Between Pinterest, HGTV, Instagram, and design magazines, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy and hip and forget what really matters when decorating a home.

So what does matter? 

It varies from person to person. Some care a LOT about Design and keeping up with trends. Others don’t care at all, and want a home that feels authentic to those living in it (two-legged AND four-legged). And then there are others, like myself, who dabble in both.

However, regarding how we FEEL about our home, I’ve discovered two main categories: external and internal.

EXTERIOR VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

Relates to how you think OTHERS view your home

This is how the dining room looked when we viewed our house. It didn’t have our personality (obviously, it wasn’t our home), it didn’t feel like ‘us,’ and the open layout (kitchen/living/dining) wasn’t homey. Until things were changed, I did NOT have company over for dinner (even though we knew they were just coming for my stellar personality and epic cooking skills – wink wink).

A FEW EXAMPLES OF EXTERNAL VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

• Feeling proud to have guests come over.
• Have your guests feel comfortable in your home, even if it isn’t their personal style.
• That whole ‘keepin’ up with the Jones’ thing (those Jones get around more than me in my 20s!)
• Worrying about what ‘other people’ will think before making a purchase (which is what I do before buying underwear.)
• Worrying about what ‘other people’ will think after making a purchase, aka: 2nd guessing your tastes.

INTERNAL VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

Internal validation is how YOU feel about your home

Now, I LOVE our dining room. Even with the open layout floorplan, the space feels more authentic to our tastes and cozier to spend time in!

Our Kitchen & Dining Room Update  / Benjamin Moore White Dove & Urbane Bronze island

A FEW EXAMPLES OF INTERNAL FEELINGS ABOUT OUR HOME

• Having an authentic home that is a reflection of who is living in it (human and furry).
• Feeling comfortable so you can relax in your space.
• Feeling safe and at peace.
• Being proud of it (for yourself).

Personally, I fall smack-dab in the middle of both categories. I desperately need an authentic, calming home in which I am comfortable and at peace. At the same time, I want to feel proud of it (which comes with my job) so that when guests come over, they’re comfortable and impressed with my latest changes (which happen weekly, by the way) and ever-dwindling wine collection.

So, I’m going to use my home as a ‘case study’ to show you what makes OUR house feel like a home…

1. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH PHOTOS

Regarding family photos, ‘too much of a good thing’ only applies if you’re selling your home. If you are NOT selling your home and are decorating it for yourself and your family, there’s NO SUCH THING as ‘too much’ if it makes you feel good!

Here’s our living room before, too many empty walls and nooo personality…

And here it is after new flooring, painted stair railing, new paint color, and our furnishings, and home decor – it’s like a whole new living space…

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter

Your family is your home. Whether you like four photos or 40, how you pay homage to those you love is a personal matter and should not be subject to public opinion (even your sister’s – tell her to mind her own beeswax…).

2. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH WELL-CHOSEN ART PIECES

Whether it’s Grandma’s old needlework or your collection of waterscapes, what you hang on your walls speaks VOLUMES about your tastes, hobbies, and history.

I’m an Island girl, on the West Coast of Canada. Therefore, it makes sense that I love paintings of waterscapes and forests, as shown by some of the artwork in the dining room…

Benjamin Moore White Dove

And this isn’t just ‘any’ art; it’s created by my dear friend and INSANELY TALENTED neighbor, Ronei (find her website here and INSTAGRAM here.)

Here’s another one of Ronei’s stunners at our lake home. Even though it’s used as an Air B & B sometimes, I still want it to FEEL like us…

Benjamin Moore White Dove

While I certainly tread that line between what is personal and what is ‘decoratively appropriate’ (and no, I don’t mean nudes), I don’t have ONE SINGLE piece of artwork in my home that I don’t love. In fact, I have a strange obsession with trees for some reason, including images of things that USED to be trees, like the totem pole below. I can’t explain or rationalize it (fascination with hardwood, I suppose – wink wink).

Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart painted office door, White Dove trim/walls

In one of our VERY old homes, I loved to display my kid’s artwork and did so via a gallery wall. While they aren’t pumping them out like they used to, my heart still smiles every time I see this photo…

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream

BUT (Kardashian-sized), just because I’ve permitted you to hang your paint by number doesn’t mean you get to go all willy-nilly and hang whatever wherever – there has to be SOME method to the madness!

Why?

Because if you have the RIGHT piece in the RIGHT place, the result is simply magic!

 The Right Height to Hang Artwork

3. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH MEMORABILIA & SENTIMENTAL PIECES

These are the pieces that tell a story. And while memorabilia is often old (like Grandma’s old china cabinet, Grandpa’s fishing rod, or childhood pieces), it can also be more recent. Maybe it’s your heart rock collection (the girls and I have collected hundreds) or that crystal vase from your third wedding. Whatever it is, if it’s important to you, it matters.

It doesn’t need to be an epic story – it just needs to be yours.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter

WHAT HAS SENTIMENTAL VALUE IN THE ABOVE PHOTO?

• The yellow canister has Big Grandpa’s ashes in it so he can hear the hockey game.
• While it’s hard to see, the long, narrow wood piece on the console table has sea glass, heart rocks, and a rock/twine thing my friend Ang made for me.
• The framed photo on the console table is of Tim and me, as well as part of the previously shown family gallery wall.
• See the door in the upper hallway with the little hot pink things on it? I wrote on post-it notes for the girls four years ago, stating why I love them. We still have them up!
• The books in the basket on the coffee table are ’boutique-style’ books from my friend, Ang (she’s super thoughtful and knows my heart so well.)
• The toss cushions are from Home Sense – no feels whatsoever other than LOVING them when I saw them!
• While you can’t see it in the photo, I also have a ten-foot-tall indoor plant – a ficus tree. Getting it was an adventure, and we all love Fred the Ficus! Adding natural elements and texture to our home is a BIG part of feeling AT home.

What makes YOU feel at home?

And then there’s Doug, who makes any space feel like home…

4. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH BOOKS

I am a reader and a book hoarder. I love the smell of books, the feel of books, and the look of books. I went out looking for a few of Amy Tan’s books (having just read one and loved it). I found them at my favorite used book haunt and didn’t buy them because the covers were ugly. That’s right, I DO judge a book by its cover.

This is our bookcase from a few years ago…

Benjamin Moore White Dove walls, trims, and Graystone on the board and batten lower walls

If I enjoy a book, I want to keep it forever. I don’t want to loan it, trade it, sell it, give it; I want to KEEP it – I’m like Gollum from the Lord of the Rings – MY PRECIOUSSSSS! I only keep my faves, and I have a few of those…a few hundred. One of my life/house goals is to have a personal book den or library where I have a fireplace and can curl up all day with my favorite read and a bottle glass of wine.

4. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME BY DISREGARDING ‘STYLE’

I have style, alright – MY style, which is called ‘whatever strikes my fancy!’ That’s right, I don’t have a specific personal style, or if I do, it would be called ‘West Coast, homey, organic, modern, with a touch of eclectic’ – that about covers it.

If I had to match everything I bought to a specific style, our home would be a false representation of the people who live in it,

And while I’ve always wanted fake boobs, I don’t want a fake home.

In the above photo, you see Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 25% darker cabinets, White Dove walls and trim, and Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze on the painted island. Find out how I REALLY feel about our gray kitchen cabinets HERE.

Benjamin Moore White Dove…of course.

Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray

Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray is 75% lighter in the above two photos

By the way, the frames on the gallery wall are ALL from Walmart – style doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

WHY I BUY THE THINGS I DO

• Because I love them. Because I go to a store and slip on my drool as I walk by them. Their color, function, or overall look catch my eye.
• Because if I don’t, they will haunt my dreams…for real (I have ADHD, and it’s crazy in there sometimes).
• I like change. While I have my constants (family, dogs, and wine), I love changing my rooms and getting excited about new ideas and treasures, whether from the Thrift shop, Home Sense, or a garage sale!

This set of croquet balls in our bar area in the family room (below)is a good example of, ‘buying something because I love it’. Let’s be honest: I love a nice set of old balls…

OUR PAINT COLOR PALETTE

Thanks to one of my readers, I realized I FORGOT TO ADD MY PAINT COLORS!

Here we go…

• WALLS: Benjamin Moore White Dove, although there’s still some Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter left in a few areas (entryway)
• TRIMS: Benjamin Moore White Dove
• KITCHEN ISLAND & PAINTED STAIR RAILINGS: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
• KITCHEN CABINETS: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 25% darker
• GRAY PAINTED DOORS: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 50% darker (yes, I’m clearly a weirdo who likes to mess around with colors)
• BOARD & BATTEN: Benjamin Moore Graystone
• POWDER ROOM: Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky
• GUEST BEDROOM: Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray
• DARK PAINTED DOOR: Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart

MORE TIPS FOR MAKING A HOUSE INTO YOUR HOME

Aside from the touchy-feely stuff (which Tim ALWAYS loves), here are a few ideas to consider…

1. While the color of your front door on the outside needs to MATCH the outside, it’s awesome if it winks toward the color palette INSIDE your home, too!
2. Pay attention to your entryway. It often reflects the mood/vibe of the rest of your home.
3. Add textured pieces, including area rugs, toss cushions, and drapes to soften spaces. Rooms are FULL of hard edges, and these pieces help soften them and absorb sound.
4. Consider the TEMPERATURE of your light bulbs – Kelvins can make all the difference between a cold and uninviting space and one that looks inviting!
5. Add artwork, but the odd bare wall is important, too – let your eyes rest. And don’t forget to hang it at the right height!
6. ADD PLANTS. I don’t have a green thumb, but a few key plants make ALLLLL the difference for a lived-in look (go fake if you have to.
7. Don’t let the dumb stuff detract from the important stuff. Sometimes, the important pieces get buried in the ‘every day’ of papers, Kleenex boxes, remote controls, and more. Once in a while, visit each of your home’s surfaces and see if the things that matter to you the most are in their glory, or halfway to their grave.
8. A little clutter goes a long way. This is one I struggle with. I love minimal clutter; however, when I go to friend’s and family’s homes, I actually feel pretty darn comfortable when there’s some clutter around – when everything isn’t perfect! I mean, there’s DEFINITELY a tipping point, but a little mess can be endearing – you have to LIVE in your home!

WANNA READ MORE ABOUT DECORATING YOUR HOME?

I have a great series of blog posts about Creating a Timeless Home. For those inclined, most of these are more design-related and are full of GREAT tidbits and tips.

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The Best Medium-Depth Blue Paint Colors

The 6 Best Warm Off-White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Colour Consulting Services

I originally wrote this blog post in 2018. I ripped it apart, rebuilt it, and updated it in 2023 based on our home now!

The post How to Turn Your House Into a Home: A Case Study appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Black has been a popular choice for faucets, light fixtures, and hardware for several years now. But is black still TRENDY or is it on the way out? Is black TIMELESS or is it just a fad?

The answer isn’t easy.

If you ask me (which you are, by the way), black is still a good choice. While it’s TRENDY on some surfaces (bathroom fixtures, door hardware and kitchen faucets), it’s TIMELESS on others. While its popularity is SLIGHTLY waning in certain styles of homes, it’s going strong in others.

What does this mean?

There was a time (like in the last five years) when you could go into any newly built ‘average‘ home and find black on EVERY SINGLE metal finish, top to bottom. And while you’ll still see a lot of it, many builders and homeowners are shifting their sights back to the brighter end of things – polished nickel, chrome and a dab of gold here and there.

HOWEVER, go into any ‘modern farmhouse style‘ home, and black (and gold) are still going STRONG. I don’t see this trend abating until the modern farmhouse trend itself starts taking a BIG back seat (it’s taking a small one right now).

Right now, would I do an ENTIRE HOME in black metal?

HECK no. 

When designing or renovating a home that can last through various trends/owners, you need to consider VERSATILITY and FLEXIBILITY. So, let’s look at the WHAT, WHY, and HOW to see what might work for you.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR METAL FINISHES

YES, black is still trendy for metal finishes in a home. However, for the sake of future trends and owners, you should make a PLAN for your metal finishes.

Why?

Because not only do you want there to be a purposeful flow from room to room, but you also want to make sure you protect your investment so that it holds its esthetic value as long as possible.

This is even MORE important if you have a home that isn’t built to be a specific style of home, i.e., an authentic farmhouse or mid-century modern style home.

Why?

When it comes to homes that are/were BUILT to be a very particular style (i.e., a mid-century home), it’s more about what suits the home’s style and what’s authentic to it. In other words, trends matter much less.

This DOESN’T apply to a home that is STYLED to look mid-century or modern farmhouse, but fundamentally, ISN’T that particular style.

Why?

Because if you take away the decor and some design features, it’s a regular home, one that’s styled based on current trends or a homeowner’s personal tastes. Insert new trends or new owners, and it can be hard to transition from the last ‘best thing since sliced bread’ into something new.

Giving yourself some FLEXIBILITY with your metal finishes, rather than committing to one finish EVERYWHERE will give you (or a new homeowner) flexibility in the future. 

How do you give yourself flexibility when it comes to metal finishes? You make a plan, starting with mixing metals.

WHAT? Do you mean you can use different metal finishes throughout your home? 

You bet your root scootin’ booty you can! Try to stick with the 80/20 rule overall – 80% one, 20% another (this topic is a blog post unto itself).

THE BEST METAL MIXES

Since our focus today is on black finishes, let’s see which metals it can accommodate…

• BLACK & GOLD
• BLACK & OIL RUBBED BRONZE
• BLACK & POLISHED NICKEL
• BLACK & CHROME

In today’s market, you can do ANY OF THE ABOVE combos without pigeon-holing yourself. 

Long story short (as usual), black goes with everything. However, the same can’t be said of the other finishes. Don’t even TRY to talk me into oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome as a great combo – woooof. Polished nickel/chrome and gold? You do you, boo, but I’ve NEVER been a fan.

In fact, many of us moved into homes built in the 90s, only to find a home FULL of shiny brass/gold. And what was the next metal finish trend in the early 2000s? There were two, actually, polished nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. And did either of these mix well with GOLD?

HECK to the NO.

Hellooooo 1998!

This means that if you didn’t want your 1990s home to be sitting in design purgatory as you updated your home bit by bit, you had to change ALLLLL of your metal finishes at the same time. That’s some serious coin.

The difference with black is that it TRANSITIONS well with other metals, and in fact, ALL metal finishes. This means you can mix and match now AND later with no flames licking at your heels.

And while there’s no fool-proof plan that will last through every trend or every homeowner’s tastes, giving yourself some room to move is a smart choice.

BTW, my blog is 100% powered by my E-design clients and their photos. Thank you to everyone for sending them in – you make my colourful little world go round! 

However, I’d like to take a minute (seriously, nothing I say takes just a minute), to focus on bathrooms…

THE BEST METAL FINISH FOR BATHROOMS (TO STAY TRENDY & TIMELESS)

No matter the trend cycle or century, chrome is a clean and simple approach for a bathroom and the one that’s MOST likely to appeal to the masses.

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Bathroom fixtures are the BIGGEST PITA to change. For this reason, I would stick with what’s timeless and simple and NOTHING is more timeless than chrome; whether you personally love it or not. And I SURE AS HECK wouldn’t do a mix – STICK TO ONE FINISH in the bathroom. Mixing finishes in a small space like this (ie. black faucet/light and chrome shower fixtures) can look poorly planned and disconnected unless done CAREFULLY by a professional.

Almost EVERY choice is timeless in this space – smart money! 

And again, don’t get me started on gold and chrome; this is a trend I NEVER understood, not in the 90s and not now (as it’s somehow been resurrected – SACRILEGE!).

HOWEVER, If you really want black fixtures in a bathroom and are WORRIED about trends, consider black for your smallest bathroom – ideally a powder room, as it has the least fixtures (same goes for gold).

Benjamin Moore Super White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

But you have to admit, this looks pretty fab too…

And hey, don’t kill the well-intentioned Ginger messenger; I’m just trying to help. Heck, we just built a home and I did black in TWO BATHROOMS, which leads to our next topic (because I don’t stop talking in real-life either).

THE EXCEPTIONS

As mentioned earlier, some homes are exceptions to the rule because they’re ACTUALLY a particular home style. For example, a home that’s a farmhouse that’s ALSO decorated in ‘farmhouse style’ is authentic. A home that’s decorated in a mid-century style that’s ACTUALLY a mid-century style home will withstand the test of time MUCH better as it relates to trends.

Take this next room, for example. While cream and beige were NOT trends when this photo was taken, they look good because they suit the home (one of my FAVE clients ever).

The Best Beige Paint Colours for Today’s MODERN Home

In fact, if a particular finish in these homes HAPPENS to be trendy, it’s more incidental than purposeful.

This is one reason why I wasn’t afraid to do all black in two of our bathrooms at our lake home…

Benjamin Moore White Dove & Sherwin Williams Network Gray

The vanity came with this hardware – I’ll be changing it to black

4 Ideas to Give a Small Bathroom Some Personality! 

Because it’s a lake home, there’s more flexibility and forgiveness given to things that may/may not fall outside of what’s trendy. I also did a lot of shiplap and even painted some surfaces GRAY. In other words, I went for a few trends that are ON THEIR WAY OUT. However, because it’s a lake home, certain choices will ALWAYS suit it, regardless of trends. 

Simply put, some looks transcend the trend cycle because they authentically suit the home.

I’m also a big believer in loving the home you live in, and if you have the luxury of being able to CHANGE things that become outdated in the future, then why not do what speaks to you?

PRACTICE MODERATION ON A LARGE-SCALE

One of the many things I love about this next bathroom is the CHOICES my client made in hard finishes…

This is a GREAT mix of transitional & modern farmhouse that will transition easier in the future! Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

• all of the hardware is currently TRENDY and SUITS the subtle modern farmhouse style of the space
• take away the shiplap and black fixtures and you still have TRANSITIONAL BONES that can be shifted into the next trend

Because practising moderation doesn’t just apply to metal finishes, it applies to EVERYTHING. If you don’t commit too hard to one particular trend/colour/style, you leave yourself open to easier and more affordable changes in the future.

SUMMARY OF THE BEST METAL FINISHES FOR TODAY’S MODERN HOME

If I could only pick ONE METAL FINISH for each of these areas with LONGEVITY in mind, this is what I would choose…

• MAIN LIGHT FIXTURES: black
• FIXTURES IN SECONDARY ROOMS (not including bathrooms): BLACK or SILVER (chrome OR highly polished nickel)
• KITCHEN FAUCET: polished nickel
• HARDWARE ON CABINET DOORS: polished nickel
• INTERIOR DOOR HARDWARE: black
• EVERYTHING IN A BATHROOM: chrome
• EXTERIOR LIGHTS: black

READ MORE

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4-Part Series

The 11 Best Warm Neutrals That AREN’T BEIGE!

How to Update Oak Cabinets WITHOUT Paint

Are Gray Paint Colours Still Trendy for Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors?

Is Beige Back? Is Beige…dare, I say – TRENDY?

Are White Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors Still Trendy

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

Chat soon,

The post Is Black Still a Trendy Finish for Lights, Hardware & Plumbing Fixtures? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Is your fireplace mantel being eaten alive by framed photos, candle holders, and that old brass clock? (oh, you are so busted…)

It’s time to crack the whip and get your mantel into shape with a few little things we decorators call steps or friendly guidelines. These guidelines have been created to keep those of you in check who think the mantel is a platform for everything small, shiny, glass, and papery, with a wick, that holds flowers and that doubles as a photo frame, cheese grinder, as well as a keepsake from that trip to Mexico in 1974.

So, I have a challenge for you…

TAKE IT ALL OFF, BABY!

That’s right, I want you to take every single little thing off of your mantel, grab a glass of wine, and start reading!

Please keep in mind, I rely 99.9% on my Online Colour Consulting client’s photos for examples, so I make do with what I have! Please be kind if things aren’t perfectly magazine-ready!

STEP 1: PLACE YOUR FOUNDATION & ANCHOR PIECES

Every good mantel display will have a foundation and an anchor(s).

FOUNDATION PIECE

This is the piece that goes on the wall above the fireplace and can be one of the following:

• television
• mirror
• artwork
• oversized wall clock
• 2-3 pieces of layered/staggered artwork
• metalwork

If you choose artwork as your foundation, remember, it will set the theme for your space. For example, if you have a beach-themed piece of artwork, your room will end up being beach-themed, as dictated by your key piece. Style is one thing, but an actual theme can be limiting. If you choose artwork, think abstract if you want flexibility.

You also want your foundation piece hung at the right HEIGHT! Read HERE for tips on that (this link’s also in the READ MORE section at the end of the blog post if you just want to keep reading for now).

ANCHORS

A mantel needs one or two anchor pieces. The anchor piece is the KEY piece on the mantel that ISN’T the foundation piece that catches your eye the most, usually via its size/bulk.

If you use one anchor piece, it often goes in the middle or on one end. If you use two anchor pieces, you would use one on either end of your mantel. You can also use DIFFERENT ITEMS as your two anchors using BALANCE. For example, you could put a vase with flowers on one end of the mantel and two smaller candleholders on the other with a small decorative item in front of them – as long as their visual weight is similar to that of the vase.

IN GENERAL, WHAT DECORATIONS DO YOU PUT ON A MANTEL?

• candleholders
• smaller artwork
• decorative box or container
• stack of books
• vase with/without flowers in it
• plant
• mantel clock
• home decor pieces

In the above display, the candle holders are the anchors – everything else on the mantel is secondary. However, consider how the visual FLOW would be if you were to reverse the position of the candle holders, so the tallest was to the inside, and the shorter was to the outside; the energy would flow into the rest of the room, rather than into the center of the mantel!

A mirror or clock is more unisex when it comes to decorating as it will allow you to change your theme seasonally – or even weekly if you’re OCD like me! (Oh, I make it sound so thrilling, don’t I…) Accessories are fun, easy, and affordable to change, whereas foundation pieces tend to involve a bit more money, so they don’t get changed as often.

Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige

In the above photo, the TV is the foundation piece, and the two plants/holders are the anchors, creating a SYMMETRICAL display  (which you’ll learn about shortly).

In this next photo, you’ll see a great foundation piece with two anchors and one filler in the middle (and another example of balance). I might just reverse the candle positions, putting the short one on the outside and the tall one on the inside.

Next up, the balance between the two wood candle holders/candles and the vase/branches is great (I might just trim those branches back a wink on the right side)…

If you don’t have a foundation piece and anchors, buy them; you’ll need them!

BTW, if you need a QUICK brush-up on terms, check this out…

The 3 Main Rules of Accessorizing and Decorating: A Quick Read

STEP 2:  CHOOSE YOUR COLOR PALETTE

When choosing a colour palette, consider the following elements…

• The colors in your foundation piece. If your foundation is simple (i.e., framed mirror), look to your room and fireplace surround (tile/stone) for inspiration.
• Texture (branches, plants, woven items, wood, fabric, books).
• Sheen (vases, frames, accessories).
• One or two main accent colors that visually connect with items in the rest of your room.

Whether inspired by your foundation piece, fireplace brick/stone, or other accents in your room, choose a palette that works with your space. If you have a versatile foundation piece, you can change your color palette seasonally or whenever you get your period, if you’re like me.

STEP 3: CHOOSE BALANCE OR SYMMETRY

People often think that symmetry and balance are the same things. In fact, while they have the same ‘end result’, they each go about it in very different ways.

SYMMETRICAL MANTEL DISPLAY

A symmetrical mantel, if divided in half, would have the exact same thing on the left as on the right – so not only will both sides ‘visually’ be the same, but they will also visually ‘weigh’ the same.

Aside from the small detail on the right, the mantel above shows a symmetrical and simple mantel display, the same as the photo below…

While it isn’t a mantel, this next photo shows a symmetrical display with the two lamps and filler piece in the middle…

The waiting room at Eddins Counselling

A BALANCED MANTEL DISPLAY

This next photo is a great example of a balanced arrangement with the foundation piece and anchors in place…

See this lovely country home here

A balanced mantel, if divided in half, would have different things on the left and right of the center, so the two sides will LOOK different from each other, but the ‘visual weight’ of these items will be comparable to each other. This means one side won’t look heavier than the other regarding accessories and colour/texture placement.

(Visual weight means that items might be different from each other in size and colour, but they carry the same ‘visual weight’ so that one doesn’t appear stronger than the other)

STEP 4: CREATE DECORATIVE TRIANGLES

When accessorizing your fireplace mantel, try to make decorative triangles. These triangles will encourage your eyes to take in the display in a way that appears effortless, with a seamless flow.

There are TWO types of decorative triangles you can create…

THE MAIN TRIANGLE

The main triangle creates the overall flow of your arrangement as a WHOLE, as your eye will take in the top and general outer edges of each main piece.

Your main triangle has a peak with two sides. In this next example, the peak is at the top of the artwork, and the two sides go down to the two arrangements. To encourage the triangular shape, you COULD reverse the placement of the candlesticks (still keeping them on the left side of the mantel, though), so the short one and the books are on the left, and the tall one is on the right as right now, your eye travels INwards to the center of the mantel, rather than following the natural line of the triangle shape.

SECONDARY DECORATIVE TRIANGLES

Secondary decorative triangles establish flow on the lower corners of your main triangle. An effective secondary triangle might be made up of the following:

• One taller item is placed at the back.
• One medium-height item is placed on one side of the tall piece.
• One short item is placed on the other side of the small piece.

As shown in this example above, the left-hand side is an awesome secondary triangle using the anchor pieces, whereas the vase is a single anchor that speaks for itself!

STEP 5:  FILL IN THE BLANKS…SLOWLY

Sometimes, all a fireplace needs are its foundation and anchor pieces. Add items slowly and see which ones ADD to the display and which add too MUCH. Consider stacking, layering, groups of three, and triangles when placing your items – less is often more, especially with mantel decor!

Let’s break down this next mantel, to see how we could improve its flow…

There are some GREAT bones in place here, but I DO see room for improvement without buying anything new!

• Keep the clock where it is; it’s awesome
• Keep the vase/branches where they are; just move them to the right about 3 inches
• Leave the speaker; in the real world, we do need to accommodate things like this!
• Move the candlesticks/candles to the right (approx 5 inches from the right edge/side)
• The framed photo behind the candlesticks, move it so that it’s to the LEFT of the candlesticks, acting like a layered backdrop
• Take the ANTIQUES sign away. It’s too big and adds too much visual interest. I’d take away the vertically framed photo as well
• Move the horizontally framed photo to the right of the vase; its frame flows better overall than the other one. You could TRY placing the vertical one behind and slightly to the right of the horizontal frame, but I think it would be too much
• Put a small decorative item in front, between those two pieces
• Notice how the sage green of the florals ties into the candles – awesome, this is what I want to see!

And when it comes to mantels, you can try REVERSING everything. Take a photo of your mantel all done, and then swap everything to the other side and see how it feels; you might be surprised how it changes the flow of things!

THE BIGGEST MANTEL DECORATING TIP

Do you want the BEST TIP for adding home decor to your mantel?

Aside from learning how to decorate your mantel with the above tips, go on Pinterest and search mantels, mantel decor, fireplace decor, etc… I’ve found this to be the BEST way to get the look I want, by seeing a fireplace display I like and mimicking it with my own pieces or newly purchased ones.

Sometimes, NOTHING but a foundation piece is the best choice of all! 

HOW TO ADD HOME DECOR TO YOUR MANTEL (ACCESSORIZE)

STEP 1: Place your foundation piece first and anchor pieces second

STEP 2: Choose a colour palette that gets you excited, and that reflects your style and tastes

STEP 3: Decide whether you want balance or symmetry

STEP 4: Create decorative triangles (one main one and two or more small ones)

STEP 5: Fill in the blanks…carefully

READ MORE

The Right Height to Hang Artwork Above Anything – Including a Mantel!

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Home

5 Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

How to Decorate a Bookshelf: 4 Guidelines to Follow

Need Help? 

Check out my E-Books and Online Color Consulting Services

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2015, updated in 2023

The post How to Decorate & Style a Mantel: 5 Easy Steps appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If I had an extra twoonie (being Canadian) for every one of my clients who wanted to ‘de-beige’ their Tuscan-vibe home, I’d still be doing what I love – I’d just have some serious coin jingle-janglin’ in my pockets.

And while beige is starting to trend again, there are MANY of you still trying to DE-BEIGE your beige-on-beige home – and it isn’t always an easy transition.

So how do you update a beige home? How do you add gray, greige, or taupe when your home is top-to-bottom beige?

You keep reading…

First of all, DID YOU KNOW that beige is coming back? That’s right; beige is said to be the ‘gray of 2023’. In fact, I have blog posts talking about these new, modern beiges…but they’re not what you’re here for.

Second, because beige is coming back doesn’t mean you must love it. And as I alluded to above, I consult DAILY with clients desperate to add some balance to their beige-on-beige homes.

And like them, you might’ve lived with beige SO long that it’s actually coming back in style. 

So, if you’re ready for a fresh start with a cooler approach, I hear you and am here to help.

1. THE BEST GRAY, GREIGE, & TAUPE PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH BEIGE

If your home is beiged-out, there’s a moderate chance you can paint your walls a cooler color. However, it might not be the cool color of your dreams.

Why?

Beige finishes are fussy about their color partners. Often, my clients try to integrate the WRONG cool colors when the right ones are just a few tweaks away (that would be tweaks, not twerks, you crazy animal).

And while I’ve written a detailed blog post about this exact topic (read it, it’s awesome – and yes, I am a bossy lil thang), the gist is that…

Warm finishes don’t love being partnered with colors that are cooler and lighter than them.

Suppose you’ve been looking at colors like Benjamin Moore Collingwood, Gray Owl, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, and Agreeable Gray. You like these colors, but the finishes in your home don’t agree with you. In this case, they probably aren’t working because they’re not dark enough for your finishes.

This might not be what you want to hear, my dear, but if your current beige finishes are staying-put, AND you want things to look good, you may want to adjust your expectations (said with love, kindness, and a splash of wine for liquid reinforcement).

This backsplash is orange-pink beige.

FUN FACT: Many of my clients refer to their ‘warm-toned finishes’ as being cream or tan. MOST of the time (i.e., 9o+%), these ‘warm-toned finishes’ are actually beige with orange-pink undertones.

When choosing your new paint color, the best place to start is with LRV. While it depends on your home and its particular finishes, a great LRV to start with is 55. If you don’t know what LRV is, it will ROCK your world more than Dwayne Johnson.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Colors Using LRV

And without getting into which UNDERTONES best suit your particular blend of finishes (as most people have more than one beige finish to accommodate), check out the following:

• Sherwin Williams Argos
• Sherwin Williams Requisite Gray
• Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray
• Benjamin Moore Silver Song (review coming soon)
• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (definitely hit and miss)
• Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige
• Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray

Again, I can’t for sure tell you the above will work without seeing your room, but they’re a place to start. When comparing your samples, see how they relate to each beige finish in your home, your exposure, trim, and any other hard or soft finishes that need to be considered.

If you’re heading to the paint store to grab samples, stop there! Please check out SAMPLIZE Peel & Stick, an AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY choice.

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

2. CONSIDER GRAY, GREIGE, OR TAUPE FURNITURE & ACCENT PIECES

If the above colors aren’t jibing with your space, listen reaaallly closely, and you might hear your home whispering that it wants a modern beige paint color. However, even without cool-toned walls, there are still some great ways to add balance to your space.

FURNITURE PIECES

Depending on which best suits your space, consider furniture pieces that are DARKER THAN your beige finishes; they act as ‘accents’ rather than direct competition.

The warm gray chairs in this eating area below ground the space while letting the off-white cabinets and beige walls speak to the finishes in the room…

Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige

ACCENT PIECES

Rather than painting your walls the wrong color, get great visual value out of accent pieces in cool hues of gray, greige, taupe, blue, violet, and green.

