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We Answer Wednesday – How to mix formal and modern decor styles

November 16, 2016

“I have inherited a more formal style dining table and chairs. I like it but my own style is a bit more modern. How can I use this furniture without completely changing my style?”

This is a great question!

And this is something that we are seeing more and more of…whether it’s inheriting family heirlooms or the merging of two people – mixing different styles of decor can seem very overwhelming but don’t let it stress you out! What we love about merging different styles together is that you get a different end result every time. Say good-bye to those cookie cutter rooms – this is where true individuality blooms!

Now that you know our own style is more modern, we assume that you have some updated pieces in your space already or you plan to purchase. You have options how to incorporate this set into you life depending on how open you are to change. When it comes to modernizing a space you don’t necessarily have to change the furniture sometimes just updating the pieces around it can be enough!

CHAIRS –

Upholstery – a traditional set of dining room furniture would have some pretty traditional upholstery on the chairs so to make it more modern, get those chairs re-upholstered in a modern fabric. You really can do anything – pattern, print, texture, colour – it’s up to you! This gives your dining chair a fresh look. You don’t have to go totally wild, you could stick with a timeless stripe but in a more current colour way or try an animal print like cheetah, oversized and bright florals can also ‘modern up’ a more formal chair.

* This old chair gets new life with a tie-dye upholstery in a charcoal and white – so unique, truly a one of a kind piece.

New chairs –

adding some new chairs with a more current look with give the whole set a new feel. Matching sets are a bit more traditional so this one change will give the whole space a modern update. You could mix up this option with the first option, and have more modern captain chairs and keep the traditional ones with the rest of the set. Find a common thread between all of the chairs, so this is where upholstery comes into play.

*Look at how modern this room looks! The fresh white tulip chairs with pink seat paired with this dark stained traditional table – so unique!

Paint –

we all know that paint can completely transform a room so imagine what it can do for furniture! This is a big step, so if this is a valuable heirloom you might not want to exercise this option. You will also want to get this done professionally. Painting a traditional piece will give it new life and a whole new vibe in your space.

*Pairing this China cabinet in a Kelly green gives it a punch and an update in this space. Also note the mix of chairs and varied prints in the room. The pops of colour bring the more traditional pieces to life!

LIGHTING –

Statement piece – so lighting makes a huge difference in a home. When light fixtures look dated the whole space looks dated. So to give your room a modern look, update that light fixture and make a statement! A modern traditional table with an interesting light fixture above it will give the whole room a fresh look plus it really shows off your decor style! (Always have your chandelier switch on a dimmer)

*This traditional table and area rug paired with a more casual chair makes the room less formal in look and feel. Adding the industrial light fixture and the black and white abstract over sized art really gives this room so much flare.

WALLS –

Over sized art – this much like the light fixture can really give a room a fresh update. Something about an over sized art piece not only looks expensive but it also looks fresh and current. Think about displaying your favourite pieces in a different way – a gallery wall mixing old and new, or a more casual display where you lean and layer.

* sometimes is all about the presentation. This room would have a very different look and feel if these art pieces were hung as opposed to the layered leaning style on the sideboard.

Paint colour-

to give your dining room a more modern feel look at your wall paint colour. Is it a mid tone? More modern looking spaces tend to choose a paint tone on either side of the spectrum – either dark or light. Before you pick a side, be sure to look at the items going in the room, like the furniture and the art pieces and of course, don’t forget about the light!

*The light walls allow for the table and the art to really pop in this space.

Wallpaper –

adding some visual interest to a wall in your dining space is another way to give that room a current look. You can still hang your art pieces over the wallpaper – this will give the space a very designer look. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of wall space to hang art or if you have traditional looking wall panels that give the room a more traditional feel.

*In this room, because of the windows, there isn’t a lot of wall space for art so wallpaper on the wallspace is a perfect choice. This also plays down the more traditional wall panels.

