Size Does Count!

In today's city real estate landscape Toronto developers are maximizing vertical space and so are leading interior designer!

Particularly, if your limited on square footage accentuating the vertical is a fantastic way to add the illusion of extra space.  Similar to a large scale painting, an accent wall draws your eye and attention to a particular area in a room. 

As pictured above-Lace embellishments on plane grounds, large scale prints and eye popping patterns are this seasons cutting-edge accent for the pint-sized space!  Drama is a decorator's secret ingredient in any evolved interior design scheme. 

Why not use a striking pattern that will leave your guests talking for days? Using a boldly patterned element is a key of-the-moment, lux aesthetic and it will really give your room a great focal point! Transforming an area from boring to beautiful while adding visual depth, interest and the illusion of more space to your decor- that extra something that will invite viewers to forget about size and only remember the elements.  Charmaine Wynter

Funky renewed bookcases… rejuvenate your displays with colour!

Stylish and sustainable furnishings that work well in both classic and contemporary spaces can extend your budget. We went vintage store shopping and found bookcases that optimizing vertical space.  We redesigned them with a splash of colour to expose the displayed elements to their best advantage.

Follow theses tips and you can do the same with the back of a bookcase, an armoire or even a simple cabinet. 

Above-Here the colour appliqué allows the display to pop rather than blending in with the rest of the room. 

Above- Check out this bookcase with wallpaper backing; it takes the piece from lackluster to wow! Allowing the items on display to stand out and be noticed.  

Above-The unique honeycombed compartments of this piece are outlined in gold while the interior is painted a funky Coral. Tatjana Emers

Taking Control of the night!

There is nothing worse than blinding spotlights during what is supposed to be  a relaxing late night dinner; so when decorating your space don’t forget about light control.  

Above a charming Coral patterned lace wallpaper

expertly set off teal hued velvet upholstered chairs.

Your choice in lighting for a room can play a huge part in the resulting feel.  Just because having ample amount of general lighting in a room is essential, doesn’t mean the full wattage is suitable for all occasions. Above- wall sconces, pot lighting and a Coral shell chandelier offer a mixture of light levels.

For instance, if you want to dine in intimacy even if it's a gathering of eight; opt for a dimmer switch for your fixture. 

This dramatic hall pendent fixture offers presence in scale, color and whimsy.

A dimmer's ability to control the intensity of  your room illumination will create an intimate and leisurely atmosphere or a faster paced eating experience. Laura Nikolevski

Coral makes a long awaited return…

Polished yet relaxed spaces are on trend for the season ahead;Tatjana Emers shows you how to: 

Add edge to your interior using the color Coral

A Coral & Blue scheme visually grounded by Grey create 

a relaxed sophisticated look (above)

This warm hue, related to the red, orange color families can add energy and a punch of happiness to any space. Pictured here: It is paired with Blue and the Grey acts as a relevant neutral.  What an excellent marriage of colour and a wonderful balance between cool and warm hues.

Even masculine spaces can make use of a touch of coral; below, an overtly manly interior palette is softened by the addition of Coral hued accents.
 

Coral, a hue that’s sometimes pinky orange and other times yellowy orange, can best be viewed in nature...the color found inside a conch shell, or one of the many hues in a sunset definitely introduces a chic twist to any room design. Tatjana Emers

From Bland to Grand room wows as fast as you can blink.

Have the compliments stopped?  When you enter your rooms have the tingles disappeared?
Then it is time to alter your interior! 

BM gloss paint make this monochromatic hall work!

In this article I’ve highlighted updates that will take your space from bland to grand in a blink.

Bright, dazzling hues take on a staring role in interior design 

this year. Walls in Phillip Jefferies Lacquered wallpaper-Above

#1. Add Red
Its hot on the runways so that makes it hot for home fashion- by itself it or as impactful update. Layered with other red's it has a sophisticated vivid impact. And paired with brights it makes your rooms sing!

3 dimensional rose petal mural adds contemporary whimsy.

