2/24/2012

Rock Out to Your Decor


With the Grammy's done and the Oscars just around the corner, we’re inundated with the rich and famous. Okay, so, I’m not complaining because I secretly wait to see who made the ‘best dressed list'. Let's face it, who doesn't want to be a rock star? Here are tips on creating a Rock and Roll themed home where fame can greet you when you open the door.  

Geometric Patterns that Rock!
Having colourful prints that pop, in an understated room, makes you feel as though you’re living on the edge. Bring balance and harmony to this minimalist design with these bold patterns.



These rugs definitely bring the noise, with bold and eclectic geometric squares that will make you want to rock out!



 
Tats on Mats
Nothing screams ROCKSTAR than a tattoo. Okay, so, we realize that this doesn’t sound practical and not everyone is a fan of body art, but you’ll definitely be a fan of these rugs.





Boring Beige? Not here.
Calmness awaits in these tranquil outdoor rooms that have a soothing ambient palette, perfect for the busy life that comes with being a 'star'. Embrace the space and unwind with yoga poses and meditating mantras that soothe the soul.



2/14/2012

Four heart pumping design tips that will make your Valentine melt


Although the calendar reads February 14th, we should not subject ourselves to romantic decorating just once a year. Try these hidden touches that are romantic, yet cozy.

L’amoure Pink and Red
These two distinct colours were once seen as faux-pas when it came to mixing and matching. However, such beautiful hues can create an inviting retreat, where the bold red audaciously charms and compliments the pink palette. A definite décor match!




Send a Love Note
Let your décor do the talking with written memos and inspirational words.
  


Writing on the wall
Want to make a bold impact? Take a door mats and hang it on the wall to transform this piece from traditional use to art-nouveau.

Love Medallions
Look familiar? It might. Recently saw these gorgeous medallion walls on Lini Interior Design. It sparked huge interest since the neutral white colour beautifully contrasts the pop out wall art. To compliment this design, we suggest pairing some paisley and floral patterns with this room (which we highly recommend trying to duplicate!)



 
How do you decorate romantically?

2/03/2012

Super 'Floor' Sunday!

Get super-bowl ready with colours that show your team spirit.  Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots or the Giants here are some delightful designs that add a proud punch to the surroundings. Creating a homey and comfy feel remains important, so choose enthused palettes that are still on trend.

Singing the Blues with Patriot Pride
Naturally crisp, the airy Patriot blue gives a room a beach-feel. Throw in some accent pillows or throws to complement. Also, don’t forget to wear your jersey in the same buoyant shade. Your guests may root for the opposing team but you’ll feel as though everyone’s a Patriots fan!




Ravishing Red Giants
Innately vibrant, red sets the stage and creates a dynamic and personal space. As bold as it is, it adds a pop of colour that transcends and transforms a dull look into a room full of passion. The great thing about decorating with red, in the month of February, is that it performs dual duties – announces that you are rooting for the Giants and provides an easy switch-over as Valentine’s Day approaches.




1/30/2012

Winter Hibernation? Bring it on with Colour


Designing rooms that have a sun-kissed glow, in the dead of winter, starts with colour. Nothing brightens a space more than tangy tangerine, rich reds and bold purples. While we don't recommend painting your entire abode in these vibrant shades, we suggest accenting a space with vivid patterns, floral prints and plush mats with splashes of these sunset colours.

ORANGE CRUSH
This mercurial tint brightens a room with little effort. Naturally edgy and energetic it brings life to a dull space. To minimize this hues intensity, add some neutral shades.


CUSHION COMFORT
Set the mood with a soft, plush mat that provides cushion underfoot. Texture truly has the ability to combat the winter blues and a mat with padding brings depth to a space while keeping you cozy.


PURPLE PASSION
Once upon a time this shoddy shade was seen as retro; however purple no longer sports a dated look, but rather takes on a youthful appearance. Bold and lavish it continues to pop up in current colour trends. Versatile and contemporary, it enhances a lackluster space with its bold vibe. Pair this passionate hue with a neutral palette to intensify the colour.

DAZZLING RED
Bold and beautiful, a dash of red adds an intense flame to a space by dressing it up. We suggest sticking to deeper reds as they look rich in comparison and can easily transcend into other seasons.

