Chair-ity!

Chairs are a functional item in most rooms but this season we are going to be seeing a lot of different styles, looks and fabrics in and on chairs.

Some of my favourite looks in chairs are:

-- a mis-match set, so one look with your table maybe something from a rummage sale that looks a bit rough and add a modern looking set of chairs

-- go bright! have a neutral table with some different coloured chairs. this is a great look in an eat-in kitchen

-- have a dining set you want to update? try changing out the upholstery on the seats. i did this with my set, the seats were covered in a white vinyl and we replaced it with a funky animal print.

-- re-upholster you traditional wing back in a non-traditional print. the unexpected adds personality and unique flair to any room.

-- look for some industrial pieces to use as seating. an old work bench can be used at the front entry or in a bedroom.

-- the 'ghost' chair is a clear plastic chair that looks great in a bedroom, living room or dining room. it can make a smaller space look huge but still provides seating

Some of my favourite places to look for chairs -

- Design within Reach (check out the cherner collection, the marais collection and the navy chair) www.dwr.com

- Phillip Van Leeuwen (check out the 'petite', the ghost arm chairs and the 'frilly')

www.artoffurniture.ca

- looking for something vintage try 'Found Design' www.founddesign.ca

- check out garage sales and antique shops for something truly unique and one of a kind.

An occasional chair is another way to add personality and flair in any room. Chairs can be a bit costly but think of them as an investment piece plus you want something well made so it lasts and it is comfortable.

Home Decor FAQ

My kitchen is boring and ugly is there anything I can do short of spending thousands of dollars renovating it?

The kitchen is the hub of activity in any home so we should feel like it is a warm and fun place to be. Here are some simple and inexpensive solutions to update your space - change up the hardware, in Ottawa we are lucky to have a Lee Valley tools, they probably have the best and most varied selection of kitchen pulls and knobs. Another quick fix, paint! If the kitchen is a bit lifeless or dull add a splash of colour!

I would love to work with an interior designer but I don't have the money, what are my options to get a designer look without the cost?

Go window-shopping!! Walk around and browse in your favourite furniture shops and take a look at the displays. Take a look at what is out there and ask your sales professional for some advice - it won't cost you anything. Some of my favuorite places to browse in Ottawa are Blueprint Home located at 1301 Wellington, Rhubarb Home 279 Richmond Road and EQ3 located in the ByWard market.

What is the single least expensive thing I can do to transform my space?

Paint. Don't be afraid of colour - it can completely transform the mood of any room and don't worry about choosing the wrong one - you can always paint over it! In Ottawa we have some excellent paint professionals who can help you select your colour. Farrow & Ball located at 343 Richmond Road Ottawa, (613) 722-9891, has true professionals in their shop and they can help you with any paint or decor need.

How can I get inexpensive mood lighting?

First thing get rid of any fluorescent lighting it has a blue tint and makes everything look ugly. Instead use halogen or incandescent lighting. Also use dimmers and use them everywhere. They are easy to install, just ask at any home improvement store, I prefer Rona (you can collect air miles). Dimmers can change the mood in any room in an instant. The more light sources you have the better - overhead, task lighting, reading lamps and candles depending on which combination you use can really alter the feeling in any space. Some of my favourite lighting stores in Ottawa are: MultiLuminaire 1872 Merivale Road and Zone 471 Sussex Dr.
For dramatic touches, candles can add a romantic feel.

Can I clean my moldy plastic shower curtain liner?

No you cannot and why would you want to? Your bathroom should not only be stylish but also clean, a shower curtain liner can collect all kinds of body oils, bacterias and mildew, it's best to replace the liner when you can see any collection of mold or mildew. Just purchase an inexpensive liner and spend on the curtain itself. Some stores that have great and unique curtains are Zone, 471 Sussex Dr, Home Outfitters and even Loblaws - the prices all vary and so does the selection but these stores have something for everyone and every taste.

Do dark colours always make a small space look even smaller?

Not necessarily. It depends on the amount of light that reflects into the room. If the room has a window you have a lot more freedom to choose any colour you like. For example many bathrooms look chic and elegant when painted in a bold and dramatic colour. Painting walls a dark shade helps them recede, giving the room a sense of depth. Adding lighter touches to a dark room gives drama and balance, for example an eggplant or charcoal powder room with cream or white towels and fixtures and some black and white photography make the space seem rich and luxurious.