As shown in this next room, you can also balance a beige room with other NEUTRALS, including warm white and black…

3. ADD SOME COOL CONTRAST WITH A COOL-TONED KITCHEN ISLAND

Painting your island (or bathroom vanity) is a GREAT way to add some cool balance to your space. In fact, you can make more of an impact with a well-chosen accent color than you will with a ‘half-decently’ chosen cool wall color.

This next kitchen was ‘next-level beige’ with its saturated golden tones…

Sure, in the ideal world, you’d replace one or more of the hard surfaces. But in the REAL world, money talks, and paint listens…

We went beige on the cabinets to coordinate with the room and its needs (Benjamin Moore Maritime White). This is what the kitchen wanted. HOWEVER, we did a beautiful dark green-gray on the island to add a cooler element. While a lighter version of this would fight with the warm finishes, this darker shade ‘accents’ the space.

With its beige/gold-inspired granite countertop, this next space looks much more modern with the painted island and new hardware (which I bet they catch their pockets on ALL THE TIME!)…

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is a beautiful contrast to this warm granite countertop

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

4. EMBRACE THE WARMTH OF YOUR ROOM WITH UPDATED DECOR & FURNISHINGS

Don’t be afraid to lean into your home. Almost any beige-on-beige space can look updated with the right furnishings, decor, and texture!

In the above room, I would change the art above the sofa to something a bit lighter/fresher. As for furnishings, what’s there looks beautiful. Find pieces with fewer curves and slightly cleaner lines if you want a more modern look. Dark greige accents would also add a nice balance/dynamic to this space.

This next space has ALLLL the potential to be beautiful. In a space like this, it can be about shifting to a lighter, more modern beige. A lighter shade would shift the energy in this space while still suiting it and keeping things homey and inviting…

5. FIND A TRANSITIONAL COLOUR BETWEEN GRAY & BEIGE

Some rooms can humor a ‘happy medium’ colour that bridges the beige and gray worlds without committing 100% to either.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (below) is a great transitional colour. As you can see, it works with the beige/polished travertine of the fireplace surround…

The 11 BEST Warm Neutral Paint Colours – THAT AREN’T BEIGE!

Realistically, the fireplace surround wants a WARMER color. However, in considering the sectional and area rug as well, Edgecomb Gray is the perfect happy medium.

The stone fireplace in this next living room has slightly cooler hues but a few warmer stones that gladly accommodate Edgecomb Gray…

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

6. PAINT AN ACCENT WALL OR INTERIOR DOOR A COOL COLOR

Painting a smaller area with a cool paint colour is one of my FAVOURITE WAYS to add balance to a beige-inspired room.

These small-scale ideas work because on your main walls, you can listen to your home and its specific (and probably warmer) needs. You can then have some FUN and explore cooler hues for an accent wall or the inside of a main door. For example…

• INSIDE OF THE FRONT DOOR (often suits navy blue-hues)
• ACCENT WALL (a wide range of options, depending on the surrounding finishes)
• Again, the KITCHEN ISLAND is a great place for an accent (dark green-gray often suits beige finishes)

While this next kitchen isn’t remotely overwhelmed by beige, the soft shade of green-gray on the back door is a gorgeous accent to this ‘mostly warm’ palette…

And check out how this blue kitchen island adds to the palette of this 1990s kitchen…

And don’t you worry about whether accent walls are trendy or not. A well-placed, well-chosen accent color can be great for almost ANY home…

The above bathroom is SUPER beige, as is the wall behind the headboard, making Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze a beautiful accent!

Where to Paint an Accent Wall & What Color Should It Be?

At the end of the day, the above colour tips are great for nodding toward your personal preferences without sacrificing the needs of your home.

READ MORE

The #1 SECRET to Coordinating Warm & Cool Colors

The Best MODERN Beige & Tan Paint Colors

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The Best Warm Neutral Paint Colors THAT AREN’T BEIGE! 

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING!

Chat soon,

The post 5 IDEAS: HOW TO DE-BEIGE YOUR HOME appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Improving your home’s curb appeal is a great way to add value, whether it’s financial (for potential buyers/home staging) or emotional (for staying put). And it’s not about doing glorious landscaping with ponds large enough to skinny dip in (although the neighbors would be impressed); it’s about making small changes which, on the whole, create the illusion of a well-maintained, cared for, and modernized property.

1. EXTERIOR UPDATE: PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR (& GARAGE DOOR)

As mentioned in my 5 Budget-Friendly Home Staging Update Ideas (I’ll link it at the end of this blog post, don’t worry), painting the exterior of your front door is a quick win and the most obvious update idea…

Painting your front door adds personality and style to your home’s exterior without a huge monetary commitment (a quart of paint will do it!). And don’t pick a front door color that YOU love; pick the color that best suits your exterior finishes, including stone, brick, pathway, roof, and siding.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR FRONT DOOR? I’ve got a package for that. 

The 9 Best Front Door Paint Colors

The Best Teal and Blue Paint Colours for Your Front Door

What Are The Best Paint Colours for a Front Door?

A QUICK EXTERIOR CHECKLIST (MORE IDEAS)

• Add a simple welcome mat. The average home best suits a natural fiber mat without writing (i.e., the mats that say ‘Hello’…hard no). The exceptions are homes with a unique character or location, i.e., a family lake home. If you’re staying in your home (not selling), have seasonal fun with decorative mats.
• Give your worn-out patio or deck a fresh lick of paint or pressure-wash it.
• Don’t forget about your rusty ole mailbox – grab a can of spray paint or find a new one that coordinates with your exterior light fixtures.
• Wipe down your gutters, especially those on the front of your home. This isn’t as vital with dark gutters, but white gutters can look pretty darn nasty (did you know you can paint your gutters? I DID!).

And don’t forget your garage door! Updating it with fresh paint or decorative hardware is a great way to improve curb appeal without breaking the bank. This next exterior shows the garage door at my Mom and Dad’s. They added Home Depot hardware, which cost less than $50!

Affordable garage door hardware sets are available at Home Depot! 

2. EXTERIOR UPDATE: YOUR LIGHT FIXTURES

I’ve seen my fair share of moth-infested, rusted, crusty, nasty ole light fixtures. Enough is enough – time to change it up, folks! Did you know Home Depot has a two-pack of exterior light fixtures for under $100? Black metal, clear glass, simple lines – perfect!

Are these the best for a more modern home? No. However, these will do the trick if your home is a bit older and just needs a fresh new perspective.

Hampton Bay 2 Pack

Or add a little modern farmhouse style with this gorgeous light…

Belleair Bluffs Exterior Light 

This is a popular exterior lighting choice as well (By the way, Edison bulbs aren’t trendy in the interior of homes anymore, but are still moderately okay on exteriors)…

4 PACK OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS

Or maybe you’d like this slightly more traditional, slightly Craftsman, but still updated look…

Marshall Wall Lantern

3. EXTERIOR UPDATE: NEW ADDRESS NUMBERS

Rusty old brass numbers won’t do the exterior of your home any favors in the style department. For someone who has never been to your house, the house numbers will be the first thing they look at – whether it’s a friend coming over, a real estate agent, or a prospective buyer, make a good first impression!

Address plates like this don’t suit every home – I usually prefer just numbers

A cheapie but goodie will cost you about $6 per number. Something a bit more fancy schmancy will probably be between $12 – $15 – there’s no need to spend any more than that. If your old numbers were on a diagonal and your paint hasn’t faded, consider placing them vertically or horizontally, which is a more modern application.

Or you can be like me and grab a can of spray paint! I gave my house numbers a cleaning and three fresh coats of black paint – they look brand new (photos TBA)!

4. EXTERIOR UPDATE: REFRESH YOUR LAWN & GARDEN BEDS

Unless you live on a large property with an obscene amount landscaping (mine is definitely borderline), it shouldn’t cost too much to freshen up your garden beds. At $6 a bag (for mulch), you can spend under $50 and get an AMAZING amount of work done. You’re not looking to add a foot to each bed – just looking to freshen up the top surface without mixing it into the old stuff; it usually takes three to five inches to do the job (that’s what she said…).

Just as home decor, accessories, and personal items can clutter the INSIDE of your home, leaves, yard shrapnel, and ragged edges clutter the outside of your home.

DECLUTTER your garden beds, and give your plants some room to breathe! 

Leaves: The environmentally friendly choice is to leave leaves on your garden beds and lawn over the winter – this protects your plants and provides a place for bugs and bees to hide. Personally, I have other ways to save the environment. I plant TONS of bee-friendly flowers, but I like my garden beds TIDY!

5. EXTERIOR UPDATE: TRIM YOUR BUSH

Spend a few hours on your shrubs, and you’ll see an immediate improvement in your curb appeal…

This front patio is just BEGGING for a little bistro set! 

Trim back overgrown hedges, pull out any plants that aren’t thriving, pull those damned weeds, and do some decluttering, like you would in your house. Find out when the appropriate pruning season is for major trees or shrubs. (The internet is a WONDERFUL thing, isn’t it?)

I love this home’s charm and thoughtful, English garden-style plantings!

By the way don’t be afraid to remove overgrown bushes past their prime – not everything is worth saving! When we bought our home, we had to take out four truckloads of bushes and trees that had lived their best life (we saved TONS, though). Here are a few of them…

California Lilacs have a short lifespan – approx 12-15 years. These were 15 years old and were rotting from the inside out (sadly).

And look at it now…

And using inspiration from the above photo, I’ll share a bonus idea, just for sharts and giggles…

6. EXTERIOR UPDATE: ADD CONCRETE CURB

This idea is a bonus because it’s EXPENSIVE.

Do you struggle to keep your garden beds contained? Are the edges constantly barfing over into your lawn? Do you have clumps of grass growing in your garden beds? I hear you. We had the same struggles, so saved up our scheckles for concrete curbing, which is a HUGE update to our already beautiful yard…

The original homeowners did their best, but it’s a LOT of yard. In the before photo, you’ll see some of the overgrown and dying bushes we removed (some we managed to rehome in other parts of the yard.). It’s nice to see a bit of mulch, giving our new grasses some breathing room. Our lovely dwarf spruce is also a LOT happier not being buried in Barberry (truly, the asshole of the plant world, with its sharp thorns.)

The price of concrete curbing varies, depending on where you live and your local supplier. Where we live, it’s approx. 13sq ft…which adds up fast, but for the hours we’ve spent trying to keep our landscape beds contained, it’s worth its weight in gold! Bender-board is more affordable and is another way to divide outdoor areas in your yard.

In all, whether you save money or blow the budget, I hope these ideas help you enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces a bit more more, or get them read for new potential owners!

READ MORE

Does Exposure REALLY Matter When Choosing Your Home’s Exterior Colors?

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

Home Staging for Mass Appeal

The Best Paint COLOURS for Home Staging

The Best Neutral, Light Paint Colours for Home Staging

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, OVERHAULED IN 2023

The post How to Update Your Home’s Exterior (Great for Home Staging) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Whether you’re new to the real estate market or an old hand, it’s vital to understand how Home Staging can affect the value of your biggest investment in the eyes of potential buyers.

As you know, your home is not worth what you think it’s worth – it’s worth what people are willing to pay for THEIR future home. If they won’t pay what you want, then it’s only worth that to you!

This means the better your home looks, the more you’ll likely get for it. However, hiring a full-service, professional staging company can cost a fortune. Hey, if you’ve got the bucks for it, let ‘er rip, tater chip. However, you can make smart updates without breaking the kid’s piggy banks.

Having staged, built, renovated, and updated over ten thousand homes locally and online, I know what matters to homeowners and potential buyers.

Let’s get this house party started!

1. HOME STAGING UPDATE: PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR

Many buyers will find a house on MLS, write down the address, and go for a drive BEFORE they talk to their Realtor. It’s vital that they like what they see outside before they step inside your home.

Spend some time improving your curb appeal – make the first impression count…

Few people want rustic red front doors and prefer more modern colors (unless it’s THE perfect color for your home.)

Aside from tidying up the garden beds, fixing any broken elements, and repainting chipped or faded paint, a great way to add instant curb appeal is to hit that front door with a fresh coat of paint…

The Best Front Door Paint Colors (HOA-FRIENDLY!)

Paint your front door, update your exterior light fixtures, sweep off your driveway and porch, and freshen up your bark mulch or gravel – these are great ways to add value to your home’s exterior – without breaking the bank.

And don’t forget about the inside of your front door! These kinds of projects take an afternoon and cost under $100 – that’s GREAT bang for buck!

How to Add Curb Appeal for Home Staging

BY THE WAY, a huge thank you to my Online Color Consulting clients who send me their photos – my blog wouldn’t run without you. Your photos help me show readers REAL homes with REAL budgets.

2. HOME STAGING UPDATE: TRASH THE BRASS

1970, 80, and 90’s style brass is not trendy and will not add value to your home. Not only will it not add value, but it could detract from other things your home has going for it, as it DATES your home.

In this next photo, the BONES of the bathroom are generally great…

There’s nothing wrong with a clean bathroom, with travertine tile, shaker-style cabinet, and a neutral countertop. So what’s REALLY throwing it?

THE BRASS.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY UPDATE/STAGING IDEAS

• Change the hardware: $50
• Mirror: $75
• New faucets: $200
• Door handle: $40
• Towel/tp holder: $75
• Take down the towel holder over the loo and patch/paint: $25

As for the shower itself, I would take that bad boy out, fill the screw holes with caulking and put up a classy shower curtain with a hotel-style shower rod. Ideal? No, but it’s definitely better than what’s there.

The total for my pretend ‘bathroom remodel’ would be under $600 – that’s smart money.

Getting caught up in the staging process and going too far is easy. Some potential buyers or Real Estate Agents might say, ‘Rip out the travertine tile, put in a new vanity, and start fresh.’ While that’s great if you have the time and the money, staging your home is often just about getting it good enough to get your home’s ‘best value.’

‘Best value’ based on the current market, your TARGET market, and the finishes in the remainder of the home.

What does the above mean?

THE SPEED OF THE CURRENT MARKET

If the current market is moving fast, and things are selling for list price or over, you just need to tidy up the basics, ensure it’s clean, and get it SOLD.

On the other hand, if you’re in a slow market and have the time, the more updates you do, the better chance your home has of getting the attention it deserves. The key is to make these changes BEFORE you put it on the market, rather than panicking and trying to update it when your home isn’t selling. Those first eyes on your home are the most important!

TARGET MARKET

TBA, I’m currently updating this post!

REMAINING FINISHES

How much you update a room can depend on the surrounding finishes, in the room itself, and in the adjoining rooms. Putting in a beautiful new quartz countertop in your bathroom doesn’t make sense if the surrounding finishes are super outdated.

Why?

There are exceptions – you MIGHT find a countertop that suits your old finishes AND is modern-looking. However, many finishes from previous decades don’t suit more modern quartz countertops – it’s slim pickings. You could end up with a bathroom that looks poorly coordinated (as your countertop is too modern for its surroundings). OR, your new countertop, chosen to coordinate with your old finishes – still looks old.

Again, there are ALWAYS exceptions, but don’t automatically assume your home is one of them. Start with SMALL updates first and work up from there; in other words…

Don’t spend money you don’t have to.

How to Update Older Granite Countertops

While this next bathroom is just BEGGING for some cabinet door hardware (that matches the existing finishes), the overall first impression is awesome and ready for the market…

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Egret White

Did you notice that the faucets and towel holders are kinda brassy?

This is an updated take on an old finish, as the antiqued brass looks great in the right space and has way better street cred than 90s brass.

BRASS HARDWARE THAT COULD BE UPDATED FOR STAGING

While you don’t have to do everything, small updates can make a BIG DIFFERENCE. Here are the few brass offenders and the approximate cost to update them…

• Brass doorknobs: $40 (each)
• Brass hinges: $5 (per door)
• Brass cabinet hardware for a kitchen: $150 (total)
• Front door hardware: $150
• Faucet: $200

White walls, trims, and doors are still reasonably popular, but trends lean toward off-whites

Going into 2024, black, polished nickel, and chrome are all common, popular metal finishes. Oil-rubbed bronze only suits certain homes and a particular target market – it’s not seen as a ‘modern’ finish (but not every home is a typical ‘modern’ style.) You might think, ‘But I like brass; I think it looks better.’ Well, guess what? When you’re the seller, it doesn’t matter what you think; it matters what the home buyers in your target market think, and most buyers aren’t interested in brass. (I am a bossy lil’ thing sometimes).

HARDWARE TIPS

• Black hardware is highly contrasted on white cabinets and doors, so decide whether that suits your home.
• If you’re keeping some brass in your home, black and oil-rubbed bronze will best transition with a brass finish.
• Nickel doesn’t usually work well in the same room as brass, so if you are looking at nickel, you’ll want to update all of the brass items in that room (or ideally in your whole home)

The Best BUDGET-FRIENDLY Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets

3. HOME STAGING UPDATE: LIGHT IT UP!

Lighting is ESSENTIAL to a home’s success, whether you’re living in it or selling it. Clean but poorly lit rooms can look dirty, gloomy, and small. A well-lit room looks brighter, bigger, cleaner, and more appealing to potential buyers. Add in some decluttering, and you’re set!

Check this list to see if any of your rooms have an outdated and ineffective light fixture:

• Light fixtures that hold only one bulb (other than a pendant over an island)
• Booby lights (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, read here)
• Light fixtures that have brass detailing

Talk to your local lighting store, or peruse Pinterest to see which light fixtures are trendy. The bit of chandelier you see here is NOT trendy and dates a home to the 90s/2000s…

And while this chandelier is slooooowly going out of style, it’s still a great choice if you’re listing in 2024 and it suits your style of home…

While this next type of chandelier was great for selling this home in 2020 (as with any Edison-style fixture), it’s no longer trendy. If you have one, it’s not BAD; just take out the Edison bulbs and put in chandelier-style bulbs. If you’re shopping for a new light, avoid this style…

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

Notice the lack of clutter in the above photo. The furniture shows the function and flow of the space without too much fuss.

WHICH LIGHT FIXTURES SHOULD BE UPDATED FOR STAGING?

My inside voice says, ‘ALL OF THEM!’, but it’s only kidding (kind of – wink wink). The lights that matter the most are often based on your 5 KEY ROOMS, which I recommend reading after you finish this blog post.

• ENTRYWAY
• LIVING ROOM
• KITCHEN
• PRIMARY BEDROOM
• MAIN BATHROOM

This bad boy below is the best, most cost-effective light fixture to update any secondary space. (You’ll want something more interesting in the main room, like the master bedroom/living room/kitchen, etc…)

This one is great for secondary spaces such as a spare bedroom, hallway, laundry room, family room, etc. Sure, it’s no screamin’ glory style-wise, but it’s a great place to start for a BUDGET-FRIENDLY update.

If you want to take things up a notch for your important rooms, check out this blog post (once you’re done reading this one): Lighting Update Ideas: Warning – Graphic Content.

Let’s go down a little (or big) rabbit hole with this next kitchen. Along with the light fixtures, there are a few other teaching moments…

First off, this space is GORGEOUS; I’m just being fussy for the sake of teaching! Many people curse their older granite countertops and need to update their wood cabinets – this kitchen is beautiful! However, if the homeowner wanted to stage it, update it, get it ready for sale, AND…spend a BIT MORE money without going over the top, I’ve got some great ideas.

Sure, some professional stagers, Real Estate Agents, and Designers will say these cabinets must be painted and the granite should be replaced. And for some people, this is true – it’s what they want to see. However, for some homes, it’s about spending SMART MONEY, which is also the focus of this blog post.

First, let’s list a few things this kitchen has going for it…

• the cabinet hardware is updated and SIMPLE
• WOOD CABINETS that are in great shape to keep, or for a new owner to paint
• stainless steel appliances
• furnishings that add to the space
• the window sill is clear, and the countertops are decluttered
• the dining room light fixture is PERFECT!
• minimal clutter on the counters and well-placed accessories

Again, this homeowner isn’t a seller, and their home looks GREAT, but here are a few shifts for Home Staging‘s purposes…

1. INSTALL A CREAMY, OFF-WHITE, SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH

Subway tile is timeless. And while not everyone appreciates this particular granite, surround it with updated finishes, and it will take on a whole new life! For a space like this, that’s a touch more traditional, I’d stick with a 3×6 subway tile in a glossy finish.

4 Ideas to Jazz Up a Simple Subway Tile

2. CHANGE THE PENDANT LIGHTS

The chain, combined with the cage style of these pendant lights, is very graphic and cluttered. Since the countertop and backsplash already have a busy look, I’d take a more subtle approach with the lights.

I might choose something like this…

WAYFAIR Leilani 1 BULB FIXTURE

Ideally, I’d spend WAY LESS than that, but it’s the first one that grabbed my eye (and I’m not really a shopping site).

OOOO, this one is a better price, and I also like it for the style of this kitchen (it wouldn’t suit more modern kitchens)…

WAYFAIR Bales FIXTURE

If they were to update the backsplash, I’d still change the lights. As for the light above the sink, I’d simplify it or install a ceiling-mount fixture.

3. PAINT THE WALLS A LIGHTER NEUTRAL SHADE

Honestly, I’m OBSESSED with this medium-toned greige on the walls – it’s wicked pretty with the wood cabinets and trim. HOWEVER, getting a home ready for sale is about appealing to the masses…

The 6 Best Warm Off-White Paint Colors

Fewer people will like this depth in the kitchen, and MORE people will want to see something lighter and warmer, that contrasts less with the wood. If you’re like me, you’ll wince doing it, but in the end, it’s about selling your home and finding your next one!

Nothing I’ve suggested is over the top, especially if you’re asking a decent price. It can pay to spend SMART MONEY!

As usual, I got a bit off track there (SQUIRREL!); let’s finish this section with a few tips!

LIGHTING TIPS

• The metal finishes that are the most trendy for light fixtures (going into 2024) are black and polished nickel
• If your room/space is larger than 8×10, consider a fixture that takes three – 60w bulbs instead of two
• Don’t forget to consider your light bulb’s KELVINS!

4. HOME STAGING UPDATE: NEUTRAL LINENS

Bedding and linens with busy patterns can make a space look smaller and more cluttered than it is. Not only that, patterned bedding focuses on the bedding, not the room itself. It doesn’t matter how pretty your floral is or how striking your graphic stripe is, unless it’s been well-decorated (it takes a lot) – MANY rooms need solid linens to look their best!

Let’s explore a few examples and how they could be improved…

This first room is WAY over the top –  it’s downright stunning. Buyers aren’t expecting this look, or this level of updates (a HUGE bonus if your home does look like this). Buyers are looking for a clean, DEPERSONALIZED space, with a good traffic pattern from the doorway to the bed, bathroom, and closet.

In this next bedroom, the small bit you can see of this bedding says all you need to know – it’s too busy…

A simple off-white/beige duvet cover and a navy blue throw pillow (or two) would show the room much better. And sure, we could jazz up the side tables with some accessories and a new lamp, but these ideas are about keeping it SIMPLE and budget-friendly.

Now, compare it to this next room…

The only thing that needs to be fixed is the personal photo on the dresser – everything else is great – tasteful, modern throw pillows, simple linens, and minimal decor.

This next example is of a well-dressed, well-decorated room that handles patterned linens very well. This bedroom works because the patterns are passive rather than a strong focal point, and the entire palette is super muted…

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Egret White

While the next room is well-decorated, the striped duvet cover distracts and takes away from the bones of the room – which are STUNNING…

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray and Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Let’s consider what would be included with this home (if it were for sale, which it’s not): the chandelier, large window, board-and-batten walls, vaulted ceiling, and wood floors. The striped duvet cover interferes with and distracts from these features. I would rather see a white, textured duvet cover, with a soft gray throw/quilt on the end of the bed. If this home were being listed, I might kill the shag rug, too…people aren’t diggin’ shag these days.)

BATHROOM TOWELS

As for bathroom towels, with FEW exceptions, bathrooms should have white towels. Don’t get creative with a navy blue accent towel or a splash of sage green – save those colors for your decor.

What are the exceptions?

Some bathrooms with warmer beige tones, suit off-white towels, rather than crisp white ones. You won’t catch many professional home stagers putting COLORED TOWELS in their clients’ homes.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

The towels in this next bathroom are great for the homeowner‘s style, but they should be white for resale…

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

Sure, they’re pretty, but THEY AIN’T COMIN’ WITH THE HOUSE and distract from what really matters. They also make the space look smaller and more cluttered.

The color in the artwork is the only thing that should be doing any heavy color-lifting in this space.

5. HOME STAGING UPDATE: PAINT A FEW ROOMS

Painting your entire home might be out of the question, but focusing on a few of your 5 Key Rooms is a great way to refresh your space.

• ENTRYWAY
• LIVING ROOM
• KITCHEN
• PRIMARY BEDROOM
• MAIN BATHROOM

Pick the spaces that matter the most in your home and start with these. Choose a modern shade of neutral that suits the hard finishes in your home – the ones that stay with the home when it’s sold.

Regardless of your personal preferences, bright colors don’t sell.

The early 2000s tile looks more updated with a well-chosen wall color! 

A FEW MORE HOME STAGING TIPS

• Get rid of any home odors, especially from pets or stinky teenagers/kids. This might involve getting your carpet and rugs cleaned to remove any stains.
• Don’t use smelly candles or plug-in air freshens  – they’re toxic and extremely off-putting. Do your research on a more natural approach, such as boiling particular spices on the stove, or making some COOKIES! 
• Open blinds and drapes to maximize your home’s natural light. If you have a less-than-desirable view, tilt the blinds or use sheers to camouflage it.
• Fix ANYTHING that’s broken – cracks, dents, the fewer flaws, the better.
• Don’t leave anything around your tub, kitchen, bathroom counter, or window sills – simple and clean is best, along with a few thoughtful accessories on your counters.
• Turn on table lamps in rooms that have inadequate natural lighting. Make sure they have updated shades that offer a clean, bright light.
• Put kid’s toys away in drawers, or, even better, in packed boxes in a storage unit.

The Best Light Neutral Paint Colors for Home Staging

READ MORE

Home Staging Tips and Ideas: The 5 Key Rooms

Home Staging: 5 Affordable and Fun Ideas

The Top 8 Light Neutral Paint Colours for Home Staging

3 Home Staging Ideas: How to Decorate for Mass Appeal

Home Staging Tips and Ideas: 4 Rules to Follow

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting! 

Chat soon,

WRITTEN IN 2016 – FULLY OVERHAULED IN 2023

The post 4 Budget Friendly Home Staging, Update Ideas appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Partner Post to The Best Light Paint Colours for a Dark Room

Let’s be honest: I’m cute, funny, and amazingly modest. However, I’m NOT a rocket scientist. This being said, I don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize the following:

Dark rooms aren’t fixed with the right paint colour; they’re fixed with the right lighting. End of story.

That’s right, my friends. If you don’t have the right lighting in your dark room, NO magical paint colour will save you – unless it’s glow-in-the-dark.

Let there be light!

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty – how much light YOUR room needs…

THE MAGIC FORMULA

Multiply the room’s width by the length, then multiply it by 1.5 – this will give you the watts you need.
w x l x 1.5 = wattage

For example:
8w x 10l = 80 sq ft. 80 x 1.5 = dammit, where’s my calculator.  Right, 120.  So an 8 x 10 room needs 120 watts of light.

Technically, most small rooms (8×10 or smaller) can get away with 120 watts of lighting. However, getting enough wattage in one light fixture can be challenging once you hit the bigger sizes. So what do you do?

Drink wine and cry.

Before we start, I know that many of us still use incandescent bulbs (personally, they’re my fave), whereas others have moved to LEDs (men seem to favor these). I’ve done up this simple chart so you can cross-match your info.

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A SMALL ROOM NEED?

Approx. 80 – 120 SQ FT 

Rooms in this size range need approx. 120-180 watts of light. For this reason, I’m inclined to go ‘the more, the merrier,’ and I would install a light that holds three – 60w bulbs. However, general light fixtures don’t necessarily add ambiance and you may still want to add some accent lighting.

A SMALL ROOM WILL NEED…

• At least one light fixture that holds three – 60w bulbs or the equivalent wattage in pot lights.

• Two table lamps for ambiance.

Do you have a booby light that only holds one or two – 60w bulbs? Oh, you are so busted. If so, read this…Budget-Friendly Lighting Update Ideas

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A MEDIUM-SIZE ROOM NEED?

APPROX. 144 – 180 SQ FT

Rooms in this size range need approx. 215-275 watts of light. Unless it’s a dining room or a room that can hold a chandelier (usually five or more bulbs), you’ll need a central fixture and accent lighting to have it ‘well-lit.’

Don’t be afraid to lower your central/general light (as long as the bottom is at least seven feet from the floor). This can make a space feel brighter, yet more intimate.

A MEDIUM-SIZE ROOM WILL NEED…

• ONE central light fixture that holds four to six – 60w bulbs.

• You could also add two table or accent lights that hold 40-60w each.

 How the KELVINS of a Light Bulb Affect Paint Colours

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A LARGE ROOM NEED?

200 sq ft +

If you have a larger room with only one central light fixture (and don’t plan on hiring an electrician to add pot lights), you’ll need at least three table/floor/accent lights to make up the difference.

I BET this room doesn’t have enough light! 

Again, w x l x 1.5 = wattage

For example, a room that is 12 x 18 (216 sq ft) x 1.5 technically needs 324 watts. Now, you can get 180 of those via a central light fixture/pot lights; however, you will likely need to supplement with table lamps (60w each), which will get you closer to the mark.

Plus, table lamps and accent lighting add mood and ambiance to a space, so even if you DON’T need the extra wattage, I consider these pieces an essential part of any decorative arsenal, no matter WHAT size the room is.

A LARGE ROOM WILL NEED…

• ONE central light fixture that holds a minimum of three – 60w bulbs (or pot lighting).

• THREE table/floor/accent lights that each hold 60-100w (the more, the better).

• If you have an open layout, like the room shown above, separate each space into functional areas – measure those and then determine the wattage needed.

ROOMS THAT ARE LONGER THAN 20 FEET

If you have a room that is LONGER than 20 feet, you may want to cut it in half and then treat the two halves as ‘separate rooms.’ This way, you can light each half of the room, which, as a whole, will create a ‘well-lit room.’

In this next room, with pot lights, two central hanging light fixtures, and table lamps, you can see how the room is split into two sections, making it look well-rounded and well-lit.

This photo shows how recessed lighting and track lights can define social areas. In between pot lights, track lighting, and accent lighting – this room has it covered!

REMEMBER…

Many rooms need a central light or recessed lights, as they’re the lights in charge of the room. These lights light the space whether all of the secondary/accent lights are on or off.

If you don’t have a central light fixture (or pot lights), you must supplement with table and floor lamps that supply your room’s wattage (read below for more).

• Central or general lights are usually located in the center of the room.

• Instead of a central or general light, many modern homes have recessed or pot lighting, which, when done correctly, can be as effective as a central light fixture.

• Every dark room or area (including hallways) should have a general light that holds at least three – 60w bulbs.

EVERY ROOM SHOULD HAVE ACCENT LIGHTING 

WHAT IS ACCENT LIGHTING?

Accent or task lighting may include table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, recessed/pot lights/under cabinet lighting, etc… and in a pinch, accent lighting with the right wattage will do the job when there isn’t a central light fixture.

Look at all of the accent lighting in this space – MAD LOVE! 

• Accent lighting is what highlights the features of your home, lets you do specific tasks (task lighting), and creates ambiance. Even if your central light is doing the job, accent lighting just adds to the room’s overall appeal.

• A white or off-white lampshade will shed a brighter light than a dark or colored lampshade.

• In the average room, you should have three accents lights, that would create a triangle if you drew a line between them (as shown in the above photo)

And when all else fails, there are TONS of other ways to improve the ‘perceived light’ in your dark room…How to Brighten a Dark Space OR 4 Ideas to Brighten a Dark Room

Well, I hope you found this article en-LIGHT-ening (mwah-ha-ha).

