Rustic goes glam

Look out Summer Cottage, there’s a new rustic, right in the city.

 

 

FGI_0071 (1)

 

 

A few years ago, homes with barn doors were something you would only see in a barn conversion in Brit Home Decor mags. Fast forward and barn doors are a hot new trend, along with weathered barn boards used on everything from accent walls to coffee tables. Antlers of all shape, size and colour and creamy white sheepskins. I had a sheepskin rug on my bedroom floor as a teen. It was chic back then and just as fresh a look today, adding some softness to a masculine look.

 

bedroom-decorating-rustic-country

 

Wood wall paneling is back in style  but with a twist. Rustic paneling features wide planks and a rough-hewn look, a far cry from “ugly basement” faux wood panels. Think hunting lodge meets city loft. Functionality meets creativity in some of the most charming and whimsical accents.

 

bedroom-rustic-modern-apartment-design-with-desk-table-lamp-wood-wall-panels-and-ceiling-fireplace-in-the-middle-plus-oak-wooden-floor-tiles

 

 

The right floor can transform your entire room. Bare wood is beautiful, and fits the style perfectly, but it’s not your only choice. Stone or tiled floors softened with shag rugs, a dappled cow skin, or a classic sheepskin from a local source,  Australia or New Zealand can be the perfect backdrop for rustic furniture and collections.

 

1207.SLIDING BARN DOORS STYLE FILES.jpg-550x0 (1)

This trend is livable and family friendly. Natural wood always softens a space and it’s back in a big way in flooring, furnishing and home decor accents. Introduce gradually with wooden bowls, vases and furniture, new or vintage.  Add softness with textiles. There are some fabulous cushions and throws in faux fur, graphic wildlife prints and plaids in stores right now to accent this look.  

rustic-bedroom-with-attactive-wall-contains-of-twin-beds-with-wooden-bedstead-and-cozy-bed-in-white-sheet-and-blue-grey-bed-cover-rustic-floor-standing-lamp-and-dark-blue-chair

A great way to bring the outdoors in for the cold , dark days ahead.

How to acheive high style on a budget

Thrifting,everyone is doing it!

Home Stagers are are masters of creating savvy design ideas for little investment.With the use of paint,colour and a few tricks up their sleeve they create show stopping interiors to wow buyers.Design on a dime requires some thinking outside the box,reusing and upcycling pieces already owned or purchased for a song in second hand stores and garage sales.

When shopping second hand don’t get caught up in buying something just because the price is right.Look for quality made furniture in solid wood if possible that won’t fall apart before you get the piece home.If you do find some items you love but the finishes are outdated or don’t match don’t worry.A coat of fresh paint will fix that problem to unify all your finds,a soft cream or dark brown will work depending on the furniture style.One thing to keep in mind is the scale of all the pieces,don’t crowd a room with too many pieces remember you are selling square footage not furnishings.Hardware is another way to instantly update.Nothing dates furniture more than garish brass so new nickel or chrome handles will give a fresh new look or spray paint if the budget is really tight. 

Refurbished shelf unit

A few of the pieces I have given a new lease of life to recently are a chrome wall unit purchased for $9.99.With a little elbow grease,some new glass shelves and paint I now have a stylish and funcional piece for my dining room.A bar cart which was a steal at $12.99 recieved a new coat of Benjamin Moore “Bittersweet Chocolate” 2114-10.The top needed a new surface so I decided on a faux leather look.I didn’t want this have too much of a shine but lucked out with this wallpaper purchased at Kent.Easy to apply with some spray glue and can be wiped clean.

Another piece I love is a night table,a Value Village find for $35.It had good bones but the oak finish was not to my liking.I splurged a little with this one and had it refinshed for $150.I had a feeling it was a good piece of furniture but my refinisher made my day when he said I had a good eye and it was by “Knechtel” a U.S. furniture company and solid wood.In this case the investment was worthwhile.

Bar Cart beforeNightstand refinished
Bar Cart after

 

Thrift store finds

Accessories are another way to add splash without cash.A few well placed can make a room but don’t go overboard.Less is more when it comes to accessorizing.A few larger pieces have more impact than too many collections of small nicnacs,this just adds clutter and in Real  Estate listing shots you need a focal point in a room.Too many small items are distracting to a buyer,there is nowhere for the eye to rest.Too much clutter in a room means a buyer will focus on all your “stuff” and not the features of your home.

Colour block for more impact
Recently I sat down with Christina Copp for her article in East Coast Living Magazine and shared a few of my ideas for “Decorating on a Dime”.The Summer issue has just been published and you can read some more of my design tricks.Summer is a great time for yardsales so get out there and bring home a few treasures of your own.It’s fun,good for the planet and makes your decorating budget go some much further.Enjoy!