We love a Polka Dot print! Polka Dots are a fun print to decorate with – they add a touch of whimsy and a bit of a retro vibe to a space.
What’s the History of the Polka Dot?
The Polka Dot is a print that really became popular in the US in the mid 1920s. America’s love affair with the polka dot began, perhaps, in 1926, when Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit. Shortly after, in 1928, Disney introduced its cartoon darling Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dotdress and matching bow. Throughout the 1930s, polka dot dresses appeared in stores, the fabric suddenly subversive, nipped in by ribbons and accentuated with bows. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was famously photographed in a polka dot bikini. And of course, the famous 1960’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini“.
The Polka Dot pattern is a series of circles that are evenly spaced and of the same size. A spot print isn’t necessarily consistent in spacing or size
we love the fun and whimsy that polka dots add to a bedroom. We love this accent wall – it really adds visual interest to the room without using old colour and this can easily transition into a toddler room (and a little girl’s room and a teenagers bedroom)
try re-upholstering a simple piece of furniture with a polka dot fabric – this will add a fun element into any room and it will turn a simple piece into a statement piece. It’s a great addition to any room! This chair is an example of a spot print but isn’t it great?!
we love a patterned window treatment – it adds a nice contrast to the room against a solid wall and it’s a perfect addition to a room that doesn’t have wall space for art!
Polka Dot Pillows –
A polka dot pillow is another great way to keep a room from looking too serious. Polka dot prints comes in all colours – so you have a lot of options! We love different sizes and scales of polka dot prints, too. Plus polka dots are fun to mix with other prints!
The kitchen is the heart of the home and whether you are a gourmet or not, you want your kitchen to look stunning! If a kitchen renovation is on your to-do list, take note of the hot kitchen design trends for 2017.
Grey in the Kitchen:
Although white is still a top choice for homeowners, grey is a close (very close 2nd). We started seeing this trend about 3 years ago in the trade shows but now the grey kitchen cabinet is much more mainstream. If you are a bit hesitant, opt for a soft and warm grey tone for the kitchen cabinets. It’s still timeless and neutral but it’s a great alternative to white.
Farmhouse kitchen sink:
Also known as an apron sink. This sink style has been around for a long time but it has really gained popularity with the whole revival of the ‘farmhouse look’ trend. This style of sink comes in all sizes and configurations (single bowl, double bowl…) but it comes in other colours and materials. Plus you don’t have to necessarily have the farmhouse look in your kitchen – you can have a clean contemporary style or an industrial style kitchen – it is a very transitional sink.
Tuxedo kitchen:
We are seeing a lot of tuxedo kitchens in 2017. Not familiar with this term? A tuxedo kitchen is a kitchen with dark lower cabinets and kitchen island cabinets (in a black like a tuxedo but we are seeing lots of variations like navy, dark stained wood and charcoal grey) and white upper cabinets. This adds some visual interest to a kitchen and in our opinion looks best in larger kitchens.
Bold Kitchen Light Fixtures:
Statement lighting is everywhere and we mean in every room in the house and the kitchen is no exception. We are seeing lots of larger and more interesting light fixtures in the kitchen – over the island, the eat-in area and in the kitchen itself. There are so many styles of lighting – so there is something for everyone! Get creative with colour, size and shape – we love this classic lantern pendant in pink and gold – so unique!
Mixing kitchen counter tops:
We are seeing clients get more and more adventurous when it comes to making selections in the kitchen. It can be tough to narrow down your selections – so don’t! Opt to have 2 different counter tops in your kitchen – 2 different stones, a stone one and concrete one, a stone and wood one….the combinations are endless. This is a great way to really make your personality shine in your kitchen!
Navy in the kitchen:
Navy in the kitchen right now is where grey was about 3-4 years ago – just emerging – but we are seeing it more and more in magazines and TV shows, so it is only a matter of time until the navy kitchen is the new grey kitchen! We love it mixed with brass or gold hardware (which is also starting to catch on). A navy kitchen looks incredible with just a simple shaker style door – because the colour is so deep and rich you really don’t need a lot of detail.
