Tin tiles - not just for ceilings anymore......

Tin ceilings in old homes are such a beautiful architectural feature it's no wonder many people try to replicate that look. Faux panels made to look like the intricate detail of tin tiles can be purchased at different building centers in an abundance of patterns.   Installing them on the ceiling give it brand new appeal and interest.  Colours vary from the shiny silver to a bronze or an aged white.

decorpad.com

These faux tin panels look best when used in a coffered ceiling, or finished with crown moulding around the perimeter. 

While I appreciate this timeless look I also enjoy mixing classic features into a space in an unexpected way. Manufacturers of these products have come up with more contemporary line, so now it fits in with the traditional to transitional and modern.

fasadepanels.com

As of late, tin tiles have gained popularity as a backsplash as well.

avenuehomesteader

There are other ways to use them in the kitchen such as covering the front of the dishwasher, or using them as an inset on cupboard doors.   Both of these ideas look especially fitting in a vintage or country style kitchen.                                                                                                         

saraplus2

They can be also be used on a feature wall whether you want a dramatic look or a subtle one.   Have a look at the following pictures to illustrate what I mean.

Used on a sit up bar, as a fireplace surround or headboard are other applications I came across.   

hammersandhighheels

As you can see these panels are extremely versatile.  Cornices, borders and dado panels are also available to achieve a seamless look.  Whether you desire an ornate and formal treatment or a streamlined and contemporary one, these faux tin panels can be a great way to add a custom look to your home. 

While searching for some inspirational photos, I came across one I found absolutely stunning.  I just have to share it with you.  The ceiling here adds that hint of glamour while reflecting the light.  To me it has the feeling of a fancy ballroom.  Having a dinner party in this room would no doubt feel like an event! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Need to add some new life to your home?  I'm here to answer your questions, give ideas or set you up with a plan to transform the look of your rooms. 

Want to know more?  Visit me at  changesinteriordesign.ca

Spring Cleaning and Storage Ideas

Springtime sees everyone giving their homes the once over.  Getting rid of the old and in with the new.  (Or possibly giving old items a new place to be enjoyed and cherished)  I saw this display at the Canadian Table and Giftware Association (CGTA) earlier this year and thought it really evoked the feeling of spring.  (I just may want to add this arrangement to my family room after all my spring cleaning is complete.....) 

Spring Accessories at the CGTA

I actually look forward to sorting through my items room by room.  I look at each item and decide if I will use it, display it or toss it.  There is something liberating about discarding all the items I never use or look at anymore.  I love the feeling of  having a clean and organised space where you can find the things you need when you need them.   

After purging each room we may decide to give it a little lift after achieving that calm and organised space.  Since storage space is at a premium, I am always on the lookout for ideas that utilise dead space or do double duty, while staying ascetically pleasing. 

The following are some examples of storage ideas that you may be able to implement in your own home.
  
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home - and this is also evident when you see how many items that don't belong somehow end up here!  In addition to the obvious many of us keep cleaners, garbage bags and the like under the sink or on the counter.  I saw this idea for those of us who really like to keep things accessible and out of site. 

apartmenttherapy.com

Newspapers, school trip forms and mail usually end up sitting on the counter.  The solution in our home was a shoe cabinet from Ikea.   It is a shallow cabinet with 3 slim drawers.  The top drawer holds the days paper and our current mail.  The 2 lower drawers are used for our daughters.  They each have their own place to keep their homework, school forms and extracurricular information, and it keeps the clutter off the counter!    

If space doesn't allow for another cabinet, the inside of your cupboard doors can serve as some much needed storage.  Installing a pegboard to the inside of the door allows you to hang up all sorts of small items.  The chalkboard is another idea, and the best part about this is that everything stays hidden and therefore, neat. 

iheartorganizing.com

Entryways are another place where things tend to collect.  Have a bowl or decorative box at the front so you have  somewhere to put keys, gloves etc.  The foyer will look a lot cleaner just having the items all in one container instead of  strewn throughout the area.

homelife.com.au

Many entry's don't have enough space to hold everything we need.  If this is your situation it may be worth adding much needed storage in another area.  If your stairs have dead space underneath, here is a practical solution that also looks great.

shelterness.com

 Another idea involving stairs is adding a drawer hidden behind the riser.  I love the idea of reclaiming space that is otherwise unusable. 

design-decor-staging,com

There are plenty of other stylish storage solutions out there,  one that can help solve your particular dilemma.  Remember that having an organised home means different things to different people.  The key is finding a way to make it work for your lifestyle and suit your taste.  

If you require assistance with giving your rooms a lift please email me at linda@changesinteriordesign.ca

Colours and Accessories for 2012

Many of you are already know  that Tangerine Tango is THE colour of 2012.   I was made aware of this while visiting the furniture show earlier this year.  

I am sure that more than a few of us are thinking "ORANGE?"   A repeat of the 70's?  Fortunately no!  This vibrant colour is to be used as a bold shot of colour in the form of  accent pieces. 

apartmentsilike

Personally I find an entire room painted orange a bit much, you may agree with me on this.  It is a very stimulating colour and used in large amounts may be overwhelming.  Using it as an accent colour however, can be stunning.

