You may remember me sharing bits and pieces of the progress awhile back or maybe not. At any rate, after investing so much in the cottage, it took some time to furnish and photograph the space and today I’m finally sharing the reveal of this little piece of heaven we like to call our home away from home.
Before I dive in, let’s take a look at the cottage before it was rebuilt. It was dated, but well-loved by all of us. I’m pretty sure almost all of the décor was from the original owner, but we didn’t care. It had history and told a story.
When the decision was made to rebuild, we hired Caryndale Contracting to help us. General Contractor, Mike Nielsen, does beautiful work and is a family-friend so it was a no-brainer to get him to rebuild the cottage for us. We’re so glad we hired him because he did a wonderful job, while remaining upbeat and pleasant the whole time - even though he was dealing with three different families when making materials selections (thanks Mike).
IN PROGRESS
To be clear, the design and decoration of this cottage was a collaborative effort between many family members done with my guidance and affordability in mind. Since we often host families at the cottage and our families have dogs and kids, it was important to not to invest too much in furnishings. We wanted the space to look nice, but we didn’t want to worry about anything……meaning….. we didn’t want to get upset if someone sat on the couch with a wet bathing suit or got mud on the rug. We wanted the cottage to be approachable and fun and therefore the items in it needed to be functional, but affordably replaced if they got damaged.
Our main sources for furniture and décor were Homesense, Stuctube, Bouclair, IKEA and Wayfair. In my experience, these stores offer affordable products that will last a few years. Then when there’s more budget to spend and kids have grown up and aren’t as messy/destructive, we can invest in more high-quality pieces.
With that said, here is the reveal of our family-friendly lakehouse cottage with a modest decorating budget.
THE AFTER
Build: Caryndale Contracting
Decorating: Orangetree Interiors
Photography: Adam Lewis Photography
The transformation of our family cottage demonstrates that there is beauty in simplicity. It is possible to create an attractive space within a modest budget. This collaborative experience resulted in a journey full of learning, and now, happy memories. With the expertise of Caryndale Contracting and the support of our family, we've turned an aging structure into a haven for playing games, laughing hard and having fun.
We look forward to many more years enjoying the inside of this cottage, as well as the outside of it as we go swimming, boating and play music around the campfire with family and friends.
If you need help creating a family-friendly space in your home, cottage, AirBNB, etc, I’d love to help you. Check out my virtual interior design services here.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches my entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
2024 Interior Design Trends You'll Want to Know About
We want your opinion - A survey for you!
Art for Every Budget
Become an Affiliate for Our DIY Interior Design Course
8 Essential Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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Let's explore 20 of the top interior design trends for 2024:
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1. HOLISTIC HOMES AND SUSTAINABILITY
As building and furniture costs rise, and environmental worries grow, homeowners are leaning towards holistic designs. Rather than constructing new homes, many are choosing to revamp their existing spaces, using renewable materials and refurbished furniture and decor to bring sustainability into their design choices while still maintaining style.
2. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACES
Creating multifunctional spaces within homes continues to be commonplace in 2024. With homes serving as offices, classrooms and sanctuaries, the need for versatile spaces has became more popular. Homeowners continue to seek spaces that can adapt to their daily routines whether it's remote work or family gatherings. Expect to see underutilized areas of a home become an office or study space or, in smaller homes, expect to see one room to be creatively designed so that it functions as two.
3. MOODY, NEUTRAL COLORS WITH A TWIST
2024 brings with it a color palette that is dominated by moody neutrals, rich browns, earthy greens, deep blues and warm reds. This departure from lighter neutrals adds depth and warmth to a home for a more cozy and inviting atmosphere.
4. COLORFUL KITCHENS
Based on the aforementioned trend, you may have guessed that the popularity of monochromatic, all-white kitchens is fading in 2024. Instead, people are opting for saturated colors paired with neutrals or natural wood tones for their kitchens. Expect to see rich browns, smoky blues and deep red tones that help to inject personality and charm within a kitchen space.
5. STATEMENT RANGE HOOD ALCOVES
Large range hood alcoves are going to make a bold statement in 2024. They embody a marriage of form and function - not to mention the fact that they are absolutely beautiful. Designers are creating intentional beauty while catering to the essential needs of a kitchen. These alcoves create a visually striking focal point while enhancing the overall design and functionality of a kitchen.
6. HERRINGBONE FLOORING
Herringbone floors were notably popular during the Renaissance and experienced resurgences in the Art Deco era of the early to mid-20th century. In 2024 you can expect to more people choosing this classic pattern for their hardwood and tile flooring installations - proving that herringbone continues to be a timeless and classic option for home interiors.
7. AN EMBRACE OF MID-TONE, WARM WOOD
From floors to walls to ceilings, midtone, warm wood is impacting interior design trends in 2024. Warm, midtone woods are most commonly found in nature and lend themselves well for creating an inviting, welcoming atmosphere. Expect to see warm wood furniture, beams, cabinets and ceiling details make a statement this year.
8. IMPACTFUL CEILINGS
Ceiling treatments take center stage in 2024 with wallpaper, plaster, murals, wood paneling, beams, painted accents and even tiles. Ceilings have become the fifth wall and add a beautiful dimension to home interiors.
9. STATEMENT STONE
Statement stone elements that serve as both functional and aesthetic focal points will really help to elevate interiors in 2024. Think striking marble countertops, bold fireplace surrounds or intricate and large stone accent walls.
10. ELEVATED TILE DESIGNS
In 2024 you can also expect to see designs that use tile to make a statement on floors, walls, ceilings and in niches. Zellige and checkerboard patterns will be particularly popular. Watch for the creative installation of tiles as well as it’s becoming an art form in itself. Many designers are finding interesting ways to elevate the look of simple tile so that it makes a design feel unique and special.
11. VINTAGE LIGHTING
Expect to see a throwback to vintage lighting in 2024. Lighting has always been a great way to add style and character to a space, but this year you’ll see vintage pieces playing a cameo in new designs to add extra personality within a space.
12. ADDING CHARACTER THROUGH PERSONALIZATION
And on that note, let's talk about personalization. 2024 encourages the infusion of personality through finding ways to showcase personal collections, unique handmade pieces or antique accessories to create a sense of individuality and charm within a home.
13. A REVIVAL OF VINTAGE & ORNATE ELEMENTS
People are tired of cookie-cutter spaces. In 2024 you can expect to see designs that draw inspiration from renaissance times with antique and vintage pieces or finishes and ornate details. Think iron accessories, patina finishes, ornate furniture details or dainty legs, as well as interesting crown molding, trim and arched hallways, windows and doorways.
14. FEMININE INFLUENCES
Perhaps due to the influence of the hit show Bridgerton, you expect to see coquette ( known as flirty feminine) details as an emerging interior design trend this year. Look for furnishings with scalloped edges, dainty furniture legs, decorative hardware, lace and tulle details on soft furnishings, as well as vintage and floral patterns making an appearance in home interiors in 2024.
15. FLUTING & REED DETAILS
By now you’re getting the idea that 2024 is all about adding personality and character to a space. Consequently, you can expect to see furniture and structural elements come alive with fluting and reed details that not only add beauty, but also elevate the stylistic nature of a space.
16. CASUAL SOPHISTICATION
2024 brings with it the combination of natural and luxurious materials in one space to create visual interest and add depth to designs. The result is a sophisticated aesthetic that is comfortable for all to enjoy.
17. AN INTERPLAY OF CURVES AND EDGES
Last year we saw plenty of curves in furniture and design. In 2024 we explore the relationship between curves and edges. Look for designs that incorporate furniture, décor and lighting that interplay the grace of curves with the boldness of edges to create contemporary spaces that are welcoming and comfortable.
18. A CONTINUATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN
The pandemic inspired the desire to get outside of the home and into nature more. 2024 design continues to embrace connecting with nature through biophilic design. Expect to see plenty of plants, green walls, fountains, nature-inspired colors and rustic textures in this year’s home designs.
19. COLOR DRENCHING a.k.a MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES
Monochromatic colors schemes became popular in 2023 and they continue to remain on trend for 2024. Choosing a "mostly" monochromatic color palette for a space makes helps to focus attention on the “feeling” of a room rather than all of the pieces within it. To effectively execute this design trend it's important to vary the tints, shades and tones within the chosen color to create interest and depth. The use of “color drenching” remains popular because it creates intentional boldness that is eye-catching and interesting.
20. LESS FOCUS ON OPEN CONCEPT DESIGNS
With more homes needing to serve as offices and study spaces and more entertaining happening at home, distinct zones are becoming more important in interior design. People are done with sharing one big space with everyone to do everything. They want space to think and focus. As a result, expect to see new home floorplans that include more defined spaces that cater to various the various activities that are being conducted within a home. And in homes that already exist, expect to see creative ways to create dedicated spaces within unused or underutilized areas to provide more function overall.
AI Generated Design by Val Malnar
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, these 20 interior design trends help to redefine our living spaces in 2024. As we navigate a post-pandemic era, our homes have gained a new significance that has resulted in a shift of design preferences. From the departure of open concepts to the resurgence of vibrant kitchen colors, the trends of 2024 reflect a desire for versatile, personalized, and sustainable living spaces that blend contemporary sophistication with timeless classics.
I hope this helps you amplify your home designs this year. Please share this information with friends and family that might also benefit.
If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there that like to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
We want your opinion - A survey for you!
Art for Every Budget
Become an Affiliate for Our DIY Interior Design Course
8 Essential Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
]]>
And if you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there, check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while creating a beautiful result that your family and friends will swoon over.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Sending you all my best for a happy, healthy and beautiful 2024!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Art for Every Budget [Some of My Faves for 2023]
Become an Affiliate for Our DIY Interior Design Course
8 Essential Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
I thought a great way to celebrate the merriment that is upon us would be to let you know what's on-trend in 2023 Christmas home interiors. My hope is to help you discover your favourite Christmas decorating style and then let you in on ways to help you achieve it via the tips below.
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
Whether you're a fan of opulent luxury or prefer the simplicity of nature, there's a Christmas decorating style to suit every taste in 2023. Let's “unwrap” (hee hee) your favourite of five Christmas decorating styles and discover how to bring it to life in your home.
2023 TRENDING CHRISTMAS DECORATING STYLE
For those who love staying on top of the latest trends, the trend for 2023 Christmas decorating is to blend old and new for a modern twist on traditional holiday decor. This year you can expect to see monochromatic or unexpected colour schemes, vintage and retro décor, natural or sustainable décor and lots of texture.
How to Achieve a Look that’s On-Trend in 2023:
Use Unconventional Colours: Explore unique colour schemes such as pastels, deep jewel-tones, metallics or monochromatic palettes.
Incorporate Modern Patterns: Integrate modern and geometric patterns in your decorations, from fabrics to ornaments to wrapping paper.
Minimalist Accents: Embrace a less-is-more approach with a minimalist design aesthetic.
Here's some inspiration to help you create a Christmas look that's on-trend in 2023:
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EARTHY & NATURAL CHRISTMAS DECORATING STYLE
For those who find peace in nature, the earthy and natural Christmas decorating style emphasizes the beauty of the outdoors. This style incorporates natural materials and a calming colour palette to create a serene holiday retreat.