FLOORS –

Area rug – this is like art on the floor and it can really help set the tone for your dining room. The possibilities are endless in terms of design, texture, colour and print. Find something that you love and paired with a more traditional set this will really give your room an updated look. One style that we are seeing a lot of is a perfect blend of a traditional rug but the colour has almost an ombre finish – so you get a traditional or even vintage vibe with a modern twist, so transitional!

*This area rug is the perfect mix of traditional and modern – the ombre effect makes it more current looking and also less formal. It pairs nicely with the simple art, vintage furniture and modern light fixture

Don’t feel that a more formal or traditional dining set will limit your style or change it completely. Get creative! Incorporate that inherited piece with some modern elements to give your dining room a look that is totally unique and totally you!

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BEDROOMS, HOME DECOR

Top 10 Headboards

November 13, 2016

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

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

1. Headboard with ‘floating’ storage

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

2. Tufted Headboard

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

3. Rustic headboard

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

4. Fabric panel headboard

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

5. Rattan (Wicker) Headboard

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

6. High headboard

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

7. Old Doors as a Headboard

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

8. Decorative carved wood headboard

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

9. Wing back headboard

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

10. Low Headboard

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

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

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Matching Wood stains : furniture and floors

November 2, 2016

“Do our wood stains need to match? We are looking to buy a new dining room table. We like the idea of wood (but it doesn’t have to be wood) but we have wood floors – do we match the wood table to the floors?”

A new piece of furniture is a great update for any space and any style of decor. Wood is always a great option as it is durable and adds a natural texture to any space. When it comes to wood, you don’t need to match and we really recommend that you don’t match it makes everything blend and look a little washed out and you won’t draw attention to the new dining table.

We suggest adding some contrast with your new table. So if you have light floors opt for a darker stain table and vice-versa.

Other ways to get contrast with your wood floors is to opt for a table that isn’t wood at all! Metal or glass are ways to get contrast and add some interesting textures to your space.

When it comes to your chairs, try a chair in a different tone or a different material all together – this gives the room some contrast as well but also shows off your personal style. Depending on the style of chair you select this can either dress up or dress down your stable and give you the feel you want in your dining space. A dining room set with matching pieces tends to make less of a statement.

We love to see the different wood stains in a room but be sure that the stains have a common undertone and that you don’t have too many. when all of your wood stains match it’s a bit washed out and when you have too many it’s too busy. Aim for about 3.

Wood adds so much warmth to a space, it’s a great natural material to incorporate into any room. We love the character and texture it brings to a space but that can get lost if you over use it, so mix it up and let it be naturally beautiful!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How to Get the ‘Model Home’ Look in your Home

October 28, 2016

If you have ever been to a model home you have probably asked yourself – ‘why doesn’t my home look like this?’ Well it can! There are some easy and simple styling tricks that you can use at home to get that ‘model home’ look.

1. Keep it clean and de-clutter:

So you are living in the house and it can be tricky to keep clean but put together a cleaning schedule and do your best to stick to it – regular wiping down, cleaning or dishes and floors makes a huge difference. Find some cute baskets or boxes to hold every day clutter like mail and flyers from school. Commit to a purge (seasonally would be ideal) to get rid of the extra stuff that you aren’t using and haven’t used in a long time! You will be amazed at how much junk you hold on to – it feels great to let it go!

2. Floating furniture :

Not levitating furniture, but floating – in other words not pushed up against the walls. Sure in some floor plans this is really the only choice but even just pulling it away an inch or two makes the space look and feel more intimate and designed. In a big open floor plan, separate the space with floating furniture that serves two distinct purposes, say a seating/conversation space and then a TV hang out space for a large and open living space.

3. Lighting:

Let there be light and lots of it! Not only does a brighter space feel bigger and cleaner but it’s a great way to update a space. When you are adding lighting in your space think layers! So overhead lighting mixed with table and floor lamps etc…Layered lighting looks sophisticated but you can also play with the ambiance using your lighting. Relying on one light source is a bit tired and one dimensional. also aim to have the light evenly distributed in the room (so not everything in one side or corner of the room).