READ MORE

The Best Light Paint Colours for a Dark Room

How to Choose the Right Light Bulb KELVINS for Your Paint Colour

How to Make a Dark Room Feel Brighter with Sheen

The 5 Best Off-White Paint Colours

NEED HELP? WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Check out my affordable Online Consulting Services!

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR YOU IN 2018, AWESOMELY UPDATED IN 2023

The post How Much Light (Watts) Does a Room Need? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

‘A vig WHAT?’ you might ask. A vignette is essentially a small-scale decorative display full of your purdy and important things – please don’t ask me to pronounce it correctly. All I know is that it starts off sounding like vin, which also sounds like the French word for wine, so I’M IN!

There are many opportunities to create a beautiful vignette in your home, and I’m going to give you some tips/steps on how to add a beautiful display to your space!

STEP 1: CHOOSE A SPOT THAT NEEDS SOME INSPIRATION

Find a spot that you see every day, that needs a little decorative love, such as:

• side table
• console/sofa table
• inside corner of the kitchen countertop
• top of a buffet or dresser
• short or single-shelf
• coffee table
• accent table
• empty corner

Surfaces that aren’t good for vignettes (right now)…

• FULL-scale bookshelf displays
• fireplace mantel
• a long shelf or buffet/cabinet
• the top of a piano
• really, almost any surface longer than 4′

Why aren’t these surfaces contenders for a vignette?

They are, but they need MORE than one. And for now, we’re keeping things simple. When you’re ready to learn about larger-scale decorating, check out my blog post, How to Decorate a Bookshelf: 4 Easy Tips to Follow or How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Let’s start off by looking at a gorgeous little corner vignette in my client’s bedroom…

Paint Colours: BM Collingwood and Escarpment

HOW MANY PIECES ARE IN A DECORATING VIGNETTE?

There can be MANY pieces in a vignette, but to keep things a bit more meat n’ potatoes, we’re sticking with odd numbers/lower ones like one, three, and five. Remember, these numbers are FLEXIBLE because multiple grouped items can ACT like one; for example, a stack of books is variable as you might have three books, but they ACT as one item.

Please note, I rely 99.9% on after photos from my E-Design clients, who aren’t always professional photographers but do allow me to share REAL homes with you guys, and I’m grateful for them! 

STEP 1: PLACE YOUR FOUNDATION PIECE FIRST

The FOUNDATION piece applies when creating a vignette with a wall space behind it.

If you DON’T have any wall space behind your flat surface, you can move on to Step 2!

A vignette can be as simple as this table with the mirror and decor pieces in front!

The foundation piece will be the backdrop to your horizontal display. It’s also the best way to set the stage for layering, an important part of your display!

EXAMPLES OF VIGNETTE FOUNDATION PIECES

• a piece of artwork/photography
• a mirror
• metalwork or woodwork that is wall-mounted
• wall-mounted tapestry
• clock (usually 30″+)

In this next photo, the carving is the foundation piece…

In this photo, the art on the wall is the foundation piece…

And you can’t just hang it all willy-nilly; you’ll want to hang it based on some guidelines I’m not going to go into here as it’s a TON of info. Instead, once you’re done reading this blog post, check this out: The Right Height to Hang Artwork 

Please note, that you’ll ALSO need this next piece!

STEP 2: PLACE YOUR ANCHOR PIECE

If you don’t have a wall space behind your decorative zone, your anchor piece is the FIRST PIECE in your arrangement! 

The ANCHOR piece is your MAIN decorative piece that’s going on your flat surface. If you don’t have a wall behind your surface, this anchor piece is even more important as it IS the piece de resistance of the whole display! In the last photo, the CHAIR is the anchor piece.

This next photo shows a great example of an anchor piece, just not in the right place for a vignette!

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Examples of an anchor piece…

• vase with or without flowers/branches in it
• LAMP (oh, I LOVE having light in a vignette!)
• stack of books with a decorative item on top
• slightly larger scale, dominant decorative item
• leaning piece of artwork (which is really more of a foundation piece)
• chair or bench if you’re decorating a floor space

The anchor piece is OFTEN, the tallest item in a vignette. So, you’ll want to place it slightly further back if possible. It can also be the LARGEST instead of the tallest.

In this next photo, while there is wall space behind the shelf, it isn’t suitable for hanging art…

In this case, the plant is the anchor as it’s the TALLEST and the STRONGEST item via its colour/contrast.

STEP 3: PLACE YOUR SECONDARY PIECE

Secondary pieces are often the second largest or most noticeable items. Alternatively, they can be one of a pair (and the other one would be your finishing piece in Step 5). Secondary items should not be as strong or noticeable as the anchor, but should still add value to the display and connection with the other pieces via colour, texture, theme, etc…

Your secondary piece will usually go to the left or right of the anchor.

The secondary piece could/should be:

• smaller and/or not as dominant as the anchor
• placed a bit to the right or left of the anchor

Examples of secondary pieces (assuming they HAVEN’T been used already as an ANCHOR)…

• vase
• plant
• small stack of books
• decorative item
• framed photo

In the end, we’ll create a decorative triangle (once we add the final item) – SO EXCITING!

In this next photo, I’m breaking the rules with the sofa table as it’s a bit long for a typical vignette, but it’s a GREAT example when combined with the coffee table.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Notice how the coffee table’s colors (green, white, and wood) pick up on what’s happening on the sofa table in the background…

• Coffee table: What a fabulous group of three and the perfect mini-vignette!
• Sofa table: On the left-hand side, the plant is the anchor. On the right side, the lamp is the only anchor. This homeowner valued SIMPLICITY, and I had to push her comfort zone even to get those items on there!
• Sofa table: On the left side, the frame is the secondary piece as it’s shorter, not as visually strong, and to the right of the plant. Add in the decorative wood bowl, and we’ve got our decorative triangle!

In this next example, you’ll see that only one item was needed on the narrow black sofa table (it has beach glass in it for interest). However, let’s look at the cabinet to the left of the fireplace…

Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray

The foundation piece and anchor are in place, but the rest isn’t quite cutting it. How could it be improved?

• The flow would be better if the plant were on the far right side and the stack of books/decorative items was in the middle instead (the other small white item is a Google Home and could be tucked behind the lamp)
• Even better, a plant in a slightly smaller pot would’ve looked good on the stack of books right where they are. I would then treat the left side as its own vignette area, with the lamp, a small framed picture just to the right of the lamp (approx 5×7 photo), and then the Google Home in front as our third (and necessary) item – sometimes function comes before fashion! That grouping would give us a nicely layered decorative triangle and some nice stacking on the right-hand side. To learn more about stacking, read this: How to Decorate a Bookshelf: 4 Easy Tips

Before we get to the FINAL piece, we’ll slip an extra step in…

STEP 4: LAYER & STACK YOUR DECOR

It’s vital to add depth to your vignette; the best way to do that is via layering and stacking. Layering, also known as staggering, involves having the tallest-largest item at the back (usually the anchor), the medium-sized piece to the side (usually the secondary piece), and the smallest in the front (the finishing piece). These should be staggered from each other, not all in a line/row. Arranging your accessories like this also hits my happy place regarding the Groups of Three rule.

Let’s take another look at that photo from the beginning…

Stacking is another important element to a display and is a GREAT way to shift the eye and add visual interest, as shown in the above photo with the black books/small vase near the top. Stacking is where you place one item on top of another, almost ALWAYS involving a book(s) with a decorative item on top. To learn more about stacking, check out this blog post HERE.

In the above photo, let’s talk about what works…

• Each shelf has its own vignette, with either ONE item or THREE
• The green accent colour is noted in three places – the plant, rug, and bathroom vanity. Even though they aren’t in the same exact spot, there is a CLEAR colour connection
• Check out this next vignette, and then we’ll break it down…

STEP 5: ADD THE FINISHING PIECE

You’re almost done! Now, you just need to finish it off.

Examples of finishing pieces (assuming they haven’t been used yet):

• horizontal books underneath the anchor or secondary item (this is one of my favorite finishing piece ideas)
• trinket bowl
• small framed photo
• smaller version of a secondary piece (i.e., a candle holder that’s smaller than the other)
• small decorative item

This piece generally goes to the front, often between the anchor and the secondary piece.

Let’s look at this dining table next…

Sherwin Williams Pavestone

• the anchor is the tall vase, although I wouldn’t mind seeing SLIGHTLY more substantial branches in it, slightly drooping
• the secondary piece is the stack of plates/bowl (it could almost be the anchor)
• and we round it out with the tray of nuts in the front
• also, notice the lovely ole bear enjoying a spot of tea

In this next photo, the side table has a vignette on it…

• The foundation piece is the lamp.
• The secondary piece is the stack of books with the candle holder on top (yes, they can act as ONE!)
• The finishing piece is the bowl in front. I would just shift those books a bit more so that the covers are facing forward (another 15 degrees) and then tuck the bowl a bit further back, in between the lamp/books, creating more of a triangle.

Sherwin Williams Pure White / 4 Ideas: How to Jazz up a Subway Tile

If things aren’t flowing, take a peek at this quick checklist…

• Do the colors all belong to the same colour family/palette?
• Do any of the textures enhance or overwhelm the display?
• Do your items SUIT each other, or do they fight?
• Have you staggered things the right way? Do you need more layering?
• Do you have a solid foundation piece and anchor?
• Do you have VARIATION in the finish (i.e., not all crystal finishes or all wood)?

This next bookcase is FULL of loving pieces, as well as store-bought decor. Notice how each shelf flows all on its own, as well as how it relates to the shelves above/below it…

Okay, are you exhausted? I’M NOT – I COULD DO THIS ALL DAY LONG! But seriously, that’s probably enough for this blog post…

READ MORE

Furniture Layout & Decorating Ideas: Balanced & Symmetry

The Best WHOLE HOME Warm & Neutral Paint Colors

How to Create a TIMELESS Home: 4 -PART SERIES

4 Easy Steps to Accessorize a Mantel

The Right Height to Hang Artwork and Mirrors

NEED HELP?

Check out my E-Books & Online Paint Colour Consulting packages

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2017, awesome updated in 2023

The post How to Decorate With Vignettes (Home Decor) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I’ve spent a lot of time writing blog posts on how to decorate everything from bookshelves and mantels to side tables and walls and found that I was referring to the SAME concepts repeatedly, without any real LANDING page for all of those guidelines and rules.

So I made one!

This is a BRIEF post, designed to give you the general description and application of each term. I have in-depth details and photos in much larger blog posts; they’re just spread out amongst 3-4 articles, whereas the info is all in one spot here for you! THIS BEING SAID, I fully encourage you to read MORE about these ideas in the links provided BEFORE you tackle a big decorating project!

1. WHAT IS A DECORATIVE TRIANGLE?

A Decorative Triangle is when you place three items with the goal of them visually connecting. Once everything is in place, you should be able to draw a line between the pieces and create a triangle.

This triangle can be a on a small scale, as shown in this next example…

Or it can be a LARGE triangle, as shown with this fireplace mantel…

If you want to learn MORE about Decorative Triangles and see some pretty pictures, check out this blog post…

How to Decorate a Mantel: 4 Guidelines to Follow

2. STACKING & LAYERING YOUR HOME DECOR

STACKING

Stacking is placing one item on top of another and almost ALWAYS applies to books. You would use a small number of books (often coffee table style books vs. small novels) and put them in a stack. Then, top them with a smaller decorative item, one that doesn’t come close to overlapping the edge of the books. If you are to draw a quasi-triangle, the decorative item would be the PEAK of the triangle.

LAYERING

Layering (sometimes called staggering – which is what I do on Friday nights after my two token glasses of wine), is a way to add depth and interest to your decorative triangle.

• The tallest item goes at the back of the display (it’s the anchor).
• The second-largest item goes to the right or left of the anchor (this is a secondary piece).
• The final item goes in front of the last two pieces (this is the finishing piece). It can also go UNDER one of the other pieces if you want to use a book

3. THE RULE OF THREE & ODD NUMBERS IN HOME DECOR

The Rule of Three and Odd Numbers states that odd numbers look better than even numbers. This is always tough as there are MANY EXCEPTIONS – sometimes two of something is perfect, other times, FOUR of something is even better! However, when you’re beginning your decorating adventures, using odd numbers in your decor is a great way to learn how to layer, stagger, and create a decorative triangle – and you can branch out from there.

If you want to learn more about this rule, I’ve got WAY more info in this blog post…

The Rule of Three and Odd Numbers in Decorating

WHAT IS A VIGNETTE IN DECORATING?

A vignette is a way of placing your home decor, and sometimes even furniture, so that the pieces look visually connected and your flows from one piece to the other with minimal interruption – it looks effortless.

In making a vignette, you often use the previous three topics – decorative triangles, stacking/staggering/layering, and the rule of odd numbers.

How to Create a Decorative Vignette

READ MORE

4-PART SERIES – HOW TO CREATE A TIMELESS HOME

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

5 Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

The 6 Best Off-White Paint Colors

NEED HELP? 

Check out my E-BOOKS and Online Paint Colour Consulting packages

Chat soon,

UPDATED IN 2023

The post The Main Rules & Guidelines of Decorating & Accessorizing appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

While stainless steel is undoubtedly the most popular appliance finish for a kitchen, black takes a close second and white…well, that’s a whole different topic.

Today we’re going to focus on black appliances and how to integrate them into your kitchen design without sticking them out like a sore thumb. So whether you’re buying new appliances or trying to update your kitchen with existing ones, these tips will get you on the right track!

DO BLACK APPLIANCES LOOK GOOD WITH WHITE CABINETS?

It’s touch-and-go. Remember, just because you WANT to do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it.

Why don’t black appliances & white cabinets always work? 

• Black appliances and white cabinets create a HIGH-CONTRAST palette. There’s a time and place for contrast, but this isn’t ALWAYS between appliances and cabinets.
• This high-contrast approach makes the appliances more prominent. Unless you’ve invested in a wicked-pretty and EXPENSIVE designer oven, you miiiiight not want the appliances to be your kitchen’s crowning decorative glory.
• Contrast makes a space look smaller.

Do you want your appliances to be your kitchen’s main feature?

Whether black appliances and white cabinets are BFFs comes down to two things…

1. the OTHER finishes in your kitchen (countertop/backsplash/flooring)

2. perception (your personal opinion)

Let’s start with your appliance’s surrounding finishes. Dark appliances look FAR more at home in a kitchen with another dark feature for the appliances to connect with, IN PARTICULAR, black countertops (or at least SUPER DARK ones).

Why would the above combo work? BLACK COUNTERTOPS

Because I don’t recommend this black-and-white combo very often, I don’t have many photos from my Paint Color Consulting clients to show you. I also don’t ‘borrow’ from other sites. However, I can show you kitchens that COULD handle black appliances, like the one above. 

As for PERCEPTION, it comes down to what you think looks good – heck, it’s your home; you need to be happy! Many people LOVE the look of white cabinets with black appliances, reveling in the contrast and dynamic energy this palette creates. PERSONALLY, there are very few kitchens that I think look good with white cabinets and black appliances, which leads to our next topic…

HOW TO MAKE BLACK APPLIANCES & WHITE CABINETS LOOK GOOD

Right now, you might be thinking, ‘darn it, I REALLY want to paint my cabinets white, but I have black appliances!’ Here’s the BEST THING you can have in your kitchen…

BLACK COUNTERTOPS (or at least VERY, VERY dark ones)

Again, I don’t have any Color Consulting clients who’ve done white cabinets/black appliances (we usually avoid it). Still, with its black countertops and metal finishes, this next kitchen could EASILY handle a black fridge, stove, and dishwasher…

Learn more about high and low contrast via this small bathroom article

Why COULD the above kitchen handle black appliances?

• black countertop
• black light fixtures
• black furnishings

These all will give your appliances some good visual support. HOWEVER, stainless steel is still the best choice for this space.

As shown in this next photo, medium or dark-colored countertops will give your appliances something ‘visual’ to grab onto. While it’s still a high-contrast look, it helps soften the blow.

Dark countertop? Check. Dark island? Check. Dark accents? CHECK!

WHAT IF YOU DON’T/CAN’T HAVE BLACK COUNTERTOPS?

While a few other ideas can help your appliances feel more connected, the idea still makes me a lil twitchy…

• paint your island BLACK, giving your appliances something to connect with
• consider white upper cabinets and black lower cabinets, again, for visual connection – this is my fave option of the two

The 4 Best Gray & Greige Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets & Vanities

WHAT COLOR/FINISH CABINET HARDWARE GOES WITH BLACK APPLIANCES?

While you MIGHT think black handles and knobs are the answer, they can negatively affect the balance/level of contrast. I usually recommend polished nickel; keeping black for rare occasions.

WHAT CABINET COLORS (OTHER THAN WHITE) GO WITH BLACK APPLIANCES?

Now we’re getting into my wheelhouse. There’s a WIDE selection of paint colors that work with black appliances, including black, gray, blue, and green. And not just these, many WOOD stained cabinets can look smashing.

Again, MOST of my clients have stainless steel appliances, hence the lack of photos. However, you’ll still see some great examples.

GRAY OR GREIGE PAINTED CABINETS WITH BLACK APPLIANCES

The AFFORDABLE laminate countertop in this next photo and the dark lower cabinet color could EASILY accommodate a completely black stove…

The dark gray of the cabinets (Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray), dark countertop, and details in the backsplash help the black appliances feel RIGHT AT home in this next kitchen…

The above space also has dark hardware (oil-rubbed bronze). While these would create a high-contrast look on white cabinets, they’re a more classic look on these darker cabinets without adding undue stress to the balance.

In this next photo, you’ll see stainless steel, but black COULD work, thanks to the black countertops!

Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray

The Best Medium-Depth Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

While we don’t see any appliances in this next photo, you can see how black would look low contrast and simple against the Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze cabinets…

Notice there are other dark elements for black appliances to tie into, including dark chairs in the backdrop and black metal pendant lights.

A FEW MORE CABINET PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH BLACK APPLIANCES

When it comes to choosing the best color for your cabinets, the backsplash and countertop call the BIGGEST shots. However, you can often include black appliances in the palette with the following colors…

• Benjamin Moore Pashmina
• darker greige paint colors
• Sherwin Williams Dovetail or Gauntlet Gray
• Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray
• almost any white paint color (the one that suits your backsplash/countertop)
• some darker green paint colors

SAMPLING PAINT COLORS WITH PEEL & STICK

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out soon to grab paint samples – stop there! I want you to check out SAMPLZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY, depending on the location

• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

WHAT WALL PAINT COLORS GO WITH BLACK APPLIANCES?

When picking a paint color to suit black appliances, it’s LESS about your appliance and MORE about your countertop, backsplash, and flooring. That’s right, let your appliances be a MINOR part of the process, as these other finishes will be calling the shots.

Generally speaking, kitchens with black appliances often suit…

• light warm neutrals such as subtle creams and more muted, modern beiges (with warm surrounding finishes)
• subtle light depth gray, greige and taupe paint colors (with slightly cooler surrounding finishes)

WOOD CABINETS WITH BLACK APPLIANCES

Unlike white cabinets, wood cabinets allow a ‘bit’ more room for black appliances as the combo isn’t as high contrast. That is, assuming your wood stain is mid-range or darker. This means you don’t necessarily NEED black countertops, as long as you integrate black somewhere in your finishes (check this out – I could do without the black range hood, but the hardware is STUNNING)

The oak cabinets in this next kitchen look SHARP with the black microwave. And while there’s a bit of mix and match with the stainless stove (I’d rather see the appliances ALL black), the overall look is working…

In the above situation, black hardware looks GREAT as it’s not as high contrast on the wood cabinets compared to white cabinets. A great way to update the above kitchen would be to add a medium-depth taupe subway tile backsplash, pulling into the countertop colors.

PAINT ‘COLORS’ & BLACK APPLIANCES

While there isn’t a wide range of colors that suit black cabinets – the ones that DO work look pretty bangin’. And with these colors is where you’ll find it’s EASIER to get away without black countertops, as long as you bring black in somewhere else.

And unlike white cabinets, which are fussier, paint colors give you a bit more flexibility as to the range you can look at, including:

• medium-depth or darker green-grays as well as darker, STRONGER shades of green
• some blue hues, although green is a more NATURAL fit with black appliances

Generally speaking, the DARKER you go and/or the more STRIKING you go, the better chance you have of pulling off black, even WITHOUT black countertops! However, ensure you tie in black details SOMEWHERE in your design (i.e. cabinet hardware/faucet/light fixtures).

This next kitchen can BARELY handle black appliances (and is better suited to stainless steel). The paint color is Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog. Even if we bump down one shade darker to Dried Thyme, the palette would rest a little easier.

In the above kitchen, the black hardware would definitely help black appliances feel more at home WITHOUT needing a black countertop – again, it’s really only white to light depth cabinets that  NEED a black countertop.

PAINT COLOR IDEAS TO GO WITH BLACK APPLIANCES

• Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
• Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart
• a wide range of medium to dark green paint colors
• a wide range of medium to dark blue paint colors; ideally those with a bit of gray mixed in
• Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black or Benjamin Moore Jet Black
• medium to dark gray paint colors – gray IS the lighter version of black!

HOW DO I BRIGHTEN A KITCHEN WITH BLACK APPLIANCES?

While black can weigh a space down, there are a few ways to brighten your kitchen up…

• white or off-white cabinets – definitely
• choose a backsplash that has a glossy sheen to it, helping to reflect light
• install under-cabinet lighting and improve your general lighting as much as possible (watch those KELVINS!)
• while black countertops might seem counterintuitive, in partnership with black appliances and a white, bright backsplash, the CONTRAST between these finishes will add energy to a kitchen!

READ MORE

3 Steps to Picking the Best White for Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands, Bathroom Vanities & More

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Home

So there you have it, my friends; I hope you found the inspiration you were looking for!

Chat soon,

Looking for personalized kitchen color ideas? 

Check out my Online Decorating and Color Consulting

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017, UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2022!

The post What Paint Colors & Countertops Go With Black Appliances appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I love marble. Its timeless and classic style makes it a top choice for many bathroom and kitchen renovations. HOWEVER, it’s freakin’ expensive and a big ole pain in the rear end when it comes to maintenance. I was going to go on a big ole Ginger rant, but I’ll let Edie tell you a few things here on her uber-fab blog post ‘Living With Marble – A Cautionary Tale.’

There are a few ways to get the MARBLE LOOK for a lower price…

• use a ‘MARBLE-LOOK’ product that mimics the real thing

• install your REAL marble in a THOUGHTFUL and BUDGET-CONSCIOUS way

So, let’s get these marble ROLLING with some great ideas to get you using marble in your own home.

1. IF YOU LOVE MARBLE, GO VERTICAL WITH IT

Marble on a VERTICAL SURFACE will be much easier to keep unblemished than on a horizontal surface as it won’t be as exposed to products that stain and etch.

MARBLE BACKSPLASH

While there’s a bit more square footage on a backsplash, the visual bang for buck is HUGE, and it’s cheaper and lower maintenance than marble countertops!

In this next bathroom, we only needed 15 square feet of marble to make a HUGE impact!

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

You can do an amazing quartz countertop with a marble backsplash and get a different, but equally as stunning look. Quartz countertop is CONSIDERABLY lower maintenance than marble – I’d choose it ANY day for any project…

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

MARBLE-LOOK TILE IN A SHOWER SURROUND

In this project, we did an affordable porcelain (marble look-a-like) on the walls to save on the budget and keep things low maintenance. HOWEVER, we did spend some good money on the hexagon marble tile accent (and it was worth it). However, we could’ve done the marble accent in the alcoves ONLY, and it still would’ve been beautiful.

A shower surround is usually a minimum of 70 square feet – that’s a LOT of tile. In this next bathroom, we chose a subway tile to save money and a gorgeous warm marble hexagon tile for the niche. Only SEVEN square feet of tile was needed, and it was worth every penny!

See the before and afters HERE

MARBLE VANITY BACKSPLASH

It doesn’t take much to make a big impact when it comes to marble, especially in a small bathroom.

See the full project HERE

This bathroom’s vanity area is a striking focal point with the marble-look countertop (learn about it below) and Chelsea Gray cabinets.

2. IMITATE THE LOOK OF MARBLE

There are so many fantastic products out there that look like marble. These are usually a) considerably less expensive and b) much more durable.

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

CHOOSE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS THAT LOOK LIKE MARBLE

CAESARSTONE STATUARIO MAXIMUS is a GORGEOUS substitute for the real thing.

CAESARSTONE STATUARIO NUVO is another great option with a slightly softer look compared to Maximus.

SILESTONE LYRA is an interesting option. I’m not going to lie to you and say that it looks ‘just like marble’ because I find it not as veiny as the real thing. However, it will be MUCH more durable and still look pretty darn awesome.

CAMBRIA TORQUAY is another good one for the ‘marble-esque’ look with a whack-load more durability. Again, I don’t think it’s bang-on in the looks department; it’s MUCH more muted looking and has some warmth – still a great contender, though!

SILESTONE WHITE ARABESQUE has a slightly softer approach with a mottled background and gray veining.

CHOOSE PORCELAIN TILE THAT LOOKS LIKE MARBLE

In all three bathrooms below, we chose an affordable porcelain tile that LOOKS like marble, but is easier to maintain and considerably more affordable – style doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

3 Ideas to Add Personality to a Small Bathroom

See the full project here

CHOOSE MARBLE-LOOK LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS 

My fave idea of all!

Formica has a fabulous marble impersonator called Calacatta Marble. It’s a fraction of the cost, and while it is a laminate countertop (which has its own pros and cons), the overall look and durability are worth the value.

We chose the countertop above BECAUSE it looks JUST LIKE MARBLE! It’s pretty remarkable and a fraction of the cost.

LAMINATE/FORMICA COUNTERTOPS THAT LOOK LIKE MARBLE

• Wilsonart White Carrara (terrible online image, as most are)
• Formica Neo Cloud
• Wilsonart Calcutta Marble
• Formica Carrara Bianco
• Formica Calacatta Marble

The New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

If I were to pick a product based on its COST, durability, and ability to withstand my bad habit of spilling everything I pour and the fact that I prefer cutting without a cutting board, I would choose laminate. I’m not saying it’s a superior product in the ‘design hoytie-toytie’ sense; I’m just saying I would trust it a HELL of a lot more than marble for everyday wear and tear. Plus, if I DID torch it, the replacement cost would be astronomically lower than replacing a hunk of marble (and ALL that being said, quartz is my favorite countertop product).

This post isn’t about trashing marble – it’s a fabulous product. It’s about doing your research to see what else is out there that can give you a similar look with a few additional perks (like freakin’ durability, people!)

READ MORE

A Contemporary Marble Bathroom – New Home

4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Small Bathroom

A Marble-Inspired Ensuite Bathroom

How to Create a Timeless Trend-Proof Home

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

Chat soon,

For your own E-Design Decorating Consultation, check this out…

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED FOR CONTENT AND PHOTOS IN 2023

The post Affordable Ways to Design With Marble (Look-alikes, Placement, & IDEAS) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

The 8 Most Popular Warm-Toned Quartz & Quartzite Countertops

While white quartz countertops are still in style for many of today’s homeowners, a new wave of countertops is on the horizon.

That’s right, with paint trends leaning warmer, I’m also seeing a LOT of demand for countertops that lean to the WARM side of things vs. the white and gray trend of the last 5-10 years.

And if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – you do you. If you aren’t concerned with trends or resale, pick whatever floats yer lil boat. However, if you’re hankering for something WARMER and potentially even more FLEXIBLE than the top countertops of previous years, I’ve got some beauties for you.

A FEW IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS…

Before we get this party started, there are a few important things to remember…

• The countertops listed below are for inspirational purposes. Please remember to visit your local supplier to see what the slabs look like in person.
• Whereas quartz is more consistent, there can be QUITE a bit of variation in quartzite slabs as they’re a NATURAL product (and MUST be sealed/maintained).
• I love sharing approachable designs, so I only use photos from my E-Design clients and local projects.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARTZ & QUARTZITE?

When looking for a new countertop, the choice is often between NATURAL and HUMAN-MADE. And this is the big difference between quartzite and quartz – quartzite is natural, whereas quartz is a MIX of natural (approx. 90-95%) and human-made (5-10%).

Natural products like quartzite (and marble/granite) require a degree of maintenance, whereas a quality quartz countertop requires none.

As it relates to looks, quartz offers a more predictable, more planned-out pattern. On the other hand, because quartzite is natural, every slab is unique, although most have similar colorways.

Remember, because quartzite is a natural product, there WILL be variation between slabs. Please, apply the tips and ideas below as general guidance to your chosen slab to see what works best!

1. TAJ MAHAL QUARTZITE

Taj Mahal is one of my FAVOURITE quartzite countertops. While it has a beautiful warm base, it’s not OVERLY beige or tan. It also has a moderate amount of veining – not too boring, but not overwhelming either.

As with ANY natural product, you will find variations between slabs. And while some Taj Mahal slabs can politely nod at a soft white cabinet color, many prefer a slightly darker, more off-white color partner.

As shown below, the Taj Mahal is also gorgeous with natural wood cabinets…

If you’re looking for a countertop that’s a bit friendlier towards white cabinets, keep on reading.

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR TAJ MAHAL

• SOFT MUTED WARM WHITES, although they can be a bit more of a stretch depending on the depth of your slab
• SOME VERY MUTED TAN paint colors, depending on the slab
• SOME MUTED BEIGE paint colors, again, slab dependent (no strong orange-pink undertones)
• VERY MUTED CREAM/TAN hybrids
• DARKER GREIGE paint colors

2. BRITTANICA WARM by CAMBRIA

I love Brittanica Warm so much that I chose it for the kitchen countertop for our home!

In my search for the perfect quartz countertop, I wanted a flexible one – suiting today’s trends while flexing towards future trends.

How does Brittanica Warm do this?

Brittanica Warm has a soft, warm, off-white base, warm gray veining, and even a bit of taupe-beige mixed in. In short, a countertop like this is likely to withstand trends as it can flex towards the slightly warmer or stormier, cooler end as well.

See the WHOLE SPACE HERE

And while there is Brittanica Gold, which has MORE warmth in it, it’s not as popular with the masses due to its HEAVY, higher-contrast veining.

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH BRITTANICA WARM

• SOFT SUBTLE warm whites
• WARM GRAY paint colors with a subtle green undertone
• DARKER GREIGE paint colors
• LIGHT GREIGE/TAUPE paint colors
• some OFF-WHITE BEIGE paint colors

3. SILESTONE CALACATTA GOLD

While Calacatta Gold parks itself in the ‘white quartz with gray veining’ category (i.e., intended to look like marble), because it has a gorgeous rusty orange veining it, it has a bit more flexibility than some of its slightly cooler cousins. This is true, ESPECIALLY as it relates to coordinating with some of the finishes from the early 2000s (Tuscan trend).

Along with that veining, you’ll find a warm gray with a violet undertone and a softer taupe with a violet-pink undertone. I know these undertones can sound scary, but they’re quite normal and beautiful for a countertop like this (a lot of people just see them as ‘gray’ veins, I’m just breaking it down a bit more for you).

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH CALACATTA GOLD

• SOFT, NOT OVERLY WARM WHITES
• WARM GRAY paint colors with a violet undertone
• TAUPE PAINT COLOURS
• maybe the odd, subtle SHADE OF BEIGE

4. TAJ ROYALE by CAESARSTONE

Taj Royal is bound to be a popular quartz in the coming years. With a soft, muted, warm base and more subtle veining compared to Taj Mahal and Perla Venata, it offers an interesting but more CONSISTENT look.

Comparing Taj Royal to Taj Mahal, Taj Royal will be more stain resistant because it’s not a natural product – it’s quartz. Being quartzite and natural, Taj Mahal is more likely to stain. Also, because Taj Royal is a small percentage of human-made, the pattern is more consistent/reliable.