How to Achieve the Earthy & Natural Look:
Natural Greenery: Use fresh pine branches, wreaths and garlands to infuse your space with the scent of the season.
Earthy Tones: Choose a colour scheme inspired by nature, including greens, browns and muted earth tones.
Wooden Accents: Integrate wooden ornaments, tree toppers and other decorative elements made of wood for a warm and organic feel.
Here's some inspiration to help you create a Earthy, Natural Christmas look that's on-trend in 2023:
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CLASSIC CHRISTMAS DECORATING STYLE
The classic Christmas decorating style is a timeless favorite that captures the essence of traditional holiday charm. Think red and green, iconic ornaments and a touch of nostalgia.
How to Achieve the Classic Look:
Reds and Greens: Stick to a classic colour palette of red, green and gold for a timeless and festive feel.
Traditional Ornaments: Embrace iconic Christmas symbols such as nutcrackers, glass baubles and vintage-inspired decorations.
Elegant Lighting: Use warm white lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Here's some inspiration to help you create a Classic Christmas look that's on-trend in 2023:
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SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS DECORATING STYLE
Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity and emphasis on coziness. The Scandinavian Christmas decorating style brings warmth and charm to the holiday season with a focus on natural elements and minimalist aesthetics.
How to Achieve the Scandinavian Look:
Neutral Palette: Stick to a neutral colour scheme with whites, creams, grays and greens.
Natural Materials: Embrace the beauty of wood by incorporating wooden ornaments, branches or berries and, if you can, highlight wooden furniture.
Candles and Lights: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with an abundance of candles and fairy lights. The goal is to evoke the concept of hygge - a Danish word for coziness and contentment.
Here's some inspiration to help you create a Scandinavian Christmas look that's on-trend in 2023:
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | White Candlestick | 11
MAXIMALIST CHRISTMAS DECORATING STYLE
This Christmas decorating style is all about “the more, the merrier!” It’s for people who believe in the philosophy of "more is more." The maximalist embraces an abundance of colours, textures and decorations to create a visually rich holiday wonderland.
How to Achieve the Maximalist Look:
Bold Colours: Opt for a vibrant colour palette with rich reds, deep greens, purple, burgundy, navy blue or teal and incorporate luxurious golds and silvers.
Think Abundance When it Comes to Decorations: Don't hold back on ornaments, lights, ribbons, candles or other Christmas decor. Layer décor throughout your space for a lush, lavish ambience.
Mix and Match: Combine various textures and patterns for a visually stimulating effect. Velvet stockings, metallic ornaments and sequined tree skirts are all fair game.
Here's some inspiration to help you create a Maximalist Christmas look that's on-trend in 2023:
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Whether you prefer the glamour of a maximalist Christmas or the serene simplicity of Scandinavian design, these Christmas decorating styles offer a myriad of options to infuse your home with festive spirit.
So,what about you? Which is your favourite style? How will you be decorating your home this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!
Whichever way you choose to decorate this Christmas, my wish for you is to let the magic of the season come to life in your own unique way.
Need more ideas? Check out last year's post: 6 Creative Decorating Ideas for Your Entire Home.
If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there that like to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Until next time, happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Art for Every Budget [Some of My Faves for 2023]
Become an Affiliate for Our DIY Interior Design Course
8 Essential Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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As you can see, beautiful art can be found at every budget. Online marketplaces, local galleries, print-on-demand websites are great art resources. And if these options don't work for you, you can always DIY your art project. Remember that art is subjective, so choose what speaks to you and enjoy it.
I hope this helps narrow your art search a bit. Please share with any friends or family that also find art sourcing daunting.
If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there that like to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Happy art sourcing!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Become an Affiliate for Our DIY Interior Design Course
8 Essential Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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If you answered yes to these questions, I'd like to invite you to become an affiliate for my DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches my entire decorating process from start to finish using my easy step-by-step videos, checklists and guides.
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MY GOAL IS TO HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE LOVE WHERE THEY LIVE.
I grew up in a roach-infested two-bedroom apartment with cracks in the walls. I was always embarrassed to bring people home to my house. This led me to fantasizing about having a beautiful home that I would be proud to bring people home to. Hence, my decision to become a Certified Interior Decorator. ;)
BUT......not everyone wants to hire an Interior Decorator. Some can't afford it and some people just prefer doing the work themselves. I TOTALLY GET IT and that's why I created this course.
I believe EVERYONE deserves to live in a beautiful home.
If you've been following me for awhile, you'd know this is true because of all the free interior decorating and design content I publish on my blog. However, my blog doesn't share every design detail, nor does it follow a specific structure, and that's where the DIY Interior Design Course comes in handy.
In this course I teach:
In addition to these modules, students also receive:
By the end of this course, students have the knowledge and confidence they need to design a space that not only looks great but also functions well for their lifestyle.
Here are a few transformations to demonstrate what can be created.
Contemporary Coastal Primary Bedroom
Transitional Living Room
Transitional Home Office
Contemporary Coastal Dining Room
Girls Bedroom
Contemporary Entry
Transitional Bedroom
Coastal Farmhouse Great Room
Would you feel good about helping people create these kinds of transformations in their homes? If so, I'd love for you to become an affiliate for the course.
In exchange for your referrals, you'll receive an affiliate commission of $100 CAD per enrollment. The only caveat is that you must take the course first so that you can verify its quality and can confidently recommend it to people as a great program. Once 10 students have enrolled with your affiliate code, you will be reimbursed your course fee. Sound good? If so, sign up to become an affiliate and click this link to enroll in the course. (Use coupon code AFFILIATE50 to receive $50 off the course until April 3, 2023).
Not quite sure yet? Here's what previous students have said about the course.
Oh and are you part of our Design Tribe? We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you're not into taking courses or making extra cash as an affiliate partner, but you'd like help creating YOUR beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Searching for paint colours? Click here to get 20 expertly curated paint colour schemes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Hope to work with you soon,
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
8 Essential Tips to Consider Before Buying Patio Furniture
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
Virtual Interior Design 2022 Recap & What's Next for 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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8 Important Things to Consider When Buying Patio Furniture
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1. DURABILITY
Outdoor furniture is exposed to harsh weather conditions like sun, wind, rain and even snow. Therefore, it's important to choose furniture made from durable materials that can withstand these conditions. Materials like teak, metal, aluminum, wood polymer and synthetic wicker are known for their durability and resistance to the elements.
2. COMFORT
Your patio furniture should be comfortable to sit on. Cushions and pillows can add to the comfort level, but it's also important to consider the shape and design of the furniture. Consider the seat depth, back support and armrests, as well as the size and shape of the furniture itself.
3. STYLE
Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Consider the overall style of your home and the aesthetic you want to achieve in your outdoor space while remembering that your outdoor space is an extension of your home interior. Therefore, your patio furniture style and outdoor decor should reflect your interior preferences to ensure the overall design is cohesive.
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4. SIZE
Before purchasing patio furniture, consider the size of your outdoor space. Make sure the furniture you choose fits comfortably and doesn't overcrowd your patio. Note the number of people who will be using the space and choose furniture that can accommodate them. One thing that is often overlooked is the weight capacity of a piece of furniture. If you want patio furniture that is sturdy, make sure to check that it can support all the people or items that will be placed on top of it.
5. MAINTENANCE
Some types of patio furniture require more maintenance than others. For example, wood furniture may need to be sealed or painted regularly, while metal furniture may require occasional rust treatment. Review the maintenance requirements of each type, as well as what you're comfortable dealing with before making your patio furniture purchase. You may also want to consider buying patio furniture covers for additional protection.
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6. MATERIALS
Outdoor fabrics are made from a variety of materials, including coated polyester or acrylic such as Sunbrella or olefin. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider fade resistance, stain & mildew resistance, softness, breathability, durability and cleanability.
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7. PRICE
Patio furniture comes in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end. Set a budget before you start shopping and look for furniture that meets your needs within your price range. Consider whether or not you value quality, durability and comfort over price and make your selections accordingly.
8. STORAGE
During the off-season or when not in use, it's important to store your patio furniture properly to prevent damage. Consider how much space you have for storage and choose furniture that can be easily stored away.
So there you have it; eight important things to consider when buying patio furniture. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find patio furniture that meets your needs and creates a comfortable and stylish outdoor space for you and your family and friends to enjoy for years to come.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you've recently purchased a home and you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there that like to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Wishing you sunny days ahead,
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
13 Tips to Stage Your Home to Sell for the Best Price Possible [2023]
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
Virtual Interior Design 2022 Recap & What's Next for 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
]]>
How to Stage Your Home So You Get the Best Price Possible:
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When it comes to selling your home, presentation is key. Staging your home can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and getting the highest price possible. Here are some tips to help you stage your home to sell:
1. CREATE CURB APPEAL
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make sure it looks its best. Clean up any yard debris, trim the hedges, mow the lawn, add plants or flowers, a seasonal wreath and friendly door mat to make your home more feel welcoming.
2. DECLUTTER
Decluttering is one of the most important things you can do when staging your home. Remove any unnecessary items from your home and make sure everything you keep is neat and tidy. Decluttering will make your home feel more spacious to potential buyers.
3. CLEAN.....EVERYTHING!
Whether your home is old or new, one way to turn home buyers off is to have a dirty, messy home. A clean home not only showcases your home's best attributes, but it also tells buyers that you take care of things. And if you take good care to clean your home well, buyers will assume the you stay up to date with maintenance and repair and therefore will worry less about making the investment in buying your home. Clean windows, walls, ceilings, cabinets, grout, baseboards, floors, vents, fans, closets, basements, garages, etc.
4. FIX & REPAIR
Fixing minor issues is another important part of staging your home. Even small issues can create negative impressions for potential buyers and make them wonder what else might be wrong with the property. Here are some minor issues to look out for; leaky or dripping faucets, squeaky doors, cabinets or floors, carpet stains, wall dings, burnt out lightbulbs, etc.
5. PAINT
If your budget allows, repaint walls, trim and doors with a fresh coat of paint when staging your home. Painting your home in a neutral colour throughout will not only make it appear cleaner and newer, but a consistent colour throughout will make your home feel more expansive. WOW 1 Day Painting does the job quickly at a competitive price. And if you're not sure what colour to choose check out our favourite neutral greige or white paint colours to help you.
If a painting your entire home isn't feasible, even touch ups of scuffs, scratches, or other blemishes can make a space look like new again.
6. HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME'S BEST FEATURES
One of the best ways to sell your home for the best price possible is to stage it in a way that highlights your home's best features. For example, if you have a beautiful fireplace, make sure it's clean and decorated with simple, attractive decor. If you have a great view, make sure your windows are clean and window treatments are kept open to showcase the view.
