LET'S MAKE ROOM FOR COLOUR

A quick and inexpensive way to breathe life into any dark space is by adding accessories to your rooms. You can change the look of any space by adding paint to a boring room or adding pillows to add a pop of colour.

Some great colour combinations that will add a unique feeling to any room are as follows:

POPPY RED & ORANGE has a rich feeling that combines both cool and contemporary energy to your space.

CITRUS colours ACCENTED WITH BLACK allow the colours to play off of each other and provide fun, in a cool and playful way.

A classic pairing of your BASIC YELLOW AND YOUR CRISP WHITES/IVORY provides a timeless and fresh feeling to any space.

TRENDS THAT ARE SEEN IN FASHION TRANSCEND INTO THE HOME

Let’s take a look at colour and pattern trends for your home for 2013.

AQUA TRANQUILLITY - soothing blues and greens brings calm to your space. Refresh your room with aqua hues and create an oasis to call home.

MIX BERRY - indulgence your senses with colours such as purples and magentas to infuse your space a taste of luxury.

CLASSIC BLACK AND WHITE - Opposites attract. By having your space mostly white and adding accents of black with create a airy feeling. When you do the opposite by having a mostly black room with accents of white and colourfully accessories you will instantly liven up your space.

LIME IS WHERE IT’S AT - Freshen up any space by adding vibrant greens in invigorating ranges of hues. These colour awaken your space and make a statement.

GO GLOBAL – Rugs and home accessories can bring worldly styles into your home. Ikat rugs for example use techniques of dyeing and weaving which results in unique design transformation.  

GEO – GEOMETRICS – Geometrics gives a room understated contemporary style. Create balance and flare with triangles to trapezoids and rhomboids to rectangles.

VINTAGE – Who needs new and shiny when you can have it all with a Vintage look? Imperfections in wool and fade out rugs and fabric’s create an unfinished look which brings you back in time.

TIME TO GARDEN - The softness and romance of botanicals and floral brings the feeling of the outdoors into your indoor space. Vibrant colours found in nature allows for timeless design.

RENOVATION READINESS

The key to experiencing a successful renovation is planning. The most effort and time should be put forth in the beginning by successfully choosing finishes and creating a functional space. However, do not be naive about renovations. There may be some bumps along the road. By planning properly it allows you to have a less bumpy ride and you’ll be better equipped to deal with different challenges that my come your way.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Does my space work for me and/or my family? If not, is it time to re-evaluate and redo the space?
2. Space and planning – identify the relationship between rooms and their traffic flow.
3. Know the restrictions that may exist before you actually start to demo your space- PERMITS ARE A MUST.
4. Be aware of the “twilight zone”. You may feel frustration and confusion during the renovation process, however remember to always keep your eye on the prize - the space of your dreams!!

 

REMEMBER – STRATEGIC DESIGN AND PLANNING PROVIDES A SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES.

 

HAPPY RENOVATING!!!

Furniture Trends 2012

My visit to this year's Canadian Home Furnishings Market Show proved to be informative and exciting!!!

While modern and contemporary styles are still popular, designing a space is about adding whimsical touches, which is a reflection of your personal taste.  There are six trends in furniture that will surely add personality to a room, these trends have two things in common:  flare and superior quality.

TREND 1- Colour Contrast

A glossy finish to furniture gives the black and white combo a fresh you twist.  Another trend is charcoal

grey paired with leather or wool-these are then contrasted with bright tones such as turquoise and deep

purple to give elegance and drama.




Geo Dining Set-NCA Designs



                                                      Butterfly Dining Set-NCA Designs


TREND 2- Marvellous Metal

Metal is showing up everywhere from chrome to brushed steel.  Adding this element doesn't have to
mean breaking the bank.  A new light fixture in metal or a metal accent piece will do the trick.

Amisco Industries

                                                                 Claudia Metal Bed

TREND 3: LEATHER LUXURY

Leather is both inviting as it is durable.  Leather headboards are an example of achieving a touch of
luxury reminiscent of a five star hotel.  Manufacturers are also providing eco friendly options to leather that are appealing from both an environmental and design point of view.

                                                                     Five Star Hotel

                                               Steven and Chris Tufted Leather Love seat


TREND 4: GO FOR THE GLAMOUR

Desire Drama or Hollywood Dreams!!!!  Tones of silver, brass and pearly white easily transform a
room from sweet into a A-List venue.  A tufted sofa, a glitz chandelier or a large scale mirror will add
a glamours touch.

                                                                    Camilla House

                                                                    Camilla House


TREND 5: MINIMIZE THE MESS

Put clutter to rest.  Our homes should be a haven not an impossible place to relax in.  Manufacturers now offer consumers ways to cut their clutter.  Beds have drawers for storage and great organzation.
Belongings are discretely hidden allowing your space to look spotless.

                                                              Broyhill Storage Bed


TREND 6: DESIGNED BY MOTHER NATURE

Many collections are being manufactured by reclaimed wood.  A dining room table is a great way to infuse this trend into your space.  With mother nature in mind manufacturers are focusing on working with recycled materials ranging from used pieces of glass to vintage machine parts. 
Everything old is new again!!!!!!

                                                                   Camilla  House

                                                                     Camilla House


HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fabulous Kitchen Corner Display

Hello and welcome to my blog. I'm so excited to be sharing my design expertise, experiences, projects, and tips with you.  Recently, I worked on my clients main floor.  She purchased a resale, and as you can see the cabinetry is typical builder with function and form at its minimum.  The wall adjacent to the right side of fridge is unused and lacks design flare. 

 

Extending the cabinetry has increased storage space and by adding my clients fabulous find (brackets used for the shelves)  from her trip to the flea market has created a beautiful and stylish focal point where her collectibles and other accessories can be displayed.