House of Cards - Get the Look

Who wouldn't want to live like Frank Underwood? Well, okay: We hope no one wants to live exactly like Frank Underwood. But the rich woods and luxurious fabrics of his Italianate townhome? That we're happy to imitate.

Products:

1. Brianne Gold Leaf Wall Mirror, $100. lampsplus.com

2. Abigail Table Lamp by Currey & Company, $470. burkedecor.com

3. Three-Ply Cashmere Throw, $200. Available at HomeGoods

4. WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut, $1,495. amazon.com

5. Tufted armchair with burlap backing, $299. Available at HomeGoods

6. Troy Natural Pillow by Allem Studio, burkedecor.com

7. Kingston Bed in Caraway, $1,899. ethanallen.com

8. Twilight Hurricane, $149. dwellstudio.com

Top 10 Home Buyer Turn-Offs

Looking for the perfect home can be a lot like dating to find 'the one' to settle down with and build a full life together. And just like dating, buyers looking for the house that is 'the one' well they have turn-offs, too.

If you are selling your home, you will want to make sure your home doesn't have any of these buyer turn offs.

1 Wacky paint colours
Some buyers can overlook strange decor choices and picture the house painted white or in tasteful neutrals, but many can't. Furthermore, colour can have a strong effect on mood, both positively and negatively. Don't take the chance.



 
2 Dirt
A house for sale should be as near to spotless as you can make it. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, grimy grout, stained countertops, dishes in the sink and crunchy floors are definite turn-offs. Do at least a light cleaning before every showing and a more thorough clean each weekend before the open house.

3 Odd (or oppressive) smells
If you smoke, at least take it outside while the house is up for sale. In fact, any noticeable odours, whether pets, lingering cooking smells or even heavy perfume, can turn away a potential buyer. Use fabric refresher on upholstery and air fresheners or room scents where needed, but use a light hand.

4 Unkempt exterior
Curb appeal makes a very strong impression on a potential buyer, and so does lack of it. Make sure the landscaping is trimmed and the lawn mowed; plant a few annuals or cover your flowerbeds with a neat layer of mulch, staying away from the bright red colour and opting for the natural coloured mulch. If the front porch needs painting, paint it. Also, keep the outside of your home as tidy as the interior: remove kids' toys from the backyard, and keep the porch steps swept.





5 Too many pets
It's hard to believe that not everybody loves Fluffy, Fifi, and Rover as much as you do, but they don't. A dog that comes barking fiercely to the door as soon as you ring the bell, or worse, a whole pack of them, is unnerving. One cat sleeping quietly in a chair might be fine; a noisy (and possibly smelly) menagerie isn't. Try to find temporary homes for your friends, at least while the house is being shown. And if you have carpets, get them professionally cleaned to get rid of the 'pet smells'

6 Wrong-headed renovations

This is on a slightly different scale than the other points mentioned here, but should be considered at the time of renovation if possible. A toilet off the kitchen; an open-concept reno that creates a vast, empty space; or an oddly configured hallway or room is viewed by a buyer as money they'll have to spend to put things right. Try to modify your alterations to make them more universal, or better still, avoid wacky renovations in the first place.

7 Dark and dingy interiors
You can't do much about the building two feet beyond your side windows, but you can do a lot to brighten the inside of your house. White or light walls and woodwork is a classic brightener; if you can afford to add windows, they're a good investment in a dark house. Adding more lighting, whether by wiring overhead lights or just installing more lamps, works too. At the very least, keep your windows clean, to let in as much natural light as possible.







8 Horrid basements
Again, this may or may not be under your control, but a dank, dingy basement, especially if the ceiling is very low, can be off-putting. If you have the option, painting the cement floor or installing low-cost carpeting can help cheer it up a little. Also, clear out all the junk, right to the walls, so that buyers can see how much space there is -- even if it's only for their own junk.

9 Dirty appliances
Even if the house is generally clean, don't discount the possibility that people will be looking inside the appliances (they are part of the home). Keep your fridge clear of old take-out containers and aging leftovers, wipe down spills-- and use the self-clean mode on your oven.

10 Swimming pool
It's perhaps unfair to include a pool as a buyer turn-off, since for some people it's a major attraction. But financially, pools rarely make back the money spent on them and can sometimes even lower a home's value. Almost certainly, a pool will cut down the number of potential buyers interested in the house. But if you do have one, make it look it's best !

We Answer Wednesday - How to style my fireplace mantel

"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?" - Kelly S.

Great question, Kelly!  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 knickknacks 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 for your mantel.  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 dislplayed




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!

Bold Meet Traditional....

Many of our projects revolve around clients who have existing pieces (either passed down from family members or the blending of households or just past purchases that they don't want to replace) that they would like to modernize.  Some clients are open to total overhauls of items but others want to maintain the integrity of those pieces and incorporate them into a more modern overall design.  So what are some easy tips to make a traditional living room more playful and bold?

Try adding bold colour, graphic patterns and drama in terms of scale.  These three elements will easily update your space.



This image is a great example of traditional with a twist.






You see all 3 of the above mentioned elements in this room.  The daring orange accents to the over sized floral and geometric prints. 