7. REARRANGE FURNITURE
The way your furniture is arranged can make a big difference in the flow of your home. Forget how you use the space for the time being and instead consider rearranging your furniture to create an open, welcoming space that will make it easy for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
8. DEPERSONALIZE
While your personal touches may make your house feel like a home, they can also make it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Remove any family photos, personal artwork, photo calendars or other personal items and stick to neutral decor that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
9. ADD LIFE
Once you've depersonalized your home, it may feel a bit lifeless. Add fresh flowers or plants to add a pop of colour and breathe life into your home. If you need help determining where to incorporate plants to enhance your home's beauty, check out our article on how to decorate with plants.
10. LET THERE BE LIGHT
When staging your home to get the best price possible, it's important to use lighting to your advantage. Good lighting can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. If you can, update old fixtures for more modern lighting that aligns with the home's style. The investment will make a huge impact on the space which you are sure to see a return on.
If new lighting isn't in your staging budget, just make sure to clean all fixtures and shades and make sure all lightbulbs are the same colour temperature (eg. all soft white or all warm white) so that your home is well lit and has a consistent feel from room to room. Also make sure to open up all blinds and drapes to let in as much natural light as possible to brighten up your space.
11. CREATE A WELCOMING, HOMEY VIBE
In order to get the best price for your home, you have to create demand for it. All of the aforementioned staging techniques will help put your home's best impression forward, but another great way to create demand is to make people "feel good" when they're in it. Set the mood by playing some soft, calming background music to create a relaxed atmosphere. Consider using some lightly scented candles or essential oils to create a fresh and inviting aroma in your home. You can also offer light refreshments to help make potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable in your home.
12. GET PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Most potential buyers will view your home online before deciding to attend an open house or schedule a viewing. A professional photographer can make your home look its best online because they use high-quality equipment and editing software to capture your home's best angles and lighting. High quality photos will attract more potential buyers and potentially leading to a quicker sale and better price. I highly recommend Adam Lewis Photography via Visual Advantage if you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
13. HIRE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT
There are so many great real estate agents out there - no doubt you know more than one of them. One of the best ways you can sell your home for the highest price possible is to hire a real estate agent that you connect with and LOVES your home. When your agent loves your home, it becomes effortless to sell. They create demand by sharing their genuine love for your home. One person's enthusiasm can be contagious, causing others to also take notice and therefore create greater interest in your home.
We were so lucky to find real estate agent, Bonnie Higgins, to help us sell our home. Her sunny disposition and true appreciation for our home surely came across when speaking to potential buyers. We are truly grateful for Bonnie's service and would highly recommend anyone looking to buy or sell their home in the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area to reach out to her for help with their home.
I hope these tips help ensure that your home is presented in the best possible way to potential buyers when you plan to sell. Remember, the goal of staging is to make your home feel spacious, inviting and neutral so that potential buyers can see themselves living there. With a little effort, you can help your home stand out from the competition and sell it for the best possible price.
If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
And if you've recently purchased a home and you'd like help creating your a beautiful home interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And for the DIYers out there that like to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
Lastly, if you’d like to see more of my favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit the furniture and home decor shop to see some of my favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Until next time.....happy staging!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design - What's the Difference?
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
Virtual Interior Design 2022 Recap & What's Next for 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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Overall coastal interior design is inspired by calm, casual beach vibes and seaside elements such as water, sand, sun, driftwood, seagrass, rocks, pebbles and shells, etc. However, there are some distinguishable differences when it comes to East Coast vs. West Coast interior design that I plan to identify for you in today's blog post.
]]>In honour of this exciting adventure and moving to a coastal town (we're looking at Sarasota right now), I thought I'd discuss the nuances of coastal interior design; specifically the differences between East Coast Coastal and West Coast Coastal design.
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Overall coastal interior design is inspired by calm, casual beach vibes and seaside elements such as water, sand, sun, driftwood, seagrass, rocks, pebbles and shells, etc. However, there are some distinguishable differences when it comes to East Coast vs. West Coast interior design that I plan to identify for you below.
COLOUR PALETTE
East Coast: Bright and airy color palette of light and deep blues, greens, turquoise, whites, greys and some beige.
West Coast: Warm neutral color palette sometimes paired with blues, greens, pastels or unexpected colors. However, colors mainly focus on whites, creams, beiges, grays and other colors found in nature.
East Coast Design Source | West Coast Design Source
RUG, TEXTILES & WALLPAPER PATTERNS
East Coast: Traditional patterns such as stripes, florals, trellis and sometimes ikat or nautical.
West Coast: Exotic patterns such as tropical, African mud cloth and Southwestern.
East Coast Design 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | West Coast Design 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
FURNITURE STYLE
East Coast: East coast coastal interior design infuses traditional furniture pieces with newer ones to create classic coastal interiors that are elegant and timeless.
West Coast: Comparatively, West coast coastal design incorporates contemporary furniture and natural elements. The furniture style is less formal and focuses on minimalism with sculptural details.
East Coast Design Source | West Coast Design Source
MATERIALS
East Coast: The materials used in East coast coastal interiors are a combination of natural fabrics/textiles and synthetics that exude sophistication. Expect to see a variety of materials such as; rattan, sisal, wool, cotton, linen, velvet, glass, ceramic bone, brass/gold, etc accented with white hydrangeas and other beautiful florals and greenery.
West Coast: West coast interior design is much more focused on natural materials to create a casual environment. Since the West coast has a warmer climate year round, expect to see light fabrics such as cotton and linen, as well as bleached wood, live edge furniture, earthenware, lime-washed walls, bleached wood and live edge furniture accented with plenty of greenery, pampas grass or a variety of dried stems.
East Coast Design Source | West Coast Design Source
LIGHTING
East Coast: In East coast coastal interior design, you'll see modernized versions of traditional lighting for ceiling fixtures and lamps, as well as some some sleek brass/gold, black or even white sconces or picture lights as accent lighting.
West Coast: West coast coastal interiors often use statement lighting often made of natural materials as the focal point of this minimalist design style. However, modern light fixtures in brass/gold and/or black may also be used to make a statement or for accent lighting.
East Coast Coastal Source | West Coast Coastal Source
VIBE
East Coast: The East coast coastal design vibe is a combination of southern charm and sophisticated elegance. Think of places you'd see in The Hamptons, Cape Cod or Charleston.
West Coast: West coast coastal vibes embody a laid-back, relaxed vibe that is also refined. Think Malibu, LA and Monterey.
East Coast Design Source | West Coast Design Source
So that's the gist. Which coastal style do you resonate more with? I feel like I'm a mix of both and look forward to decorating our new home once we arrive in Florida.
If you'd like help creating your coastal inspired interior, we'd LOVE to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services to learn more.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And if you're more of a DIYer that likes to take the glory when it comes to decorating your space check out my DIY Interior Design Course. I teach my step-by-step interior decorating process so that you can complete your project as smoothly as possible while avoiding potentially costly mistakes.
And if you’d like to see more of our favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Thank you so much for reading East Coast vs. West Coast Coastal Interior Design. If you'd like to see more interior decorating related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time.....happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
How to Measure a Room Properly
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
Virtual Interior Design 2022 Recap & What's Next for 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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For this reason, today I'm sharing How to Properly Measure a Room for Your Interior Decorating Project.
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STEP 1 | MEASURE THE PERIMETER
Measure the perimeter of your room starting with the longest wall first and measuring left to right. Don't worry about windows and doors/doorways right now; just take the overall room dimensions. For the most accuracy, take measurements on a flat surface rather than letting the measuring tape float in the air.
OPTIONAL: Use graph paper to better represent the scale of your room
TIP: Use imperial measurements. It's best to record measurements in all inches and use decimals, rather than a combination of feet/inches and fractions. Using inches only with decimals (eg. 138.5", rather than 138 1/2") will make math easier later when confirming your dimensions after measuring. If your math is wrong, remeasure the room.
Perimeter Dimensions
STEP 2 | NOTE WINDOWS & DOORS
Note window and door/doorway (w/d/dw) placement on your drawing as well as door swings if applicable. Choose a wall to start with and work your way clockwise around the room. Label your walls as you measure to avoid confusion (eg. patio wall, bay window wall, etc).
When measuring, start at a corner and measure to the frame of the w/d/dw. Record the measurement. Next measure the w/d/dw from inside frame to inside frame, (left to right & up and down). Record the measurements. Do NOT include the trim or casings in your measurements yet. Instead note them on the drawing once all measurements have been taken (eg. window trim 3", door casing 3", crown moulding 5"). Lastly, note the door/doorway heights (eg. door is 80"H) and the window elevations from the floor (eg. bottom of window is 36" from floor).
Room Dimensions with Windows & Doors Noted
STEP 3 | MEASURE OTHER ELEMENTS
Once you have your perimeter measurements and all windows and doors in place, go back and measure any other structural elements in the space (eg. fireplace, built-in cabinets, etc). Choose the nearest corner to the structural element as a starting point. Measure from the corner to the outside of the structure and record the measurement. Measure the structure itself (length, width, height and depth) and record those measurements. Note any elevations where applicable.
Finally, note the ceiling height, baseboard height, crown moulding (if applicable) and location of lights and switches, outlets, thermostats, vents, etc. on your drawing. For maximum accuracy, measure the location and elevation of each of these items using the method as described above.
Room Dimensions with Windows, Doors & Other Elements Noted
STEP 4 | DRAW ELEVATIONS
While a floor plan provides a birds eye view of a room, elevations provide a ground-level view of each wall. Elevations will make it easier to visualize the placement of windows, doors, structural elements, switches, etc. in your space.
Draw elevations for each wall that has a unique element. Use one sheet of paper for each wall. Make sure to label each wall to match with the labels you created in step two.
Use the ceiling height and wall measurements you've already taken to draw the outline of each wall elevation. Then using all of your other measurements, add the windows, doors, structural elements, outlets, switches, vents, etc. onto the corresponding paper.
Window Wall Elevation
STEP 5 | REPEAT
Repeat drawing elevations for all of the walls in the room.
Viola! Now you should be in a great position for furniture layout and space planning for your interior decorating project.
If you'd like more in-depth assistance to give you the confidence you need tackle your interior decorating project without making costly mistakes, I invite you to check out my DIY Interior Design Course.
Or if you’d like to see more of our favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
And if you get going on your project and decide it's too much to take on right now, we’d love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
As always, thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Watch for in 2023
Virtual Interior Design 2022 Recap & What's Next for 2023
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
So without further aideu, here are 10 Interior Design Trends to watch out for in 2023.
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1. WELLNESS-FOCUSED DESIGN
I think the most important trend to take note of in 2023 (for me anyway) is wellness-focused design. The last few years have been hard on many people who either suffered from illness, the loss of loved ones, were forced out of a job or business, etc. The stress of these situations has taken a toll on so many people that it makes perfect sense that we do what we can in interiors to help with the well-being of families. Wellness design takes an approach of improving the overall health and well-being of the people that live in a home.
From ensuring adequate lighting to incorporating sustainable materials to utilizing plenty of plants to warranting proper acoustics and designating an area for quiet reflection, etc. wellness-focused design embodies comfortability so that families can function in the most optimal way.
2. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS & FURNISHINGS
Piggybacking on wellness design is incorporating the use of sustainable materials and furnishings. Sustainable resources are resources that replenish in the same about of time that they are diminished. FSC certified wood and/or organic materials such as wood, wool and natural stone are some examples. When sustainable isn’t an option, opt to select products that are toxin free or at least have very few toxins such as Benjamin Moore’s Natura paint line with low VOCs. You can also look out for formaldehyde-free plywood, low emission grout and caulking, as well as recycled steel or reclaimed wood or for accents and furniture.
3. WARMER AND DARKER WOOD TONES
Light and mid-tone wood unsaturated stain colours have been extremely over the last few years. Although I personally LOVE mid-tone wood, you can expect to see warmer, richer and darker wood tones as a 2023 interior design trend. Perhaps this is to help with the comfortability factor. Warm tones always help a space feel more inviting.
4. MUTED COLOURS OVER NEUTRALS
While I believe neutrals will never go out of style, 2023 embraces colour a little more than what we’ve seen in recent years. You’ll see some designers use rich, bold colours in their designs when given the opportunity, but most homeowners aren’t comfortable with that intensity of colour. As a result, expect to see more designers dabbling with muted versions of colours that are inspired by nature like in the case of this beautiful room that showcases Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue paint colour.
5. DARK AND MOODY ROOMS
For homeowners that are adventurous but not necessarily brave enough to welcome bold colours into their home, you’ll see designers use dark and moody paint colours instead. Look how gorgeous Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart looks with the lighter accents and warm wood tones in this stunning dining room.
6. CONSISTENT TRIM TO CEILING PAINT COLOURS
For decades we’ve seen white ceilings and trim that contrasts the wall colour, but the 2023 trend is to use a uniform colour from trim to ceiling. One of my favourite designers, Shea McGee, has been doing this for years with whites and light neutrals, but here’s an example of her using a consistent colour from trim to ceiling in a home office. Putting the colour on the ceiling really cozies up the space.
7. GOLD ACCENTS
Gold has been making an appearance for years and it’s here to stay in 2023. Expect to see more of it in furniture, lighting, cabinet hardware and decorative accents.
8. VINTAGE INSPIRED ELEMENTS
Designers are trying to modernize “traditional” design. Traditional used to mean matchy-matchy furniture sets, cabriole legs and showy chandeliers. However the 2023 interior design trend for traditional interiors is to integrate the old with the new. You’ll see decorator’s doing this via pairing vintage inspired mirrors or art, rug and textile patterns and accent furniture with newer furniture pieces and décor like in this beautifully calming bedroom design.
9. CURVED EDGES
As I mentioned earlier, wellness is key in 2023. Furniture and structural elements that are curved are said to give off a more relaxing, calming and welcoming feel due to the softness of their edges and organic appearance. You can expect to see curved elements in windows, doors, arches, countertops, lighting, furniture and décor details.
10. DESIGNER LAUNDRY ROOMS AND MUDROOMS
Since working at home has become so commonplace people are using their homes more and more every day. This utilization of every square inch of each space has shown homeowners the areas of their home that work and the areas that need improvement. It has also identified a need for more storage. And since popular places for stowing away extra items are laundry rooms or mudrooms, it makes sense that homeowners are investing in making these spaces more functional. Not only that, but many people enter their home through their laundry or mudroom making it the first impression they have when they walk in the door and for that reason they want these spaces to be beautiful. Expect to see more designer laundry rooms and mudrooms in 2023.
Well folks, I hope these 2023 interior design trends give you some inspiration for your home decorating projects. If you’d like help decorating the rooms in your home we'd love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
Or if you’d like to see more of our favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
6 Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
Doing this allowed me time to recoup from burnout and depression I experienced as a result of the pandemic. I am SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to each and every one of you that has purchased a service from me, enrolled in my decorating course, bought a paint booklet or even just followed along online via this blog and social media. Every single one of you helped to get back to the fun-loving person I am and I'm truly honoured that you chose to spend some of your precious time with me.
After two years of ups and downs, I took time in 2022 to focus more on what I value and what I want for my business and for my life. As a result, I took on less projects this year. Instead I focused on virtual paint consults, providing design advice via services and a DIY Interior Design Course. I also added a super affordable paint colour scheme e-book to help homeowners refresh their spaces.
Doing this allowed me time to recoup from burnout and depression I experienced as a result of the pandemic. I am SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to each and every one of you that has purchased a service from me, enrolled in my decorating course, bought a paint booklet or even just followed along online via this blog and social media. Every single one of you helped to get back to the fun-loving person I am and I'm truly honoured that you chose to spend some of your precious time with me.
I've shared more details in this short video if you're interested. If not, please just know that I'm so very thankful for you, I wish you the VERY BEST of the holiday season and the new year and I can't wait to reveal how I'm pivoting things in 2023.
Link to the Lessons on Happiness Podcast I referenced in the video.
Sending so much love to you all. xoxo
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
6 Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
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6 Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Entire Home
CHRISTMAS TREES
Okay, I had to start with the most obvious one because you can get so creative with Christmas trees when decorating your home for the festive season.
Where to use them
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CHRISTMAS WREATHS
Alright, this is another obvious one but Christmas wreaths are so versatile and add such beauty to any room in your home that I wanted to make sure you thought about all the places you can hang them.
Where to use them
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CHRISTMAS GARLANDS
There is such a beautiful variety of Christmas garlands available for you right now. Christmas garlands aren’t just for banisters anymore. They can be used to add more festiveness to so many spaces.
Where to use them
CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
Traditionally, we use stockings on the fireplace or under the Christmas tree but there are some other spaces you can use them to add the Christmas spirit to your home.
Where to use them
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CHRISTMAS PILLOWS
Pillows are one of my favourite ways to add Christmas cheer because they are so easy to swap in and out and they come in so many colours and patterns that add so much personality to a space.
Where to use them
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CHRISTMAS CANDLES
Christmas candles can be used almost anywhere and the beautiful scents add another layer to the festive experience you create in any room in your home.
Where to use them
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
Feel inspired yet? I hope so! I hope you find these ideas helpful and I’d love to see what you can create in your home. Share your photos with me on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #myotixmas. Wishing you all the very best of the holiday season.
If you’d like to see more of our favourite home decor and furniture, make sure you visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
And if you're working on a home refresh project and you'd like a little extra confidence in making your selections, check out our Online Interior Design Course. It teaches the step-by-step process we use to execute beautiful home interiors efficiently, while avoiding potential mistake that might cost more than your decorating budget.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy decorating!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
How to Create a Mood Board for Your Interior Decorating Project
20 Cohesive Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
]]>
So with that being said, today I'm going to show you a quick and easy way to create a mood board for your interior decorating project.
Here is a video that walks you through the entire process. I've kept the pace fairly slow to ensure newbies could follow along, so feel free to increase the video speed if you feel it's moving too slowly for you.
Here's a quick re-cap:
1. Gather all of the furniture and decor you are considering in one place. I suggest Pinterest.
2. Make sure you have a tool for screenshotting. I use Greenshot.
3. Screenshot each of the furniture and decor pieces you would like to use in your design and save them to a folder on your computer.
4. Upload all of your furniture and decor pieces into a program or app that allows you to edit images easily. I recommend Canva. It's free and very user friendly.
5. Add all of your furniture and decor selections to your Canva design board placing everything on the board in they same way you would in the room. Remove any undesired backgrounds and size items accordingly for best scale and proportion representation (watch the video for a better explanation)
6. Swap out any pieces you aren't loving with alternatives that work in the design.
7. Once you're happy with the overall look and feel, measure and use painter's tape to map out the furniture and wall decor in your room to ensure that everything will fit well in your space and will fit though your front door.
8. If everything fits, order all of your furniture and decor to your home and enjoy!
I hope you found that helpful.
If you'd like to learn my entire design process, check out my Online Interior Design Course. It teaches the step-by-step process I use to execute beautiful home interiors easily and efficiently.
I also want to let you know about my new Paint Colour Scheme eBook. Colour has a psychological effect on how we feel and therefore it's essential when decorating your home to select colors that will help to evoke the feelings that you want to feel.
The eBook also includes; a paint sheen guide, instructions on how to calculate how much paint you'll need, clickable paint color names & surfaces so you can easily order peel-and-stick samples directly to your home. It also include hardwood, countertop and carpet swatches as color references to help you visualize how the paint color might look in your space.
And if you need any furniture and decor to coordinate with your new paint colors, visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy decorating!
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
How Much Do I Need to Spend to Decorate My House Well?
2023 Colour of the Year [Sherwin-Williams] & How to Use It in Your Home
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
I went with the majority and created 20 beautifully curated paint color schemes to use in your home for just $9.99.
Color has a psychological effect on how we feel and therefore it's essential when decorating your home to select colors that will help to evoke the feelings that you want to feel. As a result, each paint palette was intentionally curated based on feelings that you might want to experience when in your home (for example; calm, relaxing, warm, inviting, peaceful, tranquil, etc).
All 20 paint color schemes include six pre-selected colors from Benjamin Moore and/or Sherwin-Williams. The color palettes are designed so that each paint color coordinates with all of the other colors in the palette to ensure easy, stress-free color selection. You may choose to use all six colors throughout your home or just a few to create your desired aesthetic.
The eBook also includes; a paint sheen guide, instructions on how to calculate how much paint you'll need, clickable paint color names & surfaces so you can easily order peel-and-stick samples directly to your home. It also include hardwood, countertop and carpet swatches as color references to help you visualize how the paint color might look in your space.
Click here to buy this eBook or learn more about what's inside.
I had so much fun creating this eBook for you. I hope you truly enjoy using these paint colors to create a vibe that feels comfortable to you.
If you prefer a custom paint colour selections, check out our Online Paint Consult Service. We’d be happy to help you.
Or if you're still just browsing around, here are some other resources to help you:
2023 Color of the Year & How to Use it in Your Home
The 10 Best White Paint Colors to Use in Your Home in 2022
How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Whole House
How to Choose a Greige Paint Color
How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color
Or get my FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide here!
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And if you need any furniture and decor to coordinate with your new paint colors, visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Or if you're working on a home makeover project and you need a little extra confidence in making your selections, check out our Online Interior Design Course. It teaches the step-by-step process I use to execute beautiful home interiors efficiently, while avoiding potential costly mistakes.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy painting!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
How Much Money Do I Need to Decorate My House Well
Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post may include affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
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The answer varies depending on the type of room, the size of the room and whether you are a minimalist, maximalist or somewhere in between, but you can get a good idea about how much you need to spend by using one of our budget calculators.
Use the TEXT LINKS below to access each budget calculator.
Living Room Budget Calculator | Dining Room Budget Calculator | Bedroom Budget Calculator |
Please note that our budget calculators provide a realistic representation of costs, but they are a best guess only. Each project is unique and as such so is each budget. Industry prices fluctuate and therefore guarantees cannot be given. The tool is meant to give you a realistic budget value so that you can determine whether or not you are ready to proceed with your design project.
Searching for paint colours too? Click here to get 20 expertly curated paint colour schemes.
And when you ARE ready to start decorating your home, we invite you to check out our Online Interior Design Course. It teaches the step-by-step process we use to execute beautiful home interiors efficiently, while avoiding potential mistakes that might cost more than your decorating budget.
