|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
It's cold outside and it's been a while
since we've seen those glorious days of summer heat and sunshine.
If you are anything like me, you just want to curl up inside
with a nice fire and a cozy throw. Let's change our home's interior
to help create that cozy mood until spring arrives again. Consider
the following for your home: |
|
|
DO dress your home in winter
fashions. Swap lightweight cushions and window dressings for
covers and fabrics that are thick, fluffy or cuddly to the touch.
Think about patterns and rich textures and embrace the warm
side of the colour palette - gold and rust and red! |
|
|
DO consider re arranging your
room. You might even embrace a different focal point that draws
attention away from the cold outdoors. It doesn't have to be
expensive… you could simply add a small electric fireplace
from your local building supply store for instant atmosphere! |
|
|
DO soften the lighting in your
room by adding lamps with a warm cast. Minimize the use of harsh
light. |
|
|
DO change your accessories.
Layer rich throws with your toss cushions. Add candles. Purchase
fresh flowers. Swap your silver metallic accessories for warmer
gold and bronze.
|
|
|
DO paint or wallpaper an accent
wall to make the room feel cozy. |
|
Now, just relax and enjoy! |
|
|
|
 |
|
1.
|
Subway tile continues popular
especially in white. Extend floor to ceiling or add a splash
of bold technicolour tile to update the look |
|
2.
|
Geometrics continue with focus
on hexagons and zigzag forms |
|
3.
|
Birds are soaring into popularity…on
fabrics, accessories and artwork |
|
4.
|
Metallics this year are bronze
and weathered gold |
|
5.
|
Personalize your space with
exotic accessories from your travels |
|
6.
|
Weathered wood, reclaimed barn-board
plus salvaged items continue the nod to being green |
|
7.
|
Distress your furniture and
finish with the new chalk paint to transform your pieces into
that vintage look |
|
8.
|
High gloss black on trim and
doors still work well in 2012. Try chocolate brown for a softer
transition when using the warm side of the palette |
|
9.
|
Highlight those ceilings…
coffered ceilings create interest and play with shadows. Wallpaper
also a good option |
|
10.
|
Acid yellow, emerald green provide
that strong hit of colour. Charcoal and silver grey continue
as neutrals. Amethyst and pink are increasing in use |
 |
| |
Pot light chandeliers !! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We don't fully appreciate it until we consider
the application of colour in a specific context like decorating
and then the vast range available can make choosing the perfect
colour intimidating. Interior decorating experts can give
confidence and pull it altogether when implementing the rules
and guidelines of colour.
Responses to colour are instinctive as well
as learned and we respond with our emotions, each of us in
our own individual way. While colour preferences are personal
and should reflect your likes and dislikes when used in your
home, there are some general guidelines that can help in choosing
the perfect colour(s) for your space.
|
|
| Blue is not an intrusive colour and pushes
back the boundaries of a room. From the cool side of the colour
wheel it often has a calming and serene influence and is therefore
perfect for any room in the home where these emotions are sought.
|
|
|
 |
Green never dominates another colour which
means it is one of those colours that never seems to become
tiresome. It can be both relaxing or invigorating depending
upon how and where it is applied. Common to many areas of the
home including bathrooms and kitchens we often associate green
with nature as well as health. |
|
| The colour of the sun, Yellow is associated
with warmth and inspiration. When choosing Yellow, I recommend
caution as it has light giving properties - bouncing back the
light. The colour can often be more intense than anticipated,
particularly in a south or west exposure and can be unflattering.
When paired with wood it mellows. Use it any room where you
wish to welcome guests with a cheery attitude - offices, breakfast
nooks, entry halls or conservatories. It warms up an eastern
or northern exposure. It is a great backdrop for darker furnishings
and works well in clutterfree rooms. |
|
|
 |
Orange is another colour associated with warmth
because many of us think of fire and sunsets. An energetic colour
in its pure form it can be overpowering but when used wisely
can be dramatic as an accent wall, accessories or to cozy up
a corner as it will make a large space feel smaller. Alternatively
used as a pale hue such as coral or terracotta it lends therapeutic
calming qualities. Orange moves quickly from its pure tone into
brown which is being used as a neutral: Earthy and comforting
brown pairs well with shiny or metallic surfaces. Alone, brown
makes rooms more casual and can be paired with textured baskets,
leather and stone finishes. |
|
| Red captures our attention and is impactful
as a design tool. It is uncompromising in its dominance of other
colours. We associate red with passion and vitality and it has
a stimulating impact so is successful used in rooms where we
entertain (red is believed to stimulate the appetite) or where
we need energy such as offices and recreation rooms. Red looks
excellent in low candlescent light or firelight. |
|
|
 |
Deep shades of Violet can be associated with
power and prestige while pale shades invite us to think of spring
and renewal. Uncommon as a colour choice until recently we've
seen it in a broad spectrum of tones in 2009 and I anticipate
it will continue as a trend colour through 2010. Feminine when
used in the pale tones, stimulating like red when used in more
intense tones and in its darkest tones leading into black it
can be used effectively in both private and public spaces. |
|
| Neutrals include gray, beige, taupe, creams
and browns. Neutrals act as an effective background for furnishings
and fixtures and is gentler than white bringing warmth to cool
rooms. To ensure rooms don't become boring I suggest neutrals
be paired with colours or a mix of patterns and textures to
provide interest and a focal point. |
|
|
 |
White in its pure form is the combination
of all colours and black is the absence of colour. Used in equal
proportion in your room the result is invigorating and dramatic.
A great example is the classic checkered floor. Used alone,
both present some design challenges and I recommend an expert
opinion before you start. Black grounds a room and is a great
design tool. White is often associated with cleanliness and
hygiene and expands a room. The more you see, the more the room
expands. |
|
| Look around, colour is everywhere in every
shade. Don't be afraid to try a little colour in your space.