What's the difference??

Recently, I met with a client who was putting his home up for sale. His family had already made the move into their new home so the current house was vacant. He had already met with an Interior decorator thinking that staging and interior decor were the same thing. I explained the differences and why a stager was what he needed in order to sell his home. Here is what I said to him.

Home staging and interior decoration have become a very lucrative businesses today. Many schools are offering programs in the field, more and more magazines with a focus on design and decor are on the shelves and there are TV stations completely dedicated to home improvement. With the boom in the real estate industry, more and more people are taking up these fields as their career of choice. There are a large number of people who want to know that whether there is any difference between them or not.

Well, the basic difference between home staging and interior decoration lies in the design principles, like how they are applied and what it results into. Interior decoration is more of furnishing and fitting in things in a way that suits one’s lifestyle and preferences and ading that perosnal and unique touch.Home staging on the other hand is a type of marketing strategy. It is a process by which a house is decorated so as to make it appealing to a large audience who are looking for their new home. This brings out only the positive features of a home - the true selling points. In home staging, there won’t be as much of furniture as you might use in your day to day life but that is done so that the property looks spacious. A home stagger will also remove personal items such as family photos, trophies and reglious items so the buyers can visualize themselves in the home.

Only the required furniture should be used so that the potential buyers can feel the comfort of home. A good home staging can help a lot in selling the property (staged homes sell faster and usually for the asking price or more). It creates an emotional connection between the potential buyer and the property. It also hilights certain features as well - home staging is a sales tool.

In case of home staging, you have to keep in mind about the likes and dislikes of the general population, the home is staged for the purpose of selling it.

There are professional home stagers who can be hired for staging a property. Some real estate agents work with stagers to improve the salability of their lisitings. In Ottawa, for example, the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) work exclusively with the KIKI Interiors team. They know the right way to present a home in it's best light.

Remember an Interior decorator is taking your taste and style into account. They are there to truly personalize your space. When you hire an interior decorator, you can instruct the decorator to arrange things according to your choice. This may take into account the paint on the walls, the furniture, the architectural style, etc.

To make a great deal from a real estate investment, the seller should be clear about the differences between home staging and interior decoration. To sell a property at a good profit, the home should be nicely staged. To make a home look like home, the interior should be properly decorated. One is for the sale of the home and the other is to create the space you want. Do you know which is which?

Spring is in the air!

Well it's that time again....the snow is melting, the sun is shining and soon the flowers will be in bloom but now that the spring is here it's time for a good spring cleaning. This is a great time to purge and also take care of some small projects around the house before the summer arrives and the weather is just too beautiful to stay inside. Spring cleaning is essential if you are moving or putting your home up for sale.

If you don't know where to begin, here's a breakdown of essentials for spring cleaning.

Rugs and carpets
If your house is for sale, try and vacuum 2 to 3 times a week, especially if you have pets. If you have stains you can try spot treatment with supermarket cleaners or rent a carpet steamer from your local grocery store to get a good thorough cleaning - you will be amazed at what can get trapped in your carpet and how clean a steam clean can feel. If you decide to steam clean, do it when the weather is a bit warmer (think late spring or early summer) you will want to keep the windows open to help speed up the drying process.

Upholstery
You can use the steam cleaner with a different attachment but if it is just spot cleaning that is needed use soap and warm water and for deep stains try warm water and some laundry detergent. Be sure to flip the cushions of your couch and occasional chairs.

Drapery
Yes, that is what all of those vacuum attachments are for! Sucking up dust between the curtain pleats. Drapes should be taken to the professional cleaners every two years.

Air
Be sure to check your air/furnace filter to see if it needs changing. How do you know? If you cannot see through it due to the collection of dust and pet hair, it must be changed. This is imperative for anyone that has allergies or respiratory problems. You will notice less dust in your home if you change your air/furnace filter regularly.

Exterior
Now that the snow has melted you are probably seeing some garbage on your property. On a sunny day, get out there, enjoy the sun and fresh air and clean up! If you are looking to sell, curb appeal is very important. You want to present an image of pride and care. Pick up all or the garbage including pet waste, even though your flowers aren't in bloom yet, a clean property presents so much better to potential buyers.

