What every neutral colour scheme needs

<br />I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to write about neutral colour schemes.  Just like a gift <a href="http://www.ladolcevitablog.com/2015/02/06/fabulous-room-friday-02-06-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fladolcevitablog+%28La+Dolce+Vita%29"> La Dolce Vita</a>, one of my favourite blogs, appeared  in my inbox with the perfect visuals to support  several of the points I wanted to make.  Paloma always finds the best spaces to present to readers! Check out her blog, you won't be sorry.<br /><br /> Making a neutral scheme work requires skill.  Once you  remove colour from the equation you have to make the most of the  other elements of design especially: pattern, texture, value/contrast and form.  Of course the principles of design remain in tact. Every successful space  has  good balance, harmony, emphasis, scale/proportion and rhythm. <br /><br />Sounds great, but what does that look like in a space?<br /><br />Check out all takes of this  living room  by Bill Ingram & William McLure of <a href="http://www.billingramarchitect.com/">Bill Ingram Archit</a><span style="color: #351c75;">ect.</span><br /><br /> Quiz time:  Jot down what  you think makes  the space  work.  If you are used to colour being your main decor element you might need to shift gears for a moment to see the beauty in neutral schemes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4neLPJf6uftew5-T3UE78xt5LFzGv91Xz9nj1qX8uVgqyCEQX0TZ6qpJ6MX-zlr8wk6ivJUUUgBr9RejUQsUHIpd8H_4wJIkia57fFHg7UWN1klUWiYYpJiZOK_Qei9_lZ7BJdZQIQaQO/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme, pattern, texture, contrast " border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4neLPJf6uftew5-T3UE78xt5LFzGv91Xz9nj1qX8uVgqyCEQX0TZ6qpJ6MX-zlr8wk6ivJUUUgBr9RejUQsUHIpd8H_4wJIkia57fFHg7UWN1klUWiYYpJiZOK_Qei9_lZ7BJdZQIQaQO/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsCaax30M3sGYxg7yL42qzhxH4QqdYFEWjrcikGCvNVX_YPiED2Lwy4tLTZA8OLaYbVBvSGEEK39OjdAimBg1nltgmF_93RNSGmx4qz8TwgVcapX1Sgyp3JWjpINwBIjTEYMQZ_ll4Nux/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsCaax30M3sGYxg7yL42qzhxH4QqdYFEWjrcikGCvNVX_YPiED2Lwy4tLTZA8OLaYbVBvSGEEK39OjdAimBg1nltgmF_93RNSGmx4qz8TwgVcapX1Sgyp3JWjpINwBIjTEYMQZ_ll4Nux/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="376" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53vrgIq4kRM7Qykb4J7ATTtuQtYIcGZIOLr4eL5EKe6EZQsVBKPI8VFP-Uysv4M8ykjR4xDgd8A6lvTrqvQvwcXlD1HIL1_Pqyklv7CerjCq6__wx4wuELKS50sauav1dcdenKXdxylpf/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53vrgIq4kRM7Qykb4J7ATTtuQtYIcGZIOLr4eL5EKe6EZQsVBKPI8VFP-Uysv4M8ykjR4xDgd8A6lvTrqvQvwcXlD1HIL1_Pqyklv7CerjCq6__wx4wuELKS50sauav1dcdenKXdxylpf/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmLi83NJCChMw-fyiWFG8Fv7MUNN9HOCH02r8Jx-Zb0Vl3GBTA-fzlmHyCoK8iLvGhEybGiJPhDfx_FfLu6S19n5Aa5CDSfWrLqgoJPDFeKu7ri6wur-rUy7pYZQEtG4M4UjR57ePtZtJ/s1600/layered+texture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmLi83NJCChMw-fyiWFG8Fv7MUNN9HOCH02r8Jx-Zb0Vl3GBTA-fzlmHyCoK8iLvGhEybGiJPhDfx_FfLu6S19n5Aa5CDSfWrLqgoJPDFeKu7ri6wur-rUy7pYZQEtG4M4UjR57ePtZtJ/s1600/layered+texture.png" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="300" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Contrast</b><br /><br />The first element that jumps out at me is contrast.  You cannot have a successful room without good contrast, even when you have lots of colour.   It's the same way in art.   I wrote about this  topic in depth <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/03/look-for-bones-of-room.html">here</a>.  You get contrast by manipulating your values from light to dark.  This space goes from black to white and has every conceivable value in between. <br /><br /><b>Texture</b><br /><b><br /></b>This space also gets an A+ for texture.  Not everyone can have the stone work evident in this space but you might have a stone  or brick fireplace   Check out the wood stacked in the open hearth, the tree stump table and the rough wood planters.   A variety of textiles are used from the subtly textured obviously wool carpet to the white smooth fabric on the drapery and chair.  