The Best of IDS 2017

One of my favourite weekends of the year is the weekend of the Interior Design Show in Toronto. This year, after a quick last minute decision to go, I was on my way Friday morning to IDS Trade Day.
Compared to last year – I thought the show was fantastic. That’s not to knock last year, but this year was beautiful. So much colour and pattern and new textures… I couldn’t wait to take it all in! 

I noticed some new trends for 2017 that I instantly fell in love with and of course, snapped tons of pictures of!

Colour was everywhere! Faucets, rugs, light fixtures, pillows – you name it! It was everywhere! I loved it. There were so many companies that bright colours were prominent, Weavers Art Rugs, Grohe Faucets, Urban Barn's Spring Collection (coloured chandeliers – amazing!)

Flooring is getting lighter again. The past few years we’ve been seen a lot of darker flooring, whether it be black, darker greys or a classic dark brown. This year – light was everywhere! Light flooring with wider planks, in a herringbone pattern, with a grey wash. I LOVED IT. I love the lighter floors, its such a fresh contemporary look that goes well with so many different colour palettes.

Lighting is always such a hit with me. I love the beautiful, interesting fixtures with all the interesting shapes, colours, textures and everything in between! This year, a new lighting retailer was there from Minnesota and I just couldn’t stop staring! They carried such amazing products, I immediately added to my ‘must have’ list.  

Cambria is always one of my favourite booths to visit. For the past few years they have brought in slabs of their newest product before its even available to the public. This year – the new products didn’t even have names yet (so fresh and exciting!!!) Last years ‘feature’ was back again, and I loved it just as much as I did last year. Cambria had built there booth desk out of it and it was like looking at art. I cant imagine if that was in my kitchen – I’d never want to use it, it would only be for show!! 

Here are some more photos of some of my favourite products…

We Answer Wednesday - Where to save and where to spend when buying furniture

"We have bought our first home and we need to make a lot of furniture purchases.  We see the price tags and the costs add up, and quickly.  When it comes to buying furniture - which pieces are worth splurging on and where can we save?"

Congratulations of your home purchase ! What an exciting time! Furnishing and decorating your first home is a fun experience, it is a great way to bring your sense of style into
YOUR space.  But you are right, the costs can really add up and very quickly.

The first thing you need to do - is figure out your budget.  Your budget is determined by what you feel comfortable spending.
Figure out:
What you need to buy?
What (if anything is coming with you from your last place)?
Are you getting any furniture pieces from friends or family?
What would you like to have but it's not needed now.
This is a great guide to figure out what you need to spend now and what to focus on later.



When it comes to actual items that are worth the extra cost, we have some suggestions.

- Sofa, it is worth to spend on a sofa but again be sure it is an amount you feel comfortable with.  Not everyone feels good about spending $5,000 on a sofa.  But when it comes to sofas, there is a quality and comfort difference that is attached to price.  We also suggest 'test driving' a sofa in person - make it is comfortable and supportive - don't just buy a great deal because it is a great deal.

- Mattress, you will sleep every night on that mattress so find the right one and be sure to check them out in person.  Buy the best mattress that you can afford.  You don't want to live with neck and back pain everyday because the mattress was a great deal!

- Flooring, if your current home has ugly or dated flooring or flooring that is is terrible shape, it is worth spending now on the update (before you move in). 

- Labour, when it comes to work that's being done in your home, don't skimp - it will be noticeable and you will end up spending more to have someone else come in and fix what was already done. 

- Window coverings, we would put this on the 'maybe later' part of your list but that does depend on your size and style of windows.  If you have a standard size window, store bought pre-packaged panels with a rod will be just fine.  Custom window drapery varies in price but if you have oversized windows, or odd shaped windows - the extra cost is worth it.




Where can you save?

On just about everything else.  You might be at a point in your life where you are figuring out your taste and style and this is a great time to experiments with less expensive pieces like dining chairs, armchairs, rugs and bedding.



When you move into your first place it is exciting but also a bit overwhelming.  Many feel that they need to drop a fortune to furnish their place.  Don't spend anymore than you are comfortable with and don't invest in anything that you don't love or is uncomfortable - it's not worth it!  True personal style comes from mixing the pieces, colours and textures that you love and building that 'nest' takes some time....Rome wasn't built in a day!

Top 10 Headboards

A headboard is an important elements in a bedroom.  it really is a centerpiece that helps anchor the room.  It gives the entire bed presence and can also set the tone for the style you want in your bedroom.

Here are some of our favourite headboard and tips on how they work with your style:

1. Headboard with 'floating' storage.  So this is a very clean look.  It's perfect for anyone looking for a bedroom that's easy to clean (no dust will collect under end table legs) and because the end tables are floating they give the whole room a calm and zen like feel.  We love this look in a wood tone ad paired with soft tones and clean white.



