Style Cushions Like a Professional Home Stylist in 6 Easy Steps

Style Cushions Like a Professional Home Stylist in 6 Easy Steps

by | May 17, 2019 | Our Projects

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

Style Cushions Like a Professional Home Stylist in 6 Easy Steps. This will assist and enable you to revitalise your home, add personality, interest and theme to a room, bringing it to life.

Styling with cushions is characterised by using an assortment of cushions of various colours, styles and textures to form a harmonious setting and complete living rooms, bedrooms and outdoor areas.

They are inexpensive decor accessories and are easily seasonal and colour interchangeable – and as for the DIY enthusiasts they are easy to sew too.

Photo by The Tsudons on Unsplash

Step 1: Identify your colour palette

  • Draw colour inspiration from furnishings, wall art, curtains, accessories etc.
  • Identify two or three main colours – this will be the basis of your colour palette.
  • The cushions need only to have one (or all) of these colours somewhere in them to carry a central theme that you are already using in your home.
Step 2: Create Contrast
  • Add cushions with patterns such as lines, zig zags and circles etc.
  • Horizontal and vertical lines direct the eyes.
  • Using this strategically will “direct” the eyes to a focal point you wish to stand out or to be noticed.
Step 3: Combine Textures
  • Combining different texture cushions add interest, depth of field and serve as a focal point.
Step 4: Mix Cushion Shapes and Sizes
  • Combine different shaped and sized cushions to add diversity and attract attention.
  • Combining cushion with varied inner fillings will also add interesting combinations.
i.e. Some cushions may have a feather inner and be soft and snugly. Other cushions with a foam inner will appear more rigid and formal.
Step 5: “The Karate Chop”
  • To break up uniform shapes and to make cushions look more lived in, create a crease in the top middle of the cushion with a “chop” using the side of your hand.
Step 6: Follow your heart
  • It is important to follow your heart when it comes to styling with cushions. Trend matters, but in the end, you must happy with the look created.
Our Recent Styling Project
Our client recently moved into a new home and needed help with decorating it. They wanted to incorporate colours that would bring vibrancy to space, and still maintaining an aura of calm, serenity and peacefulness. The result was truly transformational and our client extremely happy.
The Main Area:  open plan rumpus room – lounge and dining room area. The prime colours throughout the house are grey laminate wood flooring and white painted walls. A great canvas to work with since the colours are neutral and consistent throughout the house. So, what did we do?
The Rumpus Room
 
The Artwork
Delicate Australian florals inspired this beautiful artwork, painted in cool tones and warm watercolours. This produced a wonderful soothing ambience and an amazing palette we could work from throughout the open plan area.
The Cushions
Working with the colours in the artwork we added square earthy pink decorative cushions which had a short fringe all around. The material was a soft woven burlap which added texture. The rectangular lumber cushions are an earthy natural brown ochre colour with some bold horizontal and vertical darker stripes. These cushions were of a softer cotton texture, and their difference in shape and size added style and a homely lived in and welcome look. To achieve the “lived in” look we added the proverbial “karate chop” in the middle of the cushions. Interesting to note that the vertical and horizontal stripes of the lumber cushions resonate with the brown wooden frame of the artwork. The earthy pink burlap throw brought it all together and complemented the decorative cushions and styling.  
From the Rumpus Room to the Living and Dining Area
To establish cohesiveness between the open plan areas, the colour palette used in the rumpus area was replicated similarly in the living/dining area.
The Living/Dining Area
Before……
After…
For more inspirational ideas please visit us on Houzz or subscribe to our monthly newsletter on  Let’s Revamp.    

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Selling Your House In Autumn: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

Selling Your House In Autumn: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

by | May 1, 2019 | Our Projects

Image: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1111535
  • The hot summer days have now cooled down. Potential buyers seem to be more inclined to attend open houses and auctions during the cooler months.
  • Spring and summer are peak seasons for the property market. This means the market is flooded with supply which could suppress demand. Come autumn this is not so.
  • April and May are early months in the year. The ideal time for home buyers who made new year’s resolutions to be out there scouting for property to buy.