Spring cleaning can feel like a lot of work but it doesn't all have to be done in one day or one weekend. Put a to-do list together and get the whole family involved. Once your house is clean, you will notice a huge difference and feel better knowing your home is ready to go on the market.

Top 9 decor trends for 2009

What will we be seeing in 2009?

1 -- Neutral colours. A return to calm and soothing environments. Colours are softer and neutrals make a space feel clean, open and they are versatile. As a society we are becoming less "disposable" and longevity is very important.

2 -- Texture. Add visual interest and dimension to any room. Texture can also help create a mood, it can make a space feel warm and inviting or modern and cool. We are seeing a comeback of the shag rug (although a more current style), cowhide, leather and glass. We are seeing texture in all areas - pillows, blankets, upholstery and decor pieces.

3 -- Looks. There is not one look at is in this year but a vary of looks that incorporate different tastes and styles.

a. Industrial meets organic - think stainless steel appliances meshed with a warm honey wood table with sleek modern chairs. Really modern, abstract art pieces with minimalist influence in furniture but with a coffee table that looks like it was directly removed from nature.

b. 70's inspiration. This decade is making a comeback but with some modernity. The shades of avocado green and rusty orange are softer but also placed on pillows or in artwork not appliances or kitchen cabinets. Bold, graphic patterns are used to upholster decorative chairs or couch cushions. Textures such as the shag rug are used for area rugs not wall-to-wall carpeting.

c. Hollywood glam. Clean white walls with black and white accessories such as artwork, vases and pillows. Divine and delicate accessories such as framed mirrors add sparkle just like the beautiful jewels on the red carpet. Lacquered furniture pieces add a higher level of sophistication.

d. Safari chic. In 2009 we will be seeing a lot of animal prints in all areas of fashion. This look combines soft, organic fabrics, soft nature-inspired colours and animal prints in pillows, area rugs and upholstery. Giraffe print being the print to look for. This look is more laid back and casual. Great for a family home!

4 -- Green accessories. Our approach to becoming more aware of our environment is also influencing decor. Many major furniture designers and distributors such as The Brick are introducing Eco-friendly furniture lines. Organic fabrics are becoming more readily available, fair trade items and bamboo accessories are more affordable and easier to find.

5 -- Comfort. Furniture is becoming more functional and less formal. People are looking for materials that are durable and easy to care for.

Furniture that is both beautiful and elegant yet easy to maintain.

6 -- Wallpaper. Has been making a comeback for a few years now but in 2009 we will be seeing more of it. Wallpaper is being used strategically and not all over one room. Instead of painting an accent wall in a bold colour, designers are using graphic printed wallpaper on one wall to make a statement. Wall stencils (now referred to as Wall tattoos) are also used to create a similar look. Wallpaper can be seen in large room such as a Masterbedroom suite or even smaller rooms like a powder room. Either way wallpaper is making a major impact!

7 -- The outside/inside living space. with many people downsizing into small spaces, the outdoor area has become even more important to creating a lifestyle. Patio furniture has really evolved and it is just as comfortable as your favourite couch or chair. Outdoor furniture is also very low maintenance, durable and attractive. Many people have also create outdoor spaces with fireplaces or fire pits, outdoor kitchen and hot tubs.

8 -- Glass. Glass tiles are everywhere and there is so much variety in colours, shapes and sizes - 1x1 squares, planks, pebbles, circles of various dimensions, mosaics and one tone colour. Glass sculptures and vases are also widely used.

9 -- Pattern. Mixing pattern, bold and subtle is becoming more popular. By selecting your own fabrics to cover pillows or bedding, makes your spaces specials and unique. Select a pattern that works with the look that you are trying to achieve. Ask an expert such as C&M textiles as to which types of fabrics will be best for specific areas of the house, re-upholstering a chair would need a more durable fabric than a decorative pillow. Mixing patterns that compliment each other adds a deep layering effect that adds visual interest and dimension to any room. Look for patterns that have a similar thread such as colour or weight. Mix patterns which have a different degree of boldness - one should be the star and the others the supporting cast.