For help with furniture and decor selection, visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy decorating!
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
2023 Colour of the Year [Sherwin-Williams] & How to Use It in Your Home
Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
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Sherwin-Williams describes Redend Point as warm and soulful and I couldn't agree more. It reminds me of colours you'd see is a vibrant mexican / spanish restaurant where friends and family gather for good laughs and great conversation. It truly embodies warmth, connection, care and soulfulness.
Take a look a Sherwin-Williams’ 2023 Colour of the Year and How You Can Use it in Your Home.
As already mentioned, Redend Point is rich paint colour that is full of life. Choose to use it to create a cozy inviting space or as an accent colour throughout your home. It's extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of design aesthetics. See four different design ideas below.
CALM & COZY HOME PAINT COLOUR SCHEME
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RELAXED & INVITING HOME PAINT COLOUR SCHEME
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COMFORTABLE CALM HOME PAINT COLOUR SCHEME
WARM & ENGAGING HOME PAINT COLOUR SCHEME
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As you can see Sherwin-Williams' Redend Point is a very versatile paint colour that has a warm personality with a familiarity that feels like home. It's the perfect selection for an upcoming year that I'm hopeful will embrace human connection and self care.
I hope you’ve been inspired by our ideas to help you put Redend Point to use in your home.
Want even more colour schemes to choose from? Click here to get 20 expertly curated paint colour schemes.
And, if you're looking to remodel and paint your home but you’re not quite sure what colours to use, check out our Virtual Paint Consult Service or select one of 20 paint color schemes from our Paint Color eBook. We're here to help!
For more furniture and decor to coordinate with Redend Point, visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces to incorporate into your home interior.
Please note that if you're working on a home makeover project and you need a little extra confidence in making your selections, check out our Online Interior Design Course. It teaches the step-by-step process we use to execute beautiful home interiors efficiently, while avoiding potential mistake that might cost more than your decorating budget.
Thanks so much for reading. If you'd like to see more interior design related content, be sure to join our Design Tribe. We send interior decorating tips regularly, along with exclusive offers. We'd love for you to join our community.
Until next time, happy painting!
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
Virtual Interior Design Services Update
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
DISCLAIMER:
This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
]]>
If you’re like me and don’t decorate until the official start of the season, then now is the perfect time to start your fall decorating. And today you’re in luck because we’re going to provide you with some inspiration from one of our favourite designers Studio McGee!
Introducing Our Favourite Fall Decor from Studio McGee.....
DISCLAIMER: This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
Pillows
Throw pillows are a great way to add color and texture into your home this fall. They’re perfect for cozying up your space and making it feel more warm and inviting.
Here are some of our fall faves from McGee & Co and Threshold by Studio McGee:
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Throw Blankets
Much like throw pillows, throw blankets are a fall essential. They are a functional home decor piece that can also add comfort and style.
Here are some of our fall faves from McGee & Co and Threshold by Studio McGee:
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Art
Art is a great way to add personality to your home. It allows you to add color, texture, and interest to your space that is easy to change out season-to-season. Incorporating art in browns, golds, rusty orange and green is one our favourite ways to change up a space for the fall season.
Here are some of our fall faves from McGee & Co and Threshold by Studio McGee:
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Objects and Sculptures
Fall is all about pumpkins, warm colors, dried florals, yummy foods, and of course, family and friends! Adding fall themed decorative objects into your home enhances the vibe you’re trying to create in your home. It can also help to make the spaces within your home feel more cohesive by sprinkling a little fall decor in each room.
Here are some of our fall faves from McGee & Co and Threshold by Studio McGee:
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Scents and Candles
Scents are an amazing way to spark a feeling in your home and what better way to introduce the yummy, warm scents of fall into your home than with candles and essential oils.
Here are some of our fall faves from McGee & Co and Threshold by Studio McGee:
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So what do you think? Which is your favourite way to decorate for fall? We hope that sharing our fall decor ideas by Studio McGee inspires you to create a warm and cozy space to welcome family and friends into.
For more home furniture and decor inspiration, check out our Home Décor Shop.
And if you’re looking to upgrade your space and take it to the next level, be sure to take the DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design in your home.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Good luck cozying up your home for the fall. Until next time, happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
In case you missed it……
How to Hang Drapes the Right Way [2022]
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
Virtual Interior Design Services Update
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
]]>Aside from their function, drapes and/or curtains can really help to make a space feel complete by adding warmth and texture to a room. However, one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing drapery for your home is light filtration. In a room where you want lots of natural light to shine in, you’ll want to choose sheer or light filtering drapes. Conversely in a room where you want to block light (such as a bedroom) from coming through, room darkening drapes or blackout drapes would be best.
Ok so now you have a quick rundown about which drapes to select, but how do you hang them? That’s what we’re discussing today.
Here are 3 Tips to Hang Drapes Right:
The way your drapery is hung can determine the way your space feels and impact the overall aesthetic so it’s important you get it right. Here are 3 tips to ensure you hang drapes the right way to achieve a beautiful result.
DRAPERY RODS
As a general rule, a drapery rod should be installed so that it is 20% wider than the width of the window This will allow for an appropriate amount of stack back for the drapes.
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If the area you’re working with is small, a shorter rod span may be required. When that is the case, note that it will result in a portion of the window being covered by drapes even when the drapes are open.
PRO TIP: Make sure you are including the casing on both sides when measuring.
When considering how high to hang your drapes, we suggest hanging them as high as possible to fill out your space and give it more presence. If that’s not ideal for your particular situation, hang them at least high enough to cover the casing above your window.
A good rule of thumb is that your drapery rod should be hung so that it is 4”-10” above the window casing or 2”-3” down from the ceiling or crown moulding if a more impactful appearance is desired.
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When calculating the drapery rod height, account for the length of the drapes (the bottom of the drapes should hang 0.5" from the floor if you’re using our preference - see below for other guidelines) and the ring and clip height if drapery rings and clips are being used. Rings and clips should be placed high enough that they clear the window casing.
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DRAPERY LENGTH
There isn’t really a one-size-fits all when it comes to drapery and curtain length - but there are some suggested lengths to create different looks. Float length, floor length and puddle length. To create the most pleasing look for window drapes or curtains, use one of these drapery lengths.
Float Length - Choose a drapery length that is 0.5" to 1" off the floor. This helps to create an illusion of more space.
Floor Length - Choose a drapery length that kisses the floor (0.5” or less off the floor) when hung. This creates a classic look that is timeless.
Puddle Length - Choose a drapery length that is 1"-2" past the floor for a more relaxed look. This creates a more traditional look.
DRAPERY WIDTH
Just like determining how high to hang your drapes, determining how wide to position them is also important. A good rule of thumb is to use drapery panels that have a combined width of 2-3 times that of the window and rod to ensure proper fullness. NOTE: The fuller the drapes, the more formal/traditional they will appear, whereas, less full drapes have a more minimalist, contemporary vibe. Our preference is somewhere in between.
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PRO TIP: There are some really great pre-made drape and curtain options out there but if you want the most beautiful overall aesthetic and quality, custom drapes are definitely the way to go. They can be quite an investment, but well worth it. Custom drapes are also a great route if your windows are not a standard shape or size.
So that's our top 3 tips to help you hang drapes the right way. Let us know if this helped you and if you have suggestions for further topics for us to discuss, send us a message. We’d love to hear from you.
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As always, if you're looking for some home furniture and decor inspiration, check out our Home Décor Shop.
And if you’re looking to upgrade your space and take it to the next level, be sure to take the DIY Interior Design Course It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design in your home.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
As always, thanks for reading and happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
In case you missed it……
How High to Hang Lighting in Your Home
Virtual Interior Design Services Update
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
]]>Lighting can be tricky to get right, so we've put together some guidelines for hanging lights in your home.
From chandeliers and pendants to lamps and sconces - lighting can make a big impact on the way you enjoy your home. While the beauty of a fixture makes a statement, how high you hang lighting can determine whether the lighting in your home enhances the way you use a space or causes you frustration because it’s casting undesirable shadows.
Because of this, we’re discussing how high to hang the lights in your home below.
TABLE AND FLOOR LAMPS
Table lamps and floor lamps are the easiest way to add lighting into your space. Not only can they be truly beautiful, but they also play a large role in creating function and ambience.
When placing table lamps and floor lamps, the bottom edge of the shade should be eye level for the person seated for it to cast light in the right spot for reading.
WALL SCONCES
Wall mounted lights are an amazing way to add beauty and functionality to a space in a more unique way. Measuring for wall sconces depends heavily on the user's height and wall dimensions. Here are some guidelines to follow when installing wall-mounted lights.
When hanging around artwork, place the center of the light fixture 60-66" from the floor and 6-18" from your artwork.
When hanging sconces on either side of a bed, the center of the light should be mounted in the center of the nightstand, 6-18" from the headboard and 60-66" from the floor.
PENDANTS & CHANDELIERS
Overhead pendants and chandeliers are one of our favourite ways to add beauty to a home, but they also play a crucial role in lighting spaces such as a kitchen or dining room. Here are some standard rules when hanging these types of fixtures:
When installing pendants over a countertop, ensure there is a 30-40" between the bottom of the fixture and top of the countertop. Make sure there is a minimum of 24" between each pendant and at least 12-24" from the edge of the countertop.
When hanging a chandelier or pendant above a round table, note that the table should be 12-18" larger than the fixture and the light should be hung so that there is 30-36" between the bottom of the fixture and the top of the table.
Likewise, there should be 30-36" between the bottom of the light fixture and the top of a rectangle table. The table should be approximately 12" longer than the fixture on both ends and approximately 6" wider on both sides.
And there you have it. Hopefully, these guidelines help you to feel more confident about installing the lights in your home.
In other news……
I’ve launched a new website! I’m on a mission to help as many people as possible live a happier, more fulfilling life. Expect to see an email that explains more about this next week. In the meantime, if you’re curious, click the image below to check it out.
Ok back to lighting for a sec. If you’d like some lighting inspiration, check out the lighting section in our Home Décor Shop.
And if you’re looking to upgrade your space and take it to the next level, be sure to take the DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design in your home.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
As always, thanks for reading and happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
In case you missed it……
Virtual Interior Design Services Update
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
]]>
There are a few Big Things Happening at Orangetree Interiors.
Watch it here or READ ALL ABOUT IT BELOW
You can follow along on my Val Malnar Instagram or Facebook page to see my personal growth/happiness journey or to just to get to know me a little bit better. I’d love to get to know you more too! ☺
Thanks for stickin’ around to hear the news.
In the meantime, stay well and I hope to see you around IG or FB soon!
To stay up to date with news and more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
Ciao for now,
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS........
How to Style a Beautiful Bed in 5 Easy Steps
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
]]>Making a beautiful bed is an art. As someone who loves my bed (and is dreaming of a new bedroom set one day soon) I've been browsing bedding and it got me thinking that y'all might like some tips on how to make a beautiful bed.
Here are 5 Easy Steps for Styling a Bed Like a Pro…...