1. Style Your Home in Autumn Vibrance.

Image by miyoun joung from Pixabay
Image: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/969454
Declutter, depersonalise and Store away the colours of summer. Without spending a lot of money invite the vibrant colours of autumn, and the snuggling up cosiness and warmth of autumn into your home when styling your property for sale. Accessorise with knitted bulky throws and replace decorative cushion covers with ones of autumn colours such as burgundy, light brown and burnt orange.

2. Let the Sunshine In

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
Daylight hours become shorter. Open up the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Open the shutters. Let as much daylight in during open house times. Wash the windows sparkling clean. Remove the fly screens and wash them down.

3. Switch on the Lights

Image : https://pxhere.com/en/photo/663440
Switch outdoor lights on earlier – remember the sun now sets sooner. The same applies to indoor lights. Switch them on before potential homes buyers arrive and leave a few lights on during the night too. Home buyers will come past your house even in the evening to get an idea of what your property looks like at night.

4. Don’t forget the Fireplace

Image: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1585155
Ensure the fireplace is cobweb and dust free. Display the fireplace with neatly stacked firewood.  Remove the artwork above the fireplace and replace it with a large mirror. This will reflect light and make the area look larger. If you have a gas fireplace, light it before buyers come through. This will create cosiness and warmth.

5. Fix and Repair

Image: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1523383
Before putting your house in the market for sale, all maintenance and repair work needs to be done. The days are not as hot as in the summer and therefore these tasks can be done with much more ease.

6. Mow the lawn and keep the Garden Tidy

Autumn is the season that deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves. Hence the reference to autumn as “fall” in other parts of the world. Rake leaves and debris to give a tidy and well-kept appearance. Plant mature flowering plants so that they will be in bloom during the autumn months and add colour to your garden.
Image by Kirsi Kataniemi from Pixabay  
Does outdoor living space add value to your property?

Does outdoor living space add value to your property?

by | Apr 22, 2019 | Our Projects

Does Outdoor Space add Value to your Property?

Most Real Estate Agents would agree that the answer would be a resounding “Yes!”

1. Your house is on display for 24 hours when placed on the market for sale.

Does outdoor space add value to your property?

The outdoor area is viewed as an extension of the house. It resonates with outdoor entertainment, family and friends.

Once your house in on the market for sale it is on display 24 hours a day, especially the front yard area. Prospective buyers who are in the market looking for a new home can drive past your property at any time of the day. If what they see is visually appealing, they will attend the open house or auction and put in an offer to buy.

Accessories with outdoor furniture with Neutral and Bold colours

2. Extend the living area outdoors 

outdoor living area adds value to your property
  • Adding outdoor living space is also the most affordable way to extend the living area and improve your lifestyle. A well-presented outdoor area will certainly earn a “thumbs-up” from prospective buyers.

  • Using large glass bi-fold doors will create a continuous visual flow between the indoor and outdoor area. This is a great way to visually help bring the outdoors in.

3. Draw inspiration from within your house.

Draw inspiration from within your house
  • Style the outdoor area by drawing inspiration from within your house. Accessorise using decorative cushions and rugs to make the outdoor look welcoming, relaxed and inviting. Add a throw or two if you have an outdoor lounge set to add texture and warmth. A coffee table or side table, even an ottoman will make the outdoor space come to life and make it feel like an entertainer’s dream.

4. Outdoor living area adds value to your property.
  • Really bring the indoors outdoors by creating an intimate alfresco dining area. 
  • Definitely add plants, whether real or artificial to create that “Never want to leave here!” outdoor feel.

