In last week’s blog post I shared tips for buying area rugs for the various spaces around your home and included some ideas for where to place the rugs relative to furniture in the bedroom and dining room. This week I want to share ideas for furniture placement versus area rugs in the living room. The same ideas and tips will work for area rugs in your family room as well.
Read MoreTips for Choosing an Area Rug
I have found that there are some misconceptions about area rug size which often results in a less than comfortable, put together space. In fact, the biggest mistake I see with respect to size is buying an area rug that is too small for the room. This makes the space appear unbalanced and awkward, like the rug was an afterthought.
Read on for tips to help when choosing an area rug that will be perfect for your space.
Read More5 Tips for Accessorizing Your Space
Decor accessorizing is one of my fave things about interior design and decor; it’s like a treasure hunt and I do like a good bargain, as well as the fun and challenge of using items for purposes other than their intended use. This week I share tips for accessorizing as the final touch to updating and refreshing your spaces. Read on for guidance!
Read More5 Steps for Creating a Colour Palette
This week I share simple steps for creating a colour palette for the space or spaces you want to update that extends beyond the paint colour.
Read More2019 Home Decor Trends Guaranteed to Inspire You
I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2019 Interior Design Show in Toronto, Canada – this is one of the not to be missed shows for designers and decorators from around the world. A wide range of product companies descend on Toronto to showcase new products and discuss trends and new developments. While I strolled the trade floor and chatted with the company reps, I noticed a number of trends that will be informing design and decor in the coming months and years ahead. I want to share these trends to inspire you as you contemplate spring updates to your abode. Read on!
Read MoreWhy Does My Colour Look Different?
I had some great feedback and questions about colour. The one that stands out is from a reader who said “I wish I had been able to read it a year ago, I would have chosen a different colour for the apartment! It's the same colour as it was originally, which I always loved, but somehow it looks more yellow this time around – unless I'm starting cataracts!!” This got me thinking that there is even more I can share about colour and explain why it can appear differently than we expect beyond the influence of light or why we may perceive it differently.
Read More3 Steps for Finding the Perfect Paint Colour
Raise your hand if you have ever picked the perfect paint colour off a paint chip only to get the room completely done and realized it isn’t going to work. Yep! My hand is up! All that time, effort and money invested in the room, not to mention the ‘discussions’ with your significant other or the dog and you are soooo disappointed. Read on for 5 tips that will save you not only time, money and aggravation but result in a colour and ambience that you are much happier with.
Read More2019 Colour Trends
I love this time of year and wait eagerly for the announcements to see what colours are going to inform paint, furnishings and decor accessories.
Read MoreSimply Swank Decor Blog: The Year to Date
The talent and creativity of people never ceases to amaze and impress me and stay tuned for June’s guest blog post that will be out next Wednesday – I am totally IN LOVE with my guest’s creations!!!
Read MoreAdd Emotion and Depth to Your Decor With Art Work
As with so many of us, pursuing her creative passion is an encore career for Mary. Read on to learn more and be sure to check out her website.
Read MoreThe Synergy of Design and Fine Art Photography
Elizabeth Hesp of Elizabeth Hesp Fine Art, like many of us, is pursuing her passion after working in an unrelated career. And we are glad she is! Enjoy the interview with Elizabeth and I know you are going to be captivated by her work.
Read MorePaint Finish Cheat Sheet
I know a number of you plan to paint and it truly is a quick, economical and relatively easy way to update and refresh your homes.
I say relatively easy as a trip to the local home improvement store for paint can mean you are faced with A LOT of questions and decisions. The first involves the type of finish you want: matte, eggshell or semi-gloss? Next is the type of paint: alkyd, latex, oil? Read on for time saving tips.
Read MoreInterior Decor With Lift
This month’s guest blogger is a unique company that not only produces furniture and decor that are works of art but that bring a whole new meaning to ‘upcycle and repurpose’. Mike and Carolynn at Craviations, use repurposed helicopter parts to create designs that “reflect your love of aviation and showcase your sense of adventure.” (www.craviations.ca)
Read More7 Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer
Many people I talk to feel that hiring an Interior Designer is an indulgence they can ill afford. While it does add to the overall cost of a project, it’s not as expensive as you might think. When planning an update to your home, consider the following reasons for hiring an Interior Designer.
Read MoreDesign Informs Art
In my interior design biz I have come across a number of fascinating, unique and interesting artists, ‘creatives’ and designers. These are folks who are pursuing their passions and sharing the results with a broader audience in a number of different ways.
They have caught my eye and attention as their creations align with my aesthetic that design and decor should be comfortable and livable, simple not complicated and include a touch of whimsy – a necessary element to any design.
Read More5 Considerations For Choosing Paint Colour
When refreshing the décor in our homes a new paint colour is one of the easiest and most economical but can also be one of the most challenging and confusing decisions to make. To pull a look together the right tone, shade and hue can make all the difference. I know you are already overwhelmed but read on!
Read MorePillows for Christmas Decor
There are ways to add a touch of Christmas and celebration to our homes without a big fuss or big investment of time. Read on for ideas!
Read More4 Steps to Hanging a Gallery Wall
Over time we accumulate pictures, art work, mementos and decor items that we’d like to display and enjoy rather than leave tucked away in cupboards and drawers. This is often best achieved in the form of a gallery wall. The following steps will help you achieve a beautiful look without creating more work and effort.
Read MoreColours of the Year 2018
It is clear from what has been announced for 2018 that pale pastel colours are behind us and the trend is toward more intense, bold colour.
Read More4 Tips for Styling Stems
We all have those awkward corners and spaces in our home, those areas that cry out for a touch of decor and style. It can be challenging to know just what to tuck into these spaces – I know I have a couple that have challenged me! For one of those corners I have a distressed ‘sap’ bucket that I use for faux stems that I update for each season and celebration.
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