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1. CREATE A FOUNDATION WITH SHEETS
Sheets are the foundation of the bed-making process. Although they may not be seen as much as other parts of your bedding, it's important to choose sheets that are high-quality to make your nights rest as comfortable as possible.
Begin by covering the mattress with a fitted sheet then place a flat sheet over the fitted sheet with the finished side facing the fitted sheet. The side with the large hem should be positioned at the headboard. Make sure there is an equal amount of sheet on the left and right side of the bed. Make right-angle corners (aka nurses corners) at the foot of the bed and then tuck in the sheet in on the left, right and bottom of the bed.
This step is optional as you may tend to get hot when you sleep or prefer your bedding to be more minimal. Although, I will say adding a quilt helps amplify the style factor of your bedding and adds that extra layer for coziness and comfort.
Next, place a quilt over the sheets. Make sure the top of the quilt is placed so that the sleeping pillows will not rest on top of it. Fold the flat sheet down over the quilt being careful not to allow the quilt to bunch. The pillows should lay flat without touching the quilt.
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PRO TIP: You may need to tuck the top portion of the sheet in again to keep it looking as seamless as possible.
3. CREATE MAXIMIMUM COMFORT WITH A DUVET
This is one of my favorite steps! Your duvet (or comforter if you prefer) is a major part of your bed. It creates the overall feel for your sleep while the cover provides an opportunity to play with texture, patterns and colour. I always recommend investing in your duvet or comforter to give you the most temperature control and thus maximizing comfort……plus it adds dimension and style for a more beautiful result.
Start by covering a duvet with a duvet cover of your choice. Place it evenly over the sheets and quilt so that both the left and right side of the bed have the same amount of overhang. Fold the covered duvet down so that it is in half. Then pull the top of the duvet back so that it's in thirds. The duvet should now lay flat on the bottom of the bed and also have a stacked portion that is halfway down the bed. The quilt will be revealed above the stacked portion of the duvet cover.
4. INCLUDE A THROW BLANKET FOR FUNCTION & VERSATILITY
This step adds function for the days when you just want something light to cover up with or an extra layer on colder days. Throw blankets also add style and are a low cost, easy way to change up your space when you feel it’s time for an update. (the time where you can customize your bed to have whatever style, look, and feel.You can choose to add colour and pattern with your throw blanket, or you can keep it neutral with minimal colour and varying texture. This is your time to shine…
To add a throw blanket to your bed, fold the blanket in thirds and place it on top of the bottom half of the duvet cover. Tuck any excess blanket under the top portion of the duvet cover and fold if necessary.
5. ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR BED WITH STYLISH PILLOWS
My absolute favourite part of making a beautiful bed is to add stylish pillows. Pillows are an excellent way of incorporating pattern, colour, and texture into a room and truly enhance the overall design. They add character to a space and help make connections with the other furniture and decor throughout the room.
Start by covering your sleeping pillows with pillowcases and place them flat at the head of the bed. Next cover two more sleeping pillows with shams and stack them on top of the first layer of pillows. Then place the decorative pillows facing forward in front of the stacked sleeping pillows. Lastly, place the lumbar pillow centered in front of the pillow arrangement. NOTE: Pillows should be arranged so that the largest pillows are at the back and the smallest pillows and lumbar pillow are in front.
PRO TIP: Check out this post for full details on how to style pillows.
So that’s the gist. These are my top 5 Easy Steps for Making a Beautiful Bed! I hope you found these tips helpful and I hope that styling your bed helps you to feel like you’re getting away for a restful retreat.
If you’d like help with your bedroom design (or any room for that matter) we’d love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
To view some of our projects and learn how clients felt about the services we offer visit our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time, happy bed making. :)
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
My Favourite Coastal Designs for 2022
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Projec
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
]]>
In the spirit of summer and soaking up the sun on sandy beaches, I thought I’d share some of my favourite Coastal designs with you.
If you’ve been following me for a while, it’s no secret that I LOVE the beach. It’s my absolute favourite place to be. I feel so calm, relaxed and peaceful when I’m there. Of course my favourite design style would include coastal elements….I call it Contemporary Coastal with a hint of Farmhouse. BUT for today I’ll be focusing on straight up coastal designs that give me all the feels of a beach getaway.
In no particular order, here are 10 of my favourite Coastal Designs.....
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COZY COASTAL LIVING ROOM
I love this coastal inspired living room by Studio McGee. Its white vertical shiplap is reminiscent of a lake house giving it all the coastal vibes. Pops of blue, green and warm wood textures emulate the natural colours of water, grasses and sand for added authenticity. And comfy seating makes this space oh so cozy.
LAKESIDE KITCHEN
Whether it’s the crisp white cabinets, the beautiful rattan chairs or the statement pendant lighting, this kitchen oozes coastal charm. I love the simplicity of the neutral colour palette with a focus on shape, form and texture to add dimension to this gorgeous kitchen by Pure Salt Interiors.
CONTEMPORARY COASTAL PRIMARY BEDROOM
From the vaulted ceiling to the wood beam details to the poster bed and black window trim, it’s hard to determine what I love most about this stunning Contemporary Coastal design by Leclair Décor. If I had to peg it down, I think I’d say that how all the details enhance each other and come together as a collective is what I love most.
MODERN COASTAL BATHROOM
Ok I love everything about this modern coastal bathroom by Eye for Pretty. Just looking at the photo alone calms me. I love how the beautiful blue/grey vanity colour helps to soften the stark contrast between the white and black details in the space. I also love the use of the gold fixtures and hardware to add warmth and make the room more dynamic. And lastly, perfectly placed plants and décor make this utilitarian space a place to admire and enjoy.
CASUAL COASTAL LIVING ROOM
This bright and airy coastal living room designed by Pure Salt Interiors is right up my ally. Its simple, minimalistic styling is perfect for a busy household that doesn’t like to bother with too much fuss (totally me). Comfy seating paired with cozy poufs and pillows make this a perfect space for the whole family to enjoy. Love it!
TRANSITIONAL COASTAL KITCHEN
I don’t know about you, but I’m immediately drawn to the lighting in this space. I‘m in love with those pandan rope pendants! I love how the textures in the lighting, counter stools and window shades work to connect the breakfast nook and main kitchen area together. I also love how the designer (Mindy Gayer Design) used the black countertop, range hood and single pendant over the dining table to further connect the space. Beautiful.
WEST COAST COASTAL DINING ROOM
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dining room by at Pure Salt Interiors. When it comes to design, I land somewhere in between east coast and west coast coastal. I’m a huge fan of neutrals which is part of the reason I love this space so much, but I also love a minimalist approach with a focus on a few unique details to keep a design interesting. To me, the chairs take the win in this design…..although that dramatic chandelier is definitely a contender. All in all, I’d say it’s pretty perfect.
TRANSITIONAL COASTAL PRIMARY BEDROOM
There’s so much to love in this coastal bedroom design by Studio McGee. This room is filled with character. From the shell chandelier to the wall moulding to the tassels on the bedding and the cane bed and palm pillow, this bedroom embraces all the little details. The coastal art serves as a perfect inspiration piece for the space; I just love how the colour palette relates to everything. A perfect coastal retreat.
EAST COAST COASTAL BATHROOM
East coast coastal design is typically light and bright with shades of blue and turquoise waters infused into the space and this design by Pure Salt Interiors is no different. I love the impact the art and glass vase make against the white shiplap walls. The colours really make a statement in the space, while the wood ceiling beams and rattan lighting add character and a warm and cozy vibe. Gorgeous!
CLASSIC COASTAL OFFICE
Shiplap is such a signature of nautical design. I love how the designer (Driftwood Design) incorporated it into the back of this built-in. Shiplap paired with blues, greens and beiges, as well as beach inspired décor ensure this office emanates true coastal vibes, while the gold picture lights, cabinet hardware and slipcovered office chair add sophistication to the space for a classic coastal design. Simply lovely.
So what do YOU think? Which one of these designs speaks to you the most? Are you more East Coast or West Coast, more casual or traditional? What’s your preferred coastal style?
As I mentioned earlier, mine is Contemporary Coastal with a hint of Farmhouse. You can see some of our designs here. If you’d like help creating your coastal inspired space, please contact us. We’d LOVE to help you!
Check out our virtual interior design services here.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
Until next time, happy sun tanning!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
The #1 Tool to Level Up Your Home Design Project
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
Until next time, happy sun tanning. :)
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Home is the place that you should feel most comfortable, it should function well for your lifestyle and be a representation of who you are as a person and for that reason I developed the DIY Interior Design Course.
Let's take a deeper dive into the DIY Interior Design Course and what it has to offer…
Function & Feel
In this module I teach you the fundamentals of design and what is needed for GOOD interior design. I also show you how to use colour to create the feeling you want for your home so that it reflects your desired vibe.
Branding your Home
Interior design is a way of personalizing your home to your own design aesthetic and lifestyle. In this module I explain the importance of branding your home so that it is uniquely you.
Getting Started
This module provides you with the tools you need to start your project and keep it organized throughout the design process. Some resources include; budget calculators, measuring guides, furniture size and space guidelines and furniture templates and grid paper to assist you with furniture layouts.
Planning
Now that you have the foundation in place, this module teaches you how to tackle your project effectively so that you stay on budget. I also teach you how to create a moodboard so you can visualize how your space will look before you spend any money.
Styling
Styling is one of the most fun (and sometimes daunting) parts of interior decorating projects.
This module is jam packed with guides on how to style coffee tables, bookshelves and console tables, how to coordinate patterns, determine the amount of light required, area rug placement and tips for hanging art and gallery walls, etc.
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Paint
This module teaches you how to pick the PERFECT paint colours for your home. I share my favourite paint colours and how you can ensure the colours you choose for your home are cohesive throughout.
And There's Even Bonuses!
Interested?
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And that's everything…......well, except for the fact that we are now offering an affiliate program for the course. Learn more about the affiliate program here.
If you take the DIY Interior Design Course [and you love it], you can now become an affiliate for the course an earn a commission for any referrals you make for the course.
What previous students are saying….
Not into DIY?
Check out our virtual interior design services. We'd love to help you!
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
And if you’re not quite ready to invest in your home, sign up for our free interior decorating and design inspiration via our Design Tribe.
Or check out some of our latest Like to Know It round ups of our favourite furniture and decor.
That's all for now, hope to see you on the inside of the course!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. For a taste of what to expect in the course, check out my FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
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Well today IT IS because we’re sharing 26 Gift Ideas for Father’s Day in 2022!
NOTE: This blog includes affiliate links. View full disclosure here.
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We’ve compiled 26 Fathers Day gift ideas for all types of dads…… The handyman, the outdoorsman, the sports enthusiast and even the master chef! Let's dive deeper into some of our favorite gift ideas for all the men in our lives!
The Handyman: Fathers Day Gift Guide
The handyman is the type of man who loves to do it himself. He tends to know EXACTLY what needs to be done to fix any situation, and somehow has every tool possible.
Have any car issues? Bring it to him, he’ll take care of it. Need a custom shelf hung at your home? Give him 30 minutes, he’s on his way.
