7/29/2011

Chevron Trend: Less is More

V for victorious. No. V for Chevron! This zigzag stripe is the new home décor trend. From mats, to pillows, to throws and more, this print adorns every living space and makes it pop with modernity.
Such a solid ornamental piece should be neutralized with lighter tones or one-tone colors. Here are ways to use this print without over-doing the chevron. 

The light grey compliments the dark army green. It opens up this small space by creating a busy focal point that creates a cozy ambiance. 



Throw pillows in bold chevron stripes are perfect, especially on this clean white linen. 




This textured rug shows how two-toned colours can balance and compliment an overall space.


For the eclectic homeowner, this striking design is sure to please. 


 This front entrance shows how a traditional look can accent, especially the handcrafted natural oak table and stool. 


Design pieces that serve a dual purpose are perfect. This end table keeps clothes and items neatly tucked away, while enhancing the wood floors and bed.

Curtains are an excellent way to bring the chevron print into a home. Simple and trendy, these lovely yellow V stripes perfectly match the lime green walls. 
All of the above designs are seen in various blogs that love the chevron. Here are their links if you want further inspiration.

Shelter Hub, Craft Zine, Chic Little House, First Comes Love, Sas Interiors,  Lauren Lane Decor, and Simple Dwellings

7/22/2011

Garden Fun for the Young


Finding outdoor activities that are relaxing, yet enjoyable can be challenging – especially when you have young kids home for summer vacation. Try keeping it simple. Let kids feel ‘grown-up’ by letting them help mom or dad in the garden. Kids thrive on being involved in projects that create a sense of responsibility, so let them water the plants or ‘top-up’ the soil. The process can bring the family together and have everyone enjoying the outdoors.

 
Indoor crafts for outdoor picnics
Custom designed tablecloths are a craft the kids will joyfully embrace. Their creative minds are constantly looking for ways to express themselves. Having them construct a new tablecloth or napkin will allow them to get their hands dirty and see that they can have fun indoors. Later, pack up their newly designed crafts and head outdoors for a picnic. The kids will have a blast using the items that they created all while eating healthy snacks.


Let your kids design your room
When kids are young, they often spend a large amount of time in ‘mommy and daddy’s’ room. Why not let them design your bedroom oasis? It’s okay to let go and give in to their creative capers. Instead of putting their drawings on the fridge, put a corkboard in your bedroom. When they complete a project at school or at home, let them pin it on the board. Waking up to your kid’s artwork (and their morning antics) will have you smiling all morning long.




7/18/2011

Be bold, beautiful and brave by personalizing your room


Riveting Red


Most people opt for neutral colours when decorating their homes. Try livening up a room with splashes of red. Incorporating vibrant colour punches creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Throw pillows and throw rugs in bright reds are great ways to make a space come alive. Center pieces, such as fake fruit, rose pedals, or decorative paper weights can also bring a room together – without going over budget.




Vivacious Purple

For a luxuriously elegant look, try using the colour purple in a room. Often overlooked when decorating, purple can create drama in a space, and even harmonize an overly dark room. In a three walled space, paint one area a deep purple; this can give the room some sophistication. For an extra colour pop, try adding purple curtains to a window, or a purple throw to the bed. 



Oceanic Blue

For a calming ambiance, incorporate the colour blue through a furniture piece such as a couch, bed or even curtains. Blue can appear as a neutral tone, yet it can still give dimension to a neutral room. For best results, use the colour blue in different shades and colours to give the space some versatility.





Historic Green

Green is such a rustic colour that can give any room an authentic , outdoor atmosphere.  A light green tablecloth design will easily create that country feel, but if you want to go that extra mile, paint the cabinets green and add a throw rug to the mix to make a charming prairie cottage.