After all, a can of paint is just a can of paint and can easily
be changed. At Jane's Inspired Interiors we welcome the opportunity
to choose a colour palette for your space. Contact us for a
colour consultation and we'll help "lead your way home". |
|
|
|
 |
|
Textures and pattern soften
the edges and add interest to your home and there is something
personal and special about a room that combines pattern successfully.
The room simply looks more inviting. Many of us fear getting
it wrong so we often play it safe and decorate with minimal
pattern combinations. I encourage you to take the plunge and
mix up your patterns with a few tricks that will increase
your chance of success.
 In
more formal public spaces like the living room "simple"
works well and allows you to showcase artwork and draw attention
to your focal point with minimal distractions. Keep pattern
quiet and use textures for interest. The dining room
is normally used in the evenings so a bit more use of pattern
is suggested in fabric selections.
Kitchen counters can provide
some pattern but most of the walls are devoted to cabinetry
so a mix of texture and pattern can be welcome. Use texture
and pattern in your backsplash and in the fabric on benches,
chairs or stools.
Bedrooms provide an opportunity
for you to create a mood all your own. The amplitude of pattern
and texture changes depends upon the use of the room. Do you
use it primarily at night or in the day as well? Consider
the use before choosing your pattern.
Powder rooms and baths offer
an opportunity for experimentation as they are used for short
periods of time and much of the space is dedicated to fixtures.
Be bold and adventurous!
In addition to the room, consider these
general guidelines before making your selections:
|
|
|
Fabric can be expensive so request
samples or purchase small swatches to create a mood board first.
The largest swatch on your board should be the fabric choice
you will use the most working into smaller swatches for items
like toss cushions. Also include your paint colours to give
you a broader perspective. |
|
|
Talk to your local fabric store professional
about whether the textile company has created a collection of
prints that are complimentary. It will eliminate some of the
guesswork if you use a couple of the fabrics from the collection. |
|
|
Furniture scale matters. A small item
shouldn't be covered in a repetitive large pattern. |
|
|
Consider your existing patterns before
new purchases. A carpet or area rug can really influence pattern
because it covers a large space. It is wise to start with this
pattern in your design scheme should you have carpet. Alternately,
if many of your upholstered pieces are solid or minimal pattern
it is probably time to introduce more bold textures and patterns
for interest. |
|
|
Combining patterns personalizes a look
and provides depth. Keep in mind combined patterns should share
a similar feel, theme or colour for harmony. |
|
|
When combining pattern consider the
balance between patterns…
-
If you love pattern: Mix it up
with 1 signature pattern plus 1 damask plus
1 stripe or geometric or plaid plus 1 small
scale print. You could add another layer of interest
by using textured fabrics.
-
For those not quite so bold: start with
1 signature pattern plus 1 stripe or geometric
or plaid plus 1 small scale print.
-
For those who love subtle, quiet spaces
use solids with your single signature pattern.
Make sure you use the signature pattern in at least 3
places in the room and change the texture of your solid
fabrics
|
|
|
A formal fabric blends well with a
different formal fabric and may not always work with something
more casual. |
|
|
Don't overdue pattern in a small space.
It can be overwhelming. The eye requires a bit of visual relief
and makes the use of pattern more pleasing. Alternately, too
many small scale patterns get lost in a large room. |
|
Show me your choices by sending me photos
of your mood boards or your newly styled rooms! |
|
|
|
|
Floor
Plans 101
|
|
Have you ever decided the floor plan
of your room by just pushing your furniture around?? Good
news! If you follow a few basic instructions before pushing
around that furniture, you can visualize your room in a variety
of layouts without the heavy lifting! Here's how…
 Begin
by measuring your room's dimensions and draw it to scale on
a piece of graph paper. It usually works well if you use one
square for each foot. Don't forget to add cross section lines
to your drawing where the windows and doors are configured
and include any permanent items like built in shelving and
fireplaces.
Take the width, depth and length measurements
of the larger furnishings including items such as sofas, chairs,
tables, desks etc. Draw them to scale on a separate piece
of graph paper and cut out the shapes. Just the basic shape
is fine… you don't have to be an artist for this to be
effective. If you haven't purchased the furniture yet, visit
your favourite store with a tape measure for furniture you
like. Or go online where the dimensions might be included
as part of the specifications sheet. Cut out the dimensions
of the furniture you like.
Next consider how your room is used
and the normal flow of traffic through the room. Experiment
with different furniture arrangements by placing the shapes
onto the floor plan. Here are a few tips:
- Rooms need a focal point. It might
be a fireplace or a large window or a striking piece of
artwork. Consider the placement of the natural focal point
in your room and arrange the furniture to enhance it.
- Don't forget to include items for
more comfortable "living" such as tables for drinks
and ottomans for less formal seating.
- Consider your style. Do you like
symmetrical pairings and traditional furniture? A traditional
floor placement will suit your style best. Minimize angles
and oddities.
- Not all furniture should be placed
against a wall. Moving some furniture (or all) away from
the wall will create a more intimate atmosphere and easier
conversation areas.
Keep changing the items in your plan
until you find the one that suits your needs and the natural
flow. Make sure you aren't blocking doorways with your arrangement.
Voila! You have your new floor plan.
Finally, a few more tips:
|
|
|
Do you need to layer in an area rug
or purchase additional items to make the room better suited
to its function?. |
|
|
Consider the scale and proportion of
your plan. Is your furniture's scale in proportion to the room? |
|
|
Consider the accessories… too
many items will make even a well planned room feel crowded.
It might be the perfect time to edit those accessories. |
|
|
And lastly, let me know how your room
plan works!!! |
|
|
