The Candle Cozy

I came across this rather creative way to dress up pillar candles on the popular home staging show “Take This House & Sell It.” I thought this was such an ingenious way to take an ordinary house hold accessory and make it coordinate with different design elements in the room. Extra fabric from a window treatment or pillows can be easily tailored to wrap around the candle(s). Or you could even visit a local fabric store to purchase fabrics that coordinate with an existing textile in the space to help coordinate colour, harmony and even texture. As seen above, a candle cozy can even been knitted. It’s also a great way to create what style you are going for a room. For example, I can picture the above knitted cozy in a cabin or a rustic themed space. Or you could use a funky, modern fabric to update a space. I just love this inexpensive approach to design and I look forward to trying it out.

Happy decorating!

Jennifer

The Art of Pique Assiette

I recently picked up my March 2010 issue of Style At Home and perused the pages hoping to find some design inspiration. I have to say this particular issue blew me away. I love the fact that S@H has such a diverse selection from design ideas and even art projects. One that stood out to me was an article called “Pretty In Pique.” It was just a one-pager brief snippet of info and picture of the art form called ‘pique assiette.’ Boy, did it ever catch my attention. Now for all of those googling “pique assiette” to find out what it is, let me save you some time.

Pique assiette, in itself, is an art form. Defined as a type of mosaic, pique uses broken pieces of dish, tile, glass, pottery and ceramic to arrange intricate configurations of pattern. The real beauty of this art is that it can be used on a wide range of surfaces varying from unique counter tops to exceptionally beautiful and personal pieces of art. It is documented to have originated in 1930’s France by Raymond Edouard Isadore, loosely meaning “stolen from plate.” Isadore spent his life covering every surface of his house and garden in “stolen from plate,” transforming his home into a popular tourist attraction to this very day. (“Maison Picassiette” in Paris, France)

I have to admit, upon my research on the topic I found not all pique assiette creations were to my personal style or liking. In fact, when I have seen pique in real life (without realizing its name, origins, or its point, for that matter), in most cases it looked too “kitschy” or just “not right.” This being before the realization that pique assiette is wholly an individual expression of significance. Significance in the recycled objects found and placed into the design and the significance of capturing a personal touch. What a find!

Happy decorating!

Jennifer

(Image from Style At Home, March 2010, page 22)

Decorating 101 - Part 3

A well decorated room is a visually interesting room. Think texture! Most people are tactile which means they like to feel surfaces rather then just look at them. Try to select fabrics, pillows and accessories that are neat to the touch and create personality in the space. As long as you have coordination within your design then you are off to a fabulous start! You can have a lot of fun with this element because texture is limitless, don’t limit yourself! Remember a room needs layers (visually) to create depth in the space.

Correct scale and proportion are also key to a well thought out space. In a small space, be weary of purchasing heavy or chunky pieces of furniture. Glass surfaces, for example, are great for freeing up visual space. However, in a large space, build up the bulk. Don’t go overboard but try to find pieces with substance to them.

Create balance! Try to avoid loading up one side of the room and then leaving the other side nearly vacant. Visual balance is pleasing to the eye so make sure there is some sort of balance, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical. Trust that your eye can pick up what doesn’t look right and never dismiss trial and error. You will find your solution eventually.


What's missing? A focal point. More Decorating 101 to come.


Happy decorating!


- Jennifer

(Image courtesy of Google Images)

How to measure for a sectional couch -Video

This video will show you how to measure properly for a sectional couch.
If you want to learn anything please let us know and we will be glad to try and make a video of it.
Check out more video's on our YouTube Page.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

If you enjoy holiday decorating this is a great time to visit stores and take part in some great sales! Many decorations are marked down to 50% off the original price. Saving money is always a good thing and next year you won't have to run out and gather any pieces. Another great way to save money is to make your own decorations. It's also a fun thing to do with family and friends.

Wall Tattoos

Wall tattoos are a distinctive and creative way to liven up a space. They provide a unique solution to décor dilemmas as well as create an eye catching feature that is sure to attract attention. Wall tattoos are easy to remove wall applications that are available in a broad range of categories. Pictures, words and phrases are available and the option to create very your own artwork. Installation is just a matter of peel and stick because of a self adhesive finish on the back. This makes wall tattoos very easy to remove or reapply. These tattoos are used both residentially and commercially and provide a space with one’s own personal touch.

One way to learn about wall tattoos and where to find them is to research the internet. The internet provides flexibility allowing an individual to browse at their one pace and compare prices with different companies to get the best deal. An additional advantage to the internet is that you can read past customer’s comments on the product and get an overall rating.

Another method to learn more about wall tattoos is to go to a Home Show. Because wall tattoos are such an up and coming product, make sure to stop by and speak with a wall tattoo employee. This way you can directly ask what kind of service they provide and also get to see the product first hand which can help you with your decision. I went to an Ottawa Home Show and spoke to a wall tattoo employee. Not only was this employee so keen on the product, he was also was very helpful when I asked him questions about the company he worked for.

I asked him about the market for Ottawa. He informed me that there was a huge market in Ottawa for wall tattoos. Because the company offers such a broad variety they are able to please most customers’ personal style and taste. Young couples in their first home can integrate styles with wall tattoos. Commercially it would be a fascinating approach to embellishment in pattern and graphics. Advertising would benefit greatly from displaying messages, product logos and brands in such an appealing method. Since ‘graffiti’ is such a widely witnessed art form then wall tattoos are sure to attract the attention to a younger generation. However because of its flexibility in style, wall tattoos can also be sophisticated and subtle. Any modern business would be wise to invest in wall tattoos for perhaps an office or a workspace of sorts. Trendy restaurants would also benefit for wall tattoos.

