We Answer Wednesday - Traditional art in a contemporary space

" My decor style is contemporary.  I like the clean lines, simple colour palette and minimal accessories but I have inherited some art that I would like to incorporate in my decor scheme - how can I do that ... the art pieces are pretty traditional looking and I don't want to change my style.  Is there a way to use these family heirlooms?"

This is a great question and we complete understand why this is stumping you.  It can be very tricky to combine styles like contemporary and traditional and get it just right.  It's all about finding that balance.  We love that you want to keep these beautiful art pieces in the family, it is so special to hold on and display meaningful items like art. 

 

You can absolutely use these pieces in your decor.  Depending on the look or display style you choose, you may need to spend some money on frames and matting but there are often some great sales on custom framing so you can definitely save a bit. Just re-framing and matting with something clean and simple can completely transform the look of your piece and make it fit in with your decor without comprising the art itself.

Take a look at the art pieces you have.  Are any of them from the same collection? If so, it would be great to keep those together in a wall display. The image below is a great example of clean frames and matting and letting the art stand out.  It looks modern in this arrangement and makes a statement above the sofa. Plus it still works with the contemporary look.



If you have larger pieces on hand, again opt for a clean and simple frame - in white or black with an over sized matte.  This will be an instant update to your piece.   This would be perfect above a sofa in a living room, dining room or bedroom.  Over sized art looks modern no matter the style of art. This is a timeless look so you won't tire of it quickly. In the image below the white matte and frame almost disappear against the light wall colour and the art stands out more



Some times just the arrangement itself can  be modern.  We love a gallery wall and why not show off all of your pieces and their interesting frames in a gallery wall? It's a more modern way to display your art. This arrangement is basically an accent wall.  We love the mix of frames and pieces with and without frames plus look at the heights of the pieces.  The one constant here is that the pieces that do have matting have white matting - you want to make sure to have a common thread.  So in this case, we have a mix of frames, colours and sizes but there is one constant.  This look is a bit more eclectic but it is definitely not traditional and it really allows to show off a lot of art pieces.




Another way to display your art in a more modern way is layering it on your mantle.  We love how casual and cool this look is and it is so easy.  Try a large piece at the back - art or even a mirror is perfect and in front you can layer some smaller art pieces even photography and a few knick knacks - it looks so chic.  You can try mixing modern art with some old family photos as well - it's up to you.  this look also works on  floating shelves or even bedside tables.



Our advise when it comes to art is to always follow your instinct.  Don't get caught up in style, size, colour etc...if you love it there will always be room for it in your home.  Don't worry about matching - art is a creative form of expression so displaying it should be too!

Baffled by the Bristles? See our Paint Brush Lesson!

Now that the weather is finally getting nice, we’re all starting to feel ambitious again about some projects around the house. I know for me, its paint that I want to tackle. Not just walls, furniture as well. When it comes to paint, I always have the best intentions, but trying to nail down which brush is for where, and what kind of paint is best on that surface … the list goes on. Here is a more ‘simplified’ version of the paint brush aisle for you!

The Square Cut Brush:
Best for large flat surfaces.
These brushes are most ideal for covering a large space in a short amount of time!
Sold in widths as large as 5 inches and are made with natural OR synthetic bristles.
Cost is anywhere from $8 to $16 dollars.

Short Handle:
Best for cramped spaces!
The 2 inch handle makes navigating into tight areas much easier.
These brushes are great for painting inside cabinets, tight corners on furniture etc.
This brush will cost you around $7 dollars.

Foam Brush:
Best for touch-ups.
I wouldn’t recommend using this brush for much more. It is a great option for covering any scuffs, but only on smaller spots. These brushes are great with any type of paint.
They are cheap option as well as a disposable option. No keeping these bad boys!
These brushes also come in a few different sizes: 1 inch, 2 inch and 3 inch wide.
Approximately $7 dollars for a 3 pack.

Angled Brush:
Best for cutting in and painting along the trim.
The angled shape of this brush gives you more versatility and control than the square cut brush. This enables you to have cleaner lines along edges. (such as where the wall & ceiling meet!)
This brush comes in many widths and is made with natural OR synthetic bristles.
These brushes will cost you between $8 and $12 dollars, depending on the size.

 

Finishing Brush:
Best for Lacquers and Stains.
This is a finer version of the square cut brush. It has softer bristles for applying finishes without having streaks.
This comes in natural OR synthetic bristles and will cost you about $30 dollars a brush. (make sure you clean & preserve this one!)

We love Marsala! Here are some of our favourite decor pieces......

We love this year’s Pantone colour of the year: Marsala! It’s such a versatile colour that compliments every décor style! It’s also great paired with so many different colour palettes. If you’re looking to add some of 2015’s colour of the year to your space, check out some of our favourite Marsala décor pieces below!

Marsala in accent chairs..


Wayfair carries some amazing products and they have lot's of options in Marsala!
Here is another chair from Wayfair...



Marsala in area rugs …….

And another great option in this gorgeous hue..

This ottoman from Urban Barn is fantastic piece for a variety of spaces in your home such as Home office, Bedroom, Living room and family room!