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR TAJ ROYAL

• SOFT MUTED BEIGE paint colors, although it can humor some of the slightly more saturated ones
• DARKER GREIGE paint colors
• warm whites are often a bit too yellow to be partnered directly with Taj Royal

5. WHITE MACAUBUS QUARTZITE

Ooooo, this one is a stunner. White Macaubus is a quartzite countertop that bridges the warm and cool worlds, committing more to the ‘greige/taupe’ end of things.

You can find a considerable difference between slabs, with some leaning into a softer off-white backdrop like this one below, while others pick up on a soft white with gray/greige veining.

Island colour: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR WHITE MACAUBUS

• SOFT & SUBTLE GREIGE paint colors in the lighter range (VERY minimal green undertone; borderline taupe)
• DARK GREIGE paint colors
• SOFT WHITES that aren’t overly yellow/creamy

6. PERLA VENATA QUARTZITE

Perla Venata has a relatively WIDE range of neutrals, ranging from soft off-white ivory to greige, tan, beige, and gray. Depending on the slab you choose, your countertop might favor beige (warmth) or greige/tan, or even pick up some ivory/cream hues.

If you’re worried that Taj Mahal or Taj Royal won’t humor your warm white cabinets, Perla Venata tends to have more flexibility towards the whiter, brighter end of things.

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR PERLA VENATA

You’ll find that Perla Venata is LESS inclined to humor shades of gray and happier in the following worlds…

• WARM OFF-WHITES
• MUTED & MORE MODERN LOOKIN BEIGES & TANS (depending on your slab)
• CONSIDERABLY WARM SHADES OF GREIGE (very mild green undertone)
• SOME WARM WHITES

7. IRONSBRIDGE BY CAMBRIA

Ironsbridge is DEFINITELY one of my favorite warmer-toned quartz countertops. With a more subtle approach compared to the likes of Taj Mahal and Perla Venta, Ironsbridge is a great way to get visual interest without it dominating the room.

HOWEVER, while it has a subtle, soft warmth, it’s LESS inclined towards beige, tan, and cream and more friendly towards soft greige/taupe paint colors.

See the FULL HOME REMODEL & COLOUR DETAILS

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR IRONSBRIDGE

Ironsbridge is a warm quartz countertop that’s not AS inclined towards beige (or cream). Here are some of its preferred colors…

• OFF-WHITES in the greige/taupe end of things
• SOME WARM WHITES, as long as they aren’t overly yellow/cream
• light depth GREIGE/TAUPE paint colors

Is Beige BACK? Is Beige TRENDY?

8. MONTEREY BY OMNIA

Monterey is another favorite of mine, which is why I chose it for our new lake home. I was looking for a versatile quartz with a soft white base and warm greige and beige veining. A countertop like this can nod politely at the warm gray end of things (especially with a green undertone) while humoring the coming warm trends.

Walls: Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White, Trim: Sherwin Williams Pure White

THE BEST PAINT COLOURS WITH MONTEREY

• WARM SOFT WHITES
• considerably MUTED BEIGE paint colors
• some EARTH-TONES such as gray-blue blends

A FEW MORE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS WORTH CHECKING OUT

• DOLCE by VIATERA (Pinterest image HERE as the website photo is a hot mess)
• ETHEREAL GLOW by SILESTONE (Pinterest image HERE)
• CALACATTA MIRAGGIO GOLD by MSI (HERE)

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

And, of course, there are questions I get asked all the time, some of which I can answer right here for you!

WHAT’S MORE EXPENSIVE, QUARTZ OR QUARTZITE?

While it can depend on the brand of quartz countertop you buy, with Cambria being one of the more expensive brands, quartzite is generally more expensive than quartz.

WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR QUARTZITE COUNTERTOP?

Taj Mahal is known to be one of the top quartzite countertops due to its subtle warmth and versatility.

WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR QUARTZ COUNTERTOP?

Calacatta Maximus is a HUGELY popular quartz countertop, intending to mimic marble with a white base and gray veining. Next year, ask this same question, and we could look at something warmer!

WHAT’S TRENDING IN QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Quartz countertops that mimic the look of marble are still popular. These countertops primarily have a white background with gray veining.

In my Online Consulting work, I’m seeing a slow shift to some of these warmer countertops, as some homeowners are tiring of the white-on-white-on-white kitchen.

ARE GRAY QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS IN STYLE?

While gray quartz has been reasonably trendy in previous years, there’s a subtle shift into warmer palettes, including soft off-white quartz and warmer quartzite countertops like Taj Mahal.

READ MORE

Quartz vs. Granite – What’s The Best Countertop for YOUR Home?

The Best Bougie Laminate Countertops: Budget-Friendly & Beautiful! 

6 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets White

How to Jazz Up a Subway Tile Backsplash

The 5 Types of White Paint Colours

How to Update Older Style Granite Countertops

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING! 

Chat soon,

The post The 8 Best Quartz Countertops for Upcoming (warmer) Trends appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Accessorizing bookshelves may seem intimidating if you don’t know where to start. However, I’ve found that most of my readers have everything they need to have a nicely accessorized bookshelf – they have the shelf, the books, and the knick-knacks; they just don’t know what the heck to do with it all!

That’s where I come in handy. Using some basic guidelines and tips, I’ll show you how easy it is to accessorize any bookshelf using what you have around your home already!

First, let’s check out a list of items to use when accessorizing a bookshelf…

1. BOOKCASE NEED: BOOKS

Novels and coffee table-style books all look good stacked vertically or horizontally. Stacking items is a great way to add variation and interest to a bookcase, especially if your display is HEAVY on the books!

2. BOOKCASE NEED: PICTURE FRAMES

Family, friends, hobbies, scenery – picture frames can hold anything you like but can’t be oversized (up to 8 x 10 is usually manageable on a bookshelf).

• Frames with mats tend to look tidier than frames without mats
• Be sure to establish some consistency between the look of your frames. They don’t need to be the SAME, but they do need to fall within your palette for colors and textures – unless you’re going for a super eclectic look, but even then, there should be a method to the madness
• You can also add flow by using only black and white or colour photos

3. BOOKCASE NEED: VASES

Vases come in HUNDREDS of shapes, sizes, and colors and are a great way to add color and interest to a bookshelf.

• If you want a more updated look, avoid crystal vases
• Vases are a great opportunity to add sheen, texture, and colour and, again, should SUIT each other, but don’t need to be matching

4. BOOKCASE NEED: DECORATIVE BOWLS & PLATES

Dig into your cupboards, dive into your china cabinets, and pull out any interesting wooden salad bowls, porcelain bowls, decorative dishes, etc. That piece that’s sat in the back of your cupboard for years could be fabulous when on display! Even decorative plates can be put on plate stands for display as a backdrop or key feature.

5. BOOKCASE NEEDS: KNICK KNACKS AND PADDY-WHACKS (but no dog bones)

The options are really endless in this category. Maybe it’s a larger item that takes up 1/3 of the shelf, or it could be a wee tiny thimble. Find items with texture, interest, shape, humor, or history. You might be surprised at the colour/theme connections that are made when different pieces (like a knick-knack and a vase) are placed together.

Notice how the built-in looks great, but a bare space in the middle of the bottom shelf needs some love.

5 Easy Ways to Turn Your House Into a Home

When you’re accessorizing a bookshelf, it’s best to start out with ‘more than you think you need’ rather than not enough, so don’t be afraid to harvest items from other rooms. If you have more than you need, you won’t need to think so hard when it comes time to improvise and get creative.

1. BOOKCASE DECORATING TIP: The 3/4 Rule

When accessorizing your bookshelf, you’ll want to break things into quarters…

1/4 BOOKS

Whether you’re into Nora Roberts, 50 Shades, photography, or scuba diving, these books should be books that you love, books that you feel best represent you, your downtime, your hobbies, and your passions (particularly if it’s 50 Shades…)

If you’re a book hoarder (like me), you might find that your bookcase is HEAVY on the books and light on the decor – and that’s TOTALLY okay, as long as you mix things up a bit here and there.

1/4 DECOR AND MISCELLANEOUS

This can include decor pieces that are strictly sentimental or a mix of store-bought and meaningful!

1/4 FRAMES OR ARTWORK

Whether it’s a beautiful canvas or framed photos of your kids, this is a great way to add a personal touch to a bookcase.

1/4 AIR SPACE

Breathe it in, baby! Air space? Yes, air space is important when arranging accessories so that each piece has room to breathe and the overall display doesn’t look ‘over-stuffed.’

You can mix things up per shelf or keep it simple by having only one type of thing on one shelf. No matter how you decide to do it, each shelf should have 1/4 air space showing, regardless of whether the rest is books, accessories, or both!

THE EXCEPTIONS

Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, if you have a bookcase in your kitchen or dining room and want to show off your dinnerware, you might not have it mingling with books and photographs. This dining room buffet/hutch below is a well-decorated display…

Notice the types of pieces used, as well as the use of SYMMETRY over BALANCE.

2. BOOKCASE DECORATING TIP – THE ANCHOR

It’s important to have some anchor pieces to stabilize your bookshelf. If you have too many small items, your bookshelf will look hodge-podge, cluttered and busy.

Examples of an anchor piece…

• vase with or without flowers/branches in it
• stack of books with a decorative item on top
• slightly larger scale, dominant decorative item
• leaning piece of artwork (which is really more of a foundation piece)
• large basket (like the two shown in the previous photo)
• framed photo/artwork

The anchor piece is OFTEN, the tallest item in a vignette, so you’ll want to place it slightly further back if possible. It can also be the LARGEST instead of the tallest.

And most importantly, EVERY SHELF NEEDS AN ANCHOR. The anchors don’t need to be equally as strong as each other or the SAME as each other, but it’s important that each shelf has an anchor to call its own, and the placement should STAGGER from shelf to shelf, so they don’t line up vertically.

Although it’s behind the fixture in this next photo, the anchor piece is the tall basket with greens.

And yes, the dining table could use a little love on the top, but you know what the COOL thing is? These are all REAL people’s homes – my E-Design clients! This means that while not everything is perfect and edited, you get an authentic, real-world take on decorating your home. Not everyone has a budget to blow at Home Sense; sometimes, we just use what we have on hand!

This bookcase is JAM-packed with emotional value – and it should; it’s my Mom’s!

In the above photo, notice how each SHELF has an anchor piece. Also, notice the groups of three and how they’re layered (i.e., stacks of books, lime green, framed pieces). To learn more, check out this blog post: How to Decorate Using the Rule of Three and Odd Numbers.

3. BOOKSHELF DECORATING TIP – STAGGER, STACK, & LAYER

Staggering, stacking, and layering pieces add flow, depth, and interest to your bookcase or display. The width of your shelf will dictate HOW much you can do. You might have a more spread-out display with an anchor piece on either end or a condensed display of ONLY an anchor piece!

• Stack 2-3 coffee table-style books horizontally and place a decorative item on top. You can also do this with novel-sized books as long as they aren’t pocketbook size and place a smaller-sized item on top
• Place a plate or a clock on a plate stand and place it near the back of the shelf as a backdrop to some of your smaller items (or as a backdrop to your horizontally stacked books from above)
• Place a large vase, accessory, or framed picture near the back of the shelf and place another item, like a small stack of books with a decorative item slightly in front and off-set from it

In this next example, notice two things: 1. the wood frame picture and wood bowl are diagonal to each other – not in-line, and 2. the vertically and horizontally stacked books are also diagonal to each other. The layout wouldn’t look as purposeful if they were underneath each other.  These little details can make a BIG DIFFERENCE!

4. BOOKCASE DECORATING TIP: ADD TEXTURE & VISUAL INTEREST

Whether you’re going for a matchy-matchy look or prefer a more eclectic arrangement, it’s important to have at least three pieces on your bookshelf that add texture and/or visual interest.

Just like with ‘foundation pieces,’ make sure to stagger your textured/interesting pieces so they don’t line up vertically from shelf to shelf.

Check out this next gorgeous display – the mirror is the foundation, the vase/branches and the stack of books with the brass decor on top are the anchors, and the rest are the filler pieces…

EXAMPLES OF TEXTURED DECORATING PIECES

• baskets
• woven bowls
• wood pieces with grain (or driftwood)
• floral (fake or real)
• books

EXAMPLES OF VISUAL INTEREST (ALSO INCLUDES THE ABOVE ITEMS)

• bright or striking colors
• white things (when placed with other non-white items)
• one item on one shelf – as long as the item and shelf are proportional to each other. You don’t want a piece too big for the shelf it’s on or too small!

READ MORE

How to Decorate Using The Rule of 3 and Odd Numbers

The Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colors

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Home

How to Create a Decorative Vignette

4 Tips and Ideas to Accessorize a Mantel

Need help?

Check out my fun E-Design Books and Online Colour Consulting packages! 

 Chat soon,

Originally written in 2017, awesomely updated in 2019

The post How to Decorate (Accessorize) a Bookshelf: 4 Guidelines to Follow appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

LRV, undertones, exposures, personal tastes – there’s a lot to consider when choosing paint colours. And while this blog post touches briefly on these topics, and more, you’ll find tons of helpful links to full-bodied articles (you know the Ginger LOVES to talk).

So whether you’re just beginning your paint color journey or are neck-deep in samples, let’s get this color party STARTED!

BLOG POST #1   WHAT MATTERS THE MOST WHEN CHOOSING PAINT COLORS?

Aside from sampling properly and choosing the right finishes for your walls, there are a few important things to consider when choosing a paint color – your interior finishes. That’s right, if your paint colors don’t suit the room they’re in, your home won’t look its best.

Remember, if your interior finishes aren’t well-coordinated, there might not be ONE color that makes them all 100% happy – it’s often about finding the next best thing!

What Matters the Most When Choosing Paint Colors?

BLOG POST #2  THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING PAINT COLORS WITH LRV

LRV refers to how light or dark a paint color is on a scale of 0-100. EVERY paint color has this magical number (you just need to find it). Once you learn the basics of LRV, your paint-pickin’ life will be SO MUCH EASIER!

It’s about a 10 min read and worth EVERY hot lil’ minute…

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING PAINT COLORS WITH LRV

BLOG POST #3  HOW DOES NATURAL LIGHT (EXPOSURE) AFFECT PAINT COLORS?

Natural light can have LESS of an impact on interior walls compared to the exterior, but there are still some BIG considerations when it comes to which direction your room gets its natural light from.

The level of impact natural light has on your room can depend on…

• the size of your windows (a small window lets in less light OR you might have a BIG window that faces south and a SMALL window that faces north – the south-facing light has more impact)
• landscaping, i.e. a wall of trees filtering the natural light or tall shrubs outside the window
• a tall fence, overhang or otherwise blocking some of the natural light from coming through the window
• your region, i.e. some areas receive a lot of rain/clouds

To learn more about how exposures can affect paint colors, check out…

NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, WEST: WHICH PAINT COLOR IS THE BEST?

BLOG POST #4  THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PAINT COLORS & UNDERTONES

A paint color’s undertones are one of its most IMPORTANT details! What undertones does gray have? How about cream and beige? And did you know that even BLUE and GREEN have undertones?

If your paint samples aren’t quite connecting with your interior finishes, learning about undertones could be a great tool in your search for your room’s best paint color.

Kylie M’s Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Their Undertones

BLOG POST #5  HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT BULBS FOR YOUR PAINT COLOR

Did you know that the KELVINS of your light bulb will affect how your paint color looks? If you aren’t loving how your samples look or are WONDERING why they don’t like like they should, it could be your lighting…

How to Choose the Right KELVINS For Your Paint Color

BLOG POST #6  SHOULD YOU USE PAINT SAMPLE POTS OR SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK?

While there is a small space reserved for sample pots (which I’ll touch on shortly), SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK are hands-down, the best way to sample paint colors.

• SAMPLIZE uses paint from the actual brands to make their samples.
• SAMPLIZE is less expensive and QUICKER than paint pots. No more running to the store to grab pots, sample boards, and brushes – Samplize delivers to your FRONT DOOR (usually by the next day).
• Peel & stick paint samples make it easy to see what a color will look like on your walls; flexing with rounded corners and adjusting to your wall’s texture – and you can move them around!

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

WHEN ARE SAMPLE POTS A GOOD IDEA?

Sometimes a paint color needs to be made a bit lighter or darker. In this case, I would get a QUART of paint made in the exact line of paint/finish that you plan on using and ask the employee to lighten/darken it as needed.

Want to learn more about lightening and darkening paint colors? Read this…

How to Perfect Your Paint Color in 3 Easy Steps (LIGHTEN & DARKEN)

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK: REVIEW

AND REMEMBER, I have an awesome SEARCH area on the right-hand side of my blog that can take you to ANY of the main keywords you punch in, i.e. gray/greige/cream/beige, as well as most of today’s most POPULAR paint colors (i.e. Revere Pewter, Repose Gray, etc…).

READ MORE

HOW TO SAMPLE PAINT COLORS THE RIGHT WAY

5 Reasons You Keep Choosing the WRONG Paint Color

HOW TO CHOOSE A PAINT COLOR WHEN YOU’RE ANXIOUS OR AN OVERTHINKER

THE BEST PAINT FINISHES FOR WALLS, CABINETS, TRIMS & MORE

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING!

Chat soon,

The post THE 5 BLOG POSTS YOU NEED TO READ BEFORE PICKING A PAINT COLOR appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’re looking for a brief answer to whether gray is still popular for flooring, it’s a resounding NO. But let’s be honest; you don’t read my blog because you’re a fan of brevity.

When choosing the best color or finish for the hard surfaces in your home, you’d be smart to consider what’s TRENDY vs what’s TIMELESS. And while both can live in harmony, not ALL trends can withstand the test of time. Such is the case with gray flooring.

Which types of flooring am I referring to?

• gray-wash wood floor
• gray-wash LVT or laminate flooring
• gray carpet
• gray tile or vinyl

Of course, there are always exceptions, but assuming your home isn’t one of them, let’s take a closer look at what does/doesn’t work and why.

Notice how the subtle green undertone in the paint color sits a bit off with the violet hue in the flooring (LVT)

Let’s start with a little chat to ease any immediate concerns…

1. If you already have gray floors – it’s okay! This blog post isn’t about gray flooring being BAD (in fact, it can be quite pretty)! This post is about not choosing it NOW if you’re updating your home or building a new one (and you’ll find out why shortly).

2. Gray was trendy; it isn’t anymore. HOWEVER, trends only matter if a) you’re concerned about resale or b) you care about trends and like a home that looks updated. If you don’t care about these things, you can fill yer lil gray boots (but seeing as you’re reading this blog post, I’ll assume you DO care or are just here for my wit and charm – let’s assume the latter).

How to Create a Timeless Home: 4-PART SERIES

ARE GRAY-WASH WOOD OR WOOD-LOOK FLOORS STILL TRENDY?

Heck no. The gray trend started about eight-ten years ago, and while it’s had a GREAT run, its time is up. These days, instead of gray-wash floors, my clients are leaning into more natural woods in light to medium depths. And while I still see the odd whitewash come up (also a hard no from this Ginger), the more moderate woods are making a comeback.

These next photos are great examples of the type of flooring many of my clients choose (give or take a bit of depth/warmth/knots)…

Sherwin Williams Aloof Gray walls

Benjamin Moore White Dove & Revere Pewter doors

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze island, Agreeable Gray cabinets

BTW, notice the wood ceiling and its white-wash – PINK UNDERTONES! 

Personally, I’m inclined to the medium depths when it comes to a good ‘happy medium’ between trends…

Why are so many people choosing wood floors like the above examples?

Because they’re more FLEXIBLE and suit a wide variety of styles, tastes and trends. While few things are TIMELESS, these stains will have more longevity than a gray or whitewash.

WHY I NEVER LOVED GRAY-WASH WOOD FLOORS IN THE FIRST PLACE

While you might LOOK at a gray-wash floor and see ‘gray’, every gray has an undertone – even your floor. And while it would be GREAT if there were a ton of exceptions, almost ALL gray-wash floors have a violet (or violet-pink) undertone.

While you might see a ‘gray floor’, I see a wood floor with VIOLET-PINK UNDERTONES.

That’s right, with VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS; if you choose a wood floor with a gray wash, it will have a violet-pink undertone.

And don’t get me wrong, as I MADLY love this next little bathroom. HOWEVER, the gray LVT flooring will be tricky to update once trends change.

WHY?

Those DARN violet undertones…

As shown in the above photo, I often have clients hire me because:

a) their NEWLY CHOSEN gray-wash (violet) wood flooring doesn’t work with their old paint color, OR

b) they’ve painted their walls a new color that doesn’t work with their existing gray-wash (violet) flooring, OR

c) they’ve bought a home with grayish floors and aren’t quite sure what to do.

In this next photo, you’ll see gray-wash wood flooring. Remember, this isn’t about it looking BAD; it doesn’t. In fact, it looks great with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray walls.

It’s just not very timeless. 

The above combo is great for a homeowner who loves gray…and violet. However, if I PERSONALLY were looking to buy this home…

I wouldn’t buy it BECAUSE of the gray-wash flooring.

Just remember, it’s not that violet isn’t pretty as an undertone; it can be. HOWEVER, it’s LIMITING should you or a new homeowner want to transition to a warmer look or different undertone. And guess where trends are shifting…that’s right, they’re shifting WARMER.

In this next space, Sherwin William’s Mindful Gray isn’t quite jiving with the flooring…

Thank you to my clients for their BEFORE photos, as they’re often great lessons in color! 

Why?

Mindful Gray has a slight tendency to grab a green undertone. This wink o’ green isn’t super friendly with the violet hues in the wood flooring (and I eagerly await the after photos!).

Is Gray OUT on Walls, Cabinets, & Exteriors?

Beige: Is it BACK? Is Beige…dare I say, TRENDY?

CAN YOU GRAY WASH WOOD FLOORS?

Oh, you CAN; the question is – SHOULD YOU? Again, the answer is no, unless you’re not worried about trends and keep your paint palette pretty darn simple.

ARE WHITEWASHED WOOD FLOORS TRENDY OR OUT OF STYLE?

While whitewashed wood floors are still being chosen by today’s homeowners, I almost ALWAYS steer my Color Consulting clients away from it.

Why?

Whereas gray wash flooring has a violet-pink undertone, whitewash wood floors lean HARDER into the pink. I’m YET to see a whitewashed wood floor that avoids this undertone.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

What SEEMS like ‘white and wood’ never is – everything is an undertone, and that undertone is PINK.

This next home is STUNNING. However, the current, slightly cream-inspired walls have a TOUCH too much yellow-orange for the pink-hued flooring…

Again, this isn’t about these homes not being BEAUTIFUL as they are. It’s about the longevity of a floor like this and how it translates into new trends (should one care)…

IS GRAY CARPET TRENDY OR OUT OF STYLE?

You get a bit more flexibility with gray carpet as long as…

• you don’t put it EVERYWHERE – it’s only in a few rooms (meaning it’s more affordable to change in the future IF NEEDED)
• you don’t partner it up with gray wash wood flooring

And this isn’t the ONLY difference when it comes to gray carpets. Whereas you’ll find mostly violet-pink hues in gray wood flooring, you’ll find one of TWO main undertones in gray carpet:

• GREEN
• VIOLET-PINK

Gray-green carpet is just about as flexible as gray-violet-pink – both have serious limitations. And don’t kill the messenger – I have gray (gray-green) carpet in my own home, and I love it, as does Doug…

The railings are painted Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze to pick up on the green hue in the carpet

HOWEVER, I’ve balanced it with a more moderate medium-toned wood floor and a few other flexible finishes so I’m not so limited in the long-term.

Why?

Because I care about resale AND trends and like to have a balance of both.

This next photo is of the staircase in our last home. Want to know one of the reasons we sold this house? Well, other than the fact that my soul slowly died every day I woke up in it, I couldn’t transition this house OUT of the gray-zone it was parked in – and this home (and homeowner) needed more warmth.

But that whole house debacle is a blog post unto itself. Moving along.

The problem with the gray trend is that, like my cooking, it was OVERDONE. Walk into any gray-inspired home built in the last ten years, and all you’ll see are gray floors, cabinets, walls and exteriors. The more gray you have, the harder it will be for you or a new homeowner to transition into the next style. The LESS gray you have…

a) the easier it will be to find a balance between trends

b) the less expensive it will be to change things around should a new trend or new homeowners come around

This next photo is the home of one of my FAVE long-time clients. And BLESS HER FREAKIN’ HEART, look at that balance…

• gray carpet on the stairs (a small area that’s more affordable to change in the future to accommodate a new style/different tastes)
• wood-look flooring in a moderate color/stain (flexible)
• both warm AND cool paint colors, showing the versatility of both flooring finishes

TAUPE OR GREIGE CARPET

While taupe and greige carpet are more flexible than gray (due to their warmth), they’re still pretty limiting based on their undertones.

Let’s look at my sister-in-law’s home, as she has a warm gray/taupe carpet (that I chose for her)…

The carpet we chose has a violet-pink undertone. Had we clad her ENTIRE HOME in this carpet, we’d be in for a world of hate should trends/tastes shift (I say WE like I live there, which I WOULD if I could; she’s a damn good cook).

But again, when it comes to gray (or taupe/greige), it’s all about BALANCE…

As shown in the above photo, the taupe carpet meets up with a natural-looking wood floor, giving WAY more flexibility for my sis-in-law or a future owner.

LONG STORY SHORT (as usual), gray, taupe or greige carpet is good as long as you don’t use it EVERYWHERE. Like Tim says to me regarding my wine consumption – moderation is good, sweetheart.

ARE GRAY TILES TRENDY OR OUT OF STYLE?

This is a tough one. There are so many tiles out there, some more flexible than others, that it’s hard to say definitively that gray is OUT. Here’s what I know is true…

• Ryan Reynolds is a total babe
• a gray tile that has other neutrals in it (i.e. white/beige/greige/taupe) will have a longer lifetime than a SOLID gray tile
• gray in marble can be pretty darn timeless, but that’s more about the product itself
• darker gray tiles can have more longevity than light gray ones (dark gray tiles can act more like an ‘accent’ color to a new palette)

In these next few bathrooms, you’ll see tiles that look like marble or ARE marble. Tile floors like these will be more timeless than tile floors that a light-toned, more solid gray, although even marble will have its limitations…

These next two bathrooms have dark tile floors. On its own, this dark gray can be more flexible than a light one, but in PARTNERSHIP with other gray finishes, the palette will be tougher to accommodate in future years should tastes/styles change…

This next tile floor has gray, white, soft white and even some taupe/beige in it. This floor tile will flex into several styles…

HOWEVER, when combined with the gray vanity, light gray quartz countertop and warm gray subway tile on the walls, it would be pretty hard to get this room OUT of the gray trend and into something different – TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING!

So there you have it. Long story short, gray floors can be GORGEOUS; they’re just limiting if you’re looking for a more timeless approach to your design.

READ MORE

Is Gray Still Trendy on Walls, Cabinets & Exteriors?

How to Create a Timeless Home: 4 PART Series

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES

Chat soon,

The post Are Gray (Graywash) Floors Going out of Style? Are they Still TRENDY? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to updates that add value to your home, granite and quartz countertops are the top contenders. And while there are some FABULOUS high-end laminate countertops, nothing beats the quality and popularity of granite and quartz.

Of course, there are other countertop options, such as soapstone, marble and concrete, but these aren’t on today’s menu.

Why?

Because HANDS-DOWN, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular choices for style and DURABILITY. But when it comes to these two, it isn’t always about STYLE; there are a few other important considerations. This is why today, you’re getting the answers to the most COMMON questions related to these two competing surfaces.

Countertop – MSI Calacatta Botanica / Cabinet colour – Benjamin Moore White Dove

But first, for those of you who are NEW to my blog – welcome to the club, a club where we talk about paint colours, decorating, wine and Ryan Reynolds ALL DAY LONG!

Seriously though, let me say that while paint colours are my JAM, I’ve spent two decades in the decorating and design industry, helping over 7500 homeowners create their dream homes – INCLUDING paint colours, countertops, home update ideas and MORE! I’m an industrious lil Ginger…

Now, let’s get this party started…

1. WHICH COUNTERTOP IS THE MOST HEAT-RESISTANT, GRANITE OR QUARTZ?

Granite is DEFINITELY the most heat-resistant, but quartz has a ‘reasonable’ heat resistance.

GRANITE & HEAT-RESISTANCE

Granite countertops are REMARKABLY resistant to heat. However, place the same hot pot on the same spot time and time again, and you risk losing a bit of colour in your granite countertop. But aside from this, granite countertops are GENERALLY heat-proof. Still worried? Use a trivet.

Black granite countertops in a budget-friendly update with Sherwin Williams Alabaster cabinets

QUARTZ & HEAT-RESISTANCE

While quartz countertop does a GREAT job of withstanding heat (not including the less expensive/lower quality brands), even high-quality brands can be damaged by excess heat.

Remember, these countertops are VERY hardy and heat-resistant; they’re just not fool-proof.

That said, I’m a HUGE fool in the kitchen and am hard-pressed even to wear an apron or bib, never mind putting a trivet under my hot pot of Kraft Dinner. And guess what? So far, so good, and that’s in 10 years of homes with quality quartz countertops.

Cambria Statuario Nuvo with Revere Pewter cabinets

See the above Tudor Kitchen Remodel HERE

I summarise that while quartz isn’t as heat resistant as granite, it’s better than laminate, butcher block or marble and is pretty darn hardy overall – I would NEVER hesitate to put it in my own home.

Is Gray Still Trendy on Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors?

2. DO GRANITE & QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS NEED TO BE SEALED?

Granite? HECK YES. Quartz? NEVER!

GRANITE & SEALANT

Because granite is a natural surface (like marble or soapstone), it will absorb liquids. Keep in mind; it’s harder than marble and soapstone and FAR more resistant to staining, etching and loss of sheen. HOWEVER, suppose you don’t seal and maintain your granite (depending on how often your particular sealant needs reapplied). In this case, you risk not only staining and discolouration but MOULD and bacteria build-up.

Granite countertop similar to Sienna Beige with Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze on the island

I was talking to my fave installer, and he told me a story of going to a home to install new countertops. The OLD granite countertops were unsealed (or maybe were originally and were never done again). Underneath the countertop in the lazy Susan corner, what was festering there? MOULD. Wooooof. Please, seal your granite.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE You Paint Your Cabinets WHITE

QUARTZ & SEALANT

While quartz countertops are approx 90-95% natural, the 5-10% *resin/filler in them makes them pretty darn bullet-proof as it relates to staining (they’re also EXCEPTIONALLY hard to scratch – trust me, cutting boards are against my religion and my countertops are in perfect condition).

*They can also have some pigments added for design/colour.

But are the stain-PROOF? No, nothing is 100% safe. This being said, the high-end quartz brands stand behind their products and most times, can pull stains out of their product IF something manages to get through.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S AN EXCEPTION! 

With the price point of quartz and granite, it can be tempting to save money – don’t. Cheap quartz countertops are often made with a lower quality resin, making them less resistant to heat, staining and SCRATCHING – ask my neighbour who has a lovely red wine stain on her newer, inexpensive quartz countertop (white wine’s better anyway). Again, nothing is totally bullet-proof, but the cheaper the quartz is, the more risk you’re assuming.

Although, if you’re looking at one of these products for your bathroom, a more affordable lower-end quartz works if you don’t have to worry about heat tools or use abrasive cleaners. We have older granite countertops in our ensuite, and they have absorbed a few hair products and whatnot, leaving a few spots (we’re replacing them soon – don’t tell Tim).

MSI White Macaubus with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray cabinets, tile backsplash TBA

3. ARE GRANITE & QUARTZ NATURAL PRODUCTS?

Granite? YES. Quartz? Almost.

GRANITE IS 100% NATURAL

While granite has to go through a manufacturing process, it’s 100% natural, which is why you’ll see WILD and unpredictable variations in patterns.