Therefore, creating an outdoor living space is sure to add value to your property, not only financially when selling your home, but also enjoying the benefits of spending time outside without having to leave your property

7 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Ready For Autumn

7 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Ready For Autumn

by | Apr 10, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

No huge over the budget redecorating is required. Just small changes that will make all the difference to get your home feeling cosy, warm and inviting during the autumn months.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

1. Cushions and Throws

Pack summer vibrancy away –

Use soft chunky textured knits and faux fur cushions and throws.

COST SAVING HINT: You can save costs by removing the current cushion covers and replacing them with new ones.

Style them on your beds and couches.

Roll up a couple of soft warm throws and style them in a sisal basket next to an accent chair.

Photo by Sarah Shaffer on Unsplash

2. Dreamy Colours of Autumn

Invite the warm soothing palette of autumn colours into your home. Choose accessories that vibrate natural whites, coral tones (which by the way is Pantone’s colour of the year for 2019), soft terracotta, sage, neutral colours, hues of grey, scarlet, browns, green, orange, blue, gold and yellows.

Become one with nature. Nature dictates the best colours. Pick up an autumn leaf. Study the colours that are so vibrantly displayed in the autumn sun and you will see some if not all of the colours mentioned here.

 

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst

3. Go Natural or Naturally Synthetic

For your rugs, decorative cushions, throws etc. choose natural materials such as cotton, wool, cashmere, jute (for rugs) and leather or if you prefer synthetic materials with natural look and feel.

Mix and match textures.

For example:

Store away the current throw on your couch or bed and replace it with a bulky knitted throw in a winter colour.

Replace the current vibrant decorative cushion covers, with covers made from faux fur and leather in softer tones against a backdrop of rustic winter red or terracotta and green knitted covers.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

4. Don’t Forget the Candles and the Wonderful Fragrances of Autumn

Candles simply add atmosphere and give off a warm inviting glow.

When candles are placed on a shiny surface, for instance, a glass top coffee table their light is reflected and create an ambiance of relaxation and cosiness.

Autumn not only brings about a change of season and colour and temperature, but it also brings about fragrances of pine, cedarwood, cinnamon, wild orange and fir.

For a couple of dollars, you can invest in an essential oil diffuser, scented candles, essential oil burner or potpourri. If you are a DIY enthusiast you can even, make your own scented candles and potpourri.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

5. Showcase Autumn with Simple In-Season Arrangements

Get your creative juices flowing by arranging autumn loved green foliage such as eucalyptus branches and in season flowers such as Dahlias, Chrysanthemums and Echinacea (just to name a few) in copper vases. Copper vases add a rich warmth to autumn décor/accessories and reflect light.

Even placing a small arrangement of eucalyptus in the bathroom will permeate a fresh smell.

Succulents, whether real or artificial in rustic earthy or wooden containers will add to the autumn appeal.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

 

HINT:

Bundle a few boughs of eucalyptus together, and hang them from the shower arm, away from the water stream, for a soothing aromatherapy shower.

6. Plaids and Stripes

As with colours, patterns are seasonal too. Floral pattern and bright colours ring in summer. Plaids and stripes in warm colours are associated with your autumn and winter seasons.

Roll up and store your summer rug. Introduce a rug made of wool with bold stripes and warm autumn colours.

Maybe change the side table lamp shade to one in hues of dark yellow and change the light bulb to a softer tone.

Perhaps choose a patterned or burnt orange coloured throw to complement the autumn theme.

 

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

7. Artwork and Mirrors

The rich golden colours of autumn can be portrayed in artwork in your living areas. When framed in dark wood or gold colour, this will magnify the beautiful autumn season indoors.

You may even choose to swap artwork in your lounge or dining area with a mirror. This too will reflect warmth and soft light.

Photo by kelsey roenau on Unsplash

 

So, You’ve Bought Front Door Lights … Now What?

So, You’ve Bought Front Door Lights … Now What?

by | Mar 19, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Image by MaryDesign from Pixabay

So, you’ve bought front door lights … Now what?

Whatever the valid reasoning behind it all for buying front door lights in the first place – it all comes down to this moment – they will now have to be mounted against the wall.

