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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

6 Ways to Decorate Blank Walls in Your Apartment

6-ways-to-decorate-blank-walls-in-your-apartment

Blank walls are a perfect blank canvas to show off your personality and style. One of the best things about moving into a new place is having a blank canvas to decorate as you wish.

Here I will share some ideas on how decorating bare walls…

There are two ways to approach a blank canvass: be intimidated by the possibility of filling it or be excited for the same reason. Whichever spectrum you fall on, one thing’s for sure: you can’t let a blank canvas remain blank, especially if said canvass is a wall in your new condo.

Furnishing and decorating a new apartment allow you to personalize your space and truly make it yours. However, it’s understandable how you might be intimidated, what with dozens of things to do and options to choose from, especially for wall decor. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far. Below, we have a few suggestions on how to dress up your apartment’s blank walls.

1. Tapestries and other textiles

Don’t have plenty of time to think of decor ideas? You can buy a large tapestry, hang it on your wall, and ta-da! Your  

wall is filled. Keep the look cohesive with the rest of the design elements in the room by choosing a tapestry or other textiles, such as vintage quilts, with similar or complementing hues. Also, make sure to measure the dimensions of your wall so you can choose a tapestry that’s not too big or too small for your wall.

2. Trick the eye with a triptych

Triptychs are some of the most eye-catching pieces of wall art. They’re like a painting or a photograph, except divided into three parts. Triptychs come in different styles, from ones that form one image to others that can stand alone but are better viewed with its companions. Whatever you choose, it will be a good focal point meant to catch your guests’ eyes.

3. Floating shelves might float your boat

If you have plenty of books, plants, or knickknacks, then a blank wall is the perfect place to mount floating shelves on. Color-code your books, create a gallery of picture frames, display your jar collection-the options are endless as long as you have shelves mounted on the wall.

4. Passion for fashion

If you’re into clothes and accessories, you can show them off by sticking hooks on your blank walls and hanging fashion items on them. You can display your handbags, hats, or pieces of jewelry. This results in a functional wall art where your items of clothing have somewhere to hang while also making your walls look unique.

5. Living wall in your living room

Love indoor plants? Why not dedicate an entire wall to them? This is almost as simple as hanging a picture frame. All you need is a pre-made frame and your selection of plants. Some frames have built-in watering systems in them while others simply have hooks to hang your pots of plants on. With proper maintenance, your vertical indoor garden will be the focal piece of art on your wall.

6. Mirror, mirror

You might think, “Mirrors? How boring.” But if you choose the mirrors you will display correctly, not only will they give your place an illusion of bigger space, but they will also look like pieces of art. Raid thrift stores and garage sales to hunt for old, antique mirrors with interesting frames. Then arrange them however you want on one wall.

Filling up the blank walls of your condo unit doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the ideas above, you’ll hopefully be one step closer to furnishing your place.

SHOP WALL DECOR…

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Wall Decor Trend – the Basket display

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Wall decor is a way to really pull the look of a room together.  I personally love art and I could not image a home (or a world) without it!  Wall decor is a way to not just pull a room together but it’s a great way to show off your style and taste.  One wall decor trend that I am loving right now – and we are starting to see if everywhere is the wall decor with baskets.

Let’s talk about this wall decor trend using baskets and woven bowls – we are seeing a lot of this in modern farmhouse but it can be used in other styles of home decor too.  It’s a great way to really bring something a bit different into your space without spending a lot time installing or money for purchasing. 

Not sure what I’m talking about?  Read further….

They add some Texture to a room:

This is a great look for anyone looking to add some great texture to their space.  Baskets have that great natural texture.  Texture is such a great element to bring into a space.  I love to see a really clean and crisp wall with the basket wall decor – it’s really great contrast and so interesting!

 

Play with Contrast:

Just because you are decorating a wall with baskets doesn’t mean they all have to look the same. Look for baskets with some interesting pattern and colour to add even more interest to your wall decor. This image is a great example of a basket display wall with looks of texture and contrast – the black and white blended with the natural tones is a great look and against the deep grey wall paint, spectacular!

Wall Decor Baskets as wall filler:

Ever have those little corners in your home that need a little wall decor but you never seem to find the right piece or a standard art frame wouldn’t fit? This is another reason to give this basket wall decor a try – you can really make it your own in terms of colour, pattern, texture and how it is arranged.  This little wall space looks great with the baskets and bowls on display.

 

Mix up Different Sizes:

This bedroom by Summer of Simplestylings.com did such an incredible job in her bedroom with this wall decor basket display.  I love the tones but I love the mix of the different size of baskets – it’s so interesting and you really notice the differences in each of these baskets.  This adds some great wall decor but the natural material of the baskets adds some real warmth to the space!

