The Backyard Edition

Until now, I've talked about changing and improving the inside of your home.  But your "world" includes the exterior of your home as well.   Now that we finally have better weather, I thought it about time I share some interesting ideas that can be used outdoors. 

Whether you use your backyard for relaxing, entertaining, gardening or playing with the kids, its an extension of your home - it should be functional and attractive.  

How about adding some interest to your backyard seating area through backdrops that can double as a privacy screen?  I found a few examples that are easy to do but have great impact. 

This first one I found on lowes.ca.  Installing some posts topped with solar lights and outdoor fabric hung on rods in between make a fabulous atmosphere for a dinner party or drinks with friends. 

lowes.ca

If you want to use more natural elements, branches hung horizontally in sections such as in the photo below is another option.  You could leave them untreated for a weathered look, or paint them to co-ordinate with the rest of your backyard.

freshhomeideas

If you like the idea of upcycling, repaint some old doors, and attach using decorative hinges.   You can place them in a corner or arrange them in a zigzag pattern.  It could be a fabulous backdrop for your patio table or a reading nook for your lounger. 

 

For those of you who have young kids, this may be an effective combination for your yard.  The kids have a playhouse and you have a charming place to keep all your garden tools organized.      

 

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Having a comfortable place to relax by the pool sounds pretty inviting.  I found this DIY outdoor canopy bed and just had to share it.  It is the perfect way to reuse an old twin size mattress.  This is one project I will be definitely be adding to my yard. 

 

 

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What could be better than enjoying this shady little oasis to use for reading a book or watching my daughters in the pool?   Once its complete, maybe I will post a few photos.....

 

Enjoy the sunshine while it is here!

 

 

Bathroom Makeover - A Dramatic Difference

As I have said before, powder rooms are one of the best places to really push the decorating envelope.  This is one area that dark colours or bold patterns won't overwhelm - since its a room you spend minimal time in.    If you want to try something drastic, this is the place to do it!

Tackling this latest project was a lot of fun.  It was a tired little room that was just screaming for a makeover.  A  new clean  modern look was the way to go. 

Here are a few of the before photos:



"Alexandria Tan" was covered with a
bolder colour.

Now for the New Look! 

 
The desired look would ideally have a larger colour contrast and mix simple lines with the some unexpected textures.   The colour scheme we used was white, espresso, silver and a beautiful blue-grey tone by Benjamin Moore called "Evening Dove".

Crown moulding was installed to evoke a timeless appeal and the traditional vanity with toe kick was swapped out for a free standing furniture style cabinet.  A white rectangular undermount sink was set into the all white countertop. 

The marble bullet backsplash was extended behind the toilet as well.  Not only does it look seamless, but you will never have to paint behind the toilet again!    This backsplash was chosen due to its varying textures.  The majority are smooth tiles, with some rough ones interjected. 

A word about the new lighting - you will notice this fixture is not as wide as the previous one. A vanity light should never be as wide or wider than the cabinets below, as it will look too top heavy.  

Some natural textures were incorporated in this space, such as the barnboard frame for the print and the birch wrapped candles. Using these items emphasize the differences even more when set against the smooth counter and shiny chrome tap. 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this bathroom makeover as much as I enjoyed creating it!  If you have any questions regarding these "before and afters" or you would like some assistance with your next decorating project, send me an email  - changesinteriordesign@gmail.com.

Thanks for visiting!

Beautiful Barnboard - where have you used it?

There are so many ways to use this naturally beautiful weathered wood.  Not only does it add a rustic element into a country look, it also works well in many other decorating styles.  Using barnboard is also a great way to reuse and recycle.  

Its greyish, textured finish compliments a shabby chic look as well as being a nice contrast in a modern setting.  I have seen this worn wood being used in headboards, bed frames, shelving, tables, accent walls and frames.  

I have gathered a collection of some of my favourite looks, which one is yours?



I love the look of this bed!  It gives a more refined expression of the weathered wood. 


