Kim,
DESIGN LESSONS Fix My House!
transform your home with our...
THE CAMERA DOES NOT
LIE A smart way to begin is to
take a photo of your space to
help evaluate what’s currently
working and what’s not. In a
well-styled room, accessories
are usually grouped together
in clusters for visual impact.
Consider that void space is a
grouping, in and of itself. Not
every shelf or landing surface
needs to be accessorized. A
good proportional relationship
between the scale, colour and
the quantity of items, provides
interest and visual relief at the
same time.
LAYERING RUGS Most
homes have transitioned to
hardwood, tile or other hard
surfaces as the main flooring
product, however, the majority
of rooms can still benefit from
the softness of carpets. A great
solution for large spaces is
to install wall-to-wall carpet.
Now, splurge on a big punch of
colour and interest, by layering
a high quality area rug (at least
two feet smaller than the room
size) on top, to anchor the
vignette or conversation area in
your space. This combination
also provides great versatility
for future design changes.
MY LITTLE FRIEND, THE
BAR CART The bar cart is
your new best friend. It’s one of
the most versatile and classic
pieces of furniture, always
in style, whether it’s retro or
new. Equally as appealing in
a living room, office, bathroom,
bedroom or patio, it’s fabulous
as a side table, a stand alone
display unit, towel and toiletry
storage, office supplies or, the
obvious, alcohol and barware.
In a category all its own, it can
truly look fabulous in any room.
Be sure not to overcrowd the
cart so it maintains its classic
simplicity.
BALANCING THE ELEMENTS
If you’re uncertain why your
space feels cold or sparse,
68
despite your best design
efforts, evaluate its ratio of
hard goods to soft goods.
Large expanses of hard
surfaces, such as floors,
walls, high ceilings, counters,
fireplaces, glass and geometric
shapes can be toned down by
implementing soft goods and
organic shapes in upholstery,
area rugs, accessories and
greenery. Combining these
elements and layering textures
provides relief to the senses,
creating a cosy atmosphere.
This is another great time to
take a picture of your space to
see if you’ve struck the right
balance.
COME HERE, COLOUR!
If you’re colour-shy, force
yourself to embrace it. Although
you may have heard this
many times, you may not
have confidence in properly
applying the design principle.
The easiest way to incorporate
colour, with minimal risk, is to
choose one or two bold colours
to sprinkle throughout a room
with a neutral backdrop. A
lamp base, toss cushion and
vase, all in the same colour or
varying shades of the same
colour family, may be enough
to bring a room to life and
easily swapped out to create
a different look. For a greater
colour infusion, paint the ceiling
a bold colour, while adding a
few accent pieces in similar
tones to the space. The result
is a dramatic yet intimately
personalized look.
Try applying these lessons to
transform every space in your
home and you’ll begin to see
how the rooms flow together
beautifully. - Text Michelle Cook
How can I create a high-end look
outside on a budget?
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Today, outdoor lighting
options go way beyond a
citronella candle or tea light
in a votive. There is a range of
gorgeous light-filled options
to explore. Adding fixed
patio or deck lighting is one
way to ensure the area will
remain lit all year long. Candle
lanterns provide the same soft
glow as regular candles but
they don’t blow out as easily.
Check out the variety of solar
lights that are available to find
an environmentally friendly
solution. Of course, nothing
says luxe like an outdoor
chandelier. Fit a flea market
find with dripless candles or
solar tea lights to make any
outdoor space shine.
Photo by Stephani Buchman
Designer Michelle Cook shares her favourite design lessons that
EVERY homeowner needs to know.
terms of materials and styles for an
outdoor rug, all of the options will
result in a more intimate space for
family and friends to enjoy.
SPACE DEFINED
Bring indoor design tricks outside.
Instead of thinking of your
PROJECT ACCESSORIZE
backyard as one large space, try to
Take your style and colour
establish boundaries for different
scheme outside. For a cohesive
areas. Think about the uses for each
look, translate the ideas that
space and design accordingly. Give
work in your living room to
yourself seating options that can be
your backyard. Add decorative
arranged in many ways depending
outdoor pillows or faux fur
on the type of entertaining you
blankets to make your outdoor
plan to do and the number of
space a prime place to relax
guests. Create unique areas by
with a good book. Throw
adding a bistro table and stools to
in some planters in a strong
surround a bar, or a buffet table set
accent colour to liven up the
up near the barbeque. Make sure
space. Don’t forget to add
to add a chaise lounge and side
sculptural pieces and artwork.
table for a restful place to read or
Hanging a large, ornate mirror
nap. Even large planters or screens
brings a luxurious feel to your
can create the illusion of several
secret garden.
separate spaces. - Text Kim Bartley
LIE LIKE A RUG.
One of the latest trends for
the backyard is the addition of
a rug underfoot. The softness
and style of an outdoor rug
mimics the feel of the indoors
plus it helps to make the space
more comfortable. Though
there are endless options in