If you want to stay with the current trends, here are some ideas on how to inject a bit of this latest hue into your home decor without spending a huge amount of money.  Surprizingly tangerine looks fabulous in combination with more colours than you would think! 

eclecticrevisited

It is a nice contrast with Navy, Chocolate, Black, White or Cream and works well with many neutrals.  This photo illustrates how the new orange accent pieces can successfully be added to an existing room.  A good rule to follow is to repeat the colour a few times in the same space so it looks intentional.  Imagine placing one new accent pillow on a couch, the end result would end up looking like a mistake.   

Tangerine can evoke a sense of warmth in a room when combined with red and yellow - think of an analogous colours scheme similiar to those in a sunrise.   

insidecolumbia.net

It will be an unexpected shot of colour when combined with greens and blues.  The next photo is a great example of how sophisticated it can look when mixed with green tones. 

kriciapalmerhome

Orange looks classic and elegant with grey.  The headboard, wall treatment, accent pillow, throw and candle are all that have been done in the new colour.   Compare the cost of those items to that of purchasing new case goods such as a dresser or sofa. 

canyonstone

Even in childrens rooms it is appropriate - think pink and orange as a eye popping combination for a girls room - or a construction theme using neutrals and orange for boys.

If you currently have a lot of soft neutrals, it is easy to combine with tangerine.  Your eyes will be drawn around the room with the punch of the new colour.  Same goes for a mostly white room - you will be rewarded with a fresh and cheerful feeling space.   

housetohome.co.uk

I hope I have inspired you to consider including a bit of tangerine tango into your home.  If you have any questions regarding how to incorporate orange accessories, please send me an email, in the meantime, have fun with it!

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca


On a side note, I am pleased to announce that my website is now complete!  Click on the link below to have a look. 

www.changesinteriordesign.ca

Silk Drapery - The Ultimate Luxury Fabric for your Windows

Nothing compares to the richness of genuine silk drapery.  It lends an elegant look and feel to a room that no other fabric comes close to.  If you want to add a rich sophisticated air to a room then silk is the way to go.   

www.doesntcosttheearth.com

Often times silk panels are "puddled" as shown in the above photo.  This really highlights the beautiful luster of the fabric when all those folds are created.  Of course you can also have them hang so that they barely skim the floor. 

Silk drapes are a more expensive window treatment.  If cared for and lined properly your investment will last for years.   I recommend using a plain neutral colour or one with a subtle tone on tone pattern or stripe so that it is not something you will tire of quickly.  Ideally your drapes should echo the style of the room.  Two of the best places to use this luxurious fabric is in a dining room or master bedroom, as they tend to be more formal.   

There are a few options when choosing the drapery header. Pinch pleat, box pleat, or grommets all look fantastic in silk.

The classic pinch pleat is always a great choice, since it give a timeless look.  There is a huge selection of drapery hardware available.  In order to add a little more personality to the drapery, hang the pinch pleat from a decorative rod such as this:

curtainss.com

The box pleat is a more modern style.  The pleats are larger and more square.  This look would work in a transitional style. 

silkdraperysource.com

Grommets are still a popular header.  It lends itself to a more modern feel as in the example shown below:

houzz.com

There are more than two types of silk, but for simplicitys sake I will mention the 2 most common.   Thai silk is the smoother of these two.   It is not shiny, but has a gorgeous sheen.  This is what most people think of when you say silk.

ioffer.com

The other is natural silk.  This type has slubs running through the fabric so is not as smooth.   The texture is more noticable in this photo. 

polyvore.com

I want to add a word of caution with silk.  It will rot when exposed to sunlight.  It is therefore advisable to always line silk panels.  A flannel liner is best since it gives your drapes added body and they will hang much nicer.  If you decide you want silk drapes in a south facing window, I would add another liner as well to prevent sun damage.  The extra weight of these liners just add to the rich and full look you want when using silk drapery.

Also note silk panels should be dry cleaned to keep them looking their best.

In spite of the extra cost and care, silk panels are a wonderful way to dress up your windows when you want to add some sophistication.

If you have any questions regarding silk draperies or want to request a quote on a window treatment for your home, I would be happy to help. 

Linda

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca

Inspiration for a girls room - The final reveal

Ashten's room is nearly complete.  The new desk is in place, and I found some accessories that fit in perfectly with the new look.  I have taken some photos to give you a better idea of how the room has come together. 

The new chest of drawers was also painted to match the bed.  I bought this to give Ashten more storage space for her ever growing wardrobe. 

The headboard idea was very easy to construct.  Wood moulding was cut to make a frame a little wider than the width of the bed.  I wanted to reuse the wire dress wall art in her room since it contributed to the vintage feel. 

I was so happy to come across the crown and glass slipper pictured here.  I placed these items on the top of the bookcase to make a casual vignette.  When displaying items it is best placed in groups of 3 or 5.  This is a good guideline to follow, as it really is the most aesthetically pleasing.

The framed cork board provides a place for her to keep reminders or photos.  The detailed frame mimics the headboard. 

