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We Answer Wednesday – Small budget feature wall

March 18, 2015

“My boyfriend and I just moved into our first home. We are on a super tight budget but we want to make a big impact in our space. What can we do?”

Everyone has a budget when it comes to everyday expenses and of course, when it comes to home decor. But don’t panic you can make a big and beautiful impact on your space even with a restricted budget. Best advice for you is – create a feature wall. A strong feature wall will draw the eye, making the rest of the room less on an issue. You can make maximum impact with just minimal materials.

A feature wall could consist of a fireplace (that would be a higher price point), wall paper or bold paint (medium price point depending on the product) – you can get creative with painter’s tape and stencils. How about a feature wall of reclaimed wood planks or a textured brick wall?

You can even create a feature wall using furniture, art and other accessories. Try placing a long rectangular console table against the wall and add lamps, books and/ore decor pieces. The wall behind the table can be home to one large piece of art, a large mirror or even a grouping of many smaller pieces hung in a gallery style.

When it comes to selecting your feature wall – generally a larger wall with lots of open space is the way to go. In other words, a wall with a lot of distractions like lots of light switches, thermostat and other functional elements shouldn’t be the wall of choice. But having a feature wall in a room with all those ‘distractions’ will pull the focus away from those purely functional features in the room.

A feature wall in another great way to colour, texture and/or print into your space and show off the space and your personality!

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We Answer Wednesday – All About Area Rugs

March 11, 2015

“I know my living room needs an area rug. But how do I know which size to get? How do I place my furniture around it and what are the best materials for area rugs?

Great question and I think many other are in the same boat as you. Area rugs creates warmth in a space, they also pull a room together – so they play a very important role. Area rugs can also add softness to a space and depending on what style you choose, they can act as ‘art’ on the floor by adding a big burst of colour and pattern into the space.

But picking the right size is crucial. A rug that’s too small will make the room feel small and an area rug that’s too big can chop off a room from the rest of the house. So how do you pick the right size and place it properly in the room? And which material do you choose?

Size of Rug

– start by measuring the room. Measure the width and the length. Then subtract 2-3 feet off of each measurement and that’s the size you should have. You can opt for something that is custom cut and bound and get (more or less) the precise size or make purchase of something that is close to the measurement you just calculated.

– standard rug sizes range from: 3×5, 5×8, 9 x12 (sometimes you can find odd sizes but these are standard). If you need a larger one or you have an oddly shaped room consider getting a piece of carpet cut to size and bound. It sounds expensive but it’s usually very affordable

Placement of Rug

– For a dining layout, measure the length and width of your dining table and add 2 feet on each side. Most dining room tables require a rug that’s at least 8 feet wide.

– For a bedroom layout, extend a rug from the bottom 2/3 of the bed. Alternatively, you could also place two runners on each side or a single runner at the foot of the bed.

– a good rule of thumb when deciding where to put a rug, make sure at least the front two legs of each piece of furniture in the space sit on the rug. Otherwise it can look like it is just floating and it won’t pull the room together

Material

– When it comes to ‘best’ material a lot of that really depends on what the room will be used for and the style. Wool rugs are the most expensive and they are top quality – they are soft, they wear well and they have a range of colours but you would want them to be cleaned by a professional so this probably isn’t a great option for say a kids’ playroom. Opt for a synthetic blend for a similar look that’s just as durable for a space like that

– Natural materials like sisal, jute and sea grass are very affordable and they are neutrals so they work with any colour scheme. Keep in mind they have a more casual look and they tend to be a bit on the scratchy side. A synthetic or nylon rug that has the same texture and look with be kinder on the feet. But if you want to get creative the natural sisal, jute or seagrass can be a great backdrop for a cowhide rug(see the image just above). It still pulls the room together and you get texture and then the pop from the cowhide.

– Flat woven kilim and dhurrie rugs are usually made of cotton or wool, are a fun way to add pattern to a room. But they are thin so they don’t hold up as well in the long run. They are best for low traffic areas but if you love the idea of updating your decor regularly with splashes of colour and don’t mind replacing the area rug every few years – this could also work for you

– Rug pads will also help prolong the life of your rugs and the floor underneath. You can find some very affordable rugs pads that will feel great and stand up to traffic. Plus it will help prevent the rug from slipping all over the place.

Pattern or Solid?

If your room got a lot going on, try a solid color or neutral rug to bring things down to earth—or make a basic sofa pop with a patterned rug.

Versatile Neutrals

A neutral rug forms a solid foundation when you want to layer on rich textures, patterns or colors. Think of it as the canvas for the rest of your room.

Playful Patterns

If your furniture is a solid color or neutral, try a patterned rug. For foolproof color coordination, match the
secondary color in the rug to your sofa or key furniture.

Solid Colors

A monochromatic rug complements patterned furniture by grounding it in a primary palette. In a living room, try matching the rug to the secondary color in a patterned sofa.

Area rugs really pull a room together …

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STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Mudroom Mayhem

March 4, 2015

“I have a mudroom in my house that I feel is underused. Sure, we come in and use it as the main entrance but I just feel it needs some organization. What are some tips for making a mudroom organized and functional?”

Having a functional mudroom can make the day to day hustle and bustle so much more manageable. If you are lucky enough to have a mudroom in your home, don’t let it go unused! A mudroom is a fantastic way to keep outerwear, books, shoes, mittens (depending on the season) tucked away so that it isn’t taking over your front entry. Of course, this blog will also show you how to make your mudroom both functional AND stylish.

1. Incorporate Storage

Depending on how much space you have, adding some cabinets or shelving will drastically increase the function of the space. If you have the space to add a “hall tree” (shelves, a bench and a place in the bottom to store shoes) you
will see the function of the space increase instantly. If you have kids, you definitely need the extra storage. Having a cabinet or shelf gives you places to store hats, mitts, scarves and all the extras kids need.

2. Add Hooks

Adding something as simple as hooks for coats will change your life. No more Jackets on the banister or laying on the floor for someone to trip on. Having a few hooks takes all the clutter away and stores it neatly.

3. Add Baskets

Adding baskets is a great place for hiding extra items such as winter clothes, the dogs leashes, extra keys etc. This is also a great place to add some colour or pattern! Adding baskets is an inexpensive way to add functionality.

4. Door Mats

Depending on the type of flooring you have, it may or may not be the most durable. Nevertheless, adding mats is another great way to pretty up your space. It also is a good spot for wiping your feet as you come in the door
instead of tracking the outdoors throughout the house. Get a mat that is easy to vacuum and not too expensive, chances are this may change with the seasons.

Don’t be afraid to use colour and pattern. Most mudrooms are not in the center of the home so it’s a great place to be bold! Typically the mudroom is not the prettiest area of your home so bring colour to the walls or shelves and use a colourful rug, baskets and art!

Part of keeping your ‘mudroom’ functional, is actually using these tools. So add name tags over hooks to keep the kids understanding where their things go. Adding their own specific area is a fun way for them to learn to clean up after themselves, and it saves you the trouble of always picking up book bags, coats and shoes!

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HOME STYLING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

How to style my fireplace mantel

February 25, 2015

“This winter, my fireplace has been working over time! I love snuggling up to my fireplace on cold winter days but my mantel is a mess. I want it to look good, can you send me some easy ideas to make my fireplace mantel pretty?”

Great question! I think a lot of people have this problem. The mantel should really highlight and bring focus to the fireplace not be an eye sore in the room. We see this all the time when people use the mantel as a bit of a random collect-all area or a high ‘hiding’ space that the little ones can’t reach!

A mantel isn’t the place to pile up mismatched knick knacks or to leave bare, to gather dust…

It’s an eye-level stage of sorts, and a prime spot for showing off artful accents and collected treasures. Use the fireplace’s facade as a cue to your color palette.

Then select one large item to feature–a light or open sculptural piece is best because it won’t block the other objects. Pair it with a themed collection, like a few framed family photos or a grouping of different-sized glass vases. An oversized mirror or piece of art makes an ideal backdrop.

To keep it super simple but make an impact: follow this image – even if this more traditional style isn’t to your taste, take the principles of layering and add a modern or country twist…..

Create 3 layers of décor …

Always includes layers 1 and 2.

Layer 3 is optional depending on your decorating style.

