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 - How to Improve the lighting look in your room (any room)

"I have overhead lighting in my living room but it still looks and feels dark most of the time.  How can I improve the lighting in my living room?"

This is a great question and actually a very common concern. More often than not, homes are not designed and built with a lighting plan in mind.  Some builders are now offering that opportunity to buyers who have purchased from plans, to meet with an in-house design/decor consultant and review the lighting plans and they can make adjustments and some additions (at an extra cost).  But what about someone who has purchased an existing home? What can you do?

You still have options.  You could meet an electrician and see where you could add some extra ambient lighting sources such as pot lights.  But that can be costly.

What you want to do and can do quite easily is layer your lighting. Think of your lighting plan a having 3 layers.  Each layer plays a role in the whole plan. Layering your lighting means to have different sources of lighting in one room.  Each source has a different function but they each contribute to the look and feel of the room. This way you can change up the lighting scheme throughout the day and to set the mood you like.  This is also a great idea for a room that serves multiple purposes (which is the case for most of us).

 
Photo from tumblr.com
This space uses different types of lighting - the ambient light from the ceiling fixtures and task lighting from the kitchen island pendants and the table lamps.  Look closely there are some candles on the coffee table too.

So what are the 3 types of lighting that should be in a room?

LAYER 1- Ambient lighting: this is the room's overall light wash, this could be natural light streaming in from a window or it could be from overhead lighting.  This is your basic layer of lighting.  This type of light illuminates open areas, walls and main furniture pieces. For overhead ambient light, a dimmer switch is a great idea as it offers you options throughout the day to change it up with your mood. Examples of Ambient lighting include: overhead fixtures, pot lights, natural light beaming in from a window, and torchiere.

LAYER 2- Task lighting: this type of lighting is designed to help you perform activities at close range.  This type of lighting is more area specific.  For example, wall sconces or a swing arm floor lamp behind a chair is great for reading or a hanging pendant over a kitchen island are some examples of task lighting.  Task lighting is another layer in your lighting plan. Examples of task lighting include: table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and swing arm lamps.


Photo from eclecticallyvintage.com


LAYER 3- Accent lighting: this style of lighting adds a touch of drama to your space. This really allows you to change up the mood in your room quite easily.  Accent lights really let you direct the eye to objects you want to draw attention to, for instance picture lights or candles.  This type of lighting adds warmth (as well as drama) to a space. Examples of accent lighting include: picture lighting, library lights, spot lights, track lights, mini chandeliers and candle light.


Photo from Mattamy Homes
Another great example of layering your lighting.  We see here the overhead lighting from the ceiling fan (double duty piece) and the pot lights.  The table and floor lamps add some great task lighting, perfect for reading.  And the wall mounted candle sconces add some accent lighting when needed.

Playing with the 3 layers of lighting helps create the mood in the room.  So for a gathering of friends and family, to create a cozy mood use layers 1 (on a dimmer) and 2.  For a more romantic mood, try blending various types of layer 3 (only spotlights mixed in with some candle light is very seductive).

When you are making your lighting plan you can mix up the styles of lighting from one category.  So a room could have a large picture window letting in lots of natural light (depending on time of day) with a beautiful overhead fixture and a few pot lights in the bookcases with a matching pair of table lamps flanking the sofa and a floor lamp or wall sconce behind a reading chair.  Add in some candle light or even twinkle lights by the fireplace and you have a room with a layer lighting plan that allows you to set any mood you like.  Plus this way you have light throughout the entire room, so it will never feel dark.


Photo from Zillow

5 Home Staging Tricks - that work!

We have been staging homes for the resale (and new home market) for a number of years now and while styles and trends change there are definitely some tried and true home staging tricks that work every time!


1. Inviting entry with potted plants or flowers - this little trick makes everyone feel welcome, it adds a splash of colour and a 'breath of fresh air'.  The front door is the first impression so you want to start off on the right foot! Be sure to maintain these plants/flowers and keep it seasonal for maximum effect.