Mixing several patterns in a room gives a sophisticated layered look and adds whimsy to the space, the key to mixing prints is to use a variety of scales bringing in visual interest and depth into the space. 

If you are nervous about a bold bright colour like orange, just try it in accessories like pillows, lamps and other decorative details - that way you can ease yourself into the colour without making a big commitment.
Make a statement with a bold , big and colourful art piece - that instantly updates a space with a twist.

When traditional pieces are paired with unexpected elements like bold colour, prints and patterns, and big pieces - you make an impact without having to compromise the integrity of your traditional items

Blending Design: How one couple blended their very different styles to create a beautiful space

More and more couples are moving in together and with lots of stuff.  Since more people are finding that special someone later on in life, chances are they will also come with a moving van full of furniture and decor items.  Is it possible to blend totally different styles together and have a chic looking space? Will it just be endless arguing and compromise? No! Even if she loves sequins an he loves neutrals - you can find everyone's happy place. Take this design for example....With its strong, sculptural shapes, a judicious use of jewel-tone hues, and the graphic punch of contemporary art, Robert Brown's design for this couple's Atlanta house strikes the perfect balance

Dining Room

Mismatched chairs in the dining room contribute to its relaxed feeling. The tufted Madison by Hickory Chair and scoop-back Jacob chairs by Nancy Corzine are covered in complementary Classic Cloth fabrics for unity, and two vintage chairs are covered in red leather for flair. Angelo chandelier by Paul Ferrante. C-Leg table, New Classics.

Kitchen

The kitchen islands are topped with Imperial Grey marble and edged in a band of riveted iron. A. Rudin stools are upholstered in DeLany & Long's Breaker to match walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Natural Linen. Clinton chandelier by Paul Ferrante. Antique scale, Parc Monceau.

Entry Hall

The bold pattern of a custom-made, zebra-inspired rug from Stark energizes the monochromatic palette in the entry hall. Wilson settee by Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman

Living Room

 A mix of neutral tones and pops of tomato red and some elegant touches with the mirrored details, candle scones really blend the two styles together nicely in the room to create great balance

 

Master Bedroom

Ceiling, walls, and trim are all painted the same color — Benjamin Moore's Berkshire Beige — to create a serene backdrop in the master bedroom. Curtains in Threads' Hush melt into walls. Designer Robert Brown says he chose the Oushak rug from Keivan Woven Arts because it "feels as warm as an old blanket," and he picked David Iatesta's Marseille chandelier "for romance."





 It is the combination of these different styles that create a truly unique space for this couple to build a life together and it is the differences that make this a stunning space.  When you mix the unexpected together (with a careful eye for detail) the end result is gorgeous! 

Better Basement - ideas for your basement reno

Many of us purchase homes with unfinished basements.  The unfinished basement is like a big, blank canvas! It's a great option for anyone who needs more space.  Space for storage, working, entertaining and more....If you have purchased a home with unfinished basement, it can be overwhelming - where to start  What to do?  so many possibilities..... Take inspiration from these inventive basement decorating ideas

 

 Love to entertain?

Have you considered a small kitchen or bar in the basement?

Turn an unused area of your basement into a kitchenette-slash-bar for an alternative spot to entertain guests. Blogger Alex of Northstory created a welcoming, vintage vibe with an antique wall clock, wooden crates, and pipe shelving.  This is a great idea if you plan on having a pool table or theater space.



Laundry room in the basement?
Basement laundry rooms are very common and often they have a creepy look to them.  Think about creating a bright laundry space with lots of light, painted walls and a cozy carpet.



 Got kids?
The basement is a great escape for them (you, too).  So think about creating a kids area in the basement.  I love the idea of a huge chalkboard wall.  I did this in my basement and it is always used.  So easy to do, too! Plus, educational posters on the wall and a table and chairs for crafts, lego and more....






Work it!
 Get Your Tools Organized
This DIY tool caddy by Mom 4 Real, built out of pegboard, is great for storage. Plus it's convenient: It can roll wherever you need it to go.




Additional income?
 Depending on the zoning of your property you may be able to have an income suite in your basement.  That rent could go towards your mortgage and make life a bit easier




 Before


 After

Main floor getting crowded?
why not try a Functional Family Room?
Depending on the style of home you have, you may not have a main level family room (we see this a lot in older homes).  So create a functional family room space in the basement.  Something for everyone to enjoy.  This is also great for families that don't want a TV on the main floor. 



Selling soon?
If you are looking at selling your current home soon think about updating the basement with a stylish makeover so it looks and feels more like a part of the home and not an after thought




 Before - wall to wall carpet and basic beige walls



 After - a true stylish family oasis for everyone to enjoy.  Updated flooring (wood grain tile) and a more current paint colour on the walls (in soft grey) plus the home staging makes this space look like a part of the home and lifestyle.

Get Organized!
with an ever changing climate, kids and activities - we need storage.  Think about carefully planning your storage space to keep the area organized.



 Have a walk-out?
some basements have walk outs, why not turn that into a mud room area? If you have kids, the mud room is perfect for coats, boots, back packs and more....plus if you also have baement laundry this will make a lot more sense....