Decorating & Design
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Design lesson: Soaking up style Design lesson: Soaking up style
Design lesson: Soaking up style ofDos and don'ts My, how the bathroom has evolved. Once reserved for the private rituals of grooming and never the subject of polite conversation, you'd hardly recognize its formerly pragmatic self (as recently as 20 years ago) next to today's sparkling, modern versions. Thanks to a trend toward incorporating furniture and even appliances into this busy space, it's finally become a "room" in its own right. Dos and don'ts? DO tuck a footstool beneath a built-in or freestanding makeup table to provide compact seating in tight quarters. A bench is also an ideal choice to set beside the tub, gracefully holding towels or toiletries within arm's reach. ? DO provide a stylish setting for an ordinary sink by using a chest of drawers as the vanity. Before purchasing, measure available space, including the depth of any baseboard or chair rail. In some cases, it's possible to decrease the depth of a piece of furniture by removing the back -- as well as the legs -- and installing the unit directly on the wall. ? DO create a tower of storage with an étagère. Its open shelves are ideal for rolled-up towels, baskets, candles and attractive bottles. ? DON'T overlook the impact of architectural salvage. For example, insert a wrought-iron gate to attractively fill an awkward dormer window; or create a dedicated makeup centre by hanging a large stone or plaster capital on the wall, or corbels supporting a small shelf. ? DON'T fret about lack of storage when armoires are so plentiful. Choose a tall version with closed storage; you might even hide a television or stereo system within. ? DON'T shy away from antiques in the bathroom. After all, a piece of furniture like a bergère or end table looks striking -- particularly in a contemporary bath, where it's unexpected. Place a Louis XVI-style gilt chair beside the tub to hold towels, or use a marble-topped guéridon table to display fine toiletries. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Kimberley's guide to bathroom upgrades Kimberley's guide to bathroom upgrades? Stay warm and dry with the help of a roaring fire. If space permits, create a luxurious space like the one pictured above: locate a gas fireplace opposite the tub, with an armchair beside it.? A modest-size television, positioned discreetly in the bathroom, lets you keep up to speed on Canadian Idol or catch the latest episode of Desperate Housewives. If you love a long soak, consider placing the television within a cabinet at the foot of the bathtub -- an indulgent location for TV viewing.? Install a minifridge or refrigerator drawer in the ensuite so you'll always have a bottle of sparkling water right at your fingertips. It's an excellent spot to store some medications, lotions and tonics as well.? To streamline dressing, consider relocating lingerie drawers to the bathroom, then store underwear, socks and pyjamas there.? Moms know the bathroom may be the only refuge in the house. So if space permits, the addition of a comfy chair, ottoman and lamp makes the bathroom an ideal spot for "checking out," if only for a brief time.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Lighten up! Design lesson: Lighten up!
Design lesson: Lighten up! ofDos and don'ts As a child, my summers were spent in Arkansas, where my grandparents lived. We children entertained ourselves by running through the woods, swimming in the creek, drinking Coca-Cola from glass bottles and catching fireflies in glass jars. Years later I still enjoy the unhurried ease that summer brings. In my home, I like opening windows to let in summer warmth, peeling away layers, and doing my best to capture summer -- much as I caught fireflies -- for my own personal enjoyment. Here are a few ways to lighten up your home for that breezy summer afternoon feeling.Dos and don'ts of breezy interiorsDO modify window treatments by removing heavier side panels from draperies, allowing breezy sheers to remain. DO remove patterned or heavy rugs, which will allow you to appreciate the beauty and coolness of hardwood and stone floors. DO incorporate mirrors. Mirrors are a designer's not-so-secret weapon in the fight to expand space, but they're also equally effective in lightening up interiors. Placing a mirror adjacent to a window further amplifies natural light. DON'T hesitate to adopt a more casual attitude when it comes to decorating. Loose-fitting slipcovers are the decorating equivalent of a summer shirt. They instantly revitalize interiors. DON'T shy away from fresh pastels. A splash of pale aqua or a touch of lavender works beautifully with deeper tones to lighten and brighten stale rooms. DON'T forget the basics. Though it may seem self-evident, no amount of sun can penetrate windows that are full of winter sludge. Clean all your windows and trim any shrubbery below for crisp, clear summertime views. 10 fave summer touches Kimberley's 10 favourite summer touches1 Cabana stripes Nothing says summer like fresh wide stripes on fabric adorning furnishings and windows. Accent this orderly look with floral pillows and lightweight throws. 2 Grass matting Seagrass and sisal, with their casual barefoot beauty, are a pleasing contrast to stone and hardwood floors. Seagrass is my favourite because its waxy leaf provides more comfort underfoot.3 Wicker furniture Neither a southern porch nor a northern garden room is complete without at least one piece of easy-going wicker furniture. Effortless elegance makes wicker so pleasing year-round. 4 Plants and flowers Bring the outdoors in by including some hardy indoor plants and flowers in your decorating scheme. My summer favourites are ivy, jasmine and bougainvillea. 5 Shells and pebbles No matter where you display them, pebbles and shells always look like they were just plucked from the beach. Today, you can even find flooring tiles made of real pebbles embedded in plastic resin for a year-round beachy look.6 Outdoor accents Garden urns, Tuscan planters and European wrought-iron furniture look just as smart indoors as out. Consider using these often-oversize outdoor pieces in unexpected interior locations.7 Matchstick or bamboo blinds Paired with linen draperies, matchstick or bamboo blinds are perennially pleasing and affordable. 8 Linens and sheers Today's fabric manufacturers offer a range of lightweight linens and sheers with decorative detailing like embroidered stitching and beading that creates a stylish look. 9 Painted furniture Whether it's a vintage chest or a four-poster bed, painted furniture is a staple of summery shabby chic style.10 Shutters Plantation shutters provide maximum sun control without the fuss of drapery panels. Crisp white always looks right.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: In the zone Design lesson: In the zone
Design lesson: In the zone ofPrep, cooking and baking zones At one time, an efficient kitchen was designed around a work triangle, formed by the location of the refridgerator, sink and range. Although distance between major appliances is still a valid consideration, today the focus is shifting toward work zones. These dedicated areas -- for food prep, baking, eating, entertaining, office tasks and even hobbies -- allow homeowners to create more industrious and personalized kitchens. Preparation zone? DO plan to include a large sink, cutting surface, and sufficient storage for plates, bowls, utensils and hand towels. The dishwasher and main refrigerator are typically located in the preparation zone -- although these busy appliances also do duty in the cooking and baking zones. ? DON'T overlook pullout produce bins and refrigerator drawers, which keep staples close at hand.Cooking zone? DO situate the oven and microwave -- as well as specialty appliances like a steam oven, pasta sink and deep fryer -- in this zone. Keep required utensils, spices, oils, roasting pans and heavy-duty cookware nearby. ? DON'T forget to choose a countertop that's stain and heat resistant, like Corian, Silestone or granite. Baking zone? DO outfit the baking zone with convenient storage for staples like flour and sugar, as well as for serving trays and baking sheets. An auxiliary sink positioned on one side of the counter is handy, as is a marble surface for rolling out dough. ? DON'T take unnecessary steps across the kitchen; for easy access to eggs, butter and milk, plan the layout so the refrigerator is within arm's reach. Eating, beverage, office and specialty zones Eating zone? DO dedicate an area for eating. Locate tableware, cutlery and placemats nearby for convenience. ? DON'T overlook the potential of a banquette, not only as seating for family meals and after-school snacks, but also as storage for everything from toys to files. Beverage zone? DO consider a beverage zone outside the main flow of traffic. If you entertain frequently, ideal inclusions are a wine refrigerator or an open wine rack, instant hot water dispenser, coffee or espresso machine, minifridge (for milk, cream), ice maker and, perhaps, small-capacity dishwasher. ? DON'T ignore the new trough sinks, which can be filled with crushed ice for chilling bottles and serving oysters. Office zone? DO create a comfortable spot to tackle correspondence and household tasks. Include power for a desk lamp, computer and cellphone charger. ? DON'T get frustrated if space is tight; carve out room in an island or under a banquette for office supplies or filing drawers.Specialty zone? DO give your kitchen new purpose by including a corner in which to read with a child or curl up and nap.? DON'T limit yourself here. For one client, we set up an easel for painting and added a secondary sink for rinsing brushes. Another client asked for a dog centre with a play area for Fido, a sleeping pen and storage for food.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Blue mood Design lesson: Blue mood
