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kiki interiors

celebrity-style-modern-familys-eric

The architecture and design in California has a specific character to it that I’ve always loved. The Spanish influence has always been very strong, even to this day. It is part of what makes the California style so charming. The home of Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet in Los Angeles definitely captures all of that charm and then some. It puts a masculine spin on it, taking queues from Mexican art and design to create a space that is sophisticated, but comfortable. I love the use of texture and pattern in this home. Take a look at the home tour to get some wonderful
inspiration…

 
The living room is a place for gathering and relaxing with a warm palette and comfortable furniture. Even the dog looks comfortable!

Each room has it’s own identity yet they still flow beautifully into one another.  The dining room has a beautiful over sized lantern light fixture which gives the space a timeless yet casual look and the neutral wallpaper adds sophistication without  being stuffy.  In this space the dark stained wood beams add character and texture plus they make the high ceilings more warm and intimate.  The mounted deer head adds a rustic touch but in white it adds a bit of modernity…

 

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I love a vignette and this one is not exception.  The combination of warm wood tones, the pattern in both the tile and the fabrics and the colour choice just make this a cozy corner and compliment the entire look and feel of the home

 

This master bedroom is a beautiful balance of hard and soft materials.  The bedside table and the upholstered headboard are a perfect compliment to one another.  The colour palette, textures and patterns make this a bedroom that’s just so soothing and relaxing to come home to.  The art and mirror gallery arrangement is also very unique but very comfortable

This guest bedroom is again just beautiful!  The colour palette is classic and warm, perfect for guests!  The bold stripe headboard would be too much in many cases but this colour combination and neutral wall make it work.  The roman shade, the art and the bench seating add visual impact to the space without being over whelming…
 

You can decorate an entire home with neutrals but in order to keep it visually interesting play with textures, layers and mix all neutrals together,

Each
space flows well together but has their own identity. The dining room
is covered in a neutral wallpaper for added warmth, while a large
lantern serves as an apropos lighting choice over the table. – See more
at: http://meganmorrisblog.com/#sthash.MxoMjFuh.dpuf
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we-answer-wednesday-bathroom-accessories
“I’m always struggling to find accessories for my bathroom. I have no idea what a good bathroom accessory is. Any suggestions?”
 
 
Great question! Often a room that is overlooked, bathrooms should be beautiful too! Bathroom accessories are what personalize a space and are a great place to add fun colour you may not have anywhere else in your home.
 
Try adding colored or patterned towels to your space. There are so many great colours and options, you can choose anything! If you’re stuck, try choosing a colour out of your shower curtain and adding that. No shower curtain? Neutral with a pattern with add that visual interest you’re looking for. Of course, if your bathroom is
already bright and colourful.. a clean, crisp neutral with a subtle pattern will add that extra pop!
 

Small faux plants are a nice touch. There are many plants that are artificial but you can even tell! Choose a plant to place on your countertop or on another surface you have such as a shelf, toilet, edge of a bathtub. 

I love candles in a bathroom. I think it gives the space a serene feel and they smell great! Beautiful candle holders, or just candles on their own are another great layer to add to the bathroom accessory list. You can have one large or a grouping of smaller ones. Choose something you love. 

Art is a nice touch as well. Somewhere in the bathroom you will likely have a bit of wall space for a small piece or two. Add something that goes nicely with your previously selected colour palette. It doesn’t have to all be the same as what you have but something with a hint of consistency will blend beautifully into the space. 

Small trays for jewelry and personal items are a functional and pretty option to keep on the countertop. Choose something shiny!  Maybe something that matches the handles in your bathroom such as gold, chrome or brass. The continuation of similar metals makes your space look well thought out, and very harmonious.   But don’t leave too much jewelry on display or anything really expensive!

 
The key is to repeat a colour. Having 7 different colours, patterns and textures may seem like a good idea, but it will likely just have an eclectic feel. Try to use some consistency and repeat an accent colour you have already started
with. 
And for anyone looking to sell their home, don’t forget about staging your bathroom it really sets the scene for buyers.  The bathroom is a hot spot that buyers look for so show it off with simple accessories. Create that ‘dream’ bathroom for those buyers!
 