Interesting Kitchen Backsplash:
For a while it was all about the glass tile mosaic back splash and then more recently the subway tile but now we are seeing all different shapes and colours – even patterned tiles! We are definitely seeing people take more ‘risks’ this year when it comes to tile. Whether it is a herringbone layout, a hexagon shape or a pattern tile – back splashes are a lot more interesting this year! (We are seeing this trend in bathrooms, too)
If you have been reading our blog (thank you!) you have noticed that I have recently posted some amazing before and after photos of a paint transformation. The right paint colour truly make a huge difference!
Paint is your backdrop, your canvas and with paint you can really set the tone for your decor style. Like all designers and decorators I definitely have our favourite paint colours but it really does depend on your light, existing finishes and the mood you want to set . I want to share with you our 5 favourite paint colours (and in no particular order)
Here are my 5 favourite paint colours (right now)…
#1. Paint – Classic Gray:
Benjamin Moore ‘Classic Gray’ is a soft and light grey tone . It is on the warm side. It is a favourite of mine – I have used it with my investment clients – to give their rental properties a current and fresh look but still bright and clean. I am also using this in one of our ‘sample board’ projects for a townhome community in the city!
This stunning living room, designed by Studio McGee, is a great example of ‘Classic Gray’ walls – see how light and warm it is! Even Jillian Harris did a Home tour video of the home she just sold as was talking about her love of Benjamin Moore’s ‘Classic Gray’. These 2 amazing designers can’t be wrong!
#2. Paint – Stonington Gray:
Benjamin Moore’s ‘Stonington Gray’ This is a true grey tone that I have used a number of times. It’s a medium tone grey that looks great in space where you want to add just a touch a depth. It’s still very fresh and clean looking too! It’s from the Historical collection and works nicely with exteriors too. Take the tour of the Stittsville Walk model home and see how I used Stonington Grey in this space.
Stonington Gray looks great in this eat-in kitchen space! It makes the space look fresh and current and with all the big windows and natural light this colour adds depth without making the space feel dark. The white light shade, trim and chairs are a nice contrast to the grey wall paint.
#3. Paint – Swiss Coffee:
Benjamin Moore’s ‘Swiss Coffee‘ not a new colour but a new favourite of mine! It’s rich and creamy warm white and it’s amazing with the whole Farmhouse style. It’s so clean and crisp and looks great as a canvas for artwork and other decor pieces. I am using this in a model that I am working on right now – that’s launching in early June (stay tuned…)
This living room designed by Onekindesign.com – it’s incredible!! So now that you have taken in the beauty of this room, here’s why we love this paint colour. It really allows the other elements in the room to be the star and it pulls everything together. The wood and the stone really stand out and give the room a big WOW factor but that paint compliments and adds a subtle warmth to the room.
#4. Paint – Revere Pewter:
Benjamin Moore’s ‘Revere Pewter’ This is another paint colour from the Benjamin MooreHistorical collection. This is a great colour for anyone who is a bit hesitant to jump into a gray paint colour. This is more a member of the taupe family or a warm grey.
You can see here, in the image above, how soft, neutral and warmth this paint colour is! It’s enough pigment on the walls but not too deep or intense. It is a great neutral taupe-y tone without any yellow under tones. It’s great for gender neutral space or even a boy’s bedroom – you can all the accessories and colours you want and they will work!
#5. Paint – Wedgewood gray:
Benjamin Moore’s ‘Wedgewood gray’ is a beautiful shade of blue. Typically I am a big fan of neutral walls but if I had to pick a colour it would be something in a shade of blue. This is a great colour for certain areas of the home that you want to bring colour into with art and accessories so for instance a mudroom or front entry. There’s usually a lot of trim, flooring and other hard textures, so a bit of colour on the wall breaks it up a bit.
So here’s an entry painted out in Wedgewood Gray – it’s such a fresh and clean colour. The white trim and wall paneling really pop too. The hall tree is painted in Kendall Charcoal – both Benjamin Moore colours – it’s a great colour combination with the white and blue.
