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 - 10 Classic Colour Combinations

"We are looking to update our space.  It's very neutral and we want to add some colour.  We have a medium sized budget and are willing to spend on some quality pieces but we want to make sure we have colours that aren't too trendy.  What would you suggest?"

When it comes to updating your space, accessories is an easy and affordable solution.  A new pop of colour can really transform the look and feel of a space. When it comes to updating your space - don't worry too much about trends, if you love something (a colour, texture, print etc...) than bring it into the room.  The great thing about having a neutral palette to start with is that it will work with anything! Colour can really set the tone and the mood of a space - so take a look at colour and think about how it makes you feel as it will bring that feeling into that room.

We definitely have some classic colour combinations that will never go out of style. Take a look at these combinations and see how they make you feel.

1. BLACK AND WHITE - of course this is top on our list, it is a classic like no other! black and white can be too much contrast for some but you can add to it to soften up the look - in this image we love the addition of the natural elements and textures.  But this combo is so incredibly versatile, it really depends on the pieces you choose.  This can be super glam, it can be country and everything in between! This is really about the pieces you choose.


Photo from Homedit.com


2. TURQUOISE, COBALT AND SKY BLUE - These colours work with all neutrals and any style.  Just because we are working with blues doesn't mean you have to have a coastal look.  We love these fresh blues paired with a glass table with clean modern lines. We also love mixing the various tones of one colour.


Photo from 57sparklegirl.tumblr.com



3. BEIGE, BLUE, GREEN AND GREY - mixing soft neutrals and then adding some pop of colour is a great way to liven up a room! Forget the old rule of not mixing green and blue unless it's in the washing machine - these hues look great together! We also love to see these colours in prints - it really gives the room a designer feel.


Photo from Eye for Design



4. CHARCOAL, CREAM AND BEIGE - you cannot go wrong with neutrals! Some think that beige and grey cannot be mixed together but they absolutely can! This room is full of neutrals but mainly a deep charcoal, white and beige.  To keep it from being boring this room has some great texture (see the decorative twigs, the sisal area rug, marble fireplace surround, mirrors and the matching rattan ottomans). The pattern pillows also add some great visual interest to keep the space from looking boring.


Photo from renoguide.com.au


5. WHITE, BROWN AND GREEN - Green is a very fresh colour and adds instant life to any room. Paired with white and brown it adds a nice pop to a simple palette.  We love how it is versatile with styles. In this image we see a modern eclectic spin but this would work so well with a country decor style.


Photo from Remodelista

6. GREY, BLUE AND WHITE - Colour is great in the kitchen too! Such a fresh and clean combination! Look at this fabulous kitchen with the grey/blue island and soft white/grey cabinets, white stools, white walls and those blue and white pattern stools make this whole kitchen space and eating area look welcoming and chic.  This is a great colour palette for any room and we love how the wood adds warmth and character, too!



Photo from Citrine Living by Tamara Anka

7. WHITE, ORANGE AND  NAVY - this is a fresh combination and it really works with any style.  If you like a nautical vibe try adding some natural elements like sea grass or sisal on the floor, some wicker pieces too.  We alos love this colour combo in a boys' bedroom. But this also works with a classic contemporary look like this image.  This is a very clean look.


Photo from Pottery Barn


8. WARM GREY, WARM WHITE AND BURNT ORANGE - we love this gender neutral palette and it is perfect for every room including nurseries! We have been seeing a lot of orange in home decor but we love it in nurseries.  We are seeing more and more gender neutral rooms for babies, so that mom, dad and baby (and future babies) all feel great in the space.  The burnt orange is a bit softer than a true and pure orange. The warm white and warm grey are still very popular neutrals as well.


Photo from Apartment therapy

9. SILVER AND AQUA - you may think that aqua is on the trendy side and yes there have been years where we have seen a lot of this hue but it never seems to disappear completely, which is why we are including it in our classic combinations.  Blend this soft aqua tone with silvers and grey, this is so soothing and stylish.  This is perfect for a bedroom, we love it in a guest bedroom but it is wonderful in main living spaces too.


Photo from COCOCOZY

10. GRASS GREEN AND YELLOW - this is a fresh colour combination that also has a lot of warmth.  If you are a nature lover, this is a great palette for you as it really combines those lovely spring tones.  If you feel this looks a bit country but you like the colours....think about opting for some gold and glass accents like lamps, coffee and end tables.  Add some more classic pattern as well.  These colours work with any style.


