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Embracing Dark Colour Schemes Year-Round
With thoughtful design choices, darker palettes can retain their allure throughout the year, offering a timeless aesthetic that adapts beautifully to the changing seasons.
Dark colour schemes are gaining immense popularity, creating moody, sophisticated spaces that resonate with the season. However, the challenge arises: how can these rich hues transition seamlessly into the warmer months? With thoughtful design choices, darker palettes can retain their allure throughout the year, offering a timeless aesthetic that adapts beautifully to the changing seasons.
THE POWER OF PAINT
One of the most effective ways to establish a moody vibe is through paint. Rich, dark colours—like navy, forest green, deep burgundy, or charcoal—instantly elevate a room, imbuing it with sophistication and warmth. To choose the right shades, consider your wardrobe; the colours you love to wear are often the ones you’ll enjoy seeing in your home. For instance, if you often don a navy blazer, why not explore moody blues for your walls?
For those hesitant to commit to a fully dark room, starting with a feature wall can be a great option. A single wall painted in a deep hue can provide a stunning focal point without overwhelming the space. Another playful idea is to paint a powder room in a bold colour; this unexpected pop can delight guests and showcase your unique style. Remember, paint is not permanent; it should be a fun, experimental décor element.
TRANSFORMATIVE DÉCOR
Once you have your moody base, seasonal décor can bring brightness and warmth. Textured throw pillows and cozy blankets are perfect for adding light pops of colour that balance dark walls. In the winter, opt for chunky knits and rich, warm tones. As spring and summer approach, transition to lighter fabrics and vibrant hues that evoke joy and comfort.
Functional textiles are essential if you have kids or pets. Performance fabrics that are easy to clean ensure your space remains inviting without sacrificing practicality. Seasonal changes in your décor allow you to maintain a cozy atmosphere while keeping the space fresh and lively.
ILLUMINATING THE MOOD
Lighting is crucial in moody design. Thoughtfully planning your lighting scheme prevents dark hues from absorbing light. Consider using a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create balance. Table lamps, in particular, can add personality and warmth to any room. Portable lamps can even serve as a dynamic centrepiece for dining tables, offering a cozy ambiance that shifts with the seasons.
Keep your space feeling bright and cheerful by placing sconces in key areas. Illuminating walls can help counteract the absorption of dark colours, creating a welcoming atmosphere year-round. Whether you prefer a dim, cozy setting or a bright, cheerful vibe, adjust your lighting to set the perfect tone for any occasion.
REFLECTING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
Ultimately, your home should be a reflection of you and how you want it to feel. A moody colour scheme can evoke a sense of sophistication and calm, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Make design decisions based on what sparks joy and resonates with your style. Incorporating elements that reflect your personality will ensure an authentic and inviting space feels authentic and inviting, regardless of the season.
We know that dark colour schemes can be versatile and adaptable, creating timeless, inviting and stylish spaces. By using thoughtful paint choices, transformative décor, and strategic lighting, you can maintain the allure of moody design all year long. Embrace the moodiness while allowing your space to evolve with the seasons, and enjoy a home that truly feels like yours.
Are you looking to change up your interiors?
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Let’s Get Cozy: Our Tips for Making Home Your Happy Place
We love cozying up at home and embracing the season ahead. Get inspired with some of our favourite tips for making your space a cozy sanctuary.
We love cozying up at home and embracing the season ahead. Get inspired with some of our favourite tips for making your space a cozy sanctuary.
CANDLES
We light candles all year round, but they are especially a non-negotiable in the fall and winter months.
Decorating with candles adds warmth to a room and makes it feel cozy and inviting. Candles are also a versatile decorating tool that smells amazing and adds character and style to any room in your home.
We love using candles with seasonal scents like deep reds and burnt oranges. If you’re more into neutrals, try incorporating candles with texture or experiment with candle holders in unique shapes.
Lastly, create an inviting space by adding taper candles to your tablescapes for social gatherings or use them in your entryway to greet guests upon arrival.
PILLOWS & THROWS
Textured pillows and throws in seasonal colours are the best way to bring all the cozy vibes to your space. Chunky knits and warm colours spark joy and bring a sense of comfort to your space.
DESIGN TIP:
Décor should be comfortable and functional, especially if you crave a soothing space to unwind in at the end of a busy day. If you have kids, look for textiles in performance fabrics that are easy to wipe clean or wash.
AMBIENT LIGHT
We focus on lighting in the upcoming seasons from a practical standpoint -especially because days are darker in Vancouver - but also because it’s a way to dial up the coziness, too.
Portable lamps are trending right now, with lots of brands offering their own iterations from luxury to budget-friendly options.