2. Tufted Headboard.   This look is a true classic and we have seen a real 'comeback' of this style.  It is great because it really works with any style - you can opt for a classic contemporary or even a vintage style.  It really depends on the colour of the upholstery and what you pair with it.




3. Rustic headboard.  If you love the country or farmhouse look, than this is for you! These old windows have been converted into a headboard.  The aged paint give it a relaxed look and the window panels make the headboard look and feel lighter in the room.  Pair these with soft layers of linens or for a true country look opt for some small florals or even a gingham print.




 4. Fabric panel headboard.  This is an easy and affordable way to make a headboard.  This is also a perfect solution for a smaller room.  When you are tight on space, you need to be smart with your furniture choices.  We love a simple curtain rod with a drapery panel, it adds softness to the space and your choices of colour and pattern are endless, so you could even switch it out with the seasons or trends. This is also a great way to display a treasured quilt.



5. Rattan (Wicker) Headboard - if you love a laid back natural or beach inspired look in your bedroom, this is a great option for you.  The texture adds some visual interest to the space and the natural material and tone give the room a relaxed feel. This looks great with lots of soft tones, especially blue tones.Pair the headboard with distressed finishes in cream tones to really maximize the laid back look in your room.



6. High headboard. - this really makes a statement in any bedroom.  We have seen these extra high headboards for a while, they aren't as popular as they were a few years ago but they are perfect if you really want your bed to have great presence in your space. These come in a variety of styles, too.



7. Old Doors as a Headboard - this is a rustic yet romantic look for a bedroom but depending on how your style it, it can look country or vintage.  We love this headboard with a statement light fixture over the bed. The aged paint adds character, texture and a softness to the space.  If you love the shabby chic look - this is for you!



8. Decorative carved wood headboard - this is all over instagram!  We love the romantic look of this headboard and the detail work is just gorgeous - no need for an art piece over the bed when this is your headboard! Painted or natural this is spectacular.  When it comes to styling the room - go with your style, so keep the tones light or go dark on the walls to let the headboard really stand out - it's up to you!



9. Wing back headboard - the ultimate in luxury and sophistication! This style is a true classic but like anything else you can add your own spin to truly make it yours.  We love this style in any colour or tone - dark or light, it's up to you! This works with really crisp bedding, so not the best for anyone looking for a more boho look in their room.  This clean, crisp and balanced - tailored




10. Low Headboard - this is great for a smaller room as visually the headboard won't be taking up as much room.  this is a great option if your like a soothing almost zen style and feel in your space.  this is also a great option if you want larger art above your headboard. Try adding a floating shelf with some display decor items (ones that have meaning to you or just add to the overall look of your room) a low headboard gives you space for that, too!

How to Decorate an Open Concept Space

Most of us love the idea of a big open concept space - it offers us to many possibilities and our living area feels so huge but it can be a big challenge to figure out how to decorate and use all of that open space. In a more traditional style home, we have a lot of walls and those wall provide definition for each room - a designated living room, dining room or office - it is simple to visualize and to furnish.  Big open spaces, although lovely, they present challenges for many home owners because everything is so open! 

So here are some great tips to tackle the challenges:

1 - Fluidity - In an open-concept home it's even more important to make sure that all the elements work together and the space looks cohesive. So stick to a paint colour concept throughout the open space.  If you want to introduce a new colour, try it in a room with doors - like bedrooms and/or bathrooms.  One colour throughout keeps the open space feeling. Same goes for the flooring - keep it consistent (like the paint) to keep that flow which maintains that spacious feel and look.




2 - Definition.  Some time open space are just too open so how do you tackle that? Use rugs to define the rooms.  An area rug in a living room pulls the furniture together creating a focused room that's perfect for conversation but it still keeps that open look and feel. The area rug is also a great way to add some texture and colour.  The image below is a great example of an open concept space with consistent flooring and paint - see how the area rug helps designate the living room and pulls it all together - it's perfect!





 3 - Furniture arrangement. When it comes to placing your furniture many of us use walls as our guide - the TV goes on the wall and so does the back of the sofa, right? But if you don't have any walls what do you do? You need to place the furniture so that you can create conversation spaces and entertaining spaces and dining spaces, so floating arrangements are key.  A floating arrangement means that the sofa or any of the furniture is not anchored to a wall - so it is floating.  A sofa table is a great way to add a 'wall' and help anchor the sofa so that it doesn't look lost.



