Crying Out for Colour

This room certainly is crying out for colour and it needs help fast!

What colour scheme would you like to see for this space?

Pick your favourite out of the four options below, cast your vote in the comments and I'll get to work on the most popular one so this sad room can shine!

E-Decorating Giveaway!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Nicole F. of Port Perry, Ontario!!

She is the winner my Free Virtual Decorating Package

I'm looking forward to working on her new bedroom design 

and I'll post the final result when it's all done!

Bathroom Counter Makeover

My Faux Granite Counter Makeover

with Giani Granite 

My downstairs powder room was in desperate need of a makeover and, as usual, I needed a simple and inexpensive way to make it look great! Later I will do a post on all that was done, but for now, I'm going to focus on the countertop. It was a boring grey laminate, but a simple DIY project has transformed it into a sleek, glossy chocolate granite! You'll have to excuse the excessive amount of photos, but, for this project, I think they're warranted. 

I used the Giani Granite Paint for Countertops in Chocolate Brown. The kit costs around $80 and you can get it at Wal-Mart or a local paint and decor store. The kit comes complete with everything you need, with the exception of a small roller tray, fine grit sandpaper, a small artist's brush and painter's tape. You also get a sheet of heavy, black construction paper to practice on, so definitely make use of it!

And, the process is so simple, as long as you can hold a sponge and a brush in your hand, you're good to go!

This was my countertop before. It's pretty clear why it needed a bit of a 'WOW' factor.

The first step is to clean your counter well so the primer will adhere properly.

I used a steel wool scouring pad--you know the one :)

RINSE WELL! I rinse with a sponge about 3 times to make sure all the cleanser residue was removed. 

**Also make sure you remove all the caulking from around the sink and counter top edges**

Carefully mask off the entire area.

There is no such thing as overkill here, trust me!

Roll on the black primer

Here are the 3 colours that came with the Chocolate Brown Kit

You're supposed to start with the medium toned colour fist, but I started with the lightest. Here's my first layer. I attempted to try some veining, but you'll notice that I sponged over them throughout the process--I just wasn't happy with them. 

After the second colour was applied

After the third colour was applied

It was a little lighter than I wanted, so I added more of the dark brown

It looked really good, but I was after a softer look, so I just kept dabbing and blending the colours until I was happy with the result

The last step is to apply the topcoat. I wanted a smooth finish, so I lightly sanded with 400 grit sandpaper before I put on the topcoat. You're supposed to use 600 grit but the 400 seemed to work well too. If you decide to do this, make sure the you remove ALL sanding dust before applying the topcoat. To ensure the smoothest finish possible, I applied 3 coats of topcoat and sanded between each coat.
*Please ignore the handles--they WILL be changed!

I found it hard to get long even rolls during the topcoat process, so I would remove the sink if possible.

Close up (still need to caulk around the sink)

I'm quite happy with the results and am already trying to think of what else I can 'Granite-ize'!

Make Your Own Carpet Runner

   One of the first major DIY projects I did was rip out the original carpet in my living room, dining room and hall and install hardwood flooring. It was a big project but well worth the result. It did, however, create a problem with my stairway, which was completely covered with that same old drab grey carpet. So there I had it; another project begging to be started.
    I needed an inexpensive way to update my stairs and I've always loved the look of runners, so I set to work and removed all the carpet, sanded and painted the builder stairs, and refinished the handrail, posts and spindles. And there it all sat for a very long time. I'm too embarrassed to tell you how long, so I won't!
   Well, I was 'encouraged' recently to finally get it done and set about looking to find some sort of remnant runner that would do the trick. But, any remnant that was remotely long enough, was pricey and your typical decorative, floral pattern, which is not what I was after.
   I realized pretty quickly that I was going to have to make something up on my own. So off I went to find a carpet remnant. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one for $50 (talked him down from $70--not bad, huh?) Then I really hit the jackpot and came across a discount fabric and notions store and got corded pillow trim to do binding for 50 cents/yrd!!
   The total cost to complete my runner (enough to cover 11 steps) was $61, including 'no-slip' sheets cut to go on each step.

Here's how I did it:

Buy a remnant large enough to cover your stairs, keeping in mind that you can have seams under the step, at the top of the riser, if needed. 