We are currently obsessed with table lamps—they are art and create design-led moments throughout your home. Try adding a small lamp or sconce to an unexpected place, like in the bathroom or kitchen to make it feel warmer, and to avoid the use of large, fluorescent ceiling lights.
DESIGN TIP:
Sometimes we use portable lamps on our dining table instead of candles to set the mood!
FOLIAGE
Nothing represents the changing of the seasons more than the summer blooms fading into rich fall foliage.
Bringing the beauty of the outdoors indoors is a quick and easy way to change up the look of a room and help to make it feel more cozy.
DESIGN TIP:
Shop your backyard with gardening shears! You will be surprised at what you will find. Choose large branches to bring a sculptural element to your décor. This can make for an eye-catching feature in the space; uplifting the area with natural texture and colour.
RUGS
If you only add one thing to your décor shopping list, make it an area rug!
One of the easiest ways to add warmth and texture to your room is to introduce a versatile rug. More flexible than a carpet or other forms of fixed floor coverings, rugs and runners are a great way to soften a hard stone, tiled, or wood floor, and can also be layered onto soft floors to provide extra interest or to define zones. They add a layer of personality to any room, even in the kitchen or entryway!
DESIGN TIP:
If you don’t have the budget or time to shop for a new rug, give your carpet a nice deep clean, or opt for a jute rug. Jute rugs are typically budget-friendly and introduce texture to any space.
Happy Cozy Season!
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Ready to Refresh Your Space With New Hardware?
Clients often come to us wanting to refresh their space cost-effectively and sustainably. Updating hardware is an easy way to update your home and give it new life—whether you’re looking to refresh kitchen cabinets or give your bathroom a new look. We love working with Plank Hardware, an innovative and creative hardware company that continuously provides our clients with quality designs and products that suit their needs.
Clients often come to us wanting to refresh their space cost-effectively and sustainably. Updating hardware is an easy way to update your home and give it new life—whether you’re looking to refresh kitchen cabinets or give your bathroom a new look. We love working with Plank Hardware, an innovative and creative hardware company that continuously provides our clients with quality designs and products that suit their needs.
With endless options, it can be hard to pick hardware that’s right for you and your home. Keep reading for our hardware style guide—pick your vibe and check out our favourites from Plank!
MINIMALIST
TRADITIONAL
STATEMENT
Ready to refresh your space with new hardware? LET’S WORK TOGETHER to find the right hardware and style for your space.
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Design Meets Function: Ashley’s Family-Friendly Design Faves
As a mom of two, I know the struggle of wanting to maintain a stylish vibe in my space that still functions for my family. When working with clients who have kids, I always prioritize finding pieces that fit their aesthetic, maximize space and make their lives easier. Here are a few of my go-to kid-friendly decor pieces.
As a mom of two, I know the struggle of wanting to maintain a stylish vibe in my space that still functions for my family. When working with clients who have kids, I always prioritize finding pieces that fit their aesthetic, maximize space and make their lives easier. Here are a few of my go-to kid-friendly decor pieces.
STEP STOOL
Say goodbye to plastic stools, mini tables and chairs—these two products are a must in a family home. The Step On Me Stool from Sundays Furniture is a multipurpose piece that elevates your space. Place it in the bathroom for teeth brushing or use it in the kitchen when you want to cook with your little helper—it’s durable and most importantly, it looks good.
FLIP DESK
Living in the city, we have to be selective with what we bring into our space. We don’t have room for endless baskets, tables and chairs, so the Flip Desk from Sundays Furniture is another awesome option. It’s a great spot for your kids to play and get creative, but it’s easy to tuck away when playtime is over. It’s cute with a capital C!
STORAGE OTTOMAN
When designing a space that kids will live in, lids are your best friend. I often suggest built-in storage or custom millwork to clients with kiddos - which we offer - but, if you’re looking for functional furniture this is it! This Storage Ottoman from Article can stash toys and is easy to wipe down if (let’s be real - when) there are spills! These come in a range of sizes to fit any space or storage need.
STORAGE BASKET
Hidden storage is my favourite kind of storage. That’s why I LOVE Lidded Baskets from West Elm. When you need the toys out of sight, throw them in one of these and zen out. These are perfect for laundry, shoes and blankets too! Sometimes you can get lucky and find a dupe at HomeSense—if you do, buy them all! You’ll thank me.
WALL HOOKS
Hooks are a lifesaver! Not only are they functional, but you can find ones that look like art when there’s nothing hung on them. We have the Muuto Hooks from Vancouver Special in a variety of sizes in our home entry and love mixing and matching the different colour options. Use these in your entryway, kids’ bedrooms or anywhere you want stuff off the floor!
Need more ideas on how to create a functional family home that still has style? We got you!
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