This pillow is also from Urban Barn, adding a new throw pillow in the beautiful colour will instantly update your space! It doesn't take much to freshen up a room!

 

IDS 2015: Bold Area Rugs

Bold colours in area rugs were prominent this year at the IDS in Toronto and I have to say - I was thrilled!   I love bold colour and pattern and although I do love a bold piece of furniture, I traditionally stick to neutrals when it's a larger, more expensive item like a sofa, dining set, kitchen etc. So using colour in accessories and area rugs throughout a design is my favorite way to use it!

Colour has been a trend for a lot of years but this year it's out in full force. From rugs to vases to fridges, the trend was undeniable. Here is a few of my favorite bold area rugs for 2015…

Missoni Home 2015

 

FLOR Carpet Tiles

FLOR tiles are something I first came across at the IDS two years ago. This is a fantastic product for so many uses in your home. FLOR tiles are great because the variety of colour, pattern, size and price point make it super easy to customize to your personal taste and needs. FLOR tiles are fastened using an adhesive "FLOR Dot" which doesn't damage your hardwood floors and is easy to peel up should you want to move the rug. This is a fabulous product for families. If a carpet tile becomes stained or damaged you simply replace that particular tile. Where as if you stain or damage an area rug, you likely need to replace the entire rug. Check them out at http://www.flor.com , you’ll be amazed at the variety they offer!

AREA RUGS

Although similar to the above category, area rugs were bolder than ever before.‎ From the colours to the pattern to the texture, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start! The rich colour palettes and the assortment of pattern was one of the most exciting parts of the show. A beautiful area rug is art for your floor, and there were options galore!   This photo is of the Weavers Art booth, the selections they carry are incredible. If you're in the market for a statement area rug, check them out!

 

The perfect area rug can enhance a room SO much. Just remember to always make sure you are purchasing the correct size for your space. Buying a rug too small will make your space feel smaller and cramped.

 

DIY for Dummies

We all get bored of the same look over time, so having something that has lost its shine, or has become very outdated gives you that perfect excuse to get your hands dirty! It is very hard not to take the easy road and go buy what everyone else is buying, something brand new, leaving you no other option than to toss that old object away.

Little do you know that a few simple steps for a do it yourself project isn’t as hard as they look! With just the right patterns of fabric or the right colour of stain/paint, it can make a HUGE difference – and yes, of course also the right accessories to finish it off!

Upholstering that old chair in your basement can be fun, invite a friend over and get to work. You can easily create a beautiful accent chair that no one will be able to buy in stores!

 

 

There are many ways you can love that old piece of furniture again without breaking the bank! Refinishing something gives it that custom one-of-a-kind look, and gives you something to show off at those dinner parties!

 

Some ideas are to stop in at a second hand store and find an old coffee table, bench, or chair and buy it for cheap (if you don’t already have anything lying around at home).

It is very easy to take that first look at something and think that can never be beautiful, but if you put your mind to it, it WILL look amazing!

 

 

 

Styling a Bookcase

So many times we go into homes where the bookcase is an eye sore, when it should be a beautiful showcase of beloved items and treasures. Many people collect books, which is wonderful, but overcrowd their shelves. A bookcase is a fantastic place to create a focal point in a room and show off beautiful accessories, photos as well as of course, books. Here are some tips on how to create a stylish bookcase.

1. Don’t overcrowd the shelves.
In some instances, floor to ceiling shelves covered in books can be a really nice a look, if the books are arranged in an orderly fashion. Most people don’t take the time to organize the books in a visually interesting way and over the years it just becomes a whole bunch of add-ons. Try de-cluttering some of the books that aren’t in great shape and tuck those away.

2. Add accessories.
Adding accessories to your bookcase is a fantastic way to add pops of colour or items you love. There are so many great accessories for bookcases: picture frames, interesting bookends, candles, decorative objects, beautiful storage boxes.. anything you want to have on display! You don’t need to add accessories to every shelf, but every other one is a nice look. Put your additional items in different spots on the shelf for a “designer look”.

3. Arrange books in a variety of patterns
Instead of just having them standing left to right on every shelf, try stacking some on top of each other with an accessory next to it. Rotate every other shelf having them standing and stacked. The variety of the arrangement will give the bookcase more visual interest and make your accessories and beautiful books pop, where they all may have just blended together. Arranging your books by height or colour is a great organizational tool.

All About Wall Decor Ideas

Wall Décor is something we feel is crucial to every home. Whether you have modern décor, a country home, or a very traditional style of decorating, wall décor is what really pulls a space together. The amount of wall décor in a given home may vary depending on home style and personal taste. Many people have a hard time choosing the correct art to suit their home décor style, or lack the creativity to incorporate something other than photographs or pictures into their space. Wall Décor options are endless! Here we will give you some suggestions on some wall décor variations other than the traditional artwork.

 

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any space. The variations and options of mirror shapes, sizes, colours, textures is so vast – you can find anything you want. Mirrors can go in many places in your home as well. If you have an empty wall above your sofa, a large rectangular mirror in a great metallic or three smaller starburst mirrors in scattered pattern are a fabulous option.

