We Answer Wednesday - Farmhouse style

"I see this farmhouse style everywhere - I really like it! How can I get this look in my home without buying all new furniture?"

You are right!  The farmhouse look does seem to be everywhere!  The great news about this style is two fold.

One - when it comes to the farmhouse look there are many options, levels and directions you can choose.

Two - it is a cozy and timeless look, so you don't have to worry about being trendy.

 We also love the versatility of this style.  The farmhouse look blends easily with the industrial look and also a rustic look.  But you can easily blend farmhouse with some traditional pieces and some modern elements too.

 

So how can you get this look (on a budget)  at home?

You are in luck - to get this look you don't need to spend a lot.  You can achieve this look with adding a few elements and pieces.

Here are some of our suggestions:

Farmhouse Art - art, photography and  even country inspired signs are an easy addition to your space to help you get that farmhouse look.

 

Chalkboard - the ease and casual look of chalkboard gives a space a warmth of a country farmhouse.  It's relaxed and simple - we love chalk board paint - it's easy to use and apply.



Galvanized metal -  easy pieces like buckets, chairs, even light fixtures in this material add to that country feel.  Be sure to have a dull finish and even a few dings is totally OK.



Ladder displays - add another rustic touch plus they are a eat way to store blankets and even books and magazines.  They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. We love this ladder display with framed family photos!

 

Layer textured rugs - again keeping a very casual look and mixing up textures adds another element to the laid back farmhouse style.  We love to mix a cowhide with a natural fiber like sisal or even seagrass.



Lighting - simple lighting fixtures in a metallic and dull finish add a farmhouse character to a space.  Look for pendants with simple and clean lines with a rustic feel.



Textiles - in pillows, drapery and blankets are another easy way to get this farmhouse look.   Look for knits, flannel, plaids and soft stone washed fabrics.  Mix them up - farmhouse is a very simple and laid back look. Layer them and don't get caught up in symmetry.



Add 'practical' pieces - so decorate with items like laundry wash boards, old farm tools, bowls, baskets, pickle jars and mason jars.  These rustic pieces play into the farmhouse feel.

 

Wood - the farmhouse look is really focused on texture.  Wood is a texture that is closely connected with farms and the outdoors.  Add some wood elements to your space like bowls, boxes, trays, shelving and even a fireplace mantle.  Opt for reclaimed pieces with lots of character.

 



With this farmhouse style you can 'dial it up' or 'dial it down' as much as you like.  You can go very literal with farm pieces like signage and wire baskets OR you can take some influence from this style and play with the different textures and add the farmhouse essence into your space.

We Answer Wednesday - Spring Home Decor Ideas

"Spring is almost here.  What are your favourite spring home decor ideas?"

Spring really is a wonderful time of year! Both us of have spring birthdays...but that's not the only reason why we love spring!  Spring is fresh, fun and a new start.  Spring offers so much colour - just look around and you will see it every where.

We have a few favourite ways to bring spring into home decor.

 

Kristi's favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 

Greenery -  

yes, this is THE colour of the year but for me, the first spring home decor piece I add to my home is a beautiful floral arrangement (or potted plant).  It just brings a burst of life into your space especially after these long and snowy winters.  It's so fresh to see 'green' again! I love to see fresh flowers on a kitchen or dining table but I also love them in my bedroom - it's so lovely to wake up and see a touch of nature!

 

 

Let the light in (and the air, too) -

we are stuck at home all winter long and when that warm spring sunshine is out I want to bring it in - along with the fresh air.  I pull back the drapes and pull up the blinds and open the windows (even if it's just for a little bit).  Our spring season here is still pretty brisk but letting that light and fresh air gives the home a good boost. That beautiful natural light and fresh air can really make a difference!

Switch up my textures -

if you don't know this about me yet, you will soon figure it out.  I don't decorate my home with a lot of colour (unlike Maddie) but I love texture! Faux fur, leather, wood, wool knits, cow hide, metal and well any texture.  But once spring is here - I tuck away my furry pillows and blankets.  I give them a wash and hide them away until the fall.  They just add a winter-like feel to my space and who needs winter all year long? Instead I have added some Stonewashed Belgian linen pillows in some different earthy tones and a few with some print.

 

Maddie's favourite spring home decor ideas:-

 

Colour -

I love colour.  I love all colours.  One of the reasons I have a lot of white and grey in my house is so I have a lot of freedom to play with colour.  Since I have lived in my home (coming up on 3 years now) I have played with shades of aqua and blue, teal and orange and now I'm on a pink kick!  (My office has a bold and bright pink accent wall) Colour is a great way to bring spring into your space.  Take some cues from your spring flower garden, green grass, robin eggs and all that the spring season presents.  Use colour with decor items, art, and pillows.