Downtown Ottawa is filled with design studios and furniture stores that personify retro and modern décor. Wall art is such an ingenious way to provide a mood and make a statement about the existing space. These eye catching pieces can draw in business just simply based on curiosity itself. I know that I was immediately attracted to the display at the Home Show and being an accredited Interior Decorator and Home Stager, I took a mental note of the amazing capabilities of this product and how I would be able to use it for so many different projects. This product is sure to please the market and satisfy the needs of many people who are looking for solutions to their decorating dilemmas.

Happy decorating!!

Jennifer

(Image courtesy of Google Images)

Decorating 101 - Part 2

Found your inspiration? GREAT! Let’s say you’ve chosen a beautiful scenic painting to be your inspiration for your new room. What design elements can we pull from this painting? A colour palette to start! If you have a busy painting or picture and you’re not sure what colours to pull from it to accent it best, try this simple trick. Stand back; blur your eyes and whatever colours you can still see in the fabric, painting, or picture are the dominant colours. These colours can come into play when picking out fabrics, accent pillows, accessories, paint colours, and even furniture selection. This is now your colour scheme!

Try to maintain a sense of harmony in the space. Coordination is one of the keys to a beautifully decorated space. Make sure there is a sense of rhythm when selecting finishes, furnishing, accessories, etc. For example; you’re decorating your new dining room. You have a new stunning crystal chandelier and you feel it is the best part of the entire space. How do you accentuate its visual impact? How do you create that ‘wow’ factor and make it work within your space? Take that crystal element and disperse it throughout the room. Crystal (or glass) knobs for the buffet or reflective surfaces like mirrors to highlight the sparkle. Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to take your time. After all this is a space FOR YOU! Love it and be proud that YOU made it beautiful!

Inspiration is in check, coordination is key, ideas are flowing. You're off to a great start!

What next? Even more decorating 101 to come...

(Image courtesy of Google Images)

Using Artificial Plants in Your Decor

I don't know about everybody else but when I buy a plant it usually ends up dying on me. I fail to remember that I have a living thing that needs to be taken care of and forget to water it. Well don't worry because there's a cure in sight...get a fake plant! Using artificial plants in your decor is a great way to bring life into a room but are also maintenance free. There are numerous stores that sell artificial flowers, plants and shrubs in the Ottawa area, ranging in price from $1 and up. Also remember that you get what you pay for. The more realistic artificial plant tends to be the more expensive one. On the other hand, I have bought them from Dollarama and from afar they look great! Have fun and good luck decorating and don't be afraid to use an artificial plant!

Natasha

My Home Flipping Project

Home flipping can be quite lucrative if done properly. First you must have purchased the home at an appropriate price and second invest the right amount of money in the right places. Just because you put thousands of dollars into a home doesn't mean you'll get it all out. It's all about right decisions. Everyone knows not to buy the MOST expensive home on the street it's not a good investment so don't flip to be the top of the top you want to be attractive and appropriately priced in the end. Here are some pictures of my most recent home project. I've been in this home for 2 years doing this project with my handy husband & my decorating / staging skills.
This home is listed on the market as of today! The country market is slower but this house is a gem, we've even got our first showing booked only hours of being on the market!!


Basement Bar
-Originally this bar was just a hole in the wall with an ugly orange counter interior. Gutting the area leaving the 2 primary walls and adding an angles wall improved on space. Pod lights increased on the lighting in this space. Not this is a basement hot spot.


Basement Movie Area
-The dark wood paneling & white stucco on top was very dated and ugly. We gutted that basement re-insulated the walls added new windows and re-dry walled the whole space.
The laminate was also replaced from that 99c. cheap stuff to industrial grade laminate that looks like real hardwood but stands up to more wear and tear.


Living Room
-The before room had bright yellow Venetian Plaster...yuck, with dark green curtains.
The layout and amount of items with in this room was way too much, re-arranging the furniture, decluttering and updating the paint.


Master Bedroom
-Originally this room was a disaster. Everything about it was wrong, including the green carpet with red walls. We removed the carpet and replaced it with a neutral Berber, repainted the walls and added appropriate drapery. This allowed people to view the fields and patio in the back.

So, as you can see this whole home took us some time. If you have never flipped a home before or don't know where to spend your money appropriately then DON'T DO IT! too many people fail because they get emotionally invested and spend too much in the wrong places. If you are keen on doing so hire a professional to consult with during your flipping projects. We offer such services where we can guide you on what investment's are better than others and approve or disapprove of colour schemes for the home. Keep it neutral, appealing to all don't get funky or you'll lose your money. Most homes in Ottawa will not support the "funky" aspect.

Happy Staging
-Kristy

Summer Party Decorating on a Budget

This great news release is from Huston but we can take that information and apply it here in Canada, Natasha mentioned below about shopping at the dollar store, well it's true there are GREAT finds there and with careful selection and placed appropriately it can look expensive!

Check out this table decorating tip here: DECORATING LINK

-Kristy

Eco Friendly Decorating

There are many things you can do these days to decorate but also be keeping the environment in mind. Many of these ideas are better for your health and will also save you money and time.

* Use 100% Recycled Plastic Paint Trays*
Wash out your paint tray when you use it and save if for the next time you paint instead of throwing it out.

* Use No VOC Paints*
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These compounds are found in many types of paint as well as other man made products. They let of dangerous fumes into the air for you to breath in while painting your room your favorite colour. No VOC paints allow area painted to used sooner and they don't have harmful fumes to breath in.

*Paint Brushes with Removable Heads*
Brushes that have these removable heads are easier to clean and use less water to clean.

*Drapery Liners*
Buying a curtain that has a drapery liner attached will help block out the heat in the summer time and keep the warmth in in the winter time.

These are only a few tips for ECO friendly decorating. Look for more on websites, books or stores.

Natasha :)