We Answer Wednesday - Wall decor Ideas (other than artwork)

"I'm looking for some ideas to decorate my empty wall space.  I do love art but I would like to see if there are other options out there that could add a unique look to my home"

Art and other wall decor pieces are a great way to add some visual interest in your space but it's also a great way to add colour and texture plus you can really show off your style through art.

We are seeing a lot of options for wall decor besides a stretched canvas or framed print.

Here are ideas:

1.  Fabric or Wall paper - you can use these material as an accent wall but why not frame them and have some creative wall panels. You can make these panels are big as you like and the really customize the look plus this is a great way to add some unique flair to a rental without losing your damage deposit.



2. Wood - wood is going to be a big trend for 2016.  It has great texture, character and warmth too.  We will see a lot of wood in furniture but also art.  We certainly did see accent walls in reclaimed and distressed wood planks and fun signs but we are seeing wood in art as well.





3. Mirrors - this is not a new idea but one way to add some light to a room is to add a mirror.  there are so many shapes and styles of mirrors, too.  A mirrors looks great layered over an accent wall or on it's own.  Mirror gallery walls - so mirrors in different shapes and frames is another unique touch to a room.




4. Floating shelves - this is a clean and easy way to display a series of pieces you want to show off.  On a floating shelf anything can really work - framed photos, candles, decor pieces etc...For the shelves themselves you have lots of options in terms of colours and materials.




5. An oversized wall clock - this is both function and fashion.  This fills up the space and is visually appealing but it is also very useful.  there are so many styles of clocks to choose from too.  We love the aged clock in this image flanked by the candle sconces.




 6. Animal heads - so we have seen this trend for a few years now and maybe it has reached it's peak but we are seeing different and unexpected animal heads.  People are using them in different places too like kids rooms and nurseries.  We have also seen them in a variety of materials - papier mache, resin, faux fur, wood, metal and wire. They are nice in an eclectic gallery wall, or just on their own.  Trend or not, if you like it - go for it!



 7. Maps - so this can be purely decorative but also educational.  It's a great addition if you love to travel - it's a great way to show off your interests through decor.  Map come is all sorts of shapes and sizes - full wall paper or oversized framed maps.  The colours vary too - soft 'aged' beige tones to bright and vivid colours.



8. Wall decals - wall vinyls have come a long way - they are easy to stick on and peel off.  There are so many possibilities too - inspirational quotes to images and everything in between. So this is another great option for someone living in a rental that wants to add some 'pop' to their space or for someone that changes their mind often.



Which wall treatments do you like? Which ones have you used? What ever you decide make sure it suits you and your space and don't ever feel like you have to follow the latest trends!

How To Decorate with an Over Sized Mirror

We love what mirrors can do for a room - they can brighten and make a room appear larger all at once!

When it comes to decorating with mirrors, the mirror itself works with any style but you have an endless selection of frames - mirrors, thin, thick, lacquered,  colourful, aged, wood - you name it.  So when you are looking for a mirror you want to pay attention to the frame so that it works with the room style of decor.

We see mirrors in the usual spots - bathrooms and front entry ways are the most common places for mirrors but what about over sized mirrors? We see them in the home decor stores and some of them are just humongous - ever wonder who buys them and where they go??

We have some great ideas on how to decorate with over sized mirrors and some of these ideas might really surprise you. Yes, you can decorate with an over sized mirror!

1 - The Bedroom is an obvious choice for a mirror - it's where you get ready to start the day and you likely want to know how you look in your #OOTD. An over sized mirror can really help with that last look but it also adds a touch of glam and sophistication to your bedroom plus it helps make it look bigger and brighter.


 


Other ideas for large mirrors in the bedroom, try them flanking the bed and behind your night stand. it's like an instant face lift for your bedroom.
                

2- The front entry is another obvious choice but you usually don't see an over sized or full length mirror at the front entry and if you do it's usually in the form of a bi-fold door.  But this over sized mirror is so chic! We love the high shine simple frame - so clean! But we love it paired with the glass console in front of it. mirrors are a great back drop for furniture.  This is a great idea for a tight or small entry.



