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kiki interiors

black-and-white

Black and White is a classic!  It is always “in” and works with so many different styles of decor.  Here are a few of our favourite rooms in black and white.

This condo living room is gorgeous! We love a consistent colour palette in smaller spaces but what’s so effective here is all of the white-on-white and accents of black and silver.  The white walls and furniture blend together making the space feel so much bigger.  The glass and silver add so much glamour to the space.

Another stunning living room, we love that this black and white has some ethnic elements with the choices of print and pattern but also materials.  We love to mix patterns but also materials.  The small touches of gold add some shine to the room

This dining area is relaxed but still modern.  The clean, black table paired with Eiffel chairs keeps it cool but the mix makes it relaxed.   The over sized lighting also makes a big statement in the room adjoining rooms.

We love an accent wall and in black and white so chic! This stripe wall in this work space adds instant drama.

Black and White is the bedroom is so chic.  We love the over sized mirrors with mini chandeliers in this bedroom paired with the modern bed frame make this space very unique but still very stylish.

We love the simple glamour of this bedroom.  The full and fluffy white bedding with lots of layers against the black wall is so chic.  And the added detail on that black wall just takes it to the next level. The sphere chandelier is modern but with a classic twist.

We love black and white photography, gallery walls, pillows, prints, area rugs and so much more.  when it comes to decorating your space in this classic contrast don’t be afraid to mix up prints and textures.  In fact you really should so that you get a chic designer look .

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“OK, Please help!  I just found out I’m hosting the office Christmas party.  It’s in 3 weeks and I have never hosted this type of party ever.  I need to provide food and drinks (luckily I have some friends who are going to help with that) but I’d like to decorate as well without spending a fortune and easy but stylish holiday decorating ideas??”

 

The holiday season is so much fun but it can be stressful.  Throwing a Christmas cocktail party in 3 weeks might feel impossible but it isn’t!  Good for you for enlisting some support in the food and beverage department.  It’s OK to ask for help.

 

If you do not own any holiday decor items, it might be a good idea to ask friends and family if they have any decorations around the house that they aren’t using.  This could save you a lot of time and money.

 

If you want to do it all on your own but on a budget there are lots of fun and festive ways to decorate on a budget.

1.  Use items you have around the house already like vases.

We love filling vases with season items like pine cones, ribbons and bows, candy canes and even ornaments – for a clean and simple look but it still celebrates the season.

 

2. Add a few natural elements for an instant Christmas feel.

We love this simple wood tray with candles, pine cones, simple metallic ornaments and some cedar branches on this coffee table.  It is perfect and simple.  Try a scented candle for an extra special touch.

 

 

3. Edible arrangements are easy and fun.

We love this simple and clean centerpiece with votive candles, cranberries and some cedar branches.

 

4. Wrap some old boxes and use them in corners or by the fireplace.

So simple and still very festive.  Not great at wrapping? You can purchase pretty boxes from more Dollar stores, add a bow and you are done.  We love these 3 boxes on candle sticks – perfect on a console entry to welcome guests!

 

5. Recycle your bottles and make them beautiful with some winter berries or other faux foliage.

We love these green glass bottles with winter berries.  A bit of a rustic feel for the holiday season.  Perfect on a mantle or as a centerpiece.

 

6. Candy!

Christmas candy is so pretty so why not show it off? We love this simple Christmas candy tower and you know what? It’s a great DIY gift for a host, neighbour or teacher.  The vase can be re-used and the candy, who doesn’t love candy??

7.  Welcome guests with a wreath!

Wreaths are a great accessory for the front door.  But you can definitely bring them inside.  They look great on walls (this year I’m adding one to my gallery wall), windows, mantles and interior doors – why not? Look for wreaths that are your style – shiny, big, bold, natural, there are so many to choose from.  Crafty? Try making your own.

 

A few other things to consider….

– Colour palette:

Who says you have to stick to the traditional green, red and white? Mix it up a bit! Try bold and bright tones like hot pink, purple, aqua and lime green.  Go glam with white and mixed metallics.  Keep it simple with one hue like just red.  choose a colour palette that works for you!

