Home Trends Column
Marc Atiyolil, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends – Canada’s Home Decor & Lifestyle Magazine writes a weekly syndicated column, “Home Trends” for newspapers and publications across North America.
Dear Marc:
I have an old claw foot tub which I love but the outside of the tub is looking a little drab. Is there anything that can be done besides replacing it?
Wendy
Dear Wendy:
There are certain things in your home that add character to the space and also reflect the era of the house. If this is an antique claw tub that was originally installed when the home was built, then I suggest refurbishing it to keep the essence of the space intact.
Before starting your refurbishing project, start by assessing the entire bathroom. Is the tub the only thing that needs to be changed in the space? Most likely if the tub is looking a little drab, the entire bathroom also needs a little sprucing up.
I suggest repainting your entire bathroom to give it a fresh new colour scheme and integrate the chosen colours in your refurbishing project. Choose one neutral colour for your walls paired with one to two accent colours. The accent colours chosen will be used in your towels, accessories, mats, and most importantly on the base of your claw tub. As the claw tub is something unique that not everyone has, you want your accent colour on the base of the tub to contrast with your wall colour (primary colour) so that both design elements work together but also stand on their own to make that much needed statement.
Once you have selected your accent colour for the base of the tub, visit your local paint store and ask for specialized paint for the claw tub refurbishing project. You want to invest in quality paint and primer as you don’t want the paint to chip and peel with the exposure to the moisture through the years. Be sure to properly sand the area prior to applying the primer. This is extremely important to ensure the longevity of the paint coat therefore take your time sanding and priming the area.
When the area is ready for a coat of paint, paint the entire surface going up into the inside of the lip to have a clean professional look just in case someone does decide to lay on the floor and really analyze your design project. Be sure not to paint the actual outside lip of the tub as you want the contrast between the white of the lip and the accent colour on the base.
Once the entire base of the tub is painted, consider upgrading your bathroom faucets. Faucets make a lasting impression and will give your bathroom a fresh new look. Be sure to purchase faucets that reflect the era of the house therefore if you have an older home, look for antique looking fixtures.
As soon as your bathroom upgrades are complete, be sure to take a step back and admire your design project. Enjoy!
Dear Marc;
My daughter Laurie is turning 10 this month and she has been sharing a room with her sister Anna for the past few years. I have decided to move Laurie into her own room in our basement and surprise her with her new room on her birthday. I have been flipping through design magazines and looking online for design inspiration for Laurie’s new room. Is there anything I should know before I start?
Marguerite
Dear Marguerite,
Designing an adult’s room is quite different from one for a child. The biggest differences are colour selection, furniture placement and the functionality of the room. Kids’ rooms are not only used for sleeping as most adult’s bedrooms are, they are also used for doing homework, entertaining friends, and playing games. It is a child’s personal space, a design haven that they can call their own. The common mistake a parent can do when designing a child’s room is to think of their design style and taste and completely neglect the taste and style of the child. As parents, we are used to guiding our children and sometimes making a lot of the choices for them therefore it is only natural that we take the helm when designing their bedrooms. Your child might want to use certain vibrant colours that wouldn’t traditionally be used in a bedroom for example but you’d be surprised of what works together when designing a kid’s bedroom. The design is all about a fun, funky, energetic space. Think of your child in a Louis XIV designed room. She would be so scared to break something that she wouldn’t feel comfortable! Therefore, choose a design style that will suit her personality. Get inspiration from her favourite clothes, television shows, and toys. Spend time watching your child play in her bedroom to see what function the furniture would have and which pieces are required in the final space. Also, I suggest using durable products in your design as children are energetic and ready to test the lifespan of these products.
When purchasing products for your design, choose high traffic built products such as high quality patterned carpet so that if she drops something on the carpet, you don’t have to throw it out and start all over again. Look for furniture that can stand a little more roughness and invest in neutral coloured furniture that she can keep during her teenage years. Your daughter might love pinks and purples right now but it doesn’t mean that she will in a few years so I would stay away from the bright pink dresser. For the walls, I would use a neutral colour and punch up your design with her favourite colour as the accent colour. This way, when the teenage years come along, she can just change a few accessories without repainting and throwing out all her furniture because she got up one morning and decided pink wasn’t her favourite colour anymore. Consider adding a little memorabilia that can become keepsakes in her latter years such as funky height charts, black and white baby photos, and framed childhood paintings. While your colour scheme can be simple, you can add some childlike elements in your space with fabric used in the bedding and in the draperies. This will create enough of an impact in the overall design and will again be easy and cost effective to change in a few years.
Dear Marc,
I have an old outdated oak kitchen that I would like to replace but I don’t have the money to get the entire kitchen done! I would like to get it done before the in-laws come in from out of town this spring. I am considering painting the cabinets another colour but I think it might make them look cheap. Any ideas?
