Turning Blue...

(Above photo: source unknown)

I have never been one to become fixated on a colour or colour scheme. Yet slowly, ever so slowly, shades of blue have infiltrated nearly each and every one of the rooms in my home. Although I don't set out to continue to expand on this palette, I find myself naturally gravitating to objects and fabrics in shades of aqua, especially when it is paired with orange, bright yellow, or reds. Try as I might, I have never been able to fully embrace bold colour in my own home, instead seeking out quieter colour - perhaps to balance out the tempo of our family life. The right colour calms me, just as zestier shades energize me. I believe the colours we choose to dress ourselves in and adorn our homes with tells a lot about us. Lucky for you, I'm not so deep as to attempt that self-analysis. Because really, does it matter why I love watery blues so much? I think these photos provide reason enough...!

source: pietboon.com

source: windsorsmith.com

source: katrincargill.com

photographer: Jean Allsopp


Has your colour crush remained the same?

Pink and Beige/ beige and blue, could they be the perfect hue?

image: Coastal Living.com

image: Garnet Hill.com

Blue and brown, pink and brown, everywhere you turn around.

Although these colour combos are being shrugged off and touted as becoming passé in the design world, they are not going anywhere in the homes of everyday homeowners. From bedding, to wall paper, fabric and pillows, these colour combinations are flying off the shelves. While they are getting a bit tired, they continue to enjoy immense popularity. They are, if you will, the "Rachel cut" of the decorating world.

image: Better Homes and Gardens.com

I think a fresh take on these pretty pairings calls for a softening of the shades. Peony pink and gray-blues with cool beiges make for a lovely alternative, and satisfies our hunger for the contrast we have grown to love, coupled with the freshness of colour that soothes our over-stimulated senses.

image: House to Home.com

Jaded we (the everyday homeowner) are not. When it's good, it's good - we'll take it and make it work.

image: Raphael Designs.com

We just might tone it down a few notches, is all...and beige can be the new brown!

Bigger and better Bathrooms.

Bathrooms are one of the toughest areas to address when I do
consultations for clients. They are easy to stage for sale, but making one pretty for living,without doing expensive renos, is more challenging. A lot of the time, the bathrooms in many homes have wood vanities with very traditional door profiles, tiles tend to look a bit dated and they often have those large strip lighting bars over the builder basic mirrors. Some people are opposed to doing much in the way of painting the cabinetry as they think-small space, why bother. Even though kitchens are much more work, people are more open to making changes and updates as it is a much viewed room. However, the second most used room in a home by your guests is the bathroom. Therefore, it should reflect the style in the rest of your home. With the new trend towards spa style in bathrooms, why not borrow a little of that aesthetic and bring in some "light " and freshness to this vital room.
My top recommendations for updating your bathroom are: 1. paint out those cabinets to white or a shade compatible to it (the color of most toilet/sink/tub combos) 2. Add new hardware to the cabinetry in a metal finish that complements the finish on your taps and lighting fixtures 3. add a beautiful shower curtain. If you are afraid of pattern, select one in a white waffle or diamond weave reminiscent of hotel style 4. install a wow sink faucet and vanity lighting fixture. Go for vintage styles that will never go out of style. 5. Get rid of mats- make that toilet lid covers, plush bath mats, etc. Less is always more in a bathroom 6. Accessorize with style. Apothecary jars (which you can pick up at the Dollar Store) filled with cotton balls, soaps, or q-tips look attractive but not distracting 7. Add substantial moulding trim to your flat mirror or purchase a new one. Bevelled edged mirrors in interesting shapes can be found at Kent, Home Depot, even Canadian Tire (thanks Debbie Travis!) for approx. $50 8. Avoid fussy window treatments. Bathroom windows tend to be short and squat and require only privacy dressing (i.e. white faux wood blinds look great as do plantation shutters) 9. I buy only white towels for my towel bars. They are bleachable and never clash with your colour scheme 10. Last but not least, consider hanging a chandelier in your bathroom. It looks luxurious and makes you feel quite decadent as you lie soaking in your tub looking up at it.
Have fun updating your bathroom. After all, it is not only our guests who see it in all its glory. Pretty it up and have fun with it!
** my bathroom is the top right photo with the medicine chest- a real bargain from Canadian Tire...I got it for $60 (reg. $100). It looks just like the ones in Restoration Hardware! The pedestal sink was purchased at Home Hardware for $220. I love getting high end looks for less!!!