– No room for a tree? No problem!

Look for a mini tree instead, artificial is a great option too – you can re-use it year after year.  Try a rosemary ‘tree’.  Most local supermarkets have rosemary plants in the shape of a mini Christmas tree, it’s perfect by the front door, coffee table or as a centerpiece. We also love DIY projects like these Christmas tree cones – a great option for small spaces and you can decorate them however you like!

– Light!

Candles make any event look and feel special so bring out your pillars and votives and dim the lights.  The candle light will make your place look beautiful.

– Budget.

Be sure to check out your dollar stores for decor and party supplies.  You might be very surprised at what you find on such a tight budget.

– Have a theme.

Yes, OK it’s Christmas but what is your style or theme? Stick with one colour palette and inject your sense of style.  Do you want a country Christmas or a contemporary Christmas?  There’s no wrong answer but stick to that decor theme throughout the entire home to keep it looking chic and sophisticated.  The best party planners plan their decor scheme, so we suggest you do the same.

Have fun!

It’s a party and yes the host has extra duties and responsibilities but have fun! If the party isn’t perfect, it doesn’t matter just go with it and have a good time, and everyone else will too !

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“I have a typical, TV media stand right now and I find it such an eye sore in my home. What are some unique ideas to use as a media stand in my living room?”
 
 
We agree! While the typical, glass media stand is a cheap and easy option but it certainly doesn’t enhance the style of a space. There are tons of great options that are not necessarily the ‘typical’ option but will look fabulous!

Here are 7 suggestions for ‘unique’ media stands.

 
 

1. A dresser:

Depending on how much space you have in your living room this is a fantastic option for a few reasons. It is GREAT for storage, it will hide cords and it is a unique option to have. You don’t have to choose a typical bedroom dresser, maybe a decorative option with some detail work, or some curves to the wood, perhaps in a bright colour. The flexibility with a dresser is awesome. Just make sure that the height works for your space. If you are using a lower, more modern dresser, it helps to check the height of your sofa to ensure its not too low to comfortably watch.
 

2. A chest:

Depending again on the height, having a chest with or without detail is a unique look. This is also a great
way to hide any cords etc since a chest is typically bulky.  There are so many different colours, styles, sizes and finishes to choose from! A great way to personalize your space.
 

3. A console table:

A clean lined, simple console table with a bit of storage is a great space saving option. You can hide any wires by adding baskets underneath, or a small bench or ottomans. This is very versatile and comes in many options, depending on your décor and the size of your home. Make sure that you have enough depth to hold the items you need to.
 

4. A fireplace:

Before committing to this though, make sure you have checked that your TV can with stand the heat that a fireplace will generate. For some people, having their TV over mounted or resting on the fireplace is a fabulous space saver as well as a great look!
 

5.  A bench:

Be sure your bench is sturdy enough to handle the weight of a TV but this could be a great small space solution because it won’t add a ton of bulk but pay attention to the height.

6. TV Easel:

We love this option but understand it isn’t necessarily budget friendly.  This is a great option for spaces where your wall space is limited (hello condo dwellers) plus these come of wheels so they can be moved around if you need room in your main living space if you are hosting a larger TV free party!

7. Bookcase:

Having a lower bookcase is another fantastic idea for a small space. This will incorporate a ton of storage and hold your TV – so practical!! You can never have enough storage. Plus, this is a great idea for showcasing accessories as well as being functional – doesn’t get much better than that!!
 
I believe even your most functional pieces can be stylish –
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“We will be selling our home during the holidays.  We love the holidays and especially the decorating.  Is it OK to decorate our home for the holidays while it is up for sale? “

 

We love the holidays too and the decorating is our favourite part but when it comes to selling your home you need to be careful.  Holiday decorating can be a negative when it comes to selling your home.

 

We love how simple and subtle this entry way decor is.  It is perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving season.  It is clean and tasteful.

