Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sectional Couch Options

Sectional couches consist of two or more separate parts that can be joined together to create the perfect piece for your space.

We have many fantastic sectional options which we are happy to say are Canadian made and some are actually manufactured in Calgary (from a company that has been in business for decades). If you don't find the style/fabric/leather you want on our showroom floor, come in and let us help you select your own custom piece or you can visit our suppliers showroom to "test out" the piece that is just right for you and your family.

Discover the Paint Color Trends for 2009


Color style for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces. By simply changing the paint color in a room, all spaces in the home become reinvention candidates. Key drivers for 2009 color choices include aspirations that create a comfortable and tranquil home environment coupled with a return to authentic and sustainable materials. In contrast, lively color use and bold patterns will find their place as an alternative to more sedate living areas.

Menswear
Like a warm argyle or paisley sweater, consumers increased their yearning for artisanship and authentic materials like those found in "Menswear". Menswear allows for a more traditional use of hues than recently seen such as navy blue, "leather like" brown and rich grey. Color recommendations: Grey, Navy Blue, Brown and Black Decorative effects: Argyle, Herringbone and Pinstripes .

Weather or Not!
Our eco-consciousness continues to expand and "Weather or Not!" glances upward for inspiration. This palette takes a cue from the continually changing skies and provides the homeowner with colors represented at sunrise or sunset resulting in a shift from the more expected botanical hues. Color recommendations: Dusty purple, deep blue, bronze metallics and rosy pink Decorative effects: Large, dramatic geometric patterns incorporating metallic finishes.

What's in Bloom?
Consumers increased desire for healthy and sustainable locally grown fruits and vegetables provides fresh inspiration for "What's in Bloom". Another twist on the "green" movement, is inspired by fresh hues including citrus green, mango and lemon yellow. Not just a one season offering, "What's in Bloom" also derives inspiration from fresh fall produce such as pumpkin orange and apple red. "What's in Bloom" is ripe for use in a child's bedroom, playroom and kitchens. Use in closets and pantry areas to provide an unanticipated pop of color.

Color Recommendations
Citrus Green, Mango, Apple Red, Lemon Yellow and Pumpkin Orange
Decorative Effects: Black as an accent color on trim or doors provides an interesting and unexpected frame for the What's in Bloom color palette. quick colour information ...

Gray will act as an important neutral in both residential and commercial spaces. Intense colors will tone down to more restrained and elegant shades -Reds and Oranges will have a yellow undertone (the undertone is really important when choosing paint colors!) -Blues will have a slight undertone of violet (in other words, they will lean more purple) -Yellows and greens will be more yellow-based (think avocado), and some will have a touch of blue, too (think green gemstone shades). Neutrals will be inspired by nature such as stone, wood, and natural textiles like linen. Grays will range from light to dark and be utilized as a main neutral, with a touch of brown, that ever popular “natural neutral”. To picture gray-brown, think about a set of French Gray markers. In French Gray, brown is used to warm up the color (as opposed to a Cool Gray, which is blue based).

New Year, New Beginnings ...

Economy Friendly Decorating

With a few simple strategies and some great creativity, we as Interior Designers, are experts at finding cost-effective ways to take your house to a home.
Our goal is to produce the type of decorating style and atmosphere you want; for a more attractive home design; one that will fit within your budget – large or small.
An interior design consultant can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to color scheme and fabric selection. Or when deciding how to rearrange furniture; for optimal visual effect, ease of movement, and to enhance room use.

Some Designer Tips:

Decorating is an act of passion, not just pulling out your wallet - so don't worry if your budget's a little tight. Here are our tips for decorating on a budget. You'll love the results ...

1 Train your eye: Know what great high end design pieces look like so that you can have them in mind while hunting for just the right piece within your budget and remember, if you don’t see it on our floor, just ask us - our boutique is just a small showroom for all of the pieces we bring in for our clients.

2 Be patient: Wait for floor sample sales (usually July and/or January) to get the piece you really want. Don’t feel like you have to race to finish your space. You want to find the right thing at the right price, not just anything at the right price…

3 Spend some money: All on-the-cheap rooms just look cheap, not chic. Every room needs a few splurges - special pieces that announce their quality. Decide what “splurge” means to you and do it!