The Best Wall Colours For Cream Cabinets & Trim

QUARTZ IS 90-95% NATURAL

Whereas granite countertops are just like me – alllll natural baby, quartz countertops are like the ‘botox’ versions of the countertop world.

What does this mean?

They’ve been injected with resins and/or fillers to improve their look and performance.

What are these improvements?

1. These resins help to prevent bacteria and mold from forming as the countertops don’t ABSORB anything (kind of like when Tim talks to me). This is also why granite DOES get sealed, as it doesn’t have these resins.

2. The use of resins in the creation of quartz countertops allows for altered colors and patterns.

Cambria Summerhill quartz with Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray paint colour

However, it’s this same resin that can cause discoloration when exposed to HIGH heat, which is why using a trivet is important.

Cambria Brittanica Warm – see more of this home HERE

By the way, if you live on Vancouver Island, it’s HARD to beat the service and quality at VI Granite. They’re the only ones I trust with my countertops!

4. WHICH IS HARDER- GRANITE OR QUARTZ?

Both countertops are pretty darn hard based on the MOH’S scale (which measures the hardness of minerals). However, quartz is a weee tiny bit harder, coming in with a score of 7 to granite’s 6 (but this can vary slightly). At the end of the day, they’re pretty comparable.

And personally, unless I’m dealing with a LEGIT soft product like soapstone or butcher block, hardness isn’t a huge consideration for me when choosing between quartz or granite. As for muscles, that’s a whole ‘nother story.

Viatara Rococo with Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Caesarstone Bianco Drift with Benjamin Moore Metropolis vanity

The 6 Best Paint Colours for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

Want to learn more? READ THIS from MARBLE.COM Is Quartz Harder Than Granite

5. WHICH COUNTERTOP IS THE MOST SCRATCH-RESISTANT – GRANITE OR QUARTZ?

This is where the HARDNESS of a surface comes in handy, especially if you’re considering a countertop OTHER than quartz or granite. The higher its rating on the MOH’S scale, the more resistant a surface will be to scratching and etching.

COUNTERTOPS – SOFTEST TO HARDEST

While there’s a bit of variation depending on the source, this is a good GENERAL guide for hardness (I’m doing my best not to include any innuendos…it’s hard…that’s what she said).

BTW, butcher block/wood and laminate countertops can’t be rated as they don’t fall under this scale/system. If I put myself on the same scale, I’d say I’m a solid 8 – wink wink.

WHICH IS CHEAPER – QUARTZ OR GRANITE?

Regarding affordability, the word ‘cheap’ can passively suggest a low price AND low quality – such is the case with cheap quartz (which WILL stain/etch). Aside from the low-quality brands, granite, and quartz are often comparable in price, depending on which brand/line you invest in.

SHOULD I REPLACE MY GRANITE WITH QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

If you have one of the more traditional granite countertops from the early 2000s, there’s a good chance you’ll add value to your home by investing in a more modern-looking quartz countertop. While a lot is based on personal perception and target market, more people prefer quartz to granite.

The above granite is DEFINITELY one of the more popular ones and will hold its value reasonably well (with Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray on the cabinets).

Kylie, what do YOU think is better – quartz or granite?

THESE DAYS, whether you want to hear it or not, quartz is the more MODERN choice. With granite countertops, you’ll never know whether they were installed in the early 2000s or yesterday #truthbomb.

Why?

Because granite is 100% natural, there are rarely any great BREAKTHROUGHS in pattern or color combos – if Mother Nature doesn’t make it, you ain’t gettin’ it.

Many of the granites installed today are the SAME ONES that were used 20-30 years ago.

The above granite countertop is one of the more MODERN looking versions – Bianco Antico

A well-chosen black granite can be a timeless, more flexible choice than many other granite countertops

6 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Update Ideas

How to Update Your Older Granite Countertops

This doesn’t make granite a BAD CHOICE, but it isn’t always the most MODERN choice.

Because quartz (in a small part) is man-made, we can make new varieties – ones that shift with the trends. This flexibility allows us to choose a WIDE variety of colors, patterns, veining, flecks, and finishes.

Cambria Brittanica Warm with Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter / AMES tile backsplash

Viatara Minuet with Sherwin Williams Pure White

And this isn’t to say granite isn’t gorgeous; IT IS – some of my favorite countertops are granite (I LOOOVE the versatility of black granite). However, if you’re looking to update your home, especially with the potential of resale, quartz is HANDS-DOWN the most popular choice.

SUMMARY OF THE PROS & CONS OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

• PRO: reasonably heat-resistant, but a trivet is recommended
• PRO: low maintenance – no sealant required
• PRO: super hard, making it very challenging to crack/scratch
• PRO: more popular/trendy than granite in most target markets
• PRO: very stain-resistant
• PRO: consistent appearance
• CONS: not totally heat-resistant
• CONS: seams can be noticeable depending on the pattern chosen

SUMMARY OF THE PROS & CONS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

• PRO: super heat-resistant
• PRO: very hard and chip/scratch-resistant
• CON: must be sealed regularly to prevent staining – even then, wipe up spills quickly
• CON: unpredictable appearance (some would see this as a PRO)
• CONS: seams can be noticeable depending on the pattern chosen

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

The 8 Best Quartz Countertops for Coming Trends

How to Update Your Older Granite Countertops

The New Era of Laminate Countertops & Why They Rock!

3 Ways to Save Money On Your Laminate Countertop

Should You Paint Your Wood Cabinets or Keep Them Stained? A QUESTIONNAIRE

4 Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Consulting Packages – talk to the EXPERT! 

Chat soon,

The post Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which One is Better For YOUR Home? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Do you love your wood cabinets? Or maybe you don’t but you have to live with them regardless of whether it’s a love or hate relationship. Either way, I’ve got you covered with the BEST ideas to update your wood kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or built-ins.

However, writing it all in one blog post would be exhausting for both of us (#insertwinehere). Instead, you have FOUR articles to peruse that are full of budget-friendly and actionable ideas to update your cabinets.

What will you be reading about? 

• the best WALL paint colors to complement wood cabinets and trim
• how to update wood cabinets by PAINTING them
• the best HARDWARE to update wood cabinets
• update the surrounding hard finishes in your kitchen, including COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASHES
• HOME DECOR inspiration for a kitchen with wood cabinets

AND MORE!

So, without further ado…

PART 1 – 5 IDEAS TO UPDATE OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

Whether you want to paint your cabinets or refresh the room around them, this blog post is FULL of fun ideas!

5 Ideas to Update Wood Cabinets – PART 1

PART 2 – 5 IDEAS TO UPDATE WOOD CABINETS WITHOUT A DROP OF PAINT!

This one is for all you hardwood lovers out there – myself included!

Ideas to Update Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint – PART 2

PART 3 – THE BEST HARDWARE TO UPDATE OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

When it comes to a well-decorated home, it’s alllll in the details…

The Best Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets – PART 3

PART 4 – THE 16 BEST PAINT COLORS TO UPDATE WOOD CABINETS, FLOORING, OR TRIM

I’ve saved the BEST ’til last! Find out which paint colors will update the look of your wood cabinets, flooring, furniture, or trim with these 16 GORGEOUS shades!

The 16 Best Paint Colours to Coordinate With Wood Cabinets, Trim & Flooring

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colours

5 Easy & Affordable Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting packages! 

Chat soon,

The post HOW TO UPDATE WOOD OR OAK CABINETS: 4-PART SERIES appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Stainless steel is the most popular finish for kitchen appliances with black (including black stainless steel) coming in second place. As for white, well, it squeaks in right before almond and avocado – YES I SAID IT, I DID!

And BECAUSE of this, and because I ONLY use photos from my Color Consulting clients (I don’t ‘borrow’ other people’s work), I have MINIMAL PHOTOS of white appliances. However, I have HUGELY HELPFUL tips and guidance to get you on the right track. 

In this blog post, you’ll learn WHY these white appliances work in this kitchen…

Thank you to my clients for sending your photos in – even when they’re in mid-progress, they’re helpful! 

More IMPORTANTLY, you’ll learn what DOESN’T work when decorating and choosing paint colors when you have white appliances.

While white might not be the top contender in the appliance world, personally, I like white appliances (especially the newer modern style). These light, bright appliances offer a (potentially) low contrast, fresh vibe to today’s kitchens. However, the CHALLENGE is that white appliances can be difficult to coordinate.

WHY?

White appliances are generally a COLD, crisp white. However, with white cabinets being trendy, and the most POPULAR white cabinet colors being warm whites, you’re in for a hot mess if you start mixing and matching. Warm whites are popular because they suit more interior finishes (i.e. countertops) than cool or bright whites.

The most IMPORTANT thing you will read in this entire blog post is this…

You can’t have white appliances with warm white, off-white or cream-colored cabinets.

Actually, you CAN have the above, just don’t expect it to flow (with one exception).

WHY?

The cool white of your appliances will do one of the following to your warm white cabinets…

1. make them look more YELLOW in comparison to the cool white of your appliances
2. will make them look DINGY in comparison to your appliance’s cool white hue

HOWEVER, here’s the exception…

GE CAFE WHITE APPLIANCES & CABINET COLORS

GE’s cafe white appliances have a WAY different approach than the standard white appliances from the previous three decades.

Image from the GE website – GE Cafe White Appliances

Not only do these units have a more streamlined, modern look, but you can also customize the hardware on them. Why is this so handy? Choosing the brushed bronze hardware is a great way to add some WARMTH to your palette, making BRIGHTER warm white cabinets look more at home.

Just keep in mind, WHEN trends shift away from brushed bronze and gold/brass-inspired hardware, you MAY choose to update your appliance hardware to a different metal finish – this is where warm white cabinets could get a little left behind. Warm-toned metal finishes help to TIE-IN warm white cabinets.

Color & Chic offers a great view AND review on these appliances. Hoang Kim chose the BEST white for her kitchen and its finishes – Sherwin Williams Pure White. Why? Pure White has a more moderate warmth than the ever-popular Benjamin Moore White Dove and Simply White. This muted warmth offers a lower-contrast shift between appliance and cabinet.

In the above photo, while it shows stainless steel, you can see how white appliances could work with the ever-lovely Sherwin Williams Pure White.

Again, I don’t ‘borrow’ photos from other creators’ sites. When I DO link to them (which I rarely do), it’s to help them with their growth by getting your eyes on their pages!

THE BEST WARM WHITE CABINET COLORS WITH THE GE CAFE SERIES

• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Benjamin Moore White Dove – expect them to REALLY look warmer than your appliances.

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s move back to the more STANDARD line-up of white appliances.

ARE WHITE APPLIANCES STILL TRENDY IN 2023?

OTHER than the GE Cafe Series, no white appliances are not popular and usually* don’t look updated (and I don’t see this changing drastically in the near or far future).

*of course, there are ALWAYS exceptions, but they’re fewer and farther between when it comes to this appliance finish. 

CAN I MIX WHITE APPLIANCES WITH STAINLESS STEEL OR BLACK?

Mixing appliance finishes isn’t recommended. HOWEVER, based on budget, it can be a great short-term solution if you’re looking to transition out of white. In this case, I recommend mixing white with stainless steel – NOT black.

WHICH CABINET PAINT COLORS GO WITH WHITE APPLIANCES?

In this section, we’re not just looking at the best white colors but NON-whites as well.

Choosing white for your cabinets and appliances is a low-contrast approach, which means your appliances will blend in rather than stick out.

These appliances are so blended in you can’t even SEE them! 

THE BEST WHITE PAINT COLORS WITH WHITE APPLIANCES

For standard appliances, I recommend going WITH your appliance’s version of white (cool) rather than against it (warm).

Cool whites, or AT LEAST bright and simple whites, will coordinate better with your appliances than WARM whites. Just make sure that a cool white suits the surrounding finishes in your kitchen.

3 Steps to Pick the Best White Paint Color for Your Cabinets & Walls

If your surrounding finishes don’t SUIT cool or clean white cabinets, they likely don’t suit your white appliances either. 

I’m not trying to be mean; I’m just being honest (#truthbomb). If you’re thinking of buying white cabinets, these tips could prevent you from making a big mistake. If you already HAVE white appliances surrounded by warm finishes, life will go on; this is about stopping you from adding another awkward choice to your palette (cool white cabinets would be awkward). This means that if you have wood cabinets and are thinking of painting them white – you might want to think twice.

In this next kitchen, there are actually TWO great choices to consider…

1. The oak wood cabinets look GREAT. While they contrast moderately with the white appliances, the surrounding finishes visually support the cool white of their range and range hood.
2. WHITE cabinets would also look smashing. And because the backsplash tile is a brighter white and the countertop is a cool, stormy gray, choosing a bright white could be a gorgeous choice for this space (i.e. Sherwin Williams High Reflective White).

HOWEVER, while a white-on-white palette is easy on the eyes, it can also look stark and unfriendly, so you’ll want to keep these tips in mind…

TIP 1   CONSIDER NON-WHITE COUNTERTOPS

If you have white cabinets AND APPLIANCES, a non-white countertop could be a great move, offering your kitchen dimension, contrast and interest.

Dark countertops will help to ground the space and give your eyes something firm to land on. It will also break up the monotony of the whites and soften the effect of any potentially mismatched whites…

While the above kitchen only has a white cupboard panel on the fridge, it explains my point perfectly! The island is marble with gray/black, and the perimeter countertops are solid black granite.

The COOL-toned finishes shown above can visually support white appliances.

If you have a lot of black on your appliances (which a lot of the older styles do), black countertops will help to tie these details in so that they aren’t as overwhelming.

THE BEST COUNTERTOPS WITH WHITE APPLIANCES

MANY countertops suit white fridges, stoves, wall ovens and dishwashers, but MOST are either a cool or slightly warm gray…

• Caesarstone Stone Grey
• Caesarstone Clamshell (actually has a TOUCH of warmth to it!)
• Caesarstone Bianco Drift (another one with bits of passive warmth)
• Caesarstone Symphony Grey

TIP 2   BRING IN THE DRAMA LLAMA

If you’re not into darker/black countertops, white cabinets, appliances, and countertops can be pretty darn boring. An all-white space needs some contrast, drama, or visual interest. At the very least, I suggest using a soft gray countertop or fun cool-toned backsplash.

TIP 3   MAKE YOUR WHITE APPLIANCES LOOK INTENTIONAL

Often, white appliances aren’t treated as part of the plan, which leaves them looking uncoordinated and outdated.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

• To make white appliances look like ‘part of the plan’. If you don’t integrate your white appliances into your palette, they’ll look like an accident or something you can’t afford to replace right now (which might be the truth!)
• To make white appliances NOT the feature of your kitchen – your appliances shouldn’t be the focal point UNLESS they’re like the GE Cafe series, which are like jewellery for a kitchen. One way or another, we want the focus to be on your beautiful cabinets, countertop, backsplash or paint color.

HOW TO MAKE WHITE APPLIANCES LOOK LIKE PART OF THE PLAN

While you don’t need to do ALL of the items listed below, nodding at a few is a great way to integrate your appliances and create an updated palette.

• paint your cabinets the RIGHT white paint color
• surround your white appliances with COOL finishes, not warm ones
• if your kitchen has a lot of warm finishes, consider a warm NON-WHITE on the cabinets, which can be a good happy medium
• leave your cabinets a wood stain if the surrounding finishes are warm (as these finishes will demand a warm white cabinet color)

The Best Paint Colors to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

While this last item won’t help your appliances look purposeful, at least you won’t CONTRIBUTE to the disconnect with the wrong paint color.

Here’s a BEFORE photo of one of my client’s kitchens. What could help these appliances look more at home?

A white subway tile backsplash.

Unfortunately (for the sake of this blog post), my above clients shifted to stainless steel appliances. However, I can show you how they updated their space with a white subway tile backsplash and a new countertop…

Could they have KEPT the black countertop and white appliances and JUST replaced the backsplash? You bet your booty they could’ve.

THE BEST NON-WHITE PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH WHITE APPLIANCES

If you’ve realized that white maybe ISN’T the best choice for your kitchen palette, you can explore other colors that won’t directly clash/compete with your white appliances and might even UPDATE their look.

Again, short of the GE Cafe series, few of my clients have white appliances – most choose stainless steel for its flexibility (hence the lack of photos). However, if you’ve got white appliances and want them to look their BEST, consider the following cabinet colors (as long as they suit the countertops/backsplash).

• Sherwin Williams Anew Gray
• Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 
• Sherwin Williams Network Gray

A little deeper, perhaps (that’s what she said)? If you want colors with a little more oomph (super technical term), you can also explore darker colors. Just know that the darker your cabinets are, the higher contrast they’ll be with your appliances.

• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
• Sherwin Williams Dovetail
• other dark shades of gray
• some dark greige paint colors

FINAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT (without even opening the fridge)

If you have a lot of white in your kitchen, you might want to consider some warm tones and textures to add some balance. There are two ways to do this…

1. WOOD FLOORING

Wood flooring is a natural way to add warmth and texture to a room without interfering too much with color (as long as the wood doesn’t have a STRONG stain color).

2. BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS

Ooo, I love me some butcher block countertops – especially on an island!

3. WOOD CUTTING BOARDS & ACCENTS/DETAILS

It doesn’t take much to add some warmth and interest to an overly white kitchen. A few cutting boards, countertop stools or small details can add function AND form to a space.

4. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES ARE BEST FOR RESALE

No matter how much you love your white appliances, unless they’re the GE Cafe line, they won’t do much for your resale value (according to popular opinion). Why? Stainless steel is seen as the most updated cabinet finish – not white.

READ MORE

The Best Paint Colors to Go With GE Cafe Matte White Appliances

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The New Era of Laminate Countertops & Why They Rock

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2016, UPDATED FOR YOU IN LATE 2022

The post KITCHEN IDEAS: Decorating With White Appliances & Painted Cabinets appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that I don’t partner with many companies. However, when the opportunity arose to partner with Schlage, I was EXCITED!

I’m a bit of a weirdo when it comes to hardware as not only does it need to LOOK good, it needs to FEEL good (which is also why I chose my hubby). I went to Home Depot and Lowes and there were a few brands that didn’t quite float my boat. Schlage, on the other hand, had the look good/feel good combo I was looking for.

BEDROOM, BATHROOM & CLOSET DOORS

LATITUDE LEVER WITH CENTURY TRIM

While you can get this same combo in-store, I was ordering online (where it’s easier to see ALL of the options available) and chose the Latitude style lever with Century trim as I like the combo of clean and curvy lines.

While Schlage has a TON of knob options, I’m a lever-girl…

But like MOST online images, it’s way nicer to see things in action in a REAL home…

I chose the Century profile as my cabinets are a shaker style in the kitchen and the doors have a similar profile. There is a more square profile available, but I liked the subtle softness of this one…

As for the primary bedroom, because this is a property we’ll be renting out occasionally, I did an electronic lock so we can choose not to rent out the primary bedroom (I’m not a HUUUUUGE fan of people I don’t know sleeping in my bed!).

One reason I LOVE this set is that there’s no key to worry about and we can change the password as needed. We also have a similar set on the front door, but seeing as the door isn’t painted yet and is a bit of a hot mess, you’ll have to wait for those photos!

READ MORE

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The 12 BEST WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colours

Chat soon,

The post OUR SCHLAGE DOOR HARDWARE: a real-life review appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I’m obsessed with paint colors. Throw in a bit of decorating and design, and I’m one HAPPY lil Ginger. However, as many of you who subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram know, I have anxiety (and ADHD). This means that when all of the above are combined, you have someone who can give you first-hand KNOWLEDGEABLE advice on picking paint colors when you have anxiety OR are an overthinker.

And let me just say, being in the Design world, whether choosing paint colors, decorating, or just living everyday life, is a CHALLENGE when you have anxiety.

Why?

I absolutely AGONIZE over my own home. My anxiety doesn’t just take a front seat; it hijacks the friggin’ car and starts running over curbs and innocent pedestrians while quickly stopping at the liquor store for a six-pack and a box o’ wine.

This being said, I’m doing a pretty bang-up job of managing it and want to share some paint tips with you today; tips that UNFORTUNATELY don’t include two bottles of wine and a tranquilizer dart (we’ll save those for another day).

HOW TO CHOOSE PAINT COLOURS WHEN YOU HAVE ANXIETY

While I can help YOU choose paint colors with a wink and a smile (because I don’t get EMOTIONAL about it and am confident in my knowledge), I know first-hand how HARD it is to choose paint colors for your own home.

Why is it so hard?

Well, if you’re like me, you might have…

• a tendency to overthink, which causes you to doubt yourself
• a habit of asking OTHERS for their opinion, which only adds to the muddle
• ALL the feels (emotions that we have in abundance)
• difficulty making a big decision as it relates to our home

Luckily, I’ve learned a few key tricks to make your paint-picking journey a bit less painful…

1. DON’T ASK FRIENDS FOR THEIR OPINIONS

We know what they say about opinions; they’re just like…well, let’s just say that ‘everybody has one.’ The more opinions you get, the harder it can be to decide. And MOST opinions are swayed by personal tastes and perceptions – not actual knowledge.

If your friend doesn’t like pink, they might not tell you that Pale Oak is the best colour for your room, even if it is.

Just like the great Britney Spears says, let’s hit that baby one more time…

MOST opinions are swayed by personal tastes and perceptions – not actual knowledge.

Choose one or two key people to throw your ideas at, but choose the people who you feel will have you and your home’s best interest at heart.

2. TAKE YOURSELF OUT OF THE EQUATION

Sometimes, we get so caught up in what WE want to see that we forget to listen to our home. And when choosing paint colors, the needs of your home are pretty darn important. If you like bright whites and your home prefers off-whites, things could get a little fugly if you only cater to yourself. And let me tell you, NOTHING will cause you more anxiety than realizing you didn’t listen to your home and you painted it the wrong color.

Damn, do my clients ever have good taste – I love this kitchen! 

By the way, choosing the wrong colour HAPPENS; that’s life. HOWEVER, there are some ways to reduce the chance of this happening (other than hiring me, wink wink).

The 5 Types of White Paint Colours

3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE HIERARCHY

I’m not talking about Prince Andrew (although he’s not hard to pay attention to, and Megan’s a total babe); I’m talking about the hierarchy when choosing paint colors (in very particular order)…

1. The needs of your home’s interior finishes (i.e., does your countertop better suit beige or gray?)
2. An existing colour palette in nearby rooms
3. Your room’s exposure
4. You

No matter how much a homeowner might love blue or violet hues, this backsplash and countertop TOTALLY DISAGREE! 

While this hierarchy can shift depending on the situation (especially #3 and #4), considering your HOME FIRST is a great way to remove some of the EMOTION and add some LOGIC. I find my brain spins TEN TIMES SLOWER when I take my heart out of it and put my head back in.

This is one reason I’m so good at helping YOU (and I’m modest, too) – the emotions aren’t there (I mean, I love y’all, but you know what I mean). I can look at your space unemotionally, take my knowledge (which you can also find in my hundreds of blog posts), and apply it to what best suits your home. At the end of the day, I never want to ignore my client’s personal tastes, but often, there’s a GREAT happy medium between what they WANT and what their home NEEDS.

5 Reasons You Keep Picking the Wrong Paint Colours

In this next photo, even if the homeowner doesn’t love violet-pink hues, the space tells them otherwise…

The result is that Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray, which is a GREAT COLOUR for some spaces, actually clashes with the NEEDS of the finishes.

Of course, some would rather choose a colour they LOVE; even if it looks disconnected from the finishes in their home – you do you, boo (insert Kylie crying and twitching in a corner HERE). Really, though, the end goal is to be HAPPY in your space, whatever ‘happy’ looks like to you.

Stop fighting your home and start LISTENING to it. 

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU START LOOKING AT PAINT COLOUR SWATCHES

Now that you’ve taken some of the emotion away, you’ll pay less attention to YOURSELF and more to your HOME. Trust ye ole Ginger, doing it this way makes it much easier to step back and view your space with more curiosity.

Curious, you’ll try to figure out what your home’s interior finishes are REALLY asking for. This will lead you to the types of colors you can be LOOKING for. Once you know what to look for, it’s easier to do your RESEARCH, using my blog as a great reference (the SEARCH function is awesome with 450+ articles. Seriously, type in any word and see where it takes you…except the word ‘nudes,’ that’s a WHOLE different blog).

This homeowner did a GREAT job of listening to their countertop…and me (Benjamin Moore Colony Green)

5. TAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF – YOU’RE NOT A COLOR EXPERT

If you were a paint colour expert, choosing paint colors would be easy for you. But you’re not, and it doesn’t HAVE to come easy to you (you’re only LUCKY or skilled if it does). While I might be able to fill my car’s tire with air, I sure as heck can’t change the tire – I’m not a mechanic. I can cook a mean Kraft Dinner, but don’t ask me for chicken and potatoes – I AIN’T NO CHEF (if you want to learn more: ‘Mom, What’s That Smell? Cooking with Kylie‘).

Take a deep breath, and if all else fails, hire someone to help, either myself or a local expert, and let yourself off the hook. Remember, you’re not saving lives here; you’re just picking a paint colour.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

6. A FEW MORE HELPFUL DETAILS

Of course, it will finally come down to actually PICKING the paint colour that, HOPEFULLY, both you and your home can agree on…

• ALWAYS surround your sample with white paper. Your existing paint colour WILL skew your perception of your samples. The only side that shouldn’t have white paper next to it is the side that buts up to your cabinet/trim.

• Once you know you don’t like a sample – GET RID OF IT. I don’t care if you recycle it, throw it in a box for later, or light it on fire singing ‘I Hate Everything About You’ by Three Days Grace – PURGE THE DEMONS and move along.
• Come heck or high water, narrow it down to your FAVE TWO OR THREE before you start asking for the limited opinions I suggest you get.
• If things seem OFF, shift your undertones. If the colors look too gray/cool, try some warmer ones. If they look too warm, try something in the middle. Remember, this isn’t ‘Do YOU find it too cool?‘ it’s ‘Do your INTERIOR FINISHES find it too cool?‘.
• Look at your samples throughout the day. Heck, buy a quart of paint and paint an important section of the wall that will really give you a feel for how things work. And don’t let that first coat scare you; it’s ALWAYS the worst, as it’s being directly compared to what’s currently on your walls.

Committing to painting ONE WALL/section that butts up DIRECTLY with the finishes you’re trying to coordinate is a great way to get the decision ball rolling. 

Worst-case scenario? You hate it, buy another quart of paint and go at it again. BEST case? You made a great choice.

So there you have it. While you might not implement ALL of the above tips, hopefully, you picked up a few tidbits to help you along the way. And remember…BREATHE (meditation and Mojitos help as well).

Chat soon,

READ MORE

The 10 Best LIGHT & Calming Paint Colors for Stress & Anxiety

The 3 MOST TIMELESS Paint Colours

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

NEED HELP? 

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOUR CONSULTING packages

The post 6 Tips: How to Choose Paint Colours When You’re An Overthinker appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

36″ COUNTER-DEPTH FULGOR FRIDGE

Being a lake home and not a home we’ll be living in 24/7, we don’t need a HUGE fridge capable of holding all of our Thanksgiving leftovers. We chose the Pro 36″ counter-depth fridge as it will be able to handle all of our lake-home needs, and then some!

There are a few key features we love about this fridge compared to our ‘at-home’ Kitchenaid fridge.

• The counter-depth size gives a cleaner, sleeker look (compared to a fridge that bumps out into the pathway).
• When you leave the fridge door open (which I do OFTEN) the ‘please close me‘ beep is quiet, whereas our fridge at home yells at me from across the house).
• The water feature is inside the fridge, giving a clean, more stream-lined exterior look (it’s also ergonomically satisfying to use).
• The interior water feature also free’s up room for shelving. In comparison, our fridge at home has shallow shelving to accommodate for the water/ice dispenser on the door

While having the ice in the freezer compartment isn’t as handy, the overall LOOK is nicer, and this is a home where LOOKS take precedence over functionality (personally, I don’t put ice in my water, it’s already cold enough coming out of the fridge).

FULGOR 30″ DUAL FUEL GAS RANGE

Because our kitchen has a smaller footprint, we chose the Accento Professional 30″ Gas Range (propane conversion as we don’t have gas at the lake house). Our range at home is the 36″ single fuel, meaning both the range and the oven are gas. I PERSONALLY find the gas oven feature ‘not my favourite’. However, I also don’t cook. Tim, who does the cooking, loves it.

Another reason we chose the electric oven is because this home isn’t just for our personal use, it will also be a rental home. We need appliances that are as user-friendly as possible.

And daaaamn, is she ever purdy! As mentioned, I’m ‘not much of a cook’, but she does cook a MEAN Kraft Dinner!

FULGOR DISHWASHER

Okay, so I’m not one to get excited about appliances, but I’m IN LOVE with the dishwasher. We have an Asko dishwasher at home and I thought IT was the cat’s pajamas…until I met this one.

There are a few things I love about our Fulgor dishwasher that puts it above and beyond the Asko.

• DECIBELS – it’s QUIET. In fact, it’s almost impossible to tell when it’s running. This is important as the kitchen is in our open concept living/dining space.
• The cutlery rack is BIG and flush to the top of the dishwasher. This means it doesn’t take up valuable plate space and is easy to roll out and unload.

Overall, we’re SUPER pleased with the esthetics of our Fulgor appliances and they’re a welcome addition to our lake home.

Chat soon,

The post OUR FULGOR APPLIANCES REVIEW appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

While most people WISH they had a light and bright room, especially when their room is overly dark, bright rooms present quite a few challenges when it comes to decorating and choosing paint colours.

WHAT MAKES A ROOM HIGH-ENERGY OR BRIGHT?

While two things might be obvious, there’s another you may not have considered…

• natural light
• interior light
• reflective interior finishes

That’s right! While natural light is the most common contributor; with interior lighting also playing its part, REFLECTIVE INTERIOR FINISHES play a massive role in how bright a room seems. Here’s a list of some of the items that raise the energy in a room…

• shiny countertops
• shiny cabinets
• glass cabinets or tabletops
• clear glass shades on lights
• shiny metal finishes such as appliances (especially stainless steel)
• decor with a high sheen either in colour or metal finish
• mirrors
• paint with extra sheen
• shiny leather furniture
• glossy wood or tile flooring
• wood furniture with a gloss finish

For a room to feel BALANCED, it needs items that ADD energy and light and items that ABSORB energy and light (like me in a room vs Tim in a room – hehe).

Every room should have a BALANCE of items that add energy & absorb energy

Even though I LOVE the blue, a more matte finish teapot would help slow things down

If you have a room with tons of natural light, you will want to balance that out.

Why?

Because a room that has TOO much energy bouncing around won’t feel restful.

Why?

Any light in the room (whether natural or artificial) will bounce from object to object without being absorbed.

What does slowing the energy down in a room DO? It makes it appear more calm and restful.

Funny enough, it’s easier to fix a dark room as the solutions can be slightly more obvious (starting with adequate lighting). Bright rooms are trickier because sometimes you don’t know something is wrong until you fix it. And once it’s fixed, not only will your room take a deep breath – so will you!

HOW TO ADD BALANCE TO A BRIGHT ROOM WITH DECOR & FURNISHINGS

A great place to start adding balance to your space is with home decor…

• canvas style artwork or wall hangings with low/no sheen (no glass)
• accessories that have a matte or non-shiny finish – texture is GREAT
• matte metal finishes (lighting/hardware)
• low-sheen fabrics on toss cushions and drapes
• non-shiny texture helps to absorb light
• wood surfaces with a matte finish, ESPECIALLY horizontal surfaces (ie. coffee table)

When it comes to accessorizing a BRIGHT room, it’s good to follow the 80/20 rule – 80% low-energy items and 20% high-energy items

While the above ratio might not be the perfect representation of BALANCE, that particular combo helps give a bright room balance, when combined with natural or artificial light.