 

Pattern -

I also love pattern.  I feel a room without pattern is pretty much incomplete.  Every room needs some pattern.  For spring think floral pattern - you might be thinking that it's not modern enough for you or it's too feminine - think again! There are so many options for floral pattern, I love and have some of these Bluebellgray pillows at my place.  I have it mixed with some other more geometric prints and my bold abstract art. I love the bold colours mixed with an abstract watercolour print against my gray sectional. If florals aren't for you, try adding a bold pop of colour - one colourful print item can total change up your look (and maybe inspire you to add even more to your space).

 


Spring is such a great time to refresh your home decor - many of the new collections are out in stores at the end of winter and that's when we have a ton of choices - colour, texture, print and pattern - you don't need a lot to make an impact ...just a few pieces can put a spring in your step!

We Answer Wednesday - What is Ship lap?

"I have been hearing this term a lot lately and I don't know what it is ....what is shiplap?"

You are right!  This is a term that we have been hearing a lot these days especially if you are someone who watches a lot of Home design and Decor shows on TV or reading magazines. 

So what is it - you ask, well there is a little bit of debate on what some TV hosts are calling shiplap. 
 shiplap is essentially a style of wood paneling - no, not that 70's style that you may have lived with at some point in your life - this is different....



Shiplap are long and smooth plain wood boards that are installed on a wall adding a slight texture, a visual interest and with the spacing between the boards you get a strip effect. We are definitely seeing this in the design shows especially the ones that have a slight country influence.

The debate in really on the install of these long and smooth wood panel boards.

In some cases we see these long wood straight panels that are nailed to the wall adding a slight bit of texture and a stripe effect in a room.  These boards are often painted in almost a chalk paint consistency.  We are seeing this a lot in homes that want a bit of a country or farmhouse look (this can also work with a home that is after a nautical feel). 

 

Now 'actual' shiplap looks very similar (which I would say is why the term is being used) but the install is different.  This shiplap is like a tongue and groove system giving the boards self-spacing - to get that striped look. the idea with this installation was to get a water tight 'seal'.

If you didn't see the install of the wood panels you likely wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Shiplap is a great way to add some texture to a space.  It looks great painted in any tone (the paint colour choice can really help determine the style you want in the room).  You can opt for a flat finish paint in a warm white, soft grey or even a light blue for a country look but if you chose a darker paint like a charcoal or even a deep navy you could get a bit of an industrial feel.  Of course the items like accessories, textile and lighting will also help with the overall look.

 

Shiplap can also be used as a great feature wall in a family room or even a bedroom.  It's a wonderful way to make an impact without over whelming the entire room.  For those of you that feel reclaimed wood walls are just a bit too much this is a good alternative. 

If you are looking for some subtle texture and visual interest, consider shiplap.

We Answer Wednesday - Front Door and Garage Door paint

"I'm going to paint my front door a new colour something with some pop but do I need to paint my garage door in the same colour, so they match?"

Great question and a bit of a tricky one....it really comes down to how bold you want to be with your exterior's statement, the architectural style of the home, the colour you choose, the exterior materials and overall personal preference.

For instance, if you are choosing a classic paint colour like black - this looks great on the front door and garage door - it's a more traditional style but a classic never goes out of fashion. This also works with a a minimalist or modern home- clean lines and simplicity are key and generally that style isn't about being overly colourful.


Photo from Bright Green Door

If you want to be a bit more adventurous with your front door colour, we suggest keeping the garage door more tame.  The garage door colour should match another colour on the home's exterior.  A good idea is to have it match the framing around the door and windows. If the house has shutters, we like the shutters to match either the garage or the front door - this gives consistency to the exterior. Too many colours on a home's exterior is distracting and it is confusing for the eye!



 Photo from Home Bunch

 For homes that have a lot of texture like stone, brick, shingles, beams etc...we like to see a wood front door and garage door - the allows the materials to shine. In this case. a home exterior with a lot of natural materials we suggest making a statement with a beautiful wood door (the garage doors can also be wood or they can coordinate with another colour on the exterior). When it comes to picking your front door colour - be sure to pick a colour that is flattering with your exterior materials. 


Photo from best-home-decorpictures.us

You don't need to match your door colours but you want to take into consideration a few factors (mentioned above) and also the statement you want to make.  If you want a really bright and bold colourful door - let that be the focal point and let the other elements including the garage door play a complimentary role.


 Photo from Design Once

With a garage door in a complimentary tone this really allows for your front door to be the WOW factor!

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