3- The dining room can be a dark room and in some newer designs a smaller space.  We love the idea of mirrors in a dining room (it works so well wit candle light at a dinner party or dinner for 2).  We see these full length mirrors all the time, often on the inside door of a closet but we love this idea of hanging them in triplicate. It looks so much more expensive! So simple and effective and on a low budget - we are sold!  This is a great idea if your home is on the resale market - it fills up the wall space, makes the room brighter and bigger, too.



4- The Living Room is a great space for a mirror because it usually has a lot of wall space options.  Above the sofa is a great choice so is above the mantle but if you have an awkward wall a mirror is a great idea - it almost makes that weird wall disappear. The image below is a great example of an odd wall space and we love this shabby chic window frame with mirrors it really suits the cottage country decor in the room.



Here's another great over sized mirror placement idea.  Behind the sofa - wow, does this ever make an impact!





 5- The bathroom is a definite spot where you will find a mirror no shock there but try an over sized mirror above your vanity. But take a look at this image, yes there's a double sink vanity so the room has some size but if we put two mirrors above the vanity this room would look so much smaller. 



Other ways to use mirrors - add them to your gallery wall, or make a gallery wall of just mirrors or think about adding some mirrored furniture to your space.

 

We answer Wednesday - Mirror Image

"I know everyone says mirrors are a great way to make rooms look bigger.  What are some creative ways to use mirrors in my space?"

Mirrors are a 'magic' piece that really can make rooms look bigger and brighter.  They allow light to bounce around a room so it give that illusion of a larger space, so be sure to have light in the room with that mirror.

 

The great thing about mirrors is that they are also beautiful (the reflected image: you) the mirror, itself is also beautiful plus there are many styles to suit many styles of decor.

We can offer you a few ideas to inspire how you can use mirrors in your space.

In the entry: it's usually a small and tight space to begin with so a mirror is going to help make it look and feel more spacious but ti's also very useful so you can do one final check before you head out for the day. This circular mirror with a wide frame looks great over the console table. 



In the living room: We love that added glam that a mirror can add to a space.  Mirrors serve a function but they are also a great 'fashion' piece.  They instantly add a touch of glamour and make a room look expensive.  We love this set of 3 matching mirrors in this living room.  The dark glossy frames hanging above the sofa table make the room look so chic.



Try an over sized mirror: Over sized mirrors are so stylish and we love what they can do in a room.  Try in the corner of a bedroom, the room will look instantly larger plus it another great way to check out your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) but try and over sized mirror elsewhere, like the entry, dining room, living room...We love this entry with the over sized mirror with a silver frame and lots of tone-on-tone.



In the bedroom: We love a mirror in the bedroom but maybe not where you would expect....try matching mirrors above each bedside table.  The symmetry is classic and something the human eye is naturally drawn to. We love this scalloped edge mirror above these white and wood tone bedside tables and with the trellis wallpaper as the backdrop, perfection!



Try a 'custom' mirror in your bathroom: Often when we move into a home, there have been some updates (maybe not to our specific tastes but updates none the less) but the bathroom mirrors are usually ignored.  Try adding an instant update to your bathroom by changing out those old mirrors for something new.  It makes a huge difference in the overall look of your bathroom. You don't have to spend a fortune to make your space look rich.



 Try above the fireplace: A perfect spot for a piece of art, yes but, if you can't find a piece you love a mirror is a great solution - it never goes out of style and should you find an art piece you love you can always place the mirror elsewhere.  Another look we love above the fireplace is layering.  So try a mirror (a large one) layered with some smaller art or photography.



Try a gallery wall: Have a gallery wall? A a mirror in your arrangement to mix it up! Lots of mirrors make a great mirror gallery wall.





A few tips when it comes to  decorating with mirrors:

- like art be sure to find the right size and be sure to hang it at the right height

- find a mirror with a frame that works with your current style. the possibilities are endless, the choices are too

- don't be afraid to get creative, try matching over sized mirrors behind bedside tables - why not?

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!