We Answer Wednesday - Wall decor Ideas (other than artwork)

"I'm looking for some ideas to decorate my empty wall space.  I do love art but I would like to see if there are other options out there that could add a unique look to my home"

Art and other wall decor pieces are a great way to add some visual interest in your space but it's also a great way to add colour and texture plus you can really show off your style through art.

We are seeing a lot of options for wall decor besides a stretched canvas or framed print.

Here are ideas:

1.  Fabric or Wall paper - you can use these material as an accent wall but why not frame them and have some creative wall panels. You can make these panels are big as you like and the really customize the look plus this is a great way to add some unique flair to a rental without losing your damage deposit.



2. Wood - wood is going to be a big trend for 2016.  It has great texture, character and warmth too.  We will see a lot of wood in furniture but also art.  We certainly did see accent walls in reclaimed and distressed wood planks and fun signs but we are seeing wood in art as well.





3. Mirrors - this is not a new idea but one way to add some light to a room is to add a mirror.  there are so many shapes and styles of mirrors, too.  A mirrors looks great layered over an accent wall or on it's own.  Mirror gallery walls - so mirrors in different shapes and frames is another unique touch to a room.




4. Floating shelves - this is a clean and easy way to display a series of pieces you want to show off.  On a floating shelf anything can really work - framed photos, candles, decor pieces etc...For the shelves themselves you have lots of options in terms of colours and materials.




5. An oversized wall clock - this is both function and fashion.  This fills up the space and is visually appealing but it is also very useful.  there are so many styles of clocks to choose from too.  We love the aged clock in this image flanked by the candle sconces.




 6. Animal heads - so we have seen this trend for a few years now and maybe it has reached it's peak but we are seeing different and unexpected animal heads.  People are using them in different places too like kids rooms and nurseries.  We have also seen them in a variety of materials - papier mache, resin, faux fur, wood, metal and wire. They are nice in an eclectic gallery wall, or just on their own.  Trend or not, if you like it - go for it!



 7. Maps - so this can be purely decorative but also educational.  It's a great addition if you love to travel - it's a great way to show off your interests through decor.  Map come is all sorts of shapes and sizes - full wall paper or oversized framed maps.  The colours vary too - soft 'aged' beige tones to bright and vivid colours.



8. Wall decals - wall vinyls have come a long way - they are easy to stick on and peel off.  There are so many possibilities too - inspirational quotes to images and everything in between. So this is another great option for someone living in a rental that wants to add some 'pop' to their space or for someone that changes their mind often.



Which wall treatments do you like? Which ones have you used? What ever you decide make sure it suits you and your space and don't ever feel like you have to follow the latest trends!

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.





 

We Answer Wednesday - Wanting Wallpaper

Can you use the same wallpaper...a sort of monotone paper, repeatedly throughout a floor...hallway, guest bath, etc? Or should you keep it to one room?

When it comes to using wallpaper in residential and commercial spaces, the rules are a bit different.  Commercial grade wall paper is a great way to add detail that will also handle the wear and tear so we do see this repetition of wallpaper in a space.  So you might see a solid tone wallpaper in a hallway, bathroom and suite and because of the size and scale of the space (and usually the subtlety of the actual wallpaper itself) it doesn't seem overwhelming, so it works!

 

In a residential space the rules are a bit different.  And wallpaper  nowadays is used to make a focused statement or an impact in a space.  Using the same wall paper in multiple rooms is a bit of a dated look but there is no reason you can't use a few different wall papers in a home. If you really love wall paper and want it everywhere you can opt for a traditional wall panels with chair rail painted out in your trim colour and wall paper the top.  What keeps that look more modern and fresh? Your choice of wall paper!





For instance when using wall paper as an accent, a great bold wall paper in a powder room makes a big impact (it is best on the wall of the vanity and mirror) and you could use an entirely different wall paper in a guest bedroom or the master bedroom.  I would suggest not using wall paper in every room as it will lose it's impact.






To get a cohesive look throughout the home, use the wall paper you love and pull some colours from the print.  In this image of a wall paper accent wall in a bathroom , you could work with the blue, the white or even the subtle gold tone or just introduce a neutral like a soft grey or taupe.  Use paint to also make a statement in your space and still highlight the fabulous wall paper. If you love wall paper and really want to use a few different wall papers that's fine too just don't over do it and lose the effect!




This image is an open concept condo space where they have decorated with multiple wall papers.  You have a bold geometric teardrop pattern and a black and white forest motif and don't miss the bold turquoise wall this would work better if the space wasn't so open or if there was a common thread between all of the colours and wall paper choices. 

We Answer Wednesday - All About Accent Walls

“I love the look of accent walls, but I’m nervous to do it in my home. How do I decide which wall I should add the accent to? And what colour should I do?” 

Using an accent wall in your home adds so many different elements to a room. A pop of colour showcases your personality, adds interest and a focal point to a room. The options are endless! You can add a bold paint colour, patterned wallpaper, neutral tones, a pattern with paint, a solid wallpaper ... you can do whatever you want, it’s your home! Adding an accent wall is a great and inexpensive way to update a room without a huge price tag and commitment. If this is your first time adding a accent wall to your home, we suggest not going too crazy with the colour you chose

 

Having an accent wall in an open concept space helps to define certain areas of the home without having the put up walls, similar to how having area rugs help to separate the spaces.

But there are a few questions you have to ask yourself before you create an accent wall..
What is the style of the room you want to add an accent wall to?
If your room is very neutral and traditional adding a super bold colour like a solid orange may be way too much. It won’t flow nicely.. and it will likely be the only thing you’ll notice in the room. You want your accent wall to be just that, a nice accent. Not an eyesore. If your room is full of blue tones.. maybe adding a navy accent wall, or a wallpaper with blue tones throughout. Adding an accent wall looks best when there is some harmony through the space. Having an all blue room and then a yellow wall may not flow the way you expected. Now, having a pattern with blues and the addition of yellow throughout as well may be the perfect balance.

Create a focal point.
If you’re unsure which wall to paint an accent wall.. just think about which wall you want to be the focal point of the room. Do you have a wall with a fireplace that is a prominent feature in the space? Paint that wall! Or a couch and art you want to emphasize. For bedrooms, the wall the bed is against is a common wall to add an accent to, it really makes the bed stand out. Maybe you have a really beautiful dresser and mirror on one wall, paint the wall behind that to make a statement and accentuate the beautiful furniture. In a dining room, a great wall to paint is the one you see as you walk in, the view of the table and lighting and then a bold statement wall behind will create a lovely focal point as well. 

The options truly are endless. Try to make the room flow and use colours that aren’t completely random to your space. If you have lots of beige and taupes, a chocolate brown accent wall makes sense. Staying within the colour family you have currently, is a no fail rule to create a beautiful space for a home décor newbie.