Design lesson: Blue mood ofA blue for every mood A truly adaptable colour, blue has a wide range of personalities. It's the colour of infinity: endless oceans and limitless skies. It can be grand and regal or cool and quiet; it can rejuvenate or invigorate. With such a variety of depth and intensity, there's a shade of blue to suit nearly any mood. Here's how to harness its power when decorating various rooms in your home. Designers sing the blues 1 Interior designer Carol McFarlane of Design Inc. describes pale blue as soft and romantic. She often uses it on ceilings, but it also looks great as a wash on floorboards. Carol recommends displaying decorative antique china plates in classic blue and white. With this combo being so prevalent, it's easy to collect pretty dishes for a striking statement. 2 Interior designer Timothy Mather of TM Design agrees that pale blue works well on ceilings, with walls and tiles in shades of taupe or beige. He uses light blue in kitchens and bathrooms to evoke tranquility. 3 According to designer Stephen Fermoyle, blue and white remain favourite accent colours because they're clean and crisp. To create a kitchen with punch, he suggests painting walls a deep sea blue in an eggshell finish. Since kitchen cupboards take up so much wall space, such a vivid wall colour isn't likely to overwhelm the room. Then choose white cabinetry, chrome hardware and a stunning chandelier. Fashion a backsplash with coordinating brick-pattern glass-block tiles. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn. Dos & don'ts Dos & don'tsDO choose water colours like ultramarine, aqua and turquoise to connect with blue's leisurely side. Evoking memories of summer days by the sea, this palette nurtures contemplation and restfulness. DO select warm blues for living and family rooms. Periwinkle, sapphire and indigo get their warmth from the addition of red to their pigment. These energetic blues are playful and dynamic ? ideal for high-traffic areas. DO capture the colour of midnight and jazz with intense blues ? think blackberry, navy and ink. Such passionate shades create drama and glamour, so they're well suited to dining rooms. DO harness the peace and serenity of pale, cloudy blues. Some believe these lighter shades help relieve insomnia, lower blood pressure, and promote healing and clear thinking. Pale blues are ideally suited to bathrooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. DON'T destroy the impact of deep blue walls by painting trim white. The high contrast is too distracting for average-size rooms. Instead, minimize contrast by choosing a deep neutral, say mink or bronze; at the same time, you'll visually enlarge the room. DON'T skimp on white accents when it comes to pale blues. Crisp white sheets, stacks of thick white towels, and yards of white sheers on windows give light and life to the palest blues. DON'T avoid the natural complement of orange when harmonizing a blue colour scheme. Sunrise orange brings energy to freshwater blue. And a small dose of shell pink can enliven pale blue.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Clue in to paint colour Design lesson: Clue in to paint colour
Design lesson: Clue in to paint colour ofComprehending colour I had an epiphany recently while sourcing fabrics with a client. She turned to me in utter frustration and said, "What on earth are you talking about, 'This blue is more red and this blue is more green?' All I see is blue." I realized then that it's not choosing colour that's difficult; after all, we know instinctively what we like and what we don't. The confusion lies in recognizing the subtle presence of undertone, the colour underlying the colour. Wait a minute you say, how can colour have another colour? Since most colours are mixtures (orange = red yellow), a certain amount of "ghosting" occurs, allowing undertone to dramatically alter the final colour. Here's how to make sure undertone doesn't undermine your decorating.Dos and don'tsDO analyze colour in elements from your decor, a red orange terra-cotta pot, for example. Find the undertone in the pot (remember, orange is red and yellow). Once you identify that colour, you may use other yellow tones, since they'll blend harmoniously with the terra-cotta. DO consider undertones when choosing wall colour. If you love green but want a subtle effect, pick a white or grey with a green undertone. DO learn to identify colour tone -- the warmth or coolness. A warm blue will likely contain some red, which makes it more plum, while a cool blue will contain some green, which makes it more teal or aqua than apple. DO be ready to make mistakes. To find the right colour, complete with the right undertone, you may have to invest in several paint samples. DON'T emphasize an unwanted undertone by pairing it with its complement. If the maple cabinets in the kitchen seem too pink, green (the complement of red) on the walls will intensify the problem. DON'T forget that neutrals have undertones. Many people mistake grey for green if there's a green undertone, or plum if the undertone is purple. To determine the undertone in a grey paint you are considering, compare it to a "true" grey paint chip, which has no colour (only black and white), available at any paint store.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: In praise of the dining room Design lesson: In praise of the dining room
Design lesson: In praise of the dining room ofDesign lesson: In praise of the dining room The popularity of eat-in kitchens has all but triggered a death knell for the dedicated dining room. As our lifestyles become more casual, it's perhaps the only remaining bastion of formality, the one room left for "occasion." For some of us, happy childhood memories revolve around a dining table, and many heirlooms -- our mother's tea service, grandmother's china -- come from the room as well. With the holiday season approaching, it's the perfect time to reconsider the importance of the dining room in your own family's history -- both past and future. Dos and don'tsDO forget everything you think the dining room should be (dark, dramatic, off-limits, formal) and make it exactly what you want it to be. Create a room that reflects your personal Lighting the dining room is an exercise in layering and subtlety. By choosing a variety of light sources, you'll create a sophisticated and flexible backdrop for every occasion. Make sure you include the following. ? Ambient lighting Typically down (or spot) lights, which allow you to move through the space with easy visibility; do install dimmers.? Decorative lighting Includes sconces, library lights, picture lights, and table lamps with opaque or coloured shades; this lighting creates drama, drawing attention to paintings, objects and floral arrangements. ? Task lighting A focused spot or table lamp is required at the buffet or sideboard to facilitate serving.? Candlelight Always adds a glimmering finish to any festivities, whether flickering on a sideboard or casting a glow over the table. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Smartsizing Design lesson: Smartsizing