 Goodluck!

 

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styling-bookcase

So many times we go into homes where the bookcase is an eye sore, when it should be a beautiful showcase of beloved items and treasures. Many people collect lots of books, but then overcrowd their shelves. A bookcase is a fantastic place to create a focal point in a room and show off beautiful accessories, photos as well as of course, books.

Here are some tips on how to create a stylish bookcase.

1. Don’t overcrowd the shelves.

In some instances, floor to ceiling shelves covered in books can be a really nice a look, if the books are arranged in an orderly fashion. Most people don’t take the time to organize the books in a visually interesting way and over the years it just becomes a whole bunch of add-ons. Try de-cluttering some of the books that aren’t in great shape and tuck those away.

2. Add accessories.

Adding accessories to your bookcase is a fantastic way to add pops of colour or items you love. There are so many great accessories for bookcases: picture frames, interesting bookends, candles, decorative objects, beautiful storage boxes… Anything you want to have on display! You don’t need to add accessories to every shelf, but every other one is a nice look. Put your additional items in different spots on the shelf for a “designer look”.

 

 

3. Arrange books in a variety of patterns

Instead of just having those books standing left to right on every shelf, try stacking some on top of each other with an accessory next to it. Rotate every other shelf having them standing and stacked. The variety of the arrangement will give the bookcase more visual interest and make your accessories and beautiful books pop, where they all may have just blended together. Arranging your books by height or colour is a great organizational tool.

 

Breaking up the bookcase with different ways of displaying books and adding in decor pieces makes it look clean, organized and functional,
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all-about-wall-decor-ideas

 

Wall Décor is something we feel is crucial to every home. Whether you have modern décor, a country home, or a very traditional style of decorating, wall décor is what really pulls a space together. The amount of wall décor in a given home may vary depending on home style and personal taste. Many people have a hard time choosing the correct art to suit their home décor style, or lack the creativity to incorporate something other than photographs or pictures into their space. Wall Décor options are endless!

Here we will give you some suggestions on some wall décor variations other than the traditional artwork.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any space. The variations and options of mirror shapes, sizes, colours, textures is so vast – you can find anything you want. Mirrors can go in many places in your home as well. If you have an empty wall above your sofa, a large rectangular mirror in a great metallic or three smaller starburst mirrors in scattered pattern are a fabulous option.

 

 

 2. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall. Depending on what your style preference is, there are so many colours and wood shelves that will really add another dimension to your space. Open shelving is a great way to display family photos, accessories and whatever other small items you’d like to showcase in your home. Open shelving can be one shelf or a variety of shelves in different shapes and configurations. Open shelves look great in almost all rooms of the home, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.

 

 

3. Wall Decals

 

Wall Decals are used most often in children’s rooms, and they’re great because if a child grows out of them, it’s not a matter of changing the paint so often. There are also many options for wall decals for main living areas, whether it be a lovely quote or a pattern of some sort, wall decals are a fantastic option, especially for people who are living in rental homes/apartments and don’t want to spend the money on paint, these are stickers that peel off without leaving any damage.

4. Gallery Walls and Unique Art Arrangements

A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of elements you love, whether it be frames of family photos, quotes, small mirrors, an accessory, or just decorative frames. Creating a gallery wall in your home is a personal touch that makes any space feel like home. Be creative with what you add. Whether you like the look of a uniform wall with all the same frames arranged in very straight and evenly spaced, or if you like an eclectic mix of some of your favourite things, this feature is bound to be a focal point in your home.

 

 

5. Large Accessories

 
Deer heads, clocks, stars, metal wall art, various geometric shapes, porcelain birds etc are all great things to add to your space. Add what you love!
This is your home and you need to love it. So, make it yours!

 

 

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colourful-place-settings

We love dinner parties! From the great food and wine to the fantastic company, throwing dinner parties is such a great way to enjoy food, friends and family. We know that there are a lot of aspects that contribute to a great dinner party, and having a beautiful place setting is one of them! Putting together plates, napkins, placemats and glasses is a pretty basic thing to do .. but creating a beautiful place setting is more of a challenge! A dinner party is so elegant when the table is ready when guests arrive. We know from working with our clients that sometimes incorporating colour into places in your home can be intimidating – and we know your dinner table is no different! Well, fear no more! This blog is going to show you the best places to incorporate colour into your place settings without sending you running for the hills!