 

Although we love this because it is both fun and festive for Halloween, it is too much if you are selling your home.  The mantle is too cluttered and crowded, and taking away from the fireplace – a great feature for any home

Here’s why:

1.  Certain holiday decor may be religious and that can turn (some) buyers off.  You need to keep the home neutral and depersonalized.

 

2.  Holiday decor (in most cases) adds clutter.  You might think adding a large Christmas tree in your family room shows off the size of the room but it actually doesn’t.  It cramps the space, adds bulk to the space and although beautiful it may even cut off the flow of the room.

 


This is a lot of fun and totally chic for a Halloween party but it’s very cluttered and is very distracting.
 

3.  Holiday decor can be distracting.  Lights, trees, baubles and bling really take the focus away from features like flooring, new paint, large windows and just about anything else that is included with the home

 

4.  Holiday decor dates your photos. We love holiday decor but if you are decked out for the holidays during your photos, those photos will get old and quickly.  No one wants to see a fireplace mantle with garlands and wreaths in late January or February (and depending on your market and price point that could be a realistic time frame).

 


This is clean and simple plus it isn’t religious.  This would be cute on a mantel or as a centerpiece during the season.

 
Now if you just can’t come to terms with not decorating for the holidays while your home is for sale, here are some ideas.

1.  Tone it down and keep it tasteful.  So keep to less than 50% of what you would normally do.


This is a great addition on the front porch or by the fireplace.  It’s clean and simple and it can be up over the months of December and January as it is pretty generic.  But remember to maintain any natural plants – you don’t want a fire hazard or pine needles everywhere!

 

2.  Keep your decor up for a shorter period of time.  So don’t put up your items too early and keep them up too long.

 

3.  Don’t have your decor ‘up’ for your photos.  That way you will be giving buyers (who are looking online) a true snapshot of what the home looks like and you will be able to use the photos longer as they won’t be dated after the holidays.

 

4.  Hosting the holidays? Be sure to let your agent know and coordinate with him/her any showing restrictions in advance – you don’t want to turn away showings if you can avoid it. It can set a bad impression.

 

Don’t forget the exterior – keep your decor simple, clean and tasteful.  White lights are very flattering and work beyond the Christmas holidays.  Also with the days getting shorter, these lights help buyers and agents see the house better!

 

This is really fun and very festive and probably a neighbourhood attraction but it is distracting and a look to avoid when selling your home.

 

Remember once you are in your new home you can make up for not being able to decorate during the sale of your last home! Happy Holidays and happy Selling!!

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For 2016, GOLD is hot!

We saw this metallic used in home decor in 2015 but this coming year it will be everywhere.

Gold is a great way to add some shine to your space but it also can add a touch of glamour or tradition depending on how you use it.  One of the great things about gold is that it works with every colour.  Paired with navy, black, white or cream it is a classic but try getting a little ‘edgy’ by pairing it with pinks, aqua, grey and prints.

When you think gold in the home you probably think fixtures like hardware, plumbing and lighting but think again….gold can be used in many other ways.


We love gold in this bedroom.

A touch of glam, modern and tradition.  The touch of gold in the hardware and the lamp base adds some sparkle and shine.  Adding these gold elements to the high lacquer and clean lined gives the room a bit of a clean modern feel.

You don’t have to go overboard when it comes to gold.

A few touches here and there really go a long way.  We love the gold edging on this coffee table and bar cart.

Re-think gold in your light fixtures.

We love this pendant.  The modern lines and angles make it simple but still interesting and having it in gold…adds some simple glamour.

Look at frames in your home, mirrors or photos, a touch of gold adds some bling and personality to any room.  We love the gold frame mirror in this powder room

 

Pillows in a gold finish is so glamorous and gorgeous!

Pair is with some texture and voila! – instantly chic!


Make a statement with bold, gold art! We love the mix of shades of pink, beige, white and gold.  Girly and fun!

Gold accessories on a coffee table, bookcase or mantel – elegant and modern.

Look for bowls, vases and candle sticks in gold for a touch of glam.

Gold furniture  is so sophisticated and modern.  We love this gold base with glass top paired with upholstered chairs.  It’s the perfect balance of traditional and modern.