 

Add wall baskets with colour:

If you like this look but colour is more your speed you can absolutely add some pops of colour to your basket wall decor display.  I love the mix of these bright colours on the wall in this house.  It really stands out nicely against the white wall.

They work in Any Room:

A lot of the images that we have seen (and shown in this post) have the wall decor baskets on display in entryways and hallways but they really can be used in any room.  Try using these baskets and bowls on display as the main art feature in a room – you can really ‘customize’ the size by adding more baskets of all shapes and sizes!

Basket wall displays are a great way to add some great texture, colour, contrast and ‘custom’ art to your space – plus it’s easy and inexpensive DIY project for your home.  What do you think of this trend?

SHOP WALL DECOR BASKETS + STORAGE BASKETS…

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We Answer Wednesday – What is Shiplap?

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“I have been hearing this term a lot lately and I don’t know what it is ….what is shiplap?”

You are right!  This is a term that we have been hearing a lot these days especially if you are someone who watches a lot of Home design and Decor shows on TV or reading magazines. 

 

So what is it – you ask, well there is a little bit of debate on what some TV hosts

are calling shiplap. 

 

Shiplap is essentially a style of wood paneling – no, not that 70’s style that you may have lived with at some point in your life – this is different….

Shiplap are long and smooth plain wood boards that are installed on a wall adding a slight texture, a visual interest and with the spacing between the boards you get a stripe effect. We are definitely seeing this in the design shows especially the ones that have a slight country influence.

 

The debate in really on the install of these long and smooth wood panel boards.

In some cases we see these long wood straight panels that are nailed to the wall adding a slight bit of texture and a stripe effect in a room.  These boards are often painted in almost a chalk paint consistency.  We are seeing this a lot in homes that want a bit of a country or farmhouse look (this can also work with a home that is after a nautical feel). 

Now ‘actual’ shiplap looks very similar (which I would say is why the term is being used) but the install is different.  This shiplap is like a tongue and groove system giving the boards self-spacing – to get that striped look. the idea with this installation was to get a water tight ‘seal’.

 

If you didn’t see the install of the wood panels you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Shiplap is a great way to add some texture to a space. 

 

It looks great painted in any tone (the paint colour choice can really help determine the style you want in the room).  You can opt for a flat finish paint in a warm white, soft grey or even a light blue for a country look but if you chose a darker paint like a charcoal or even a deep navy you could get a bit of an industrial feel.  Of course the items like accessories, textile and lighting will also help with the overall look.

 

 

Shiplap can also be used as a great accent wall in a family room or even a bedroom.  It’s a wonderful way to make an impact without over whelming the entire room.  For those of you that feel reclaimed wood walls are just a bit too much this is a good alternative. 

If you are looking for some subtle texture and visual interest, consider shiplap.

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Wall decor Ideas (other than artwork)

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“I’m looking for some ideas to decorate my empty wall space.  I do love art but I would like to see if there are other options out there that could add a unique look to my home”

 

Art and other wall decor pieces are a great way to add some visual interest in your space but it’s also a great way to add colour and texture plus you can really show off your style through art.

 

We are seeing a lot of options for wall decor besides a stretched canvas or framed print.

 

Here are ideas:

 

1.  Fabric or Wall paper

– you can use these material as an accent wall but why not frame them and have some creative wall panels. You can make these panels are big as you like and the really customize the look plus this is a great way to add some unique flair to a rental without losing your damage deposit.

 

2. Wood

– wood is going to be a big trend for 2016.  It has great texture, character and warmth too.  We will see a lot of wood in furniture but also art.  We certainly did see accent walls in reclaimed and distressed wood planks and fun signs but we are seeing wood in art as well.

 

3. Mirrors

– this is not a new idea but one way to add some light to a room is to add a mirror(s).  There are so many shapes and styles of mirrors, too.  Mirrors look great layered over an accent wall or on it’s own.  Try mixing in mirrors in a  gallery wall – or a gallery wall of just mirrors – mixing up mirrors  in different shapes and frames is another unique touch to a room.

 

4. Floating shelves

– this is a clean and easy way to display a series of pieces you want to show off.  On a floating shelf anything can really work – small plants (real or faux), framed photos, decor pieces etc…For the shelves themselves you have lots of options in terms of colours and materials.

 

5. An oversized wall clock

– this is both function and fashion.  This fills up the space and is visually appealing but it is also very useful.  there are so many styles of clocks to choose from too.  We love the aged clock in this image flanked by the candle sconces.

 

6. Animal heads

– so we have seen this trend for a few years now and maybe it has reached it’s peak but we are seeing different and unexpected animal heads.  People are using them in different places too like kids rooms and nurseries.  We have also seen them in a variety of materials – papier mache, resin, faux fur, wood, metal and wire. They are nice in an eclectic gallery wall, or just on their own.  Trend or not, if you like it – go for it!