Design lesson: Smartsizing ofDos and don'ts of smartsizing Cut your housework in half, eliminate tedious yardwork and increase your savings. I've got your attention now, don't I? With enticing benefits like these, how is it that downsizing still has a negative connotation for many? For some, it's hard to leave a cherished home when children are grown or when managing it becomes too difficult. However, many folks are now considering the virtues of downsizing -- or "smartsizing," which is what I think it should be called -- at a younger age. Maybe it's time to reevaluate your lifestyle, shifting energy from child rearing and property maintenance to the freedoms inherent in a smaller, smarter home. Kimberley's do's and don'ts DO reconsider your needs. Perhaps that industrial-size range and Sub-Zero refrigerator aren't really necessary. Can you opt out of a second bedroom in favour of a dedicated hobby space? If guests visit only once a year, then maybe a hobby room is more worthwhile than a guest room. DO draw up a floor plan for the new space before determining any furniture choices. Your favourite sofa may look like it fits in your new home -- make sure it does! As well as assessing your furniture for room arrangements, measure large, wide pieces like sofas to see if they'll fit through the front door, and keep in mind any stairs or elevators to be negotiated. DO eliminate the entertainment centre by purchasing a flat-screen TV to mount to the wall. DON'T decorate for how you wish you lived; rather, shape your home to how you actually live. In other words, don't surround yourself with crystal and fine silver if you're more of a put-your-feet-on-the-coffee-table type. DON'T limit rooms to a single use. The living room may be ideal for watching TV, crafting and housing the occasional overnight guest. Again, a floor plan helps you realize your goals. DON'T overlook the potential to reap financial gains by purchasing a smaller property. Consult a financial adviser to invest newly available funds, pay off debt or take that dream vacation.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Kimberley's guide to home editing Kimberley's guide to home editing ? Nearly everyone agrees the task of moving is monumental. Ease the strain by beginning the process of editing months ahead of the moving date. Set a time goal, say 20 to 30 minutes daily, and tackle a single room for that period. ? Ruthlessly consider the need for each item. You know the rule: If you haven't worn it, used it or enjoyed it for more than a year, it's unlikely you'll miss it. ? Children and relatives may be less enthusiastic about receiving your castoffs than you imagine. Respect their right to create a home that matches their vision and instead consider charities that will sincerely appreciate your gently used goods. ? Take care not to edit so much that your personality and expression are absent from your new home. Incorporate collectibles and display items that have special meaning, allowing your most treasured possessions to assume pride of place.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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A guide to all-white rooms A guide to all-white rooms
A guide to all-white rooms ofModern white; Romantic white When touring a designers' show house in Southampton, N.Y., one summer, I was amazed to overhear the diverse reactions to an all-white living room. One visitor found the room "sterile and antiseptic"; another remarked on the "purity of vision and lack of artifice." Some found the room warm, but many commented that it felt cold. How is it that one colour (or, rather, absence of colour) can elicit such a dichotomy of opinions? Often it's assumed that white is a "standard" one-tone-fits-all, especially when it comes to wall colour. But in fact, white is as diverse as every other colour in the spectrum. Below are some of my favourite whites, plus a little guidance on how you might use them. Modern white In an ultramodern loft or condo, nothing defines the space like a crisp white. But modern white isn't restricted to such uses; white is often used to play off traditional materials and cabinetry. ? Kimberley's perfect pairing: Modern white Silvery blue Farrow & Ball's All White 2005 is pure, bright and summery. Combine this cool, contemporary white with silvery blues to fashion a relaxing south-facing bedroom or decorate a sunny living room. Romantic white Envision a Swedish manor house with northern light streaming through the windows or flea market finds in shades of chalky grey. Romantic whites are grey based, bringing a dreamy, ethereal presence to walls. This range of whites works in both traditional and contemporary interiors. ? Kimberley's perfect pairing: Romantic white Putty Benjamin Moore's Ballet White OC-9 is what I often use for trim, especially when I want contrast with taupe or putty walls. The combination creates soothing old-world elegance, and is ideally suited to showcasing painted furnishings and medium-tone woods like pale oak. Combine with playful checks and, of course, natural linens. Antique white; Blush white Antique white Nothing better enhances the look and feel of a room graced with fine antique furnishings and old wood floors than a mellow, yellow white. The whites in this spectrum are reliable, providing sunny warmth to northern interiors. ? Kimberley's perfect pairing: Antique white Parchment Para Paints' Notepaper P834-4 is a finely aged white that takes on the soft appearance of parchment paper, providing the ideal backdrop for antiques and rich wood tones. Look to Europe for historic examples of softly yellowed white for walls and trim. This choice works best where there's some sunlight present. It plays off lively raspberry, grassy green and lavender beautifully. Blush white With a mere suggestion of rose beneath the surface, this variation is lusty and youthful -- and flatters nearly all skin tones. Although blush whites have a touch of femininity, when paired with strong neutrals like chocolate brown, charcoal grey and black, they make a handsome masculine statement. ? Kimberley's perfect pairing: Blush white MinkFarrow & Ball's Dimity 2008 provides a hint of blush. White strikes a feminine pose when pink is just below the surface. Oyster white is ideal for powder rooms and bedrooms as it flatters most skin tones. Or for drama, play matchmaker with a soft pinkish white plus mink or charcoal.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Colour confidence Design lesson: Colour confidence
Design lesson: Colour confidence ofDo's and don'ts of choosing colour For many of us, making a commitment to colour can seem like an insurmountable task. We long to be adventurous and free spirited, but something gets in the way. Maybe it's a fear of judgment or a painful memory of the last colour gone wrong. Maybe it's the misconception that a colourful decor has to be bold and bright. Well, it's time to build up your confidence. Regardless of whether your taste is for dramatic colour-drenched rooms or a subtle, fresh palette of natural shades, the following tips will help you select the best hues for your home.DO determine the overall mood you'd like to create before choosing paint colours for a room. To create a bold look, choose high-energy colours like brick, terra-cotta, antique gold or Pompeian red. For a seductive scheme, pick smoky charcoal, mauve or pewter. To play up a room's prettiness, select a palette of blush pink, oyster and icy blue. DO establish a colour scheme for the whole house (or at least the main floor) at the outset. For example, midtone khaki walls in a living room look fetching when viewed from a putty-colour entranceway.A consistent trim colour throughout further emphasizes the connection between rooms. DO reinforce a noteworthy design element, such as a fireplace or bay window, by painting it the lightest colour in a room. Light-colour objects appear more prominent than their darker counterparts. DON'T forget that a colourful decor doesn't have to be bold and bright ? it can be subtle, too. For example, you can enhance sunlight in a room with warm, pale colours like ivory, bisque, mushroom and shell pink. DON'T ignore nature's palette, which encompasses many colours. Be inspired by the multiplicity of tones and textures that gives natural hues their depth. Kimberley's guide to contrast Kimberley's guide to contrastContrasting colours don't have to be extreme to work favourably in interiors. Here are some ways to use colour to solve design problems and enhance the look and feel of a room.Emphasize impressive mouldings by painting walls a contrasting colour. In most cases, architectural elements such as crown moulding, baseboards and ceiling medallions look best in classic neutrals like bisque, parchment and soft white. Modify a room's scale with contrasting colours. Shorten a too-tall ceiling by painting or papering it in a contrasting colour; create the illusion of a wider hallway by painting an end wall a deep contrasting shade; distract from a room's less-than-ideal proportions by painting the walls, ceiling and trim a single shade, eliminating contrast altogether. Highlight ceilings that are worthy of attention with a signature colour. A room with ample or pleasing proportions is well suited to an enhanced ceiling.Visually expand tight quarters by using low-contrast colours. A monochromatic scheme that includes shades similar in tonal value can have a powerful effect.Frame an impressive view by eliminating contrast between the wall colour and the draperies. When those elements are the same colour, the eye is drawn past the window to the view beyond.TipVisually expand tight quarters by using low-contrast colours. A monochromatic scheme that includes shades similiar in tonal value can have a powerful effect.Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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How to buy art for your home How to buy art for your home