1. Start with an anchor piece

– An oversized mirror is an easy option. It let’s light bounce around the room and it works with any decor style. We like a piece with an interesting frame. This image shows a dark frame which give some contrast in this very light tone-on-tone room but you could add a bold art piece that would give you the same impact

2. The weight and height.

This image is demonstrating formal balance, that means you have two pieces (floral arrangements) that are the same colours, size, height, scale – identical and they are on each end of the mantel. Creating a ‘frame’ for other, smaller display items. These pieces could be vases, tall candles or candle sticks, sculptural items…it doesn’t matter just be sure to keep the height to the sides and make sure the items fit on the mantel (you don’t want anything to hang over)

3. (Optional) Filler.

Now this can get a bit tricky…you want to fill that open space under the mirror and between the flanking vases with decor pieces. Notice here everything is shorter, so not to block the mirror but the pieces have an airy quality – the glass candle sticks, the white planters and the silver circle pieces aren’t heavy or bulky. We see 3 main style of items and a few votive candles that are carefully displayed

Here’s an example of a mantel with layers 1 and 2 but not 3. Again these principles of layering can be used in all decor styles, just replace the pieces with items in your taste and style.

This country style mantel uses all 3 layers. The pops of black help anchor the space and the textural elements with the mantels itself, the greenery and the woven chargers add some warmth and the display items compliment the decor style and they relate to one another.

It important to keep scale in mind not only as the objects relate to the fireplace, but also as they relate to one another. All of the items should overlap each other so that they feel connected to each other and act as a cohesive unit. Think of it as a step-down effect from the tallest point in the center of the mantel to the shortest point on the outside edges. You want to take small, gradual steps without any jarring height decreases.

Do you have a TV on your mantel but you still want to create a beautiful styled mantel? Yes, you can!

See this image, that’s a TV anchored by 2 beautiful vases with height, texture and a pop of bright yellow. Yellow is an excellent choice here because it is the most intense colour on the colour wheel and that means your eyes can’t help but be drawn to it. So when the TV isn’t on, these vases stand out and look beautiful

Once you’re comfortable with the process, think about what you might want to showcase on your mantel and where these items might fit within the layers mentioned above. Consider using a mantel to showcase art,
collectibles, seasonal decor, fresh flowers or even family heirlooms. Then sit back and admire your work!

SHOP DECOR FOR THE FIREPLACE…

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BEDROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Boring Bedroom

February 11, 2015

“I am in need of some bedroom updates. I really want a luxurious and expensive looking bedroom (like you see in chic hotels) but without spending a lot of money. Any ideas?”

Although many of us don’t spend a lot of time in our bedrooms (with our eyes open) it is still so welcoming to come home after a long day and have a serene and relaxing room to lay your head down and put your feet up. A luxurious bedroom doesn’t have to be over sized to be glamorous but the true luxury is in the details.

Follow these 8 steps and you will have a dreamy bedroom that you will love.

1. Overfill your throw pillows.

There’s something so luxurious about plush, overfilled throw pillows, which go a long way in transforming
your bedroom from “everyday” to a relaxing retreat that emulates the most sumptuous of hotels.

2. Add a hanging light fixture.

The boob lights have got to go. Replace them with a statement-making hanging light or a glamorous chandelier. No need to spend too much money — this West Elm Capiz Round Pendant light adds drama and romance for less than $150. (See it in the image below)

3. Rethink your nightstand.

If you’re anything like us, your nightstand is a hodgepodge of essential items: Hand creams, charging cords, half-full glasses of water, quarter-finished novels. It’s time to rethink how that’s all displayed. Hide some things away in a
drawer; display small items in a beautiful tray.

4. Focus on the statement pieces.

A dark wood bed frame; a gorgeous gilded dresser; a velvet arm chair — each bedroom has its own centerpiece, but make sure it’s the room’s focus. Don’t clutter the room with too much furniture, instead letting each piece stand on its own.

5. Keep the floor empty.

Granted, this is more of an organization and cleanliness tip, but don’t let that belittle its importance: A cluttered bedroom never looks luxurious, so keep the floor clean and orderly — that means no stacks of books and piles of extension cords, either.

6. Upgrade your hardware.

There’s no reason to keep the default hardware that came with your dresser and nightstands (unless, of course, it’s already visually stunning!). Replacing hardware is a cheap and easy way to upgrade your room, and there are so many ways to personalize the look: Crystal, gemstone, copper, and so many more.

7. Reorganize your vanity.

Just like your nightstand, a cluttered vanity can make your whole bedroom look messy. Now’s a good time to buy some makeup organizers and other small organizing pieces.

8. Add greenery.

As always, the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your room from “average” to “expensive-looking” is to add
some greenery. What form this takes is up to you: A large fern? Small potted plants on your dresser? No matter how, adding a few plants helps a room make the final leap to luxury.

Small changes to any room can make a big difference,

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Gallery Walls

February 4, 2015

“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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BATHROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Bathroom Accessories

January 21, 2015

“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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BEDROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Neutral Nurseries

December 17, 2014

“My husband and I are expecting our first baby this spring. We don’t know the gender and we want to keep it a surprise but we also want to have the nursery ready for his/her arrival (since we know that we will be way too busy to decorate after the baby’s arrival). We want to keep it neutral so we can re-use and re-purpose pieces for future children but we want it to be chic and stylish and not the traditional neutral green, white and yellow. Any ideas? Help!”

Congratulations to you and your husband! What an exciting time for you both. This is a great question and perfect for us (since one of us has a lot of experience in the baby department with 4 children!)

Nurseries have come a very long way from the traditional blue, pink and yellow/green tones. We are seeing so many different colour palettes that also transitional well with either gender but also with age. Let’s face it, with children you don’t have much extra time to re-decorate regularly. Nurseries have taken on so many looks and styles but don’t get too caught up in the hype. You are very smart to be thinking ahead with pieces that work for future children, no matter their gender.

When it comes to the large pieces – crib, armoire/dresser, change table and rocker/glidder. I feel neutral is best. A few years ago we were seeing a huge trend to espresso stained baby furniture. It isn’t too trendy but personally white is classic, soft and soothing, the espresso or black furniture can really make the room look a bit heavy. White furniture gives the room a light and calm feel and can be used for either gender. But if you are in a position where you are inheriting furniture like a change table in a wood tone it mixes well with white furniture, not everything has to match. In my son’s nursery, we have a white crib an change table and I inherited from my family some old natural stained real wood dressers – they look great paired with the white pieces.

This nursery is a great example of mixing up different pieces. White and wood crib, aqua painted end table and white shelving. It all works because of the various accessories like the rug and ottoman that pull it all together

Also when it comes to shopping for furniture, don’t limit yourself to the children’s department. Other than the crib and change table, I didn’t purchase ‘children’s furniture’ for my nurseries. I looked at pieces that were going to grow with them. I purchased 2 great white dressers for my daughter’s nursery (since her room didn’t offer a lot of closet space) that she still uses today.

My older children (ages 4 and 5) have double beds, I won’t need to replace those but just update the bedding in a few years. the looks and styles of baby furniture have come a very, very long way so you can really have a modern nursery if that’s the look you like.

For colour combinations, step out of the box ! Blues and pinks are still staples and yes, you will see a lot of those colours when looking for baby decor but do not limit yourself to those classic hues. Branch outside of the children’s department and you will find fun and whimsical pattern and colour in home decor stores – lately we have see a lot of chevron, polka dots and stripes in nurseries.

You will also find great colourful lamps too, that aren’t baby size. Think about wall paper or decals for adding a splash of fun to the room. For gender neutral nurseries, we are seeing aqua paired with orange but tones down with white. We are also seeing a lot of grey, minty green and soft blues but with pops of bright yellow even coral. Some really chic couples are opting for black and white nurseries!

Another option of course is to start with a great neutral palette like grey and white and once your little one has arrived, add some gender specific colour to the room. this is a great example of a ‘blank’ canvas for a nursery

Personality in the nursery – murals always look so cute in a nursery but they can be costly and short lived. If you are the artist in the family and don’t mind the labour of love on a regular basis of updating the mural then go for it! But if you don’t have the time or resources, try wall decals for a timeless wall paper accent wall. Remember you won’t want to hang wall art above the crib!

