friday Favourites this week ….Large clocks!  They are one of our favourite ways to add wall decor to a space.  Large Wall mounted clocks are a great way to fill up an empty wall space but they are also very useful! You can hang these clocks on their own or even add one to a gallery wall. There are so many styles of wall clocks, so you will be sure to find one that suits your style.

Decorating with Large Clocks

Here are some great inspiration images for how you can decorate with an over sized clock.

Photo credit : Magnolia Market

This area is perfect for serving drinks and snacks in this ‘bunk room’.  The aged finish of the large clock adds character to this space and the light contrast with the wall colour is soothing and fresh.

Photo credit : Kirkland’s

This oversized roman numeral wall clock has a touch of a traditional feel but pair with with more casual pieces like the natural wood console table at this entry and some farmhouse textures – it looks more relaxed plus have the clock leaning (instead of wall mounting it) makes it look less formal. Clocks at an entry is beautiful but also practical!

This is a model townhome we styled just recently… and we used a large farmhouse style clock for above the fireplace.  We love the galvanized metal trim and the rustic rope (plus it was easy to hang).  Its fills up this fireplace wall space and the round shape adds some softness to the room as well.

Shop large Clocks

We have rounded up some of our favourite large clocks from various stores that we love for the home

The Dresden Wall Clock – available at Urban Barn – is one of our favourites! We love the painted wood plank detail, the antique trim finish and the roman numerals add another aged feel to this piece.

This Industrial style Wall clock is available on Amazon and the simplicity of this clock is a perfect piece to add to a space with some loft inspiration with an industrial look – this would look great mounted on a brick wall.

This Iron Tower Large Wall Clock from Wayfair would be a great additional to a traditional style space or even a farmhouse look.  We love the simplicity of this piece and in the oversized scale it adds great presence to any room.

We love design elements that are beautiful but also practical….do you have a clock in your space? Maybe it’s time to add one …

LOOKBOOK FOR WALL CLOCKS…

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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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