We Answer Wednesday - Multi purpose furniture

“We love the idea of owning furniture that does more than just look nice. We want to have furniture pieces that we can use as storage and can do double duty.. what are some suggestions?” 

We hear from so many people that they want furniture that can do more than one thing. These days, we’re always multitasking, everyone is always trying to do it all, between work, friends, life, family, balancing everything is what humans do best, so why should our furniture be any different? As much as we’re advocates for everything to be beautiful, we understand that somethings need to have another purpose than just being nice to look at. We get lots of people asking about small space decorating. What are the best items to purchase for storage and that also look great? Here are a few suggestions of furniture pieces that can be multi-purpose, or do double duty.

Coffee Tables: Instead of using a traditional coffee table, try an ottoman that opens up with storage inside. This is a great place to put your extra pillows and blankets or whatever you need to keep tucked away and don’t have a space for. This can also serve as extra seating in your living room if you don’t have enough for guests.
Another option is to have a solid material coffee table but make sure it comes with ample storage. Whether it opens up, or has lots of shelves and drawers. Make sure you utilize all the storage you can.

 

TV Walls: Obviously, most people have a TV. Instead of just using that as a media space, use the extra wall space for shelves as well. Decorative baskets, books, personal photos. Create a gallery wall and use all the space available to you. Gallery walls are very on trend at the moment. Whether you create a modern, streamlined gallery wall, or an eclectic mix of all that you love – don’t let usable space go to waste!

 

Dresser instead of a Console: Most people have a table at their front door for keys and decorative pieces. Instead of just having a table there, add a dresser with storage and shelving. Having this extra storage at the front door can be very beneficial. You need spaces to put things like hats, mitts, scarves, mail etc. Having all these extra items hidden and organized will also be good for your mind. No clutter – no stress! 

 

Hall Tree instead of just a bench at your entry: Similar idea to the dresser at the front entry. Having a hall tree will give you the bench for added seating, it will also have hooks, and shelving, granting you more space for odds and ends. This is another great spot for kid’s coats, back packs, shoes, hats, mitts, etc. Having these hooks and extra shelving options will be helpful organization for the whole family.

 

Sofa Bed: A sofa bed is a fantastic double-duty item. Most people need a sofa somewhere in their home. And lots of people could also use an extra bed for guests. Why not purchase a sofa that can be used in multiple situations? Get something stylish that also serves as a guest space.  

 

Chest/Bench in the bedroom: Do you have extra space in your room? If so, add a bench at the end of your bed. Same idea as the ottoman suggestion. Add a storage bench at the end of your bed for items like pillows and blankets. Maybe even seasonal clothes. Not into the idea of a bench? Try an antique chest. Something that will add additional functionality to your home.

 

Bookshelf as a Room Divider: Depending how large your space is, you may need to break up some open concept areas. Having a book case used as a room divider is a great option for storage and privacy as well. This is a great place to add accessories and accents as well such as picture frames and books. If you have an open concept space, or a studio space, a lot of times, you lose that extra wall space. Not having the wall space to add all these extra pieces is sometimes a downfall, but utilizing the space you have in smart way will contribute to an organized home.

 

Black and White

Black and White is a classic!  It is always "in" and works with so many different styles of decor.  Here are a few of our favourite rooms in black and white.

This condo living room is gorgeous! We love a consistent colour palette in smaller spaces but what's so effective here is all of the white-on-white and accents of black and silver.  The white walls and furniture blend together making the space feel so much bigger.  The glass and silver add so much glamour to the space.



Another stunning living room, we love that this black and white has some ethnic elements with the choices of print and pattern but also materials.  We love to mix patterns but also materials.  The small touches of gold add some shine to the room






This dining area is relaxed but still modern.  The clean, black table paired with Eiffel chairs keeps it cool but the mix makes it relaxed.   The over sized lighting also makes a big statement in the room adjoining rooms.





We love an accent wall and in black and white so chic! This stripe wall in this work space adds instant drama.




Black and White is the bedroom is so chic.  We love the over sized mirrors with mini chandeliers in this bedroom paired with the modern bed frame make this space very unique but still very stylish.





We love the simple glamour of this bedroom.  the full and fluffy white bedding with lots of layers against the black wall is so chic.  And the added detail on that black wall just takes it to the next level. The sphere chandelier is modern but with a classic twist.



We love black and white photography, gallery walls, pillows, prints, area rugs and so much more.  when it comes to decorating your space in this classic contrast don't be afraid to mix up prints and textures.  In fact you really should so that you get a chic designer look .

We Answer Wednesday - Hosting for the Holidays

OK, Please help!  I just found out I'm hosting the office Christmas party.  It's in 3 weeks and I have never hosted this type of party ever.  I need to provide food and drinks (luckily I have some friends who are going to help with that) but I'd like to decorate as well without spending a fortune and easy but stylish holiday decorating ideas??

