Tips and Tricks

Neelam Interiors / Tips and Tricks (Page 6)

Choosing the Right Rug

choosing the right rug

There a few key elements I habitually add to every space I design: warm woods, a touch of metal, fresh florals and a rug.  For me, rugs are the perfect piece to add texture, depth, a pop of colour or a bit of warmth to a space.  But as with most things these days the options for rugs are endless.  So to prevent any feelings of overwhelm, I’m simplifying things when it comes to choosing the right rug by breaking down rugs into the two main types: Synthetic and Wool.

Choosing the Right White Paint

There is no denying, I love white when it comes to choosing paint for a project.  Perhaps that’s because it creates a beautiful blank canvas to work with or immediately lightens and brightens a space.  In any case I love it and find myself convincing clients to embrace it as well.  But not all whites are created equal, so today I’m sharing some of my absolute favorites, the ones I go to all the time.

Hygge

Hygge

Have you heard about Hygge, most commonly pronounced ‘hoo-gah’?  It is predicted to be what Marie Kondo was to homes in 2015 and 2016.  Shorted listed to be the Oxford Dictionary International Word of the Year for 2017, today I’m sharing everything you need to know about this hot new (and dare I say much needed) trend.

Valentine’s Tablescapes

Valentines Tablescapes

Love it or hate it, it’s a mere week away … Valentine’s Day.  Whether you have someone in your life to share the holiday with or not, I think February 14th is a great excuse to add a little pink and red to your life, indulge in some candy and perhaps pause and reflect on love – love of ourselves, our partners, and given the events in the world lately – our neighbours.

While I could ramble on about love at great length, I’ll save that for another day 😉 and instead focus my attention on gorgeous Valentine Tablescapes.  Because you know me, it’s isn’t a holiday without a fabulous tablescape and these beautiful tables are sure to get your creative juices flowing to set the perfect table to celebrate love!

Pantone Colour of the Year 2017

pantone colour of the year 2017

A few weeks ago Pantone announced it’s Colour of the Year for 2017, Greenery, to mixed reviews.  What I love about the colour of the year announcement is the incredible thought that goes behind each year’s choice and how it opens us to consider colours we would have written off.  I must admit when I first saw this year’s choice, I thought there was no way I could see myself incorporating it into a space, but as the colour has started to emerge in fashion and home decor, I have to say I’m warming up to it.

2017 Decor Trends

With the flip of the calendar comes predictions on trends – food, fashion and of course decor.  What’s in and what’s out.  I’ve pulled together some of my favorite 2017 Decor Trends: some are major, for those of you considering renovating, and others are simpler, easy additions to any space.  And since what’s out is just as important, I’ve got a summary of that for you as well.

Dining Chairs I’m Loving

dove-gray-wingback-dining-settee

A few weeks ago I shared a selection of dining tables that I was considering.  After much deliberation I’m happy to report I did make a decision … but you’ll have to wait a little while longer to see which one I chose 😉

With the holidays fast approaching, I’m going to need somewhere for friends and family to sit, so today I’m sharing a round-up of dining chairs I’m loving.  These chairs are classics, styles that will stand the test of time.  While I love a new trend as much as the next designer, more and more I find my clients and myself choosing classics when it comes to furniture, having fun and embracing trends with accessories instead.

So which style of dining chair is your favorite?  I’d love to know in the comments below!

Fall Decor I’m Loving

i7a1k

As days become shorter and temperatures cool, I’m settling into warm and cozy vibes in both my clothing and home decor.  While I hate to see summer go, I absolutely love this time of year, I love everything about layering, staying in and pumpkin spice 😉  So pour yourself a cup of something warm, cuddle up with a throw and enjoy this round up of fall decor I’m loving.

Kitchen Design Inspiration

img_6088

I see it with my clients all the time, we change up one area or aspect of their space which then inspires a whole cascade of design and decor changes; I’m not going to lie – I love it!  I love it that is, when it’s my client’s space, when the same thing starts to happen in my own space during the busiest time of year, I start to wish I hadn’t begun!

Earlier this summer I had my place painted, which has now inspired a kitchen update.  Nothing major, just surfaces – counter-tops, back-splash, painting out the cabinetry and depending on budget, switching out the appliances.  Nothing major 😉

Since this is a more substantial update than the painting, I’ve allowed myself to take my time with it.  But that hasn’t dampened my incessant collection of kitchen design inspirations. So I thought I would share them here, in case anyone else is looking to update or renovate their kitchen.

Dinning Table Round-up

47374166c91bf05e580427d3be01dd34

With Canadian Thanksgiving just days away, I’m in a panic to finally decide on a dinning table.  Since having my place painted (embarrassingly nearly four months ago!) I’ve been struggling to make a decision.  So it’s been months of eating on the floor or my one chair in the living room (still waiting for my custom sofa to arrive).  If you read my post on The Joy of Less, you know that I’ve been relishing all this room to create, which may have perpetuated my indecision.  But enough, is enough, time to make a decision.