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HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 7 Low cost Home Staging Tips

we-answer-wednesday-low-cost-home-staging-tips

“We are selling our home and moving to a new city due to a job transfer.  I know home staging sets you apart from the competition.  We want to sell quickly and make the move to the new city easy.  We are on a tight budget, do you have any quick, easy and low budget home staging tips to share?”

 

You are absolutely right! Home staging sets you apart from the other homes on the market and you want to stand out in the crowd especially if you are in a market with lots of competition.  Every style of home can benefit from home staging.  Home staging can get you more money and help you sell faster, so the extra work to get the home prepared for the market will be worth it in the end.  Less time on the market means you can move forward with your new chapter in life without the extra stress and worry.

There are lots of quick and easy, low cost (and no-cost) staging tips. 

Here’s what we suggest:

– Clean.

I’m sure your home is clean but is it spit shine clean? Really get in there and clean that house.  Give it a good scrub down.  Buyers will notice and the home will feel great.  There is nothing like a super clean home.  Having said that, pay attention to the scent of the home.  You don’t want it to smell like harsh chemicals of bleach – that can be a turn off. Stick with scents like clean laundry, vanilla or cotton.

–  Repair.

This may cost a bit, it depends on what needs to be repaired and how handy you are.  Any burnt out light bulbs? leaky faucets? cracked tiles? chipped paint? You need to spend a bit of money here to tend to these issues.   Has it been a while since you painted the house?  You might want to consider a paint job – a fresh paint job goes a long way and make a huge difference! Over look these repairs or just leave it? Buyers will think you maybe left other issues unresolved, bigger issues. If there are too many repairs to pay for and maybe you don’t have the time, consider that when pricing your home with your agent.

– De-clutter.

We all have junk.  Since you are moving anyway this is a great opportunity to lose some weight.  Go through your stuff and get rid of what you don’t want/need you will be surprised how much you can accumulate in a short period of time.  Go through everything – drawers, closets, cabinets etc.  Don’t spend the time, money and energy moving to the new place to just to toss it – get rid of it now.  The house will feel lighter. Plus when buyers see clutter it is a stresser and it sends a message that there isn’t enough storage (one of the top things buyers are looking for is storage).  One area to really pay attention to is above the kitchen cabinets – don’t store anything up there, it’s distracting and looks messy (even decorative items) and bathroom counter tops, we tend to ‘collect’ soap, lotions and more. Clear off surface spaces – kitchen counters, your coffee table, end tables, kitchen table, desk etc…Clear out the clutter!

– Pre-pack and depersonalize.

You know you are moving , so pre-pack certain items that you know are going to come with you.  For instance family photos and collections – we don’t want them in the space because they personalize the space – you don’t want buyers to feel like they are visiting, you want them to mentally move in – your memories will block that from happening.  Collectibles should also be packed up – again they are personal plus they can clutter up the space depending on the size of the collection.  Have a lot of art or books? A few are fine but if you have too many they can add bulk to the room making the space feel cramped, so pre-pack some of those pieces (at least the ones coming with you)

 

– Let there be light!

Pull back the drapes, clean those windows and be sure to replace burnt out bulbs or up the wattage.  Light makes a huge difference in a space.  If you have a dark room, add some table or floor lamps. When it is time for your photos, be sure to have your lights on – over head, task lights all of your lights – it looks so much better in photos! Take a look at the two images below – image 1 has all of the lights on – even though they have beautiful natural light streaming in from the patio doors and window.  Look how bright the room is. Image 2 – no lights on at all.  The light from the window just isn’t enough.  Yes, it is a beautiful room but it looks a bit dull without the lights on.

 

         

– Curb appeal.

Make sure the exterior is maintained, it’s your home’s first impression.  So trim the grass and hedges.  Make sure exterior lights are in working order.  Is the address plate visible and in good condition? Does the door bell work? Shovel or sweep the porch and walkway/driveway. These details are important.

 

– Set the scene.

This is the fun part and the creative part. Use magazines as your inspiration -make the bed and make it look inviting like you would see in a chic hotel.  Have a great dining room space? Set the table to help buyers visualize entertaining in the space.  Add a touch of colour in the kitchen.  Some flowers or a fruit bowl on the island or kitchen table make the room look fresh. Take a look at your furniture or better yet get a friend to help – is there too much? Is there flow? You may need to re-arrange some pieces, so try to find a way to create a comfortable set up that encourages conversation but also shows off the space.

 

Be sure to keep the ‘creative’ stuff last and follow these steps in this order. Remember, home staging isn’t just about fluffing pillows  – it’s a step by step process to make the home look it’s best.  Buyers are looking for their new home not your old home, so follow these steps and your house will shine!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

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

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“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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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Hot Home Decor Trends for 2017

hot-home-decor-trends-for-2017

As we slowly approach the end of another year, there is an excitement in the air! A new year means renewal, a fresh start but also new and fresh ideas! For home decor, we are excited to see what 2017 will bring to store shelves and magazine pages but we do have some predictions as to what we will be seeing in the new year for interior decorating.