So these are my 5 favourite paint colours right now….what do you think?
Paint really transforms any space! when you have been living in your home for some time you really to get used to your surroundings and often you don’t even notice your space anymore. When we meet home staging and interior decorating clients – we always bring up, paint! Why? Well paint can totally and completely transform the look of any room.
Paint can do so much for a space – make it appear – brighter, bigger, cleaner and fresher! Undertaking the job yourself can be a bit daunting so don’t hesitate to contact a professional painter…it will certainly save you time and you will love the results.
Let us tell you about a recent paint transformation…
Our client moved to a new city and a new part of the country – her husband had a new job and her kids were starting at new schools. they didn’t know anyone and they had a lot on their plate. They moved from a new build open concept, classic contemporary home into a much older, more traditional and slightly dated home.
She did her best (and a good job) setting up their space but she knew the house needed something. That’s when we entered her life!
Our first suggestion was paint! Why? To get the fresh and more modern look she craved, the gold yellow sunflower walls weren’t working.
We worked with the furniture pieces and her art pieces along with the natural light to find the best paint colours for her.
Check out the difference paint can make!
So what did we do?
There are only a few changes in this room but what a difference! Paint was the big change…We selected an accent wall for the fireplace – Sherwin Williams ‘ Acier’ and the rest of the house (you can see the dining room to the left) in Sherwin-Williams ‘Mindful Gray’
We also swapped out the old and more traditional looking lamp shades for some simple white drum shades. You may not have noticed this subtle change but take another look – the shades are brighter and so much fresher.
We also played around with the art placement and looked through the pieces that she had still packed.
We also sourced out some new and more current wall sconces, again ones with those fresh and bright white shades!
We would say this room has come a long way! We are still working on some accessories but already this room (and this house) looks so much fresher and cleaner.
“My house needs a fresh paint job. I feel good about picking a wall colour but do you have any suggestions for the perfect white trim paint colour?”
You are so right, picking the right white can be tricky. The look of a fresh coat of paint is spectacular and painting that trim really completes the feel. But like every other colour – there are many whites to choose from. Not knowing which paint colour you will choose, your safest best is you use a pure and true white tone, you can’t go wrong with that. We have a few favourites to share with you.
Caulking – be sure that before you start painting that trim to caulk any gaps
Order – paint the trim first and then the walls
Finish – be sure to use a semi-gloss when it comes to choosing a finish for your trim. A semi-gloss adds even more brightness but also when it comes to cleaning, the dust doesn’t stick!
I hope these tips and suggestions on finding the ‘perfect’ shade of white work for you,
Stripes are a classic and even better they can work with any decor style! If you have read any of our posts, you know that we love a print and mixing patterns. So if you are thinking of trying out a pattern in your space consider a stripe – it’s very transitional, it come in all scales and colours, too! You can’t go wrong! Not sure where to add this classic pattern? We have some ideas for you!
Wall treatment
– whether it’s wall paper or a streamlined paint job – try stripe son the wall. You can get as big and bold as you like in terms of colour and scale – or opt for a classic neutral. It could fill an entire room or just an accent wall. We also love to layer our patterns, so don’t be shy to add some art, photography and mirrors over your striped wall.
Pillows
– this is an easy addition (or subtraction) in a room. Adding some printed pillows can completely elevate the look of your room. There’s just something about a pattern that adds a designer look to a space. Some of the great things about pillows is that they aren’t permanent, the selection is endless and they are affordable! On a sofa, side chair, bed – they work everywhere!
Furniture
– this might be an intimidating step for many but trust us! A stripe furniture piece can really add a WOW factor to a space. We do recommend sticking with a neutral palette if you are opting for a pattern piece – it’s easier to work with long term as you want to change up your decor. And for someone that likes neutrals this can add another sophisticated element to your room, mix it with some other patterns and some solid to give it a designer look.
