How to decorate with mirrors.

I have always loved to decorate with mirrors.  They go with any decor, colour scheme and style.  I also love how they bounce light around the room.  You really cannot go wrong with mirrors. Here are a few of my favorites:


I absolutely loved this wall of mirrors we did in a client's house last year....heading down to the lower level.

The extra-large ROUND mirror!!!   Perfect for the entry way.

Mirrors above the fireplace! 

Grouping mirrors is a budget friendly way of decorating a large wall.

Mirrors in the kitchen....

Adding mirrors or mirrored surfaces to your home is a unique way to add personal style to your decorating.

Happy Tuesday!

Nicole

Love your home: 30 tips and tricks

Last week we chatted about resolving to love our homes in 2017.  I suggested 3 BIG tasks to get that started.  How did they go?  Have you started the process of purging your belongings, picking a new paint colour and/or checking Pinterest for design inspiration?

This week I want to touch on a few quick and easy ideas you can do right away to LOVE your home.

1. Add plants (your indoor air will thank you).
2. Open up the blinds every morning...let as much natural light into the house as possible.
3. Tidy each room before you leave it.
4. Accessorize with treasures from your travels.
5. Research Feng Shui for your home.

6. Install dimmer switches everywhere.
7. Update your light fixtures.
8. Replace outdated window coverings with simple roller blinds or roman shades.

9. Organize the shoes at the front door...place them on a shoe rack in the closet or storage bin.
10. Add a runner at the front door big enough for 4 people to stand on at once.
11. Use a diffuser with your favourite essential oils.

12. Clear off your kitchen countertops and dining table.
13. Change out the hardware on your cabinets.
14. Buy new coordinating dish towels.
15. Organize the fridge.
16. Organize the cutlery drawer.
17. Place a center piece on your kitchen table (fruit bowl, flower bouquet)

18. Add a beautiful throw to the side arm or back of your sofa.
19. Add 2-4 throw cushions to your sofa.
20. Add an area rug to your living room.
21. Add drapery side panels on large windows (hang them high).
22. Create a gallery wall with pictures and art.
23. Hang a large piece of art above the sofa.
24. Stack 2 or 3 large hardcover books on top of your coffee table.
25. Setup a reading nook with reading lamp and side table.

26. Buy new towels for the bathroom.
27. Buy nice smelling spa worthy soaps and bath balms.

28. Buy new sheets for your bed.
29. Add lamps to your bedside table.
30. Make your bed every day.


Its amazing how changing a few little things and starting daily routines in your home can make a huge difference.  You are on your way to a happier home!

Nicole

Friday Favourites

Happy Friday to you!  I hope your day has been fabulous!  I was so excited to finally receive my stools for the kitchen island.  I had ordered them 3 months ago...a few delays, as they were being shipped from Denmark to Vancouver to Alberta.....but they are now here and I couldn't be more happy with them!!  Thank you for Vancouver Special for your excellent service.

This is a picture from my instagram story just as I had unpacked them....

A few other favourites from around the web this week......

Love these new lamps by Erin Gates up at AllModern.

Soooo want to tackle one of these DIY Valentines Day sewing projects.

I have been looking for the perfect neutral abstract print....think I may have found IT.



Have a great weekend!
Nicole

p.s. Looking for more inspiration, tips, trends and deals..sign up for our newsletter over to your right!

Resolve to LOVE your home in 2017

Are you having a difficult time finding a New Years Resolution that you know you can stick with? One that won't be forgotten by January 15th?  If this is the case....I'm here to help!!

habitusliving.com

Let's all resolve to LOVE our homes in 2017!  Many of my clients ask me what they can do to fall in love with their home again.  They have been in the house for several years and the magic is no longer there....it feels dated and cluttered.  Here are a few tips I can give you to fall back in love with your home.



1.  DECLUTTER

This is a big one to start with, but it is essential to PURGE your home before you can make it pretty and functional.  It will feel overwhelming at first, but take it one room at a time.  One week at a time, one month at a time.  Try starting with the kitchen and the main living area. Go through every drawer, cabinet, shelf in the room.  The best thing to do is to empty the room completely.....and go through objects one by one.  Decide if you will donate, trash or keep the item. A rule of thumb....if you haven't used something in the past year, it should be gone (in most situations). Once those spaces are complete, head into the bathrooms and bedrooms.  Leave unused areas till last....this allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment right away.



2. PAINT

Paint is the one thing I always suggest to clients when they are craving a change.  Its amazing how this simple change can transform a room immediately......and for not a lot of money.  9 times out of 10, I will suggest my client go a few shades lighter than what they currently have on the walls. Dark walls are great in certain areas of the home, but lighter, brighter colours bring life back into the kitchen and living areas.  And no, it doesn't have to be white....but a neutral colour is recommended.


3. BE INSPIRED

jamielaurenphotography.com

Where do I start when I want to start decorating my home?  First things first....find inspiration!  This is the first thing I ask my clients to do before we meet up.  I ask them to go through magazines, Pinterest, google images, facebook and design blogs (like mine ).....anywhere they may find inspiration.  Inspiration is not only found in home and garden magazines either....inspiration can be found in clothing, architecture, garden magazines,  tv shows or movies.   Having a jumping off point is the first step to figuring out your colour scheme and overall style.


I guarantee that if you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to LOVING your home again. Lets do this!!

Nicole

Happy Friday!  Well.....I made it through the first full week of 2017....yay! We are definitely easing into the new year over here...just the way I like it. The girls are back in school and we are back to some form of routine. 

I am a HUGE goal-setting girl.  I force it on my family as well....I'm sure they will appreciate it one day. Ha!  In keeping with the goals/resolutions for January, I thought I would focus on storage ideas for the first Friday Favourites of the year.  Many resolutions consist of some form of organization goals....mine included.  Pop on over to the online shop to check out more storage ideas.

steel console | 2 drawer grey cabinet | buffet  | bookcase |  dresser 

A few other things that caught my eye this week.....

I love Gretchen Rubin's new book Better than Before.....her interview with Goop is really great. Making-Keeping Resolutions.....Habits!!!

I love reading new decorating blogs.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Nicole