 

1.  Neutrals:

Usually there is a ‘hot’ colour that we see emerge each year but this year expect to see a lot of neutrals.  White and black are classics and are never out of style but expect to see a lot of black and white trends for home decor.  Shades of grey will still be popular as well as cooler beige tones.

2.Wood:

We have already seen a comeback of wood in late 2016, we expect that trend will continue.  We will see wood in floors, furniture, art and accessories.  Wood with lots of texture and tones.

3. Global influences:

Every year it seems that interior decorating takes on some inspiration from somewhere in the world.  this year is no exception, this year expect to see a big surge of Scandinavian design.  There is more to Scandinavian influence than IKEA – white (like the snow), wood, simple design with a modern minimal edge are just some of what you can expect to see.

4. Ashy filter:

All of the woods, fabrics and other textures will all have a touch of a grey to them.  Almost as though they have been grey-washed or a grey filter to them.  This gives everything a toned down and cooler look – like driftwood.

5. Finish:

Expect to see a lot of matte or dull finishes in metals but also wood stains and paint.  High gloss is out.

6. Warm textures:

Smooth and sleek textures like glass and marble were once the hottest trends on the market but this year warm and natural textures will be hot for 2017. Such as wood, cork, sisal, rattan  leather, and knits.

7. Defined living spaces:

The ‘super’ open concept plans for living spaces where everything is in one big room won’t be as popular.  We won’t have tiny compartment rooms but we will have floor plans that are a mix of open and more traditional living offering some privacy and also designated spaces.

8. Purple, Blue and Green:

Although 2017 will be very much about neutrals we predict that purple, blue and green will be very visible this coming year.  This deep jewel inspired tones such as – plum, eggplant, blackberry, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. We will see this in accessories more than furniture.

We hope 2017 is your most stylish year at home, let us know how you plan on incorporating any of these trends in your home…

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Matching Wood stains : furniture and floors

we-answer-wednesday-matching-wood

“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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HOLIDAYS, HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Seasonal Decor while Selling

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“Our home is on the resale market, the kids love Halloween and they love to decorate the house.  Should we decorate for Halloween while the house is up for sale or not?”

 

It’s fun to celebrate the holidays with decor and kids love it too but you need to keep in mind that holiday decor can be distracting for buyers.

 

We definitely recommend staying away from religious decor as it could offend or turn-off some buyers and you never know who is coming to look at your home.

 

We also recommend you don’t go ‘over the top’ when it comes to decor for the holidays.  Decor can add a lot of clutter into a space making it feel and look cramped which isn’t a positive for buyers.  Plus really over the top decor can be a huge distraction – buyers want and need to see the true features of the home like the room sizes, natural light, beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and floors .

 

 

If you MUST decorate for the holidays, consider this:

1.  Do NOT decorate for the holidays before photos.  This will date your photos and they won’t show off the actual features of your home.

 

2. Do keep it simple and tasteful.  For Halloween, put up some simple pieces on the exterior.  Nothing scary or gory – if you are in a family friendly area this will work for the buying clientele.

THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A ‘DON’T’ FOR HALLOWEEN DECOR (WHEN SELLING) – IT IS PRETTY GORY AND BLOODY AND SCARY.

 

3. Do NOT decorate too early and keep up the decor for a long time.  Think about decorating for the holidays just before and removing everything a day or two after the holiday – don’t decorate weeks early and keep it up for months.

 

4. Do decorate for the season.  So having some fall decor like pumpkins or fall wreath is neutral and welcoming but remember to keep it simple.

 

Remember once you are settled in your new home you can go all out for holiday decor so maybe this year just collect lots of great ideas!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – nook spaces

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“I have two places in my home that are just ‘small nooks’ and I have no idea what to do with them! One is at my entry way and the other is a ‘loft space’ at the top of my stairs. What do you suggest?”
Great question! I think we all have that one space in our home that we just don’t know what to do with. Depending on the size of your space – you have lots of versatility!
 

An entry table –

Always a great option and the good thing about a console is that it comes in many shapes, sizes, finishes, colours, materials etc etc. You are definitely going to be able to find something in the correct size you need. Depending on your space you may have the opportunity for a DIY too! Customizing furniture to fit your homes décor and space is always a fun way to personalize your home.

 

Bookcase –

I know I speak for many of us when I say you can never have too much storage. Plus bookcases are fantastic space for displaying books, personal photos, accessories and much more.

