Add new life to an existing Room

Do you have a room that's feeling unloved and boring? If you aren't ready to toss everything, try starting out with small item's to add life to a neglected space.

Here are some tricks to add energy to your space:

• I always tell my clients to add black and green to their space. These colors can be added in a very small amount, but it will help add contrast into your room of choice. It could be a plant on your coffee table, a few black picture frames throughout the room, etc.
  



Frames from Crate & Barrel


http://www.crateandbarrel.com/picture-frames/decorating-and-accessories/1




• Freshen up your toss pillows. Having pillows on your sofas and chairs that have flattened out over time and lost their luster isn't appealing. Add some pillow's in a fun accent color and go with down feather filled, they will hold their shape forever with a little fluffing!




Pillows from 18 Karat

http://www.eighteenkarat.com/damask-cushion-green1429.html




• Change out your old lamp shades. Bring in drum shades in simple shapes and colors. White or linen are always basic colors that should go with any space. This will update your lighting without costing a small fortune.

Shades from Pottery Barn

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/linen-tapered-drum-lamp-shade/?pkey=clamp-shades

• Get rid of your clutter!! Remove everything from your surfaces, open shelving, etc. Choose your favorite pieces and edit the rest. Re-organizing your home will instantly give your space, and you, a fresh outlook. Try using wicker baskets to add storage in your living space, while introducing some texture at the same time.

Basket from Crate & Barrel

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/baskets/decorating-and-accessories/

Vancouver Interior Design Show Review

I visited the Vancouver Interior Design Show last week and thought I would highlight a few of my favorite Exhibitors:

• KeenART Media Ltd. takes your personal images and prints them at an extremely high quality onto canvases. Your photo's become art that will jump off the wall. You can choose your sizing, canvas thickness, crop your photo down, quality range, etc. Here's one of my favorite prints that they offer online:

Link: http://www.vancouveroncanvas.com/

• Optimum Studios creates custom glass work using only the essential materials; creating a seamless look that won't obstruct your view or take focus off any other features in your space. It's a modern and timeless look that I love.
  
  

link: http://www.optimumstudios.com/

• Calligaris, Italian Living Furniture had very unique pieces. There furniture has a modern styling, that almost feels like art over functionality. The chair I have chosen to feature has a very transitional look to it: a more traditional shape with modern finishes and materials. I think this piece could fit into a variety of spaces.

link:http://international.calligaris.it/catalogue/Chairs-and-Stools/Wood/Deja-vu---LH/2/10/707

Rustic Chic

The tradition log cabin has taken an interesting twist!
Hanging your catch of the day on the wall and your

weapon of choice to capture the creature isn't exactly what

I would want for my mountain inspired space.

Here are some images of what I find irresistible for today's

look of "rustic chic"

Statement Piece

This beautiful desk from Restoration Hardware combines modern and rustic elements perfectly. The reclaimed teak corbels add character and interest, while the glass top just fades away.

Retail price: $1,095.00

Link: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1613164&navAction=jump&navCount=2

Acrylic Masterpiece

What a unique take on the typical. This creation will add interest and a focal point to any space. The acrylic materials will let it work with other patterns and textures as well.

Link: http://www.scienceandsons.com/plastidermy.php

Faux Antler Chandelier

For a modern take on a rustic piece, you could also paint this chandelier in a bold

color or a high gloss white or black for drama

Retail Price: $700.00

Link: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/Dick-Idol-Twelve-Light-Antler-Chandelier__33981.html

My inspiration image is from the Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC.

Link: http://www.adarahotel.com

October: Trend Watch

At the start to every month I will feature a design trend

This months feature is on graphic area rugs:

As we are heading into winter, it's a great idea to cozy up your spaces, adding moody colors, textures and warmth. Adding an area rug to a wood or tile floor will instantly warm up your space. Instead of adding a solid rug, try a graphic pattern for instant drama.

Here are a few of my favorites, including links:

http://www.allmodern.com

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

http://www.instylerugs.com/m_33.asp

Hotel Fabulous

Creating a Hotel Vibe for your own bedroom

We all love vacations. There is something so great about walking into a guest suite, throwing your luggage a side, putting up your feet and relaxing. Our own personal spaces are often the last place we put our money and effort into, as we are usually the only people enjoying the spaces. But don't forgot about these area's. A bedroom that continues with the same style of your home will add quite a bit of comfort to your life.

Creating a relaxing space like this in your own home can be simple:

• I always like to start with crisp white bedding. It can have some detail, pattern or texture to give it some interest, but white bedding never seems to date itself.
• Keep the head board simple. It could be an upholstered head board that you create yourself, an interesting cut of wood in a dark stain, etc. This will add drama, presence and a focal point to the space.
• Add color and pattern with your: toss pillars, a throw blanket, funky accessories and art work. It's important to keep your trendy and colorful item's inter changeable. If you want to change your room seasonally or with trends, this is an ideal place to start. The larger items should be timeless, as they are the investment pieces.
• Include the necessities: night stands with storage, bedside lighting and a mirror. Always keep scale in mind as well. If you have a large room, consider the sizing of your furniture and accessories.
• Window treatments will add another layer of texture and interest to the space. Using a bold and graphic pattern will add drama to your space. Mounting your draperies as closely to your ceiling as possible will add height as well.
• Remember to treat yourself: A vase of your favorite cut flowers will add a touch of elegance.

My inspiration photo is from one of my favorite hotel rooms: http://www.mirage.com/hotel/guest-rooms.aspx