 

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“I see in magazine so many people are using chandeliers in their bedrooms these days. I love the look, but am worried I won’t know how to choose the right one. What are some of the things I should be looking for when choosing a chandelier for my bedroom?”
 

Who doesn’t love a chandelier in the bedroom?

The elegant look they give a space is so beautiful. A gorgeous light fixture is such a feature in a room and lighting is something that can really change a space. Both design wise and functionally. Choosing a chandelier for your bedroom doesn’t need to be complicated!

There are tons of options out there, from rustic to modern, but chances are, your home décor is already headed in a certain direction. Be true to your style! Whether the look you desire is traditional or modern, there’s many options that will work with your decor and provide the ambient light you need.

 

If you love bling, adding a little bit of glitz and glam to your room will give it that sparkle you’re looking for. For a more traditional look, choose a chandelier with more ornamentation or decorative details. If your room’s look is more modern, a fixture with simple lines and fewer details can be a stunning touch.

 
Chandeliers usually work best in rooms with a ceiling height of more than 9 feet. Though, in a child’s bedroom, you might choose a mini-chandelier, since children’s rooms are typically smaller than master bedrooms.
A mini-chandelier may be designed more like a semi-flush light, which won’t take up as much space. This can also work in small scale dining rooms or living rooms.
 

The chandelier should complement, not overwhelm, furnishings placed underneath. One of the most noted mistakes when installing a bedroom chandelier is choosing a fixture that is too small for the room.

Chances are this lighting fixture is going to be a focal point of the bedroom (among others), so we want to ensure that is not falling into the background. Choose a chandelier that at first glance may look too large for the room. Obviously, choosing something gargantuan is going to look silly, but choosing an oversize chandelier will really make a statement in the room. It’s better to have a chandelier too large than it is too small.

 

Once you’ve determined the right size chandelier for your room, choose a fixture based on the room’s main color or material.

What type of statement you want to make?

Is there a certain mood or feeling your looking to invoke?

We want to be true to the décor you currently have/love.

 

 

If you are looking to create a romantic space, go for the sparkle and the glam look of a crystal chandelier. (Put that on a dimmer!!) If you are looking for a rustic space, add some organic textures.. adding a wood element is a sure way to bring the natural feel inside. A modern bedroom is best accented with clean lines and minimalist extras.

A traditional bedroom looks great with a candelabra chandelier and a little bit of crystal. Do some research. Think about what you love in your home and carry that into your décor choices!

 

 

An incredible light fixture makes a statement in any room, so don’t forget about the bedroom – the lights might be off most of the time but why not have a fabulous fixture to look at in the day light? Who knows you might try and spend more time in there…

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“We live in a new home and we were able to pick all of our interior finishes.  We both love a white bathroom – it is so clean but our master bathroom is completely white and although we love the white it’s just too white! What can we do to add some colour to the bathroom without an expensive renovation?”

 

White is a great ‘colour’ for a bathroom – it’s clean, it’s fresh and it’s timeless! But you are right too much of anything isn’t good.  Any room in one tone starts to look and feel a little one dimensional over time but have no fear, we are here to help!

 

Even though the bathroom is a small space, you do have a lot of opportunity to add colour, texture and personality to your bathroom.

 

1 – Shower Curtain

– pattern, colour and maybe even texture.  To keep it simple, use the shower curtain as your inspiration or jumping off point for the other elements like the linens, paint etc…Be sure to have a liner so your shower curtain is protected from the water in the shower

2 – Lovely linens

– towels and a bath mat can add colour, pattern and texture. The texture of the linens adds some softness to the bathroom (which is already full of hard and smooth textures) and try mixing some colour and pattern with your towels.

 

3 – Framed art

– look for some wall space to hang some colourful or calming art.  Photography is also a great way to add some personality to the bathroom. Find art that adds to the mood you want in the space.  there is no wrong answer and no price tag…go with what works!