4. Outdoors indoors:

Take a look at model home they always have some natural element – it could be a plant (large or small), natural herbs, floral arrangement or a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, branches or sticks in a vase, natural sponge in the bathroom – just some small natural touches can do wonders in a space. It adds warmth and authenticity to the space.

5. Area rugs:

Are used to add colour and texture plus warmth but they also add a great visual effect in terms of creating designated spaces and functions. An open concept space with out any area rugs with floating furniture looks very lost but by adding the correct size area rug (even just in the living room) automatically grounds and defines the space. Area rugs really are a must!

6. Bed:

Like the area rug – the bed really grounds or anchors the bedroom, this really is non-negotiable for a master bedroom. You want the room and the furniture to have a strong presence. Even a beautifully made/styled bed looks weak without a headboard.

7. Bookcases:

When it comes to bookcase we tend to see these 2 options. 1- complete jammed and over stuffed with books falling out, or 2 – sparse, bare and empty. To get the designer ‘model home’ look bookcases are a great piece but they have to be balanced. So books stacked in an organized fashion with some decor added in. Carefully styled but still functional. This gives the space style but it also isn’t over whelming. Many think books in a bookcase is organized but when they are over stuffed the room feels heavy and cramped, and when they are falling out, it’s a mess! A bare bookcase looks light but it also looks weak and kind of pointless.

8. Drapery:

A great decorative feature that can also serve a function. Yes, shades and blinds are go-to’s for privacy but add some simple drapery panels on either side of the window and you’ve got ‘wow-factor’!

The designer look doesn’t have to come with a big price tag! Follow these tips and you will have your home looking like a model,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Mixing Metallics without going over board

October 26, 2016

“I love the sparkle and shine of metallics but I’m worried about going over board with the look. Any tips?”

The sparkle, shine and texture of metallics gives any room an instant boost of luxury and glamour but you are correct, you need to find the right balance.

1. Softness.

So metallics have a distinct shiny quality and they have a hard and smooth texture, so balance that out with some softer textures. Try adding some cashmere knits, velvet, and wool to counter balance the hard quality of metallics.

2. Neutral.

Metallics can really add a punch to a room and they are timeless so don’t get too crazy with your palette. a few pops of colour is a nice touch but we really love pairing metallics (one metallic or a mix) with a neutral back drop and don’t forget those soft textures!

3. Classic.

Keep it classic when it comes to metallics – brass, silver and gold are totally chic and timeless. Sure, copper is cool right now but it tends to float in and out of fashion.

4. Mix.

Keep it modern by mixing your metallics. Like wood, metallics go with metallics. So play around with the finishes. But we really recommend sticking with the same colour metal but we like to see chrome mixed with brushed nickle and satin nickle same goes for the golden tones.

5. Small.

New to metallics? Start with small steps – some smaller decor pieces on a tray or bookcase and build it from there.

Metallics are a great addition to add some sophistication to a space and they can also make a room look and feel larger and brighter. That reflective surface allows the light to bounce around the whole room plus it adds sophistication and glamour to a room. Plus who doesn’t love a little of sparkle and shine in their life!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – White Walls

September 28, 2016

“I love the look of white walls, it’s so clean and bright but everyone keeps telling me that my home will look sterile and cold if I paint my walls white. Any advise or suggestions?”

Paint can really transform a room – it can make it bright and bold, dark and sultry or light and airy….we love what paint can do for a room. sometimes picking the right colour can be a BIG challenge. The under tones of paint can really shine through depending on the light, time of day, and surrounding finishes.

So we never recommend falling in love with a paint colour in a store – you really need to see it in the space and over the course of a day. We are huge fans of testing out swatches on a wall and not just looking at a small chip. Some paint companies do offer large (like 8×11) chips that you can tape to the wall – this is a great option to explore! Use the small chips to narrow down your choices but get the samples or large hips to really see what the colour will look like.