The holiday season is so much fun but it can be stressful.  Throwing a Christmas cocktail party in 3 weeks might feel impossible but it isn't!  Good for you for enlisting some support in the food and beverage department.  It's OK to ask for help.

If you do not own any holiday decor items, it might be a good idea to ask friends and family if they have any decorations around the house that they aren't using.  This could save you a lot of time and money.

If you want to do it all on your own but on a budget there are lots of fun and festive ways to decorate on a budget.

1.  Use items you have around the house already like vases.  We love filling vases with season items like pine cones, ribbons and bows, candy canes and even ornaments - for a clean and simple look but it still celebrates the season.



2. Add a few natural elements for an instant Christmas feel.  We love this simple wood tray with candles, pine cones, simple metallic ornaments and some cedar branches on this coffee table.  It is perfect and simple.  Try a scented candle for an extra special touch.



3. Edible arrangements are easy and fun.  We love this simple and clean centerpiece with votive candles, cranberries and some cedar branches.



4. Wrap some old boxes and use them in corners or by the fireplace.  so simple and still very festive.  Not great at wrapping? You can purchase pretty boxes from more Dollar stores, add a bow and you are done.  We love these 3 boxes on candle sticks - perfect on a console entry to welcome guests!



5. Recycle your bottles and make them beautiful with some winter berries or other faux foliage.  We love these green glass bottles with winter berries.  A bit of a rustic feel for the holiday season.  Perfect on a console, mantle or as a centerpiece.




 6. Candy!  Christmas candy is so pretty so why not show it off? We love this simple Christmas candy tower and you know what? It's a great DIY gift for a host, neighbour or teacher.  The vase can be re-used and the candy, who doesn't love candy??



7.  Welcome guests with a wreath! Wreaths are a great accessory for the front door.  But you can definitely bring them inside.  They look great on walls (this year I'm adding one to my gallery wall), windows, mantles and interior doors - why not? Look for wreaths that are your style - shiny, big, bold, natural, there are so many to choose from.  Crafty? Try making your own.





A few other things to consider....

- colour palette: who says you have to stick to the traditional green, red and white? Mix it up a bit! Try bold and bright tones like hot pink, purple, aqua and lime green.  Go glam with white and mixed metallics.  Keep it simple with one hue like just red.  choose a colour palette that works for you!

- no room for a tree? no problem! look for a mini tree instead, artificial is a great option too - you can re-use it year after year.  Try a rosemary 'tree'.  Most local supermarkets have rosemary plants in the shape of a mini Christmas tree, it's perfect by the front door, coffee table or as a centerpiece. We also love DIY projects like these Christmas tree cones - a great option for small spaces and you can decorate them however you like!



- light! Candles make any event look and feel special so bring out your pillars and votives and dim the lights.  The candle light will make your place look beautiful.

- budget.  Be sure to check out your dollar stores for decor and party supplies.  You might be very surprised at what you find on such a tight budget.

- have a theme.  Yes, OK it's Christmas but what is your style or theme? Stick with one colour palette and inject your sense of style.  Do you want a country Christmas or a contemporary Christmas?  there's no wrong answer but stick to that decor theme throughout the entire home to keep it looking chic and sophisticated.  The best party planners plan their decor scheme, so we suggest you do the same.

- have fun! it's a party and yes the host has extra duties and responsibilities but have fun! If the party isn't perfect, it doesn't matter just go with it and have a good time, and everyone else will too !

We Answer Wednesday - stylish TV stands

I have a typical, TV media stand right now and I find it such an eye sore in my home. What are some unique ideas to use as a media stand in my living room?

We agree! While the typical, glass media stand is a cheap and easy option but it certainly doesn’t enhance the style of a space. There are tons of great options that are not necessarily the ‘typical’ option but will look fabulous! Here are 7 suggestions for ‘unique’ media stands.

1. A dresser: depending on how much space you have in your living room this is a fantastic option for a few reasons. It is GREAT for storage, it will hide cords and it is a unique option to have. You don’t have to choose a typical bedroom dresser, maybe a decorative option with some detail work, or some curves to the wood, perhaps in a bright colour. The flexibility with a dresser is awesome. Just make sure that the height works for your space. If you are using a lower, more modern dresser, it helps to check the height of your sofa to ensure its not too low to comfortably watch. 

 

2. A chest: Depending again on the height, having a chest with or without detail is a unique look. This is also a great way to hide any cords etc since a chest is typically bulky.  There are so many different colours, styles, sizes and finishes to choose from! A great way to personalize your space.