Photo from Brabourne Farm

When it comes to adding colour to your space, you can add a much or as little as you like.  We suggest starting off slow - especially if you are trying a new colour and you aren't a risk taker.  Take a look at these classic combinations and pick the one that really 'speaks' to you and go for it - it only colour!

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!

We Answer Wednesday - How to mix formal and modern decor styles

"I have inherited a more formal style dining table and chairs.  I like it but my own style is a bit more modern.  How can I use this furniture without completely changing my style?"

This is a great question! And this is something that we are seeing more and more of...whether it's inheriting family heirlooms or the merging of two people - mixing different styles of decor can seem very overwhelming but don't let it stress you out!  What we love about merging different styles together is that you get a different end result every time.  Say good-bye to those cookie cutter rooms - this is where true individuality blooms!

 

Now that you know our own style is more modern, we assume that you have some modern pieces in your space already or you plan to purchase.  You have options how to incorporate this set into you life depending on how open you are to change. When it comes to modernizing a space you don't necessarily have to change the furniture sometimes just updating the pieces around it can be enough!

CHAIRS - .
Upholstery - a traditional set of dining room furniture would have some pretty traditional upholstery on the chairs so to make it more modern, get those chairs re-upholstered in a modern fabric.  You really can do anything - pattern, print, texture, colour - it's up to you! This gives your dining chair a fresh look. You don't have to go totally wild, you could stick with a timeless stripe but in a more current colour way or try an animal print like cheetah, oversized and bright florals can also modern up a more formal chair.


* This old chair gets new life with a tie-dye upholstery in a charcoal and white - so unique, truly a one of a kind piece.

New chairs - adding some new chairs with a more current look with give the whole set a new feel.  Matching sets are a bit more traditional so this one change will give the whole space a modern look.  You could mix up this option with the first option, and have more modern captain chairs and keep the traditional ones with the rest of the set.  Find a common thread between all of the chairs, so this is where upholstery comes into play.


*Look at how modern this room looks! The fresh white tulip chairs with pink seat paired with this dark stained traditional table - so unique! 

Paint - we all know that paint can completely transform a room so imagine what it can do for furniture!  This is a big step, so if this is a valuable heirloom you might not want to exercise this option.  You will also want to get this done professionally.  Painting a traditional piece will give it new life and a whole new vibe in your space. 



*Pairing this China cabinet in a Kelly green gives it a punch and an update in this space.  Also note the mix of chairs and varied prints in the room.  The pops of colour bring the more traditional pieces to life!

LIGHTING -
Statement piece -  so lighting makes a huge difference in a home.  When light fixtures look dated the whole space looks dated.  So to give your room a modern look, update that light fixture and make a statement! A modern traditional table with an interesting light fixture above it will give the whole room a fresh look plus it really shows off your decor style! (Always have your chandelier switch on a dimmer)


 *This traditional table and area rug paired with a more casual chair makes the room less formal in look and feel.  Adding the industrial light fixture and the black and white abstract over sized art really gives this room so much flare.

 WALLS -
Over sized art - this much like the light fixture can really give a room a fresh update.  Something about an over sized art piece not only looks expensive but it also looks fresh and current.  Think about displaying your favourite pieces in a different way - a gallery wall mixing old and new, or a more casual display where you lean and layer.


* sometimes is all about the presentation.  This room would have a very different look and feel if these art pieces were hung as opposed to the layered leaning style on the sideboard. 

Paint colour- to give your dining room a more modern feel look at your wall paint colour.  Is it a mid tone? More modern looking spaces tend to choose a paint tone on either side of the spectrum - either dark or light. Before you pick a side, be sure to look at the items going in the room, like the furniture and the art pieces and of course, don't forget about the light!


 *The light walls allow for the table and the art to really pop in this space.

Wallpaper - adding some visual interest to a wall in your dining space is another way to give that room a modern look.  You can still hang your art pieces over the wallpaper - this will give the space a very designer look.  This is a great option if you don't have a lot of wall space to hang art or if you have traditional looking wall panels that give the room a more traditional feel.


 *In this room, because of the windows, there isn't a lot of wall space for art so wallpaper on the wallspace is a perfect choice.  This also plays down the more traditional wall panels.

FLOORS -
 Area rug - this is like art on the floor and it can really help set the tone for your dining room.  The possibilities are endless in terms of design, texture, colour and print.  Find something that you love and paired with a more traditional set this will  really give your room an updated look. One style that we are seeing a lot of is a perfect blend of a traditional rug but the colour has almost an ombre finish - so you get a traditional or even vintage vibe with a modern twist, so transitional!