 

4 – Unique lighting

– lighting is a great way to add some personality.  Overhead, vanity, sconces – bathroom lighting doesn’t have to be boring.  It can add drama, glamour, elegance or even a funky vibe to your bathroom.  There are so many options for lighting and it can really enhance the look of your space – not matter what room it is!

 

5 – “Custom” mirror

– replace your builder grade basic with something framed – there are many options – this automatically and (easily) adds a custom look and feel to the bathroom.  Double sink, add 2 matching mirrors and matching vanity lighting – a very upscale look (this is also a great upgrade if you are considering selling your home).  We love this image because it mixes the framed ‘custom’ mirror with bold wallpaper and these sconces.  Such an elevated and upscale powder room

 

6 – Display space

– small floating shelves over the toilet or maybe a small corner on the counter top or maybe even around your tub (it depends on the layout of your bathroom and the amount of space you have).  Try adding some plant or flowers, candles and vases are also a nice touch.  We love using a small tray to group your display items together.

 

7 – Touches of wood

– a few wood accents can really break up the wood and add an organic spa feel to the space. Think small accessories, wood frames mirrors, bathroom stool even wicker baskets for toiletries

 

8 – Paint!  

adding paint colour (or wallpaper) to the walls will definitely change up the look of the bathroom and give it instant personality. Be sure to think about how you want the bathroom to feel and let that steer you towards the paint.  Something calm should have a soft and soothing tone but it you want drama opt for depth.  Because the base is white you have so many possibilities

 

9 – Get Creative

– try using an unexpected piece in the bathroom like a stool or side table, these are great by the bathtub and it really adds some personality, too

The great news about having an all white bathroom is that you truly have a blank canvas and you can add any accent you like.  Wood and other organic textures with calm tones can give your bathroom a beach-y or spa feel; black and a metallic accent like gold can give the room a luxe or glam feel; adding aqua or even a soft pink gives the bathroom a retro look….the possibilities are endless!

An all white bathroom is clean and fresh but add a few accents to make the space more pleasing…

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Believe it or not 2016 is around the corner! And the home fashion trends are already in the works!

What can we expect to see in the new year?

FUR (mixing textures) –

Fur (faux) is hot! I find we see this year after year especially in the cooler months but this year it will be everywhere – pillows and throws of course, but rugs and furniture too!

GOLD –

We saw a bit of a comeback of gold in 2015 but we will see even more in 2016.  Lighting, plumbing, furniture – Gold is back!

SHINY DETAILS-

Think edging of furniture and hardware.  Little details that shine! So if you can’t hop on the ‘solid’ gold train try this trend instead.  A little bit of shine can go a long way!

PINK (think pastels)-

Soft and feminine pink in art, furniture and accessories.  In paint we will see beige-pink walls, too! Often we think pale pink is only for little girls’ rooms but it is branching out! It is a great soft feminine touch and it works with neutrals like beige, cream, navy, grey and more.  We love the subtle pastel pink touches in this living room.

BLACK –

Black is never out of style but we will see a lot of black across the board this coming year.  furniture, wall paint, accessories, wall paper….oh my!

BLUE (especially navy)-

We definitely saw a lot of navy in 2015 but it will remain in the ‘trending’ category in 2016.  Furniture, accessories and certainly paint – we will see a lot of painted furniture in navy blue and even kitchens. The image below is a great example of painted navy furniture combined with some shiny details

 

FLORALS (big and bold)-

Think oversize big florals in art and accessories.  Still feminine but with a modern twist.

What’s great with these up coming trends is that many of them work well together.  Try black and gold, gold and fur, fur and black, navy and gold, gold and pink, pink and navy…..the possibilities are endless

How do you feel about these trends?
Do you see yourself embracing any of them in your rooms?

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Now that fall is almost here, we are seeing so many cozy and comfy textures like knits and flannels.  Plaid is one print that we see so much of this time of year – it just screams Fall!!  We love the look and feel of flannel plaids and they add so much comfort to any room.

Here are some of our favourite plaid looks for the home.

The plaid throw –

Just wrap it around yourself while reading or sitting by the fire.  It’s also great in a bedroom.  Here we love it in the casual dining space at the head of the table.  Why not?