 

7. Maps

– so this can be purely decorative but also educational.  It’s a great addition if you love to travel – it’s a great way to show off your interests through decor.  Map come is all sorts of shapes and sizes – full wall paper or oversized framed maps.  The colours vary too – soft ‘aged’ beige tones to bright and vivid colours.

 

8. Wall decals

– wall vinyls have come a long way – they are easy to stick on and peel off.  There are so many possibilities too – inspirational quotes to images and everything in between. So this is another great option for someone living in a rental that wants to add some ‘pop’ to their space or for someone that changes their mind often.

 

Which wall treatments do you like? Which ones have you used? What ever you decide make sure it suits you and your space and don’t ever feel like you have to follow the latest trends!

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We Answer Wednesday – Traditional art in a contemporary space

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” My decor style is contemporary.  I like the clean lines, simple colour palette and minimal accessories but I have inherited some art that I would like to incorporate in my decor scheme – how can I do that … the art pieces are pretty traditional looking and I don’t want to change my style.  Is there a way to use these family heirlooms?”

 

This is a great question and we complete understand why this is stumping you.  It can be very tricky to combine styles like contemporary and traditional and get it just right.  It’s all about finding that balance.  We love that you want to keep these beautiful art pieces in the family, it is so special to hold on and display meaningful items like art.

 

You can absolutely use these pieces in your decor.

Depending on the look or display style you choose, you may need to spend some money on frames and matting but there are often some great sales on custom framing so you can definitely save a bit. Just re-framing and matting with something clean and simple can completely transform the look of your piece and make it fit in with your decor without comprising the art itself.

Take a look at the art pieces you have.

Are any of them from the same collection? If so, it would be great to keep those together in a wall display. The image below is a great example of clean frames and matting and letting the art stand out.  It looks modern in this arrangement and makes a statement above the sofa. Plus it still works with the contemporary look.

If you have larger pieces on hand …

again opt for a clean and simple frame – in white or black with an over sized matte.  This will be an instant update to your piece.   This would be perfect above a sofa in a living room, dining room or bedroom.  Over sized art looks modern no matter the style of art. This is a timeless look so you won’t tire of it quickly. In the image below the white matte and frame almost disappear against the light wall colour and the art stands out more.

Some times just the arrangement itself can be modern.

We love a gallery wall and why not show off all of your pieces and their interesting frames in a gallery wall? It’s a more modern way to display your art. This arrangement is basically an accent wall.  We love the mix of frames and pieces with and without frames plus look at the heights of the pieces.  The one constant here is that the pieces that do have matting have white matting – you want to make sure to have a common thread.  So in this case, we have a mix of frames, colours and sizes but there is one constant.  This look is a bit more eclectic but it is definitely not traditional and it really allows to show off a lot of art pieces.

Another way to display your art in a more modern way is layering it on your mantle.

We love how casual and cool this look is and it is so easy.  Try a large piece at the back – art or even a mirror is perfect and in front you can layer some smaller art pieces even photography and a few knick knacks – it looks so chic.  You can try mixing modern art with some old family photos as well – it’s up to you.  this look also works on  floating shelves or even bedside tables.

Our advise …when it comes to art is to always follow your instinct!

Don’t get caught up in style, size, colour etc…if you love it there will always be room for it in your home.  Don’t worry about matching – art is a creative form of expression so displaying it should be too!

Those heirlooms are a part of your history, so honour it by displaying but do it with your own taste and spin,

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HOME STYLING, TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 9 Gallery Wall Ideas

we-answer-wednesday-9-gallery-wall-ideas
“I love the look of gallery walls. I’m in the process of creating one in my own home right now but I want to add more than just photos. What are some suggestions for adding other pieces to the display?”
 
 
Great question! Creating a gallery wall is a fabulous way to personalize your space to exactly what you want. Since when you are decorating a wall, pretty well anything goes, there are really no rules!
There are lots of great options for adding unique pieces!

1. Taxidermy Heads

Such a fun addition to any space! There are so many different materials, shapes, sizes, textures and colours available for you to personalize your home with.

2. Mirrors

All shapes and sizes! Do you want an antique mirror? Do you love colored framed mirrors?  Whatever you like! Adding a mirror will give a different texture and will add a new dimension to the arrangement!

 

3. Letters

 
I don’t mean penned letters, although, an interesting thought.  Adding letters from the alphabet in various finishes and sizes – not sure which letter to add? Try the first letter of your family name.

4. Plates

Many people have beautiful collectables and are unsure how to display them, Instead of having them hidden in grandma’s old cabinet, display them as art! There are super easy ways to mount plates, and what a great way to showcase a sentimental family collection

 

5. Decorative Frames

You didn’t even have to fill them! Choosing interesting shaped or colored frames and leaving them open to show the wall is a great way to show off a paint colour, without adding too much clutter either!