When it comes to white – the choices are plentiful! You have warm whites, cool whites, blue whites, pink whites, grey whites etc…..Every white looks different in every space. All white walls is a very clean look. It can look sterile if you aren’t careful.

Here are points to consider when it comes to painting your walls white:

1. Consider the natural light source.

Before painting a room white, identify its orientation. Rooms that face away from the noonday sun receive gray-blue light, which is great for a summer bedroom, a gym or a studio where you want constancy. A clear white paint will optimize the light of these spaces while keeping things cool.

The same white color, though, would not work in a north-facing family room in a cool, snowy climate. White’s visual relationship to the snow and ice outside the windows would be visually chilling. Instead, try tinting
your white with red, yellow or orange or selecting a color from Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection for rooms where you plan to eat, socialize and linger.

2. What’s outside affects what’s inside.

Rooms with a view of the ocean can be spectacular. For a summer residence, white walls can enhance the benefits of living by the sea, opening the house up and bringing the cool water view closer.

If you have already decided to paint your walls white and your home has a breathtaking view, consider painting the trim to match. Eliminating the delineation between the walls and woodwork with white paint will allow the landscape to remain frameless, expanding the view’s presence in your home. This strategy (painting both walls and trim the same), used to drop out the architecture obstructing the view, can be used with any color, but it is most effective with white because of its reflectivity.

3. Reconsider the gallery look.

There’s a reason galleries paint their walls and trim the same bright, white paint color. It drops out the architectural details and focuses attention on the artwork. The same method works for homes, too.

Remember white does show off imperfections – scuffs, nail pops and more…so be prepared for regular maintenance. This is not the best option for families with young children and the pure and crisp colour is not very forgiving.

4. Pay attention to history.

White is classic, formal, refined and restrained in style. For your Greek revival or federal interiors, white will be expected on trim and on walls in the kitchen and third-floor bedrooms. Make the mistake of painting everything white, and your home will look like a builder’s “flip.”

5. Use white to expand spaces.

Rooms painted white appear larger due to the amplification of light. Shadows and edges also diminish in white spaces. When creating a palette for your home, try to keep in mind that cool white drops back in space and can be used to enlarge and open your smaller spaces.

We recommend making selections that you love – you should be surrounded by the looks and styles that you love. To keep white walls from looking sterile we suggest: keeping some art, wall decor or photos on the walls – they will pop off the walls. Stick with a white that has a satin or semi-gloss finish so you have a reflective finish (a flat or eggshell finish in white never looks rich). Take the time to pick the right white. We also love to mix white walls with texture – so look at floors, window dressings, plants, decor accessories even fireplace mantles to add some texture and character in the space.

White walls is a great look and perfect for anyone with a great view, great art pieces and lots of texture in their space.

White is so clean and crisp and we love how the shades vary. There’s a white tone for every home and every style!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to make my home look summer-y

June 1, 2016

“How can I make my home look summer-y? The cold weather is finally gone but my home still looks kind of winter-y”

Yes, the weather is absolutely beautiful these days and it looks like those chilly days are behind us (at least for a few months). It’s nice to celebrate the changing of the seasons and if you live in an area like ours, the changes in weather are pretty drastic! We love to have the inside of our homes light and airy like the summer weather so here are some ideas that we use at home.

1 – Flowers

– bring in some beauty of the spring/summer season. If you have a lovely garden cut some of your own flowers, if you don’t have a garden to pick from the local Farmer’s markets have tons of beautiful flowers this time of year. We love the see arrangements on coffee tables, dining tables and even bedrooms.

2- Pillows and throws

– chances are if you live in a colder climate (like us) your pillows and throws (on your bed and sofa) you colour motif is likely deep and dark, so for the warmer seasons lighten it up! Can this get expensive? Sure. But if you are smart you can do this on a budget. Try pillow covers instead of all new pillows. This way you can keep the inserts, change the covers seasonally and send the off-season covers to be professionally cleaned. Tuck away your off-season pillows and throws in a closet or a trunk during these warm months. If you stick with a spring/summer colour scheme and a fall/winter scheme you will get a lot of use of your accent decor pieces. For spring summer, we love a pop of yellow. Yellow works with blue, green, orange, pink ….. plus it is so sunny and bright!