The Handyman loves all things tools and gadgets, dad-humor, and anything that will make their daily projects that much easier… or more fun. Check out our Fathers Day gift guide for the Handyman.
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The Outdoorsman: Fathers Day Gift Guide
The Outdoorsman is always down for any adventure or outdoor excursion. You’ll often catch him outside, surrounding himself in nature in his free time and he loves activities like fishing, hunting, camping, biking, and/or portaging.
The Outdoorsman loves gifts that make his outdoor excursions comfortable and as simple as possible. Check out our Fathers Day gift guide for the Outdoorsman below.
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The Sports Enthusiast: Fathers Day Gift Guide
The Sports Enthusiast is exactly what he sounds like…… He LOVES sports. Whether that be on a team, an individual sport or a combo of the two. You’ll always catch him keeping up with the latest game on the Sports Network or talking about the newest drafted player……. whatever that means. LOL ;)
Whether he loves golf, soccer, basketball or hockey, the Sports Enthusiast loves anything that represents his favorite team or the equipment needed to play the game. See below for our Fathers Day gift ideas for the Sports Enthusiast!
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The Master Chef: Fathers Day Gift Guide
The Master Chef… one of my favorites….because that means I don’t have to cook! I mean who doesn’t love being served a tasty dinner from the grill, a fancy mixed drink or a yummy homemade dessert?
The Master Chef loves to cooking, baking and even mixing cocktails. You’ll often see him at the grill testing out his latest recipe or plating one of his delicious creations.
The perfect gifts for these dads include; bbq tools, recipe books and anything else that makes his passion for cooking/baking/grilling more enjoyable! Check out our Fathers Day gift guide for the Master Chef in the links below.
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So which persona does your dad most resemble? Whichever one (or combination) of enthusiasts he is, there is sure to be something on this list that will fill him with delight. We hope this round-up makes your father’s day shopping easier for the dad, grandad or other fatherly-figure in your life.
Let us know your favourite in the comment section below.
This blog was a little different than what we usually produce so if you’re new around here, you should know that we help busy homeowners design beautiful homes through virtual interior design services, our interior decorating blog and a DIY Interior Design Course.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Our DIY Interior Design Course teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
For free interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
That's all for now, happy shopping and hope you and your loved ones have an amazing Fathers Day!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022 & Three Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
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These lovely clients purchased and moved into their beautiful forever home over last summer. They wanted their entertainment room to be used for relaxing with each other, playing games and generally having fun with family and friends.
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THE WISHLIST
- Maximize seating space without overcrowding
- Incorporate as much storage possible
- Comfortable couches for movie nights and family time
- Completely furnish the space
- Make it feel welcoming
Before we got our hands on this project, our clients had already done a few renovations to the space. They installed beautiful flooring, custom built-in cabinetry, a new fireplace, a fresh coat of paint and a new chandelier. While they loved their new entertainment space, they felt their furniture wasn’t quite right for it and they wanted everything to be cohesive and functional while feeling warm and welcoming.
Our first objective was to source two super comfy sofas. These clients love watching movies together as a family so loungey, comfortable furniture was an absolute must.
Before the pandemic, our clients would often host gatherings in their home. Hopeful that those days would soon return, they wanted plenty of seating and storage so their entertainment room would be comfortable for all and as clutter-free as possible.
We chose to add an upholstered storage bench perfect for storing away toys, two upholstered storage ottomans for loose items and two storage baskets for their blankets and throw pillows. We also added bar stools for additional seating while playing pool or darts.
To keep the entertainment room feeling relaxed, we opted to take a minimalist approach with decorating. We focused on using plants, personal photos and books, as well as some functional décor to add personality and character to the space.
To further enhance the casual vibe in the entertainment room, we chose a neutral colour palette infused with earthy blues, greens as well as nature-inspired art. Then we added cozy textures and natural materials where possible to ensure the space felt approachable and welcoming.
We love how this entertainment space came to life. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, we created a cozy and welcoming space for family & friends to enjoy.
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If you need help creating your coastal-inspired space we’d love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
Searching for paint colours? Click here to get 20 expertly curated paint colour schemes.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
As always, thanks for following along. Until next time, happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Some of Our Faves!
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
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As we reach the middle of May, summer is just an arms reach away so you know what that means…….. time to make some tweaks to our home decor to reflect the season.
To be honest, I’m pretty frugal by nature (and my hubby is even more so), so I like to keep summer decorating pretty simple. In my home you might see more plants and flowers or summer coloured/themed pillows, but I keep my personal summer decor fairly modest. I typically transition to creating a beautiful outdoor space perfect for entertaining and soaking up the sunshine! With that said, here are some of the best Decor Ideas for Summer 2022 + Some of Our Favorite Summer Decor for 2022.
DISCLAIMER: This post includes affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
1. USE NATURE’S COLOUR PALETTE
Whether inside or out, summer is all about freshness and sunny days so we don’t want to dull the spirit of summer with a lack of colour. For my neutral-lovers out there, don’t fret, there's plenty of ways to add a pop of colour without fully committing. Trust me, I’m the same way. :)
Consider covering your decorative pillows with a lighter fabrics (water resistant if for outside) with a nautical stripe pattern or using covers with a pop of blue, yellow, green or sandy beige to imitate summer’s natural colour palette. You can also incorporate colour via vases, pots, plants and flowers.
PRO TIP: Click here for 3 Awesome Tips for Styling Throw Pillows.
2. INCORPORATE NATURAL ELEMENTS
During the summer months, I like to have my interior reflect the outside environment. My favorite way to do this is by adding natural elements such as wood elements, natural fabrics, and natural colors into my home.
You can do this by swapping out your dining room rug for a jute rug, or incorporating natural wood decor elements such as wooden dough bowls and cheese boards.
3. CREATE A LIGHT & AIRY VIBE
Summer is the perfect time to lighten up your space, not only with lighter fabrics, but with colours too. One of my favorite ways to lighten up a space is to paint it a white or off-white color to reflect the natural light. This makes your space bright and airy, which is reminiscent of the season. Click here to see Our Favourite White Paint Colours. To take it to the next level and lighten up your home even more, exchange your heavy linens on your bed and sofa for light fabrics such as linen or cotton.
4. ADD PLANTS & FLOWERS
One of the best parts of summertime is all of the fresh florals and greenery - which obviously leads me to my next summer decor idea. Add plants and flowers wherever you can to make your space feel alive!
PRO TIP: Add plants and florals in your desired colour palette and add just one arrangement with an unexpected pop of colour to add interest to your space. For more tips check out our post on How to Decorate with Plants.
Whenvever possible it’s best to use live plants. However, there are some truly beautiful faux plants on the market if you don’t have a green thumb. Here are some of our favourite plants and flowers to decorate with for summer.
5. PREP THE PATIO
Summer calls for hanging out with friends and family outdoors and having a patio decorated for summer creates a wonderful environment to make memories in. If you don’t have any patio furniture or need some tips on how to decorate your outdoor space, check out our article on 7 Simple Ways to Decorate your Patio for Summer.
Some of the best ways to prep your patio is adding potted plants, mood lighting, and a cozy place to sit! You can add moody lighting in different ways, but some of our favorite ways are with lanterns, string lights or fire tables.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
6. EMULATE THE BEACH
There's no better time than summer to experiment with a coastal or beach decor. Coastal inspired interiors are my fave because there remind me of my favourite place to be, at my favourite time of year…..summer (I think that’s pretty clear by now:).
To bring in a beachy, coastal theme into your home start with a white base and add natural materials such as jute, linen, cotton natural, light-toned woods, cane, etc. Choose a colour palette reminiscent of the beach and bring the outdoors in with plenty of plants and flowers.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
So there you have it, six Summer Decor Ideas for 2022 + Our Favourite Summer Decor to help you create the look. I hope these tips help you transform your home into a summertime retreat. Be sure to show us on Instagram or Facebook if you used any of our tips by using the #OTIsummerdecor!
If you need help creating your coastal-inspired space we’d love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
Good luck creating your summer retreat. Until next time, happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
Family-Friendly Living Room Reveal
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022 & Three Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
Colour of the Year 2022 & How to Use it in Your Home [Sherwin Williams]
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Before the refresh, our living room was a space that didn’t actually get much use since we spend most of our time in our great room. However, it’s at the front of our house and is the first room you see when entering our home so I really wanted to update it to be more aligned with our tastes. Since furniture is such an investment, our living room stayed dark and dank for much longer than we wanted it to but now that we’ve finally made some significant improvements I wanted to share them with you.
First….and please no judgement ☺…..here’s how our living room was decorated when we first moved into our house 12 years ago.
I know, it’s pretty intense, but at the time we couldn’t justify replacing furniture that was still in great condition.
Fast forward almost 12 years and now and we are in a better position to invest on sprucing up this tired space.
SO……I went to work to create a concept design that felt a lot brighter and more aligned with my favourite design style which is contemporary coastal with a hint of farmhouse. The goal was to create a family-friendly-space that looked refined but was approachable and while feeling cozy, comfortable and relaxing.
Below is the concept design for the space. Here’s what I did to create a family-friendly cozy contemporary coastal living room.
The result isn’t EXACTLY what I wanted due to rising costs and shipping delays related to the pandemic, but I got pretty darn close. I'll update the coffee table and side tables over time. In the meantime, I’m sharing how far the transformation has come so far.
Drumroll please!...........here’s how our Family-Friendly Contemporary Coastal Living Room turned out.
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So whattaya think? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.
If you need help creating your family-friendly or cozy contemporary coastal space we’d love to help you. Check out our virtual interior design services.
See some of our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Or if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, take our DIY Interior Design Course. It teaches our entire design process step-by-step so you can execute a beautiful design without wasting time or making costly mistakes.
For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, happy decorating!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
The Best White Paint Colours For Your Home in 2022
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022 & Three Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
Colour of the Year 2022 & How to Use it in Your Home [Sherwin Williams]
]]>Today we’re talking about the Top 10 Best White Paint Colours for Your Home in 2022.
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White paint colours have a high LRV (light reflectance value) which means they reflect a lot of light and therefore the appearance of the colour can change depending on the time of day and the amount of natural and artificial lighting in your home. Because of this, choosing white paint colours is a little more complicated than it should be. In addition, white paint colours often have undertones that can add to the nervousness some people experience when choosing the right white for their home.
We're going to try to make this a little easier for folks by sharing our favourite white paint colours to design with and why we love them so much.
THE BEST WHITE PAINT COLOURS BY BENJAMIN MOORE
Chantilly Lace | OC-65 | Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace is a crisp, bright white with a subtle hint of blue in its undertone. It's perfect as a wall colour in coastal-inspired interiors or as a cabinetry, trim and door colour in almost any home. Out of all our favourite white paint colours, Chantilly Lace is the white paint colour we use most often in our designs.
Source | Cabinetry Colour
White Dove | OC-17 | Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's White Dove is a classic off-white for those who want to add a little warmth into their space without the overpowering warm undertones. When paired with other colours, its soft yellowish undertone offers a beautiful contrast and a cozy, comforting vibe.
