We Answer Wednesday - Update a Black and White Room

"I live in an open concept condo space.  I chose a black and white theme - it's timeless and stylish but also easy but I'm in need of a bit of an update.  How can I keep my main theme of black and white - what are some easy updates to my theme?"

You are so right that black and white are timeless and of course, chic! We love a black and white decor scheme but every now and then no matter the theme, an update is in need.

When it comes to an easy and affordable update you need to stick with what you currently have and just add to it. The good news is you don't need to add a lot to make this change. The even better news for you is that black and white work with just about everything and you have an endless supply of ideas - it really just comes down to what works for YOU!

Here are some ideas....

GOLD.  Adding a touch of gold to a black and white room just gives the whole space some extra glam and luxury. this about gold pillows, lamps, art and accessories.  Even just the smallest touch of gold can go a long way.  Gold never goes out of style but right now is it hot, so you will see gold everywhere!
If gold isn't for you, try silver or rose gold. The gold and rose gold add warmth and a touch of glam to a space the silver is a bit sleeker but all of them work


 

 

COLOUR. Because black and white are classic neutrals - they 'go' with everything! So add a pop of colour - red is a classic combination with black and white.  If you want to try something a bit different try something equally bold like bright pink, turquoise or lime green.  This looks great in a contemporary style. This pillows and art for a colour injection!



PASTEL. Rose quartz is the hot colour for 2016, so add it to your black and white motif.  You don't need a lot to make a splash. And even though this colour is soft and subtle it really makes a statement.  We love mixing some solid pastels with pattern black and white.



FUR. Texture is another great way to add a designer look to a room and fur is another hot textile this year.  We opt for faux options - it's friendlier, easier to clean and you have a ton of possibilities.  what we really like about mixing fur and black/white is that you are once again playing with neutrals so you can choose a white fur, black, grey even beige - it all works! We are seeing fur used in many ways - area rugs, throws, pillows, full blankets, poofs and ottomans.  Don't over do it - just one fur elements can do wonders!



 PATTERN.  Too many solids in one space can look flat, so mix it up with some prints and patterns.  Don't be afraid to mix your patterns - it's so chic! Patterns are best on items that are accent pieces - think pillow and rugs.  Keep the other elements in the room like the main furniture pieces, wall colour and drapery pretty basic if this is a look you want to explore.



When it comes to 'playing' with your black and white palette you can mix a lot of these, so add a touch of metallic, some fur and a pinch of colour. Find the balance that works for you!

I've got your number!

When it comes to certain decor questions (like height or size) it really is a numbers game, sometimes you can get away with winging it but when you use correct measurements the space looks so much better.

How high should I put the....

 

ART  60" to 66" measured from the floor to the centre of the art piece

SCONCES 68" measured from the floor to the bulb

CHAIR RAIL 30" measured from the floor

The right Size of Area RUG

 

For the living room....

IDEAL : Aim for 10" of bare floor between the rug and the walls of the room

BETTER : every leg on every piece of furniture sits easily and comfortably on the rug

GOOD:  the front legs of the sofa (or entire sofa) and armchairs on the rug, end tables partially on and accent tables are off the rug

For the dining room....

 Rug should be at least 24" wider and longer than the backs of the chairs when they are pulled up to the table, so they don't go beyond the rug when they are pulled out

For the bedroom...

Rug should extend at least 18" - 24" beyond all sides of the bed, so that it covers the footpath around the bed

Choosing a dining table that fits....



Round tables are best for square rooms, 36" seats 4 and 54" seats 6

Rectangle tables are good for most rooms 40"x72" seats 6 and 44" x 80" seats 8

Oval tables are good for wide rooms 47 3/4" x 78" seats 6

Some numbers to keep in mind -
- Allow 24" of space for each person seated at the table
- Leave at least 2' to 3' between the backs of chairs and a wall (or piece of furniture) so the chair can be comfortably moved in and out

Grand Entry

Whether you live in a smaller space or a larger family home, I'm sure you know the importance of the entry.  It's where we enter and leave our home everyday, we leave our mail, our school bags, shoes... you name it!  It's grand central station....but what can you do if your entry space is limited?