#2.  Go Bold
Whether in pattern or color bold is the where it’s at- freshen tired floral wallpapers from 1980's era by selecting hand painted or 3 dimensional larger than life styles for your walls. " As seen above, I love the GRAPHIC look of the mural; without being loud and overpowering it adds interest and energy to the space." Tatjana Emer

A red accent wall wakes up a neutral schemed living room

#3. Accessorize Accessorize
The more unexpected the better- toss out the tired tone on tone accents -introduce large patterns that create instant room wow! Charmaine Wynter

Be Bold, Be Courageous, Be RED…

Gentlemen, the scent of romance and passion is in the air... but let’s face it roses, teddy bears and chocolates are just not your thing...so if you'll looking for a way to score big with your sweetie pie... Try sprucing up the old nest! 

"You’ll be surprised at how much visual impact this colour 

will have and how the spectacular power of the reds will 

spice up your space." Tatjana Emers

Not convinced your design efforts will be a winner?  Try a bit of Red- adding red to your interior will ramp up the romance and passions factor (I swear).Also, the color Red creates a bold statement and it's wonderful enough that often times, only a splash is needed -allowing you to complete one more item off of the honey-do list! 

"The colour Red has always added excitement; in life and 

In design.  It has always played an important role and as 

Pantone “ Cayenne” or ‘Rouge’ as the French call it, red is 

a great colour to utilize as an accent in any room or to  add 

some warmth to your space" Tatjana Emers

"You can add a dash of red like these chairs or be daringly

dramatic and paint the entire room in red" Tatjana Emers

So fella's, this Valentine's day try incorporating red into your rooms in small ways.  Its wonderfully masculine, it adds drama and best of all.... it will only take about 1 hour of your time to update your boring white condo walls and score copious passion points too! Victoria Seguin 

Chevron Alert!

Do you like bold colors, but not the exaggeration and visual pollution of it everywhere? A pattern is the perfect way to introduce color and still be innovative, cool and on trend And at the moment Chevron stripes- a mix of horizontal, diagonal and vertical lines are hot!

 

The pattern is awesome for drawing attention- as much or as little as you want, with or without excess, but always with originality. 

 

"With the revival of the Chevron and Flame stitch… These linear prints have come back to life with a modern feel and a far improved colour palette. They are super currant and add to a space." Tatjana Emer

Since it became popular on the runway of Italian fashion house Missoni; the Chevron, with it's appealing zig-zag, is the go-to print top designer are showcasing for current interiors. And is it a wonder we can not get the Chevron out of our heads? As pictured here, in spring 2014, It will appear on fabrics, walls, carpets and accessories. I say make way solids it's time to zig zag! Erika Soares

 

Fun, comfort and warmth...decor-hog predictions for February!

If you are like myself and cannot resist adding feminine touches to your interior décor; the month of February is, the perfect opportunity to incorporate some Toile de Jouy!  

Deriving from the French word meaning linen cloth or canvas, this pattern can be added to a space in varying amounts, but always adds warmth and comfort. Take for example, (pictured above) Toile on the bedding and drapery creates contrast between the soft striped wallpaper and solid hues in the room. 

In the second image, a juxtaposition is created through colour, as well as, through the infusion of multiple patterns. By applying a beige Toile pattern to the walls and adding a striped red carpet a wonderful contrast is apparent. Step it up further with the addition of the table with its, wonderful red Toile finish decorated with bold, geometric lamps and fresh flowers and an invigorating atmosphere is visualized. While being bold is fun; don’t forget to add neutrals when incorporating multiple patterns to a space in order to create great harmony. Victoria Seguin

Make Seeing RED a Thing of Beauty!

RED: Strong and outstanding, the hue gives personality to your decor. As, it is a very expressive color, these tips will ensure you don't overdo -in the wrong way.

There are several ways to apply red so that your interior is both elegant and sophisticated as pictured above.  

Start by thinking about the room as a whole. You can use this vibrant color in the furniture, on the walls or in accessories like vases, lamps, cushions, rugs and frames.

Remember, that each element, which is "red" in the space will attract attention. Therefore, carefully choose the parts you want to stand out more. 

Finally, If you choose to use red only as a focal wall; to ensure cohesion in the space, select other elements like: chairs and tables that have red as an accent in its pallet.  Erika Soares

Invite a touch of modern into a classic kitchen with this table!