4 - Lighting.  Just like the paint and flooring stay consistent with your style and finishes of lighting.  If you have brushed nickle - use brushed nickle throughout (at least for your  fixtures - you can introduce a few other finishes in your lamps but not too many)  Have a plan when it comes to the fixtures you want to use : hang one big light fixture over each designated area; for example, install a chandelier directly over the dining room table, an overhead ceiling fan with a light kit over the living room, and pendant lighting in the kitchen. Then, go back through and add recessed lights or smaller fixtures throughout the three spaces for a complete lighting design, centering some of these over the walkways you created with your furniture placement. The light fixtures you choose will have a large impact on whether the overall space is cohesive or disjointed, so take your time choosing the style, finish, size and placement of each.





 5- Accessories.  These little details really add some personality and pull it all together. The small touches you choose for accessories should set each space up as a stunning room on its own, as well as tie all three together so that they coexist beautifully.. Arrange the same style of accent pieces throughout the home; for example, if you’re partial to organic elements such as stones, landscape art and wooden decor, use similar items in each room. Center a low glass bowl of smooth river stones on the dining room table, add a water feature to the corner of the living room and arrange wooden bowls to hold fruit on the kitchen counters. You don’t have to match the pieces, and it’s preferable that you don’t, but keep the elements the same.

We answer Wednesday - Masculine Glamour

"I have heard the term 'masculine glamour' used recently to describe a decorating style.  What is 'masculine glamour ?"

Masculine Glamour is a term that we are starting to hear a bit more in home design and decor.  When we hear about men and home decor many of us think of man caves or lay-z boy sofas (there's nothing really wrong with either of those things - if that's what makes you happy - go for it!!) But 'masculine glamour' is the new term used to describe a man's abode that has style.  It is chic, classy, streamlined with a masculine edge.  The glamour part usually refers to metallic accents and shine.

Just like fashion, men are starting to take notice of themselves and their space.  Men are starting to put time, energy and effort into their personal style and that also includes their surroundings.  But this look 'masculine glamour' is pretty clean and timeless so it may not be a passing phase or trend. Plus  should you be involved with a man with a /masculine glamour' decorated space it would be so easy for you to move in with a touch of your style, it is very transitional (hint, hint) ;)

Here are a few examples of Masculine glamour.



So note the use of layering neutrals (no real pop of colour), a decent amount of dark tones and streamlined pieces.  Again we see some shine in the coffee table and accessories - this adds a feminine touch without being overt.




 

Here's the same room just at a different angle.  We see symmetry in the end tables, lamps and even the pillows - this is very masculine.  The over sized art is also free of colour and layers various shades of grey.



What do we notice here.   The dark tones on the wall and in the furniture.  We don't see any colour or bold art, everything is very tone-on-tone. We also don't see also of different textures - we have upholstery and a glass coffee table - so very simple and free of fuss.  The shine from the table and the accessories as a touch of glam and the beautiful orchid arrangement adds some femininity but the orchid is still a very structural flower, so again not too feminine.

 

When it comes to masculine glamour it is about keeping the typical masculine elements we see in design and decor like simplicity, dark tones like navy or charcoal, very little colour, very little pattern and some texture.  The glamour only comes from shine and some metallic accents.  The look is cool, streamlined, modern and says this is a man's residence but is still designed and decorated. 

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.





 

Scandinavian Style

Scandinavia has a long heritage of beautiful home furnishings. Scandinavians are renowned for incorporating clean lines, using the color white like total pros, and emphasizing both function and form.

You might think that Scandinavian style is that famous yellow and blue store with 'assemble yourself furniture' that comes in boxes.  but Scandinavian style is more than that!

If you love a clean and minimal look that embraces natural elements, Scandinavian might be your style!

Scandinavian style includes...

1 - Light toned wood.

 

2 - A rug with one pop of colour

 

3 - Lots of white, and white on white

 

4 - When it comes to hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms, simplicity is key.  Clean lines and minimal to no detail.

 

5 - Invest in classics. Scandinavian style is very minimal so you will only have a few decor items, so it's worth investing in them. For example, a glass vase by designer Alvar Aalto

 

6 - Signature 'Scandinavian' pieces that embrace the Scandinavian style like the Tulip Table

 

7 - Gallery walls with a monochrome colour palette.

 

8 - Pendant lighting is essential and an important decor feature in the room.  It is functional but also decorative. Plan the room around it



9 -  Plants.  Streamlined and clean in a simple planter or vase.  But every Scandinavian styled room has a plant.

 

10 - Wood flooring.  Think wider, lighter planks with visible knots and minimal to no gloss.

 

11 - Make a point of having and highlighting the fireplace.  In Scandinavian styled homes, we often see corner fireplaces and furniture plans are often designed around them.

 

12 - Open Shelving.  For functional items like dishes in the kitchen.  It's about easy access and operating effectively.