What does it mean to "shop your home" ?

If you have been watching home decor shows on TV or reading online articles about home decor recently, you have likely heard the term 'shop your home'.  It's #trending these days....let us explain to you what this term and trend mean.

Basically #shopyourhome is all about using what you have already and bringing it out (if it was stored away), maybe re-purposing it or maybe even updating it. It's part of a recycling movement - instead of tossing out items that are just out dated but are still in good condition and work just fine, give them new life by updating them or re-purposing them (a new location or a new purpose all together).

Some great "shop your home" examples...

Paint - we all know what paint can do to a room but what can it do to an old piece of furniture or a light fixture? Instead of buying new - update what you have!  This is easy, affordable and you are recycling something that might other wise end up in a landfill. this painted light fixture is a simple fix, affordable too plus the end result is a unique 'one of a kind' light fixture that will add WOW factor to your room.



Fabric - give a bench or chair new life with some fabric.  A few yards of fabric will go a long way and give you a whole new look.  It is easy to re-upholster a simple bench or chair seat - you will need some fabric, fabric glue, staple gun and a screwdriver to remove the seat cushion.  You may want to add some foam or cotton batting if the seat needs some volume or cushioning.



 Hardware - new hardware can completely change the look of a room.  We recommend this to our home staging clients as well.  This works on furniture and cabinetry - this is a great update for a kitchen and bathroom.  It is easy to do but it really makes a big impact.



Art - bored of your current art displays but can't replace your pieces? Try moving your art into a different room or in a different arrangement.  This can make a huge different in a space. It's a great way to display pieces that aren't usually seen.





 Garden - do you have beautiful flowers in your garden? Instead of buying cut flowers from the market use your own - it adds a special touch to your space and it's a great way to add a welcoming scene to a tablescape, front entry, coffee table or even a guest bedroom.



Scarf - if you are like either of us, you probably have a drawer full of beautiful scarves and for every season - so make use of them!  Try re-purposing your scarves as a table runner.  Think bright and colourful for summer, neutral for fall and airy for spring.  It adds a fresh new look to the table, it sets the scene and it adds a unique touch.




Furniture - try moving your pieces into a different layout or swapping pieces around - accent chairs are a great and easy choice to re-arrange.  Think of re-arranging your furniture to take advantage of a view of your garden in the summer months or  place your furniture in a way to snuggle up by the fireplace.

 


 Feeling inspired yet?  Home decor can get expensive but if you shop at home and get creative you can get a whole new look !

Ombre - A Cool and Fresh Look for Your Walls and more

So we are still seeing lots of people decorating with accent walls.  We have all seen the bold colour accent walls (red walls were hugely popular) and then the neutral colour accent walls (like a chocolate brown or a charcoal) and then wall paper accent walls ...if you love an accent wall take a look at what is trending this season - Ombre Accent Walls.  The Ombre look is something we have seen a lot in fashion in both hair and clothing and now we are seeing it in home decor.  The Ombre wall is a fresh look and the colour choices are endless you can opt for a bold colour option or a neutral shade or blending two different shades like pink and grey or blue and grey.




Here's what you need:

Paint Colors (for a grey and pink ombre wall like the image above)

• One gallon of gray
• One gallon of salmon pink
• One gallon of light gray

Supplies

• Tape measure
• Paint roller
• Paint tray and liners
• Wide paintbrush

Get Started: Paint and Blend

Ombre describes a graduated color scheme- from the lightest color through to the darkest.

Paint a Base Coat
For best results, wipe down or dust the wall you are going to paint. Choose the lightest shade of paint and begin by painting the entire wall this color. Don't skip this step: This will give your other colors a fresh base of paint to go over, making a smooth, even surface for blending. Let it dry.
Divide the Wall Into Sections
To achieve an ombre look, measure three equal sections on your wall and mark lightly in pencil. The top section will be the lightest color. The darkest color goes at the bottom, leaving the third color for the center.

Start With Medium in the Middle
Paint the middle section with the second-lightest color, leaving 6" of room between the edges of each section. In a timely manner, hold a dry brush at a 45 degree angle to blend.

Apply the Darkest Hue at the Bottom
Paint the darkest hue at the bottom of the wall, leaving a foot between color sections.

Mix the First New Color
In a fresh paint liner, mix your lightest color and your middle shade at a ratio of half and half. Use this first new color blend to paint the 6" gap between the lightest and middle color. Taking a dry brush and holding it at an angle, quickly blend up until you meet the next color section.

Mix the Second New Color
In a fresh paint liner, mix your darkest color and your middle shade at a ratio of half and half. Use this second new color blend to paint the 6" gap between the darkest and middle color. Taking a dry brush and holding it at an angle, quickly blend up until you meet the next color section. Continue to brush the three sections together until you achieve the level ombre you desire.

Your new ombre look can be on furniture too, like this great dresser




You could do this colour blocking look in a ombre palette on a wall too, you wouldn't need to blend the paints but you would need to tape the portions before hand, so you will need good painter's tape and a level for straight lines.

 

 With ombre the possibilities are endless - furniture, walls, art, bedding, rise of the stairs, pillows and even the spindles.