HOW TO ADD BALANCE TO A BRIGHT ROOM WITH THE RIGHT PAINT COLOUR

When it comes to choosing paint colours for a bright room (in particular, those with a lot of natural light), it can be a tricky balance. With trends leaning towards the LIGHT end of things, there could be a difference between the type of paint colour you WANT versus the type that won’t wash out with all of that lovely natural light.

What does this mean?

I’ve found that MOST of my clients these days are pining for colours in the white, off-white or light end of things – colours with higher LRVs. However, it’s these exact colours that wash out on walls that get gratuitous hits of natural light; ESPECIALLY in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Benjamin Moore Super White

What happens when paint colours get washed out?

• they lose their colour
• they lose their depth
• the contrast between trim and wall can be reduced

These aren’t always bad things if you love the colour regardless, but ARE bad if they create a look you don’t love.

Sometimes what you want doesn’t suit the room you want it for. 

Where’s the happy medium?

You want a colour that’s on the lighter end of things, but you also don’t want it to look washed out in the natural light – I get it. It’s about knowing that NO MATTER WHICH COLOUR YOU CHOOSE, it will look lighter in a bright room – even the DARKEST of colours will lighten. So, when choosing colours for an overly bright room, I focus on one thing…

LRV

If you’re unfamiliar with LRV, the gist is that EVERY paint colour has an LRV number. This number tells you how light or dark a paint colour is on a scale of 0-100 with 0 being black, and 100 being white. And this is GAME-CHANGING stuff when it comes to choosing paint colours, so after you’re done here, I highly recommend you check THIS OUT.

Sherwin Williams On the Rocks

WHAT’S THE BEST PAINT COLOUR LRV FOR A BRIGHT ROOM?

If you’re NOT worried about your off-white or light depth paint colour washing out or want to EMBRACE your bright room with white walls – FILL YER LIL BOOTS. In fact, this is when adding balance with home decor, interior finishes and furnishings comes into play!

As for those of you not sure what to do, I’ve always held onto the magical LRV number of 62 (approx) as a great place to START when choosing a paint colour for almost ANY room. Why? That is a blog post unto itself. Regarding a bright room, in particular, 62 is a great place to start your colour adventure (give or take a few points – let’s say 60-66).

Why? 

You ask a lot of questions – I like this about you.

A paint colour with an LRV of 62 is a ‘light depth paint colour’. It’s not on the high end of that range nor the low end – it’s more or less in the middle and includes some of THE MOST POPULAR paint colours (ie. Benjamin Moore Collingwood). These colours are popular for a reason – they work in the AVERAGE room in the AVERAGE home.

While the above room itself isn’t overly bright, notice how Collingwood reacts when the natural light hits the wall directly.

In this next photo, Sherwin Williams Modern Gray gets a hit of light on the right (and DOES wash out a bit) but gains its depth back in the dining area, which is more of an ‘average’ light. There’s that magical LRV of 62 in ACTION…

Will a colour in this range wash out? HECK YES, but not nearly as much as a colour with a higher LRV.

Is there a chance you’ll need to bump down to 50-55? Yes, it just depends on how much washout you’re prepared to handle.

The darker a paint colour is, the more light it will absorb. While this can slow down the energy in a room, it can also WEIGH it down if it’s not done right!

Because while MANY of you want a light and bright room via PAINT COLOUR, some want something a bit DARKER to bring more ambience and cosiness to their space – a look that’s achieved MUCH more easily with a darker paint colour (ie. LRV lower than 50).

You’ll be looking at my finished living room shortly, but before you do that, take a look at the BEFORE…

This is a great example of a dark paint colour slowing down the energy in a room by reflecting less light. However, the paint colour, combined with the sectional, flooring and lack of proper decor WEIGHED the room down and left it looking unbalanced and heavy.

What would help this dark and drab room without rewriting the whole thing?

• an area rug to break up the dark wood flooring
• lighter furniture that doesn’t blend with the floor
• a coffee table (glass or wood) with some sheen to it
• toss cushions in a mix of patterns/depths as CONTRAST also add energy to a space

But I still wouldn’t do artwork with GLASS on it or a mirror as it would bounce WAY too much light and look abrasive.

The moral of the story is this…

• If you don’t care if your off-white or light depth walls wash out or if your white walls look even whiter – PAINT AWAY, MY FUNNY FRIEND (we’re in the same club)!
• If you’re hoping for an off-white or light depth colour but worry it will wash out too much, an LRV of 62 is a great place to start. This can be a great way to get as CLOSE as possible to the depth of colour you WANTED without having to go OVERLY dark.
• If you want a DARKER colour on your walls, the darker you go, the more you’ll need to add BALANCE  in your home decor so that your room has CONTRAST via a nice blend of light, medium and dark tones, as well as some sheen.

At the end of the day, the sun WILL go down, and you still need to love the depth of your paint colour!

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige has a GREAT LRV

Next, we’ll break down a few BRIGHT rooms so you can see the above information in action!

CASE STUDY 1 – NORTH-FACING LIVING ROOM PAINTED AN OFF-WHITE

This living room (which you just saw the BEFORE of) is painted in Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, but a very LIGHTENED version. In this case, I’m not worried about the paint colour washing out as I love it whether it’s true to form or a whisper of its former self…

And yes, ONE DAY I will have natural wood railings…one day

HOWEVER, being a bright(ish) room painted a colour with a HIGHER LRV, I put careful thought into the FINISHES.

Why?

The lighter a paint colour is, the more light and ENERGY it bounces around – I needed to add BALANCE.

• most of my fabrics absorb light and add texture; including the sectional, toss cushions and area rug – NO SHINY LEATHER!
• the wood on the coffee table and sofa table has a low gloss on it (light bounces MUCH more off horizontal surfaces, so this is an important detail) – NO GLASS
• the oversized art is a canvas, and while it has a bit of sheen to it, it’s textured and not overpowering – NO GLASS
• aside from the vase and the glass on the framed photos, the home decor is LOW SHEEN, and in most cases, textured as well (80/20)
• I would NEVER put a mirror in this room as it would add way too much light reflection/energy – the TV is bad enough (on the other side)

The Best Paint Colours for a North-Facing Room

CASE STUDY 2 – SOUTH-FACING LIVING ROOM PAINTED WHITE

This next open-concept space is painted in Sherwin Williams Pure White, one of the more FOOL-PROOF whites on the market. HOWEVER, not only is this a bright room, we painted it white, which is THE MOST REFLECTIVE COLOUR.

But again, it’s all about BALANCE…

See the WHOLE HOME HERE

• countertop has a glossy sheen to it, as does the glass on the picture frames and the pendant lights
• you’ll also see sheen via the stainless steel appliances and TV which are easy to forget in the equation!
• EVERYTHING else is low sheen or matte – wood floor, area rug, furniture and the majority of the decor

What are some things that would throw this room off-whack?

• a glossy finish on the wood floor
• a mirror on the wall
• glossy cabinets – satin is as shiny as you should go

The Best Paint Colours for a South-Facing Room

CASE STUDY 3 – NORTH-EAST FACING LIVING ROOM PAINTED LIGHT GRAY

Funny enough, this is one of our old homes (for those who’ve been with me for a while, you KNOW how I feel about this home – insert wine, tears and twitching ‘HERE’).

This is another relatively bright space (but not OVERLY bright) that benefitted from some thoughtful balance…

I chose Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray for the walls which has an LRV of 53 (light-medium depth). In a bright space, notice how it looks LIGHTER than you might expect, especially above the cabinets! Remember, ANY paint colour will lose some depth in natural light; it’s just a matter of what’s LEFT OVER.

• the countertop and appliances are high sheens, as are the sofa table and cabinet hardware
• the leather chair on the far right also has a bit of sheen to it, adding a bit of energy to that corner
• if you were to look closely at the decor on the shelf to the left, you’d see an awesome 80/20 split of items that absorb light vs items that reflect light
• EVERYTHING ELSE absorbs light and/or adds TEXTURE to the space, helping to slow down the energy

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! And while not EVERY home has a bright, high-energy room, MOST homes have at least one LOW ENERGY room, so check out these tips and ideas for your low-energy space.

READ MORE

How to Create a Timeless & Trend-Proof Home

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

5 Ideas to Update Your 90s Home

Should You Paint Your Wood Cabinets – A QUESTIONNAIRE

3 Ideas to Jazz Up A Small Bathroom

LOOKING FOR HELP?

Check out my Online Color Consulting Services

Chat soon,

WRITTEN IN 2016, AWESOMELY UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2022!

The post How to Decorate & Paint a Bright Room: 3 Case Studies appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Pattern mixing is a great way to add personality and visual interest to any room. However, it can be downright impossible if you don’t know the basic rules and guidelines. Does this stripe go with that floral? Does this ikat work with that jacquard? What the heck IS an ikat anyway?

This is why I’m sharing a few trade secrets to help you mix patterns til’ the cows come home! But before we go deep, let’s have a little chat…

1. CONSIDER QUALITY

Don’t mix junk with quality. It’s like having a $100 bottle of wine with a McDonald’s two cheeseburger meal – it just won’t feel good in the end. If it looks like a quality fabric then you’re good to go. On the other hand, if it looks poorly done and you partner it with a quality cushion, your less expensive one will look even more tragic.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 

2. CONSIDER TEXTURE

The more neutral your palette is, the more texture you need to add. Texture adds interest. Texture adds substance. Texture makes my world go round!

On the other hand, if you don’t have a neutral palette, you don’t necessarily need texture to add interest.

3. CONSIDER STYLE

If you don’t like florals, don’t pick a floral just because it has your colours. Make sure the patterns you pick suit the feel and the theme of your room and suit each other. 

How to Create a Timeless Home With Personality

Sherwin Williams Egret White

4. FILL IT WITH FEATHERS

I personally detest cotton fibre fill cushions.

It’s like stuffing my bra with toilet paper – it looks good from far, but it sure doesn’t feel good to grab!

If you’re a fuss-budget like me, make sure your cushions have a cover that can be removed and replace the innards with a lovely feather insert! Yes, they’re pokey, but you can also buy a liner to help with that.

5. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT TOSS CUSHIONS!

While the FOCUS of this blog post is on toss cushions, there are several others items that NEED to be included in your pattern palette…

• AREA RUG
• DRAPES
• THROW BLANKETS
• FABRIC FURNITURE PIECES

A WELL-planned fabric palette from the sofas and rug, right down to the cushions, ottomans and throw blankets! Sherwin Williams Alabaster

And now, let’s dig into the guts and the glory of matching patterns!

STEP 1 FIGURE OUT YOUR COLOUR FAMILY

If you live in the land of neutrals, then you’ll find it easy to incorporate almost any colour scheme into your room. Chances are you already have a few things in your room that will give you clues as to what family you belong to. Here’s a list of a few colour families to consider…

NEUTRALS

When it comes to the wild world of colour, neutrals are by far the easiest and can be incorporated INTO other colour families.

• neutrals can range from white and brown to gray and black and everything in between

• you’ll find that neutrals look best when there are a variety of depths and textures (if they aren’t mixed into other palettes)

• don’t be afraid to throw in one or two colours from another family to add some life to a neutral-on-neutral palette

See this WHOLE HOME makeover HERE

If you’re creating a palette using ALL neutrals, you’ll find it much easier to mix n’ match, without having to repeat colours from your MAIN pattern (which you’ll learn about below).

PASTELS

Pastels are the softies of the bunch.

• these gentle hues tend to be soft, Easter-inspired colours!

• pastels best suit white, fresh cream and gray, although, you can pull off the odd beige as long as it’s MAJORLY muted

PRIMARY COLOURS & BRIGHTS

These colours are jacked right up, so a little goes a LONG way with these bad boys.

• bright colours partner best with each other OR black, white, clean charcoal and dark brown

• a little can say a LOT when it comes to bright colours so don’t go OVERBOARD

EARTH TONES

Earth tones are colours that have some gray or brown in them, meaning they are toned down.

• these can be light and soft or dark and deep, as long as they have that neutral base (beige/brown or gray to calm them down)

• earth tones love being partnered with other earth tones and neutrals

You might have your OWN colour family or trend that you love, ie. beach, vintage, traditional, romantic, etc…but these basic families should at least get you on the right track!

Moving along…

STEP 2   CHOOSE YOUR MAIN PATTERN

From your chosen colour family (based on the above or your OWN colour choices), decide on TWO or more fave colours. These will be for your MAIN pattern – the pattern that holds the colours you want to use.

Consider the following in your main pattern…

• aim to have at least ONE NEUTRAL in it (if you’re working with ONLY neutrals, fill yer boots!

• don’t be afraid to vary the depths of a particular colour, you don’t have to stick with one particular depth

• this pattern doesn’t need to be the LARGEST surface area (ie. rug or drape) it can be a simple bolster cushion, just as long as it contains your colours and is an obvious player in the room!

• you can have two MAIN patterns in a space, as long as the patterns play off each other (ie. one if floral and one is stripes, rather than two florals or two stripes)

Here are some examples of MAIN patterns that have a variety of colours to choose from for our secondary patterns/fabrics…

If you choose a pattern palette using all neutrals, your main pattern isn’t AS important. What this means is that you’ll have a lot more room to mix and match within your chosen neutral range. HOWEVER, when you add COLOUR that you need to pay more attention to COLOUR REPETITION from one fabric to the next.

Remember, your main pattern doesn’t NEED to be on a fabric!

Again, while the focus of this blog post is on toss cushions (just to cover the basics), your DOMINANT MAIN pattern or COLOUR PALETTE doesn’t need to be on a toss cushion and often ISN’T. Consider these other items for inspiration…

• a reasonably dominant piece of ARTWORK
• an AREA RUG
• DRAPES
• fabric covered FURNITURE PIECES

Kylie M Interiors with V1 Real Estate Photography

In the above living room, notice how the area rug and artwork set the stage for a beautiful toss cushion palette! (Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray on the walls)

STEP 3  CHOOSE YOUR SECONDARY PATTERN/FABRIC

Choose TWO TO THREE COLOURS from your MAIN pattern that you’d like to repeat in a secondary, more simple pattern.

• if you only have THREE colours in your MAIN pattern, you may want only TWO colours in your secondary pattern so that it doesn’t compete (or repeat the same colours in a smaller or more subdued pattern)

• if you have FOUR TO FIVE colours (or more) in your MAIN pattern, you may want TWO TO THREE COLOURS in your secondary pattern

• of course, you can keep it simple and go STRAIGHT to solid colours (STEP 4), either simple or textured, but it’s best if these are in the main colour palette OR at least directly contrast/compliment it

• larger more dominant patterns often suit graphic large scale toss cushions, ottomans, couches, area rugs and drapes

• you can have TWO TO THREE secondary patterns in your room with different colours in them, as long as they are colours that are found in the MAIN pattern (there are exceptions to this, but this keeps it simple)

Here are some examples of secondary patterns. Some have only two tones or colours, others have a variety…

And it’s not always about going BUCKWILD with colours. As shown in this next living room, the area rug has a mix of blue, cream/off-white and beige/taupe – colours that are repeated in the main furniture pieces and toss cushions. What keeps this palette INTERESTING is the shift in patterns!

STEP 4  CHOOSE A SOLID COLOUR

The solid piece can be a colour OR a neutral and can be either textured or smooth. It might have MINOR flecks of another colour in it, but keep it simple.

• you can have a multitude of solid colours in a room as long as they exist in your main piece (I wouldn’t do more than THREE)

• if your main pattern is all NEUTRALS, you can add almost any colour you like (within reason, there ARE exceptions – which are a blog post unto themselves), as long as it ties in with your room and overall theme

The two on the far right obviously aren’t SOLID colours, but in the absence of a solid, could do the trick with their simplicity (tight simple texture or basic two-tone).

CHECK OUT THE RESULTS OF STEPS 1-4

If I take my own tips and combine the above cushions, this is what I have…

MIX & MATCH FABRIC PALETTE #1

The cushion on the upper left is the MAIN pattern, as it holds all of the colours found in the secondary patterns/fabrics…

Notice how the bottom right fabric has MANY of the same colours found in the MAIN fabric, but the pattern is more subdued so it doesn’t COMPETE too much.

MIX & MATCH FABRIC PALETTE #2

The top left cushion is the MAIN pattern…

The above palette is a mix of earth tones and neutrals. But, had I put in a more COLOURFUL cushion, it wouldn’t make sense as it would fall outside of the colour palette (and isn’t in the MAIN pattern).

MIX & MATCH FABRIC PALETTE #3

The top left cushion is the MAIN pattern…

Notice how the top right cushion adds a bit of texture and interest to the palette. Likewise, even the bottom right, with its textured edge, adds some interest to what would otherwise be a flat, boring cushion.

MIX & MATCH FABRIC PALETTE #3

The top left cushion is the MAIN pattern, although the top right takes a good shot at the title…

And while there are many more wild and wonderful tips and ideas to mix & match patterns, these basics should get you started!

The palette for this room is inspired by the STONE FIREPLACE! However, the chartreuse ottoman doesn’t quite fit.

READ MORE

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4 PART SERIES

The Best Whole Home Warm Neutral Paint Colours

5 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

How Light Bulbs Affect Paint Colours

How to Update Your Living Room WITHOUT Spending Any Money! 

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, MASSIVELY UPDATED IN 2022

The post How to Mix Fabric Patterns & Colours in 4 Easy Steps  appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Do you have an entryway that opens RIGHT into your living room or dining room? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

The foyer is undoubtedly the room builders pay the LEAST attention to when building a home. Many builders think that creating an ‘open layout entryway and livingroom’ is a great idea (with open concept being on-trend) and I’m pretty sure these same builders don’t have kids, don’t wear shoes, and have never tried to put on lace-up knee-high boots without sitting down on a bench.

BTW, I use 100% of my OWN e-design client’s photos on my site, which is why for this particular category, I’m pretty limited. However, I’ve included ‘other’ entryway photos, just to get the creative juices flowing! 

So, what do you do when your entryway is lacking in definition and function? You read this (and drinking wine will also help).

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO MAKE A FAKE ENTRYWAY

1. THE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAY

Using pieces that are moveable and not built-in to the flooring, walls or ceiling, such as bookcases, sofas, console tables and the backs of sofas for definition between spaces.

With no room for large-scale function, the small bench and mirror to the right of the front door (above) do the job for guests to take shoes off/on. I might go down to one long rectangle cushion though, to make it LOOK easier to sit on.

2. THE EXPENSIVE WAY

Creating built-in, non-removable pieces that are permanent fixtures.

The key is to choose the option that works best for you, your budget and your skills (or lack thereof). However, the one BIG thing to consider before starting your project is resale value.

People love built-ins. Whether they’re beside the fireplace or in an entryway, built-ins are super desirable in the home-buying world. If you have the skills to build, you’ll add visual value to your home, which usually relates to ‘actual’ value when it comes time to sell. Buyers won’t need to figure out where the heck to put their shoes and coats – you’ll show them where they go (not on the back of the couch or outside the front door).

Anyway, let’s talk about some more ideas, and you can take it from there!

1. THE IKEA DIVIDER

One of my FAVOURITE pieces from Ikea (besides the Raskog trolley) is the Kallax bookshelf. Coming in various sizes and finishes, this piece is not just affordable; it’s also HUGELY versatile. Add doors, drawers, baskets, wheels, wine keg – pretty much anything you need to make your entryway more functional.

You can see this idea and MORE in this link to the Apartment Therapy site.

2. ADD A BUILT-IN BOOKCASE OR BENCH DIVIDER

Legally, I’m not allowed to post other’s photos (good old copyright), but I LOVE to show the love to other bloggers, so please check out this built-in bookcase via Thrifty Decor Chick. Love it. And if you visit Thrifty Decor Chick, you’ll see how she did it from start to finish! Notice how it’s built-in to look original to the home, rather than an afterthought. And while this project isn’t for the faint of heart, it also isn’t rocket science if you’re so inclined!

I also highly recommend checking out what Growing Sound Roots did to separate their entryway from their living room – l wish I were half that handy…

3. USE WHAT YOU HAVE

The most budget-friendly option of all! You can define your entryway simply by positioning your furniture in the right spot. Try placing a longer piece (couch/loveseat) to create a ‘faux’ wall (faux being the super snob way of saying fake). This can help DEFINE the area between your living room and entryway with a visible barrier. You can then do any of the above ideas BEHIND the couch to add some storage and function!

See what House Tweaking did to separate their entryway and living room with a cute lil bench and handy hooks – goes to show you don’t need much room to add function!

I also LOVE what Room for Tuesday did, creating a nice backdrop to her living room area using a gorgeous buffet with home decor and artwork.

4. REPURPOSE A SMALL CLOSET OR NOOK

This one works if you have a small closet and generally use a different entrance (ie. garage/mudroom). Jazzing up a small closet with a bench and hooks is a nice way to create a more DECORATIVE backdrop to your living space, even if it’s less functional than a traditional closet.

5. ADD A WALL OF HOOKS & SHIPLAP

Whether you love shiplap or traditional panelling, even a small wall space can look purposeful with a few hooks on it!

So there you have it my friends – I hope you enjoyed this and found some ideas to try in your own home! Want more ideas? You HAVE to read this. 

READ MORE

How to Decorate a Small Room

5 Ideas to Decorate the End of a Hallway

Making a Grand Entrance: Tips and Ideas to Update your Space 

Our Entryway – Colour, Decor & More (Budget-Friendly Changes)

Not sure what to do? 

Check out my affordable Online Color and Decorating Services!

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2016, updated in 2022

The post 4 Ideas: How to MAKE an Entryway When You Don’t Have One appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

PART 1 – THE TOP 10 MOST TIMELESS INTERIOR FINISHES

Whether it’s wood flooring, backsplashes or fun patterns, learn which ones are the safest bets for the long-term, while still looking WICKED pretty in the short term. In this helpful blog post, you’ll learn which tone and TYPE of wood is good for the long haul, along with helpful tips on marble, cabinet colours and SO much more!

The TOP 10 Most Timeless Interior Finishes

PART 2 – THE 3 MOST TIMELESS NEUTRAL PAINT COLOURS

This is a topic that is NEAR and dear to my own colour lovin’ heart. Because while I’m a sucker for colour, I’ve learned that in the long term, neutrals give me WAY more flexibility (and are also better for resale).

The 3 Most Timeless Neutral Paint Colours

PART 3 – HOW TO CREATE A TIMELESS HOME WITH PERSONALITY

Just because your home is TIMELESS doesn’t mean it can’t have PERSONALITY! In this blog post, you’ll learn ways to spend SMART money, adding personality to your home without taking away its potential resale value in the future.

How to Create a Timeless Home with Personality

PART 4 – THE BEST WAY TO DECORATE USING TRENDS & SAVE MONEY!

When it comes to trends, often the BEST WAY to use them is sparing as it relates to money AND application!

How to Decorate Using Trends & Save Money

And in case you got caught up reading, here’s a summary of the above links…

PART 1 – The TOP 10 Most Timeless Interior Finishes

PART 2 – The 3 Most Timeless Neutral Paint Colours

PART 3 – How to Create a Timeless Home with Personality

PART 4 – How to Decorate Using Trends & Save Money

BONUS

PART 5 – Why You SHOULD or Shouldn’t Follow Today’s Trends in Paint & Design

Is Black Still a Trendy Hardware Finish for Lights, Faucets and More?

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Colour Consulting & E-Design

Chat soon,

READ MORE

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

The post 4 PART SERIES: HOW TO CREATE A TIMELESS, TREND-PROOF HOME appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I’ve written many blog posts on current and past paint colour trends, as well as on creating a timeless, TREND-PROOF home (links at the bottom of this post). HOWEVER, sometimes it’s best to keep things simple (something you’ll rarely hear me say as you KNOW I love to talk/type).

This is why I’ve created an easy, bullet-point list to help you consider whether you should COMMIT to a particular trend (just joking, it’s not easy, it’s a 1200 word article but it’s DAMN GOOD). And if you read it all, you’ll find the ONE MAGICAL WORD you need to live by at the end of this blog post. If you DON’T read it all, three slaps with a wet noodle.

WHY YOU SHOULD FOLLOW DESIGN & PAINT TRENDS…

• You’re planning on selling in the next few years and are sure this trend will still be popular (ie. you’re not just catching it on its way OUT). Do a bit of research on your particular demographic and see if this trend relates to them. If so, FILL YOUR LIL TRENDY BOOTS!

• You’re not married to one particular colour or style personally and love CHANGE (join the club, it’s fun – we drink wine and talk about paint colours and Ryan Reynolds allllll day).

• You have the resources to change your home when the next trend that you love comes along. If not, you may want to make choices that are more AFFORDABLE and easy to change in the future (ie. decor vs hard finishes).

• Your home’s location or particular style actually SUITS this particular trend REGARDLESS of whether it’s IN or not.

There are MANY timeless features in the above space – Benjamin Moore White Dove

Kylie M Interiors / Rick Pharaoh Photography / Lewis Remodelling

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T FOLLOW DESIGN & PAINT TRENDS…

• You don’t have the resources to CHANGE this particular trend or style once it’s passed – assuming you see a NEED to change it, either for personal tastes or RESALE.

• You’ve never followed trends. If your home has something ‘trendy’ in it, that’s just a coincidence – you do what you love!

• If you plan on staying in your home for five-seven + years. At this point, anything that WAS trendy will likely be on its way out anyway; trendiness will be irrelevant. You may as well do what you LOVE, whether it’s trendy or not, OR make a more timeless choice.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW DESIGN & PAINT TRENDS

When it comes to trends, it’s often about whether you have the means – physically and financially, to change this trend should you need to down the road. This can be for personal reasons, ie. you don’t like this trend anymore and want to try a new one OR because you want to SELL your home and this trend has passed and makes your home look dated.

TRENDY PAINT COLOURS: HOW TO EMBRACE THEM WITHOUT REGRETTING THEM LONG-TERM

If the current trend is a particular PAINT COLOUR, commit to it on a SMALLER scale. For example, if you’re still loving gray (a hot topic these days)…

INSTEAD OF…

Painting all of your kitchen cabinets the current hot colour, paint your kitchen island or bathroom vanity this colour instead – keep it to a smaller scale.

6 Questions to Ask Before You Paint Your Cabinets White

INSTEAD OF…

Buying expensive furniture pieces in a trendy colour, add this colour to your room via DECOR or smaller furniture pieces – keep the large pieces more timeless.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

INSTEAD OF…

Painting your entire home or huge open layout a trendy paint colour, paint a FEATURE WALL or secondary room instead as these are easier to change in the future.

TRENDY PATTERNS: HOW TO EMBRACE THEM WITHOUT OVERDOING THEM

INSTEAD OF…

Committing to a POPULAR pattern on permanent hard surfaces (ie. tiled surfaces), add this pattern in smaller doses on toss cushions, drapes or area rugs. Or at the most, keep the pattern to a smaller tiled area.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

TRENDY SURFACES: HOW TO LOVE ‘EM WITHOUT GOING TOO FAR

With ‘trendy surfaces’ I’m talking about countertops, wood flooring and tile in particular. When it comes to choosing colours for these surfaces, BE CAREFUL, as they’re some of the most expensive to replace should you change your mind in a few years or want to sell.

ARE GRAY WASH & WHITEWASH WOOD, LAMINATE OR LVT FLOORS STILL TRENDY?

Hard…no. 

If you’re thinking of doing whitewash or gray wash floors – please stop, like now. GENERALLY SPEAKING, a light to medium-toned wood will give you a longer life. And while it’s ‘okay’ to nod towards a trend as it relates to DEPTH of stain, it’s NOT okay to commit to a particular colourful trend on your floor UNLESS you don’t care about resale.

Just LOOK at that lovely violet-pink undertone in all of its glory! Benjamin Moore Classic Gray walls

Gray wash floors are out, and while whitewash floors are still trendy, they aren’t neutral. Whitewash wood floors usually cater to a violet, pink, or violet-pink undertone (same with gray wash). This will limit and date your home.

Remember, I’m not telling you NOT to do these things (based on the previously listed reasons). I’m just suggesting that if you care about RESALE or change your mind a lot, you may want to rethink your choice. 

INSTEAD OF…

Covering your home top to bottom with flooring various shades of gray, find a more NEUTRAL wood stain for the main living areas and install gray carpet in secondary rooms. You can also add gray in your decor or paint colours as well without overwhelming your home.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray 

ARE GRAY TILES STILL TRENDY?

Long story short, no, but that doesn’t mean they’re GONE, they’re just not at their peak. If you’re going to choose a gray tile, make sure it has some variation, ie. white/beige/greige in it as this will give you flexibility in the future.

INSTEAD OF…

Outfitting your bathroom with gray tile floor, gray shower tile and a gray vanity, choose a subway tile or large scale white tile for the shower, gray tile floor and either a white, wood or colourful vanity. Or, as shown in this next bathroom, choose a warm gray shower tile, a floor tile with VARIATION and more transitional choices on the vanity and countertop…

Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil

TRENDY IDEAS: HOW TO EMBRACE THEM WITHOUT KICKIN’ YOURSELF IN THE PANTS IN FIVE YEARS

Sometimes an IDEA captures our hearts and before we know it, we’ve got two-toned walls and a garbage bag full of used sponges. This same concept can be directly related to the love for, dare I say…shiplap walls?

I LOVE SHIPLAP WALLS and although I’ve heard they’re on the way out, I’m not changing mine ANYTIME SOON. However, the prospect of changing them doesn’t scare me as I didn’t commit to them on such a large scale that I may as well rebuild my home.

Would I do a SMALL ROOM like this next powder room in shiplap? You bet your BOOTY I would, as long as I’m willing to redo the drywall when I’m over it…

3 Ideas to Add STYLE to a Small Bathroom

Would I do a larger room or multiple rooms? HECK no! At the most, I’d do a very small room (as shown above) or a few feature walls.

THE ONE MAGICAL WORD TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU CONSIDER HOPPING ON THE TREND TRAIN…

I mentioned something about ONE MAGICAL WORD to consider when decorating with today’s modern paint colours, patterns and ideas…

MODERATION

It doesn’t matter with it’s a trendy COLOUR, PATTERN OR IDEA, using it in MODERATION while considering how much it will cost should you want to replace it in the future is the BEST way to use trends in your own home.

LONG STORY short, as usual, no matter what trend you’re considering, don’t commit to it on such a LARGE-SCALE that you basically need to rebuild your home to embrace a new style or prepare it for selling in a NEW market.

READ MORE

How to Create a Timeless, Trend-Proof Home – 4 Part Series

Are Gray Paint Colours Still Trendy?

Is the ALL WHITE HOME Still Trendy?

Is Beige Back? Is Beige POPULAR again?

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOUR CONSULTING & E-DESIGN SERVICES! 

Chat soon,

The post Why You SHOULD & SHOULDN’T Follow Today’s Trends in Design & Paint appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

There’s an art to hanging artwork. However, it’s not rocket science and if you follow some basic guidelines you’ll get it right every time!

And remember, these are only GUIDELINES, not rules. There are always exceptions as there are TONS of artwork sizes, wall sizes and other things to consider when hanging artwork – I can’t cover them all, but I SURE AS HECK am gonna try!

Benjamin Moore Steel Wool

But before we get started, I have something important to say…

It doesn’t matter how high your ceilings are or how tall your husband is – all of this is totally irrelevant to how the artwork looks on a wall. For reals.

Why?

Because regardless of wall height or hubby’s opinion, there’s still an invisible sightline that we revert to when there’s a tall whack-a-doody wall in front of us, and that invisible line sits at approx. 8-9 feet. Why? Because I said so. And a lot of other smart, cute and talented people said so too. Really though, it’s what we’ve become accustomed to in the average home over the last 100 years.

Sherwin Williams Creamy

Now, let’s break it on down…

WHAT’S THE EYE-LEVEL RULE?

When it comes to hanging artwork, the eye-level rule states that your art should hang with its CENTER approximately 58-62 inches from the floor.

Farrow & Ball Clunch

Why is this rule silly? Because it’s WAY too generic!

