home styling tips Archives | kikiinteriors.com

The best accessories to buy for your home

June 22, 2023

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 16^th 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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Top 10 Shelf Decor finds on Amazon

July 1, 2020

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…

Stick with a consistent colour theme (lately for me it has been a mix of neutrals and woods)
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.
Play with odd numbers when it comes to styling. For instance stack 3 books.
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).
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.
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…

Farmhouse distressed LOVE sign
Candle
Rusted Iron jack decor piece
Set of 3 glass bottle in metal wire basket
Decorative book stack
Wood mannequin
Bone bead necklace
Small faux plant
Shallow charcoal wood bowl
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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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Create a luxurious and relaxing living area in your home

May 23, 2020

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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HOME DECOR, HOME TOUR

Home Tour : Champagne Avenue Condo

September 11, 2017

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 DECOR, HOME STYLING

10 Things Every Living room Needs

July 20, 2017

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

Friday Favourite – Quirky Pillows

July 14, 2017

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

July 13, 2017

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

July 11, 2017

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, TRENDS

It’s a Jungle in Here!

July 5, 2017

Have you noticed all of the ‘jungle’ themed home decor ? I know it’s not wild to see in the summer time but I feel like the tropical theme is being seen more than ever before…What do you think of this jungle trend?

It definitely makes a statement in any room. It makes me think of a vintage tropical hotel. It’s a bold print in vibrant tones but if used correctly it won’t be over the top.

My favourite ‘jungle’ theme rooms-

Jungle office decor:

This home office space has the right amount of jungle to keep it fresh looking and still clean and crisp. These oversized ‘banana leaf’ prints bring a bright pop of green to this neutral room and the bamboo chair add to that tropical tone.

Photo credit: bhg.com

Love this look? Shop here

Jungle bedroom decor:

This bedroom is quite classic and neutral but the addition of these banana leaf print pillows adds some WOW factor to this bedroom. This is an easy and affordable way to change up your look – with throw pillows. This print is so bold that you only need a a few pillows to make this room stand out! Pillow cases for the seasons is a simple way to keep the room looking fresh on a regular rotation without having too much clutter.

Photo credit: theeverygirl.com

Get your jungle print pillow cases here

Jungle theme wallpaper:

This is for the person who really wants to make a bold and splashy statement – try some wallpaper! In order not to go overboard with the tropical look keep all of the other elements in the room simple and pretty neutral.

Photo credit: mydomaine.com

If you love this daring look, click here for jungle wallpaper

Jungle theme plants:

If diving into these bold prints are just too much for you – try adding a few palms in a vase. It’s a simple look and it adds a touch of greenery to any room and with faux plants you don’t have to worry about maintenance…

Photo credit: weekday carnaval

Love this simple leaf arrangement? Shop here

What do you think of this tropical trend?

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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR

Happy 150th Canada – Home Decor

June 26, 2017

Happy 150th Birthday, Canada!

When it comes to major celebrations – of course we like to celebrate with some decor…

With Canada’s 150th Birthday right around the corner – we have found so many amazing pieces to celebrate this milestone. These are perfect for the home or a cottage, cabin, chalet or lake house…

Favourite Canadian Home Decor :

The Hudson Bay blanket is a classic – this blanket is iconic Canada in wool and the multi-stripes – this has a historical element too that we don’t see often in home decor. This would look great on a chair or sofa in a home or cottage.

Paddle art set is a beautiful decorative paddle perfect for a wall hanging – it might be a bit cliche to think of the outdoors when it comes to Canada but we do have beautiful and vast land with incredible scenery and the lakes and rivers are a big part of that natural beauty.

‘More Canada’ Pillow Cover has a bit of a retro feel. We love the colours and the classic Canadian images on this pillow. It’s a visual across Canada tour all on one pillow.

Canadian Flag Canvas you have to have a Canadian flag on Canada day – we love this stretched canvas with a painted barn wood detail – it adds an element of texture to any room.

Canada Maple Leaf Coaster Set Try adding some small details like this coaster set to your decor – it’s practical and patriotic!

Canada Loves Hockey Poster…. Show your funny side and your love with this cute poster – perfect for a home bar or family room!

Canada Vintage Posters We have seen a bunch of these vintage posters and we just love them! they add an authentic quality to any room. You can find these for the whole country, specific areas like Algonquin Park, cities and provinces.

Canadian Flag Lumbar Pillow The look of this lumbar pillow as a bit of a country or farmhouse style. The muted tones and the mix of textures and print give this piece some character – it would be perfect on an accent chair or bed at a cottage or chalet.

Decor is a great way to celebrate any holiday and you can celebrate this great country any day of the year….

Happy 150th, Canada!

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