Creating a Suite Retreat…

We talk often about creating the whole package when designing your home…you’ve got to pull all aspects together for a peaceful and harmonious balance in your life.  So what better way than keeping this philosophy in mind as you go about designing and decorating your Master Bedroom.  It often is the last place in your home that you tend to…it’s understandable that you want your public living areas to be finished first as this is where your guests gather.  But it is so important to have a restful, peaceful area to go to at the end of a busy work day!  So don’t cut yourself short…whether you are living in a tiny apartment, or enjoy the luxury of a large estate home, be sure to pay some attention to your Master Suite…a sweet retreat!

Photo Courtesy of Design Connection, Inc.

In choosing your color palette, as always, choose colors that envelope you with a peaceful feeling.  So popular now are the pale aquas and silvery greens, or a shade of champagne…what could be more relaxing (and romantic!) than champagne…whatever your choice, choose colors that you love.  Layer on shades of similar color choices in your bedding and accessories  for a serene look.  Different textures of materials will add interest, but keeping the same colors sends a relaxing message of not being too busy and crazy—the last thing you want at the end of a nutty day!

Photo Courtesy of Beyond Drapery

In choosing materials to finish and furnish your bedroom, check out the ever increasing range of allergen-free products.  If you’re prone to allergies, you are better to eliminate carpet out of your plan, and go with a hardwood surface.  If hardwood isn’t in your budget, check out the many great alternatives…there are some vinyl products that mimic hardwood that are fantastic.  Blackstock Leather is a fabulous eco-friendly product that I am considering using my own Master Bedroom.  It can be applied as flooring, or onto walls (yes, walls!!)  How about that for a feature wall behind your bed—even as a headboard it looks just great!  I am NOT in love with my current shag carpeting that was existing in our recently purchased home, and think this might be a great replacement option.

 Photo Courtesy of Candice Olsen

As a long time fan of Candice Olsen, the above Master Bedroom Suite is a perfect inspiration for a restful, luxurious retreat.  Layers  of patterns and textures in shades of blues.  Carrying the draperies right to ceiling height add height to this already grand room and highlight the architecture of the ceiling.  It is always nice if you can incorporate a chair into your bedroom if you are lucky enough to have the space.  Can’t you just picture having morning coffee here?

Photo Courtesy of Style North

Don’t have enough in your re-decorating budget for all new furnishings?  Consider spraying your current furnishings to coordinate the look.  Many people have collections of mis-matched nightstands, dressers, and such.  Choose which pieces you really love that will fit in with your new design plans, fitting your storage requirements, and furniture layouts.  Have your pieces all painted in one color coordinating with your room.  By keeping the color consistent, you maintain a cohesive look, and you have done a great thing for both the environment and your pocket-book!

Wishing you Sweet Dreams!

Stacey…

Whew…December’s Here!

Wow…December is here!  ‘Tis the Season and may I say “Yay”!!  I love the Christmas Season and have been thoroughly enjoying the excitement brewing with friends and family.

A seemingly global decision has been made by so many people to simplify their Christmas season and festivities.  I have heard from alot of people that they are not going overboard with shopping, planning to spend more time visiting friends and family, and really just trying to get back to a simpler time for holidays.

On the decor front, I have loved looking through all the new Christmas decorations in the stores.  There are fabulous glittering, shining goodies…and there is also a real feeling of vintage decor coming back.  We have been recommending to clients that they don’t need to go spend alot of money on more decor…just look through your own decorations and see what you can re-vamp and re-style.  Pull items from rooms and use them in unexpected places.  A quick spray of gold and silver spray paint will give some tired tree ornaments some glitz and glam.  Visit your local craft stores and dollar stores…there are some amazing ribbons, florals, and decor to add a touch of new for not alot of cost.  We all love the coziness of the Christmas season…cozy up your house with time-worn and well-loved items.  I really think decorating for the holidays helps us get through our long Canadian winters!

Vintage is creeping into home decor more and more.  A current project of Vintage Garden and Custom Design is what we are presently working on.  It is a sign of people craving that unique look for their home that you just can’t get by buying a ready-made furniture package.  How absolutely refreshing to be able to mix high-end with existing fabrics and decor, and have a request to throw in some customized painted furniture to add to a distinct personality for the home and our lovely clients.  I love that!!

As we get closer to the Christmas Season, I hope you will add love and cheer to your home…enjoy time spent with neighbors and friends, and delight in the smiling faces of all the little ones so excited about the arrival of Santa!

Cheers…Stacey

Vintage Decor courtesy of HomeInteriorZone.com

Vintage Decor courtesy of homeinteriorzone.com

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