These pieces may inspire you to create a more practical (and stylish) entry

1 Transparent console table
Styling a small space can be difficult because it can easily appear cluttered as soon as you start to fill it with furniture and accessories. A modern transparent console table is not only narrow, but is seemingly non-existent and you get surface space without the bulk!  I love the mirror paired with the transparent console, allowing light to reflect in the space so it looks larger. Underneath the console table is a great spot for a seat (like a stool) and/or a box or basket for things you don't want to display like mitts, scarves, running shoes etc....This entry is girly-glam bu this could easily work paired with some organic elements like wood, sisal and leather (see second image)


 Photography by Yale Wagner

 

 2 Stools
I love the look of a bench or chair to give ample comfort when putting on shoes, but most apartment/condo entryways simply can’t house a larger piece of furniture. A stool or smaller upholstered bench is a smarter solution and can also tuck under a small desk or table to save extra space. Look for a stool or ottoman with storage options.



 Photography Angus Fergusson
  
3 Mirrors
Whether you’re dealing with a narrow or dark entryway, mirrors work double duty to help reflect light into that space, as well as create the illusion that it’s bigger than it really is. And a last check before running out the door is always good to have.  I also love the industrial chair by the front door this is perfect for sitting down to put on or take off your boots.  See image 2, I love the full length mirror at the entry, a great way to have another full look at yourself before you leave, now there's no excuse for mismatched socks and shoes!


 Photography by Brandon Barre




 4 Hooks and lighting
If you’re working with an especially tight entryway, hooks are a life saver. Who needs a table surface when you can hang up your coats, scarves, keys and sunglasses? As for lighting, if you don’t have a ceiling fixture, try installing sconces.  This also works because the storage pieces and the wall blend into one another and they are finished in a light tone so the entry feels larger



 Photography by Donna Griffith

 5. Easy Storage
Baskets, boxes, bowls and more are great ways to keep things in order and you do not have so spend a fortune either.  A slim console table is perfect in a small entry and use the open space below for storage (or seating), don't forget a bowl on top of the table surface for keys, mail etc...


 6.  Floating shelves
If your entry space is very tight you may want to opt out of furniture all together and install a floating shelf - perfect for keys and mail.  An umbrella stand would fit nicely underneath and you could add a coat rack for easy access to coats and jackets.  you could even add a hook or two under the floating shelf, perfect for a dog leash. Don't forget a few accessories to make it pretty too!






Also if you are considering selling your home, a welcoming entry will not only make buyers feel good and leave them with a great impression but it will also give them a great idea how to live beautifully and functionally in the space.

A woman's touch....

can do wonders!  When decorating a home and especially if you are looking to sell said home, it is really important to have a balance of masculinity and femininity. 

When it comes to selecting interior finishes and materials, Men have a tendency to go with dark colours and hard materials.  Whereas women tend to lean towards lighter tones and they like to include softer textures. 

Recently, we staged a condo in Ottawa and it was a stunning space with over sized windows and sophisticated finishes but the whole space was very hard and dark - it was obvious that it was a total bachelor pad. 

So we added so colour, so lighter tones but neutral furniture, a mix of textures and artwork to help down play the darker colour palette. 



If you feel like your home could use a woman's touch, here are a few elements you can add that will help:

1- Simple colour palette.  Dark colours re fine in fact they can help define and anchor a space but too many make a space feel dark and cave like, add some lighter tones light white, cream, ivory even pale grey and silver are good options to lighten and brighten the colour palette.  It could be wall paint or tiles, stone counter top or cabinetry.

