Diamond Jubilee

For all you British patriots out there, as you know it is the Diamond Jubilee marking the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you're planning on hosting a formal tea party or informal street party, I believe it's time to bring out anything Union Jack. If you're bringing furniture pieces into the mix as well why not keep them around longer then the party and style them into your living spaces? Your guests eyes will definitely focus on the amazing pieces. The Union Jack pattern won't fit in with every space so play around with the item and see how it looks in each room. Bring a little sixties mod back into your home, Austin Powers is making a come back! A fun idea for a party is to rent a photo booth that looks like an old red telephone box, it will become the main attraction of the night! And it will give your guests a little souvenir to bring home with them.

Decorating will take on a mind of its own but don't forget to make the food and people the key ingredients to your party.
Long live the Queen! xx

Industrial Furniture

We have been seeing industrial furniture as a back drop in the fashion industry for the last few years, so naturally we now want to convey it into our own spaces. Industrial furniture has been re-invented many times before and we are now are seeing it being mixed with different design aspects like modernism, traditionalism and country. One of the biggest trends with re-inventing industrial furniture is to find antique pieces and transform them into something new. Like a large antique wall clock turned into a glass covered table, or changing a factory cart into a statement coffee table or wall fixture. If you're really into this style movement at the moment I would definitely recommend watching The Picker Sisters show it's about two friends who travel around the United States in search of antiques and rare collectibles to transform them into unique pieces for their home decor store in Los Angeles.

I recommend checking out www.antiquesdirect.ca for a full range of distinctive furnishings and lighting and Restoration Hardware/Pottery Barn for similar pieces. Antique industrial furniture is a part of a new global style and I believe it is here to stay.

Decorating with Botanicals

Spring has sprung and now it's time to decorate your house accordingly, a good way to decorate with spring in mind is bringing in botanicals. These aren't your grandmothers botanicals,  rather than the faded, generic prints we're used to seeing, 2012's springs versions are big, bold, with punches of modern looks. Why not add a punch of colour with botanical prints to a statement piece in the room? You can either bring in throw pillows with bold prints or a slipcover on a chair or sofa. This would definitely scream spring! A great way to create your own botanical art is to pick wild flowers and dry them out by placing them into books, then going to antique stores and looking for unique picture frames.

Joining Spaces

Do you ever wonder how the heck you're going to move in to a space with your significant other? I say don't throw away all the glitz and glam, just have less out in the open! (obviously all the glitz and glam will be brought out when your hosting a ladies night) I believe men don't mind a feminine touch every once in a while, they just care if the space is comfortable for them! And they should feel like they have made some design decisions. Why not have an eclectic feel to make both parties happy? A traditional lay out with modern accents? Below are some ideas to have a positive living space together.

1. Having leather and darker woods is always a great start to make him feel comfortable.
2. Grey hues will work with every colour that you decide to put into the room (even the feminine colours!)
3. Some fabrics/textiles that will work well are burlap, leather, basket weaves, metal, and reclaimed woods.
4. Let him have his own inputs as well. He lives there too!
5. Big pieces of art work for him, maybe he's into old movie posters or aviation? Incorporate his hobbies into the space.
6. Or even give him his own man cave? Far away from the rest of the house!
7. I know most men aren't fond of too many throw pillows, so take it easy with them! He will want to cuddle with you not the mountain of pillows.

A place to check out masculine art pieces that could suit both your styles are Restoration Hardware and Country Furniture.

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Statement Pieces

One way to bring a dull and dreary room to life is by adding that special statement piece. When walking into a room you should be able to select pieces that stand out and make the space complete. A punch of colour or a unique fabric choice will always do the trick. One way to bring a unique piece or accessory into a room is to check out second hand stores or antique shops, it might take awhile to come across something special, but I have been able to find "the diamond in the rough". An old Victorian chair or console table might just need a new coat of paint or to be reupholstered to come back to life. You'll not only have a new stand out piece but also a story behind the purchase! One of my favourite places for distinctive second hand pieces is a quaint consignment store on Lonsdale , North Vancouver called La Lucy Thift & Boutique.

A great way to bring in some personal art into a space is by hanging up eclectic picture frames. Where ever you travel pick up a frame and add it to your collection. In no time you will have gathered enough to create an art piece of your own! Each frame will tell a different story and you will be able to bring home a little of your travels each time. Don't hesitate in mixing and matching the frames with sizes and colours, that's the beauty of having that eclectic touch you want. Even if there isn't any photos to go in the frames that's fine because each frame has its own story. Or what about a picture box frame? That will definitely catch some glances, having a picture box frame gives you the ability to put memorable items inside it. For example sand and shells from your favourite beach destination or maybe something more sentimental like baby booties? Anything is possible!

What's your choice of bedroom style? Are you a traditionalist of a minimalist? Or do you prefer many looks combined for a eclectic feel? Let me know what your style of choice is!