 

1/23/2012

Wonderful Wall Art

It was with great sadness that we recently heard the oh so familiar croon "So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye..." unfortunately it was not coming from the seven Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music but rather we heard these sad partings from Jessica, Lemon Tree Creations blogger/creator. To remember this amazing blog, we are recapping our favourite post; giving our readers a way to recreate this…all the best to Jessica in her future endeavors!

A home-made wall treatment, that uses doormats to create art, not only customizes a room but adds a personal touch.

Erin, from Lemon Tree Creations, demonstrates her crafty skills by designing a mural-esque décor piece that transforms her living space. The oat colour chosen was a perfect contrast to the avocado stained walls. We absolutely love this idea and encourage others to take on similar projects. 

Doormat Wall Art: Lemon Tree Creations

Here are three easy steps to mimic this art-nouveaux:

1.      Choose an ornate looking doormat in a small to medium size. We suggest Multy Home’s 18x30 Wrought Iron import mat. Similar to Erin’s design, the whimsical pattern creates a focal point that lends a hand in stylizing any space in the home.

     2.     Wood or Canvas? Both are beautiful choices: canvas adds texture while wood naturally looks rustic.
     3.     Sand, stain or paint the surface than lay the mat down and spray the chosen colour on overtop. The result: a fashionable art-deco piece that will personalize and transform a room's overall look. 
Doormat Wall Art: Lemon Tree Creations

Doormat Wall Art: Lemon Tree Creations

1/20/2012

Out with the Old, In with the New


When a new year starts, we are always so eager to see what trends are creating buzz in the design world. This year, modernity has definitely taken a new approach with zigzag patterns increasing in popularity, eco-savvy décor projects making a stand and geometrically chic rugs that capture all that is hip in 2012. As usual, we remain right on target with designs that truly showcase the trends making headway this year.   

Naturally whimsical, the herringbone design is definitely a favourite. We love this classic look and suggest pairing it with a mat that has the same pattern.
HGTV's Style Sheet
 Go Green
An Ikea picked bamboo plant was a must-have … last season. This year, let’s move away from the small and lanky, to the tall and green. Having large indoor plants is definitely a trend we are on board with. Yes, it requires a tad more in upkeep, but the rewarding design element makes it well worth it. To minimize plant maintenance, try using Multy Home’s eco-friendly garden stones. Made entirely from recycled rubber, it protects floors from water and soil spillage; a definite must-buy this year.

HGTV's Style Sheet
Geometric Getaway
Last spring, chevron was zigzagging all over the place and now geometric patterns continue, with bold stripes, asymmetrical squares and bright shapes. This definitely hit a chord with us, so we developed some designs that hit the mark with this evolving trend, which, by the way, we absolutely love. 

For even more designs, we recommend checking out Elle Décor’s “Pattern Under Foot” and, of course, our Pinterest page.

Oh, Martha...
When discussing anything ‘living’ we definitely need to think about Ms. Stewart: Ms. Martha Stewart that is. Her paint colors are absolutely stunning and are sold at The Home Depot. To make your decorating experience more fulfilling, here are some motivational looks to keep you on track. 
The Official Martha Blog

1/06/2012

Décor Pick Me Up: Dazzle Your Rooms in Rich Blues


Chase the winter blues away with a Navy colour palette-the rich look naturally brings warmth to a space, while leaving you feeling cozy. Try these nifty décor pick-me-ups and chase your blues away while remaining right on trend this season!

Fashion Meets Function
High-traffic areas in the home can cause significant damage to floors, in particular, hardwood. We suggest putting a runner down in a soft blue. The functionality makes it a perfect solution to any kid or pet-friendly home. The plush material adds texture and accents a room that is often overlooked.


 
Don’t Overlook the Outdoors
Having outdoor mats that greet your guests in the same fashion your front entrance does, is tricky. Choose a mat with colour-outside the traditional black-it will add subtle drama and differentiate you from the other homes on your street.




Change it Up – Bring in the Old!
Impulse purchases are often done when you envision an item in a particular place in the home. After a few months, change it up! Reuse items, but in another room. A simply re-shift can create the allusion that an item is new.  It saves money, but allows you to still redecorate!