 
Photo from entrop.com

2. Extra pillows on the bed and the sofa - fluffy pillows have a real warmth to them and they certainly add that element to a living room, family room and bedroom.  Throw pillows also allow you to add an extra design touch to a space - a pop of colour and some pattern make a space look instantly fresh and with a designer's touch.

Here are some great sofa styling tips: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129478558012168114/

Here are some great bed styling tips: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107945722293574579/


Photo from 2ladiesandachair.com

3.  Clean white towels - ever notice that in boutique and luxury hotels you always see these plush, clean white towels and robes? Well, take that cue and stage your bathroom with some fresh and clean pure white towels, buyers will immediately think of luxury, relaxation or a spa experience - play into that feeling and use it to your advantage. This simple addition will make buyers associate that feeling with your bathroom.


 Photo from flickr.com

4. Setting the table - staging is all about presenting the home in it's best light, but we want to be sure to make buyers feel like this is their next home not like they are just visiting. By setting the table you are 'setting the scene', buyers will be able to better picture themselves hosting a dinner party, entertaining for the holidays or having Sunday family dinner.  It's another emotional connection made with staging that helps the buyers feel more at home.


 Photo from rjkhomesolutions.com

5. Add a pop of colour in the kitchen - the kitchen is one the hot spots when it comes to selling your home.  Buyers want a  clean and current looking kitchen, and they are willing to pay more for a home that has updated kitchens and bathrooms.  But even the most stunning kitchen can look a little flat in the listing photos - try adding a fresh pop of colour, we love a bowl of lemons, yellow always photographs well and it really attracts the eye.  But fresh flowers, fruit bowl, a tray with wine, a colourful tea kettle are all great ideas to add just a little accent to the kitchen without distracting or over powering the space.

 


Photo from ZDesign at Home

We all know that cleaning, decluttering and repairs are needed plus we know that updates in paint, flooring and lighting make great returns and great impressions on buyers.  Current finishes in bathrooms and kitchens are also a hot commodity but there are certain staging tricks that really connect with buyers

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!

Hot Home Decor Trends for 2017

As we slowly approach the end of another year, there is an excitement in the air! A new year means renewal, a fresh start but also new and fresh ideas! For home decor, we are excited to see what 2017 will bring to store shelves and magazine pages but we do have some predictions as to what we will be seeing in the new year for interior decorating.

1.  Neutrals: usually there is a 'hot' colour that we see emerge each year but this year expect to see a lot of neutrals.  White and black are classics and are never out of style but expect to see a lot of black and white trends for home decor.  Shades of grey will still be popular as well as cooler beige tones.

 

2.Wood: we have already seen a comeback of wood in late 2016, we expect that trend will continue.  We will see wood in flooring, furniture, art and accessories.  Wood with lots of texture and tones.

 

3. Global influences: every year it seems that interior decorating takes on some inspiration from somewhere in the world.  this year is no exception, this year expect to see a big surge of Scandinavian design.  There is more to Scandinavian influence than IKEA - white (like the snow), wood, simple design with a modern minimal edge are just some of what you can expect to see.

 

4. Ashy filter: all of the woods, fabrics and other textures will all have a touch of a grey to them.  Almost as though they have been grey-washed or a grey filter to them.  This gives everything a toned down and cooler look - like driftwood.

 

5. Finish: expect to see a lot of matte or dull finishes in metals but also wood stains and paint.  High gloss is out.

 

6. Warm textures: smooth and sleek textures like glass and marble were once the hottest trends on the market but this year warm and natural textures will be hot for 2017. Such as wood, cork, sisal, rattan  leather, and knits.

 

7. Defined living spaces: the 'super' open concept plans for living spaces where everything is in one big room won't be as popular.  We won't have tiny compartment rooms but we will have floor plans that are a mix of open and more traditional living offering some privacy and also designated spaces.



8. Purple, Blue and Green : although 2017 will be very much about neutrals we predict that purple, blue and green will be very visible this coming year.  This deep jewel inspired tones such as - plum, eggplant, blackberry, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. We will see this in accessories more than furniture.