 

1. Start with a place mat or charger.

This is a FANTASTIC place to incorporate colour. Most people have a set of white or ivory dishes, which is perfectly fine! White is a timeless neutral and can be dressed up or dressed down, and also goes with everything! Add a charger underneath your dinner plates. Having a set of chargers is a great investment. They don’t have to be china, all they need to be is beautiful and to your taste! Chargers can be as inexpensive as you’d like, so having a few different sets won’t cost a fortune!

 

 

If you don’t have chargers, than a place mat is another great option. Colourful place mats are a great addition to your table & don’t have to break the bank! Colourful, patterned, textured, whatever you like! This gives your table a more refined look and adds a different element.

 

 

2. Mix up your serve ware.

 
Do you have a stunning set of china getting dusty in your buffet? Bring it out! Life is too short to worry about a chipped glass or plate. These beautiful items are meant to be used. Incorporating a vintage bowl on top of your white plate and colourful china adds another layer to your table and adds interest as well. Among all that, it’s a conversation starter! You can be sure one of your guests is going to ask about the beautiful dish that is in front of them. If your concerned about breakage still, maybe the bowl is just decorative. It can be moved off the plate upon dinner being ready.
 
Do you have a set of silver that never gets touched? Bring it out! Show off these family pieces or collectables. No one sees them hiding in a cabinet and adding different elements to your table scape makes it unique and personalized!
Colourful glassware is something we are seeing a lot of these days too! Tinted wine glasses, coloured water glasses, glasses with coloured stems, be creative! There are many places to add your flair.

 3. Add a table runner or table cloth

 
Depending on the formality of your party, adding a table cloth or table runner will add another layer, and an opportunity for more colour! There are so many fun patterns and colours of table linens available. If your charger/place mats, plates and bowls are all solid colours, this is the perfect place to add some pattern! It doesn’t have to be a crazy pattern like animal print, a simple subtle pattern would be beautiful too. Depending what you like, this options are truly unlimited. Are you having a formal party? Try a beautiful damask patterned table cloth. Is this a casual dinner with friends? A geometric table runner would add interest and variety to your table.

4. The Centerpiece

 

The best place to add colour. Fresh flowers, candles, you name it! Fresh flowers come in all shapes, sizes and colours. You could do one large vase, multiple small vases, vases in colours with neutral flowers, glass vases with bright flowers, vases with multicolored flowers… whatever you like! Do your thing!

Remember – keep it simple, keep it seasonal and have a great time,

 

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we-answer-wednesday-all-about-holiday
“I am always looking at magazines for ideas for my centerpieces, but they all look so expensive and hard to put together. How can I get that look for my home?”

So many people are entertaining from home these days. This is a fad that many thought wouldn’t stick around but entertaining at home is typically more budget friendly and a great way to show off your beautiful home! There are a lot of different ways to throw a dinner party from a formal party to a backyard BBQ, but regardless of your type of party, 9 times out of 10, there will be a centerpiece on the dinner table.

Here are some suggestions on what to use as a centerpiece for your dinner parties.

Floral centerpieces

– are a classic and traditional option. There are so many different types of floral arrangements that can be present on your table. So how does one decide?
 

Incorporate a colour scheme

Part of hosting is making things look nice for your guests. Plan your floral arrangement based on a predetermined colour scheme. For example, if you have all white dishes and serve ware, incorporating another colour will enhance the table setting. Maybe you love purple and don’t own any purple dinner accessories. A centerpiece is a fabulous place to incorporate it. A white and purple floral arrangement would be a beautiful way to spice up your traditional white dishes.

There are so many sizes and shapes and styles of centerpieces to create. Depending on the size of your table, you may have the space to have multiple arrangements on the table. A series of small vases instead of one large arrangement gives your table a fresh look. It doesn’t have to be flowers either! As you can see in this photo, beautiful and bold lilacs in these oversized teal vases with glass bottles mixing in for fun make a big impact but the arrangement is so simple, paired with robin’s egg blue dinner plates and glasses set on the rough textured, reclaimed wood harvest table looks absolutely incredible for a spring dinner or wedding

 

Candles

Candles are another classic option for a center piece. These can be arranged in many different ways using various colours, sizes and textures. Candle centerpieces have so much DIY potential, and with sites like Pinterest and Houzz, the options are truly endless for what you can do! There’s no reason to go crazy expensive either… Simple is beautiful too. If you’re looking for a wow-factor, be creative with your arrangement, it will look great!!

Holiday Themed Centerpieces are so much fun.

For Christmas, try adding ornaments into a large dish. Throw in a little sparkle if you can! A little glitter by candle light will make your table shine.

When it comes to ‘dressing up’ your table think about these important points…

  1. Time of year, seasonal decor is easy to find so it won’t be a stressful endeavor to under take

  1. Type of gathering.  Is it formal? Casual? Family-friendly? Inside or Outside?  This will be vital when decide what to put on that table
  1. How crafty are you? There are tons of great ideas with glue guns, glitter and so much more but if you aren’t a crafty soul you could get stressed out, keep it simple, sometimes the simplest decor makes the most impact.
  1. Waste.  If you worry about waste think about edible centerpieces like fruit, candy, nuts or even beautiful artisan bread laid and displayed in a chic way.  If you opt for florals, think about how you could re-purpose the arrangements in your own home or give them away as a ‘prize’ like you often see at Weddings.

 

 

You can do so much with basics like ribbon, mason jars, flowers, paint, glitter, flowers, twigs, burlap, leaves, pumpkins, nuts, fruit, coffee beans, candles and other basics from around the home, the possibilities are really endless…

 

We love the look of a simple and seasonal centerpiece – celebrate the beauty that surrounds you everyday and embrace it!

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home-update-adding-reclaimed-wood

We love the look of reclaimed wood. So many people are styling their homes with a more rustic look these days and we’re all in! There is nothing cozier than the addition of warm tones throughout your home. While this may not be to everyone’s taste, those who like it, like it a lot! So how do you add this look to your home without re-vamping your whole décor? Easy!

Having every single surface in your home in various wood tones will begin to feel redundant and very cottage-y. Which is not a bad thing if that’s the look you’re going for. If you’re looking for a décor refresh, adding reclaimed wood tones to your space is a fabulous way to change the feel of your home without swapping everything you own.

1. Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table.

This is something that is sold in furniture and home décor stores everywhere!
The options are endless. Various tones and types of wood make the varieties borderline overwhelming. The variety of base options and elements will match any space. A reclaimed wood cable table is something that will stand the test of time, as wood is a classic material, so don’t think that this isn’t an investment piece. Decide what look you want in your space and build from there. A modern home maybe have a lot of chrome elements, and a reclaimed table with a chrome base will complement the existing décor.

2. Wood Lighting Fixture

You may think that sounds like something that belongs in a chalet but it’s not! So many light fixtures are super versatile, and work in a multitude of spaces. The addition of wood to a space almost instantly adds a warm and cozy vibe, depending on the décor of the space. If your whole home is ultra-modern with white and black leather everywhere a singular light fixture may not instantly do the trick, but you’re certainly on your way if that’s the idea! Adding various elements to your home give your home depth and personality. So, buy what you love!

 

 

3. Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall

This is such a cool idea and a fantastic DIY project. There are so many tutorials on how to make one yourself. But if you’re not a savvy do-it-yourself-er, this is also something that are sold in many places. The addition of the wood wall is such a cozy addition to a space, there are even wallpapers that look like reclaimed wood, without the price tag!

4. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Sideboard

Another fabulous addition to add into your space. There are so many options with reclaimed wood. Do you want a studded metal detail? A chrome base? Do you love the look of wrought iron? Round? Square? Rectangular? The options are truly endless! A reclaimed wood dining set is a great investment piece for a multitude of reasons: 1. Such versatility! If you suddenly decide you love contemporary décor, fabulous! This works. Traditional décor? No problem! A solid wood table is a long lasting investment and typically, worth every penny.

