Forget Me Not....

Just paint it white, like the trim. We seem to hear that a lot. We have noticed that the ceiling seems to be getting left out of the plan, forgotten or not considered as part of the room. We would like to suggest treating it like a fifth wall. When planning your room look at the entire space including the ceiling. Consider different options for the ceiling to compliment the rest of the design.

What about adding wallpaper, moulding, trim or crown to the ceiling.

When choosing your paint colours consider a complimentary colour for the ceiling. Perhaps a lighter version of the wall colour or the lightest background colour in the fabric of choice for the room. If you have very high ceilings and you feel lost in your space, paint the ceiling a darker colour to help bring it down a little and warm up the space. If you feel closed in and you want an airy feel lighten up the ceiling colour. Remember, dark colours can be beautiful on the ceiling in any room. It's a reflection of your taste.

Consider having the ceiling colour come down the wall 15" to 24". You could add moulding along that line and change the wall colour below. Or why couldn't the ceiling be the accent wall? You could choose a vibrant colour from your bedding and paint the ceiling this colour. Leave the other walls a creamy light colour. Voila!! Instant drama!

If you are looking for some inspiration, go visit some museums,older homes, town halls, any historical building and make sure you look up!!!

To DRESS or NOT to DRESS????

Not clothes…windows!!

The mere thought of an improperly dressed window offends us! This may help you find the right attire. A room is like an outfit. The window dressings are like the shoes. Window dressings complete a room just like shoes do an outfit. They draw attention to it, frame it, make it look pretty and also function to protect the room.

Now, some exceptions would apply to any rule. For instance, on the beach you can kick off your shoes and run around barefoot. Just like if you had a view in the woods set on 100 acres with a private lake, you may opt to take the barefoot route. Windows are as personal as your outfit.

So how do you dress a window? First decide what is the function of that window. Do you need to block the sun from heating up the house? Do you need privacy? If so, consider at least adding blinds to the inside frame of the window. This helps keep the house cool so your hydro bills aren’t out of control and your flooring doesn’t discolour. Consider if someone is sleeping in this room. If so, the blinds may be mounted on the exterior portion of the mouldings so that the light is completely blocked. There are so many options for blinds!

Then the draperies. They are functional and so much more. They add personality. Even simple side panels adding some width and height to the room can give a major lift to it's ambiance. Add a little drama!

Is the window the first thing you see when you walk in? Does it have a bench, table or couch in front of it? Choose a style of drapery that suits your window. This is where you are going to need some help! That's what sets custom draperies apart from ready mades. Okay now we are getting excited!

There are many looks. Contemporary, traditional, modern, formal or casual. Sometimes a combination of two or three of these can create a beautiful tension in the room. That's what you are looking for. A look that is uniquely yours. Should they graze the floor or puddle? Too short isn’t a good thing when talking curtains! Capris are one thing curtains are another!!!

No matter which style you choose the fabric is the key. Custom draperies are tailored to the size of the window. You wouldn't put a size four on a size eight frame! The volume of fabric allows a fullness even when the curtains are drawn. They shouldn't look like they stretch to close and barely make it!! Usually this is roughly three times the width of the window.

Remember. What does the window looks like from the outside of the home? What is the lining on the back of the curtain? Does it need to be room darkening? No matter what type of fabric or style you choose, it should always have a backing to help block the sun and protect the fabric.

So, if we asked the question again, to dress or not to dress??

The answer is always dress and dress to impress!!!

Wallpaper Boogeyman?

When the subject of wallpaper comes up we have noticed people either love it or hate it. No in between, just one side or the other. So we ask the question, is wallpaper the Boogeyman?

Today, wallpaper is making a huge comeback. It has been reborn with a vengeance due to new technology making it easier to remove. Those who have not yet used the application are loving it and others who have had a history of scraping it off walls have unkind words to describe it. Thus goes the debate, which side are you on?

For years we have used wallpaper for various applications. Here you can see wallpaper used in the closet for a lovely surprise.

You could also create a simple but dramatic headboard using a wallpaper and some trim pieces. Think of how many times you could change your mind! Or wallpaper the ceiling in your room so when you lie in bed it is pretty to look at any time of day. Wallpaper in the bathroom, why not!

No matter the application, wallpaper should make a statement!! Otherwise, what is the point??? This week we all decided to choose our own latest obsessions. Funny, apparently we are all obsessed with floral textured paper!! LOL! So in the end we aren't afraid of the Boogeyman are you???

Backyard Treasures

Guests visiting from Toronto recently asked where we might go that was close by, for a latte and some shopping. Well, the truth is, Almonte and Carleton Place have so much to offer, we decided to hit them both.

Lattes? Well, Petra at the Good Food Company or the Equator Coffee Shop?
We jumped in the car and headed first to Almonte to see what we could find.

We were delighted to find such wonderful shops. There was something for everyone. At Kentfield Kids boutique style store for children, there was a variety to choose from, toys, clothes and the most gorgeous little dresses for any occasion.

On to Blackbird where we found some furniture, refinished antiques, gifts, jewelry and house wares. Hmmmm? Should it be a gift or something I HAD to bring home?

One of my other favorites was the two storey antique shop, Lachapelle Antiques. There were crystal lamps, that with a new shade, would be perfect for any room.

A set of four wicker chairs perfect for the summer patio or an occasional chair. My friend found a rocking horse for one of her friend's new baby. Everything is very well priced and negotiable.

Inspiration was everywhere. With our new goodies on board, we headed to Carleton Place to visit the nurseries! The Carleton Place Nursery and Reid Gardens. What beautiful garden shops!

The Missippi River beckoned, so we made a pit stop at the Olde Towne Bakery and headed down to the extraordinary surroundings of Riverside Park.
It was the perfect ending for our adventure. Don't miss the treasured in your back yard, shop Carleton Place and Almonte. See you uptown!