A desk space –

Depending how much traffic flow you would have, adding a small desk and a chair is a great idea for an extra home work space. Its nice to be able to utilize all your spaces in your home in a useful way.
 

 Dresser –

A little more unconventional but still a great piece that has closed storage!
 

Built in shelves –

This is a more expensive option BUT also a great one for getting exactly the use of the space you need. Need shelves, hooks and cabinets all in one? I would suggest investing in a custom piece and tailoring to your exact needs.

Floating Shelves –

Depending how small the space is, adding floating shelves can serve as extra storage in a small nook. Having floating shelves also doesn’t take up the floor space that a bookcase would so it will appear larger. Just make sure you mount them well and don’t add anything too heavy!

 
Storage shouldn’t just be functional it should be stylish too!
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HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR

8 Fall Home Decor Must-Haves

8-fall-home-decor-must-haves

Fall is one of our favourite seasons- we love the crisp weather, the cozy sweaters but mostly we love the gorgeous colours and all the beauty that this season has to offer!

Here are some of our favourite staples to celebrate the Fall season:

 

1 – Exterior

– create a welcoming vignette at the front door.  This is such an inviting way to greet guests.  We love a bench or chair with some burlap pillows, pumpkins and a wreath.  So simple but so stylish.

2 – Orange

– orange is a great colour, it works with all decor styles and it looks great with neutrals.  Try adding some small accents of orange to your regular home decor.

3 – Metallics

– if you want a more glamorous or luxurious nod to fall, try playing with metallic tones like gold, bronze and copper.   This is a great look anywhere but we love it on a fireplace mantle or a dining table centerpiece. These tones really compliment the season.

4 – Nature

– add the beauty of nature to your space.  A simple floral or branch arrangement is easy.  A bowl of apples, gourds, corn, wood etc…the sky is the limit!  Bring the beauty of the outdoor indoors.

5 – Plaid

– this pattern is synonymous with the fall season.  It has a cozy factor and there are endless choice in terms of colours and styles.  To add a touch of coziness to your space this fall season, add some plaid! Pillows and blankets are easy ways to do that!

6 – Texture

– this time of year we see some many textures outside, the trees, leaves, pumpkins, gourds plus all of the textures in our fall clothing.  Bring that inspiration inside and play with textures in your space. And don’t forget to add some soft and cozy textures like chunky knitted blankets and (faux) fur pieces like pillows and throws.

7 –  Animals

– we have seen deer heads and antlers (real and faux) for a while in home decor – it had a bit of an ironic twist but now we are seeing the beauty of animals in pillows and art.

8 – Lanterns

– the days are getting shorter this time of year, so add some more light with a flame.  This adds another layer of lighting plus it adds to the scene.  Lanterns are a great element to add to your decor, too – they add a rustic touch!

Fall is my favourite season and I just love to bring in my favourite pieces of this season – texture, colour and natural elements make my home so cozy. I hope you enjoy decorating for this stunning season, too!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – White Walls

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“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

How to Decorate with Stripes

how-to-decorate-with-stripes

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…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Layer your rugs

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“I see cowhide rugs everywhere.  I purchased one but it’s too small for my living room.  How can I use it ?”

Cowhide (real or faux) is a great way to add some natural animal elements to a room and also some texture.  We love how every cowhide is unique – it’s adds a cool and organic element to a room.  But you are right the size can be tricky especially in a larger room.

Try this – it’s actually a great trick for any area rug that you want to use that’s too small…

Layer it!

Yes, that’s right – layer it!  OK let us explain.  The cowhide is going to add a great graphic pop or natural texture to your space.  Underneath the cowhide use another rug in the correct size – in a neutral tone (we highly recommend a rug that is close in tone to the wall to wall floors).  We love the look of another natural textured rug like a sea grass or sisal or recycled leather but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some examples:

Here the black and white cowhide is layered over a natural sisal – the mix of textures adds an extra element to the room.  Also the black and white pillows add even more visual interest in the space.

Try layering multiple rugs in one room.  Keep the largest one in a neutral and then the medium one is next and lat the smallest.  Feel free to lay them in an off set manner.  They don’t need to be completely centered and perfect. We like the look in this clean and modern space.  The walls being white allow for a ‘busier’ floor.  Notice the cream rug is layered with a black and white stripe and a cow hide.  It adds such a sophisticated feel to the space.

This is also a great way to update a space that has wall to wall carpet

You might think that this technique doesn’t make a difference but it does!  The larger rug pulls the eye out and wide and the smaller rug adds a pop of colour/print so the room still looks big and spacious whereas just having an area rug that’s too small will make the room appear small as well. In order for this to be effective – the largest rug must be of the proper size for the room.

You can also angle the rugs – they don’t have to be straight on and centered. This can work in any room, too!

This is a great way to still use your favourite area rugs even though they are too small!

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