 

Image Source

 

No problem! So many before you have gone down the same pathway and so many will still do.

Maybe you are a first-time home buyer and have shopped for new front door light fixtures for your new home. Or maybe you have decided it is time to throw out the old fixtures and replace them with new ones. It could be you are preparing your property for sale and the tiresome old lights do not credit the curb appeal you want to put out there.

So, let’s get down to business and determine the placement height for your new light fixtures.

 

  1. Safety First 

Image by succo from Pixabay

  • When determining the size and placements of your front door lights, safety and effectiveness are first and foremost.
  • You obviously do not want friends or prospective home buyers bumping their heads on a too low hanging front door pendant light.

Image Source

  • Nor would you want a warning sign “mind your head” at the front door.
  • As for effectiveness, you want to show off the newly acquired light fixture at the best possible vantage point to enhance your curb appeal.

2. Best Rule Of Thumb Guidelines for Placement Height

Guidelines to determine the size of front door lights are discussed in our blog “What is The Correct Size for Front Door Lights?”

  • Front Door Single Light Fitting Placement Height

    When wall space is limited on either side of the door, the preference would be one light fitting placed on the opening side of the door. i.e. the side of the door handle. The illustration will stipulate the recommended placement height.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

  • Front Door Two Light Fittings

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

  • Above the Door – Flush Mount

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

  • The Pendant Light Fixture

Image by kayman OH from Pixabay

To centre, the hanging point for the pendant light,  establish the mid-cross-section of the front door overhead space.

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GARAGE EXTERIOR LIGHTING – ADDING CURB APPEAL!

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GARAGE EXTERIOR LIGHTING – ADDING CURB APPEAL!

by | Mar 12, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects
Photo by Luis Yanez from Pexels
Lights do beautify the garage exterior and add to your curb appeal! Not only does it add appeal and style, but it also provides security and task light. That being said, keep in mind they should not be overly bright and illuminate onto your neighbour’s property. Not sure what size fitting to choose or where to place it? Our Comprehensive Guide to Garage Exterior Lighting – Adding Curb Appeal, is sure to answer your question about the correct size and placement of the garage exterior light fittings.  
1. Determine the Correct Amount of Light
 
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
  • At dusk view your property from across the street or from the end of the driveway. This will give you an idea of how much illumination and lights are needed.
  • If unsure take a photo to your lighting store for advice and guidance.

2. Choosing the Correct Exterior Light Fitting Size

 a) General Rule of Thumb
  • Measure the height of the garage door opening.
  • The size of the fixture should be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the door opening or simply multiply the height of the door opening by .25 or .33.
Image Source   Image Source
b) Beam Spread   
  • Beam Spread Definition: The area light covers from a distance. As light beams away from its source, it spreads out and becomes less intense.
  • Before shopping for a light, measure the height of the garage door opening (to calculate the size of the light fixture) and the width of your driveway. This will give you an idea of how wide beam spread there will be at a given distance.
  • Here is a simple calculation, to determine the width of the beam spread at a given distance – the angle of the beam multiplied by 0.18 multiply by distance. 
  • Generally, when looking for light fixtures most will have information regarding the light source, the angle of the beam and the estimated beam spread.
Image Source
3. Choosing the Right Placement
Single Garage Door
    One light – between the house and garage.  
  One light – centred approximately 15 – 16 cm above the garage door, ensuring that the fixture does not interfere with the door when opening. If need be, adjust accordingly.  
Two lights – one at each side of the garage door.
Two Door Garage
Two lights – equally spaced above each garage door.
Three lights – one light at either side of the garage, and the third light centred between the doors.  
Three or more Garage Doors
Three lights – one light centred above each door.  
Three lights – one light on either outer edge of the first and third door, and one light centred above the centre door    
Four lights – one light on the outer edge of the first and third doors, and one light on the left, and one light on the right of the centre door.
Image by stevepb on Pixabay