Drapery
– We love what window coverings can do to a space – from a functional side but also a decor side – sure they block the sunlight (or an unpleasant view) but also add a softness and again, visual interest in a room. Whether it’s panels or roman blinds – we love them both! This is a great option for a living space, dining room and a bedroom – we love a stripe window treatment in a kids’ room so timeless and it can grow up with them!
Floor covering
– we love area rugs in any room, they add another layer of softness, they are nice on bare feet, they pull a room together and of course, it’s another opportunity to add some pattern. Area rugs can be pricey depending on the size and material you choose, so if you are concerned about budget consider a classic pattern like a stripe. A stripe area rug is a classic (we have said this a few times, but it’s true!).
Outdoor furniture and accessories
– decorating your outdoor living space is no longer boring! There are so many options for furniture, umbrellas and accessories, too. We love the look of a stripe in an outdoor space, it’s so fresh and clean! Pillows, umbrellas, cushions and even rugs – it’s up to you!
Stripes are everything – fun, classic, fresh, bold, and also soft – it’s all about the colour tones and what you mix them with this print – you can’t go wrong with bringing stripes into your world…
Navy blue is a classic and lately it has been trending in both fashion and home decor. Navy is a great option is you want depth but aren’t willing to go as deep and dark as black. Navy is a great way to stay timeless in your decor but you can also make your space look fresh using pops of navy.
We love working with Navy blue because of the possibilities, here are our 11 favourite ways to decorate with navy
We always recommend a neutral toned sofa so why not navy? Navy is a classic tone and it works with all colours. If you like the idea of a darker sofa, navy is a great option. Add some texture with pillows and a throw blanket, mix some pattern and print and we love the modern floor lamp in gold finish – it all works so beautifully together and it has a cool style in classic tones.
2. NAVY in the bedroom.
Doesn’t this bedroom look crisp and clean? The contrast of the white and navy is so fresh and still warm. Navy can have a glamorous vibe too, it doesn’t have to be nautical. Look at the shape of the headboard and finished in navy velvet very chic and then paired with glass lamps and the geo print shams and duvet with just a pop of orange – it’s perfect!
3. Accent wall in NAVY.
Accent walls are still ‘a thing’ but we are seeing them more in deeper and darker neutrals. We actually did a commercial office and painted some accent walls in Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore – it’s amazing!! We love the classic colour yet the bold statement it makes on the wall. Add an over sized piece of art and instant chic!
Since navy is a neutral it works with everything, so if you are on the hunt for a new furniture piece why not look for something in navy? This navy tufted over sized ottoman is the life of the party in this soft neutral room. We love it’s function but also how it pops in the space (to bridge it all together, a few pillows with some navy would be perfect)
The kitchen is the heart of the home so make sure it looks it’s best! Try using navy to freshen up those kitchen cabinets. We love the navy blue lower cabinets in this kitchen – again a great alternative to black or espresso stain. It looks amazing with the oversized stainless steelpulls and against the white – the whole kitchen looks so bright. Colour in the kitchen can be a risk but not in a classic colour like navy.
6. Pattern drapery in NAVY.
We love patterned drapery it has such a ‘designer’ look and it’s like art framing your windows. We love this fresh look – the pattern isn’t too busy and the contrast isn’t too harsh. It adds some fun to the room but it still feels classic.
7. NAVY blue wallpaper.
A wallpaper accent wall is a great way to make a statement. But we are also loving all walls in wallpaper in a small space like a powder room. It’s fun and if you get bored it’s an easy room to update and switch up but if you have fabulous wallpaper why would you want to? This navy and white zebra print wallpaper is not for the faint at heart but for those who love to be noticed this is for you! We love it but caution this isn’t for everyone!
8. NAVY blue Boys Bedroom.
I know we sound like a broken record but with navy as a classic it just doesn’t age. So it is a great option for a boys’ bedroom – it is a neutral tone that he can grow up with even as his tastes change. we are big fans of light colours on bedroom walls but we do love this room – the navy with nail head bed looks great with the white and beige bedding but it would also look great with Kelly Green or Candy Apple Red, too. So it is a great piece in a classic colour. We also love the navy and white rugby stripe rug, so fresh! The pops of orange and the natural wood tones in the room make it stylish and perfect for a boy!
