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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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BATHROOMS, DIY

$100 Room Challenge : week 1 Powder Room

September 6, 2017

$100 Room challenge …

It’s time for the $100 room challenge! This amazing and really fun challenge was started and is still hosted by Erin from LemonLavenderandLaundry.com. Basically here is what this challenge is all about – a bunch of bloggers and IGers take on one room in their home and in one month’s time and with only $100 – they transform the room, tracking and sharing their progress week by week to share with you. Want to know more and check out some past projects? Click here

This is my second challenge – my first challenge was a homework station for my kids (which I needed to get done before they headed back to school). This time around I have something different in mind….

Powder Room Makeover!

We moved into this house 6 years ago this month and when we moved in we had big plans for this dated and dark powder room but with 2 little ones and the third on the way – we had other priorities but now that 3 of my 4 kids are in school – I can take advantage of some free time during the day and at bedtime to transform this space. Let’s take a look…

So this is it! Our powder room – it has a lot of cabinet space and we have looked into a whole new vanity to give this room a fresh look but the cost is higher than we would like as it is a custom size. The counters are laminate and the walls are a deep and dark brown.

My powder room plan

The whole room needs to look and feel fresh so I’m going to be using A LOT of paint. I’m painting the walls, the cabinets and the counter top!

I want to create a bit of a farmhouse look in this room. The cabinets are kind of a ‘nothing’ colour so I’m going to paint them in a chalk paint – deciding between a warm white or a country grey – I have never used chalk paint before so I’m a bit nervous but I can do it! Which ever colour I pick for the cabinets will determine my direction for the counter tops – I’m so excited to be able to paint these ugly laminate counters!! I also planning on replacing or painting the hardware of these cabinets.

I am also planning on changing out my art – I know someone in my family will have something hanging around in a basement or closet.

I have that long counter top – so I want to add some easy decor their too – like some greenery and perhaps some jars – I will be looking around the house to see what I can re-purpose.

Materials list for my Powder Room Makeover

paint for my walls (I have lots left over from painting my house)
chalk paint for my vanity
spray paint for the counter tops
art for the walls (checking my house and asking friends and family)
4 handles for the vanity doors
accessories like towels, decor pieces and greenery (will see if I can find some deals in stores or re-purpose from my home)

Powder Room inspiration

Photo credit : Jenna Sue Designs

I love this bathroom – the soft paint colour with the white plumbing fixtures keeps the space looks fresh and clean. I also love the decorative accents like the reclaimed wood, the greenery and the white plush towels.

Photo credit : unknown

I love the warm grey colour of this cabinet and this is one of the colours that I am considering for my vanity. I also love how fresh and bright this bathroom is and the accessories are cute, too!

Be sure to check out the other $100 rooms in this challenge….

An InLinkz Link-up

I’m really excited for this much needed transformation and of course this timeline is going to keep me on track – Wish me luck and as always feel free to offer me advice and your opinion!

SHOP BATHROOM…..

14 comments

DIY, KIDS SPACES, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

$100 room challenge : week 4 -room reveal

July 30, 2017

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.

An InLinkz Link-up

Let me know what you think of this homework station,

18 comments

DIY, KIDS SPACES, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

$100 room challenge : week 3 – homework station

July 26, 2017

It’s week 3 of my room challenge and I have made a lot of progress and a few changes along the process… I am really seeing how useful this new space is going to be for my kids (and the whole family) and I also really happy to hear how excited the kids are, too!

Room challenge progress:

So far in this challenge, I have managed to stay on budget but I did luck into some great pieces like the desk from my parent’s old student rental. The desk fits beautifully in the space plus it’s metal so it is durable and very easy to clean. I also had a chair (that we used as a ‘time-out’ chair) that will be used with the desk.

I installed the buddy hooks for the back pack area – the package came with 3, so one for each child. They were easy to install. I installed them at a height that all of the kids can reach with ease. The next step is for me to add some photo frames (one for each child) and hang them above their hook!

I found these wood frames at Michael’s (for $1.50 each) – the frames will be painted and then I will add their photos!

I added the wheels to the storage piece that fits perfectly under the desk and I labeled 3 of the drawers – one drawer for each child – the 4th drawer (the top drawer) is for shared items like scissors, glue sticks and more…

I wanted to add some colour to the space and the kids art pieces are perfect – it’s their space after all and they love seeing their work on display plus this fits in the budget, too! I have some painted canvases that we did as a craft here at home and a mask my son made at school (I was looking for a place to hang this). I figured the best way to display their pieces is in a gallery wall display. I like to plan my gallery walls by laying and playing with the arrangement on the floor first.

