What to hang over a fireplace

If you were going to hang something over a fireplace, what's the first shape you think of ?  I bet it's not a circle.  Most people would think rectangle, but I would like to suggest  going against that natural inclination and putting a shape there that plays against the straight lines of a fireplace.  What do you think of the impact a circular motif makes? Visualle   While the art is square you hardly notice the frame.  It's the circular mark making that catches the eye.  Barry Dixon  An empty frame with two other objects creates great impact. The Lennoxx   A...

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Sneak peek

It seems I've been in the middle of a bedroom update forever.  It takes so long when you are doing things yourself.  This is the before picture.  My husband loves black and I love geometric patterns.  Everything in this picture including the carpet and window seat are gone or going. The new look will be the opposite to the strong contrast of this one. The new look:Soft and serene, no one thing standing out- harmonized to the hiltLots of textures and gentle patterns My new duvet cover is very patterned but soft looking.I'm still working on accessory pillows to play with...

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Details- gray vintage

PinterestSome images need to stand alone to enable us to thoroughly enjoy all the nuances they contain.  Because  too much text can wear out an image as well as a post I'm  planning  a series of posts titled Details that highlight things that please me visually.Gray is not everyone's cup of tea, but it's been my neutral go to colour since the mid 80's.  Gray is actually a very complex colour and it's "nature" is defined by the colours that have been neutralized to make it.  The details I love: the shape of the vintage credenza with all those drawersthe variety...

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4 ways to make pattern sing

Adding pattern to a room is one of the quickest ways I know to create excitement in decor.  A room without pattern is a dead room.  If you want to play it safe add your pattern in smaller punches, e.g., pillows, throw or small area rug.  Here are several quick and easy  tips to have you decorating like a pro.   Vary the type and scale of patterns usedElements of Style Personally I would not have this many pillows in a row but the patterns really work well together.  Start with a large scale print in the colour scheme you want (floral above) and choose the others...

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Bathroom renovation woes

Sometimes having too many ideas is just as bad as having too few.  I am definitely swimming in the idea pond when it  comes to my main bath renovation.  Right now  the space  is a product of the mid eighties with white square tiles, gray fixtures and a white European vanity and upper cabinets.   Everything has to go and we are taking out the tub to put in a walk in shower. I can't stop dreaming up new ideas, so I'm using this post as my own sounding board. Hopefully it won't be all personal and you, my readers, might find my sorting process of some help in any home...

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DIY wow factor for walls

If I had oodles of money I would buy all the art my heart desires and I would have more walls!  In reality I have an interesting  art collection that I've grown over time , but not all of my wall decor is fine art.  There are so many other things you can do to add a WOW factor to your walls without breaking the bank.  Here are some of my favourites.Enlarge and frame print material source Budget Wise Home Iffer's NestDisplay your collections artfully  PinterestDesire to InspirehouzzUse wall paper and fabric in creative ways Canadian House and Homevia Porchlight...

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Is your home matchy matchy?

What is matchy, matchy? The term " matchy matchy" in decorating refers to rooms that are too coordinated because of the use of the same types of colours, patterns, fabrics, thematic elements etc.   It  has negative connotations and evokes overtones of boredom. I describe the desire to have everything matching perfectly  in a room "over matching". Rooms put together in a catalogue or in a model home are good examples of this look. Everything matches and the room looks soulless. Over matched decorJC Penny CatalogMatched with interestsource unknownThis room is a step up from...

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