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

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

 

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

Holiday Gifts...proudly given and received

In this age of philanthropy it is in vogue to give gifts of donation…you know the recipient gets a card or certificate stating that the gift giver has made a donation in the recipient’s name- to some obscure cause you have never heard of- in said amount… Or have you heard family/friends state “Christmas is for kids?”  Translation: We didn't get you anything!  Now I’m all for charitable giving and I have nothing against kids but~ I still like to receive gifts that are tangibly and are just for me. Are you with me here?

Just for fun, and honesty~ I want to see how many of you out there are real enough to state how they truly feel So… I’ve grouped gifts below-in pairs, from each group select the one gift you would prefer to open Christmas morning… post your answers for all to see in the comments.  We’ll quickly see how altruistic folks are.  What will you receive for your efforts?

                               You choose, either. 

a) Satisfaction   or  b) a $50 Wynter Interiors Gift Card

On Christmas morning which gift would you prefer to open?

1.  a) A life experience gift of Serving food at a homeless shelter Or  b) A  black BMW 

2.  a) Donation to animal shelter (in your name)     Or  b) an Ipad Mini

3.  a)  A gift swap with a needy family        

                          Or 

       b) $1000.00 Tax Free Cash

                                                            

And after that truism check, if like me, you'd like to give a gift of donation; click on this link http://www.canadahelps.org/ and select away.

Merry Christmas

Charmaine Wynter

*From all the posts received a winner will be selected by a random draw on Dec 24/13 and contacted to receive their prize of choice.  Please ensure that you have signed up as either a: Stylemaker follower, liked Wynter Interiors FB page, connected on LINKEDIN or subscribed to Wynter Interiors inc YouTube channel so I have your contact info.

5 Sure Fire Ways to GET What You Want!

How do you decorate & live happily ever after with the results?

         
    The following five actionable tips should drastically help you get the interior you want!

1.   Show us.
This one is the most important. It’s very hard for designer to visualize the ideas in a clients mind.  Being creative is difficult when the canvas is blank. If you can give us a picture to start with, illustrating some sense of what you’d like, it’ll help us enormously on the creative side.

2.  Admit you’re just a tourist.

                                                                                                     Clients often feel like they are visitors in the design world. They know that they don’t understand this stuff one-tenth as well as the professional does. They feel like they’ve stepped  into a subculture  where misinterpreting one decorating trend can lead to drastic results; thus they often shy away from  the possibility of making  weird suggestions,  or demanding certain color schemes that probably don’t matter (but sometimes do).  Know that we can tell you are all tourists. No matter what you do, you won’t blend in so relax and allow someone who is trained assist in accomplishing your vision.

3.   Understand the boundaries.
If you’re building a basketball, you know what you can and can’t do. You could probably make one that’s bouncier or more durable than competing products. But you couldn’t make one that goes in the basket every time. Likewise since you don’t know the rules of the design and decoration game, you often don’t know what’s possible. More often than not, you’ll assume that something isn’t possible when it actually is.  I have a good solution for this: I ask clients to create a folder of their wish list, and dump ideas in there. More often than not, I’ll contact them saying, “Hey, that’s possible. Let’s try it out.” But remember you know your financial limitations, sometimes creativity is only able to flourish inside the reality of those limits.

4.   Ask us.
Good designers are flexible and can adjust the vision to meet the reality of the situation. If you wants something, but the designer points out that it would be costly or not be worth the extra effort.  Request a workaround if you want, or just ask if there’s another way. Decorators are usually great at creative solutions; we make our living by avoiding barriers. But we can only avoid barriers if we know what they are. 

5.   Find a visionary.
Everyone appreciates an expert.  When a client told me that he was considering downsizing from a 35000 sqf home to a 180 sqf room, I said something like, “Well, it fortunate that I started my career working out of a 100sqf studio.” He appreciated my experience and by demonstrating my expertise I was able to ease and instill trust while reaffirming that he had made the right decision to hire me.

I’d love to hear from you on how you got the best decor ...also post photos of your interiors so others  can learn from you.  Finally, be sure to come back again to view all the feedback.
 Charmaine Wynter   http://www.wynterinteriors.com/