In order to add some more display area and place to keep small items, I hung up this small cabinet above the desk.  Of course it wasn't this shade when I bought it - this also needed to be painted to fit the colour scheme.  Ashten especially loves the green and purple combination used here. 

My plan was to paint and reupholster a Queen Anne style chair to complement the desk, however my efforts have not yet been successful.  For now she can use an office chair until a suitable one is found. 
The last piece I required to finish the room is a full length mirror to hang on the opposite wall.

I have ordered this poster to be hung on the wall beside the window.  It repeats the crown icon and is a trendy piece of art at the moment. 

I hope you have enjoyed following the progress of Ashten's room renewal.   It was an extremely fun project to work on.  If you are stuck and not sure where to begin when renewing your child's room please email me and I would be happy to help. 

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca

I am off for a family vacation next week, so when I get back I will be blogging about window treatments.  Have a great week and thanks for visiting!

Inspiration for a girls room - Part Two

I am now at the midpoint in the update for Ashten's room.  After adjusting the drapes, adding the newly painted desk and some accent pillows her room is starting to come together! 

I wanted to talk a bit about the drapery.  As I said earlier, I found some rod pocket panels on sale in the colour I wanted.   Rod pocket panels can be used just about anywhere, and they are a very simple way to make curtains.  Since they were almost 6" too long, after hemming them I made small strips out of the leftover fabric and attached these to the back of the panels, spaced 5" apart.  Doing this resulted in back tab panels, which shows the definition of the pleats much better.   

So now instead of this look:

I ended up with this:

Not everyone will notice a huge difference, but to me its all in the details.

For the accent pillows I took off the old covers and reused the inserts.  I searched Fabricland and found some lovely pink fabric with a sheen.  It was a good match at a good price.  So I was able to construct 2 new pillow covers from that with plenty left over. 

On to the desk. I wanted to use an unexpected colour and so I came up with this:

I love this new colour, as does Ashten.  The colour is called Leapfrog by Behr.  It picks up on the same colour in the carpet as well.   I spray painted the existing pulls in hammered silver, since finding ones to fit the holes exactly would have been a problem.  I also had some moulding cut to fit around the perimeter of the drawers to add a bit more detail.  I proceeded to paint the trim silver to match the drawer pulls.

The final component was to accentuate the shape of the curved wood by painting a straight silver line above it. I am happy with the transformation of the desk, so far it has been my favourite piece to work on.  

So my search continues for a suitable chair, and the accessories.  I sincerely hope I can find another used piece of furniture I can have some fun with.  In my mind I can already picture what it will look like, but i just have to locate that "diamond in the rough" .

So the next post will be the final look, in the meantime maybe this post will inspire a few of you to revamp an old piece of furniture. 

Thanks for visiting!

email:  linda@changesinteriordesign.ca

Inspiration for a girls room - Part One

I always find childrens rooms so much fun to do.  I feel like we can be more creative with them.  Kids for the most part embrace colour.  I doubt a child has ever asked to have their room painted "mushroom"  So this is a chance to be a little bolder with colour. 

If you are like me, you want their rooms to express their personality, last for a few years and not cost a fortune!  So keeping that in mind, I started to renew the look of my youngest daughter's room.

With Ashten turning 8 last month, it was time to update her room to suit her much more grown up tastes!  Not wanting to incorporate any themes such as princesses or the latest teen star I decided to go for a look that would grow with her. 

My inspiration for her room came from this beautiful area rug I came across one day.  It was the perfect size for her room and I knew she would love it.

I based the paint colour on the soft pink tone in the rug. Of course it is always recommended that you do 2 coats of paint, -which I did, but I was pleasantly surprised when I used the new paint and primer in one by Behr.  It covered the old wall colour really well, and I was almost tempted to do only one coat.  

Next I went looking for material for a duvet cover.  On Ottawa Street I was lucky enough to find this faux matelasse in a lemongrass colour that blended well with the green-yellow tones in the rug.  The reverse side of the duvet cover I opted to do in grey.  In order to keep costs down, I found a twin size sheet on sale which worked really well. 

The feeling I wanted to create for this room was feminine and playful, using a mix of modern and vintage.  The existing bookcase would stay but I would add a queen anne style desk painted in a funky colour.  Searching kijiji I found the perfect candidate - a well made desk that needed refinishing. 

I have sanded and primed the new desk and will begin painting it next week.  The important part about creating a room on a budget is having the time to invest to do some of the work yourself.  When this desk is finished it will be a suitable place for her to do her homework.  

The drapery will have a bit of luster in a silver grey fabric.  This will pick up on the colour from the carpet as well.  I found a pair of rod pocket panels on sale that needed some adjustments.  (More on that next time)

To add a bit more sparkle - (and lets face it what girl doesn't like sparkle?) I have swapped out the builder's light fixture with a small chandelier. That just adds a bit of sophistication to the whole room. 

After all these elements are complete, will be the part that is the most fun -the accessories!  

As I continue painting, sewing and collecting items to finish this room please feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have regarding children's rooms. 

I will be posting more photos of this room renewal shortly......

Thanks for visiting!

Linda

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca