Budget for Success

" Clients often forget that there are many layers involved in the completion of a well dressed interior" Charmaine Wynter ., Design Principal Wynter Interiors inc

This large scale geometric rug is so on trend; all the orange hued accents freshen the neutral decor.


" Most renovator's may only consider the hard element cost associated with a redesign~like a table, or bamboo plank flooring and the related installation fees; forgetting to allocate for decorative expenses like window coverings, a area rug, art and accessories items - elements you'll use on a day to day basis long after the "hard" renovation is complete."Charmaine Wynter,Design Principal Wynter Interiors 

When setting a budget for any makeover, be realistic and make sure you have a budget allotted for luxury upgrades or incidental costs. This should be between 15-25% in addition to the total budget; since you can never be certain what you will desire during a transformation. It can be as small as unexpectedly having to change the colour of a wall for the 3rd time or much more costly such as having to replace the wrong styled dining room set that no longer fits with your decor aesthetics.  Just like any other investment, a makeover requires proper planning and budgeting; do your homework and plan an accurate budget with a little extra for backup.  Tatjana Emer 

5 QUICK ROOM UPDATES WITH ORANGE!

Falling October leaves ensure we remember the seasons are changing.  

All the rich hues of the autumn color palette make Orange just the bright color to add to your interior for a quick seasonal update.  Don't worry if you don't have the budget to go all out.

A little Orange can go a long way~ try introducing it as a large print, as a throw, or as toss cushions!  

Feeling the need for more impact?   Orange makes for a great accent wall weather used as wallpaper, mosaic tiles or simply paint.  

Want to leave a strong impression? For the less faint of heart, try painting geometric rectangular panels of Orange on a neutral background (as pictured below) to brighten and warm your place in a way that's sure to impress!

Charmaine Wynter 

3 Hot Patterns for Fall

We all fell in love with the new patterns of: Chain Link, Geometrics and Paisleys last spring.  

This Chain Link wallpaper ( available through Wynter Interiors DSB) pictured above is a great example  of a fresh take on a classic pattern. 

And still more exciting patterns are on the way for fall … Florals and Organic Shapes are next on the scene. But don't worry these new floral patterns are not like your grandma's old kitchen curtains, the flowers have been reinvented. They have been refined and for now, are mostly two toned or monochromatic in hue. 

In the above picture, an off white background  and darker tangerine flower pattern is set off by vividly colored: flowers, lamp shade and vases. Equally, a diffused yellow-orange background and a bright orange nature inspired pattern could be used to great effect to add freshness and interest to your room without being overly feminine or grandma-like. Tatjana Emer

3 Tips to Man Up your Interior!

Home decorating is no longer just a woman’s domain; men are now having an equal voice when selecting which furniture and finishes to use to personalize their interior. I particularly like to design a space that equally attracts both sexes,however, today’s tips focus on testosterone laden ideas.

1.  A subtle way to incorporate masculinity into your design is through the use of Large Scale lighting fixtures.  

2.  Add Metallic Accents-The clever use of copper in the interior of this chandelier adds a unisex luster.

3.  Using Geometric shapes-Rather than incorporating a traditional chandelier above the island, interject a sense of masculinity with a half dome version as pictured here-

Be sure to check out my following post: 3 tips to add femininity to your interior design. 

Victoria Seguin IDD., CDAD Junior Designer., Wynter Interiors Inc

BATHS designed to impress

I just returned from a lunch and learn at a favorite bath fixture supplier in the east end of Toronto.  It was great fun to meet up with some of the staff and product reps including owner Gus- proud patriarch of his family- owned and grown business -he showed us hidden gems in the 50,000 sf plus warehouse, one of the two he owns-and we enjoyed a great lunch while viewing some impressive toilets and toilet accessories.  

above: SeaGull* toilet shown in two piece white porcelain

Now what's so impressive about toilets you ask ?...well although I'm all about how things look ~that was not what impressed me the most...truly the function of these babies were a lesson for a Stylemaker who felt she had already been schooled

Take for instance this new model I'll call it SeaGull* it's been designed with an overflow valve -similar to your bath tub or vanity sink which in the event of a clog keeps the water in the bowl and off the floor ...Genius! Guess what I’m specifying for all of my condo and restaurant projects?