Cut the remnant into strips the appropriate width (I went with 26").

• Low pile and berbers work best for runners and make installation easier because they aren't too bulky.
• Take the time to make sure your cuts are straight by drawing a cut line to follow on the back of the carpet. 

Trim off any stray fibres to ensure that you have a good, clean edge.

Cut your corded trim into two pieces measuring the full length of your runner.

Hot glue the trim to the very edge of your runner doing 8"-10" sections at a time.

Also using a glue gun, secure the band of the edging to the backside of your runner.

The finished runner, and........

INSTALLED!

Interior Decorating: Understanding the Basics

People often struggle to get started on a decorating project. They see rooms on tv and in magazines that they like but don't know how to go about getting those looks for their own spaces. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to decorating your home and it can be overwhelming. By breaking down the components of design and looking at them individually, you can clear all those jumbled thoughts and simplify the process; making it easier to make decisions and get started on your way to your dream room!

CONSULTATIONS

Consultations are vital to the process of interior decorating. They are where the designer gets to know the client's tastes, lifestyle, goals, likes, dislikes and intended use for their space. Sometimes, all a homeowner needs is a launching pad to get them guided in the right direction and they can venture into their project on their own after getting a little guidance and suggestions.

SPACE PLANNING

You can have the most beautiful furniture and accessories and still not be happy with a room because it doesn't 'work' the way you'd like it too. Proper furniture layout is key to a well designed space. When planning furniture arrangement, function and visual balance need to be addressed: Is the seating arrangement set up well for conversation? Is there a good view to the tv? Is there a focal point and good flow to the space?

PAINT SELECTION AND WALL COVERINGS

What goes on your walls does more than just tie a colour scheme together. Paint, wallpaper and other materials can enhance mood, balance a space, and add texture and contrast. They are the largest surfaces in a room and need to be paid close attention to.

MATERIALS AND FINISHES

The materials used for flooring, back splashes and countertops are the more permanent elements of a design and need to be chosen wisely. The materials and finishes used can either make these elements focal points in a room or neutral backdrops. Well chosen finishes should be able to stand up to future decorating changes.

FURNITURE AND FABRIC SELECTION 

Furniture style and fabric choices set the tone in a room's decor and have to meet the requirement of both fashion and function. There are so many options available and the right choices will complete the look of the design and provide comfort and function at the same time.

ACCESSORIES SELECTION

The finishing touches to every project, the accessories can bring in the 'WOW' factor needed to make a room truly sparkle. They should reflect your personality, provide impact and create interest.

DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION

This is where the real work begins. Your decorating goal may be as simple as changing paint colour and accessories or as involved as removing walls and installing floors. Whatever the scope of the project, a well implemented design proposal results in easier, less stressful decision-making, runs smoother and, finishes on time and on budget.

COMPUTER RENDERINGS

This is a new trend in decorating but one worth considering. 3D renderings help you to truly visualize what your finished design will look like before you commit to a design. Removing the guesswork allows for easier decision-making and eliminates possible disappointment in the end.

E-DECORATING GIVEAWAY!

It's that time of year again when I give away a free e-decorating package!

If you've been thinking about redecorating a room in your home, but just don't know where to begin, a virtual decorating package will give you just the start you need.

TO ENTER, GO TO

www.roomrevival.ca/enter2win

Be sure to get you entry in by March 31, 2013.

Chandeliers

Shedding the Light on What's HOT!

What’s new in the world of chandeliers? Well, what isn’t?

The trend is looking beyond the dining room and now you can find them in bedrooms, living rooms and even bathrooms.

With a wide array of styles, shapes and sizes, there are more options now than ever before. They are now being designed to go beyond just adding light and ambiance to a space; the limitless options available now can truly reflect the personality of the home AND homeowners!

Gone are days of the traditional chandelier draped with cut crystals or subdued with neutral cream coloured shades.  Along with the traditional, we’re now seeing geometric shapes in gold, silver, pewter, and rustic metals. Even the shades have joined in; they’re no longer mini tapered lampshades. There’s drum shades, oblong with straight sides, mylar plastic with cut out patterns, and colour and material options like we’ve never seen!

I dare you to not find one that suits your personality and that of the room it will hang in.