Here is another way to use barnboard in an unexpected way.  This clean light look is broken up nicely by the addition of a chunky aged wood staircase. 



pinterest

Talk about adding lots of differing textures!  Compare the sleek appliances, the shiny backsplash, filmy drapes and the timeworn island.  Lots of things to keep the eye moving around the room.



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Can't you just picture these reclaimed wood cabinets in the bathroom of an old farmhouse?  It would be a fabulous way to add character and continue the look of the time period in which the house was built.  



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Of course, frames are always a nice way to add barnboard into a room without having it "take over."  Have a look at these examples: 

What is your favourite way to use barnboard in your decor?  I'd love to hear your comments!

Bathroom Trends for 2013

So what can we see in bathrooms for the coming year? 


Free Standing Tubs are still  a popular choice going forward.  Mixing vintage and modern elements was prevalent at the design show.  Wouldn't this tub make a stunning focal point in an ensuite?

Sinks

Vessel sinks were everywhere, the majority in white, but also in hammered copper, like the one shown below from Native Trails.  The finish on this is a brushed nickel. 

Many sinks were shallow, but shapes varied from oval and round to rectangular.  As long as they had clean, simple lines, they had a place in the new line up for 2013. 



elitesinks.com

thebathdepot.com

White, White and more White.....Tiles

You can never go wrong with white tiles in a bathroom.  The difference now is the addition of new shapes such as hexagons or diamonds. 



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Keeping the bathroom one colour, but varying the patterns used on different surfaces is aesthetically pleasing and still evokes that clean look.

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Lighting

There are many more lighting options available for bathrooms, including adding light in unexpected places, such as in the photo I posted in my last blog:

Indirect lighting adds a nice relaxing touch to a bathroom.  Other ideas included having the light come out from behind a mirror, or below a medicine cabinet.

A Last Detail....

If you are installing one of the larger showers, adding one of these long drains continues the modern look of the bathroom.  Its a nice alternative to the smaller round drains in the center. 

If you are tackling a bathroom remodel, and need some help, I would be happy to assist you.  Contact me at:  changesinteriordesign@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's new for '13??

Wow - its February already!  January just flew by and I apologize for not having kept up with my posts!

I always look forward to the attending the Interior Design Show at the end of January and this year was no different.  I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and of course I came home all fired up about the newest trends in home decor. 

NOTABLES

I'm just going to share with you some of the booths I found memorable at the show.  Every year it seems to get better and better with the integration of really smart, thoughtful design.  One such booth was one by AYA Kitchens.  

The design I am referring to is pictured below.  I love the way the dining table swings out from inside the island.  It also shows the stainless steel cover that slides to hide the cooktop.  The injection of a chunky wood table in the almost all white kitchen keeps this island simple and modern but not stark.   

canada.com

Another display that comes to mind is the medicine cabinet pictured below.  It is a nice change from the traditional way they open.  This particular design can be opened manually or at the touch of a button. 

 

ECO

Naturally, the push to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle was still apparent. If you have been on pinterest lately you may have noticed the trend of using pallets to construct a large selection of different items - headboards, platform beds, shelves, end tables etc. 

To show the versatility of this most basic item,  "Pop up Office" presented a unique idea - creating a flexible compact workspace using reclaimed wood palette boards.  A mobile , functional workplace without all the frills, it comes in sections that fit together.  All work surfaces are sanded down and completely smooth.  Areas such as the floor have only a rough sanding since skin would not come in direct contact with it.   

TILES

I am always eager to see what the new trends in tiles are.  I came across the Creekside Tile Company's beautiful display and saw that although the square and subway tiles are still around, there are more choices available in other shapes.

These tiles would be a stunning focal point on their own,

but if you look closely you can pick out one other detail in this one that really sets it apart. 

Yes, the grout used has sparkles mixed in!  This photo doesnt do it justice - but it really is wonderful.  It would also look great if you are using an all white focal wall in a bathroom, it adds that extra bit of sparkle without being "in your face". 

So there you have a few tidbits, in my next post I will discuss more about the trends in bathrooms.  Whats up and coming for bathtubs, sinks, and fixtures?

Check out next weeks post to find out!

Have a great week and thanks for visiting!

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!