Above: Istanbul round seat wall hung

Then there was this sleek model-right...I know I've gone all race car-y in my description- but you have got to see it this tiny but comfortable toilet was made for hugging tight quarters without scrimping on any of the luxury...talk about performance!

Above: Clean Touch bidet toilet seat

Finally, I could not end this blog without touching on clean touch luxury bidet- toilet seats...  It’s a hands free cleansing solution for those who want full service hygiene as the seat offers: two nozzles, a heated seat, warm water rinse, warm air dry and deodorizer options for the user... all at a click of the remote

"Now you see why I'm excited about the toilet...Makes you just want to update doesn't it?

till next time Charmaine

Design on a shoe string...

above: these are fab designer finds but paint for same effect

While every Stylemaker's dream is the "unlimited budget" with the recent down market most North Americans are being cautious with their purchases so those projects are rarer than ever. Clients today want HGTV lux for little...so in the spirit of interior designing on a shoe string budget I've compiled 5 tips that cost  little or nothing. With assistance from Katherine Alvarado  http://EzineArticles.com/expert=Katherine_Alvarado 
here we go....

5 SUPER-SMART budget interior decorating tips:

1. Surf it up!
Craigslist is the low budget-ers dream. What could be better than a place where people post ads for things they want you to take ~for free! You can find everything from bed frames, to art, to accessories, to grand pianos  if you are persistant.

2. Use Elbow Grease -
Nothing is as stylish as a vintage piece of furniture restored by you. Buy something old and worn for cheap, and then unlock its inner beauty or make it into something entirely new and amazing by sanding, painting or sewing.

Sweet upcycle with used pop caps!

3. Look for diamonds in the rough and D IY-
Have you seen a designer throw pillow that you think would look perfect on that couch you found on Craig's list last week? Buy a discount fabric of a similar design and sew it yourself. Utube tutorials show even the craft challenged how to make it themselves ~all it will require is time and effort.

4. Curb shop-
One man's trash is another man's treasure. So Garage sales are the name of the game...they have most everything for very low prices and you can haggle to arrive at a price that suits your pocket. Remember people would much rather sell it than pay to have it removed.

5.  Get 'buy' with a little help from your friends-
Ask your friends and family if they are getting rid of any old decor or furniture, as a general rule, they won't charge you money for their old stuff. Know someone with some artistic talent? Ask a friend to do a painting or an enlarged landscape photo to hang over your couch in the living room~you will have a truly unique work of art that you can brag about to your dinner guests.

Frame it- now its art.

I know this list has been helpful ... The key to budget design is really only a little bit of creativity, elbow grease and persistence!

Thanks for reading and be sure to visit Katherine's blog at http://www.housedecoratingideas.net

P.S. If this list has only served to fatigue....contact me for full service professional interior decorating and design services ~where all you do is write the cheque!

Till next time
Charmaine

3 Fun Ways to Color Block your rooms!

geometric color blocking painted on walls

COLOR BLOCKING it's hot!  Clashing and contrasting is a contemporary way to compliment and pair opposing colors together to create a bold 2012 design statement.  When used as a fun source of whimsy matching up hues that don't match can freshen and energize a space.

                                How do you to get the look?

1. Select a 3 color combo like:

Navy, Hot pink, Ivory

Brown, Teal, Silver

Sapphire blue, Gold, Tangerine

color blocking on the runway and in home fashion

2. Whether used as paint, wallpaper or on textiles ~ geometric or botanical graphic prints are the way to go!

3. To complete the dramatic makeover use on:

Walls- either as large oversized art prints, wallpaper or paint

Floors- area rugs, or stenciled designs in smart bold hues

Furnishing - drapery panels or as toss cushions on a neutral sofa

teal,brown and silver color blocking in botanicals

Like these tips?  Be sure to like Wynter Interiors on Facebook and share us with your friends... also please post a comment here to let us know the content you want for future blogs... we'll listen...

Until next time

Charmaine