3 – Drapery and window coverings

– we aren’t suggesting a new set of window dressings is mandatory but if you have heavy drapery such as velvet or a really dark colour, you might want to consider a lighter option during the spring/summer months – this will completely transform the look of your home. And much like the idea with the pillow covers, take the cold season drapery to be cleaned. If you aren’t open to 2 sets of drapery, pull back the curtains and pull up the blinds and let the light in! this will brighten up the room.

4 – Fireplace

– the fireplace is a focal point in your room no matter the season. In those cold winter and crisp fall months, it is easy to style the fireplace but what to do in the warm months? The fireplace likely won’t be in use but it is a big piece of your room. Style it with some softer textures and tones. You have lots of options but we suggest adding elements that work with your spring/summer colour scheme and adding some botanical pieces (that could be floral arrangements or a seasonal art piece). We love the image below because it has that summer ease – the plants are a great touch and that mirror in the fireplace is such a great idea. The garden stool adds a pop of colour but is also another seating option when needed.

5 – Texture

– in the warmer months we all love to get outside, so to make your home decor more ‘summer-y’ bring the outdoors in! Yes, we already mentioned flowers but there are other outdoor elements that you can bring inside. Think about natural textures like wood, rattan and sisal – they add that soft and natural factor but also a warmth. These are great options if you lean towards neutrals, in terms of your decor palette. The richness of these textures adds a sophistication to any space.

You can create a welcoming entry in the summer by adding a summer themed wreath and planters. Maybe even a bench with some outdoor pillows – this will create a warm and inviting vignette for family and friends!

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

What does it mean to “shop your home” ?

May 31, 2016

If you have been watching home decor shows on TV or reading online articles about home decor recently, you have likely heard the term ‘shop your home’. It’s #trending these days….let us explain to you what this term and trend mean.

Basically #shopyourhome is all about using what you have already and bringing it out (if it was stored away), maybe re-purposing it or maybe even updating it. It’s part of a recycling movement – instead of tossing out items that are just out dated but are still in good condition and work just fine, give them new life by updating them or re-purposing them (a new location or a new purpose all together).

Some great “shop your home” examples…

Paint –

We all know what paint can do to a room but what can it do to an old piece of furniture or a light fixture? Instead of buying new – update what you have! This is easy, affordable and you are recycling something that might other wise end up in a landfill. this painted light fixture is a simple fix, affordable too plus the end result is a unique ‘one of a kind’ light fixture that will add WOW factor to your room.

Fabric –

Give a bench or chair new life with some fabric. A few yards of fabric will go a long way and give you a whole new look. It is easy to re-upholster a simple bench or chair seat – you will need some fabric, fabric glue, staple gun and a screwdriver to remove the seat cushion. You may want to add some foam or cotton batting if the seat needs some volume or cushioning.

Hardware –

New hardware can completely change the look of a room. We recommend this to our home staging clients as well. This works on furniture and cabinetry – this is a great update for a kitchen and bathroom. It is easy to do but it really makes a big impact.

Art –

Bored of your current art displays but can’t replace your pieces? Try moving your art into a different room or in a different arrangement. This can make a huge different in a space. It’s a great way to display pieces that aren’t usually seen.

Garden –

Do you have beautiful flowers in your garden? Instead of buying cut flowers from the market use your own – it adds a special touch to your space and it’s a great way to add a welcoming scene to a table scape, front entry, coffee table or even a guest bedroom.

Scarf –

If you are like either of us, you probably have a drawer full of beautiful scarves and for every season – so make use of them! Try re-purposing your scarves as a table runner. Think bright and colourful for summer, neutral for fall and airy for spring. It adds a fresh new look to the table, it sets the scene and it adds a unique touch.

