Create Fireplace Envy with Electric Fireplaces

Warming up inside in this cold windy weather can easily be done with the addition of a fireplace.  What better way to get that cozy feeling in practically any room?  And of course you can't deny the ambiance it gives to a room....... 



stylishfireplaces.ca

After determining which room you would like to add a fireplace to, the next consideration becomes what type of fireplace is your best option?  -  wood burning, gas or electric?  Since most of us are already familiar with the wood burning and gas model fireplaces, in this post I will explore the electric fireplace option.  I met with Jeanne Grier from Stylish Fireplaces.  Jeanne was kind enough to hold a seminar to educate myself and some collegues about the latest in electric fireplaces.  She deals exclusively with them and so is naturally an expert on the subject.

stylishfireplaces.ca

Who wouldn't enjoy a relaxing soak beside this travertine fireplace?

First I need to mention that electric fireplaces have come a long way from those available in years past.  They can fit any style, from traditional to ultra modern.  Another benefit is the fireplace can be operated with just the flame for ambiance, or both heat and flame. 

Not only do electric fireplaces look much more realistic than before, they are extremely energy efficient. YES energy efficient - I know people perceive them to be the most expensive to run, but in actuality they are not.  At most they cost 16 cents an hour at maximum capacity.   When using the 'flame only' option it drops to a mere 3 cents an hour.  In comparison, gas fireplaces cost between 20 - 40 cents an hour depending on the BTU's. 

stylishfireplaces.ca

A major advantage of an electric is that they can be installed almost anywhere.  They have zero clearance which means the surrounding area does not need to be fireproof.  This is also why they can so easily be incorporated into beautifully built media cabinets. 

stylishfireplaces.ca

This is a great way to keep a nice clean look in your family room.  The media cabinet below has storage spaces in the panels above and beside the actual unit.  The top panel which houses the cable converter, vcr or bluray player has been designed so that the remote will still function while the door remains closed.  This is possible due to the plexiglass front panel.

stylishfireplaces.ca

 

 

 

Here are some more transitional and traditional design ideas: 

stylishfireplaces.ca

Wood surrounds or stone surrounds, there is a style to suit everyone. 

stylishfireplaces.ca

Corner units are also available, as are stoves:

stylishfireplaces.ca

With electric fireplaces there is no venting required, and no worry about carbon monoxide.  It is best to have a separate circuit for your new fireplace but if that is not possible, you can use one at reduced output.

If you require design advice about adding one of these beautiful units to a room in your home, please feel free to contact me at:

changesinteriordesign@gmail.com

Thanks for visiting!

The 2012 Junior League Holiday House Tour

What a wonderful weekend!  I had a fabulous time at the tour this year - thanks to everyone who came out to see whats new in seasonal decor. 

The rooms Nicole (Purple Lotus Interiors) and I decorated were a boy's bedroom and main bathroom.  The boy's room was converted to a "Holiday Guest Retreat" using the dramatic combination of black, red, white and silver. 

The slender black pencil trees were an unexpected change from the traditional green when paired with the brilliant red ornaments.  The silver injected the extra sparkle and was complimented by the mirror hung above the bed.

 

The lit arrangements on the dresser were a favourite.  The black pointsettas, red hydrangeas and sparkly stems were made more dramatic with the sinamay and lights in the clear glass vases. 

 

Large, contemporary style lanterns on the floor beside the bed were filled with sinamay and coordinating ornaments.  To add a little more wow factor, we placed an led flashlight in the bottom, and wired another one inside the top to illuminate the contents.  Now they can give any dark corner in your house a soft glow. 

On to the bathroom - we opted to do this room in more neutral tones.  The contrast of soft white with the dark chocolate brown were accented with both gold and silver.   To the top of the gold slender tree we added 6 dark birds facing downwards so that their long tails made for an unusual tree topper.

As you can see, using neutral tones does not equal boring, as long as you keep a balance of light and dark tones, and use different textures. 

Before I go, I have to give a huge thank you to the following companies who very generously lent us products to complete our rooms. 

Holland Park

Marquis

Sue's Bed and Bath

Urban Barn

If you have any questions regarding where we obtained certain items, please email me and I will be happy to help you out.  (changesinteriordesign@gmail.com)

I could not close without mentioning the lovely ladies of the Junior League, they really worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.  Your help was very much appreciated!

I look forward to hearing your comments regarding the house tour, and to taking part in this festive event again next year! 

Thanks for visiting!

Junior League Holiday House Tour

I am pleased to be a part of the 30 year anniversay of the Holiday House Tour for the Junior League again this year.  Nicole (from Purple Lotus Interiors) and I are once again decorating a bedroom and bathroom for the ``Family Perfect`` home in Ancaster.

The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.*

Each year they put on the Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes.  If you happened to tour the Burlington house last November you would have seen the "Natural Elegance" concept we created for a guest bedroom and ensuite. 

Our idea was to have a mix of natural, rustic pieces contrasted with with the sparkly elements of the season.  I am posting a few photos to show you what we came up with for these rooms last year.  

The birch branches displayed in a clear vase with sinamay and lights were a favourite idea for many guests.   These had the most impact when located in a dark area of the room. 

Many people commented on the dresser.  The "Believe" letters were surrounded by sinamay and lights, then accented with pinecones and tree ornaments. 

 

We were happy when a photo of our dresser vignette was published in the Burlington Post!