 

3. A console table: a clean lined, simple console table with a bit of storage is a great space saving option. You can hide any wires by adding baskets underneath, or a small bench or ottomans. This is very versatile and comes in many options, depending on your décor and the size of your home. Make sure that you have enough depth to hold the items you need to.

 

4. A fireplace: before committing to this though, make sure you have checked that your TV can withstand the heat that a fireplace will generate. For some people, having their TV over mounted or resting on the fireplace is a fabulous space saver as well as a great look!

 

5.  A bench: be sure your bench is sturdy enough to handle the weight of a TV but this could be a great small space solution because a bench won't add a ton of bulk but pay attention to the height.

6. TV Easel: we love this option but understand it isn't necessarily budget friendly.  This is a great option for spaces where your wall space is limited (hello condo dwellers) plus these come of wheels so they can be moved around if you need room in your main living space if you are hosting a larger TV free party!

7. Bookcase: Having a lower bookcase is another fantastic idea for a small space. This will incorporate a ton of storage and hold your TV – so practical!! You can never have enough storage. Plus, this is a great idea for showcasing accessories as well as being functional – doesn’t get much better than that!!

 

 

 

We Answer Wednesday - Girl on a Budget

" I'm a girl on a budget.  I've moved into a new place and I need some ideas to make my new place look expensive."

We are all on a budget but there are some home updates that you can do with minimal money that will result in maximum impact.

1 - Lighting.  Swap out that old dining or entry way light fixture for something with visual impact



2 - Neutrals.  Ever notice that those classically chic spaces we all drool over in the magazines are always in neutral tones? So opt for neutral paint on your walls, the depth is up to you but greys, taupes, creams and beige always looks chic.

 


3 - Tile.  Is your kitchen missing something? A back splash is like jewelry on an outfit - it pulls it altogether and makes a statement! So same with tile.  Update your kitchen with some back splash tiles and maybe give your powder room a boost too.  Looking for something timeless? We love a subway tile, it comes in many colours and it's always in style.

 

4 - Built-ins.  Yes, they are expensive but fake them! find some pre-fab or packed shelving and create that custom built-in look with floor to ceiling bookcases.  Aim for shelving that is the colour of your trim to get the built-in look. Be sure to style your bookcase with decor pieces and books to make it look elevated!

 

5 - Dimension.  Add some depth and elegance with panels and molding. Use this to draw attention to special features of the home like a fireplace.

 

6 - Hardware.  Make sure your hardware finishes match.  Replace any hardware that doesn't match or that is broken. Coordinating your hardware pieces will make the whole room shine.

 

7 - Walk way.  Even the exterior of your home can look expensive.  Update that walkway it will give the whole exterior an instant boost and make your landscaping look even better.

 

8 - Exterior entryway.  A full exterior make over can get pricey but try a few easy improvements like paint your front door - a fresh coat of paint always looks great!  Update your mailbox and address plate. Try adding some flanking planters to your front exterior, for symmetry and balance they frame the entry and look welcoming.

7 Easy Ways to add a little Colour to your world

It's officially November and we can all see it, not just on the calendar but outside, too!  The days are shorter, the leaves have fallen off of the trees and those beautiful fall colours have turned to grey....everything is just a little dreary.  So maybe it's time for a change, a dash of colour and some fun at home.

The easiest way to make a change to your space to liven it up is with colour.  Here are some of favourite (and easy) ideas to add some pop to your decor.

1 - Florals.  This is perfect for anyone non-committal, fresh flowers don't last for after about 10 days - they will need replacing. Or try some silk flowers, these keep, they are low maintenance and you can bring them out when ever our home needs an extra boost! They look great in bedrooms, bathrooms, on coffee tables and more....



2 - Art.  such an easy way to add as much or as little colour as you like.  Any style of art piece can have colour from abstract to landscapes - go with what you love.  You can use the colours in that piece as an inspiration for adding even more colour in that room, so not, it's up to you!






3 - Area rugs.  Think of them as art on the floor.  This is a great way to make a statement in any room.  Mixing colour and pattern can really transform a room.  The options are endless!



4 - Drapery.  A fun way to add colour, pattern and texture to your space.  This can really wake up a neutral space.  Like area rugs - the choices are plentiful...




 5 - Small furniture pieces.  Keep your main furniture pieces neutral but try adding an accent chair, side table or stool in a colour.  This is unique and it's a great way to show off your personality.  We love this kitchen with orange stools - it really adds some fun to a mostly white on white space.



6 - Decor pillows.  This is probably the easiest way to give your room a colourful update.  We love to mix bold colours, patterns and complimentary colours against a neutral sofa or bed.



7 - Accent wall.  If you feel you need a bigger change, consider a painting accent wall in a fun colour or splashy wallpaper.