Furniture –

Try moving your pieces into a different layout or swapping pieces around – accent chairs are a great and easy choice to re-arrange. Think of re-arranging your furniture to take advantage of a view of your garden in the summer months or place your furniture in a way to snuggle up by the fireplace.

Feeling inspired yet? Home decor can get expensive but if you shop at home and get creative you can get a whole new look !

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Decorate with a Sofa Table

April 13, 2016

“I love the look of a ‘floating sofa’ but I don’t like how the back of my sofa looks – what can I do?”

This is a great question!

We LOVE the look of a floating sofa arrangement too but yes, the backs of most sofas aren’t exactly spectacular but you have lots of options.

This is where we recommend a sofa table also known as a console table. We know you are probably thinking that the idea of a sofa table is a bit formal and stuffy but no – sofa tables come in all styles – there is something for everyone. A sofa table is a great way to enhance your style with some colour and/or texture. You can decorate it how ever you like and even use the space for some storage.

A sofa table can also be useful for some extra light (if you have outlet/plug access) in a case where end tables won’t work but it could also offer some extra storage for multiple things. Think about your space, your style and your needs when it comes time to select your sofa table and don’t be afraid to get a little creative – just because something isn’t labeled as a ;sofa table’ doesn’t means it can’t be used as one.

Here are some of favourite ideas for sofa tables:

Think about adding some colour.

We love this pop of yellow in this country chic living room. It hides the back of this sofa but it isn’t too heavy. the styling of decor items like the candles, the bird cage, books and plant soften the surface. We also love the idea of the tray underneath the the sofa table – this is a great idea for some extra storage.

Think sleek and contemporary.

This wrap around low shelving piece gives this living room some extra storage, some shelving for decor and it works in this more contemporary space – plus is hides the back of that sofa. This is a great storage saving idea if you are short on space.

Think about size and your space.

Sofa tables are typically 20-32″ shorter in length than the sofa and usually 1-3″ shorter than the height of the sofa but if you have a larger or long room you might want to consider something bigger like this image above. This is a kitchen table that has been re-purposed in this living room.

We love the over size lush fern flanked by two glass candle holders. The large rattan baskets underneath are perfect storage for books, board games or extra blankets.

Think practical.

Do you work in your living room or family room? Try adding an attractive desk as your sofa table – it’s a great way to keep an eye on the kids and still get some seat work done. This hides the back of the sofa but it is also practical for a busy lifestyle.

We also love a chic chair as the seat with this desk instead of a typical desk chair – it looks great and it is useful (plus this is a great idea if you are short on space and need a work space at home)

Think storage.

Try using a sideboard, dresser or chest of drawers as your sofa table – be sure to measure the depth of the storage piece but we love the extra storage a piece like this offers. It is perfect for storing multiple things – extra dining room items, DVDs, board games, books and even think about having a liquor cabinet as your sofa table.

We also love the surface space that a sofa table offers – if you like to entertain you can use this as a serving space for certain items or just as a great flat surface for guests to sit down their drinks

Think extra seating.

If you love to entertain the sofa table is a great spot to store some extra seating (like stools or ottomans)and the sofa table is perfect for snacks and drinks – think Super Bowl parties, big movie nights, playoffs (any sport) or season finale nights – if you entertain a lot, you might want to keep high back seating like the image above but if you only need it on occasion, you might want to opt for something that can be tucked cleanly underneath (see the image below)

The sofa table isn’t an ‘old fashioned’ piece – there are so many options and style to suite every decor.

It really completes the look of a floating sofa and they offer a lot of practical storage and surface options, too – find a piece that suits you and your lifestyle,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

In the Navy: 11 ways to decorate a room with Navy Blue

April 9, 2016

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

1. Try a NAVY sofa.

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!

4. One furniture piece in NAVY.

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)

5. NAVY kitchen.

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 steel pulls 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…..

For even more navy blue inspiration – check out our Pinterest Board – Navy Blue Inspiration

Navy is becoming one of our go-to’ s in home decor – it works every time and we love it in every way!

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