4 Go big with accessories: Many tiny items make a place look cluttered and inexpensive. Instead opt for important accessories like standing floor vases, plump floor cushions, pillar candles rather than tea-lights.

5 Use texture: Combine shiny, matte, soft and rough natural textures to add richness to a space. Sparkle always adds a dash of glamour.

6
Don't scrimp on the size of your area rug: Many nice rooms are ruined by the use of a postage-stamp sized rug. Can't find one big enough and don't want to spend the earth: go to a broadloom store and order a piece to be cut and bound (choose a sisal look-a-like in wool or synthetic fibre).

7 Decorate with black and white: Just like with fashion, these colours (or non-colours) never look tired and combined can result in dramatic spaces that look like their total price tag was much higher that the actual cost. It is also easy to add cushions or other accessories in seasonal bold colours to make the look your own.

8 Buy gutsy lamps: Lighting is often an after-thought when decorating on a budget but spindly, too-small lamps are a common faux-pas. Instead, layer your lighting (overhead, task, ambient), switch bulbs to halogen or natural daylight bulbs and buy lamps that have a sculptural appeal.

And remember ...

Pace yourself; accept the fact you won’t be able to get it all done at once.
Set a budget limit and target date for project completion; this will help avoid the tendency to keep adding to the room design, increasing overall cost.
Concentrate on one area at a time. For instance, a single room decorating project, instead of the house as a whole.
Have a clear cut idea of the type décor and design you want; including color scheme, decorating theme, and the type mood you want to create.
Look at the contents of each room with a fresh eye. Sometimes by keeping and rearranging base pieces of furniture and adding a few new accessories, the desired effect can be achieved.
When redecorating, don’t over do it. Keep in mind the main function of the room; select a style, and stick to it.
New wall paint and wallpaper are both cost effective ways to improve home interior design.
Accessory items (such as a wall mirror, pictures, decorator throw pillow, vases and lamps) are quick, economical decorating solutions to brighten a room for a more modern home design.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Top Trends for 2009

Getting Smaller
Condos and smaller spaces will get a lot of attention next year. It’s a trend covering every room of the home and every style of furniture. The emphasis is on space saving features as suppliers are building flexibility into their designs while taking a new look at dimensions, proportions and volumes. This philosophy is reflected in minimalist designs, linear volumes, streamlined profiles and gently rounded shapes and the interplay of lines with slender silhouettes and tapered bases in wood furniture.

Saving Space
Multi purpose isn’t ew but in 2009 it is everywhere as mobile storage continues to evolve. Chairs and sofa will turn into something else and move from room to room as small tables sprout handy extensions and sofas and beds reveal hidden storage. Ottomans and accent tables conceal a spare bed while a shelf turns into a table. All sorts of pieces are doing double duty and have been re-invented in multiple ways. We’re mobile and so are our homes, changing our moods and needs.

Contemporary Leads the Pack
Modern and Contemporary styles are front and centre. Both blend beautifully with the multipurpose trend that is transforming our spaces and the way we live. Light, and simple shapes and graphic lines are everywhere. We are choosing furniture that makes the most of our spaces and lifestyles- relaxed and enjoyable.

Wood: dark or natural; rough or silky smooth
Wood is taking off in all directions. Smooth, silky finishes on North Americans most popular material are still in vogue, as are high-gloss finishes. The use of reclaimed or recycled wood is spreading. Wood with a rough hewn texture, aged to imitate the patina that comes with time, is right in step with the rising consumer tide. Stains are still on the dark side (think chocolate, cappuccino and so on), but the return of clear, natural finishes is also being seen.

Fabrics & Leathers: closer to nature
Supple leathers are in favour and microsuede is evolving-now it looks for all the world like leather. Reconstituted or bonded leather is scoring points for not only looking but feeling like the real thing. When it comes to fabrics, textured materials such as cotton and linens are the rage.

Black and White: hotter than ever
Black and white is absolutely everywhere- in leather and fabric upholstery, in the bedroom, living room and dining, in lamps and accessories. These classic colours go with everything and set the seal on room décor. Earth tones remain in the running. Grey is trendy while vivid shots of colour like yellow, green and pink are coming back. Colourful modern flowers and black and white graphics will be a big hit.