 

Decorating for One

Ok he's/she's gone and he's/she's taken his/her half and your half also ... Once well dressed rooms now, look....vacant; now what do you do?  

"Red walls in this restaurant invite diners to linger over meals while enjoying the decor"

So maybe its not so dire....your company has you relocating, downsizing or you've suffered the death of a spouse. Either way, your on your own and it's Valentine's day...

Guess What?   You've earned the right to live beyond the futon, beer fridge and foil covered windows.  

"Glossy red in the bath enhance crystal lighting"

So what?  If during couple-dom you never bought a towel, or made the bed, and have no clue where to buy furniture.  

While you can opt for the tried and true contemporary look, you know beige and sparse....loading up on technology ..Or, you could "mom's house it up"  by introducing frills and frump ~everywhere.

Neither direction are your only option, so, whether it’s co-ordinating your interior decor, furniture sourcing or installing art to enliven empty walls here are some design tips to refresh your solo living pad. 

- Paint: To effect real, yet subtle change. 

"A little red goes a long way in fostering out of the box thinking for this office."

– Redecorate the bedroom: Buy new bedding, add new pillows and incorporate personal touches as desired says, I'm worth it.

– If it’s in your budget, get a smaller dining table or bigger chairs:  Anything that will draw less attention to the empty seat where your " plus 1" once sat.  Charmaine Wynter

Dazzling Blue gets Nautical!

The Pantone colour for 2014 is Dazzling Blue and what better way to use it than to start with a theme. 

Dazzling Blue on the walls is balanced with lots of White!

Personally, when I think of the colour blue I imagine a relaxing breeze coming off of the ocean instantly soothing the soul; with this inspiration as my kick off I've decided a nautical theme is ideal with this palette.

White walls and accents set of the dazzling blue sofa!

When most people think nautical they imagine sail boats, helms, anchors and of course a beautiful blue. Creating this look doesn’t necessarily require you to add anchors to every pillow and can be incorporated much more simply. For example the room bellow features subtle elements that combine to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Dazzling blue vases and other accents set of the more somber blue tones!

Get this look by incorporating geometric patterns, lots of stripes, wood elements and of course lots of blue! If you are looking to add a little pizazz to your space look for ways to add yellow elements to the décor.  Victoria Seguin

How to design with 2014 color of the year, Dazzling Blue!

Another year has began, one of new beginnings and invigorating design trends.  One such trend is 2014 Pantone color of the year Dazzling Blue. 

A blue on blue scheme, with gold accents & Asian inspiration ottoman.

Whether you’re ready to commit an entire space to this color or just an accent wall in this bold hue is entirely up to you. Keep in mind the following tips:
1. The key element in successfully using this blue, which is quite dazzling indeed, is to balance the vivid intensity of the hue with other colors which are more somber.

2. Another way you can use this hue in your space is by simply adding accent pieces I love the idea of incorporating a dazzling blue vase, or toss cushions to a room accentuated with white, it provides interest to your space. 
3. Blue is a fabulous color for adding serenity to a room and with a splash of blue you can add instant focused color to any interior.  Victoria Seguin

www.wynterinteriors.com
Dazzling Blue organic rug & wall sculptures infuse with visual passion

3 Great budget design ideas for open concept living

Happy 2014, what an exciting time to be an interior design enthusiast! 

A room within a room is created just by closing the drapes to provide privacy

With the onset of a New Year there is always hope for things to come that perhaps we're 

not realized in the previous year.

These drapery "walls" are a soft privacy solution to open concept living

So with the announcement that the 2014 Pantone color for the year is Dazzling Blue and 

after a recent afternoon spent with my daughter at her new175 sqf studio apartment; 

this months focus has inspired the following ideas for great budget design solutions that 

are loft, condo or apartment friendly and chic.

http://weburbanist.com/2013/07/14/urban-fabric-stretched-stitched-suspended-mobile-home/

I hope these pictures inspire you to rethink how you use space, materials and the carbon footprint 

you leave behind for the next generation.  Charmaine Wynter