 2. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall. Depending on what your style preference is, there are so many colours and wood shelves that will really add another dimension to your space. Open shelving is a great way to display family photos, accessories and whatever other small items you’d like to showcase in your home. Open shelving can be one shelf or a variety of shelves in different shapes and configurations. Open shelves look great in almost all rooms of the home, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.

 

3. Wall Decals

Wall Decals are used most often in children’s rooms, and they’re great because if a child grows out of them, it’s not a matter of changing the paint so often. There are also many options for wall decals for main living areas, whether it be a lovely quote or a pattern of some sort, wall decals are a fantastic option, especially for people who are living in rental homes/apartments and don’t want to spend the money on paint, these are stickers that peel off without leaving any damage.

 

4. Gallery Walls and Unique Art Arrangements

A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of elements you love, whether it be frames of family photos, quotes, small mirrors, an accessory, or just decorative frames. Creating a gallery wall in your home is a personal touch that makes any space feel like home. Be creative with what you add. Whether you like the look of a uniform wall with all the same frames arranged in very straight and evenly spaced, or if you like an eclectic mix of some of your favourite things, this feature is bound to be a focal point in your home.

 

5. Large Accessories
Deer heads, clocks, stars, metal wall art, various geometric shapes, porcelain birds etc are all great things to add to your space. Add what you love! This is your home and you need to love it. So, make it yours!

 

 

 

Colourful Christmas Tree Ideas

Looking for a different colour scheme than the traditional green, red and gold tree? Try using one of these colourful tree & ornament combinations for your home this year! Here are a few of our favourites .....

White and Aqua

           

Pink Christmas Trees
The shades of pink and the ornament colour combinations are so fun! Purples, golds, whites, pink and red make this tree a statement piece!

  

Gold Trees

This is the reverse of the traditional tree! Instead of using a green tree with red and gold… do a gold tree with red and green ornaments!

Purple Christmas Trees

Gold, white and silver ornaments make this colour tree stunning!

Cobalt Blue

This is probably one of my favourites. This tree will look so good with white, silver and aqua ornaments. Talk about bold! This tree is the opposite of traditional Christmas, while still being incredibly festive!

Home Update: Adding Reclaimed Wood Elements

We love the look of reclaimed wood. So many people are styling their homes with a more rustic look these days and we’re all in! There is nothing cozier than the addition of warm tones throughout your home. While this may not be to everyone’s taste, those who like it, like it a lot! So how do you add this look to your home without re-vamping your whole décor? Easy!

Having every single surface in your home in various wood tones will begin to feel redundant and very cottage-y. Which is not a bad thing if that’s the look you’re going for. If you’re looking for a décor refresh, adding reclaimed wood tones to your space is a fabulous way to change the feel of your home without swapping everything you own.

1. Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table.
This is something that is sold in furniture and home décor stores everywhere! The options are endless. Various tones and types of wood make the varieties borderline overwhelming. The variety of base options and elements will match any space. A reclaimed wood cable table is something that will stand the test of time, as wood is a classic material, so don't think that this isn't an investment piece. Decide what look you want in your space and build from there. A modern home maybe have a lot of chrome elements, and a reclaimed table with a chrome base will complement the existing décor.

2. Wood Lighting Fixture
You may think that sounds like something that belongs in a chalet but it’s not! So many light fixtures are super versatile, and work in a multitude of spaces. The addition of wood to a space almost instantly adds a warm and cozy vibe, depending on the décor of the space. If your whole home is ultra-modern with white and black leather everywhere a singular light fixture may not instantly do the trick, but you’re certainly on your way if that’s the idea! Adding various elements to your home give your home depth and personality. So, buy what you love!

3. Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall
This is such a cool idea and a fantastic DIY project. There are so many tutorials on how to make one yourself. But if you're not a savvy do-it-yourselfer, this is also something that are sold in many places. The addition of the wood wall is such a cozy addition to a space, there are even wallpapers that look like reclaimed wood, without the price tag!

4. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Sideboard
Another fabulous addition to add into your space. There are so many options with reclaimed wood. Do you want a studded metal detail? A chrome base? Do you love the look of wrought iron? Round? Square? Rectangular? The options are truly endless! A reclaimed wood dining set is a great investment piece for a multitude of reasons: 1. Such versatility! If you suddenly decide you love contemporary décor, fabulous! This works. Traditional décor? No problem! A solid wood table is a long lasting investment and typically, worth every penny.

5. Reclaimed Wood Headboards
This is a fabulous DIY project. A reclaimed wood headboard is such a fun addition to any space. There are so many links for making this at home, and it is a fabulous budget friendly option. This addition to your home is a warm and cozy material and your bedroom is definitely somewhere you want to feel warm and comfortable!

6. Add Wood Accessories.
The most budget friendly addition to your home: accessories. If you love the wood look and are looking for cost savings, this is the place. There are so many home décor stores that carry such great wooden accessories be it a wooden horse, lamps with a wooden base, a wooden tray to add to your coffee table, wooden candle holders.. the options are endless! Even small changes make a difference in your home.