The Last Word
The most significant industry trend is meeting consumers needs by helping them customize the furniture they buy. Customization is more than an approach; it’s a new way of buying furniture. A consumer who’s considering a collection has a variety of shapes, dimensions, configurations, colours, finishes and fabrics to chose from. Vendors are creating flexible product-product that reflects individual needs and preferences. That’s the way it works today!

Festive Florals


Think Green
Evergreens and leaves tend to last the longest, so if you're looking for an arrangement to get you through the holiday season, go for something with cypress, branches, woody pears and poinsettias. I used to be against the holiday poinsettia, but done en masse in a row, they can look great.

Pick a scheme
You don't have to colour co-ordinate your arrangements to your home, but look around and see what colour you think would look best. Red and green are the perennial favourites, but this year, try something new: stick to a neutral floral palette, say whites, but shake it up with colourful containers that add to your overall holiday decor.

Size does matter
Figure out an appropriate size in relation to your tables and rooms. Multiple arrangements can look fabulous, but if they're too big, they can overpower a space. One suggestion is to have a single large arrangement that can be placed in an entranceway and three smaller arrangements that can be lined up in a row on a table.

Decoration
Keep in mind that your table decor doesn't have to be completely floral. One arrangement set between two vases full of Christmas balls makes a beautiful holiday statement. Also, festive fruit displayed in bowls is a great way to add fresh decor without the expense of freshly cut flowers.


Care For Your Furniture


Wood and Veneer

• Wood and veneer are affected by light. For the first 6-8 weeks, when the item is first absorbing the surrounding light, keep the surfaces clear of any objects or decorations. It is possible that uneven light absorption could result in permanent marks and circles. At first, new furniture will also need time to absorb light before it will match the tone of your existing furniture
• Water is only to be used in small quantities and only in the form of a damp cloth. After wiping, always wipe dry with a dry cloth
• No polish or oil treatment of any form should be used
• Wood and veneer are very sensitive to liquids. Therefore, wipe up all spilled liquids immediately
• Always try to remove stains with the mildest cleaning materials

Furniture Textiles

• Protect fabric from direct sunlight to prevent color fading
• Regular cleaning: Vacuum frequently and use Textile Cleaner for general cleaning
• stain-cleaning materials should only be used after they have been tested on a small, less noticeable area to check the effect on the material


Leather

• Protect leather from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent color fading
• For general cleaning only use a dry soft clot, if necessary, wipe or lightly rub the whole surface with a clean, soft cloth wrung in soapy water
• If vacuum cleaning, use a soft brush nozzle to avoid scratching the surface
• We recommend using Leather Cleaner for cleaning the sofa/chair 2-3 times a year
• We also recommend using Leather Protection before you start using your new piece of furniture and also after use of Leather Cleaner

Upholstery In General

• If possible, switch the seat and back cushions on a regular basis to extend the life of your cushions and to ensure even wear over the years
• Cushions with a filling of foam/fiber should be shaken regularly to ensure form stability
• Expect a 'breaking in' period for your new sofa. The cushion fillings need time and use to stabilize so your cushions will feel smooth and comfortable
• All leathers and fabrics will stretch during use. To achieve best comfort, covers cannot fit too tightly. Therefore, some creasing may occur, but it adds character to the sofa or chair

Holiday Table Setting Ideas

• Start out by picking the theme of your table décor - this will be an extension of the theme you have already selected for your home décor christmas decorations.

TIP ...

Don’t worry if your tableware doesn’t all match. Mixing and matching are hot trends right now. Use the pieces that work the best, and then add accents within your chosen theme and colour scheme.


• Plan to have a signature drink and make it an extension of your themed entertaining décor…..super festive!


• Add themed extras such as thank yous, place card holders and party favours to your holiday event.

A FEW EXTRA TIPS ...

• Add Soft ambient light (whether it be candles, dimmed lights, or even holiday mini-lights) are a quick way to add atmosphere to your table.

• Don’t forget the music. The music you play will definitely set the tone for the evening. Do you want your event to be fun-filled and casual, or refined and elegant? Choose your music accordingly.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ...


• Enjoy yourself — don’t plan so much that you can’t enjoy the evening yourself. Prepare as much as possible ahead of time.