This Foucalt’s Twin-Orb crystal chandelier is a perfect example of old meets new. Combining the basis of the traditional candelabra chandelier with the geometrics of the Foucalt’s orb and finished in polished nickel, this stunning piece is transitional in the true sense of the word; easing seamlessly into both formal and contemporary rooms.

Available at Restoration Hardware.                                    









The simplicity of this fixture and a shade form out of aged steel, combine contemporary with rustic; making this a great option for a trendy loft or a warm and casual eating area.
Available at Restoration Hardware.







The traditional chandelier is taken up a notch with the ‘Liza’ pendant lamp. A sheer shade adds an unexpected softness, making this a great option for those that don’t have a separate formal dining room. For a more dramatic look, you can purchase it with a black shade too!
Available at Urban Barn.





I love the oblong shape of this chandelier. The simple hardware and tailored shade (also available in red, grey and black) are given a touch of elegance with cut crystal drops, making it a perfect choice for both contemporary and traditional settings!
From Dainolite - Available at Lowes.








Simple, clean lines make this fixture ideal for contemporary spaces. The nickel hardware gives it a bit of an industrial feel making it ideal for an urban loft and its unassuming design would even work well in a kitchen.
From Dainolite - Available at Lowes.

NEW INTERIOR DECORATING FORUM!

ANNOUNCING A BRAND NEW INTERIOR DECORATING FORUM!
Be one of the first to join and let's start the ball rolling!

I was on the lookout for a good interior decorating forum to join and was disappointed to find that most weren't as active as I would have liked. So, rather than accept defeat, I decided to start one up.  The more members, the more active it will be, so join let's get to know each other!

Whether you're a homeowner, interior decorator or DIY-er, the forum will be a great place to share ideas, products and projects, post questions and even show off your work.

Join the forum today and start posting your design questions and delemmas, your success stories, and anything home related!
     

stylemyhomeforum.forumotion.ca

Colour Blocking

COLOUR BLOCKING:  A LICENSE TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DECORATING

The trend of colour blocking (or colour zoning) is still alive and well in the world of interior decorating.

Colour blocking is used to highlight a feature or add interest to a space and can be incorporated into your walls, ceilings, or even floors. And the beauty is, anyone can do it!

All you need to do is select a zone and bring in a different colour than the area that surrounds it. The most common approach is with paint but you can also do it with fabric or even rugs.

Colour blocking is a license to have fun with colour without committing to expensive pieces that you may tire of or that may not go with future decorating changes. You can use different coloured circles, squares, rectgangles and even overlap them; have fun with it!

Below are a few examples of how colour blocking can be used to add interest, contrast or even a bit of whimsy to a space. 

Colour blocking has been used here to bring colour into an otherwise stark space. Without it, the walls would virtually disappear.

Modern Living Room design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Vanessa De Vargas

If you're apprehensive about painting blocks of colour on your walls, you can test the waters by painting the inside of some cubbies or the back of a bookcase. This room also has colour blocking in the yellow along the top of the wall and even in the area rug.

Eclectic Living Room design by Los Angeles Photographer Erika Bierman Photography

 You don't have to go bold. This design uses colour blocking to bring in a second colour but it's soft and calming. Notice how they've used it to add interest by highlighting the flowers on the wall.

Traditional Kids design by Chicago Interior Designer Paul Schulman Design

Here's a terrific example of how to incorporate colour blocking through the use of fabrics. It's even applied to the ceiling! This really works well to establish interest and grandeur to a small space without over crowded furniture and accessories.

Contemporary Home Office design by Toronto Interior Designer Jane Lockhart Interior Design

This is colour zoning at it's boldest! The designer has chosen to apply distinguishing colours to entire walls rather that isolated areas. They've used vivid and pure colours which compliment the artwork and bring in a good dose of fun. This one is definitely not for the faint at heart!

Contemporary Dining Room design by Dc Metro Interior Designer Kelly Porter

This design illustrates how you can highlight a feature using colour blocking. Painting the fireplace a vibrant orange reinforces it as the focal point of the room.

Contemporary Living Room design by Vancouver Interior Designer Maria Killam

I absolutely LOVE this idea. Rather than the television becoming the focal point of the room (which, unfortunately, they almost always do), the purple is what your eye is drawn to first--Yay!!!

Contemporary Family Room design by London Photographer Chris Snook