...........Embracing Change...........

"The only constant in life is change..."

vidcorner.com

So in the spirit of moving forward I have decided to change my blog name from "Renew your rooms" to "Beautify your world" 

When you are passionate about interior decorating, you see beauty all around you.  It encompasses so much more than only home decor.  Noticing things that make our world ascetically pleasing includes appreciating the beauty of nature, a great moment captured on film, or a pretty decorated cupcake.  I wanted my new blog name to reflect that. 

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Being surrounded by things that make you happy naturally lifts your mood, whether its shared time in a family room painted in that "just perfect" colour or reading outside on the patio in an oasis of your favourite flowers.  It all boils down to your environment.  Have your world include art that "speaks" to you or sounds that relax you - that is where you will feel most at ease. 

novascotiaflowers.com

I plan to share more tips, ideas and photos with you, - maybe some will inspire you to move ahead with a positive change in your world.  In the meantime - please feel free to leave comments - I enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks for visiting! 

Collectables - showing your passion

So you've spent countless hours carefully selecting just the right items to make your collection perfect.  Now where and how to display it? 

When I think of displaying a group of items I put them in 4 catergories: Stand up vignettes, cabinet displays, a framed display or a collage hung directly on a wall. 

Standup Vignettes:

 

These next  3 examples illustrate what I refer to as a stand up display.  Situated on a flat surface such as a chest, table or windowsill, the collection is grouped atop of a tray or piece of glass to really define its presence.  I have mentioned before it is best to have items grouped in 3 or 5, unless of course there are too many to count quickly.   This perfume bottle collection looks stunning on a glass shelf near a window.  It draws your attention to all the unique shapes.

living.msn

Having a collection doesnt mean you can't insert the odd non-matching item.  As long as it is still relevant to the other pieces, it only adds interest.  The photo below shows the majority of blue glass bottles, mixed with rattan balls and starfish which all fit in with the beachy theme.

songbird

This tasteful collection is unified by the colour white.  Again a beachy theme, this time with some glamourous touches. Notice there are 5 items in this vignette.

delight

Cabinet displays

Open shelving just begs for an engaging display.  Whether it is located in a hutch or cabinet that is specifically built for it, creating an eye catching presentation is well worth the effort.  This one is simple, but suits the room.

loveyourhomewithstyle

Vintage cameras collections still seem to be a popular choice.  I especially like the way this one was done, using an old postal sorting station.

designmom

Framed Displays

Taking all your collectables and putting them in one large framed display and hung up is another option.  Again with the vintage items, here are alarm clocks nestled together. 

jacindarussellart

Here is a more feminie looking one done with keys:

dans-le-townhouse

Collage Displays

Exhibiting your treasures directly on the wall can also result in unique wall art.  Decorative plates are beautifully shown off in this method.  I love the assymetrical way they were hung up on one side of the chest on chest. 

lifeasweknowit

This antique rug beater collection started off small but ended up occupying the entire landing of the staircase, and then some!

countryliving

Here is a rustic yet elegant and understated feel done with a collection.

prairehive

Displaying your collectables adds so much more personality to your home.  If you truly enjoy your collection, showing it off not only communicates something about you, but also is a look that is exclusive to you.   Not everyone will collect the same things, or put them together in the same way. 

Thanks for stopping by!

New life for old items - adding something unique to your home

Some items we keep due to sentimental value, even though we dont have them displayed in our homes.  Unfortunately, some times they just end up in a box somewhere only to be brought out to look at on occassion.
I had been given this printing stamp letter drawer years ago, but it sat in storage for a long time.  I was searching for a way to incorporate this old drawer into my decor so I could actually enjoy it.  It's not something that everyone has, and thought it would make an interesting piece of wall art once I transformed it. 

I decided to mix this older piece in with my living room, but my first inkling was to transform it with some paint.  This is it in its original condition.  I felt the major drawback here was the range of colours.  The letter stamps are gray, the box a dirty brown and then topped off with a dark green metal handle.  Not much in the way of contrast to show off all the details. 