 *This area rug is the perfect mix of traditional and modern - the ombre effect makes it more current looking and also less formal.  It pairs nicely with the simple art, vintage furniture and modern light fixture 

Don't feel that a more formal or traditional dining set will limit your style or change it completely.  Get creative! Incorporate that inherited piece with some modern elements to give your dining room a look that is totally unique and totally you!

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!

We Answer Wednesday - Matching Wood stains : furniture and flooring

"We are looking to buy a new dining room table.  We like the idea of wood (but it doesn't have to be wood) but we have wood floors - do we match the wood table to the floors?"

A new piece of furniture is a great update for any space and any style of decor. Wood is always a great option as it is durable and adds a natural texture to any space.  When it comes to wood, you don't need to match and we really recommend that you don't match it makes everything blend and look a little washed out and you won't draw attention to the new dining table.

We suggest adding some contrast with your new table.  So if you have light floors opt for a darker stain table and vice-versa.

 

Other ways to get contrast with your wood flooring is to opt for a table that isn't wood at all!  Metal or glass are ways to get contrast and add some interesting textures to your space.

 

when it comes to your chairs, try a chair in a different tone or a different material all together - this gives the room some contrast as well but also shows off your personal style.  Depending on the style of chair you select this can either dress up or dress down your stable and give you the feel you want in your dining space. A dining room set with matching pieces tends to make less of a statement.

How to Get the 'Model Home' Look in your Home

If you have ever been to a model home you have probably asked yourself  - 'why doesn't my home look like this?' Well it can!  There are some easy and simple styling tricks that you can use at home to get that 'model home' look. 

1. Keep it clean and de-clutter: so you are living in the house and it can be tricky to keep clean but put together a cleaning schedule and do your best to stick to it - regular wiping down, cleaning or dishes and floors makes a huge difference.  Find some cute baskets or boxes to hold every day clutter like mail and flyers from school.  Commit to a purge (seasonally would be ideal) to get rid of the extra stuff that you aren't using and haven't used in a long time! You will be amazed at how much junk you hold on to - it feels great to let it go!

 

2. Floating furniture : not levitating furniture, but floating - in other words not pushed up against the walls.  Sure in some floor plans this is really the only choice but even just pulling it away an inch or two makes the space look and feel more intimate and designed. In a big open floor plan, separate the space with floating furniture that serves two distinct purposes, say a seating/conversation space and then a TV hang out space for a large and open living space.

 

3. Lighting: let there be light and lots of it! Not only does a brighter space feel bigger and cleaner but it's a great way to update a space.  When you are adding lighting in your space think layers! So overhead lighting mixed with table and floor lamps, candles etc...Layered lighting looks sophisticated but you can also play with the ambiance using your lighting.  Relying on one light source is a bit tired and one dimensional. also aim to have the light evenly distributed in the room (so not everything in one side or corner of the room).

 

4. Outdoors indoors: take a look at model home they always have some natural element - it could be a plant (large or small), natural herbs or a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, branches or sticks in a vase, natural sponge in the bathroom - just some small natural touches can do wonders in a space.  It adds warmth and authenticity to the space. 

 

5. Area rugs: are used to add colour and texture plus warmth but they also add a great visual effect in terms of creating designated spaces and functions. An open concept space with out any area rugs with floating furniture looks very lost but by adding the correct size area rug (even just in the living room) automatically grounds and defines the space.  Area rugs really are a must!

 


6. Headboard: Like the area rug - the headboard really grounds or anchors the bedroom, this really is non-negotiable for a master bedroom.  You want the room and the furniture to have a strong presence.  Even a beautifully made/styled bed looks weak without a headboard.

 

7. Bookcases: when it comes to bookcase we tend to see these 2 options.  1- complete jammed and over stuffed with books falling out, or 2 - sparse, bare and empty.  To get the designer 'model home' look bookcases are a great piece but they have to be balanced.  So books stacked in an organized fashion with some decor added in.  Carefully styled but still functional.  This gives the space style but it also isn't over whelming.  Many think books in a bookcase is organized but when they are over stuffed the room feels heavy and cramped, and when they are falling out, it's a mess! A bare bookcase looks light but it also looks weak and kind of pointless. 

 


8. Drapery: a great decorative feature that can also serve a function.  Yes, shades and blinds are go-to's for privacy but add some simple drapery panels on either side of the window and you've got 'wow-factor'!