The tour dates this year are November 9 - 11.  Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door.  If you want to know more please visit the Junior League website at: 

www.juniorleague.ca

I don't know how many of you have had the pleasure of touring the holiday homes for the Junior League in the past.  It truly is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening gathering ideas for the holiday season, as well as supporting a good cause.   Many women make a day of it with their girlfriends, grabbing a bite to eat inbetween stops.  Sounds like a good way to spend time on a cold November day don't you think?

Please come by and say hello when you visit the Ancaster home.  I will be there most of the weekend and would love to hear your feedback!

 Thanks!

 * quote of mission from the Junior League website

Emerging Trends and Colour Stories - Winter Wonder

Winter Wonder is a rich, textured look with plenty of contrasts.  It is, by far,  my favourite colour combination of the year.  Pairing a beautiful deep nordic blue, with greys, and shimmery whites gives it a luxurious feel. 

Think weathered woods, barnboards, faux cowhides and lambskins.  Add these natural smoky coloured elements with some shimmer but restrained use of colour.  Dark browns, bark and cableknits also get into the mix.

Now to translate that to a room setting,  here is an example of how well these elements work together.  This living room has a dramatic, yet serene appeal.  



 

a-touch-of-luxe

 

A dining room with dark blue walls and a rustic table can still look sophisticated. 

 

fromtherightbank.com

Winter Wonder is a versatile look you can have fun with.  Using the various textures with muted blue- grey tones makes for an interesting impression.  Below are some other combinations that work well using this winter wonder palette. 

 

 

 

Thanks for dropping by! 

 

I am happy to say I am again creating a festive room for The Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Holiday House Tour this year with my fellow decorator Nicole at Purple Lotus Interiors.  In my next blog I will tell you all about that! 

 

In the meantime you can check out what they are all about on their website at:  www.juniorleague.ca      

 

Emerging Trends and Colour Stories - Autumn Blaze - Copper

pinterest

This colour story has the gorgeous copper and sienna shades we identify with for the season.  Look for the warm tones of auburn, russet and chestnut.  This year the trend is to merge these orange based colours with the earthy taupes or greys. 

This room uses the warm palette with darker, bolder colours. 

info.asmarainc

 Here taupe and orange is combined and has a completely different feel. 

houzz

 

As with the Autumn Blaze Scarlett Colour Story, the Copper one also injects brave patterns into the mix.  Have a look at the pillow below to illustrate what I mean. 

 

etsy

 

I will leave you with some fall ideas to use in and around your home. 

 

hiphipgingin.com

 

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georgiamacdonald


 

I just wanted to mention the big trend regarding painted pumpkins this year.  The great thing about that is you can colour them to suit your decor while still giving you that unmistakeable shape that shouts fall. 

 

My next post will be the final one of this trends and colour stories series.  Check back soon for my Winter Wonder blog.

 

Til next time - have fun with your seasonal decorating!

 

 

 

 



Emerging Trends and Colour Stories - Autumn Blaze

Ahh......Fall.  Its arrival has brought us cooler nights and some beautiful bright reds along with it.    


etsy.com

Red, Black and White are the dominant tones inside the "Scarlett Autumn Blaze" Colour Story.    Again the graphic patterns are used but mixed with softer metals.   The zebra pattern is used in its traditional black and white or in an unexpected red.

This bold red is also used alot through colour blocking.  Notice the dramatic statement the red wall makes in this room.

apartmenttherapy

This combination can look trendy and urban or classic and clean.  Who wouldn't enjoy relaxing on the stunning porch below?


deardesigner







Check back soon so you can see what the Autumn Blaze Copper colour story is all about. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 



Emerging Trends and Colour Stories - Summer Time

Following the watercolour colours of the spring fling palette, things get turned up a notch.  Summer time has a much more intense and vibrant story. 



sarahhearts.com

It has a vintage vibe that is pattern rich.  Bolder graphic are reminiscent of the 60's and 70's. 

eatdrinkchic

As you may have noticed chevron is the biggest pattern right now, especially in turquoise or tangerine.

spicyicecreamdesign

Think of all the brightly coloured jeans available, now translate those into home decor.  Throw pillows, some new art or other accessories will inject your space with some new life, just as adding a bright scarf or jeans to an otherwise neutral outfit. 

myfashioncents

Clear bright colours are used with a touch of whimsy.  Gotta love the punch of hot pink in this bedroom with the patterned quilt. 

blendtv

Next up is Autumn Blaze (Scarlett). 

Thanks for dropping by! 

Emerging Trends and Colour Stories - Spring Fling

Here is Part One of the "Emerging Trends and Colour Stories" series, as promised.

harlequin.uk

At the Designer Trade Show I attend last week, guest speakers included Dixon Bartlett and Caroline Hipple, who are consultants for the home furnishings industy.  They amount of research they do is mind boggling.  Worldwide trends that even include the up and coming yarn colours in the textile industry are studied.  Attending fashion shows is another way for them to determine what the most up to date patterns and combinations are.  After compiling all the information from many different countries they come up with the colour pallet for the year. 

modsensibility

The Spring Fling colour story is comprised of beautiful watercolours.  Bright, light translucent colours that use mint green, robin's egg blue, dove grey and fushia.  Garden themes with a mix of colour and pattern - think petal power. 

citycrafter

Green will be a very prevalent hue. Many rooms were shown using different greens layered together.  All in all it is a modern restful palette that evokes that spa feeling. 

 

NorwalkFurniture.com
 

Next up will be the Summer Time colour story - check back later this week for that one! Thanks for dropping by.