White paint was applied to the entire piece, except for the handle, which was changed from dark green to black.  Finally, some contrast!  Now the dark grey metal letter stamps would finally show up properly against the lighter background! 

Here it is after the paint, - now to add the letters.  

Having only a limited amount of letters to put in it at the moment, I am scouring antique shops and markets to add to my little collection.  My plan is to spell the names of everyone in our immediate family, as well as other words that evoke family life.  The addition of other minitures that represent our families heritage will be placed in amongst the letters. 

Now it is unique piece that works with the room and communicates something about our family. Who knows when it will be finished? It is something I can continue to add to as the years go by.

I found other examples of ways in which these letter trays were used.  Have a look at some of the other creative ideas people have come up with:

seakettle.com

A great way to keep jewellry organized!

A printers tray transformed into a coffee table - I love this idea! 
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houseandhome.co.uk

boysmyjoys

The perfect way to keep your kids legos on display.  (And from stepping on them in sock feet!)

I hope this post gave you some recycling and upcycling ideas - have a look around - you may just find an old item that you can use for a new purpose.

Check back soon - my next blog will talk more about displaying collections in your home.  Subscribe to Renew your rooms by entering your email address at the top of the page.  That way you will never miss a post!







Tiles anyone???

Tiles for walls and floors have truly evolved.  We are no longer limited to the square or rectangular shapes of years ago.  The long thin bullet shaped tiles have made their way into many kitchens and bathrooms, but now more rounded edges are getting noticed.  I remember being awed by some of the displays at the interior design show, the newest additions were truly stunning.  I was just reminded of the fabulous shapes available when I received the latest edition of "Style at home" magazine.   In it is featured a beautiful curvy patterned backsplash done by Edgewater Studio from Vancouver. 

edgewaterstudio.com

Here is a truly unique wall tile that has a pearlescent quality to it.  A gorgeous way to add that wow factor to your bathroom!




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Or how about this idea?  I love the sense of movement it gives to the space.

 

creative-wall-tile-designs

This next example is done with mosaics.   I can't imagine how long it would have taken to create the masterpiece for this bathroom!

mcbridedesign.squarespace.com

Let's not limited ourselves to walls!  Applying the tiles to a free standing tub will undoubtedly be noticed to all who enter a bathroom with this unique idea.

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With the focus on environmentally friendly building materials, tiles made of bamboo, cork or wood are well received.  The green plank style bamboo tiles will give your bathroom that calm, zen feeling.  The smaller ones to the right have been mixed with some complimentary glass tiles. 

                   forresidentialpros.com                              halostonedesigns.com                

 

Recycled wine corks can also be used in bathrooms if you like the round shape.  I asked about the durability of these and the company rep advised me that they will last as long as you have applied the required number of sealer coats on top. 

3rings.designerpages.com

                                          

If you love the look of wood in the bathroom - here is a pleasing shape you could install.

houselooks.net

I am sure many of you have seen the backsplashes using pebbles, I like this next one because of the unexpected bright colours. 

carpettheworld.com

Wall tiles are slowly making their way into other rooms.  I have seen them used as a focus wall behind a bed. 

spectanews.com

Some other looks I found interesting:

These tiles might do a wet bar in the basement justice.

interiordesignmagz.com

I have seen this last picture several times, yet I still find it would be a great way to way to inject some fun into a small bathroom.

After looking at these tile ideas, I think I just may have to go figure out which bathroom is going to get a brand new look with some fabulous new tiles!   

If you would like some assistance with the interior of your home please contact me at
linda@changesinteriordesign.ca








New heights for bar stools

Whether they are situated at an eat up bar in the kitchen, at a cafe height table in the dining room or a bar in the basement, many homes incorporate bar stools into their decor.

apartmenttherapy
love these stools made using truck springs -
a unique look and cool recycling idea!