• If you applied this to every piece of artwork, you’d have a hot mess on your hands with many of your pieces hanging at the WRONG height.

• This rule is REALLY only applicable to pieces that are approx. 6-36 inches tall. And even then, it depends on what’s BELOW your artwork. Is it a buffet or console table? Bench or headboard?

• The eye-level rule also works for those who are approx. 5’2 to 5’6. If you’re taller or shorter than that, your eye-level is MUCH different.

In other words, the eye-level rule is a great GUIDELINE, but there are many…many exceptions.

BTW, in order to show you REAL homes with REAL budgets, I only use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. THANK YOU all for sending your photos in; you make my colorful little world go round! 

WHAT’S THE BEST HEIGHT TO HANG ARTWORK ON AN EMPTY WALL?

The ideal height for hanging a picture on an empty wall ALL comes down to the size of the piece you’re hanging.

HANGING ARTWORK THAT’S 6 – 36 inches high

The CENTER of your artwork should be approximately eye-level. For the average person, this is between 58 – 62 inches from the floor. The taller you are, the closer to 62 inches you might want to be, however, I PERSONALLY don’t go lower than 60 inches (I’m 5’4).

The Best Beige & Tan Paint Colors

The three pictures in the above photo are hanging on a bare wall with no furniture right underneath them and they’re approx. 24 inches high, therefore, the CENTER of them sits 58-62 inches from the floor.

HANGING ARTWORK THAT’S APPROX 36 – 48 inches high

• the range to CENTER goes from approx. 48 – 56 inches from the floor

• the closer your piece is to 36 inches high, the closer to eye-level the CENTER of your piece should be

• as you get up to 42 inches high, the center should sit approx. 54 inches from the floor, breaking the eye-level rule unless you’re a lovely little shorty-cakes

• if you have a piece clocking in at a whopping 48 inches high the centre should sit approx. 48 inches from the floor (can be a bit lower or higher depending on the exact piece, baseboard height and ceiling height).

In this next photo, these mirrors are taller than 36 inches, meaning their center sits more like 48 inches from the floor (I DO think they could be like 1 inch higher)

The Best Height & Places to Hang Mirrors

Similar to Benjamin Moore Ballet White

ARTWORK THAT’S TALLER THAN 48 INCHES

Funny enough, you’d think the ‘to center’ number would keep going lower and lower, but it DOESN’T in fact, as your art gets TALLER, the centre starts shifting back to the original guideline of 58 – 62 inches!

While I’m not much for modern contemporary style PERSONALLY, I find myself so drawn into this next room with its moody vibe and OVERSIZED artwork…

Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur

And then there are the anomalies like this bad boy, which goes pretty much from floor to ceiling. IDEALLY…this would be on a taller wall (but it’s still kind of cool)…

Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10

Now, I want you to be a total weirdo with me. Grab a tape measure and measure out where 60 inches high is on your body. While this can’t be applied to EVERY piece of furniture and artwork, this number is a great place to start.

BTW, there are a TON of tips and ideas in this blog post. I highly recommend focusing on the topics that relate directly to you and your home.

HOW HIGH SHOULD A PICTURE HANG ABOVE A CONSOLE TABLE, BUFFET or SHORT PIECE OF FURNITURE?

• If the piece of furniture you’re hanging artwork above is lower than 30 inches, the CENTER of your piece should sit approx. 58 – 62 inches from the floor. If possible, use home décor to link the art/furniture piece so there isn’t such a gaping space between them.

• If the piece of furniture you’re hanging artwork above is TALLER than 30″, there should be approx. 4 – 8 inches between the top of your furniture piece and the bottom of your picture frame.

Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray

The above console table is just shy of 30 inches, in which case, the 58 – 62 inch guideline applies. HOWEVER, because of the ginormous size of the art, it also satisfies the 4 – 8 inch rule! Notice how a few taller décor pieces are used to visually link the table with the art.

In this next living room, the console table was 30 inches, meaning we could REALLY go either way. In this case, we went with the 4 – 8 inch guideline and again, used home décor to link the art/table…

Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray

This next photo is a GREAT example of not only a great vignette (group of three), but of artwork perfectly placed above a chair that’s taller than 30 inches (the art is approx. 6 inches above).

Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist & Escarpment

HOWEVER, if this piece of art were not quite so tall, it would look janky hanging so low, in which case you’d use the 58 – 62 inch guideline, as shown in this next living room, where the chair BARELY breaks the 30-inch mark…

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray lightened 

HOW HIGH SHOULD A PICTURE HANG ABOVE WAINSCOTING?

If you’re hanging a picture or mirror above standard wainscoting, the CENTER of your piece should sit approx. 58-62 inches from the centre of the artwork to the floor, OR, depending on the height of your wainscoting/size of your art, approx. 4 – 6 inches above the top of the wainscoting (assuming your wainscoting is the standard 36 inches high).

The Best Way to Paint a Wall With a Chair Rail

In this next photo, the larger piece of artwork is approx. 30 inches high, so it sits approx 4 inches above the wainscoting. On the other hand, because the two pieces in the hallway are closer to 20 inches, they’d look too short if placed this low. Instead, the 58 – 60 inch guideline is applied for a more proportional approach…

Sherwin Williams Wool Skein & Wall Street

HOWEVER, if the wainscoting were HIGHER than the standard 36 inches, the two smaller pieces would EASILY fall under the 4 – 6 inch guideline, whereas the large piece might be too big for the remaining wall space! As mentioned earlier, there are SO MANY FREAKIN’ EXCEPTIONS!

Aside from ‘higher than standard’ wainscoting, the 4 – 6 inch guideline is applicable when using mirrors or artwork that are 30+ inches high. This next photo is a great example, and due to the height of the artwork, probably satisfies the 58 – 62 inch guideline at the same time!

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray / Chantilly Lace

HOW HIGH SHOULD YOU HANG A PICTURE IN A BATHROOM?

HANGING ARTWORK ABOVE THE TOILET

When hanging above the loo (it is a great place to hang out), there should be approx. 58 – 62 inches from the centre of the artwork to the floor. Why? Because the toilet is shorter than 30 inches. The exception, of course, is if you have a very long narrow piece, in which case you’ll likely end up 6 – 8 inches above the toilet lid.

Benjamin Moore Ballet White

HANGING ARTWORK ABOVE A TOWEL BAR?

The average towel bar sits approx. 42 – 48 inches from the floor. However, when it comes to hanging artwork above a towel bar, it’s a mixed bag. Some people like their art to sit HIGH so they don’t knock it every time they hang their towel up…

I bet these towel rods sit no more than 42 inches from the floor (Sherwin Williams Egret White)

Whereas others (myself included) usually want to see the visual connection between their towel rod/towel and their artwork and opt for 6 inches or so…

These towel rods likely hang closer to 48 inches from the floor (Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist)

If you ask ye ole Ginger, it really comes down to how high you hang your towel bar vs the size of the artwork you have. Here are some considerations…

• If your towel bar hangs on the lower end of things, I wouldn’t hang a piece of artwork above it that’s less than 12 inches high. This piece will need to be hung so its center is 58 – 60 inches from the floor, which leaves way too much space between your towel bar and your art. Instead, I would look for a piece that’s more like 24 inches high or so.

• If your towel bar hangs on the higher side, consider artwork that’s no more than 30 inches high, so you can hang it approx. 6 inches above the towel rod (as shown in the bottom photo above).

WHAT’S THE BEST HEIGHT TO HANG ARTWORK IN A DINING ROOM?

When hanging a picture or mirror in a dining room, it’s all about what it’s hanging ABOVE. If your piece is hanging above a buffet style cabinet that’s taller than 30 inches, you’ll use the guideline of leaving 4 – 8 inches of wall space between the two pieces.

In this next dining room, because the bench is taller than 30 inches, the art sits approx. 8 inches above it…

Benjamin Moore Steel Wool

Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray

In the above photo, because the buffet is taller than 30 inches, the mirror is PERFECTLY placed (approx. 4 inches).

HOWEVER, if you have a cabinet or bench that’s lower than 30 inches, as shown below, you’ll want to lean into the guideline of hanging your artwork so its center is approx. 58 – 62 inches from the floor. In this situation, I would lean into 58 inches to visually connect it a bit more to the cabinet, using slightly taller home décor as a link between the two pieces.

I have some wicked talented clients and I love how this mid-mod style dining room turned out in Benjamin Moore White Dove 

However, if your picture or mirror is hanging on an empty wall in a dining room, it should be centered on the light fixture/dining table, and as long as it’s not more than 36 inches high, should have its center sitting approx 60 inches from the floor.

Remember, there are always exceptions to rules, so if you’re doubting yourself, get out painter’s tape or some brown paper and map things out on the wall before hammering in a single nail.

WHAT’S THE BEST HEIGHT FOR HANGING A PICTURE OR MIRROR ABOVE A SOFA OR SECTIONAL?

If there’s too much space between the top of your sofa or chair and the bottom of your picture or mirror there will be a ‘visual disconnect’ between the two pieces. This means your hanging piece will act independently from the furniture, rather than being a foundation piece or anchor for a color scheme or theme.

If your picture is hanging above a sofa, sectional or single chair, the bottom of the picture should be approx 8 – 12 inches from the top of your furniture 

Sherwin Williams Mega Greige

The artwork in the above photo is hanging approx. 10  inches above the back of the sofa. For the sheer SIZE of the piece, any lower and it would look like it’s hovering over the sofa – any higher and it would be hugging the ceiling too much! Also, keep in mind that if this wall were 8 feet high rather than 9 feet, this painting would simply be too big.

And while I rarely refer to ceiling height, when it comes to sofas and sectionals, you can actually take some minor guidance from the height of the ceiling, for example…

• If you have 8-foot ceilings and a moderately large piece, you might leave approx. 8 inches between the top of your sofa and the artwork, so you don’t get too close to the ceiling line.

• If you have 9+ foot ceilings, you might bump up to 12 inches so that your picture or mirror doesn’t look like it’s weighing too heavy on your sofa and uses a more proportional piece of the wall. I know we’re talking INCHES here, but trust me, every inch matters (wink wink).

• In most cases, the spaces between the top of your art and the ceiling shouldn’t be LESS than the space between the top of your furniture and the bottom of the art.

In this next living room, the pair of mirrors is approx. 8 inches above the sofa – perfectly placed due to the 8-foot ceiling, but sure as heck can’t go any lower (although I might kick the clock to the curb)…

Benjamin Moore Rodeo

And it’s not just about getting the height right, SCALE matters as well. In the previous photo with the off-white sofa and large piece of art, this piece is a great size for the wall it’s on, but couldn’t be any bigger. HOWEVER, the same can’t be said for this next piece…

• the framed photograph is slightly too small for the wall space, even bringing it down to 10 inches wouldn’t make sense

• it should be centered between the trim and the edge of the drape, rather than favoring the right side as it does

• If it were lowered by approx 10″ it would look more proportional to the wall space, but could still be a wink wider

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Using what you’ve learned so far, how do you feel about the artwork in this next photo?

Sherwin Williams On the Rocks

IT’S HIGHER THAN SNOOP DOG! Seriously though, notice that there’s more space between the sectional and the art than there is between the ceiling and the art, meaning this installation is TOO HIGH.  Although the art is approx. 12 inches above the sofa, because the pieces are taller than not and the ceiling is 8 feet, they should sit a good 4 inches lower.

However, I DO like the proportion, as the two pieces are approximately 3/4 the wide of the sectional (which is ideal).

How about this next one?

Sherwin Williams Pearly White

This one is STINKIN’ close, but I BET it’s like 13 – 14 inches above the sofa. Do two inches make a difference? I don’t know, you tell me – wink wink. And yes, I love sexual innuendos…AND Ryan Reynolds AND wine – ALL AT THE SAME TIME. This piece is also a BIT small width-wise for the length of the sofa. Again, approx. 3/4 the width or wider is a good decorative goal.

I’m slightly obsessed with the color palette in my next client’s home and she did a FABULOUS job of hanging her artwork (and mirror)…

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

HOW HIGH SHOULD A PICTURE OR MIRROR HANG ABOVE A HEADBOARD?

As with most furniture pieces, it can depend on the height of your headboard and the piece you want to hang above it. Generally speaking, having approx. 4 – 12 inches of wall space between the top of your headboard and the bottom of your piece should do the trick.

This next photo is perfect. The art is hanging approx. 4 inches above the headboard – not too low OR too high, creating a seamless look from wall to bed.

Sherwin Williams Big Chill

Another great installation, this time of some candle sconces…

The 12 Best Beige & Tan Paint Colors (this room is Barcelona Beige)

A FEW TIPS FOR HANGING ART ABOVE A HEADBOARD

• secure it safely so it can withstand an earthquake or nocturnal activities (nothing wrong with a nooner either, just sayin’)

• if you have a super short headboard, consider art that’s slightly taller, this way you can use the 58 – 62 inch guideline while still keeping the art/headboard visually connected

• it’s ideal if the art is approx. 3/4 the width of the headboard or wider – this keeps things looking proportional

Using what you’ve learned so far, what would you say about the wall hangings in this guest bedroom?

The Best Blue Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore (this room is Woodlawn Blue)

They’re AWESOME! The metal panel sits 4 inches above the headboard and the art above the side table is sitting at the PERFECT height considering the 30 inches of the dresser and the sloped ceiling.

How about this next one?

Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan

That’s right, while the overall STYLING is pretty, these three pieces are just too big for the space.

HOW HIGH SHOULD A PICTURE OR MIRROR HANG ABOVE A BED WITH NO HEADBOARD?

In this case, I’d fall back on the approx. 58 – 62 inch guideline. BUT I highly recommend getting a headboard.

HOW HIGH SHOULD A GALLERY WALL HANG ON AN EMPTY WALL?

Gallery walls are TRICKY. Whether you’re doing a simple grid pattern or a more eclectic arrangement, you need to pretend as though your gallery is ONE BIG PIECE. Lay your gallery out on the floor with the same spacing you want on the wall. Measure the width and height of your gallery and use the OVERALL HEIGHT as your guideline (if you’re doing a random display, your height will be based on the piece that’s placed HIGHEST).

Let’s break this next photo down, so we can learn lessons the FUN way…

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

1. You need to treat your gallery as though it’s ONE BIG PIECE OF ARTWORK. To get the TOTAL height of the above gallery, we add together the height of the framed pieces, along with the space between. This puts the total gallery height at approx. 45 inches.

2. HOWEVER, there’s about 2 inches too much between the pieces, meaning the total height should be closer to 43 inches.

3. Using the guideline of ‘if a piece of artwork is taller than 36 inches, you’ll want to have the CENTER hanging approx. 48 – 56 inches from the floor’, I would guess this display hangs about 3 inches too short. HOWEVER, the overall idea is AWESOME, adding personality to what would otherwise be a super boring hallway.

• If your total gallery height is 24 – 36 inches high, you’ll want to use the general eye-level guideline of 58 – 62 inches to the center from the floor; the same you’d use if your gallery were a single piece of this height.

• If your total gallery height is MORE than 36 inches, you’ll want to lower that center incrementally. The closer your total height is to 36 inches, the closer the center should be to 58 – 62 inches. The TALLER your arrangement is, the more likely your gallery should sit anywhere from 48 – 56 inches from the floor.

Before you start hanging, once you have your WIDTH & HEIGHT, get painters tape and place it on the wall where it should go based on the above guidelines. Step back and see how it feels. It’s easier to make an adjustment NOW than later. I find that taking a PHOTO really helps me separate myself a bit from what’s right in front of me (#funfact).

HOW HIGH SHOULD MY GALLERY WALL HANG ABOVE MY SOFA OR FURNITURE PIECE?

Again, it comes down to the HEIGHT of your furniture as well as the total height of your display.

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors (this room is Anew Gray)

GALLERY WALL ABOVE A SOFA OR SECTIONAL

You need to treat your gallery wall as though it were one BIG piece and figure out its total width and height. From there, you can use painter’s tape to get a visual of how a piece this size will look on your wall and can adjust accordingly using the same guideline as suggested for hanging a single piece of art above a sofa.

Sherwin Williams Black Swan

If your gallery wall gets closer than 6 inches to the ceiling (especially with 8-foot ceilings, as shown above), your gallery wall is too tall. In the above photo, notice how the OVERALL size of the gallery was taken into consideration and the space between the top of the sofa/bottom of the lowest frame is approx. 6 inches.

Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray & Grizzle Gray

GALLERY WALL ABOVE A PIECE OF FURNITURE THAT’S SHORTER THAN 30″

In this situation, you’ll treat your wall as though it were empty and go back to the ‘50 – 62 inches to the center‘ guideline, depending on the OVERALL HEIGHT of your arrangement.

Sherwin Williams Pure White – see this whole home HERE

And of course, there are ALWAYS exceptions, as shown with this staircase wall below. While it LOOKS like the gallery wall is resting on the sectional from this angle, in real-life, there’s three feet of walking space between the back of the sectional and the wall.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray lightened & Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze

Click HERE to see available COURSES and Online Paint Color Consulting packages! 

HOW HIGH SHOULD ARTWORK HANG ABOVE A FIREPLACE MANTEL?

• the taller your mantle is, the less distance there should be between the top of it and the bottom of the picture

• a shorter mantle can accommodate a bit more wall space in between, but no more than 10 inches

• generally speaking, there should be approx. 4 – 8 inches of wall space between mantel and art/mirror

In this next photo, even though there’s no traditional mantel, because the surround is taller than 30 inches, the art is hung at the right spot, approx 5 inches above.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

And whether it’s a grand mantel or a more simple profile, the same rule applies, as shown next. However, I DO wish the clock were a bit bigger to be proportional to the size of the fireplace width…

In this next living room, I would love to see the artwork just 2 inches lower. Otherwise, I LOVE the overall vibe and awesome mantel decorating skills…

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 25% darker

And if you have NO mantel? We’re back at 58 – 62 inches from the floor, however, I would go on the higher side, rather than the lower. If you have a raised hearth, it’s that same distance from the HEARTH (but I might drop it down to 58 inches).

CAN I LEAN MY ARTWORK ON MY MANTEL OR BUFFET/CABINET?

The last option for hanging artwork is ‘leaning’. If the piece you’re placing your artwork on is low enough and the artwork is stable enough (either light enough to sit without sliding out or heavy but supported with an anchor at the back) then you can lean your artwork.

How about this next one?

While I LOVE his furry lil face (no, I’m not talking about Tim), I’d rather see this big boy hanging above the mantel. And this particular piece would be an EXCEPTION where I’d break the 4 – 12 inch guideline. The height and extended width of this artwork, along with the height of the mantel and ceiling, have me wanting just 2 – 3 inches of wall space showing in between. I’d also love to see some simple home decor, maybe some fake plants/candle holders flanking this piece, just to add some softness.

And if you have a piece that’s not QUITE wide enough to be proportional, you can do a mix of hanging and leaning to get a proportional and balanced look…

Just remember, if a piece of artwork is sitting on something that’s too high, the art will be awkward to look at – I hate getting a kink in my neck as Lord knows I’m kinky enough as it is! Think about how the artwork is viewed from a sitting and standing position…

• If it’s a mirror, is it only reflecting the ceiling when leaning?

• If your art is framed with glass are you only seeing the sheen of the glass, not the artwork itself?

• Is the beauty of the piece de-valued because you can’t see it head-on?

A MIXED BAG…

In this next photo, there’s also wainscoting to consider AS WELL as a buffet, and I bet the owner actually went back to the 58-62 inches from the floor.

Benjamin Moore Powell Buff

So, next time we chat and I ask you ‘how’s it hangin?’ – you better have the right answer!

READ MORE

The 12 Best Whole Home Gray & Greige Paint Colors

How to Create a Decorative Vignette

How to Decorate a Bookshelf – 4 Easy Guidelines

Using Mirrors to Decorate a Room

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING, COLOR COURSES & E-BOOKS! 

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2013, AWESOMELY and COMPLETELY UPDATED IN 2021!

The post How High Should Pictures & Artwork Hang? Almost ANY Situation! appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Other than in between the sheets, small bathrooms are one of the BEST PLACES to have a little fun in your home. Why?

1. MORE BANG FOR BUCK (could also be said about the ‘in between the sheets’ comment)

It’s easier to justify spending a bit more on a SUPER cool, but slightly pricey tile for 30 sq ft compared to a room with 100+ sq ft. Remodels can be EXPENSIVE, but small bathrooms are often on the more manageable end of things just due to their size!

2. LESS OF A COMMITMENT

NOTHING eats money like a large bathroom or kitchen renovation, which means that you’re FAR less inclined to change anything in the near future. But in a small bathroom, it’s easier to justify changing things up every few years as the cost and effort are GREATLY reduced due to the minimal square footage.

It also means that you’ll be more inclined to make BRAVE choices!

3. MORE IMPACT

Whether it’s a fun pattern, texture or colour, having it condensed in a small space can be a GREAT way to inject instant personality to a small room without feeling like you’re changing the trajectory of your ENTIRE home.

So, when it comes time to update a small bathroom, two of the best ways to add character and visual value are with TILE and SHIPLAP – either or both!

2 TILE IDEAS FOR A SMALL BATHROOM OR POWDER ROOM

Whether it’s a bright colour or a cool pattern, don’t be afraid to live out your wildest dreams in your small bathroom (okay, maybe not THOSE dreams – sadly, Ryan Reynolds is married). But really, have some FUN with it!

1. TILE YOUR BACKSPLASH/VANITY WALL

A tiled backsplash is definitely my favourite approach when it comes to adding interest to a small bathroom. Opting for a unique tile on the wall means you can be a bit safer on the floor without sacrificing your room’s potential…

The above bathroom looks awesome with the dark warmth of Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray. This bathroom happens to have a cool floor tile too (I’ll add a photo once I get a good one of it). With only 24 sq ft of floor, it was easier to go above and beyond on the floor AND the walls without breaking open my kid’s piggy bank.

This next powder room looks STRIKING with its hexagon marble backsplash tile…15 sq ft of tile = years of visual pleasure (and a sneak peek at yours truly to boot – so glad I coordinated)!

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White walls and vanity

If you have a low-ceiling, install a tile with vertical lines to help with the ILLUSION of higher ceilings…

I apologize that this next photo is so SMALL as it’s from the Kylie M VAULT. Remember, I rely 100% on my Online Color Consulting client’s photos – 100% organic content with the goal of showing you REAL HOMES with REAL BUDGETS! This photo is important though, as even if you have a small bathroom where the vanity and toilet share a wall, you can still have fun with tile without having to do the whole shebang.

2. TILE YOUR FLOOR IN A COOL PATTERN 

While it’s a bit more of a commitment compared to vanity tile, a cool floor tile goes a LONG WAY to adding personality and visual value to a small bathroom.

This first bathroom is a great example of a WICKED pretty vanity, along with a dark gray hexagon tile floor from Ames Tile…

Seriously, I’m OBSESSED with the green vanity. Want to paint your own vanity a cool colour? Check this out – The 6 Best Colours for Your Bathroom Vanity

And small hexagon marble tiles aren’t just for backsplashes! Check out this powder room floor, along with a great DIY wainscoting application…

Benjamin Moore White Dove & Stonington Gray/vanity from Wayfair

How to Save Money With Marble

This next bathroom might not be as SMALL as the rest, but you can still see the impact the patterned tile makes, along with Sherwin Williams Argos on the walls…

See the BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS HERE

This next bathroom doesn’t just have a fun hexagon on the shower floor, there’s an ENLARGED version in higher contrast on the main bathroom floor…

Now, if it were ME, I would do a dark charcoal/black small hexagon tile on the shower floor rather than marble. Why?

• ENHANCE the dark border around the large hexagon tiles, bringing it more to life

•  a WICKED pretty contrast to the warmth of the wood vanity

• I HATE cleaning white grout in a shower

2 SHIPLAP IDEAS FOR A SMALL BATHROOM OR POWDER ROOM

I’m a MASSIVE fan of shiplap, and not just on boats. Here are a few of the MANY reasons why I love it…

• it’s affordable on almost any budget

• it’s DIY friendly even if you only own a plastic mitre box and saw

• it adds INSTANT charm and personality to a space whether you leave it wood, paint it white or cover it in a beautiful colour!

1. WHITE SHIPLAP 

White shiplap is pretty classic in the modern farmhouse world but also applies to country farmhouse, transitional, coastal, vintage and SO much more.

The shiplap in this next small bathroom is only on the toilet/vanity wall, making for easier wipe-ups compared to drywall and is much more affordable than tile…

Benjamin Moore Super White

Would I do the above shiplap application on ALL of the walls? You bet your BOOTY I would. However, with the LONG-TERM in mind, if I ever got tired of the shiplap, it would be easier to take it off ONE wall vs FOUR.

And of course, there’s the AUTHENTIC shiplap approach as shown in this next bathroom – LOVE the original character it adds without even trying. And clearly, SOMEONE has stocked up on their TP (I might get a basket with a lid, just sayin’).

Sherwin Williams Big Chill & Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 

But funny enough, if this narrow shiplap were on ALL of the walls, I think it would be too much. In fact, I’d be tempted to drywall over three of them (as all of the shiplap lovers lie twitching and crying in the corner nursing an empty bottle of wine and plotting my demise).

2. NON-WHITE SHIPLAP

In this next wee powder room, the shiplap is a beautiful wood with a gray wash. The paint colour (Benjamin Moore Trout Gray) is coordinated to the violet undertone in the wood, pulling it all together in a gorgeous palette…

The Best Budget-Friendly Bathroom Sinks & Faucets

Would I do the above application on ALL of the walls? NO, It would be too overwhelming and the point would be lost in ALL of the wood.

Would I do all of the walls painted drywall and shiplap on the CEILING? HELLS YEAH (although I prefer the above idea more).

But there’s also the half-wall approach (next photo) where you bring the shiplap up approx 36″ (sooo technically not half, Math is not my strong point). This is a great look to wrap around an entire room and when trends change, you just change the colour to suit!

The above small bathroom was done in Sherwin Williams Pure White and Light French Gray.  Want to see MORE of this gorgeous remodel? CLICK HERE.

READ MORE

3 IDEAS TO ADD STYLE TO A SMALL BATHROOM

The 6 Best Paint Colours for a Bathroom Vanity

How to Get the Look of Marble Without the Cost & Maintenance

Laminate Countertops – High-End Ideas, Low-End Prices

How to Redecorate Your Living Room Decor Without Spending Any Money

Chat soon,

The post 4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Small Bathroom appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones (darn you!), your bathroom has somewhere between 25-60 sq ft of floor space. And while this doesn’t leave a ton of room for ye ole tooshie squirter bidet, there’s ALWAYS room for some serious WOW factor!

A wood shiplap wall is a GREAT way to make a small bathroom look gorgeous! 

You’ll find that most small bathroom articles focus on making small bathrooms look BIGGER – which is an admirable topic. But we’re focusing on the FREAKIN’ FABULOUS here people, which means that sometimes you need to EMBRACE your small space and make it come to LIFE with CONTRAST, TEXTURE & VISUAL INTEREST.

But before we get into the good stuff (I know you’re just using me for the photos and my charming wit) I want to chat about contrast and how it can affect your small bathroom…

HIGH CONTRAST VS LOW CONTRAST

HIGH CONTRAST

One item is drastically different from the other (in colour, depth or texture). High contrast can…

• make a space or item look smaller than it is (which is why I wear black underwear)
• be dramatic looking depending on how it’s used
• allow you to accent key pieces/features in your room
• be busy looking
• liven a space up
• have more personality than a low contrast space – but not always (just anticipating angry emails from those with low contrast spaces with personality)

Before, this bathroom didn’t really have a lot to say (except ‘get me a fresh roll, will ya?‘)…

After, the paint colour (Sherwin Williams Anonymous) and dark vanity contrast with the lighter elements in the space, adding visual interest…

LOW CONTRAST

Items in a room have a similar depth and are similar in colour. Low contrast can…

• make a room or items appear bigger than they actually are (which is why I wear a white bra…)
• seem calming and soothing
• sometimes be boring without a shift in sheen level, pattern, texture and variations in depth
• be a soft and subtle approach to decorating compared to high contrast

This next photo shows a low contrast bathroom. Even though there are different sheen levels, patterns and products, the overall look is low impact and subtle as it relates to contrast in DEPTH. INTEREST was added via pattern and texture. While this is a slightly LARGER bathroom, it gets the point across…

This next bathroom also has a low contrast approach, but you’ll see interest added in SEVERAL ways…

• blue-green vanity colour
• hexagon pattern tile floor with a varied marble
• wainscoting (Benjamin Moore White Dove) that offers a soft contrast with the Stonington Gray walls

So what does this mean to you and your loo?

a) You know WAY more about the colour of my gonch than the average person and…

b) If you have a small bathroom and want a subtle look, you might prefer a low contrast look as it relates to DEPTH; adding interest with variation in texture and sheen. However, if you’re looking for some impact and personality then high contrast might be the way to go!

The 3 Best Small Bathroom Ideas

Small spaces can have fun too! Just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean it needs to be plain, white and potentially boring JUST so that it ‘looks’ bigger. Personally, I’d rather my bathroom be small and have a GREAT personality than boring…and still small.

IDEA 1  ADD CONTRAST WITH PAINT COLOUR

If you’re finding your bathroom a little underwhelming, consider painting the walls an interesting colour that adds CONTRAST or drama to the space…

In the above photo, Benjamin Moore Dior Gray is low contrast with the floor, but high contrast with the trim and white fixtures. Also, notice how the yellow/gold in the artwork pops against the cool wall colour (warm vs cool creates contrast).

This next bathroom looks STRIKING in Sherwin Williams Moody Blue as it contrasts with the white fixtures (but I can see a wink of wood trim around that window – that should be white, but anyway). Also, notice how the black fixtures and hardware contrast with the white.

If you wanted to make the above bathroom look BIGGER, you’d use polished nickel/chrome fixtures/hardware and a bright wall colour, something like Benjamin Moore Classic Gray…but remember, looking bigger can also mean looking BORING!

Adding shiplap or board and batten to a bathroom and painting it a great colour is another great way to add interest without going over the top on colour OR budget. In this next space, notice how the walls and board and batten are medium contrast, but the black fixtures add some SERIOUS energy to what was previously a sad little space…

And paint colour doesn’t refer to JUST your walls either – don’t forget about that vanity! This next powder room has a stunning personality with a striking green vanity (Sherwin Williams Isle of Pines) and a fun hexagon tile on the floor which adds pattern. This is not a boring little powder room that you’d casually walk by – you’d stop in to say hello (but if I see you talking to the toilet, we have a problem)…

The 6 Best Paint Colours for a Bathroom Vanity

See more of the above home HERE

IDEA 2  ADD CONTRAST & INTEREST WITH DECOR

Would you hang a plastic see-through drape over your bedroom window (if so, what IS your address)? Would you have this plastic drape hanging from an old chrome rod that has rust on it? Probably not. What I’m trying to say is that you need to pay JUST as much attention to your shower curtain as you would do those hanging in your bedroom or living room!

And items like shower curtains, towels and decor are GREAT if you prefer ‘short-term visual interest’.

What does this mean?

Well, there are those of us who get bored with things quickly (I fondly refer to it as DBD – Decor Boredom Disorder). We quickly tire of one thing and CRAVE a new colour, pattern, or husband every time our monthly comes around. This means that if we’ve committed to a particular colour or pattern on a surface that’s costly to replace, this compulsion can get pretty expensive when it comes time for a fresh new look. This is why it’s often best to add interest on SMALL replaceable pieces, rather than expensive permanent ones.

And while PERSONALLY, I’m a big fan of white towels, you can definitely add some interest with colourful towels. And yes, I know this next bathroom is NOT small, but it sure puts those towels to work visually!

PLEASE REMEMBER, I rely 100% on my Online Paint Colour Consulting clients for their photos in an effort to show you REAL HOMES with REAL BUDGETS. Thank you to everyone who sends them in! 

