Design & Decor Blog

The first of October. Where is the time going? Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be upon us. Then Halloween. Then it’s head first into the holidays and the end of another year. As we welcome this harvest month, check out our list of 10 things to do in October. You’ll find 10 easy ways to welcome autumn into your home. Plus, download our Home & Living Checklist for October.  Put it on your fridge as a reminder of all the things you might want to do this month. Did we forget something? Use our checklist to write down your own notes, too!

There was once a time when pink was probably the most un-hip colour in the world. Many boasted they’d never be caught dead in pink and a man wearing pink — utterly unheard of! And as for decor, pink was reserved for cutesy nurseries or young girls’ bedrooms. Beyond that, the colour was shunned. These days, it’s hard to imagine a colour that can’t work in a space, if handled with care, of course. With the right room and the right accessories, any colour can find its place in your home. And besides, isn’t the most important thing that you like it? That should always be your starting point.

So, as today’s online travels led me to neimanmarcus.com, I was struck by the abundance of pink. No longer girly or childish, the colour takes on an elegant sophistication and I find it fresh and soothing. What do you think? Check out some of my fave finds:

An instant makeover doesn’t have to cost a bundle of money or consume hours of your time. Stampin’ Up has added new products to their Decor Elements collection and I just love their wall decals. These removable applications (like the one pictured above) are easy to use and are available in 140 different styles, just to suit your own personal taste. If you’re a bit of a commitment-phobe, this is the perfect way to test a look out at home without being stuck with it for years. When you’re ready to change things up again, simply remove the applications or replace them with new ones. Best of all, these applications aren’t just for walls. Get creative and try them on any hard surface like mirrors, cupboards, lampshades or picture frames. Pictured above is the Manhattan Flowers design from the Fall 2009 collection, which is fresh and exciting without being too over-the-top. Instant style! For more information, visit stampinup.com.

Imagine if you will that money was no object. How would you decorate your home differently if you didn’t have your eye firmly fixed on your bank account? Me? My tastes are pretty simple. Clean lines, fresh bright whites, clutter-free rooms, simple patterns and pretty but inexpensive accessories. While I’m delighted by more extravagant pieces, they don’t quite fit the ol’ budget, so I’ve learned to do more with less and appreciate the beauty of simplicity — a philosophy I apply to life in general, not just my decorating tastes.

However, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that my eyes lit up when I stumbled upon these ornate pieces from B.B. Simon. Decadent and over-the-top, their collection of home accents are beautiful and brilliant. They’re blinged to the hilt, decked out with Swarovski crystals and they have no place in my simple little condo. But this doesn’t mean I don’t love them! Each piece is so unique and original, they’ll add instant interest to your space, not to mention how they’ll up the glam factor.

Here are two of my faves from their collection: (Top to bottom: Crystal doorknobs, set of six, $160; Crystal framed mirror, $11,000, gulp.)

Decorating inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. Maybe the colour of a leaf catches your eye on the street. Maybe you’re inspired by the colour of a new sweater. Or perhaps the set of a movie totally captures your imagination. At Style at Home, we’ve found that our readers love movie sets and often draw inspiration from the details of some of their favourite films. We’ve also discovered that the movie Something’s Gotta Give has really made an impression! The breathtaking Hampton’s home that belongs to Diane Keaton’s character is full of beachy style, made oh-so-inviting through attention to detail, particularly the airy colour palettes throughout and the no-muss, no-fuss approach to decorating. Pictured above is the serene kitchen, whitewashed and wonderful, exuding a sense of both form and function. We picked some other movie sets we love and have provided some tips to help you bring the look home – check them out here! So, what movie set has made you swoon. Leave a comment — I want to know!

I love my condo. I really do. When I first moved in, I spent so much time choosing the paint colours, furniture and accessories. The result is a warm and cozy space that I just love to spend time in. But … as the editor of a design and decorating website, I’m continually surrounded by new and exciting ideas. My mind is always whirling with just one more change I could make to my home, a tweak here, a new item there … it’s a hazard of the job, I suppose! Pictured above are rooms that totally capture my imagination. It’s a hot and sticky August here in Toronto and these interiors are light and bright and if I could, I’d makeover my home to look like these! (Photography by Gap Interiors.)

Do you have a room in your home that’s in desperate need of a makeover? If you said yes, then I encourage you to enter the Style at Home Makeover Contest, brought to you by the Fall Home Show. Simply upload a photo of a room in your home that’s in desperate need of an overhaul and tell us why you need a makeover. You could win one of two $2,000 gift cards from Home Depot to help you turn your design dreams into reality. Visit the Style at Home Makeover Contest for full contest details and for your chance to win. Good luck!

I love answering poll questions! We have one for you: Which hotel’s style do you like best? Click here to share your answer! Plus, leave a comment and tell us why you chose the one you did. We’d love to hear from you!

A picture speaks a thousand words, don’t you think? These photos below are of gorgeous wallpapers I love. Many people stay away from wallpaper — too hard to put up, too hard to take down. But the truth is, wallpaper is en vogue these days and can really be worth the effort. Once you find a pattern you adore, you won’t be put off by a little work. Check out the gorgeous patterns below, and, if you’re thinking of putting up wallpaper, check out these tips before you get started:

Wallpaper on a whim
Decorating with wallpaper

OK, now to the good stuff! (Click here for more information on these wallpapers.)

When I was a little girl, I sometimes dreamed of being a seamstress so that I’d be able to sew my own fabulous clothes. Poofy skirts, flowing dresses, satin sashes … I dreamed of having the most exquisite wardrobe. I’ve always loved beautiful fabrics. I love the look, the touch of soft silks, the way something as simple as a fine-looking fabric can make you smile. These days, my love of fabric has extended from fashion to decor. Upholstering furniture in a fabric hand-picked by you is such an easy way to personalize your home, to choose something that makes you happy and reflects your taste, your style and your personality. The options at calicocorners.com are swoon-worthy. Check ‘em out!
P.S. For more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!

Bright shades and bold patterns define Angela Adams’ designs and I love the way they liven up any space by adding beautiful bursts of colour. I find the geometric patterns intoxicating and somehow find myself unable to look away from the intricate designs. Below are some of my favourite products, available at angelaadams.com. From top to bottom: Munjoy pillow in Blue ($85); Pod pillow in Sprout ($85); Lulu rug in Dandelion ($54); Kelly rug in Dusk (prices vary according to size).

For more great decorating and design inspiration, follow me on Twitter!