I attended an information session last Friday, to familiarize myself with some of the newest available style and finishes of bar stools.  The most common chair and stool heights are of course counter height and bar height.  The newest one is called Spectator height and has a seat 34" from the floor.  Although this higher stool is used mainly in commercial applications, it is showing up more often in homes - usually at a bar in a rec room. 

The photo below shows an example of one of the stools available in spectator height. 



barstools.com

One of those in biggest demand is the one shown here:  people just love this look combining leather and wood.
 

barstools.com

The last two pictures showed more of a modern style, but there are plenty to choose from if you like a more classic look.  A sturdy wooden frame with rich leather upholstery is a great addition to a more traditional bar. 

ba-stores.com

One of the more popular finishes for stools is the brushed steel.  The wrought iron finish has been replaced by the brushed steel simply because the majority of kitchen appliances are stainless steel.  

If you have selected a seat with a swivel it is possible to order one with a "memory swivel."  This is a nice feature to have if you want to keep a neat, clean look at all times.  If someone turns the seat sideways to get off, it will return to its original position immediately . 

Many of the manufacturers of these stools offer a wide range of style and finishes.  Due to the vast amount of choices available you can easily order something that suits your taste and decor. 

To close I would just like to share with you a few different stools that caught my eye while writing this blog.

 

barstooldealers.com

qrbiz.com

livingroomdesignphotos.com

fridaydesign.com

I hope I have given you some new ideas to consider when renewing one of your rooms.  Introducing stylish bar stools or chairs into your decor can help give your home new life.   

Don't want to miss a post?  Become a follower and you I will keep updated!

Linda

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca

Anchoring a room with an area rug

Wood flooring is pretty well the standard in most homes these days.  In order to make the space feel more "lived in" and reduce noise, many of us opt to add an area rug.  Area rugs are a great way to inject some style into a room, as well as visually seperating different areas in an open concept floor plan.

captivatist

When I last visited the Interior Design Show in Toronto, I was so taken in by the gorgeous rugs available.  Traditional rugs were represented there, but the new modern and transitional patterns were what really caught my eye. 
Modern Weave had a fantastic display of unique area rugs.  There were enough choices to suit every taste.  Talking to one of the reps I found out that creating custom rugs is something they will gladly do.  He told me one family had their daughter's finger painting transformed into a stunning piece of art.  That would certainly make a great conversation piece!  Here is an example of another rug that would be talked about for a long time after visitng. 

thisnext.com

Recently I have been asked about guidelines regarding the size and placement when choosing an area rug.  Lets start with the sizing.  No one wants to completely cover up the look of beautiful hardwood floors, but you dont want the rug to look like its far too small for the sitting area.

A popular guideline is that the front legs of a sofa or chair should sit on the area rug, and the back legs off.  

younghouselove

The sitting area is completely unified by the area rug, and creates an inviting oasis to gather with friends and family.  The 18" dark wood perimeter highlights this space even more due to the high contrast between the rug and floor colour.  The general rule regarding area rugs is to have 12-18" of wood surrounding the rug. 

Of course that is not a hard and fast rule.  Some like to place all legs of the furniture on the rug, instead of only the front.  The end result here is also a cohesive space and works very well.

modernrugs

This principle also works best in dining rooms as illustrated here:

cthomesllc

   
I have also seen rugs that sit in the center of a grouping of furniture.  Personally I feel that makes it look like it is too small for the space.  Have a look at this example: 

homeworkshop

Area rugs in bedrooms with hardwood flooring are placed a little differently.  To make the area look pulled together, it is best to place the rug in this manner. 

jakabare.com

There are so many unique area rugs on the market now.  I just had to share one of my favourites.  Image this placed in a games room or den - it would instantly give an ambiance of playfulness. 

 An area rug can be the inspiration for the look of an entire room -  for example the one I purchased for Ashten's room.  It became the starting point for the style and colours of her room makeover.  If you require some assistance with renewing a room in your home visit my website at changesinteriordesign.ca


Thanks for dropping by!