The knit pillows are perfect by the stone,  nothing like the garter stitch for obvious texture. But the coffee table is the show stopper with its reflective high gloss.  Don't miss the folded fur throw on the chair.   There is also subtle texture on the frame of the gold chair, the doors of the armoire and the statue.<br /><br /><b>Pattern</b><br /><b><br /></b>Geometric motifs predominate with diamonds, stripes  and circles repeated around the room.<br /><br /><b>Form</b><br /><b><br /></b>This can be a hard one if you like everything matched in furniture style.  I think use of a variety of forms make this space.<br /><br />My own element that every space needs -- <b>organic elements </b><br /><br />Imagine this space without the two fig trees.  I rest my case.  You need organic references in every space and this one has it in spades. <br /><br /><b>Only one thing</b><br /><b><br /></b>If I could change one thing about this space it would be the scale of the artwork between the windows.  Love the art work, but it needs a little breathing space around the edges.  Too much competition with the grids in the window. Sorry, it's the artist in me.  On the other hand I love the large scale fig trees and they might account for the scale of the art!<br /><br />True, this space might not be your cup of tea, but it is interesting; it invites the eye to move around and to touch the various elements in the space.<br /><br /><b>Now it's your turn...</b><br />What are your thoughts on this space?  Could you live here?

What every neutral colour scheme needs

I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to wri...

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10 reasons to love Olive Green for 2015

<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaW3i-ViehIx3QBTEYOLw2u-K7n1HhzeSxC9IPxvhKlhU5vJv526GCi32IXWfomRXPwhIzV5PacWni9u1nKD_Excm_Y1H3VC1tN2bBNCaKzBN2iQPQeR1wuDoHyk2rIo75lnr9cZRCK5A/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaW3i-ViehIx3QBTEYOLw2u-K7n1HhzeSxC9IPxvhKlhU5vJv526GCi32IXWfomRXPwhIzV5PacWni9u1nKD_Excm_Y1H3VC1tN2bBNCaKzBN2iQPQeR1wuDoHyk2rIo75lnr9cZRCK5A/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many shades of olive green </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>You may have lived through the avocado phase many years ago, but don't nix olive green automatically because of that.  I am talking about a new updated olive green look.  One that can be both traditional or contemporary.  One that takes on many faces depending on its pairing.  Just think about it this way. It....<br /><br /><br /><ol><li>is more of a neutral, so the combinations you can come up with are almost limitless;</li><li>can easily push a hint of it into any decor you already have;</li><li>sits there and lets you manipulate it;</li><li>references nature, how can it be a bad thing? (mossy rocks, under side of a leaf);</li><li>mixes with all the warm metals that are now in vogue; </li><li>is warm and organic and will make a space look that way;</li><li>can be mixed with fresh or muddy colours;</li><li>works well with Pantone's 2014 colour of the year - marsala;</li><li>won't be a one hit wonder because of its special qualities listed above;</li><li>just because.</li></ol><br /><br /><div>How much of it you want to add to your decor is up to you.  Personally I won't be going out and getting a new green kitchen, but it could be pretty spectacular.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9cPCmb4EEExMjzYFjCDgUwb7F9ga8uG7WiDpFoCzBu0crtpgL9kMge90i4182MpJM9GD-WFZDSONLULCCcSHKlcRBQAjDBNgSvU08dduK1tJg-5OyiCo9aooIPCKGbvLnVDggaYGqWvU/s1600/olive+kitchen+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9cPCmb4EEExMjzYFjCDgUwb7F9ga8uG7WiDpFoCzBu0crtpgL9kMge90i4182MpJM9GD-WFZDSONLULCCcSHKlcRBQAjDBNgSvU08dduK1tJg-5OyiCo9aooIPCKGbvLnVDggaYGqWvU/s1600/olive+kitchen+.png" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1165251/Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Source</a></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif;"><br /></em></div><br /><div>I love olive green with white and black as you can see from my style board.  This green is more vibrant, approaching apple green. Some people refer to it as olive green, but it needs to be "dirtier" to fit my definition of olive green. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I5gTBpAHKt1-iO6r47ydpCNiEgoV1_oh5Ej2sb2OLRQLPm6w0b8uVKopMxbKiq6Wht3Co7YE8KQrVoIBo2kSAlLuohMM0wpJhszWXUVw_840X284KoN37lwleWocfA62qsSr7CEqFbwq/s1600/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I5gTBpAHKt1-iO6r47ydpCNiEgoV1_oh5Ej2sb2OLRQLPm6w0b8uVKopMxbKiq6Wht3Co7YE8KQrVoIBo2kSAlLuohMM0wpJhszWXUVw_840X284KoN37lwleWocfA62qsSr7CEqFbwq/s1600/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.heimdecor.net/detail/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas-7833.html">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes!  My two favourites with olive green - black and white.  So fresh.   What happens when you start to muddy up olive?  Check out below.  Still an interesting look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6WQsg6T5UBsb6ix5Bb7XSAy-qnZIYC2rrgG1nxZgzSdhYbVBwKAUT0_lWeOEPIHFA1pCFYHz20XdMedDXGJ1eRxAJ8OYydsMtU5Dam6O2MEp7XIQqvlzd7-e-iKsy1xxLKIy7jDadi7M/s1600/olive-green-deep-sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6WQsg6T5UBsb6ix5Bb7XSAy-qnZIYC2rrgG1nxZgzSdhYbVBwKAUT0_lWeOEPIHFA1pCFYHz20XdMedDXGJ1eRxAJ8OYydsMtU5Dam6O2MEp7XIQqvlzd7-e-iKsy1xxLKIy7jDadi7M/s1600/olive-green-deep-sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/that-70s-green-olive-green-decor/">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spicing it up with pattern always helps.  A range of greens that have been popular over the last several years are mixed with the olive. in the chairs and pillow .  Note the connection of the brownish green wall with the scheme in the next photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbduwYfQGrKdxGDh9jetXGd-5MS8o7KRMbUHBG8UAbVW_OuqFeD0SsPxAQk5DH3nY8doU2vTtxsgk7rZPAntMc5YtbSyDZ6dw99zxz20MRBhe_PQBVsLn-zsJ8EF-oFmcwMlsU46VRCNhd/s1600/ELLEDECOR_SIMON-UPTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbduwYfQGrKdxGDh9jetXGd-5MS8o7KRMbUHBG8UAbVW_OuqFeD0SsPxAQk5DH3nY8doU2vTtxsgk7rZPAntMc5YtbSyDZ6dw99zxz20MRBhe_PQBVsLn-zsJ8EF-oFmcwMlsU46VRCNhd/s1600/ELLEDECOR_SIMON-UPTON.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.caleidoscopecolor.com/?p=178"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 23.25px; text-align: start;"></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This is a very different olive green that is approaching greenish brown. If you've mixed paint you know how easily that can happen.   It certainly helps  you see how the colours relate when they are separated out . </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT3Zko3omJxlr8THJQOLT4CPClBoy0jVL_oxpl_ILFDgnThRF3iVRog_BmP1iE_dwF2t7yo_GmMqF-P7ReNst4SdkNXSqAHceL0kU2SEFXVWP5FXbpceq5ij98qdHyqyE1FPbVxgAFPwT/s1600/olive+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT3Zko3omJxlr8THJQOLT4CPClBoy0jVL_oxpl_ILFDgnThRF3iVRog_BmP1iE_dwF2t7yo_GmMqF-P7ReNst4SdkNXSqAHceL0kU2SEFXVWP5FXbpceq5ij98qdHyqyE1FPbVxgAFPwT/s1600/olive+bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://nimda-lt.livejournal.com/234731.html">source</a></span></div><br />This room is built around variations on the lightest colour in the photo above.<br />Now we're talking my idea of a serene olive green.  Everything in this space is understated with just the the merest hint of olive. Love the textures.<br /><br /><br />Perhaps olive is the answer to my ongoing love hate relationship with the accent colour in my living room.  I'm not living well with my rusty red. It has never sat well in the space. Something to think about.<br /><br />Stay tuned for other pairings for this interesting colour.  Do you think olive green will feature in any way in your home in 2015?<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.25px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.25px;"><br /></span>

10 reasons to love Olive Green for 2015

Many shades of olive green  You may have lived through the avocado phase many years ago, but don't nix olive green automatically because...

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At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home

<span style="font-family: inherit;">Accepting a visitor/decorator into your home to deconstruct it in words and pictures is not for the faint of heart.  There's  an element of trust in this endeavour, trust that I will represent the home in a truthful and pleasing way. Knowing this, I am always so pleased when homeowners accept my proposal to highlight their home and discuss elements of their decor that I am interested in writing about.  Once again I have willing participants in my At Home series.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come along to see what the Erls have been up to for the last six months since they moved into their new home in the east end of St. John's, NL.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5JYBy4YsiLXDYTD-tyktym0PFFPTaO3xcOOO18bQDzk6s60JgHS3pidWmJVnhfflNp_Z9a9wDbpGLn7tOojxAVKHuL1FBa9xizPLpqLcJlS75dIc8QMtTfukX3g-lzQFHx0pM5qCKeZI/s1600/main+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5JYBy4YsiLXDYTD-tyktym0PFFPTaO3xcOOO18bQDzk6s60JgHS3pidWmJVnhfflNp_Z9a9wDbpGLn7tOojxAVKHuL1FBa9xizPLpqLcJlS75dIc8QMtTfukX3g-lzQFHx0pM5qCKeZI/s1600/main+entry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WELCOME</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x4J6AQsBaf_CLdpt76ZFXWAoTSZnF04Ikpx0Ta1AyW3MvedVy3BHvz7Xurt9_a8d8NAzbyYxXra4O5t4dFSzQethyEnU6BLY-mvFyXBsB4mmRkXsR8JULc3GN6dlkvJlEXC2IzeR2tTK/s1600/foyer-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x4J6AQsBaf_CLdpt76ZFXWAoTSZnF04Ikpx0Ta1AyW3MvedVy3BHvz7Xurt9_a8d8NAzbyYxXra4O5t4dFSzQethyEnU6BLY-mvFyXBsB4mmRkXsR8JULc3GN6dlkvJlEXC2IzeR2tTK/s1600/foyer-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entrance to this home provides a pleasing welcome with it's bold colour scheme and inviting landscaping.  As you move inside you soon realize that the exterior is an extension of the overall feel and colour schemes utilized inside. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">A neutral background</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is very obvious that Gail and Gary are  detail oriented people because  great attention is given to  both the  permanent fixtures  in their home as well as the smaller details. This is a warm home even though the majority of rooms are painted  Benjamin Moore CC40 cloud white, a tried and true warmish white.   Thankfully I don't have to try to put a positive spin on a cool white (e.g.,  Benjamin Moore decorator's white) which I am not in the least attracted to.  Thanks for making my job easier!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">High contrast</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IsGbouRLsiwaUylICHzV21P6mNrHv0a0AmsOBeCTIfaBLlXndegVNKEgFymqNv37BfXDRL-yYyK0GwohU21DjGHL9ye8lzpVHvALKZ9NxgwdgxlsgtW4k1TDR8ws_OZdPdGhNVsmDqTg/s1600/finishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="high contrast black doors, black stairs, dark wood finishes" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IsGbouRLsiwaUylICHzV21P6mNrHv0a0AmsOBeCTIfaBLlXndegVNKEgFymqNv37BfXDRL-yYyK0GwohU21DjGHL9ye8lzpVHvALKZ9NxgwdgxlsgtW4k1TDR8ws_OZdPdGhNVsmDqTg/s1600/finishes.jpg" title="Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most striking aspects of this home is the high contrast between the  darker wood finishes</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">( hardwood, doors, stairways), and the light tile, walls and windows.  The stained glass transoms created by Don Ryall were designed to parallel the one in the entry.  Two additional transoms over the entries to the kitchen carry this patterning and contrast into the centre of the house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vibrant accent colours</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95rsuDrKuAs0ntZYJL4ogi73LARU-QmOR-vGWUoxWyVHVL8l1mnxnmo7zuuVv9BCZAc1TIHws9KP9A4NSgHNpVZttOAnYbafnOoBc-caLfl6J-eN18aDVVSkBDkwXHG_1kJcteNN-cpbu/s1600/accent-colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95rsuDrKuAs0ntZYJL4ogi73LARU-QmOR-vGWUoxWyVHVL8l1mnxnmo7zuuVv9BCZAc1TIHws9KP9A4NSgHNpVZttOAnYbafnOoBc-caLfl6J-eN18aDVVSkBDkwXHG_1kJcteNN-cpbu/s1600/accent-colours.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gail has broken up the neutral framework with her love of vibrant colours liberally employed in her accents.  With each room having a different accent colour ranging from blues to orange and red you are kept interested as you move from room to room.  There is definitely an up beat feel to the space.   Knowing that Gail is a gardener, I would describe her accent colours as a garden palette.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Function and form</span></h4><div><br /></div><h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsbcDWHw5XywsbceyH-Qv0OqWS77-b-u1I5oUt1l68kvFEpjhSGWqIqKIDYxQaCtXlPkSqeORcmyUloa7Odo5-HviKMRtEOytMncuwLsNLfBfFe1Umsw5JDbndSmGCX4dksFC4Pe1Oz6N/s1600/accessories+ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsbcDWHw5XywsbceyH-Qv0OqWS77-b-u1I5oUt1l68kvFEpjhSGWqIqKIDYxQaCtXlPkSqeORcmyUloa7Odo5-HviKMRtEOytMncuwLsNLfBfFe1Umsw5JDbndSmGCX4dksFC4Pe1Oz6N/s1600/accessories+ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">When you choose basic colours you can move things around to see where they look best. Gail's accessories for the most part are functional objects: pillows, clocks, baskets, vases, candles, trays, throws etc., which are easily interchanged.  While I was photographing, I had the urge to do just that to show the versatility in her collection of objects, but that might be another post. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use what you have</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the struggles many people have in a move to a different style and size of home is carry over.  Often what looked great in one space, just doesn't work in another even when you keep much of the same furniture.  When I questioned Gail about this she estimated she reused about 80% of her things.  She believes  her interest in certain colours remains constant, and much of what she purchases can be used in a variety of settings.   Pillows are quickly updated with new covers, while vases, a particular favourite, alway work in a space for flowers/greenery, or to add a sculptural element to the simplest arrangement of objects.    Re-using accessories is a responsible approach to decorating, and it also provides the much needed time to find the final finishing touches.</span><br /><h4></h4><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wood tones as a backdrop</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the vibrancy of her accent colours are reminiscent of a riot of colourful flowers,  a range of wood tones in furniture and accessories  provide  a great foil this the bold intrusion of colour. Mixing wood tones throughout a space creates warmth and carries hints of nature throughout  a home.  While some people get carried away with efforts to perfectly match wood tones,  a more eclectic approach provides greater interest.  Choose one to dominate and be flexible with the rest.  For more on  how to integrate wood tones like a pro check out <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/03/thoughts-on-mixing-wood-tones.html">this post</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspiration</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbnVFlGy-q9OZn2lqwrGY2RdR4CB-xK7uKZOWYKwzKaD1OoWfOwuFNa7QAw5WeRz9P2v_kI99smIGLVZkTvVVJDST4EXsHSQelg1UkyUunmBzDoHyN90sNQPO9I-zsZOhETaa3B-3bIUj/s1600/coffee-table-magazines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbnVFlGy-q9OZn2lqwrGY2RdR4CB-xK7uKZOWYKwzKaD1OoWfOwuFNa7QAw5WeRz9P2v_kI99smIGLVZkTvVVJDST4EXsHSQelg1UkyUunmBzDoHyN90sNQPO9I-zsZOhETaa3B-3bIUj/s1600/coffee-table-magazines.JPG" width="277" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When asked about sources of inspiration, Gail admitted she has a  weakness for decorating magazines, and also watches  certain decorating shows.  But there is no doubt in my mind that she takes much of her inspiration from nature because it is referenced repeatedly in her home.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A good example of this is the art work over the bed in the master bedroom.  Not only does it bring us into a relaxing day by the sea it also relates to the lake that is visible through the windows.  As you can see, window treatments are minimal and frame the great views.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBUTZFyaqdxzbV1a88uENLta5WG8Xd-WCG2RdQSRnQgxj9V3mzMkGDyJkeAzMyqhc-pPBZGadZhsOrpgV8veL_BYYE2gW-N8rmRZEKIt5e1zt95VeGMAk1oGvJchw3pxeo453haDY_Aks/s1600/master-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBUTZFyaqdxzbV1a88uENLta5WG8Xd-WCG2RdQSRnQgxj9V3mzMkGDyJkeAzMyqhc-pPBZGadZhsOrpgV8veL_BYYE2gW-N8rmRZEKIt5e1zt95VeGMAk1oGvJchw3pxeo453haDY_Aks/s1600/master-collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">European travels  have obviously had an impact on how The Erls' choose to organize and furnish their home from the single European duvets to the  clean lined aesthetic evident in every room.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0G8nVq6RMMFCjiHqvQRLIIcMq31C6Nvd5V2n_AyUaJNa4sxCwatZgtarLHxyCuPCkc34yo93HyNCDJYHOdPUv1uhiqZUwTjHWrjuHxHVrh11Kcg6kpuqjSqwUCqxkDG0D5n3ZvCuVdpF/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0G8nVq6RMMFCjiHqvQRLIIcMq31C6Nvd5V2n_AyUaJNa4sxCwatZgtarLHxyCuPCkc34yo93HyNCDJYHOdPUv1uhiqZUwTjHWrjuHxHVrh11Kcg6kpuqjSqwUCqxkDG0D5n3ZvCuVdpF/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM_jHCzI0jmT37LENsaipBs10QZ6DAWpyqfoigzZZjkliyqMXL04zYS3jBSkZsFOKUM76jUsqAP102AshyphenhyphenWYpWJn8fePGyb9j-Dkptish8KUditIQ_CC1-IIXU2m991yF7ozf5jB4ozk6/s1600/vanity-+ensuite_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM_jHCzI0jmT37LENsaipBs10QZ6DAWpyqfoigzZZjkliyqMXL04zYS3jBSkZsFOKUM76jUsqAP102AshyphenhyphenWYpWJn8fePGyb9j-Dkptish8KUditIQ_CC1-IIXU2m991yF7ozf5jB4ozk6/s1600/vanity-+ensuite_01.JPG" style="color: #0000ee;" width="295" /><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The soft cream accents from the bedroom are darkened to a soft gold in the ensuite. Again, you can see nature references in the grain of the storage boxes and the content of artwork.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seasonal decorating</span></h4><div><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGoI5m4VabmIsAbBaefvGDF5KXUXDYoDJVcsapN3XyYXMX_gPTuggKUX5NZWjokk2nc-amTLFQl3ixU0KlmU6fQP5uIbhl3pMEioRcF22k7_DmBNZYTFTFBrUwCx0YN3mqZjVIV2jzTGt/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGoI5m4VabmIsAbBaefvGDF5KXUXDYoDJVcsapN3XyYXMX_gPTuggKUX5NZWjokk2nc-amTLFQl3ixU0KlmU6fQP5uIbhl3pMEioRcF22k7_DmBNZYTFTFBrUwCx0YN3mqZjVIV2jzTGt/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you choose the right accessories there isn't much you need to do when special events roll around. Gail and I  have the same decorating philosophy about seasonal decor!  The answer to all her seasonal decorating is colour specific to the season supported by what else - flowers and greenery.  Pop in a few orange flowers in the tray you saw in an earlier pic  and you're ready to go. That's where her vase collection comes in. She  also liberally uses fruit and vegetables in her arrangements.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vignettes</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ94BYPlWKvWl0hdMEXLyQDXEAj4n3sKqqNn933CBFI8k1Tw60fs5yv2tagTxhDNo9n8rk9nMdpscsd2OaS5oyJayJCNyVq7qsxH5519UGg_96U-N9TydHSDf_WFUhcsBBZ-EjrlxcF189/s1600/Erl-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ94BYPlWKvWl0hdMEXLyQDXEAj4n3sKqqNn933CBFI8k1Tw60fs5yv2tagTxhDNo9n8rk9nMdpscsd2OaS5oyJayJCNyVq7qsxH5519UGg_96U-N9TydHSDf_WFUhcsBBZ-EjrlxcF189/s1600/Erl-kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chuckle, chuckle... decorating speak for arranged objects.  It's the perfect word in my book, but I've gotten some strange looks from clients when I use it.   There is definitely an art to arranging objects in a pleasing way.  In essence, you are creating a 3 dimensional composition.  Check out this post for lots of tips on the various lines of design you can use when composing  arrangements.  In addition, the top three things to remember are: 1) odd numbers of objects; 2) varying heights; and 3) variety in colour and texture. Then there's: repetition, balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical) and overlapping. I see all of these elements/ principles used in Gail's arrangements.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For many people decor decisions are usually made at the  instinctual level.  Each of us is attracted to various colours, shapes/forms, textures, etc., and how  they can be organized.  Often we may not be aware of our biases.  I told Gail I would seek hers out for the post.  As you can see in the collage of kitchen shots above, she has a definite attraction to vibrant colours, repetition of form and threes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_XNgbgt8tFviaXprYlzrQkC_BXOrE4w4mCGW6QSSl6ozpHt6zRXYSYwoggxwRoQgQDuErb3LUgLqgAXJxLry5qHPWivP-8xcWu-Grd_vIz7W79LbgJhSFy1ikHhqx7qLKc9JsgO7ZmUX/s1600/apples+and+flowers_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_XNgbgt8tFviaXprYlzrQkC_BXOrE4w4mCGW6QSSl6ozpHt6zRXYSYwoggxwRoQgQDuErb3LUgLqgAXJxLry5qHPWivP-8xcWu-Grd_vIz7W79LbgJhSFy1ikHhqx7qLKc9JsgO7ZmUX/s1600/apples+and+flowers_01.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice the repetition of rectangles above in the art, tray and the counter, as well as a strong vertical orientation in the vase and flowers. The curves in the apples, vase and flowers help to  counteract the straight lines. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, you have to completely ignore the electrical collage behind the interesting one! Wouldn't we love a house where all the functional elements could disappear into the walls?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5YtE9SibbvkgNEB0UXLNZCZwx0ud7lwCh-ZeiVbpNcg_nk7NP_89uqKL2577L0ZMJ9hfHDzpXubXz88PfG-buIyGvq2XGzDi87jrHX4dZnw2NPRe98hr67S4TB9RRA8yzhxI94PpejYz/s1600/powder+room+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5YtE9SibbvkgNEB0UXLNZCZwx0ud7lwCh-ZeiVbpNcg_nk7NP_89uqKL2577L0ZMJ9hfHDzpXubXz88PfG-buIyGvq2XGzDi87jrHX4dZnw2NPRe98hr67S4TB9RRA8yzhxI94PpejYz/s1600/powder+room+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A fresh apple green is repeated throughout her powder room.  Here there are threes again and a strong vertical orientation in the daisy art work.  I've made my own vignette/collage and added the bottle and branches from her stairs. It really does work better on the stairs, but you get the idea about moving objects from room to room when you have accent colours that work well together.  See the hint of orange in the tissue box and the the centre of the flower.... ah, the possibilities with this green and that dark wood.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sightlines</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sightlines are often forgotten elements in home decor.  Looking through into another room or down a hallway and having an anchoring element/focal point to tease your eye is a way of providing interest.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGbeBPoffG34GgvBoWGdDkHIXHsLP0EsBg6otVpw99xWkhT8yzYXvvhJBFFcUUN5ADJkIo5Wqr1F844E7Y2N_edeLoUSpL2sx4x98X8T3J2D5Ej-s4Dyl_KvzPHCsm8wiWt4CSuAgrQhm/s1600/sightlines_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGbeBPoffG34GgvBoWGdDkHIXHsLP0EsBg6otVpw99xWkhT8yzYXvvhJBFFcUUN5ADJkIo5Wqr1F844E7Y2N_edeLoUSpL2sx4x98X8T3J2D5Ej-s4Dyl_KvzPHCsm8wiWt4CSuAgrQhm/s1600/sightlines_01.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">When you enter the foyer in the Erls' home and open the door to the living area you are greeted by this eye catching photograph of  their daughter, Karen taken by <a href="http://www.jreidstudios.com/">J. Reid Studios</a>.  Not only does it provide a focal point from the entry, it continues to have a strong visual pull in the living room and dining room. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyNqGXRU6gO6aXf1kjOP39q1nAdFjnPAfqiARyt6ovf8UQR_S9bEMYY_7XjXs8DQ8OlS82f2UnEfpgFbvJdSnodqwAIlTBtZJkS479rrCR4sDkuVSx_3wdmka4W48CHoH7iwNz1xR63n/s1600/flowers-portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyNqGXRU6gO6aXf1kjOP39q1nAdFjnPAfqiARyt6ovf8UQR_S9bEMYY_7XjXs8DQ8OlS82f2UnEfpgFbvJdSnodqwAIlTBtZJkS479rrCR4sDkuVSx_3wdmka4W48CHoH7iwNz1xR63n/s1600/flowers-portrait.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Arranging things below such a striking piece  takes restraint because the portrait  has to shine.  You can see that the majority of  objects are darker, simple forms of varying heights.  Adding colourful things to this vignette would not have worked  half as well. The plant provides softness and connects well with the other plants/flowers in the room.   Also notice how the objects form a zig zag effect as they are arranged across the long expanse of table top - one of the best strategies for console tables. Balance is created without symmetry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy-bPrkLgrhK0-mj8vsll0N_SWiBjoXBKkCz9OlE-B2mVsb1Ge7EzHMkFU8-THLMhGGjLMk6knmFSsYsxySZCig8950SnFCsX1abw-0OurLSDAxdPuVv5JAEKZTrDgq-07I1b616s1FfH/s1600/kimono-chest+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="red Ikea media cabinet, Asian influences, kimono, vignette" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy-bPrkLgrhK0-mj8vsll0N_SWiBjoXBKkCz9OlE-B2mVsb1Ge7EzHMkFU8-THLMhGGjLMk6knmFSsYsxySZCig8950SnFCsX1abw-0OurLSDAxdPuVv5JAEKZTrDgq-07I1b616s1FfH/s1600/kimono-chest+.JPG" title="At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you walk out of the guest bedroom or up the main stairway this vignette greets you.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAUxUYfzBNyIn6uCUkFOd__rdd-RrNGrZeKKu4rqYx9twv5UCoQzKNCpA9E2j6iW43BD5WuTP2kim06DkJ9MueZ-IMJuLzMpJjYRYMw68bsrdT1pz5Zs5ve7cgbqfuVRHyMpRlzTxPqyE/s1600/guest-bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="european duvets, striped bedding, red accent bedroom, accessories " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAUxUYfzBNyIn6uCUkFOd__rdd-RrNGrZeKKu4rqYx9twv5UCoQzKNCpA9E2j6iW43BD5WuTP2kim06DkJ9MueZ-IMJuLzMpJjYRYMw68bsrdT1pz5Zs5ve7cgbqfuVRHyMpRlzTxPqyE/s1600/guest-bedroom.JPG" title="At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW1YaA9qpZR0_IbNHn8ZfXlLVwqrNfYgMIAN9MdPjV3EmV_jtxBEs1wpHywKgHr7B4P3nlUIyNWAAIu4-lfnNYEXFtuwYNNc8usYhJFUJCM7M-VRV4xhNJVkuuvT3-v7MxKvDqMBg-1Dt/s1600/console-guest-room_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW1YaA9qpZR0_IbNHn8ZfXlLVwqrNfYgMIAN9MdPjV3EmV_jtxBEs1wpHywKgHr7B4P3nlUIyNWAAIu4-lfnNYEXFtuwYNNc8usYhJFUJCM7M-VRV4xhNJVkuuvT3-v7MxKvDqMBg-1Dt/s1600/console-guest-room_01.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The red is carried forward into the guest room and ....</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt0-Nxtsn-9Osf4ANBPjreQAesczKzU8jcyixA4tgGtgAOpEr0Dw7zLDsCJiNThgD-SxffZbFn5Cmg626Ebn7mjJJH58br-YyP0UlMUyI-0RfYBZQZ1MQ2cvujMFNXhXe9ovPNi1B22mH/s1600/main+bath+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt0-Nxtsn-9Osf4ANBPjreQAesczKzU8jcyixA4tgGtgAOpEr0Dw7zLDsCJiNThgD-SxffZbFn5Cmg626Ebn7mjJJH58br-YyP0UlMUyI-0RfYBZQZ1MQ2cvujMFNXhXe9ovPNi1B22mH/s1600/main+bath+vignette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">.<span style="font-family: inherit;">..the orange from the kimono is used as an accent in the main bath.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's so much more I didn't write about, but I've generously sampled the finishing touches in this home.  Thanks so much to the Erls for graciously agreeing to have us tour their home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Perhaps you have a favourite element or room or you  would like to share your ideas in the comments.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4></h4>

At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home

Accepting a visitor/decorator into your home to deconstruct it in words and pictures is not for the faint of heart.  There's  an element...

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