Black and White Plaid –

Many think of reds, greens and blues when they hear the word ‘plaid’ but there are so many other colour options, so there’s something for everyone.  We love the black and white plaid in this room. It adds a cozy factor to this off white wing back chair.

Boys’ Bedroom –

We love plaid in a bedroom and it’s perfect for boys! Durable, soft and comfortable plus they add some pattern and texture to the space without making it feel and look feminine.  This grey and white boys bedroom looks great with the pops of orange plaid.

Decor Pillows –

A plaid throw is perfect for a farmhouse or cabin look.  It’s the right amount of plaid and it doesn’t take over the space.  We love this chic farmhouse inspired living room with tone-on-tone plaid pillows mixed with some knitted pillows.  Totally chic and comfortable!

Vintage Country Plaid Chair –

Plaid is a classic and if you love a farmhouse or vintage country style at home, try adding plaid to a furniture piece.  in our opinion a sofa is just to much but a chair or even a headboard would really make a statement. We love this streamlined chair in plaid – it has comfort and style plus paired with the soft better yellow and the styled chest of drawers you have a level of sophistication.  Country is totally cool!

If the cabin look is more your style, try a different type of plaid but we still love the idea of sticking with a classic and neutral colour palette. The image below has similar concept just more of a cabin or shabby chic angle.

Bedding –

We love plaid in the bedroom but again you want to choose the right one for your look and colour palette.  We love the subtle and soft beige and white combination in this room.  It is perfect for a guest room or for anyone who likes a toned down and calming space. We love the mix of solids and the plaid in this room and the vintage bed frame and sconce lighting keep it from looking washed out.

Wall paper, why not?

This might seem bold and extreme but it doesn’t have to be.  We love the soft and subtle look of this room and the beige and cream wallpaper accent wall just makes the room feel cozy but still works well with the elegant nature of the room.

On the floor –

We love a patterned rug and plaid works! Opt for a neutral toned plaid but it really adds some great visual interest in a room and it’s a classic pattern on the floor just gives it a modern twist.

The nursery –

This could work for a girl or a boy or just a gender neutral nursery.  This drapery, or bedding, or pillows or rugs.  But not everything.  The casual nature and the comfort would make the nursery a wonderful space for everyone even during those late, late night feedings and diaper changes.

Are you mad about plaid? We are!

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Trays are nothing new.  They aren’t trending and they aren’t usually on any one’s ‘must-get’ list.  But I love trays.  There is something so simple and tidy about them and they can be used in so many rooms.

Trays come in different sizes, colours and materials and I love them all!  They keep items in an organized yet stylish arrangement plus when it comes to cleaning – just move the tray out of the way and clean !

When using a tray as a part of your room’s decor be sure to add some decorative elements like a vase of flowers, candles something so that it just doesn’t look completely functional.

1 – The living room:

I love having a tray on an ottoman or even the chaise of a sectional.  They provide a flat surface for serving up snacks and drinks but they also provide a neat and tidy space for TV remotes and coasters.  But you can also use them as a display area for decor on a coffee table.

2 – The Kitchen:

Not the usual spot for a tray but again they keep the items you need easy access to at arm’s length but without the clutter.  I have one in my kitchen to hold my knife block, salt and pepper, olive oil, a tea towel and other small essentials.

3 – The Bathroom :

A smaller tray would be needed but it saves the same purpose keeping your counter top clean and clutter free.  Depending on the look of your bathroom, you could opt for a mirrored option to add some sparkle and shine!

4 – The dresser:

A tray is a great spot to group items you use everyday together.  So think lotions and potions, jewellery and scarves, make up etc…You could likely opt for a larger tray for on top of the dresser (if you have the surface space).  I also love small dishes (think tea saucers) for small jewellery items.

5 – The Bed:

Breakfast in bed!  Serving space for coffee, fruit, croissant and more…such a wonderful way to wake up someone special!  Do I need to say anything more?

Useful and stylish – the perfect piece to have at home, I love mine!


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