How to buy art for your home ofTrade secrets - scale, lighting and placement ScaleRelate the art to the size of the wall or to a piece of furniture. A painting that's wider than the item beneath it can feel off-balance. A diminutive treasure floating on a large expanse of wall looks lost. Make a statement by hanging one large canvas or photo in a prime position. That creates a focal point where a natural one, say a fireplace or bay window, is lacking.LightingFocused lighting gives a single piece or an entire collection an aura of importance, making it more dramatic and therefore more effective. In a hallway, consider track lighting, which can be directed to shine on favoured pieces. In a formal setting, like over a mantel, opt for a picture lamp. CompositionGrouped pictures should be viewed as one complete unit. Horizontal groupings elongate and emphasize the width of a room, while vertical lines add the illusion of height. A row of pictures hung at eye level can create the illusion of architectural detail.PlacementHang artwork at eye level, about 65 to 68 inches from the floor. If the artwork is in an area where people are usually seated, place it lower. If one homeowner is taller than the other, consider placing two works one on top of the other to accommodate both eye levels.HangingArtwork can be hung on the wall for a formal look, or leaned against a wall for a more casual approach. In recent years, the art shelf has emerged, and its practicality has given it real staying power. Dos and don'ts Dos and don'tsDO collect various media. Oil paintings are not the only true art. Consider watercolour, photography and original print processes like etching, silkscreening and lithography. Beware of "limited editions" that number in the hundreds or thousands -- that's not very limited and they're unlikely to have been hand-done by the artist.DO visit galleries with an open mind. You may envision one large painting over a sofa when a series of works could be grouped for similar impact. A watercolour may be what you had in mind until you get a glimpse of a photographic series. DO work with respected galleries and don't be afraid to ask questions. Educating yourself is one benefit of the process. DO choose artwork to mark important occasions -- a trip to Paris, the year a child was born, or the promotion that finally came. Sign the back of the piece to note the occasion. DON'T match artwork to furniture or visit galleries with your favourite fabric swatches in hand. For a piece to have impact, you should feel emotionally connected to it, and it shouldn't blend into the background. DON'T let the mat board overshadow the artwork. Its purpose is to separate the artwork from the frame and provide a context in which to view the piece. Never pull a vibrant colour from a painting and use that colour as matting -- classic white or off-white is usually best. DON'T match frames to furnishings. The frame works solely for the artwork within it.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Reno trends Design lesson: Reno trends
Design lesson: Reno trends ofNew rooms Mud room This is often the home's main entrance. If space is limited, create a mud room within the kitchen. Simply install a change of flooring to delineate the space, and add a hanging cupboard or closet and a bench.Butler's pantryThis hard-working space is the ultimate luxury for those who love to entertain. A butler's pantry offers additional storage for foodstuffs, but also a secondary sink for items that should be handwashed (like crystal stemware), or even a small refrigerator and coffee station.Gift wrap roomIf you have the space, an island provides storage for papers, presents and greeting cards, as well as an ideal base for wrapping. Dowelling on the side accommodates hanging sheets of paper and rolls of ribbon. If you don't have a spare room, convert a closet, an armoire, or part of a guest room into a gift-wrapping station. Dressing roomKeeping smaller items like jewelry, scarves, shawls, handbags, stockings and lingerie organized alongside hanging and folding storage for clothing will make mornings much simpler. Dos and don'ts DO consider taller kitchen counters, 42 inches rather than 36 inches high. The extra height provides more cupboard space and eliminates unnecessary bending and crouching, especially for those who are taller than average (which is five feet nine inches for men, five feet four for women). DO get smart about garbage and recycling with the addition of designated chutes that lead from the kitchen directly outside into covered waste bins. It sounds complicated, but it isn't. Consult a qualified builder to link interior and exterior through a small hole at counter height. Install wheels on the bottoms of the cans outside so you can roll them curbside when required. DO add heat in unexpected places. Nuheat (nuheat.com), a B.C.-based company with dealers across Canada, uses wafer-thin electric technology to deliver consistent warmth to every room in the house. Love the look of granite countertops but find them too cold? Consider a thin electric mat beneath the countertop (terrific where there is an eating counter) to create a much warmer spot for children to enjoy an afternoon snack or do homework. Love claw-foot tubs, but hate that the metal surface allows the water to chill quickly? Cover the bottom of the tub with a Nuheat mat and it will keep the water warm for up to an hour and a half! DO make laundry less daunting by placing the washer and dryer adjacent to a bedroom or bathroom. Many homeowners are installing stacked washer/dryer sets in the kitchen as well. DO conceal a drawer or cupboard beneath stairs, within a bookshelf or behind a painting to hide valuables.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Decorating: A cosy, country Christmas Decorating: A cosy, country Christmas
Decorating: A cosy, country Christmas ofGet country Although it's just a date on a calendar, our loving attention to hearth and home makes Christmas a magical time for family and friends. For those who live a rural life, and for those who sometimes wish they did, a good old-fashioned country Christmas symbolizes all that's right with the holidays. Here, decorator Donald Kirkby draws on charming Swedish inspirations to create a country holiday setting that's right at home anywhere in Canada. Swedish accents Donald uses the painted pine fireplace mantel as a backdrop for a charming table for two. Humble country design accents like the vintage linen tablecloth, wooden folk-art stars, knitted and velvet stockings, mismatched pots with topiaries, and yards of festive greenery give the dining area an unstudied elegance that's refreshingly simple during such a busy season. Gustavian chairs with Louis XV-style detailing belie their Swedish roots with a coat of off-white paint. The lively red-and-white check fabric and rich, luxurious velvet add vibrancy to the festive setting.Expand your space Christmas is a time when the confines of our living quarters are most keenly felt. The dining room that snugly holds eight is taxed beyond its limit when the extended family of 21 arrives for Christmas dinner. Provisions must be made. For that reason, many of us call our living room into service for holiday dining. Existing sofas and chairs can be pushed to the perimeter of the room in order to allow for temporary tables and seating to accommodate the additional diners. Do's and don'ts Dos and don'ts of a Swedish country ChristmasDO use natural beeswax candles in abundance to create a celebratory atmosphere. Mismatched candlesticks work beautifully together, provided they have a thread of commonality, like the glass grouping seen here. Make sure to use unscented candles in dining areas. DO include touches of silver, glass and crystal to enhance the effects of candlelight and to emphasize the importance of the occasion. When tabletop space is tight, glass pedestal bowls or plates free up physical and visual space. DO include natural decorations such as pinecones, boughs, ivy, boxwood, holly and mistletoe to complement a country look. DON'T overaccessorize a country-inspired tree ? especially if you're trying to achieve a natural look. Keep decorations simple; a string of lights and a rustic tree topper are great choices. DON'T forget that gift-wrapped packages are part of the decor as well. Use the same materials for decorating gifts. Raffia, pinecones, acorns and pine boughs are a natural fit against humble brown paper. For a special touch, top a gift with a vintage ornament. DON'T forget that children need to be a part of the preparations. Stringing lights, adding sprigs of holly to dinner napkins and handwriting place cards are tasks that even the young can accomplish.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: How to mix styles Design lesson: How to mix styles