2 - Fabric choice.  Men tend to lean to leather when it comes to furniture and it is a good choice because it ages well and it is easy to care for.  But try added some more textures like wool, fur (faux), mirror, glass, marble and silk/satin.  If your furniture is leather, think about adding some throw pillows and a blanket, an area rug and maybe a glass or marble coffee table.  The mix of textures help create a warm and inviting space.

3.  Open shelving.  Is a great way to store items you would still like to display perhaps a collection or some pottery.  Because the shelving is open it has a lighter and airy feeling.

4.  Sparkle and shine.  Add some bling to the room (just like a woman would add jewellery to her outfit).  On the coffee table group some silver decor items together (groups of 3 and look for a variety of heights).



5.  Window dressing.  Yes, blinds are super practical and there is nothing wrong with having blind but to add some softness to the room or rooms, add some drapes to frame the window, it just completes the window and if done properly can make a window look even bigger. 

Film and Fashion - Great Gatsby Style

film and fashion are a perfect match - the glamour, the luxury and the fantasy....but what about film and home fashion? 

The Great Gatsby is having some major influence on some home fashion designers this year.  The movie is set to release later his year and if you love a glamorous and luxurious look in Art Deco, that this is for you!  Like the book, the movie is set in the 1920's - the design and architecture of that decade is timeless...glitz, glamour, streamlines, clean lines and geometric shapes help define this style.

Want the look?

Try adding some art deco artwork in your home.




you can find art deco posters like this and many more on art.com

Add some mirrored furniture like a console table and  bedside tables are great spaces to start.  these pieces add sparkle and of course, glamour.



Add even more shine with metallics and silky and satin fabrics for pillows and curtains.  Bouclair Home and West Elm have some great and affordable options. 



Add some art deco influence to your exterior with address plates,  the font style is so important to achieve that art deco look.  Etsy has some great and affordable options.



Mirrored furniture isn't the only way to get some sparkle and shine through furniture.  Try high gloss or lacquered furniture.  Again, armoires, dressers, end tables, consoles are all good options. 



Geometric shapes were a big element of the era and style.  Try wall paper for an easy way to get some geometry in your room.  I love designer wall paper in a small space like a powder room or just an accent wall in a master bedroom or dining room.  Look for a wallpaper with some shine, metallic or polish



Add even more reflective surfaces with your accessories like bowls, sculpture etc....I love this set of binoculars from Restoration Hardware, they are almost sculptural themselves. 




Lighting options should also include glass and metal two staples of the art Deco look.  i love to see chandeliers in unexpected places like bathrooms and bedrooms - it has a modern look but still a nod to the art deco feel.



Dress up your side tables, console table and even your make up vanity with some glass accents like bowl, perfume bottles and vases.

Condo living - think big!!

So you've decided that condo living is for you!  What an exciting time!  Condo living is so chic and truly urban and from what I've heard a bit of a liberating experience.  You no longer need a car, you don't need the big appliances stocked with food for 40, you get to de-clutter and totally purge all of your junk...what a great feeling and a fresh start! 

But you still need the basics like a sofa, seating for guests, a dining area-  so now how do you decorate it to truly maximize your space?

Many say that you have to go with lighter colour tones, every thing has to be smaller and you'll have to sacrifice somethings like a home office or a larger dining table and that smaller furniture is of poorer quality -  FALSE.



You need to really plan out the space you will be living in and use it wisely, no more wasted space.  Yes, some of your furniture pieces will need to be smaller (you are in a smaller area) but that doesn't mean you are scrimping on quality. 



Think about keeping it streamlined, so wall mounting the TV and furniture that isn't fussy or too busy.

So what about the home office?  Yes you could have one.  If you have a two bedroom place.  I would turn the 2nd bedroom into a very multi functional space with a workspace, a pullout sofa (good quality) and storage too.  If you don't have the extra space of a second bedroom try using a corner of the kitchen for a computer/workspace or maybe get creative like a little nook under the stairs (we are staging a condo in early April where we are doing just that). 


