Antiquing

Antiquing is a trend in interior decorating that homeowners are incorporating into their design plans. What is antiquing you may ask? Antiquing can be described as taking a new piece of furniture and sanding it down to give it a rustic feeling. Antiquing can add character and style to your furniture and give your home a unique feel. If you like antique pieces but don't want to break the bank follow these step by step instructions:

Eclectic Bedroom by Troy Media & Bloggers perfectly imperfect

Step 1: 
Sand the furniture you want to distress. If the piece has a finish sand all surfaces extra carefully.

Step 2:
Wipe the piece with a cloth to make sure it is smooth and clean.

Step 3:
Paint or stain the entire piece in a base coat of the colour you've selected.

Step 4: 
When the base is dry sand off areas that would naturally end up distressed -- places where hands would have held it, or corners that could easily get nicked.

Step 5: 
Wipe the entire piece with a tack cloth.

Step 6: 
Apply a finish if desired.

Another take on Antiquing requires taking an antique piece of furniture and sprucing it up to give it a modern feel. If you prefer your furniture to look sleek and posh rather than rustic follow these step by step instructions for amazing results:

Transitional Bedroom by Markham Furniture & Accessories Almira Fine Furniture

Step 1:
Using a palm sander sand down the piece until smooth.

Step 2:
Apply paint or stain to the piece. Brush it on with a foam brush and let sit until dry. If you are interested in viewing current paint trends visit my previous blog post here.

Step 3: 
Once the paint or stain is dry wipe down the piece.

Step 4:
Apply a second coat of paint or stain.

Step 5:
Apply a finishing coat of semi-gloss with a foam brush.

Step 6: 
Attach new hardware to give your piece the ultimate modern feel.

These pieces produce two different feels but both are easy to create and will look great in part of your home. Whether you choose to revamp or distress a dresser, kitchen table or even a foyer cabinet these pieces will add a much needed splash of character!

Maximizing Your Small Space

Making the most of your small space can be tricky. The following provides some simple solutions to help you maximize your small space while remaining true to your interior style! 

Built-Ins: 
Built-ins maximize storage and provide solutions for the tiniest of spaces. Built-ins effectively utilize vertical and horizontal space to its maximum potential. Built-in bookcases provide valuable storage, contain clutter and can make a stylish impact in your room.  

Eclectic Living Room by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Michelle Workman Interiors

Glass: 
To visually expand a room's size designers include negative space (the areas of emptiness that surrounds furniture) wherever they can. By incorporating glass where possible and adding reflective elements like a mirror, you can amplify available light to create the feeling of space.  

Traditional Closet by Markham Interior Designers & Decorators Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

Monochromatic Colour Schemes: 
When all colours are close in tone they can visually expand a room. When there's no contrast, the eye is able to move through a room uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of additional space. Monochromatic decor also emphasizes the various textures in a room, creating a mood that's restful and sensual. For more on paint colours visit my previous blog post on paint trends!      

Multipurpose Furniture: 

Multipurpose furniture can serve more than one function, maximizing your small space. You can use your living room for a home office or turn a couch into a comfy bed. The picture below is a perfect example of how to turn an armour into an at home office. When your office isn't in use you can conveniently close the doors for a more appealing look.  

Eclectic Home Office

Heres a quick list of the Dos and Don'ts for maximizing your small space: 

DO choose furniture that does double duty. A coffee table that rises to eating height.

DO use chairs rather than sofas for maximum flexibility. They require less space and can be moved around easily. 

DO consider a Murphy bed when a room has to accommodate a guest. Because it's stored in the wall, a Murphy bed is ideal for occasional use and is a discreet addition to any room. 

DON'T opt for a sectional with arms, which limits the way it can be positioned. An armless version is easier to get through doors. 

DON'T overlook an island, which works not only in a kitchen but also in an office, laundry room or crafts room. Choose one with wheels; it can be set against a wall when not in use. 

DON'T allow clutter from a home office to ruin the enjoyment of a room. Pick a storage unit that can be fully closed to hide work come the weekend

I hope these tips have helped and all the best in maximizing your small space!  

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Foyer Design

The foyer is the first thing a guest sees when they enter into your home which is why it's important to make a great first impression. If you're looking to revamp your home follow these tips to create a stylish and welcoming foyer!

A Slim/Long Table:
A slim table fits perfectly into small and narrow spaces. It's not only stylish but functional too!  You can display decorative pieces on the top to add character. Displaying your favourite piece of artwork can help create an eye-catching focal piece in your foyer.

Contemporary Bedroom by Portland Interior Designers & Decorators Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Coat Rack:

A wall-mounted coat rack will add a whimsical and rustic charm to your home. Serving two purposes, the coat rack looks beautiful and it's functional. Hang your most used items on it for easy access.  This is a great time saving trick when trying to get out of the door!

Umbrella Rack: 

When it's wet outside it's nice to have your umbrella on hand. Investing in a neutral umbrella rack looks timeless and classic. In the picture below you can see the coat rack and umbrella rack in the same photo, complimenting each other and pulling the whole foyer design together.  

Traditional Entry by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Scott Sanders LLC

Storage Bins:
Chic canvas bins or woven baskets provide convenient entryway storage. Whether they're tucked into cubbies, underneath seating or in a closet, the bins serve dull purposes and allow you to store all your seasonal wear like hats and mittens.  If you are interested in more storage ideas have a look at my previous blog post!

Traditional Entry by Asbury Park Interior Designers & Decorators Identity Design

A Mirror:
Any mirror would look great in your foyer but if you really want to make a statement why not try adding some vibrancy? A gloss-finished, red framed mirror will make a dramatic statement and also allow you to make any last minute personal checks as you're heading out the door!

There are countless ways to creatively and beautifully decorate your foyer and by following any of these basic suggestions you can create a lasting impact. I hope these tips have helped and you're guests are impressed!