Browsing Tag

interiors decorating

10-things-every-living-room-needs

The living room is where you entertain, relax, read, maybe watch TV but it is the most ‘public’ space in your home and sure, you can count on the sofa, the coffee table, and a few additional seating options. But the room needs to be personalized through decorative touches. Here’s some inspiration on how to add those personal style items to your space to give it a polished look

1 – A place for your books –

Your collection of first editions aside, designate an area to feature a few choice titles that complement your style. If your space is small, try blending the book case colour with the wall colour – it will look luxurious (like built-ins) and it will look streamlined

2 – Window treatments –

An empty window space is an incomplete one. Dress the frames with a set of drapes to maximize the height of the room, providing it with a simple yet elegant finish. Drapes also add softness to a room and they frame a window beautifully.  If you have blinds already add the drapes they really add a touch of style

3 – A styled coffee table –

A well-curated table keeps essentials on hand – minus the clutter. Stick to things that make like favorite books, vases, or trays. No, the remote control does not count as an essential or an accessory!

4 –  Something on the walls –

We’re all about the walls. Gallery of frames. One eye-catching print. An over sized mirror. Choose to decorate with pieces that will make the space totally your style.

5 – Pop(s) of colour –

Offset a neutral palette with hints of an eye-catching hue. It’s the key to an instant uplift. Accent pillows, art, accessories and even an area rug are easy ways to add some colour to your space.

6 – Painted walls –

A can of paint really is the easiest way to add personality to a room. As for the color, well, that’s up to you.

7 – A side table

A simple accent piece doubles as a geographically-convenient (and temporary) spot for all the necessities for a little lounge time. Plus these come in very handy when entertaining

8 – Personal touches –

Dedicate some shelf space for an edited assortment of pieces that reflect your personality. Throw some favorite framed photos to the mix as well.

9 – Light fixtures –

A little lighting goes a long way. If you don’t have a ton of natural light, then bring in table lamps to set the right mood for your space.

10 – The right seating arrangement –

Small space. Large space. We can’t stress this enough. It’s important to think about the shape of your room and its function. Arrange for how you will be using this area.

Make your living room a comfortable and chic space – if you are like me you spend a lot of time in that room so enjoy the space and make it beautiful,

1 comment
Share:
farmhouse-style

“I see this farmhouse style everywhere – I really like it! How can I get this look in my home without buying all new furniture?”

You are right!  The farmhouse look does seem to be everywhere!  The great news about this style is two fold.

One –

when it comes to the farmhouse look there are many options, levels and directions you can choose.

Two –

it is a cozy and timeless look, so you don’t have to worry about being trendy.

 We also love the versatility of this style.  The farmhouse look blends easily with the industrial look and also a rustic look.  But you can easily blend farmhouse with some traditional pieces and some modern elements too.

 

 

How can you get the farmhouse style at home?

You are in luck – to get this look you don’t need to spend a lot.  You can achieve this look with adding a few elements and pieces.

Here are some of our suggestions:

Farmhouse Art

– art, photography and  even country inspired signs are an easy addition to your space to help you get that farmhouse look. We love this farmhouse sign from Wayfair – so simple and clean a perfect addition for any space that needs that country touch.

 

Chalkboard

– the ease and casual look of chalkboard gives a space a warmth of a country farmhouse.  It’s relaxed and simple – we love chalk board paint – it’s easy to use and apply.

 

Galvanized metal

–  easy pieces like buckets, chairs, even light fixtures in this material add to that country feel.  Be sure to have a dull finish and even a few dings is totally OK. This galvanized metal pitcher – it ‘pitcher’ perfect! Add some fresh greenery or a cut bouquet and it is a simple farmhouse centerpiece!

 

 

Ladder displays

– add another rustic touch plus they are a eat way to store blankets and even books and magazines.  They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. We love this ladder display with framed family photos!

 

 

 

Layer textured rugs

– again keeping a very casual look and mixing up textures adds another element to the laid back farmhouse style.  We love to mix a cowhide with a natural fiber like sisal or even seagrass.

 

 

Lighting

– simple lighting fixtures in a metallic and dull finish add a farmhouse character to a space.  Look for pendants with simple and clean lines with a rustic feel. So much of farmhouse style is about simplicity – this pendant has a rustic feel due to the colour and finish and the design is just simple….

 

Textiles

– in pillows, drapery and blankets are another easy way to get this farmhouse look.   Look for knits, flannel, plaids and soft stone washed fabrics.  Mix them up – farmhouse is a very simple and relaxed look. Layer them and don’t get caught up in symmetry.

 

Add ‘practical’ pieces

– so decorate with items like laundry wash boards, old farm tools, bowls, baskets, pickle jars and mason jars.  These rustic pieces play into the farmhouse feel.

Add some personality

– the farmhouse style is a relaxed look in every way so keep it casual and fun!  We love to add signs and other items that have a bit of personality.  small accessories in any room can add to that farmhouse feel.  This kitchen utensil holder is a great little piece for a kitchen that fits into the farmhouse look.

 

Wood

– the farmhouse look is really focused on texture.  Wood is a texture that is closely connected with farms and the outdoors.  Add some wood elements to your space like bowls, boxes, trays, shelving and even a fireplace mantle.  Opt for reclaimed pieces with lots of character.

 

With this farmhouse style you can ‘dial it up’ or ‘dial it down’ as much as you like.  You can go very literal with farm pieces like signage and wire baskets OR you can take some influence from this style and play with the different textures and add the farmhouse essence into your space. We love the warm and cozy feel from this style – we hope you do, too!


0 comment
Share:
home-styling-tips-and-tricks

Have you ever visited a furniture store show room or model home and thought – wow, why doesn’t my home look like this?

Well it can!  Follow these home styling tips and tricks and your home will instantly look chic and polished.  The details really do matter….

1 –  Always use odd numbers in your displays –

They are more visually appealing.  The photos just below and to the right illustrate 3 items used in the display. The books (one item) all count as one object visually as that is how your eye will read the grouping. Also note coordinating colours, different textures and height – not necessary as it really depends on the style but for this shabby country chic space the texture and tones work.

2 – Items do not have to be centered on the coffee table –

If you are planning on using it, put your feet up or set down a glass, move your display off center to a corner.  It will still look great. Style and function can work hand in hand

3- Do not place anything too high on the coffee table –

People should be able to see each other across the space. A little height is nice like a beautiful orchid for instance, just don’t have anything bulky and tall

4- The edge of the rug in your living room –

Should start just under the front legs of your couch and chairs. A 5 x 8 rug works perfectly in most spaces but you can go larger depending on the size of your room.

5 –  A console table in the back of the couch  –

Should never be higher than the back of the couch (otherwise you will most likely bang your head on it when you flop down on the couch at the end of a long day).

6-  End tables should be the same height as the arms of the couch or chair –

Too low and a guest will be likely to drop their drink and too high they will bump the side of the table with the glass.


7-  Use pillow inserts and covers

So you can change the decor out seasonally. It will save you money and allow you to constantly refresh your space.

8 –  Mix and match textures and shapes for interest –

Notice the different textures in the photo above and the throw – that also counts as a layer. Plus they add great visual interest to a room and are any easy fix when you want something new and fresh

9- When layering your pillows, start with the 20 x 20 in the back then go progressively smaller –

Use more pillows in the corner of a sectional to provide more back support.

We’d love to know how these home styling tips and tricks transform the look of your home…

0 comment
Share: