What's trending in home decor?

Trends come and go in any 'fashion' related industry.  We see it in shoes, clothing, make up and hair and of course, we see trends in home decor. 

The big colour in 2013 is Monaco blue but we will also be seeing lots of other colours too.

So what else is happening in home decor and design???

Well, we will be seeing what I like to call 'found design' - it's when you see an eclectic mix of furniture, accessories, art and it all just comes together

In this photo for example, you see the different occasional chairs - one with a pattern and one without.  you see a mix of wall hangings ranging from antlers to stainless photo frames.  The coffee table looks like it was purchased at a vintage furniture shop.  The pops of orange and green are fun and fresh and it totally works!!

We are seeing more and more of this look and I think it is due to what is happening economically.  People are being a lot smarter about how they are sending their money.  They want a home with style but they want to have a home with character too (plus a little more money in the bank). 

So you will see more and more people decorating with this in mind.  It doesn't mean that they won't be shopping but thrift shops, antique store and vintage shops will be busier than before. 

Also this 'found design' concept isn't so much a look but a way to find personal style.  If you like a modern cabin look or a mod contemporary look you can have that!

This way of decorating takes time and it's a process - you won't find everything all in one day and when you do go shopping at vintage stores be sure you snatch up what you love - it won't last long! 

Personal, Style, Personal Touch

Whenever my team and I are working on a model suite, we always discuss with the sales and marketing group "who is buying this?"  It is so important for us to work with the sales and marketing team to reach the target market for the specific target group. 

So once we know who we are gearing the look and style to, the res is really easy.  But we always work towards crating a dream home that has real personal style not just a cookie cutter or generic look.

Our latest project was no expectation.  We knew the target buying group was mostly singles but perhaps some couples in their 20s.

The main elements like the tiles, hardwood, paint colours and cabinets were already selected, we were taking care of the styling of the model.

We had this den space to decorate.  High ceilings and white walls and a white shelving unit - this area needed colour!  We found some amazing recycled glass vases, some colourful and kitchy decor items and some great books to really add some personality.

In the bedroom, we knew we had this charcoal accent wall to work with.  One of my favourite colour combos is orange and grey.  We added some bold graphic art and some custom bedding and pillows to again show off some personality.  So many model bedrooms are showcasing the 'hotel chic' look with generic white on white bedding which is dreamy but who lives like that?
The bedroom is still streamlined and chic but with some personality in the patterns and colour in the space.

This living room area also needed some colour. We had the white walls and the grey sofa and the white coffee table to work with, but colour adds personality, visual interest and mood to a space.  We kept the colour theme consistent with that of the bedroom - the pop of orange.  We also framed some very special and bold art pieces.  Other decor items like the coffee table books and the decor items add that personal touch and keep the model from looking generic.

When my team decorates a model suite, we a personal touch that connects with the target buying group - that helps them feel very comfortable and they mentally move into the space.  On opening night, guests were sitting on the sofa chatting and having a drink - some were even eating the oranges in the bowl in the living room!  When people connect with a space they are more likely to purchase.  the days of keeping a model suite really neutral and generic are over!

Handcrafted chic

I love celebrating the talents of others!  My mother-in-law (who knits, quilts and crochets so well) recently taught me how to knit and I have really being enjoying this creative outlet and I also find it is a great way to reduce stress.  I'm still a novice but I'm having a lot of fun! 

I love this website www.etsy.com they truly celebrate the art of handcrafts. 

If you are looking for beautiful baby gifts or bedding, you will find some fabulous and very special options.


Like customized blankets and bedding.  To wall decals, to wall art and more...

You can find other great items for other rooms in the home, like stunning throw pillows and other fun decor items for the home

Each and every item is so unique and can add that touch of personality and personal style to your space. 

2013 Trendy Colour : Monaco Blue

Yes, this year's hottest colour is Monaco Blue

Everyone is in on the trend and you can find all styles embracing this new colour

Take a look at Pier One's nod to the hue.  I love how they mix it with pattern and print plus teamming it up with a fresh white is so clean looking.  The glassware accents add some sparkle, too. What a calming colour for any space...

http://www.pier1.ca/

Let's get Market Ready!

The real estate market is competitive all year round - and every seller wants the same thing - to sell their home for the most money and in the shortest period of time. 

In every market (hot or not) an 'as-is' home will always sell for less than it should.  Why? Because the condition of the home will be reflected in the offer, either the offers will be much lower than asking (due to the condition of the home) or the offer will be low (because an 'as-is' home sits longer on the market) or the seller/agent has had to reduce the asking price (and sometimes drastically reduce the price) to generate interest.


Preparing your home for market doesn't have to be costly but if you know you are thinking of selling in the near future, it's a good time to start getting ready to sell by following these simple suggestions.

De-Clutter : after years of living in the family home, we accumulate so much stuff.  Start purging and tossing.  If you are downsizing, you'll need to do this anyway.  Clutter makes any and every room feel small (buyers are never looking for something that feels or looks small - even if they are downsizing themselves).  Even your precious collectibles will look like 'junk' to a buyer.  Clutter can actually leave a person with a feeling of stress.  Get rid of the personal items like photographs and collections - make the home feel neutral so that nay buyer can mentally move in.



Cleaning : Inside and Outside.  This includes trimming the hedges, cutting the grass, removing cobwebs, sweeping the walkways and porch, dust, mop and scrub those floors, if you have carpet - a professional steam clean is a good idea, pay close attention to giving the kitchen and bathrooms a thorough cleaning.

Repairs: Pay attention to leaks, cracked tiles etc...also get your heating and cooling serviced and if you have a hot tub or pool get that serviced as well.  If the buyers sees that these minor repairs have not be taken care of, they will wonder what other repairs are needed. 

Staging: Now that the house has been de-cluttered, cleaned and repaired it is time to dress it up.  staging involved moving around existing furniture (and possibly tucking some of it away), could involve re-painting in a neutral tone, ad adding some current elements like mirrors or art.  We want to set the stage for potential buyers to visualize themselves in the space. 



Listen : to your realtor.  Follow their suggestions and advice when it comes to presenting your home and marketing your home.  they are up on the current market trends and are also working with buyers so they know first hand what buyers are looking for.  your realtor can also keep you informed on what the comparables are in the neighbourhood are and what is happening in your city. 

Candles - a great alternative

I love the candles!  The light they give off, the feeling, the mood they add to a room...but candles and kids do not mix!  So a great alternative that I love is battery operated candles.

There are so many options with this flameless option.  In terms of scent, size and colour.



They are available in so many locations, ranging from Wal-Mart to HomeSense to Michaels and more....

If you are hosting a party where children are welcome these are perfect for setting the mood without any potential for disaster, even if there aren't kids around these are safe and still give off the same look and feel plus the wick won't burn out.

I have some extra large cream coloured flameless pillar candles in my family room and they give me the look without the worry.  I use them often (entertaining or just relaxing at home) and it really adds a softness to the space.  the scented ones are nice, too.

These are also a great option for an open house.  If you are selling your home and want that extra touch to set your home apart and want to create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers - talk to your real estate agent about using flameless candles and don't forget about using the right scent to make an inviting home.