 

6. Wreath

Adding some greenery is an interesting option as well! This is a great option for a more country/rustic style space. Its unique and the variety of texture will certainly make a statement!

 

7. Clocks

Adding in an assortment of clocks is a super cool way to do something different in your space! As with many decor items – the options are endless!

 

 

8. Art

Incorporating an art piece in the midst of your family photos and arrangement is another beautiful addition. For many families, this is a way to add in children’s artwork and help their little ones showcase their special pictures!

 

9. Wall Decals

This is a cost effective option for a few reasons: stickers are not overly expensive, and they don’t leave nail holes or ruin the paint when they come down! Adding quotes or phrases that have a beautiful meaning to you are a lovely touch to include in your decorative arrangement.

 

Another great way to do a gallery wall is on floating shelves. All of these suggestions could be done on floating shelves, whether it is leaning against them, or hung over top. Be creative! This is your home – let your personality shine through!

 

 

A gallery wall is a great way to show off your personality and style – we both have one in our home and it just adds a warmth to our spaces…

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

House Rules: How to Hang Art Work

house-rules-how-to-hang-art-work

Sure anyone can bang a nail into a wall and hang their art but to get the perfect look in your space, these are the tips and numbers you want to remember next time you are hanging your art

 

What’s the best height to hang artwork?

  • Art should be hung at eye-level with the center of the picture positioned between 56 – 60″ from the floor.
  • When hanging one picture directly above another, treat the two art pieces as one large picture with the center point between them being 56 –60″ from the floor.

 

How many inches apart should I place pictures in a gallery wall?

When hanging multiple pieces of art in a grouping, use a spacing of 1 –3″ between pictures. Smaller pieces of art can be hung a little closer together (1 –  1½”) than larger pieces.

 

How high should I place pictures and other art when hanging it above furniture?

When hanging artwork above a piece of furniture, leave 5 – 9″ of space between the top of the furniture piece and the bottom of the frame. This rule of thumb can be used for hanging art over a console or chest of drawers as well as a sofa or headboard.

 

How high should I hang other wall decor?

Whether it’s a decorative plate wall or a wall display of a favorite collection, a good rule of thumb is to treat the grouping of wall decor as one item and center it at 56 – 60″ off the floor.

 

 

Of course, the most important rule of all is to not be afraid to break the rules! These rule of thumb measurements are great to use as starting points and will help you develop your own eye for hanging artwork at a height that’s perfect in your space. But if something looks and feels right to you but doesn’t fit with these rules, by all means go with your gut and try it out!

 

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We Answer Wednesday – Gallery Walls

we-answer-wednesday-gallery-walls
“I love the look of Gallery walls but am not sure how to make mine look as good as the ones I see in magazines.. what are the rules for creating a personalized, and aesthetically pleasing gallery wall?”
 
 
Creating a gallery wall in your home is an amazing way to showcase your home’s personality. When it comes to gallery walls, pretty well anything goes. It depends on the look that you are going for.
 

Let’s start with a few general measurement suggestions…

Before putting a hammer to the wall, try marking where your frames are going to go. Not everyone has a fantastic eye and can guess dead on every time. I would suggesting laying out a college on the floor underneath where the gallery wall will be going. Be sure to have a measuring tape, level, hammer, proper hooks and a pencil on hand. I suggest spacing 2-3 inches in between frames and accents.

If your decorating style is pretty streamlined, I suggest using symmetry.

Groupings are most effective if they are hung with some commonality in mind. Ideally, creating a square or rectangular shaped display is most visually pleasing but frame sizes will likely vary, and you won’t have a perfectly shaped outline. Try to space the frames 2-3” apart for maximum effect. When creating a streamlined Gallery wall, we recommend some sort of cohesive effect between the photos.
Frames all in the same colour, the mats inside the frame being the same, maybe all the photo’s being black and white. Something should tie the photos together, unless of course you are trying to achieve a very
eclectic look…
 

An eclectic gallery wall is a compilation of items and photos and wall décor that you love.

Anything goes with an eclectic style of décor. Of course, there is an art to creating a visually pleasing eclectic look. Make sure there is some repetition of items.. not everything needs to be doubles, but maybe having a few of the same frame mixed with your collection of pieces will help to make sense of the décor.
 

I suggest not only having frames. Adding some other décor elements personalize this collage to you and your home.

Try adding a few mirrors, or antlers, letters, or quotes into your gallery wall for added interest. I also love having a few different frames as accents. Mixing both personal photos with artwork is another interesting visual for your home.
I’m a big fan of decorating with what you love. It’s your home and its you who has to love it. So if you want to mix a bunch of things together that you are in love with… do it. Just make sure your spacing is accurate
 
 I love my gallery wall – it adds warmth and beautiful memories to my family room,

 

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All About Wall Decor Ideas

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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