9. NAVY on the floor.
We are huge fans of a pattern rug – it’s like art on the floor. We do love colour but we know that many are hesitant to invest in colour and pattern for their floor coverings, so a navy pattern rug is a great compromise. We absolutely love how this navy trellis pattern gives life to this soft neutral room. We also love using a glass coffee table on a pattern rug – you get to see more of it! The rug colour and print is echoed with an accent lumbar pillow in same tones but slightly different pattern – but it’s all chic!!
10. NAVY and the unexpected.
We started to see the mix of navy and pastels last year but mainly on the racks and runways – unexpected colour combos with navy blue. We have all seen the typical combos – navy and white, navy and red, navy and yellow, navy and gold but what about navy and mint green, navy and soft pink (rose quartz, maybe?), navy and lilac but one of our favourite combos right now is navy and coral – it’s bold and bright but fun and still warm, we love it!
11. NAVY accent pieces.
Anytime you are introducing the idea of colour to your space, start slow…starting with accents is the easiest way and most affordable way to know if you are ready to commit. So have an ‘audition’ and introduce some small accent pieces like pillows, candles, art, table lamps and just decor accent to the space and let it all sink it. If you like it and want more see the list above…..
“I know my dining room is in need of an update. I do have a beautiful wood table with matching chairs that my husband would just die if I threw out or painted!! Any ideas how I could update my dining room and include my furniture?”
A great question for a common dilemma. Many down sizers go through this exact same issue. What to keep, what to toss, what to donate….you want a current look in your space but your existing pieces were expensive, high quality, in good condition – what to do?
Well, you do have a number of options that won’t involve altering your wood furniture.
An all wood furniture set can make a room feel dark and heavy especially if you do not have much light in the room. So how about brightening up the space with colour and light? Try updating your chandelier for a more current look and more light. A great, versatile option is a lantern style – it works with traditional furniture and farmhouse styles but it can also transtion well with other styles too.
You can also add light with table lamps on your buffet piece. Look for shades that will allow light through – white, cream or beige are best. We also like these table lamps that have a traditional vase shape but in glass so they don’t add bulk.
If you have a china cabinet that you don’t want to part with or separate – try wall sconces for additional light. They won’t add an abundance of light but they will help with mood lighting for dinner parties. This images shows off sconces with multiple heads flanking the china cabinet.
Mirrors are also great because they allow light to bounce around the room making the room feel brighter and larger. Mirrored furniture or accessories like decorative bowls, frames or vases can add some brightness to the room too. This image shows how the combination of mirrors and glass make a bulky piece look lighter.
Try switching up your wall paint. The colour on the walls could also make the room feel dark and heavy. Wood furniture has a weight to it already so if it is in a smaller room without much light, the room will look dark so try lighter tones on the wall for a fresh update. Soft creams, beiges and greys are timeless and won’t take away from your furniture or art.
If that isn’t adventurous enough for you – you can certainly add colour on the walls just be sure to balance it out with some other lighter items. This dining room is a mix of classic traditional and contemporary elements. The dark wood furniture and floors and the navy wall paint together would normally be too dark but paired with the light beige upholstery and textiles, white trim and wainscoting, lighting and the decorative plate wall – there is the right amount of balance in this dramatic dining room.
Many wood furniture sets are lacking in ‘punch’ meaning they are very tone on tone. Lots of browns in the stains but often in the upholstery. Why not re-upholster your chairs for a fresh look? The possibilities are endless and it makes a huge impact without even touching the wood! We have done this with a number of clients and they love the look and the price point. It is way more cost effective and your set will look new!
You can opt for something neutral with a subtle pattern for some visual interest.
You can stay pretty neutral but then go bolder with captain’s chairs
Or make a statement with colour and pattern.
