Shades of Greige...

You have probably been hearing the term 'greige' a lot lately...so what does it mean?

Well, greige actually refers to fabric that has not been fully processed, dyed or bleached.

But griege has been used lately to describe a colour that we are seeing everywhere. It is a colour that combines both grey and beige. A true neutral that is extremely versatile. We are seeing it in fabrics, paints, bedroom linens, towels etc...it is classic, elegant, contemporary,timeless and right now - very chic!

Go Greige!!

Pamper yourself!

8 great ideas to pamper yourself in your own bathroom!

As a new mom I take any chance I get to treat myself. Days at the spa are a thing of the past so I transformed my own bathroom into a perfect getaway! You can too and here's how:

1 -- Get some new towels. White is classic but you could opt for colour too, it is really up to you. Find towels that are plush and cotton (better absorption). You do not have to spend a fortune on quality towels check out your department stores as they often have fabulous sales!

2 -- Bamboo bath accessories. They can make any bathroom look like an organic getaway. Bamboo has a natural warmth about it and a calming effect. Look for bamboo mats, waster basket, soap dispenser etc. but don't over do it on the bamboo...

3 -- A new shower curtain. Can really spruce up a tired bathroom. Look for something that works with your existing colour palette or something that evokes the mood you want to create.
Stick with something cotton, not vinyl, it looks more chic.

4 -- Furniture pieces. Yes, furniture! This is best in a large bathroom, for example a small side table can look very elegant next to a free standing tub and is a perfect spot for a glass of wine, candle, a book or the phone.

5 -- Functional decor. Use tall glass vases and fill them with bathroom items such as Epsom salts, soaps, cotton balls - it is useful, appropriate and looks stylish!

6 -- New hardware. Can transform a bathroom instantly! It is an easy fix and not expensive. This can make cabinetry look current too.

7 -- Plants. Add some natural elements to the space. Look for bamboo which does very well in rooms with little sunlight and damp spaces. If that is too much maintenance, add some tall vases with natural sticks. Anything natural adds calmness and serenity to a room.

8 -- Lighting. Change out the basic lighting and add some thing special. We kepth the pot lights but did a beautiful pair of glass pendant lamps over our vanity. Candles can also change the lighting and atmosphere in any bathroom (an easier and less expensive option).

If you cannot get to the spa, bring the spa to you.

The Fine Art of Hanging Pictures

Curator's Choice

Plan your wall gallery before you hang it! Use craft paper cut to your frame sizes and painter's tape to arrange the cutouts on the wall until you have come up with the most pleasing design.

Evenly space the art to create a dramatic presentation of your most favourite pieces.

Mix up the frame sizes and styles to create depth and dimension in your living space.

Step by Step

Up the stairwell, be sure to alternate the sizes of the frames. Group smaller pieces together to create harmony with larger ones.

Keep the spacing between frames constant to portray a professional feel.

Mirror the rise of the staircase you're hanging your art above to establish the perfect placement for each frame.

Art on the Edge

Take your most striking pieces and place them on the ledge, showcasing your favourites to guests.

A collection of small pictures set to one side can be offset by placing larger pieces on the other.

Overlap pictures of different sizes to create a multi-dimensional effect.

Is it worth it?

We have all seen the home improvement shows where the properties are completely overhauled but when it comes to your re-model or home improvement, which modifications are worth it?

With certain improvements you will get a big return on the resale market and others will just help the property sell faster.

The best return for your money:

- new paint (look at neutrals or softer hues if you are looking at selling) and don't forget the exterior

- new flooring (ceramic in wet areas and hardwood in other living spaces)

- repairs such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles etc...

- upgrading bathrooms and kitchens

- new appliances

Money spent for a quick sale:

- granite counter tops

- an upgraded backsplash

- finished basement

- closet organizers

When it is time for a home improvement - think about why you are doing it, your enjoyment or purely for resale. This can help you decide where to focus and how much to spend...

What some have said about KIKI Interiors...

I would like to thank you for your advice on painting, new flooring etc...that helped me make this beautiful property look it's best. The photos and the description were great! And, I am sure the staging helped move this listing extra quick and with a better than expected return! This was my first investment experience and I am so glad to have worked with professionals such as yourself. I look forward to working with you again on my next sale. - Jean

The condo looks beautiful! I now understand why realtors say a furnished listing is easier to sell - than an empty one - what a difference! I love how there is something in everyroom and on every wall - it looks and feels like a home! Kristi, both you and your team did a fantastic job! Looking forward to seeing the new photos! - Diane

Easy trick to make you home (listing) warmer!

Here's an easy tip for anyone looking to make their home more appealing to a buyer...

now that the autumn season is upon us - turn on that fireplace, especially if it is a chillier day!

Not only will it add warmth to the space but it will draw the buyer's attention to that fabulous feature - the fireplace!

Gas or woodburning it doesn't really matter - it adds that cozy feeling that makes us want to cuddle up on the sofa and relax!

Good weave

It takes thousands of knots to make a beautiful rug...
Some 250,000 South Asian children are forced to weave rugs destined for our homes. Look for the human knot on the GoodWeave label and you can help to STOP this practice.

Every GoodWeave certified rug is made on a loom that is independently monitored, ensuring that ONLY adult artisans have crafted it. Your GoodWeave purchase helps get children off looms and into classrooms.

So when you are looking for a beautiful rug, look for the GoodWeave label.

Learn more at www.GoodWeave.org

Spoooky Style!!

I love any excuse to decorate any home, don't you?

If you are like me and love to change things up with the season and the holidays!

Check out http://www.pier1.com/ for some fabulous and fun Halloween decor ideas!

Perfect for anyone hosting a party this year!

Everything from 'spooky' decor pillows to halloween candles, spider door wreath and my favourite ... the table leg covers (they look like witch legs) - so fun!

Also the website has some great tips and tricks for hosting the perfect Halloween party!

So scare up some style this Halloween!

Easy cleaning!

Check out "The Molly Maid Cleaning Handbook" - this book has all of the answers for your domestic dilemmas such as the best way to clean and degrease a stove top, best way to remove pet hair from the sofa, keeping your cupboards tidy and organized and much, much more...

Buy your copy today at http://www.chapters.ca/