Design lesson: How to mix styles ofThe 80/20 rule Merging households, inherited furnishings, well-intentioned gifts that miss the mark, and the occasional impulse buy (a 1950s wastebasket with bejewelled poodle . . . yes, I bought it!) -- all of these contribute to decorating dreams getting off track. (And calling it eclectic doesn't help.) Alas, you can't have it all, but you can have some of it. Here's my own recipe for getting the mix right and creating rooms that feel cohesive instead of crazy.I call it my 80/20 rule, and it works like this: as long as 80 per cent of your interior is unified by the same style, same period or same philosophy, you can deviate with the other 20 per cent. In other words, a fine antique can absolutely work in an ultramodern space. Here are some more specifics.Some styles just don't mix. For example, Victorian decor is all about ornate excess, while Arts and Crafts favours simplicity. Therefore, Victorian decor marries well with Edwardian, Asian, formal English, and French furniture, while Arts and Crafts is better with contemporary pieces or country styles, like Shaker. But with the 80/20 rule you can mix almost anything. Say you have a loft filled with modern classic furniture -- add a superb antique settee, et voilà. It works.When mixing woods, consider formality: mahogany, cherry and oak are formal, so they'll go well with one another. Pine, maple, and bamboo are casual choices, which means that they're compatible with one another but less so with formal woods. When more than one rug is required in an open space, be sure to choose carpets that harmonize rather than match. Neutral sisal may work with a faded Turkish or Kilim rug but looks too humble beside a fine Persian, for example.In general, contemporary interiors feature 20 per cent multitone patterns and 80 per cent solid or tone-on-tone materials. Traditional interiors tip the balance in favour of patterns. So if your family room is modern with monochromatic neutral fabrics, add some large floral-patterned pillows. Conversely, a traditional pattern-filled room requires visual breathing space, so incorporate solid expanses of colour. Dos and don'ts Dos and don'ts of the 80/20 rule? DO revitalize neutral interiors with punctuations of colour. A small addition of striking colour, say, a series of vases in chartreuse or a pair of pillows in cobalt, can transform the mood and personality of a room. ? DON'T rely solely on ambient or general illumination for rooms. If 80 per cent of your lighting is overhead, such as halogens or ceiling-mounted fixtures, for example, incorporate a 20 per cent ratio of decorative lighting, like sconces, table lamps, art lamps and library lights, to create interest and draw attention to collections and paintings. ? DON'T show too much leg. When mixing upholstered furniture and occasional tables, it's more attractive to vary the ratio of skirt to leg. In most cases, 20 per cent skirting (either a soft skirt like the apron of a sofa, or a piece of furniture with no legs) is ideal. ? DO save money and create a more upscale look in the bathroom or kitchen by combining 80 per cent stock cabinetry with 20 per cent semicustom or custom options. That allows you to create one standout focal feature, such as a stainless-steel medicine cabinet or a Gothic arch valance above the kitchen sink.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design online Design online
Design online ofBenjamin Moore and more Shopping and planning for your next redesign, reno or redecorating project has never been easier. Thanks to the abundance of decor and design Web sites, you'll find the internet an invaluable resource. We've rounded up some of your best online bets!benjaminmoore.caWhen it comes to redecorating your home with a change of colour, you can make decisions confidently and easily from the comfort of your home; expert advice is just a quick click away. The newly redesigned benjaminmoore.ca website -- which recently picked up a silver medal for interactive media from the Canadian Marketing Association -- offers easy navigation, plus you'll find online colour forecasts and trend reports. But most interestingly, the site features a user-friendly tool called My Scrapbook. This visual aid helps you decide on your style and the mood you want to create in a particular room, and provides suggestions of possible colour palettes. Simply click on ?Browse by Mood? or ?Browse by Room? to view various palettes and get inspired. The online fan-deck means that you can preview all of your colour choices and play with different colour combinations before making a big commitment. When you're finished, simply save your scrapbook for future reference, or print out the colour choices you like best and head to the nearest Benjamin Moore retailer to buy your paint!canadiangardening.comWhen it comes to online gardening resources, here's one to bookmark: canadiangardening.com. Need to find a local garden information hotline? Curious about Canada's plant-hardiness zones? Looking for a gardening club in your area? This site offers all of that info and more. Click on Garden Talk to join the lively forums -- an informative place for beginners and green thumbs alike. Plus, shop online for gardening books; you'll find a selection chosen by the experts -- the editors of Canadian Gardening magazine. customhomes.caWhether you're tackling a minor decorating project or a major renovation, the key to success is having a plan and executing it with patience and precision. customhomes.ca is a Canadian website with all the information you'll need to kick-start your next project. To find a contractor or manufacturer, just click on your city name. The best part: get a contractor quote without going to the trouble of arranging a house call. Click on the ?quick quote? link featured with each contractor's info and fill out the form with information such as the service required, project status, preferred start date and project details. It's a quick and easy way to get valuable information with a minimum amount of effort. essenceofgiving.comSpecializing in gifts and gift baskets, essenceofgiving.com offers unique ideas for all occasions. Search for beautiful home accessories or jewelry. Or for the gift that can't go wrong, order a personalized gift basket. Baskets can be filled with everything from gourmet foods and coffees to decorative goods and luxurious bath and body-care products. Plus, get free expedited shipping on orders over $100. Froogle and others froogle.comfroo-gle (fru'gal) n. Smart shopping through Google. Having established itself as one of the web's premium information search engines, adapting its ability toward sniffing out the best shopping deals on the web seemed a natural next step for Google. Thus, Froogle was born. Enter your must-have item and chances are froogle.com will turn up an option or two -- or a thousand! A search for Persian rugs yields approximately 15,000 results in a mere 0.18 seconds. Looking for antique clocks? Nowhere else can you find 11,000 search results in half a minute. To narrow your results, use Froogle's left-hand navigation bar to set search parameters like price, category or store. homedepot.caAs online shopping continues to grow, more and more retailers are recognizing the web's potential for customer service and satisfaction. The Home Depot is one such retailer: the recently renovated homedepot.ca features over 2,400 products, plus expert installation and decorating advice, and step-by-step instructions for more than 175 projects. The site also posts online versions of the big box retailer's guides and catalogues, so don't despair if you prematurely toss yours into the recycling bin! Click on ?What's New,? and select ?online catalogues.? While viewing the catalogue pages, hover your cursor over any product photo and a pop-up window will appear with product specs, pricing info and the option to add it to your shopping cart. It's a fast and convenient way to shop! homeenvy.comConsider this site your online toolbox. Whether you want to build it, fix it, decorate it, buy it, grow it, install or research it, homeenvy.com is your one-stop online resource for the info you'll need to get your home project done. Design and DIY gurus, including Mag Ruffman, Steve Maxwell, Kathy Renwald, Red Green and Style at Home's own decorating editor, Kimberley Seldon, comprise the roster of all-Canadian experts who provide tried-and-true tips and tricks for a host of home improvement projects. Plus, online video clips easily demonstrate how to do things like fix a leaky tap. What this site may lack in aesthetics, it makes up for in information. Sign up for homeenvy.com's weekly newsletter and get the expert advice you need -- it's all right at your fingertips! masterstrokecanada.comThe added touch of a delicate ribbon can make the ordinary extraordinary. Ribbon importer and distributor Masterstroke Canada's online ribbon shop, masterstrokecanada.com, offers an enormous assortment of ribbons and trims (and even vintage-style labels) perfect for putting the finishing touches on gifts. Or in lieu of napkin rings, tie bright ribbons around white linen napkins.- Credit
- Natalie Bahadur
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Design lesson: Need help? Design lesson: Need help?