If you are really looking to make a big leap outside of the box, try some new chairs all together and opt for something modern to really update your space. This farmhouse dining room looks updated with these Eiffel dining chairs in cream – they fit with the colour scheme but they are totally unexpected. By adding modern chairs to a traditional table you get a more casual feel.
Other updates…..
Try adding some bold art – something big, bold and graphic really updates any space plus it is an easy addition. Look at arranging your current art collection in a modern gallery style.
Try an accent wallwith wall paper. Another way to add visual interest to the room using pattern. We used to see rooms with wall to wall wallpaper and that can be overwhelming and even stuffy but just one wall is fabulous. We also love to see another statement piece like art, photography or a mirror hung on that accent wall.
Try a bold area rug. Make a statement on your floor with a bold area rug – it’s like art on the floor. This image shows how the area rug can be the centerpiece of a room – the colour scheme revolves around this rug. A classic colour combo but a big statement.
What ever you do make a plan. For instance if you decide you want to paint, re-upholster and add a new light fixture be sure those elements work cohesively that way the whole room update will look spectacular!
If you have pets or children, white rugs and upholstery are just not in the cards. People love the way they look but never realize that you have to hermetically seal your household to keep them clean.
Travel as much as you can, and stay on the alert for inspiration wherever you go — you could find a great floor plan in a museum’s period room, or a color in a painting. And don’t just rely on your camera. If you draw something, you’ll really absorb the detail. Or just amazing pieces that you love, display them in an artful way – this is such a great way to show off your style and surround yourself with what you love. After all your home should reflect who you are and what you love.
Don’t: Forget About Seating
Today everyone likes rooms sparse, but for a living room, you need the sorts of chairs people can pull up together, so that they want to come into the room and sit down and chat. Think about pieces that can do double duty (especially for smaller spaces) like drum stools, cubes, ottomans – they can act as seating when needs or surface space, plus this is a great way to add colour and texture to the space.
Do: Use Dramatic Color in a Small Space
Color is best used in small spaces that you pass through. A dramatic color in a room where you’re going to be spending a lot of time might feel too heavy or dark, but if you use it in a foyer or pantry, it makes the whole house feel colorful. It also makes the house feel bigger, because it turns a space you might not notice into one that catches your attention. Plus if you are toying with the idea of bold colours in your home, a small room is a great place to start to see if you like it and can live with it…
Don’t: Be Afraid to Splurge on Great Pieces
Invest in one great-quality piece. It sometimes hurts in the beginning, but you end up having that piece forever, and it can really carry a room, or even an entire house.
Do: Test Paint Colors in a Big Way
When you test paint colors in a room, make big patches so that you can really see if you need to go darker or lighter, or if it is the right colour for that room depending on light and the other elements in the room like the flooring. Paint in the store can look completely different in your home and can look completely different room to room. Also take a look at the paint at different times of the day.
Don’t: Ignore Architectural Details
Respect the architecture of a space. That’s not to say you can’t be surprising — I might use period furniture in a modern room, but I’ll make sure the lines and silhouettes are appropriate. The whole room has to hang together.
Do: Trust Your Instincts
‘Be true to yourself, and trust your instincts.’ We all have different points of view — that’s what makes each of us special — and our rooms should be a reflection of that. But if something looks off, it probably is. We all have a natural inclination towards symmetry and balance
Don’t: Make a Room Too Formulaic
Start a room with a classic furniture layout that’s functional, then add in funky pieces to loosen it up, relax it, and keep it from feeling too formulaic. With the trend continuing toward open concept living in small spaces but with functional floor plans, it is important to have a cohesive look but add unexpected elements to make it fun and not formal.
Do: Draw the Eye With an Interesting Piece
A photographer I worked with taught me the importance of the axial view. When you’re looking down a corridor, you want a wonderful object at the end of it to draw you forward — a sculpture, a chandelier, anything to define the space and pull you in.
But what is always a do…DO incorporate the pieces you love and DON’T worry if they are ‘in style’ or ‘trending’ …always DO follow your decorating instinct!