Remember, you can also add low contrast interest by layering the same neutral in different products/decor and changing the textures as well…

How to Decorate a Bookshelf – 4 Guidelines to Follow

PLACES TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR SMALL BATHROOM

• towels
• soap/soap dispenser
• artwork
• shower curtain
• simple accessories
• floor mat
• baskets

Actually, one of the best ways to add colour AND texture to your bathroom is with those carpets that go in front of the toilet and around the toilet seat lid…SAID NO ONE EVER! Nothing gives me the heebie-jeebies more than mats in front of or ON a toilet, just thinking of them makes my toes curl – OH THE HUMANITY!

IDEA 3  ADD INTEREST WITH TEXTURE OR PATTERN

This idea is one of my faves. Adding texture or pattern to a small bathroom is an AWESOME way to give it personality, especially if you’re not a big fan of drastic shifts in colour.

In this next bathroom, while the black faucet and mirror add CONTRAST to the warm gray of the quartz countertop, the penny tile adds a fun pattern to the scene and picks up on the shape of the mirror and curved black faucet…

In this next white on white bathroom, you’ll see contrast and visual interest in SEVERAL different places…

WHITE VS BLACK: black mirror and faucet

PATTERN: shiplap vanity wall (the rest of the walls are plain drywall)

TEXTURE: the striped hand towel, crystal knobs and even the plant add TEXTURE and movement to the space

POINTS TO PONDER RE: CONTRAST IN A BATHROOM

• if your walls are a darker colour, your toilet will ‘pop’ and be high contrast, however, your sink and tub are likely white as well so it won’t look out of place

• if you have bone or almond fixtures it will have a similar, but slightly softer effect

• the little things matter, so make sure your shower curtain rod, towel bars and TP holder are all the same finish

• matte/flat finish paint in a dark colour on bathroom walls can show more moisture, so if you don’t have great ventilation, make sure you use a HIGHLY wipeable paint or stick to a lighter colour in an eggshell or satin sheen

READ MORE

Laminate Countertop Update: High-End Ideas, Low-End Prices

4 Tile & Shiplap Ideas for a Small Bathroom

4 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Update Ideas

4 Subway Tile Ideas for Your Kitchen & Bathroom

Want more ideas for decorating your home? 

Check out my affordable Online Decorating and Color Consulting Services!

Thanks for visiting – chat soon!

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2016, COMPLETELY REMODELLED IN 2021

The post 3 IDEAS: Add Style to a Small Bathroom appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

And while this article came out last year (we weren’t notified, so I assumed it didn’t run), I still can’t wait to share it with you!

Here it is! How Jetpack Helps an Interior Design Consultant Connect with Customers

Chat soon,

READ MORE

The 12 Best Whole Home Gray & Greige Paint Colours

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The 4 Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colours

The post Kylie M Interiors E-DESIGN & Jetpack appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

While wood flooring is the number one choice for living rooms and dining rooms, many of my clients are still choosing carpet for their bedrooms, stairs and family rooms.

WHY?

• it’s soft and warm underfoot

• it’s safer on stairs (or at least softer on the toosh when you do biff it)

• it has more acoustic value – particularly on stairs and in bedrooms (wink wink)

• because the carpet really should match the drapes (another bad joke, I know)

However, the challenge comes when you have to choose a carpet based on those wee little carpet samples that aren’t even big enough to be coasters for my wine bottle – a first world problem.

But before we get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing a carpet, make sure you take home AT LEAST FOUR sample boards from the store. Most flooring stores have very little natural lighting and A LOT of fluorescent lighting, which can bring out the ugly in the best of things.

At the flooring store…

• pick your two favourite sample boards that have the TEXTURE you like, along with a nice range of colours to choose from

• pick two-three more boards that maybe aren’t your fave, but are ‘contenders’

• sign the boards out, toss ’em in your trunk and head on home!

Because many of my clients are looking for a light to light-medium toned WARM neutral carpet, we’re going to focus on this range and learn how to narrow the choices down to the PERFECT sample.

STEP 1   DECIDE WHICH COLOURS YOU DEFINITELY DON’T WANT

Carpet sample boards are usually arranged by colour, from darkest to lightest and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the other samples on the board. Eliminating unnecessary samples can help to focus on the REAL contenders.

Here’s your potential board at the beginning. Many are simpler than this with fewer options, but this is a great place to start…

Take some paper and cover up the COLOURS that you DON’T like. Since you’re looking for a light to light-medium neutral, you’ll cover up the obvious green, blue, violet and orange hues…

STEP 2   COVER THE SAMPLES THAT ARE TOO LIGHT & TOO DARK

Keep in mind that carpet often looks up to ONE TONE LIGHTER once it’s installed. This is because of the way natural/artificial light catches the tops of the carpet fibres, especially on the large scale.

And just like the great Britney Spears, let’s hit that baby one more time…

Carpet can look up to ONE TONE LIGHTER than you might expect.

Taking the ‘too light and too dark’ samples out, here’s what you end up with…

STEP 3   DECIDE WHICH UNDERTONES YOU DON’T WANT

Now that you’ve done the easy and obvious steps (bad colours/too light/too dark) you come to the tricky part – finding the undertones.

The best way to figure out what the undertones are is via comparison. When you look at a sample all on its lonesome, it’s easy to think it’s ‘beige or gray’ with no undertone. However, it’s via COMPARISON that you see how the samples are different from each other (the same goes with paint colours).

THE MAIN UNDERTONES TO WATCH FOR WHEN CHOOSING CARPET

It definitely varies depending on the home/homeowner, generally, there are TWO undertones to watch for…

• GREEN – green is great if it suits your home but it’s often a surprising mistake

• PINK – usually the least desirable undertone

Gray and its THREE Undertones

Flash back to the PREVIOUS photo. Comparing the samples, which ones strike you as having obvious and possibly undesirable undertones? Don’t worry or get too particular, just single out the ones that are OBVIOUSLY the wrong colour.

Looking at this next image, you’ll see which ones I’ve covered up because they seem too pink, yellow or orange…

You’re now left with a reasonable selection of neutrals and have eliminated the ones that NOBODY picks because they’re tragic. Or if they do pick them, they often regret it.

So, JUST LIKE THAT, you went from 35 SAMPLES DOWN TO 7 – good job!

Now here’s the fun part…

STEP 4

You should have approx. four-six contenders (or seven, as shown above), and because I’m a sneaky lil Ginger, these are our next steps (I don’t have photo examples of this process, but you can do it yourself)…

PEEL. Gently peel those 4-6 wee little carpet samples off of the board (the ones you think ‘might’ work).

LABEL. As you take them off, label the back of each sample with a pen (a, b, c, etc…) and label each carpets original location with the same letter.

COMPARE. Compare them to each other. You have NO idea how much easier it is to see what the different undertones are once that silly old board is out of the way. Without a frame surrounding them, you can butt the samples right up to each other. You can also put the samples up to your baseboard and furnishings to see how they interact with your interior finishes.

ELIMINATE. Eliminate the ones that aren’t working. Maybe they clash with the couch fabric or don’t tie in well to the flooring in the next room. One way or another try to get down to 3-4 faves.

WRITE DOWN YOUR FAVES. Match up the letter on the back of the carpet samples to those on the board and write down the names of your faves.

GLUE GUN! Whip your hot glue gun out of its holster and glue the samples back in their proper place (crazy glue works as well).

See how easy that was? And yes, this is sneaky, but really, it’s the flooring company’s fault for making the samples so damn small.

If we were to whip those samples of the above board (which I no longer have in my possession, otherwise I totally would), we might notice these things…

• 1 and 2 look a bit more pink/taupe compared to 3, 4 and 5

• 3 looks a touch green compared to all of the other samples

• 4 is the warmest, most golden of the bunch

• 2 and 5 are the lightest, but 5 has more warmth

• compared to the others, 6 is the GRAYEST, although it still has warmth (taupe undertone)

• 7 is warmer than 6 but not as warm as 4

• 7 is comparable to 3 but less green

So for ME PERSONALLY, numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 would be OUT of the running. I don’t want anything as taupe/pink or as warm golden as these samples. This leaves me with 3, 6 and 7…

These could be different from what YOU end up with, but the goal is to have 3-4 POTENTIAL CARPET SAMPLES. Remember, you have many boards and you may get your fave 3-4 via several boards!

STEP 5   ORDER LARGE SAMPLES OF YOUR FAVES

You’re probably feeling brave now and want to jump ahead and order your carpet, but slow down crazy pants. Ask your flooring supplier to order some larger samples (usually takes no more than FIVE working days). You’re spending 1000’s of dollars and another few days will be worth it.

Large samples are the best way to choose carpet because…

• it will be easier to see the undertones

• it’s easier to see how the overall texture of the carpet will act when you walk on it

• the lighting in the flooring store will likely be different from the lighting in your home.  This can affect not only the colour of the carpet but also how the texture appears

• you can see clearly how the colour reacts with your furnishings, paint colour, etc…

I would ask the carpet supplier to order large pieces of these FOUR samples (or more if you have them!). Even if you think you’ve found your fave, order the others just in case – comparison is KEY!

Happy decorating, chat soon!

NEED HELP WITH COLOURS?

Check out my affordable Online Decorating and Colour Consulting Services.

READ MORE

The 5 Best Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

How to Update Your Fireplace

Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

Paint Colour Ideas to Update Your Beige Carpet or Tile

Oversized Scrabble Tile Word Project

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2016, TOTALLY UPDATED IN 2021

The post How to Choose Carpet With Confidence appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Have you been hankerin’ for floral window valances stuffed with plastic grocery bags for extra volume? Or maybe you want to update your home with rose-colored carpet and hunter-green walls topped off with a floral wallpaper border? And dare I mention sponge paint?

Oh, the ’90s. Not only did they result in some of the WORST decorative decisions, but they’ve also resulted in homeowners who 30 years later, need to take out a second mortgage to FIX all of those decorative disasters.

I mean, at the time, those choices were TRENDY, right? But that’s the problem when you decorate based on what’s TRENDY – it doesn’t always stay that way. Sure, you might happen on some timeless element that can stretch into the next few decades, but chances are – you’re going to have to do a small OR LARGE scale renovation to update your home for either personal use or resale.

So, today, we’re going to talk about a few ways to update your 1990’s home and bring it into the 21st century. Now, because I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients, not ALL of these homes are necessarily 1990s, but they’ll still give you the general idea of what I’m talking about.

UPDATE IDEA #1 – METAL FINISHES 

Brass is one of the FIRST signs of a home that was built or renovated in the ’90s. And while gold finishes have made a HUGE comeback, the lines tend to be cleaner and even then, it too will have its time in the sun and will slowly fade away.

Updating all of the metal finishes in a home can be costly, as you can find this gleaming golden finish on MANY metal surfaces, such as:

• door handles and hinges (as well as glass door inserts)

• light fixtures

• cabinet hardware

• bathroom plumbing fixtures, including frames on shower doors

This shows the more modern, trendy side of brass/bold, but I bet within five years it’ll be gone! 

So, where do you start?

PICK YOUR NEW METAL FINISH

While the pros can do some great mixing & matching, when it comes to the everyday homeowner, there are some things I wouldn’t play around with – including Grade 6 math (hello COVID homeschooling) and brass combined with any type of nickel finish.

If you want to transition your home out of brass and into nickel/chrome, you’ll want to do it a ROOM at a time, rather than a ‘product type’ at a time. Nickel and brass do NOT like to be partnered up in the same space (although others will disagree with me…and that’s okay).

If you want to do things transitionally, you need a finish that can live in a room with brass for the short or long term and here are some good combos…

• Brass loves to be partnered with a black metal finish.

• Brass can also accommodate an oil rubbed bronze, as long as the bronze is PASSIVE and not dominant on the surface (and black is better). It can also work with an antique brass finish, but depending on your decor style, you could be further dating things, so be careful!

I recommend the following updates (in order):

1. Door handles and hinges (you HAVE to do both). This should cost approx $50 per door

2. Cabinet hardware (approx $175 for the whole kitchen)

3. Key light fixtures (ie: dining/kitchen)

4. Plumbing

Let’s look at a brass-inspired example. If I had this bathroom in my home and didn’t want to fully update the whole shebang, here’s what I would do instead…

1. Remove shower door entirely, fill any screw holes

2. Add a hotel style shower curtain rod and a nice shower curtain – I would be killing the etched glass and brass for under $100

3. Remove the hotel style towel holder and replace it with something less honky

4. I’d definitely paint the vanity

5. The mirror is a tough one as those are often glued on with industrial adhesive. I might consider keeping the gold on the mirror and the cabinet hardware so that they have each other and then change the remaining brass products to black

6. Or, I’d go gung-ho and take the mirror down (patch walls and replace the mirror) and do the whole room in the metal finish I love the most

The bathroom would look CONSIDERABLY more updated, without touching any of the EXPENSIVE surfaces, like the tile floor, vanity (other than painting it), countertop or shower surround.

Look at this beauty below…

A fresh and coordinated shower curtain, painted vanity, updated countertop, faucet and mirror and BOOM, it’s like a whole new space for a FRACTION of the cost of ripping it all out and starting from scratch.

Let’s look at another 1990s beauty…

Check out the FULL project HERE

PICK YOUR STYLE

If you want something transitional that’s more likely to flex with the times, don’t choose a style that is committed to being either SUPER SLEEK or SUPER ORNATE. Simple lines, no muss no fuss.

Original artwork by the talented Ronei (print available)

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a product with STYLE, it’s about not taking it TOO FAR or too committed. And while I do have a life-long addiction to hearing myself talk, this blog post would be WAY too long if I hit on ALL of the above products, so I’m going to focus on door handles I love, that range from classic and traditional to slightly more modern…

Classic with a traditional vibe…

Schlage door handle HERE

A little bit curvy, a little bit classy (like me…well, curvy at least)…

Schlage door handle HERE

Modern and clean-lined, but still transitional…

Sure Loc Hardware HERE

UPDATE IDEA #2 – JAZZ UP YOUR FRONT DOOR

Nothing sets the stage for what’s INSIDE your home more than your front door – not just in COLOR, but in STYLE.

As shown in this next photo, 1990s front doors usually involve fiberglass, glass inserts, diamond-shaped detailing and LOTS of brass. I can’t even BEGIN to list the sins of this fugly entryway…

With some paint color, decor and some AWESOME glass inserts, this entryway looks ten times better. Same doors – new windows!

Have a chair rail in one of your rooms? Learn how to deal with it HERE!

PICK YOUR STYLE BASED ON YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS 

The window insert style you choose needs to relate to the window style on the rest of your home. So, unless your home happens to BE a Craftsman or mid-century modern style home that was built in the ’90s, don’t try to stretch your home into something that it’s not – make sure your window insert relates to the style of the rest of your home. 

For example, in this next photo, notice how the panes of the front door relate DIRECTLY to the style of panes in the windows. Well done, House of Blue Hues.

Jenn had hired me to help her with a new color for her shutters as well as for her porch ceiling, but MAN did this home have some great bones in place already.

In this next photo, notice how the transitional window style SUITS the look of the support beams and Hardi-siding, nothing is overly styled or committed to a particular look/era, which goes for the door hardware as well.

PICK YOUR COLOR

The LEAST expensive way to update ANY surface is with paint. Time and time again, I’m BLOWN away with the difference a few coats of paint can make to ANY surface – and the front door (inside and out) is NO exception (and I’m sure you can tell that I’m a bit of an ‘expressive talker’ by the number of bold words I use, which also varies depending on how much wine I’ve had to drink).

But don’t pick just ANY old color, you need to choose a color that relates to the products on the exterior of your home. But for the sake of keeping this blog post under, oh, 4000 words or so, I’m going to refer you to a few great blog posts instead…

The Best Paint Colors to Update Your Front Door

The Best Paint Colors for the INSIDE of Your Front Door

UPDATE IDEA #3 – PAINT OUTDATED WOOD SURFACES 

It should come as NO surprise that painting outdated ’90s wood is a great way to update your home. But, I know not everyone (ahem, husbands) aren’t always on board. Why not? Well, IT’S WOOD, YOU CAN’T PAINT WOOD!’  Well, guess what Harold, it will STILL BE WOOD, it will just LOOK GOOD. And those who’ve been following me for a long time will know what I’m going to say next…

Just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good…

Seriously though, I’ve advised MANY CLIENTS over the years to NOT paint their gorgeous wood cabinets – oak, maple and more. However, not all cabinets were created equally and you can actually lose MONETARY VALUE in your home by leaving things as is (if resale is a thought) or EMOTIONAL value if your wife is unhappy.

And while there are many wood surfaces from the ’90s, let’s focus on the kitchen, which often includes the following:

• oak cabinets – often pickled, giving them a pink look or just the standard oak stain (maple comes in second place)

• cathedral style door panels and exposed hinges

• pink or green-toned countertops OR the faux granite look countertop (which is easier to accommodate than pink/green and really started more in the early 2000s)

• NO tile backsplash or a backsplash of 6×6 tiles laid stacked or in a diamond pattern

• 12×12 tile floor with varying shades of colored undertones (blue/pink/purple being the most common)

And while your kitchen might have some, all, or NONE of those things, whatever you’ve got can be darned costly to replace! So, let’s break it down.

1. DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CABINETS

Before you do anything else, figure out a plan for your cabinets; whether you’re keeping them as they are, painting, staining or replacing them. If you’re not sure WHAT to do, I have a fun and easy QUESTIONNAIRE here, which might point out a few things you haven’t thought about.

Notice it’s the same countertop and backsplash tile! 

I also have some great blog posts that can help you choose the best color for your cabinets, should you decide to paint them…

How to Pick the Best Paint Color for Your Cabinets

The 4 Best White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets: Benjamin and Sherwin

The Best Floor Tiles to Update Forest Green Countertops

2. ARE YOU KEEPING YOUR COUNTERTOP OR REPLACING IT?

The cost of a new countertop can be INSANE if you’re considering quartz or granite. However, there are some AMAZING laminate products out there that just might surprise you with how real they look! Check out this blog post here for a few of the most popular laminate countertops.

And while you CAN do the backsplash first, if you’re planning on replacing your countertop in the next few years, I’d hang tight as you want to pick the countertop FIRST and then coordinate the backsplash to it, rather than coordinating a new backsplash to your OLD countertop that’s going to be torn out. Chances are you’ll end up doing BOTH in a few years if that’s the case.

See this budget-friendly remodel HERE

If you have GRANITE from the 1990s or early 2000s, I ALSO have a great blog post you should check out… How to Update Your OUTDATED Granite Countertops

UPDATE IDEA #4 – DON’T FIGHT THE CURVES

90s style homes are well known for their curves (just like me, wink wink). Curved doorways, curved cupboard door profiles, curved alcoves and CURVED windows. Oh, those curved windows.

The thing is, sometimes when you FIGHT something, you end up going against it, which can make it stand out a whole lot more. So, when it comes to some curves, I’m more inclined to EMBRACE rather than AVOID (which is why I also love my Lululemon leggings).

For example, let’s look at this dining room with its curved window…

Notice a few things:

• The chandelier has plenty of curves. You don’t need THIS much curvature, but rounded lines vs straight-lines will help to nod toward the style of the window if you do it with a MODERN style chandelier in a modern finish.

• The dining chairs have a rounded back vs a square back. Perfect.

• The only adjustment I would make would be to place the artwork horizontally, not angled, as the angle fights the curves a bit. I would also replace the lamp in the corner with a plant for some softness and acoustic value.

UPDATE IDEA #5 – OPEN UP A LITTLE

When it comes to opening up a 1990s layout, it can be easy if your walls aren’t load-bearing (I mean easy, ‘relatively speaking’) or NOT ALWAYS WORTH IT if they ARE load-bearing.

Before, this entryway and stairwell were closed-off and made the home feel more like a townhouse than a 2500 square foot detached home…

Once we opened up the stairwell walls and replaced them with railings, it was like a WHOLE NEW HOME!

And from the top of the stairs (awesome blurry pic, I know)…

After, the natural light was able to pour from top to bottom!

This next home had the typical separated dining room and kitchen…

I apologize for the TRAGIC photo quality, this was before I bought my good camera…

So there you have it! But it doesn’t end there. I’m going to sum up some GENERAL UPDATE IDEAS that I would consider if I had a ‘typical 1990s home (in order)…

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update a 1990s Home

1. Update the metal finishes – doorknobs, hinges, cabinet hardware, light fixtures and plumbing fixtures

2. Remove any window coverings from the ’90s, none are worth keeping

3. Paint or restain the cabinets (READ MORE)

4. Countertops – laminate is the most affordable (READ MORE)

5. Update the fireplace (brass, surround and mantel as needed – READ MORE)

6. THEN I would paint the walls

And of course, there’s flooring. However, unless it’s a small space, it’s not a very budget-friendly project.

• if the flooring is typical ’90s carpet, vinyl or tile, with pink, blue or green tones, I would put it higher on the list, especially if it’s a small room like a bathroom or small entryway

• if it’s a typical 1990s oak, I wouldn’t put it anywhere near the top of my to-do list as it’s WAY easier to work with than colored products

READ MORE

How to Paint a Room with a Chair or Dado Rail

Ideas to Update Your Wood Cabinets Without a Drop of Paint

Bathroom Update Ideas: High-End Ideas Low-End Prices

How to Deal with Popcorn or Textured Ceilings – Info You Need BEFORE You Scrape!

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES!

Chat soon,

The post 5 Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Rather than patiently waiting for our monthly Better Homes & Gardens subscription to show up in the mailbox, we now have 24 hour a day access to ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ in the design world. With online websites like Pinterest and Houzz, the revolving door of trends is spinning faster and faster; it’s hard to know where to jump in, with the fear of getting spit out on the other side already behind the times.

Now, I’m sure some of you will get your knickers in a knot over the ideas and advice you read below (if you’re not wearing knickers, that’s a whole ‘nother story). The thing is, you’re allowed to like trends, there are many I like too – trends I’ve committed to in my OWN HOME. However, if you want to build a TIMELESS home, it’s about finding a happy medium between what’s going to last vs what speaks to you on a personal level.

So, how do you build a home that stands the test of time? And why would you even WANT to?

There are two GOOD reasons…

1.  RESALE VALUE

When it comes to selling your home, either now or in 20 years, nothing dates a home faster than a trend. Anyone who’s living in the early 2000s Tuscan trend that they (or someone else) chose 15-20 years ago can attest to this.

This next kitchen is a great example of an over-commitment to trends…

• cream cabinets – trendy at the time with travertine tile (which they don’t suit in the first place)

• travertine tile – no longer a selling feature (personally, I still love it)

• diagonal pattern tile installation- not only did they install a trendy product, but they also installed it in a trendy PATTERN

• speckled granite that was popular in the early 2000s

• unnecessary decorative details (corbels)

• 12×12 beige floor tile

And don’t even get me STARTED on the hot mess of undertones – GAG ME WITH A SPOON! And guess what that last sentence does? It tells you I’m a classy broad born somewhere in the 1970s, just like the previous kitchen’s finishes date it to the early 2000s.

IF YOU NOD TOWARDS A TREND (or saying) THAT’S PARTICULAR TO A CERTAIN ERA, YOU WILL EITHER DATE YOURSELF (I would never date myself, I’m way too weird) OR YOUR HOME.

BTW, if you plan on selling your home in the next few years and want to update some finishes, you’d be smart to hit a few trends on the way. As long as they suit your target market and are done tastefully, they can add value to your home.

2. PERSONAL TASTES

Sure, RIGHT NOW you like your gray cabinets or your hexagon tile backsplash, but what about in five years, ten years? While there are those who pick something and stick with it, MANY of us like to switch things up. Maybe not every month when they’re emotional and hormonal (like me), but AT LEAST every few years.

And while some things are easy to switch every few years (if you’re so inclined), others are too expensive and labour-intensive. There’s also the ‘hubby’ factor. Yes, I’m totally generalizing, but I find that women are often QUITE happy to switch things up, on average, every 5-10 years. Men, however, are often fans of the old saying, ‘why fix it if it ain’t broke?’

I’m not just talking about SOFT furnishings, and am DEFINITELY not referring to decorative pieces – I’m talking about some serious HARD FINISHES. You know, the ones that are a royal PITA to replace (an acronym, I’ll let you figure it out) and have you breaking open the kid’s piggy banks while they’re sound asleep.

BTW, IF YOU LIKE CHANGE (you don’t expect a sofa to stay in your home longer than five years) and resale doesn’t concern you, then I ENCOURAGE you to have fun with trends, fill yer little trendy boots (although knee-high boots aren’t trendy any more apparently, so don’t fill those).

While nothing is FOOL-PROOF – you can’t make everyone happy, there are a few tried-and-true products, patterns, and finishes that are the most likely to get you through the next quarter-century or so.

1. BACKSPLASH TILE

It’s ALLLLL about subway tile. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s overdone (something I hear a lot), the fact that it’s used a lot means it WORKS. And there many ways you can add personality to a traditional subway tile without stepping too far into a particular trend (read about these ideas HERE).

THINGS TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN CHOOSING YOUR SUBWAY TILE

Please, don’t do a decorative tile panel behind your stove – keep it simple.

SEE THE BEFORE & AFTER’S HERE

COLOURS. Keep it neutral or white (keeping in mind that even neutrals can become dated, as is the case with gray, which is slowly on its way out). There are some COLOURS that are timeless for a particular style of home or location (ie. a lake home), however, that same colour in a standard neighbourhood setting could really limit your future potential.

SIZE. While I’m enjoying the 4 x 12 look, especially when it’s stacked horizontally, this too will fade. In the ideal world, your tile size will be somewhere around 3 x 6 for a timeless approach. However, as long as you don’t go SUPER long and linear or stacked (tiles are laid in perfect rows rather than brick layout), you’ll have several options to choose from.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT MARBLE. Whereas tiles like travertine and encaustic tiles will ebb and flow in popularity, marble is a timeless choice as long as it suits the space it’s in. Again, pay attention to PATTERN and stick with the classic rectangle/brick layout over hexagon, herringbone or otherwise.

2. WOOD FLOORING

It’s hard to go wrong with wood flooring itself, but SUPER EASY to miss the boat when it comes to finish, colour and size.

THINK ‘MODERATE GRAIN & MODERATE STAIN’

STAIN COLOUR: While it might not be TRENDY (right now), a medium-toned wood stain (oak in particular) is the most timeless look. It’s the OVERLY LIGHT, OVERLY DARK, GRAY-WASHED and STRONGLY STAINED woods you want to be careful with.

In this space below, while the COLOUR of the floor is timeless, the wider board could date things in the coming years. I say ‘could’ because at 7″, it’s on the border.

And ABOVE ALL ELSE, avoid any type of gray-wash. This is a trend…errr, was a trend, as it’s already on its way out. And don’t panic, ‘already on its way out‘ means you still have many years to go before it’s actually ‘dated’.

BOARD OR PLANK SIZE: The ideal board size for longevity is approx. 5-6″. Anything over that is doable…right now, but who knows how it will hold up. Anything under 5″ can be reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s.

FINISH: A glossy finish is not desirable on flooring unless you like washing your flooring every day. And while a wire-brushed, slightly matte look is trendy now, it’s also a look that’s in it for the long haul as homeowners are embracing the low maintenance factor.

SPECIES: Stay away from the exotic stuff. Nuff’ said on that. Moderate grain and stain is usually the best choice.

3. CLEAN & SIMPLE LINES

Whether it’s a piece of furniture, fireplace surround or cabinet profile – clean and simple is going to last longer than a more ornate, decorative choice. And while there are definitely exceptions, like Spanish style homes that should always BE Spanish style, the average home suits a more simple approach.

In this next kitchen, my clients were able to KEEP their cabinets in their natural wood finish, even though they updated the rest of the space. Why?

• the stain colour is moderate

• the shaker style doors are simple and timeless

• the grain is moderate

• no exposed hinges

Should the doors have a cathedral/arched style with a stronger golden stain on them with exposed hinges, we’d be looking at more of an overhaul. Instead, a simple white subway tile backsplash (timeless), quartz countertops (trendy), and a beautiful blue-green island (trendy, but the easiest feature to change) bring the kitchen up to today’s standards. Should these trends shift, the cabinets and backsplash will keep on truckin’.

Same goes with furniture. Without going too wild on curves and decorative touches, these fabric chairs will last through MANY decades of trends (should they last that long with two young kids in the house)…

4. CHOOSE FINISHES WITH A VARIETY OF NEUTRALS IN THEM

Consider installing one permanent hard finish that has a variety of flexible neutrals in it. The more neutrals you have to choose from, the easier it will be to accommodate future tastes without having to rip this surface out.

While the speckled look of this granite is an early 2000s giveaway, at least it has a wide range of neutrals to play with, making it easier to change the finishes around it as needed…

While the tile in this bathroom (below) suits the current warm gray trend, it also has warmer beige tones in it, allowing flexibility for future updates…

HOWEVER, with such a strong OVERALL COMMITMENT to warm gray and taupe, it’s only a matter of time before the other elements in this bathroom are indicative of 2015. This means that while the tile floor is in it for the long(er) haul, the other surfaces may need facelifts. Yes, the walls do have subway tile on them, and if these tiles were white they wouldn’t be an issue. It’s the combination of the warm gray/taupe on multiple surfaces that has a compound effect.

This countertop below suits current trends, and also has a range of neutrals in it, allowing for flexibility in the future. The cabinet colour and backsplash? Not so much.

HOWEVER, guess whose home these finishes reside in? MINE! And who loves change? ME! Really, Tim and the kids are the only things I’ve kept for any period of time, otherwise, Momma loves to switch it up!

Let’s take a look at this space on a larger scale…

SEE THE BEFORE & AFTER’S HERE

If I wanted a timeless kitchen, I would’ve made WAY different choices. While I would still choose the countertop and flooring again and again, here are the trends I chose and WHY…

My love is a fleeting thing.

Sure, I loved my warm gray cabinets three years ago (Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, darkened), and while I still love them, I’m hankerin’ for a change. I don’t EXPECT my cabinet colour to last me longer than this, whether they’re white, blue, or gray – that’s not how I roll. If you don’t roll this way either and are up for a repaint, you don’t need to worry about timelessness.

As for my dark island (Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze) while I have MAD LOVE for it, give me two more months years and I’m out. Not because I want something TIMELESS, I just want change. In fact, I CRAVE change.

The backsplash. Sure, I’ll get some distance out of the fact that it’s a subway tile, however, I’m tired of the colour, and again…CHANGE IS GOOD WHEN YOU’RE ME.

What I’m trying to say, is that I was happy to choose finishes that satisfied my current cravings, knowing that I would HAPPILY change them down the road – I didn’t need timelessness.

• Painting the cabinets? Totally doable.

• Painting the island? Consider it done.

• Changing the grout colour on the backsplash? No problem, this shift will get me a few more years before I totally replace it.

• Replacing the countertop for 10K plus? NOT AN OPTION, which is why it’s the one surface I chose to be the most timeless (along with the oak flooring that runs through our entire home).

5. DON’T COMMIT TOO HARD TO ONE TRENDY COLOUR

It’s okay to love gray cabinets with the understanding that you might tire of them in five to ten years, as long as the other finishes in your room aren’t gray as well. Why? Because painting cabinets is manageable (generally speaking). HOWEVER, add in countertops and a backsplash with a lot of gray in them in a pattern that’s particularly trendy, and you (or the next owner) will have a HECK of a project on your hands.

Why is this next bathroom an exception? Why does it work well for the current owner’s tastes as well as a potential FUTURE owner?

Sherwin Williams Pure White & Light French Gray

SCALE & EFFORT

Sometimes it’s about the SCALE of the finish you’re dealing with as well as the effort/cost it takes to change it.

• the shiplap is SO paintable – minimal cost and effort (this particular chair rail height installation will also last longer than a full wall of shiplap)

• the vanity is small and VERY paintable – again, pocket change (colour ideas HERE)