Source | Cabinetry Colour
Oxford White | CC-30 | Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's Oxford White is a muted white that isn't warm or cool and isn't bright or subdued. It's a simple white that's a great option for folks that prefer a white that doesn't stand out. Use Oxford White as a wall colour or on trim, doors and cabinetry.
Source | Cabinetry Colour
White Heron | OC-57 | Benjamin Moore
Similar to Oxford White, Benjamin Moore's White Heron is a white that let's other paint colours take center stage. White Heron is a bit brighter than Oxford White and its undertone is just a hint warmer. White Heron is a very versatile white that can be used on walls, cabinetry, doors and trim.
Source | Wall and Cabinetry Colour
Cloud White | CC-40 | Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's Cloud White is a classic, warm white paint colour that is extremely popular among homeowners. Cloud White is light and bright with a hint of yellow in its undertone which makes it feel warm and inviting. We recommend Cloud White for trim, doors and cabinetry.
Source | Cabinetry Colour
High Reflective White | SW2257 | Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' High Reflective White is about one of the truest white paint colours you can get. It has a bright and airy vibe and doesn't seem to pick up any notable undertones making it super versatile. High Reflective White is great for any area of the home and is our second most often recommended white paint colour here at Orangetree Interiors.
Source | Door and Trim Colour
Alabaster | SW7008 | Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster is a soft, warm white. Unlike Chantilly Lace and High Reflective White, Alabaster is not a bright white, but rather a light, cozy white. It's great in any area of the home, but at Orangetree Interiors we find we typically recommend it for cabinetry when a countertop or backsplash has yellow or beige undertones in it because the paint colour pairs so well with warmer tones.
Source | Wall Colour
Pure White | SW7005 | Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Pure White is a light white paint colour that is subdued rather than bright. Pure White has a soft, grey undertone and therefore works really well with wood, tile or stone that has cooler undertones. We recommend Pure White for trim, doors and cabinetry.
Source | Wall Colour
Snowbound | SW7004 | Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound is the perfect white with a neutral grey undertone, making it a perfect go-to for contemporary interiors. This colour gives the appearance of a true white but its slight grey undertone gives the colour more dimension.
Source | Wall Colour
Greek Villa | SW7551 | Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Greek Villa is a bright and gently warm white that is a classic for home interiors. We recommend Greek Villa for walls, cabinetry, trim and doors.
And there you have it; our the Top 10 best white paint colours for your home according to Orangetree Interiors. We hope you can use this article as a guide and inspiration to help you pick the right whites for your home. If you’d be interested in hearing about some of our other favourite paint colours, let us know in the comments. And if you’re still nervous to select the best white paint colour for your home, check out our Virtual Paint Consult service; we’d love to help you!
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For more interior decorating and design inspiration, join our Design Tribe.
And for the DIYers out there, check out our online interior design course; it teaches our entire interior decorating process from start to finish in a self-paced, user-friendly format.
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
Or if you prefer a more hands off approach, check out our virtual interior design services. See our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Thanks so much for reading and happy painting!
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
OTHER TOPICS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU........
20 Ways to Create a Happy Home [Even in Hard Times]
7 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home for Spring in 2022
Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022 & Three Paint Colour Schemes for Your Home
Colour of the Year 2022 & How to Use it in Your Home [Sherwin Williams]
2022 Interior Design Trends you Need to Know About
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Creating a happy home is about more than just decor. It's about the energy and good vibes you feel when you walk through the door. It's where your family eats and sleeps, where you entertain your friends and the place you are your most authentic self.
Here are some practical tips for creating a happy home that feels welcoming, nurturing and comfortable……even in hard times.
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1. PLAY MUSIC
The first thing that comes to mind for me when thinking about how to create a happy home is music. Whether, I'm cleaning or cooking, visiting with friends or having a dance party with the kids, I LOVE listening to music. It totally gets me in a high vibe mood that makes me feel happy. Here are a few of my favourite playlists to vibe to:
Morning Routine
Work
Dinner Party
Hanging Out
Cottage
Feeling Nostalgic
Old School Dance Party
2. CREATE A WELCOMING ENTRY
The first thing you see when you arrive at home should be inviting and feel safe. An entry is a perfect place to start making small design changes that will have a big impact on your mood. Feature a beautiful console table, a plant, flowers, art or decor and keep in mind storage for items like shoes, keys and bags so that clutter isn't the first thing that greets you when you walk in. The idea is to curate your entry space with items that are functional, beautiful and make you happy.
3. CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER
A messy home can cause stress and make you feel overwhelmed. Putting things away will give you a sense of control of your life, even if it’s just for a little while. Take a look at the things that are cluttering up your home and ask yourself what it’s doing there and if it has a purpose. If the answer is no, then toss it out, sell it or donate it to someone in need. If the answer is yes, find a more permanent spot for the item so that your home is more organized.
4. USE COLOUR TO CREATE A DESIRED FEELING
The colours you choose for your home can have a great impact on your mood and therefore it's important to choose them carefully. Generally speaking, warm colours often have an uplifting effect and can be used to create a sense of coziness in a room, while cool colours tend to feel more calm and relaxing. Here's a quick reference to help you determine which colours you should decorate your home with.
Design: Orangetree Interiors | Photography: Simply Curate Co
5. ADD LIFE WITH PLANTS
Whether it’s a bouquet of fresh flowers or a beautiful planter with a favorite plant inside, bringing nature into your home can make it feel more happy and alive. You can even try growing your own herbs for cooking or succulents if you don’t have the best green thumb. Plants also have health benefits including improving air quality, reducing stress and increasing productivity and creativity.
Design: Orangetree Interiors | Photography: Simply Curate Co
6. CREATE COMFORT WITH PERSONAL ITEMS
To help foster that feeling of peace and serenity in your home, it's important to try to create a space that reflects your personality. From photos of family members and friends to treasured artifacts from past trips, displaying items that remind you of happy memories can go a long way toward creating a happy home.
Design: Orangetree Interiors | Photography: Simply Curate Co
7. INCORPORATE MOTIVATIONAL ART
Motivational art is a great way to keep you in the right mindset. The right piece of art can kickstart your day and really set the tone for your mood and attitude. The art you choose should make you feel good and doesn't necessarily have to be an image. It could be a child’s scribble, a quote or song lyric that's meaningful to you. Be creative.
8. APPEAL TO THE SENSES
Scent is another great way to create a happy home. Using candles or other scented items in your home can help create a vibe that makes you feel relaxed and at ease. I like to use essential oils along with a diffuser. This allows me to mix and match scents to create something unique which is especially fun around the holidays.
9. USE LAYERED LIGHTING TO CREATE AMBIANCE
One of my favourite ways to create ambiance in a home is with lighting. The idea is to ensure that there are several different sources of light in every room. For example, if a room only has one ceiling light, consider adding dimmable lights for performing tasks and lamps, sconces or candles to create the ambiance your desire in your home.
10. LET THE SUNSHINE IN
It’s amazing what a difference natural light can make in your home. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to more natural light tend to be happier and more productive than those who aren’t. Choose window coverings that can be pulled right away from the window when fully open. Roller shades, blinds and drapes are perfect for taking advantage of as much natural light as possible.
11. BE PRESENT
One of the easiest ways to create a happy home is by being fully present. This means being mindful of the way you interact with your phone and other devices when at home. It's easy to fall into a scroll hole when relaxing at home, but it's important to put devices down and give full attention to whatever you're doing with your family. Touch is also super important for feeling loved/happy, so make sure to be affectionate with your loved ones.
12. CREATE EXPERIENCES
Creating experiences is one of the best ways to create a happy home. You can do this by hosting dinner parties, BBQs or game nights to name just a few. Experiences are great because they are living memories that will be cherished forever while also making your home a happier place to be.
13. ESTABLISH FAMILY RITUALS
Another great way to create a happy home is to establish family rituals. These may include daily habits such as eating dinner together as a family or weekly traditions such as taco Tuesday, Friday movie night or Sunday brunch. Family rituals help strengthen the bond between parents and children and contribute to the overall sense of well-being in a home.
14. FIND WAYS TO LAUGH
Laughing is a great way to feel happy in your home. Watch funny movies or shows on TV, play games that make you laugh or simply find time to tell stories and joke with family and friends. Laughter is contagious so when you hear the sound of others laughing you'll find yourself laughing as well.
Some of our favourite games to play are:
Kids Against Humanity
Cranium
Taboo
15. DON’T OVERWORK YOURSELF (I need to implement this better myself!)
Even though many of us work from home now, it's important not to work too much. Make an effort to separate the different parts of your life. It will help you maintain a healthier balance in your life, thus making your home life happier.
Design: Orangetree Interiors | Photography: Simply Curate Co
16. GET YOUR REST
It's impossible to feel happy if you're exhausted all of the time. Make sure that you're getting enough sleep every night. When you're well-rested, you're more likely to be in better spirits throughout the day.
17. MAKE YOUR BED
Adm. McRaven said, "As a Navy SEAL, I learned the value of making my bed every morning. It was part of the routine that helped me stay focused and prepared for anything that might happen during the day. Making my bed first thing in the morning is something small I can do each day to set myself up for success, and it carries over into other parts of my life." (Noted. I will work on this. :)
18. ESTABLISH A MEDITATION SPACE
A happy home is a place where you can express yourself freely and feel comfortable in your own skin. Achieving this level of comfort takes effort and practice, but establishing a meditation space in your home can certainly help. Meditation reduces stress and anxiety and increases focus and mental clarity, which improves your overall quality of life. Create a dedicated meditation space in your home. It doesn't need to be large - even a corner will do.
19. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Start a gratitude practice as part of your daily routine. You can make this as simple or complex as you want. Keep it simple by making a point to stop at the door each evening, then recount three things you're grateful for about your day or about your life in general. Or make it more complex by keeping a gratitude journal or incorporating gratitude into your morning meditation practice. When you do this regularly, over time, gratitude will seep into every area of your life.
20. STOP COMPARING YOUR HOME TO OTHERS
Comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare your home to others, it creates a sense of inadequacy. Your home isn't a magazine ad, it's real life. Your home should be a reflection of who you are as a person, and it should make you feel good when you come home each day. Be intentional about creating a space that makes you happy.
It's been said that the home is where the heart is. Obviously, this isn't just about aesthetics or design. A home is a place where you come to to feel safe and loved, no matter what challenges may be waiting for you elsewhere in life. To me, a true happy home epitomizes comfort, safety, love and warmth. I hope you these insights help you to create a happy home that feels like it was made just for you.
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If you'd like more help decorating your home, check our our online interior design course; it teaches my entire interior decorating process from start to finish in a user friendly format you will enjoy!
And make sure to visit our furniture and home decor shop to see some of our favourite pieces for you to include in your own home designs.
Or if you prefer a more hands off approach, check out our virtual interior design services. See our projects and how clients felt about the services we offer via our portfolio here and testimonials here.
Sending you and your loved ones SO much love.
Certified Interior Decorator, eDesigner & Founder
Orangetree Interiors
P.S. Painting your house any time soon? Get our FREE Perfect Paint Colour Checklist & Coordinating Paint Colours Guide!
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