These clip board I’m going to add to the gallery wall and I’m going to use them as an easy way to display assignments (any subject) that they worked hard on and that they are proud of – the clip board makes it easy to change this up regularly. I’m hoping a third clipboard will fit….

See my progress for week 1 and week 2

Room challenge budget:

4 drawer storage piece $32.95

Buddy Hooks $20.00

3 wood photo frames $4.50

2 clip boards $10.00

Spent so far …………………………$67.45

With my remaining funds – I’m hoping to find some small storage for the desk surface for pencils and other everyday homework materials and tools.

An InLinkz Link-up

I’m so happy to have stuck with this challenge – it’s making space of an area that is perfectly located and it is going to be a well used space and I’m really happy that my kids are excited too! check in next week for the final room reveal!!

8 comments

HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, HOME TOUR

Home Tour : Stittsville Walk

July 24, 2017

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

Stittsville Walk – Take the Tour:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stittsville Walk – Get the Look:

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHOP THE LOOK…

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

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

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

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

10 comments

DIY, KIDS SPACES, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

$100 Room challenge : week 2 – homework station

July 19, 2017

A proper homework station is something that my family really needs. It is now week 2 of the $100 Room challenge and I have made some great progress…the decluttering of my nook / hallway was pretty easy it was really just a matter of getting it done. One of the elements that I am really loving with this challenge is the timeline – one month to complete the room is keeping me focused.

Homework station – My inspiration…

I need the homework station to have storage and work space but I have another 4 feet of wall space. I decided just this week that – that wall space would solve another issue that I have – the school bags! So I am going to add some hooks (1 for each child) for their school backpacks.

Here are some images that inspired me –

Photo credit: Becomingmartha.com

Photo credit: Craft-O-Maniac

Week 2…

I have cleared out the space and I totally lucked out – my parents had a desk from an old student rental that they sold (very quickly) so I fell into some luck with a desk. The desk fits nicely into the space!

The above image is how the space looked before I decluttered. I then added the desk. The desk is white and made of metal so it is going to be easy to clean.

Homework station Costs so far…

We only have $100 to spend. Coming across this desk was a huge win. But the desk did not have any storage. My kids definitely need storage for papers, duo tangs, books and more…I found this storage chest of drawers on staples.ca

The chest of drawers $32.95

The next item I purchased a set of 3 buddy wall hooks – 3 kids and 3 hooks, perfect! Plus I think these are really cute (I purchased them in white)

The wall hooks $20.00

So far I have spent half of my budget…but these are the bugger ticket items that will really make a big difference in organizing this space. I have some more funds for some decor to make the space a bit prettier….

An InLinkz Link-up

So far I’m making progress and I love that my kids are excited for their new space too,

6 comments

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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DIY, KIDS SPACES, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

$100 Room Makeover Challenge : Ideas for a Homework station

July 12, 2017

100-room-makeover-challenge-homework-station

This is my first time participating in the $100 Room Makeover Challenge! This amazing challenge is hosted by Erin of LemonLavenderandLaundry.com If you have not heard of this – neither had I until about 24 hours ago … so here’s what it is …

The $100 Room makeover Challenge

A bunch of bloggers take on one room in their own home and in one month’s time and with only $100 – they transform the room and share their weekly progress. Curious to learn more and check out some of the rooms that have participated in the past? Click here

Why am I participating in this $100 Room makeover challenge?

Well, I love to try new things and I do like to challenge myself – when we decorate and stage we often are on tight budgets but I never really have the chance to make changes in my own home – you know the story of the Cobbler’s children, right? Well same goes for interior decorators and home stagers (and probably most other professionals) – we are so busy with projects outside of our own home and our own homes are a bit forgotten…

I also really need to start focusing on certain areas of my home to make them more user-friendly and functional. As my children are getting older and bigger – our lifestyle needs are changing and so, our home needs to adapt – with this challenge I can give myself a deadline and a budget (and I get to share my progress and results with you and other bloggers – there’s the accountability).

So which ‘room’ did I choose?

Technically – the space I chose is not a room but it is a trouble area in my home that I feel I can do more with – I have this ‘nook’ area off of my kitchen and between my laundry room that is becoming an awful catch-all for random ‘stuff’….crafts, sports equipment, library books and more….I had my kids actually sort through it before I knew about this challenge so this photo actually makes the space look like less of a disaster.