Design lesson: Need help? ofDos and don'ts You've fallen for 1930s French furniture, or artfully displayed flea market finds. But everyone you know is raving about contemporary looks -- maybe they're right. You own every issue of Style at Home -- you love everything you see! Shouldn't outfitting your home be easier than this? A design professional can help by providing a comprehensive plan, accessing furnishings unavailable at retail levels, custom-designing furniture, coordinating deliveries and finding subcontractors. Here's how to make the most of a collaboration.DO be clear about your expectations, objectives and timeline; give a detailed description of your lifestyle. Your designer or decorator should ask about those issues. DO have a reasonable budget in mind. If you have $10,000 to spend, say so. That way the designer can recommend strategies to maximize your spending power. DO ask for references from former clients. Then ask them about issues that are important to you: was the designer able to meet the budget and deadline? Did he/she listen to the client's needs and anticipate pitfalls? Did the process meet or exceed expectations? DO determine the designer's strategy in the event something goes wrong -- and trust me, things go wrong. The sofa you've waited two months for arrives in the wrong colour or damaged -- what happens? A professional should deal with mistakes swiftly to minimize the client's stress. DO review company policies. A contract should outline fees in detail. Many firms charge a range: one fee for the senior designer, another for junior designers and often a third for administration services. The contract should also spell out the procedure should the relationship end early. DON'T abuse the relationship by second-guessing. You've hired this person for his or her expertise, so have confidence in your designer's ability to make sound decisions. DON'T assume things will go perfectly. If you've ever waited for a repairman, only to be disappointed because he never turned up, you'll understand. Decorating a home is a demanding, time-consuming and complicated process. Working with a designer is one way to eliminate many -- but not all -- frustrations. DON'T be afraid to ask for a concise list of hours worked and a breakdown of what's accomplished each week or month. If you feel there's a discrepancy, bring it to the designer's attention immediately. Finding a pro Since there's no matchmaking service for clients and designers, just how are you supposed to find a pro? Word of mouthA current or former client should be able to give a good overview of what it's like to work with this designer. Style at Home magazineIt's a fantastic resource for finding a design professional to help with your projects. Don't assume you can't afford the services of people just because you've seen them in the magazine; believe me, they want your business. If you see a room you love, give the designer a call and conduct a phone interview to determine if you're compatible.Provincial associationsFor a national list of regulatory bodies overseeing design pros, visit interiordesigncanada.org.A retailer If you have a favourite retailer, a store whose style appeals to you, ask the owner for a referral to the designer.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Kids in the kitchen Kids in the kitchen
Kids in the kitchen ofDesign lesson: Kids in the kitchen As a working mother of two active kids, I can attest to the fact that for most busy moms, the kitchen is control central. It's also a place where simplicity is key -- whether you're sterilizing bottles, assembling school lunches or preparing seemingly endless family meals. For me, the benefits of having children far outweigh the daily duties involved, but we can all do with a little help. Why not start by designing a family-friendly kitchen that's highly functional, low maintenance, stylish and hard working -- words that bring joy to the hearts of mothers everywhere.DO repeat after me: ?The higher the sheen, the easier it cleans.? When painting walls and cabinets in a family home, keep that little ditty in mind. Eggshell might be perfectly fine for civilized living and dining rooms, but kitchens, playrooms and family rooms benefit from a satin, pearl or semigloss finish. DON'T buy busy upholstery fabrics with the purpose of hiding stains and dirt. Instead, look for washable fabrics at discount prices and be prepared to replace them in five years. DO use slipcovers. Machine-washable materials such as cotton are ideal (if the fabric isn't preshrunk, make sure to prewash it twice before sewing). Toss slipcovers into the washer and dryer as often as necessary and refit on furniture while still slightly damp. DO remember children thrive in bright, fresh, sunny environments ? vibrant paint and fabric colours can help you achieve the look. Search for other ways to maximize light, such as adding lustre with shiny materials like brass, silver, copper and mirror. DON'T underestimate the durability of hardwood flooring. Varnished hardwoods like maple can take anything your active youngster can deliver. Linoleum is another option, and sealed cork, popular in Europe, is becoming widely available in Canada, too. DON'T allow perfectionism to get in the way of enjoying this precious (and brief) period of your life. A little chaos in the home is the sign of a happy family in action.Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.Photography by Virginia MacDonald- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Vacation style Design lesson: Vacation style
Design lesson: Vacation style ofTravel accent pieces Local crafts, furnishings and foods are a major part of the whole travel experience. Here are some of my favourites ? those gems that pack easily and forever remind you of a favourite destination.Original artwork Unframed pieces, which are nearly indestructible, should be at the top of your list. Pottery and porcelain French Barbotine, Spanish majolica, and Japanese Arita, or Imari, can be called into practical service or simply enjoyed on display. Wrap more delicate pieces as carry-on items. Antique boxes A variety of materials, such as lacquer-finish wood and wood inlaid with marquetry, or shagreen, are widely available. Larger antique boxes, a precursor to the laptop, allowed travellers to store stationery, ink and quills at hand. Big among today's collectors: boxes that once held toiletries, stationery or tea. Serving trays They might be made of acrylic, wood, pewter or silver, depending on the region. strong>Copper cookware Its mellow glow adds a classic French accent to a kitchen. Chefs prefer copper because it distributes heat evenly and quickly. Antique textiles and lace Purchase these at antique shops and flea markets. Frame them or turn them into decorative pillows. Dishtowels or bedding Vintage pieces often feature embroidered details or monograms, and pretty dishtowels work beautifully as guest towels. Look for items made of linen, cotton or hemp. Local delicacies like jam, pâté, cookies and tapenade These can be savoured for weeks following a trip. I also search for beautiful sugars wrapped in unusual packaging, infused with lavender or decorated with fanciful details to give as hostess gifts once I'm home. Leather-bound books You'll find them at flea markets and fairs for reasonable prices. Small chandeliers, lanterns or sconces Those from Europe and Africa can easily be rewired to North American standards or converted to candle use. A six-arm chandelier could cost around $200 to rewire, a pair of sconces somewhere around $40 to $50. Do's and don'ts Dos and don'ts of travel-inspired decoratingDO incorporate a region's indigenous colours. Aqua blues and greens evoke carefree Caribbean afternoons, pastels accented with crisp white echo Miami Beach, and spicy oranges and saffron yellows suggest India.DO use authentic fabrics as the main indication of a style and locale. Large-scale blue-and-white checks on linen or cotton are a staple of Swedish interiors, and oak leaves and naïf animals adorn the printed textiles typical in Alsatian and Bavarian homes. DO make room for furnishings that look well travelled or well loved. A Turkish table inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory says Morocco or Turkey while a vintage trunk suggests a trip on the '30s cruise ship Queen Mary. DON'T copy any regional style literally or your home will run the risk of developing ?Epcot Syndrome?and looking like the Florida Walt Disney World theme park with its pavilions of different nations. Santa Fe style is appropriate in New Mexico and works in Arizona and Los Angeles, but it may fall short in Eastern Canada, where the geography and light are vastly different. DON'T mix more than two or three styles within a room. It's important to consider compatibility. For example, painted Pennsylvania Dutch furniture will work beautifully with casual Canadiana or country styles but isn't a match for a more formal decor. DON'T paint the exterior of your house in colours found in a foreign region; it should be in harmony with other homes in the neighbourhood.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Outdoor rooms Design lesson: Outdoor rooms
Design lesson: Outdoor rooms ofGetting started Many Canadians, me included, spend a great deal of time, energy and money on their gardens, and want to enjoy them on every conceivable occasion. Creating well-defined outdoor garden rooms allows us to use our gardens more effectively as extensions of our living spaces. Add a roof. We love the idea of enjoying the sky above, but outdoor living areas must be shielded from the elements for maximum service year-round. A pergola overgrown with grapevines can provide shade but not rain protection; a permanent roof offers both. Full sun or shade is possible with a retractable awning. Build a hearth. This is especially handy if your room is adjacent to the kitchen, since it also facilitates easy serving. The additional warmth from the hearth will make the space usable during cooler days and evenings. Purchase patio heaters. You'll find these portable space heaters at Home Depot and Canadian Tire stores across Canada, as well as at various Trail Appliances locations in Alberta and British Columbia. Block the wind. Latticework is an excellent option for sheltering your outdoor garden room and looks beautiful planted with trailing vines, such as Chinese wisteria or climbing roses. For a contemporary feel, fashion a hedge from five-foot lengths of bamboo or create a more formal ?living screen? by planting a dense row of cedar or yew trees. Finishing up Choose comfy seating. A high-back armchair that comes with weather-resistant cushions will cradle the body and soul and offer a sense of security. Incorporate exterior lighting. A comprehensive plan that features a variety of fixtures is vital if you plan to enjoy the area in the evening. The dos and don'ts of creating outdoor roomsDO design a garden room that flows seamlessly from your house's architecture and style of decoration. A classical interior is complemented by an Italianate garden room with chalk white urns, striped fabrics and Roman busts, just as a country home can open onto a rustic setting featuring wicker furniture, terra-cotta pots and galvanized watering cans. DO carve out specific areas for relaxation, recreation and tasks. For reading, include a comfortable chair and a table to place a drink. Even a tiny portion of a deck, patio or grass can be converted into an alfresco dining room. Plan on a minimum nine- by nine-foot space for a 48-inch-diameter table. DO position furniture with an eye toward the best view. DO look beyond the barbecue to a full-service cooking centre. Purchase or build a barbecue island with storage, warming drawers and even a small fridge, depending on your budget. DON'T allow fabrics to distract from the true focal point ? your garden. Pick a neutral or natural palette and add a few accents that echo colours in your garden. DON'T forget most outdoor furniture lasts longer if sheltered during the winter. Consider lightweight furniture options like all-weather wicker, resin, or metal frames with woven seats. Only choose furniture with cushions (waterproof fabric is essential) if you have convenient storage close at hand.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Is it worth it? Design lesson: Is it worth it?