 

5. Reclaimed Wood Headboards

This is a fabulous DIY project. A reclaimed wood headboard is such a fun addition to any space. There are so many links for making this at home, and it is a fabulous budget friendly option. This addition to your home is a warm and cozy material and your bedroom is definitely somewhere you want to feel warm and comfortable!

 

 

6. Add Wood Accessories.

The most budget friendly addition to your home: accessories. If you love the wood look and are looking for cost savings, this is the place. There are so many home décor stores that carry such great wooden accessories be it a wooden horse, lamps with a wooden base, a wooden tray to add to your coffee table, wooden candle holders.. the options are endless!
Even small changes make a difference in your home!
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we-answer-wednesday-all-about-accen

“I love the look of accent walls, but I’m nervous to do it in my home. How do I decide which wall I should add the accent to? And what colour should I do?” 

 

 

Using an accent wall in your home adds so many different elements to a room.

A pop of colour showcases your personality, adds interest and a focal point to a room. The options are endless! You can add a bold paint colour, patterned wallpaper, neutral tones, a pattern with paint, solid wallpaper … you can do whatever you want, and it’s your home!

Adding an accent wall is a great and inexpensive way to update a room without a huge price tag and commitment. If this is your first time adding an accent wall to your home, we suggest not going too crazy with the colour you chose.

 

Having an accent wall in an open concept space helps to define certain areas of the home without having the put up walls, similar to how having area rugs help to separate the spaces. But there are a few questions you have to ask yourself before you create an accent wall…

 

What is the style of the room you want to add an accent wall to?

 

If your room is very neutral and traditional adding a super bold colour like a solid orange may be way too much. It won’t flow nicely…And it will likely be the only thing you’ll notice in the room. You want your accent wall to be just that, a nice accent. Not an eyesore. If your room is full of blue tones…Maybe adding a navy accent wall, or a wallpaper with blue tones throughout.

 

 

Adding an accent wall looks best when there is some harmony through the space. Having an all blue room and then a yellow wall may not flow the way you expected. Now, having a pattern with blues and the addition of yellow throughout as well may be the perfect balance.

 

 

Create a focal point.

 

If you’re unsure which wall to paint an accent wall- just think about which wall you want to be the focal point of the room. Do you have a wall with a fireplace that is a prominent feature in the space? Paint that wall! Or a couch and art you want to emphasize.

 

 

For bedrooms, the wall the bed is against is a common wall to add an accent to; it really makes the bed stand out. Maybe you have a really beautiful dresser and mirror on one wall, paint the wall behind that to make a statement and accentuate the beautiful furniture.

 

In a dining room, a great wall to paint is the one you see as you walk in, the view of the table and lighting and then a bold statement wall behind will create a lovely focal point as well.

 

 

 

The options truly are endless. Try to make the room flow and use colours that aren’t completely random to your space. If you have lots of beige and taupes, a chocolate brown accent wall makes sense. Staying within the colour family you have currently, is a no fail rule to create a beautiful space for a home décor newbie.

 
 An accent wall can add real drama to your space,
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tips-for-decorating-boys-bedroo

There are so many cute boys’ bedroom décor options between the duvet, artwork, rugs and furniture. It can be overwhelming! But how do you narrow down what exactly to buy? Depending on the age of your child, and his tastes, most people don’t want to have to change the room once a year as their child grows up. In this blog we’ll help you determine where it’s best to spend, and where it’s best to save.

 

Buy quality furniture.

Furniture is something that they don’t have to grow out of for a lot of years. Once your child is old enough to have a twin bed, that’s something he could have for 10 years. Buying a quality bed is a good investment, since quality will stand the test of time. Buying a cheap bed will likely need to be replaced in 2-3 years. And doing that a few times over the years will end up costing you more than if you had invested in a solid piece earlier.
Purchase a quality dresser. Another piece of furniture your child will have for 10 + years. If it is a classic style and finish, it won’t be something he will tire of. A quality dresser is something that can last forever. It can go to college when it’s time! This is another item that is definitely worth the investment.