I have decided to turn this space into a designated ‘homework center’ or ‘kids office space’. My 2 older children are getting regular homework to complete and they need a space to work. they still need help from Mom and Dad so sending them to their bedrooms isn’t the best area for homework right now – this area is close to the kitchen (so easy access to Mom and / or Dad) but also separate enough that it is quiet enough for them to focus.

Goals for the challenge:

De-clutter and find new ‘homes’ for our stuff – this area is becoming a dumping ground for all sorts of kid stuff – we do have a mudroom area and they have bedrooms so I really need to systematize that and probably get rid of some stuff
Find a desk and chair that will fit in this nook – this nook is only 22″ deep so I will need to find something narrow enough that it doesn’t take over but still a good size for the kids to work at (and fit a lap top computer)
Storage for the homework space to keep papers, pencils and other materials organized in this shared homework space (since it is a shared work space – I need some storage for the kids to keep their things but also supplies like paper, pencils, etc…)
Add some light (we don’t have a plug for a table lamp – so for now I may have to either add brighter bulbs to the existing overhead fixture or see if I can purchase something that will add more light)
Make it pretty! (I will have to get creative but I’m thinking of re-purposing some old frames and framing the kids art and/ or photos)

An InLinkz Link-up

I’m excited for this challenge – it gives me a deadline to complete a project that my kids really need once school starts and I know the summer will fly by before I realize it. Wish me luck and stay tuned and of course, let me know if you have any ideas….three more weeks to go!

2 comments

OUR FAVOURITES, SHOPPING FINDS

Moody Blues – Decorating with Blue

April 23, 2017

Blue is a great colour to decorate with! There are so many shades of blue that you will definitely find one that suits your taste and style. Blue is also a great classic colour so if you invest in some pieces you don’t have to worry that it wasn’t money well spent.

Blue is a great accent colour because it also works will all neutrals – white, cream, taupe, grey, brown you name it – it works! Blue is also a great colour to add to your exterior decor! In the spring and summer months, we see these beautiful blue tones in outdoor furniture and accessories, too!

Today’s focus is on the softer shades of blue – the aqua tones, robin’s egg, turquoise – to add a fresh spring / summer brightness to your space. Adding some simple blue accessories to your space can transform your whole room without undertaking any huge renovation projects.

Here are just a few of our ‘moody blue’ picks:

Pillow Covers:

The pillow covers are perfect for spring and summer – the soft blue colour is light and airy and the nature motif is a great addition to a bedroom or living room. These are pillow covers, so you can layer your ‘cooler’ weather pillows with these so you don’t need to find storage space for the ‘old’ pillows.

Table Lamp:

Lamps are a great way to add a pop of colour to a room. We love turquoise and this lamp from Bungalow Rose is perfect! We love the colour of the base and the shape, too – and the simple white drum shade gives the lamp a clean look and let’s that beautiful blue tone really stand out!

Wall Tile:

Something we are starting to see more of this year is interesting tile! We are seeing more colourful and patterned tiles in kitchens and bathrooms – either as a small accent (like a shower nook or just a small strip) or a full splash of vibrant colour (or pattern). A blue tile paired with white or grey is a great look in a bathroom. To make a statement you don’t have to use a lot.

Area Rug:

Area rugs are another favourite way to add visual interest in a room – we love what a patterned rug can do in a room and this stunning Blue and Ivory Rug from Bungalow Rose is a gorgeous addition to any space. The colour and pattern are so light and fresh!

Art:

Art really pulls a room together and it’s also an easy and affordable way to add something new to your space. When it comes to art, don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money on ‘one of a kind’ pieces – choose something you like! We love the colours in this art piece – the tones and fresh and soothing!

Accent furniture:

Smaller or accent furniture pieces like this armchair and another way to add some blue to your space without a major overhaul to your room. We love the mix of the soft blue with the natural wood. The lines and size of this chair make it perfect for a smaller space or a corner.

Kitchen storage:

Don’t forget about the kitchen! The kitchen isn’t often a room that we think about adding decor to – but why not? There are so many cute, colourful and useful kitchen gadgets and items. We love this bread box, it has a bit of a retro feel and look especially in this colour.

Kitchen towels:

Add a pop of colour with your kitchen towels (aka tea towels, dish towels). Just because something is useful doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty too!

We love this shade of blue – it’s a great hue for spring and summer accents in the home!

25 comments

Guest Bloggers, OUR FAVOURITES

The 5 Best Houseplants to Grow Indoors

April 21, 2017

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

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

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

ZZ plant-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun experimenting and enjoy your new indoor garden!

Read more of Marnie’s blog here

SHOP PLANTS, POTS AND PLANTERS….

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