Design lesson: Is it worth it? ofDesign ideas Who isn't looking for a bigger return on an investment these days? We all want assurances that we're spending our money wisely. This is also true for home improvements and design projects. However, there's no need to feel limited by a small budget. Instead, try some of the following inspirational design solutions that will give you more dash for less cash when adding a fresh look to your home.Luxurious fabrics Buy gorgeous luxury fabrics to re-cover high-profile small decor pieces like pillows and compact occasional chairs. A custom lampshade The wrong lampshade can destroy the impact of a stunning lamp. The shade should be appropriately sized and structured to highlight the beauty of the lamp.Original artwork Look for an inspiring piece of original art that you can enjoy for years to come. It may even increase in value and prove to be a worthwhile investment.Enhanced mouldings Add generous baseboards, handsome chair rails and intricate crown mouldings to improve the character of a home.In-floor heating Keep your feet warm all year long with heated marble, tile or stone floors. Nuheat, a Vancouver-based company, uses a wafer-thin electrical system to deliver heat where it's most appreciated. A floor mirror Whether the goal is to brighten and lighten a space or to reflect something noteworthy, a large, well-placed floor mirror can offer immediate impact. Lighting design Hire an interior or lighting designer to help you create a plan that bolsters the beauty and function of a room with dramatic lighting.Beautiful frames A humble photograph, a fine art masterpiece or even the latest creation by your toddler ? all assume greater significance when beautifully framed.Quality towels and sheets Bedding and towels are the first thing in the morning and last thing at night that come in daily contact with your body. Splurging on them is an affordable luxury. Do's and don'ts Do's and Don'tsDO update items at eye level. When a dull stair runner, tired backsplash or insipid wall colour is replaced or enhanced, it offers immediate gratification. DO combine standard and custom items. For example, when renovating a kitchen, consider using mainly stock cabinetry with a few custom cabinets. DO use paint to freshen up a space. It offers big impact at minimum cost. DON'T hesitate to use standard elements with custom flair. For instance, you can customize 12-inch-square slate floor tiles yourself by cutting them into smaller sizes and using the tiles to create a unique pattern. DON'T think you have to do it all at once. Often, a five-year plan is the only affordable solution for creating the home of your dreams. Make a list of all the required changes and work systematically, beginning with hidden work like plumbing, heating, air conditioning and roofing. DON'T be afraid to mix pedigrees. An IKEA sofa and Hermès throw are perfectly companionable provided they share a similar look. DON'T skimp on investment pieces that you expect to use a lot, such as a sofa, mattress set or area rug. They're items you should be able to enjoy for many, many years before replacing them.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Trends and how to use them Design lesson: Trends and how to use them
Design lesson: Trends and how to use them ofDesign lesson: Trends and how to use them The 10 per cent rule. Similar to a nutrition guide that has fat and sugar at the top of the pyramid, when incorporating trends into your home decorating, it's best to follow the 10 per cent rule. Ten refers roughly to the percentage of trendy items that a well-designed room can contain. It's also the percentage of decorating dollars the smart consumer allocates toward purchasing these fashionable finds. From shag rugs and Indian silk lanterns to pop-art pillows and fluorescent vases, trendy attention getters are best enjoyed in moderation. Here are some great ways to add what's new to your decor.Wallpaper. Faux finishes move over! Grass paper and textured wallpapers are hot for both traditional and modern rooms. Toiles, damasks, florals and stripes have never looked better; find new ways to use patterned wallpaper, such as on a ceiling or lining the back of a glass-front cabinet. Glass tiles. With the highgloss, slippery wet look of water, glass tiles add a refreshing splash of style to tired kitchens and bathrooms.Stove hood chimney vents are no longer strictly utilitarian. You can find them dressed in fine metals like copper, zinc and brass or disguised behind wooden panels or trendy tiles. Stripes. Decorative stripes are turning up on everything from stair runners and pillows to dishes and bath towels. They offer precision and order and are a welcome addition to any room.Compartmentalized bathrooms. Separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, even if it's only with a half wall or an acrylic or frosted-glass wall, connotes a feeling of graciousness in this hard-working room.Eighteen-inch-thick mattresses. Deeper and more luxurious than ever, today's beds are all about comfort.Wall-mounted faucets and vessel sinks. Commercially inspired lines of wall-mounted faucets pair perfectly with countertop vessel sinks; both are destined to be residential classics. dos and don'ts Decor dos and don'tsDO eliminate last year's trends before incorporating this year's hot stuff. Trend overdose is never in style. DO scour fashion magazines to stay ahead of the trend curve. Also visit fashionable retailers, like Caban, that carry the latest homewares. DO spice up monochromatic colour schemes with trendy accessories in striking colours. A shot of tangerine, for instance, is this season's cure for boredom. DON'T forget the lesson of the avocado fridge or harvest gold oven: stick to a neutral palette for large, long-term-investment pieces. DON'T use limited decorating dollars filling up on empty offerings. The smaller the budget, the more money that should be spent on classic pieces of furniture. A Louis XVI bergère chair, camelback sofa, Noguchi coffee table or Barcelona chair never strays from good taste. DON'T make large purchases on an impulse. When in doubt, walk away. If you return a week later and it still makes your heart flutter, then it may be worth having.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Light up a room Light up a room
Light up a room ofNorth and south windows Whether a room receives dim indirect northern light or bright lingering southern sunshine, it's how you take advantage of the light that counts. Before choosing a colour scheme, consider the room's light exposure, which can greatly affect colours and the mood. Here's how to shed new light on your decor by putting the transforming powers of natural light to good use.NORTHA room with a northern exposure receives neutral indirect light. Artists prefer working in northern light because it creates the fewest shadows and remains fairly constant. Take a cue for your decor from Scandinavian interiors that feature mirrors, silver and crystal, combined with pale walls and furniture painted in greyish whites. Decor Tricks: Prune trees and other plants near windows to let light in; warm-colour sheers will add a soft glow to neutral light.Colour Cue: To capitalize on available light, choose warm, pale colours such as pink, coral, yellow or cream.SOUTHWhite walls take on a creamy look when bathed in much-coveted southern sunlight. Offering lingering bright light, southern exposures are great for kitchens, offices and any other room in which you spend a lot of time during the day. Decor Trick: Blinds or plantation shutters offer protection from the sun, but they can also be opened up to take advantage of sunlight. Colour Cue: Rooms with a southern exposure will glow with warm sunlight throughout the day, making soft blues and greens a cool and refreshing choice; browns like camel and mocha look warmer because yellow sunlight brings out their underlying red tones; white and off-white tones add a vibrant look to a room. East and west windows EASTEastern exposures provide the bright morning sunlight we Canadians crave each winter. Upbeat and exuberant, eastern exposures are ideal for playrooms, kitchens and breakfast nooks. Decor Trick: Objects with a sheen, such as glass, metal, lacquer and glossy ceramic tile, will maximize available light, as will a high-gloss paint.Colour Cue: Sunny yellow walls will elevate moods and boost energy levels. Or for a sense of spaciousness, choose pale cool colours, such as blue, green or white, and keep furnishings to a minimum. WESTA room with a western exposure receives mid-afternoon sunlight, making it an excellent location for an intimate library or TV room. A west-facing picture window, porch or patio lets you take advantage of spectacular sunsets. However, afternoon sunlight casts a pink glow that will affect colours in a room ? blues take on a mauve cast, yellows appear orange and greens appear brown. Decor Trick: Strong afternoon sunlight can destroy delicate fabrics, with silk being the most susceptible. A simple window treatment made of gauze linen or a sheer fabric will diffuse the strongest light and offer some protection to other textiles in the room.Colour Cue: Contrasting colour schemes such as green and cream work well because western light mutes colours. Also, because it absorbs light, red is a good choice for western-exposure rooms that require drama and intimacy, such as a dining room.Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Keeping your closets clean Design lesson: Keeping your closets clean