A desk is something that is also a great investment.

This is a personal preference for parents, because many kids may not get homework done in their bedrooms. If your kids need supervision during homework time, this may not be a necessity for your household.

The less expensive items for decor

The accessories are the items that are interchangeable. As your child grows, naturally his tastes will change. When he is five maybe he loves superman and cars.. but that isn’t something that he is necessarily going to love when he is 11. These smaller ticket items aren’t going to set you back a whole lot of money.

 

                                

Buying a neutral duvet cover

is a great idea. Choose a colour palette that won’t get tiresome and add the accessories that are less expensive in. Throw pillows, a cozy blanket and some fun sheets are a great place to add a favourite superhero or maybe sports accessories! Many places such as West Elm Kids, Pottery Barn Kids, and Land of Nod have quality accessories that wont break the bank!

Inexpensive kids artwork is available through many retailers and websites.. whether it be cartoons, cars or animals, it is a great addition to a space without being locked in forever.

Area rug

Flor Tiles  are another great option for a kids room. Most kids have a play area in their bedroom, but buying an area rug can really run up a bill. These carpet tiles can be pealed and replaced should something happen to one of them for anywhere between 12-25 dollars per tile.
 
When I decorated my boys’ bedroom – I let them give me ideas- mostly on colour.  I really wanted to stay away from anything too themed.  So we have some great bold red and white striped duvet covers and then we have some fun bed sheets.  The duvets will last longer which is why I wanted some that weren’t attached to a theme.
I added a mix of art with a super hero theme (but as they get older – I can replace it and it didn’t cost a lot).  I also hung up their art and some photos (they love looking at photos of themselves!) I like to see lots of print and colours in a child’s bedroom but I think you can do that without going over budget or getting caught up in a theme.  Luckily I haven’t had to make many changes to their bedroom in terms of decor!
 
Remember to have fun when decorating for a kids room! You want them to love it and showcase their personality at the same time.
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we-answer-wednesday-proscons-of

“What are the pros/cons of installing laminate flooring? I always see such affordable sales on laminate but wonder if it will last or what the quality will be like…”

 Laminate flooring products have come a long way over the years.  Laminate now comes in so many different colours, textures and sizes. The versatility they offer is undeniably a fantastic option for many reasons. There are laminate products made to look like various stone floors, and more commonly, as hardwood floors. Laminate products come in barn board, wide plank, textured, matte, there are options with sheen, and the colour and tone options could go on forever. With many laminate flooring options, you can’t even tell it’s not hardwood because it looks just as fantastic as a hardwood product. (Or even better!)

 

Cost/Installation:

Laminate flooring is definitely an excellent cost saving flooring, and you’re not compromising style. Laminate is cheaper and easier to install than hardwood. Laminate flooring can be placed on top of almost any existing floor with the exception of carpet. There are many manufacturers who offer a glue-free, tongue-and-groove system. The interlocking planks make it an easy installation for a weekend project for all you savvy DIY-ers. Laminate can be uninstalled without damaging the laminate or the original flooring that is underneath.

 

 
Durability/Cleaning:
Of course, for re-sale of your home, hardwood is preferred by some buyers. Hardwood is more expensive and in some cases, can be less durable. The great thing about laminate is that it is MORE durable than hardwood. Laminate flooring works well in high-traffic areas and homes with pets. It is scratch-resistant and so easy to clean. Just use a dust mop or a mop dampened with water. Most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty on their product.
 

 

Of course, Laminate has its drawbacks as well. With hardwood, once it begins to look tired, it can be re-stained. Laminate cannot, and will have to be replaced. Luckily, there will be a warranty. Laminate flooring is also not always the best for noise absorption. It can often have a hollow sound when you walk on it, but installing an acoustic underlay will help reduce the noise.  And when it comes to resale market, most buyers do prefer hardwood but some of the laminate products on the market it is hard to tell them apart.

 

 We are loving the different options that we are seeing in laminate – our favourite are the amazing reclaimed wood look in these floors – it has so much character and adds some much interest to a space!
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