Think about the office items you will be using, you may not be able to have some massive piece (and a lot of office furniture tends to be on the bulky side).  Take a look at a narrow table or perhaps a compact glass desk.  And for the office chair, try a sleek dining chair that matches your set - this create a look that really flows and the office chair can easily be used in the dining room for extra seating



So what about colour in your condo?  You don't have to stay light but you should have some contrast.  Everything dark can feel very cave like.  But if you love grey, use it just keep the look monochromatic - that will make the space feel bigger.  Using a lot of bright colours will make the space feel choppy and small.  Use colour in accents like candles and pillows

Big Art will make a Big difference.  Lots and lots of small photos or art pieces on a wall will feel small and cluttered so keep it simple with one big piece.  Same goes for furnituree, a few key pieces is better that a lot of small ones.

A great tip for a dining room, use a bench seat instead of two chairs.  It keeps the line of vision super clean and clutter free without sacrificing seating for guests.  Or, customize your kitchen island by attaching the dining table (basically extending the island surface and adding legs).  A very chic and streamlined look that is just perfect for entertaining.




Condo living is a lot of fun but can be a bit of an adjustment.  Be sure to measure, plan and measure again and always ask about a return policy before committing...

Fabulous find for Condo lifestyles

OK, so I know I write a lot about this subject but that's because the condo life is so popular and I am often asked to find some great multifunctional pieces for small spaces. Well, here are a few more of my favourites:

The Sidecar high dining table - from Crate and Barrel.  It is sleek and streamlined so it fits beautifully in most spaces.  It has great storage at the side for cookbooks, bottles water, snacks whatever.  It can be used for dining it could even be used as a desk.  It's really affordable at $499.00 Pair it with any stool and you have an awesome multifunctional piece.  Love!

The Sift Raw Wall shelf - another great storage item from Crate and Barrel.  It has a very industrial look about it and it is so practical.  It's open shelving but it can be used in so many places.  The kitchen for dishes, the bathroom for linens or the office for books etc...Really reasonably priced at $139.00. 

The Winfrid Sofa - from condofurniture.net is an awesome piece because it can do so much.  A lot of 'condo furniture' is low to the ground and can be quite uncomfortable. The Winfrid has a streamlined modern look but the back height and arm height adjust - perfect for guests of all shapes and sizes (and heights).  The price is right too just under $2,100

Fatboy Pet Lounger - from condofurniture.net another great way to keep the pet off your fabulous furniture is to get them some of their own. It comes in - red, black, orange, pink, lime green, sand,  and camo.  it comes in large or small and it made of a nylon so it doesn't absorb odours and stains are easy to remove with a damp cloth.

The William Mates Bed - another great piece available from condofurniture.net .  This is a perfect piece for a spare bedroom or a child's room.  This 'mate' style of bed comes in a twin or queen.  it offers storage under the bed - and I don't mean shoving the dirty clothes under the bed but actual storage. 

Crate and Barrel offers a similar bed but in a more contemporary design.  Called the Stowaway Queen bed and check out the chalk board detail on the drawers - another tool for organizing.  Label the drawers (shoes, sweaters, books etc...) to help you find everything and keep everything in it's place.



Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...

Mirrors are a great trick to make any space feel larger but here are a few alternatives to making any space look and feel bigger.

1-  try reflective wall paper.  sounds tacky but look for a wall paper that has a sheen which helps reflect light around the room

2 - try mirrored subway tiles for a bathroom accent or a kitchen back splash

3 - try using glass. glass surfaces still give you the surface space you need without the heaviness and bulkiness of wood furniture.

4 - try light paint on the walls.  it doesn't have to be boring there is so much selection in the lighter tones.

5 - try to find a furniture layout that creates flow.  don't block off sight lines and pathways

6 - try lighter window dressings.  don't get fussy it adds bulk, keep it simple and light and for extra privacy try using blackout fabric.