Pieces you will want in your nursery:

– crib or bassinet but a bassinet will be out grown by about 6 months
– change table (tight on space? look for a change table dresser so it offers lots of function)
– a dresser or armoire
– glidder or rockers for those late night and early mornings (they can get pricy but they will get used a lot)
– an end table by the glidder/rocker for bottle, tissues etc…
– if you don’t have carpet, an area rug
– table or floor lamp, you will want soft lighting for late night feedings
– depending on the sleeping arrangement and situation (and space) you may want a pullout sofa or bed for mom to sleep in

What we are really seeing in nurseries is parents opting for nurseries that they find calming since they are the ones spending the most time in the space. That is one of the big reasons we are seeing more sophisticated colour palettes, furniture (like rockers, storage and beds) and overall styles. What’s hot with nurseries is basically use what ever colour(s) speak to you! An aqua room for a girl why not?! Pops of coral in a boys room can totally work!

Make it a comfortable space for all of you – you will be spending a lot of time in there so be sure to fill it with comfort and lots of love.

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LIGHTING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Pendant Predicament

December 3, 2014

“What size and how many pendants should I hang over my kitchen island?”

The ideal number of lights depends on the style and scale of fixtures you choose, and how hardworking your island is.

Here’s a guide to help you decide which solution is best for your kitchen.

One Large Pendant

Make a modern move by centering one over sized fixture above the island. A large pendant with a translucent shade can offer both ambient and task lighting. This works very well if your kitchen island is also your dining space, which is something we have seen in recent years in condos. This light fixture would act as your island lighting and dining fixture

Two Medium Pendants

Hang a pair of lights evenly spaced over the island to illuminate the work space. These lantern style pendants add great light to the whole space and have a timeless look that work with the kitchen. This is a more current look that we are seeing a lot of in single family homes with large kitchens but also in smaller condo or apartment size kitchens. It’s a clean balanced look and works with any style of decor.

Three Small Pendants

A trip of shapely lights will work together to brighten three different areas along the island. Clear glass fixtures are visually light and mix well with the other style sin the home. This is probably the most common kitchen island pendant arrangement, light the 2 medium pendant arrangement it works with all styles of decor.

Other important points with kitchen island lighting…

1. Size and Scale.

One thing to really, really take into consideration is scale and proportion of lighting to island. Over sized lighting has been very on trend for the past few years but it is possible to be too big, so watch out! Not sure what to do, start with the size of your island, we are seeing over sized (and super handy) kitchen island in homes of all sizes. For example, we had a client would installed a 10 ft island so we were able to install 3 medium sized pendants (equally spaced) and it looks perfect.

2. Mood lighting.

As with any lighting fixture, think about putting these pendants on a dimmer switch. It is a really nice effect when you are entertaining and using the island for serving drinks and appetizers it really creates a warm and cozy vibe

3. Right height.

The bottom rims of your pendant lights should hang about 30 inches above the surface of your kitchen island counter. An alternate way to determine the proper height is to measure from the floor upward. With this method, the bottom rims of the lighting fixtures should be positioned 60 to 66 inches above the floor. If the ceilings in your kitchen are higher than 8 feet, light from the fixtures will be dispersed more evenly if you increase the height of the pendant lights 3 inches for every extra foot of ceiling height. In addition, if you have tall family members, it’s a good idea to raise the lights a couple of extra inches to allow more head room.

Ideally, the bottom
rims of your pendant lights should hang about 30 inches above the
surface of your kitchen island counter. An alternate way to determine
the proper height is to measure from the floor upward. With this method,
the bottom rims of the lighting fixtures should be positioned 60 to 66
inches above the floor. If the ceilings in your kitchen are higher than 8
feet, light from the fixtures will be dispersed more evenly if you
increase the height of the pendant lights 3 inches for every extra foot
of ceiling height. In addition, if you have tall family members, it’s a
good idea to raise the lights a couple of extra inches to allow more
head room.Read more : http://www.ehow.com/way_5842703_high-lights-above-kitchen-island.html

We love fabulous lighting in any room and the kitchen is the perfect spot to add a show stopping fixture. you have lots of options in style and size…let there be light!

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HOLIDAYS, HOME ENTERTAINING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – All About the Holiday Centerpieces

November 26, 2014

“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…

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

Type of gathering. Is it formal? Casual? Family-friendly? Inside or Outside? This will be vital when decide what to put on that table

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.

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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