Design lesson: Keeping your closets clean ofDesign lesson: Keeping your closets clean Take a deep breath. Now go to your front hall closet and have a look. Is it well-lit, logically organized and efficient?? Pegs or wall hooks installed on the back of the door will provide a convenient place for scarves, jackets and bags - if you have young kids, install some hooks 30 inches from the floor for easy accessibility. ? If space allows, a freestanding coat rack and/or an umbrella stand outside the closet will alleviate cramped quarters. Boot trays, which can easily be slid out of sight when not in use, are essential to keep floors neat and dry. Design tip: For a closet that's a minimum of three feet wide, consider replacing a single door with two half doors to improve accessibility. Double sliding doorThough a double closet with sliding doors offers ample storage space for coats, shoes and boots, you can only access half the closet at a time, but there are ways to make this design work for you.? Divide items between each side - try His and Hers, or use one half for full-length coats and the other half for jackets and accessories. ? Long hanging shoe bags with separate compartments are great for storing gloves, hats and scarves, and take up very little space. Similarly, stacking shoe racks will help keep the ground clutter-free. ? See accessories at a glance by placing large clear plastic storage containers on a closet shelf or on the floor. Use large labels to organize them by family member or in helpful categories like sports gear, kids' stuff and winter wear.Freestanding wardrobe or armoire ? If you don't have a built-in closet, a free-standing wardrobe or armoire is a stylish alternative. However, because they are the least accommodating in terms of space, rotating your seasonal items is the best way to ensure their efficiency.? Look for an armoire that's tall enough to hold full-length coats and has a bottom drawer for clothing accessories. Wicker baskets placed on top offer additional storage.? While there are many traditional options available, a large, sleekly designed armoire on casters makes an attractive and functional addition to a contemporary environment.? Consider teaming an armoire with a double-duty bench that has a hinged seat that hides a storage compartment. This convenient space will easily hold hats, mitts, scarves and children's backpacks.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Hanging art in your home Hanging art in your home
Hanging art in your home ofGroups, sofas Hanging pictures involves more than a hammer and nails and getting the height right. If the task of picture arranging leaves you hung up, we can help you nail down a few of the finer points of artful arranging.Groupings? For visual impact, group similar artwork together, such as black-and-white photographs. For even more emphasis, use the same style of mat and frame.? Group a series of framed miniatures inside one large frame as a great solution to displaying tiny pieces.? A grouping doesn't have to be a matching set. It can be hung according to common colours or subject matter.? A row of small prints hung at chair-rail height can create a dynamic dado.? Pictures hung in a row horizontally will help to visually widen a space.? Art hung in a row vertically will add height and draw the eye upward.Hanging Tip: Position your grouping of artwork on kraft paper and trace around the arrangement. Tape the paper to the wall, position the hooks and nail into place; then remove the paper and hang your pictures. Above the sofa? A sofa provides an ideal anchor for artwork. One large piece of art, or several pieces grouped tightly together, is a great choice for above a sofa. ? The most common mistake? Hanging artwork too high. In this case, the frame's bottom edge should be six to eight inches from the top of the sofa.? Artwork doesn't have to be centred above a sofa. Asymmetrical arrangements energize modern or casual interiors. Symmetry, on the other hand, denotes formality.? Although you should never buy art to match your furniture, make sure that your patterned sofa doesn't overshadow delicate artwork, such as a watercolour.? A vase or lamp displayed on a sofa table acts as a bridge between the sofa and art hung above.? Floor screens, freestanding or hung on a wall, look great behind a sofa.Hanging Tip: When hanging art framed under glass, place a small piece of cork between the upper centre of the frame and the wall to eliminate glare. Blank walls, staircases A big blank wall? A big, beautiful picture displayed in solitary splendour can create an instant focal point in a room. It demands attention, fills an expanse of wall and, in some cases, makes up for a lack of architectural details.? If you don't have a large piece of art, consider hanging a grouping of several medium-size works.? Large, bold pieces of artwork hung in a dining room can be enjoyed whether you're sitting down or standing up. Their size also allows you to easily enjoy them by candlelight.? A wall in a hallway is a great place to create a gallery. Fill the wall with family pictures or works grouped by subject matter or colour.Hanging Tip: For a secure hold, hang large pieces of art with D-hooks and L-screws. Staircases? Staircases bring you into direct contact with artwork. As a result, pieces with small details and delicate colours work well here.? Before hanging your art, consider the viewing distance ? bolder colours and lively compositions require more breathing space than simple watercolours or black-and-white prints.? If not occupied by a window, the landing of a stairwell is ideal for hanging large works, such as tapestries, quilts and antique rugs. Hanging Tip: For a gallery effect, follow the incline of the stairs when hanging pictures. To keep artwork at eye level, position the bottom of the frame about 55 inches above (and centred above) the tread below. Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: A delicate blush Design lesson: A delicate blush
Design lesson: A delicate blush ofDesign lesson: A delicate blush Restaurant designers have always known that the delicate blush of peach compliments almost every skin tone. So take advantage of this expert knowledge in a room where flattery will get you everywhere ? the bathroom. From peach to apricot to mango, orange tones are a complex fusion. Deep oranges such as terra-cotta, brick and rust energize and enliven, while softer tones suggest delicacy and tenderness. Artwork, luxurious rugs and freestanding cabinetry all contribute to turning what was once a utilitarian room into an all-purpose retreat. Sure, white and off-white lead the pack of most frequently selected bathroom palettes, but there's always room for colour. Go on, flatter yourself. PaintAs with most good things, moderation is the key to success. For that reason, avoid the obvious choice of peach for the walls. Instead, bathe them in a warm neutral for glowing results and add a subtle hint of peach overhead to cast a delicate blush. Freshen baseboards and crown moulding with a soft off-white. Add instant architectural detailing to cabinet mouldings or trim with a dark mocha ? a little goes a long way, and strong contrast gives even minimally furnished rooms real presence.FabricsA peach-and-mocha trellis fabric and a patterned woven fabric featuring a splash of cream are great choices for upholstered items like a small vanity chair. A solid mocha fabric gently introduces an earthy element -- essential for a harmonious balance of colour -- and works well as a valance or fixed Roman shade. A bone-colour linen can be used as a semi-sheer, letting in light while preserving privacy. To further enhance the freshness factor, choose pale towels in subtle, earthy shades. Finishing touchesCreamy marble tiles add elegance to the countertop. A good lighting plan is an essential part of a successfully designed bathroom. Look beyond the standard vanity strips favoured in Hollywood dressing rooms. A simple chandelier on a dimmer can meet a variety of needs and set a decidedl