Mary
Dear Mary,
Kitchens are at the heart of the home. It is where we spend time with family and explore our culinary talents. Everyone would like a gourmet kitchen but our budgets don’t always allow us to indulge in these luxurious spaces. Therefore, we modify, update and make the kitchen we have, our own. Oak kitchens are probably one of the most common kitchens found in older homes today. Years ago, oak was the trendy wood to use in kitchen spaces. Today, designers are steering away from traditional oak cabinets for the simple reason that everybody has one, therefore it is not considered unique and luxurious. But do not despair, there are ways to update your look without ripping out all your kitchen cabinets and re-mortgaging the house!
If you considered painting the cabinets, then I will assume the core and hardware of your cabinets are in good shape. If so, then using a kitchen cabinet re-facing service would give you the opportunity to update the look of your kitchen space on a tight budget. Kitchen Cabinet Re-facing is a process where a professional will replace your cabinet doors and any other wood that is visible and replace these components with new doors with the stain of your choice. This service will keep the hardware and core of your cabinets so that you won’t have to replace the entire kitchen cabinets. For this service, ask trades people for recommendations for professionals specializing in this service in your area. Always get at least three estimates to compare the services and prices offered and enjoy your new kitchen look!
Dear Marc;
I live in a really small condo. How can I maximize the space I have?
Sabrina
Dear Sabrina;
Small Spaces are like sports cars, to make them functional, you have to prioritize. I know for a fact that I can’t fit everything found in my home in my convertible and believe me I have tried and it really doesn’t work. I do however understand that if I prioritize what I need for my everyday routine, I won’t miss a beat. Same goes for your small space, prioritize what you need for your everyday lifestyle. The items you use on a daily basis should be easily accessible while others who have occasional uses should be stored away in storage devices such as multi functional furniture.
Multi functional furniture is extremely trendy in today’s market. We can find ottomans, sofas, chaises, coffee tables and many other pieces that turn into storage units. Furnish your home with such units as small condos rarely come with large storage areas such as walk-in closets so you have to make do with storing your least-used items in creative ways to avoid excess clutter.
Dear Marc;
I am looking around for fabric to reupholster a chair that my mother gave me. I went to the fabric store yesterday and there was a lot of fabric to choose from. What should I look for when buying fabric?
Nicole
Dear Nicole;
Restoring a family heirloom is a great Do-it-Yourself project! I have ventured in reupholstering furniture a few times and think the following should be engraved in stone somewhere as a rule of thumb for amateur reupholsters.
First, think of the function of the chair. Ask yourself how much usage will the chair receive on a weekly basis. If it is an everyday item, then I suggest stronger, more durable darker coloured fabric but if it is just a “sit there and look pretty chair”, then you may choose a lower grade lighter coloured fabric. The second thing to consider is the sheen of the fabric. The more sheen the fabric exudes, the harder the reupholstering project. Remember it’s all about having fun restoring this piece and welcoming a piece of furniture that was once part of your childhood into your new life adult.
Dear Marc;
My new year’s resolution was to have an eco friendly home. I am redoing one room at a time and turning it into an eco friendly design. I am tackling my first room and am in search of eco friendly flooring. Are there any that you can suggest?
Michelle
Dear Michelle;
Congratulations on taking a “green” initiative in your new design project. Every bit will help make our planet a better place to live for the generations to come. There are a few different eco friendly floors on the market today.
First, you can get traditional carpet made of eco friendly materials but if you want something really unique, I would suggest you take a look at the leather flooring. It is made entirely of recycled leather and has a very unique look from anything else on the market. It easily assembles with a snap together system so you can put it together yourself. The final look is clean and modern and looks great in almost any space!
Dear Marc;
I bought an older 1 ½ storey home. I want to change around the layout of the main floor by tearing down a few walls. Is there anything I need to know before I start?
Jenna
Dear Jenna;
Welcome to the world of renovation! Open concept spaces offer a modern touch to any home but beware of hidden structural elements. Homes have what we call, “load bearing walls” which are walls that keep the house from collapsing. These walls should never be torn down without a consultation from an engineer or contractor. This does not mean it cannot be done. Your contractor might be able to find an alternative to this open concept design by adding structural beams or pillars to replace the wall. Therefore, always consult a professional before making any major renovations such as the removal of a wall
Dear Marc;
I have lived in the same house since the eighties and the last time I designed anything was when I bought the house. I did everything up to date at that time but haven’t followed the trends since then. I am sick of my outdated look and want to have a beautiful trendy home. What has changed since the early eighties?
Jacqueline
Dear Jacqueline;
The first step to changing your design from drab to fab is to admit that your design is in sad need of a facelift. Take a good hard look at your space. Look at what needs to be changed, what can be thrown out and which pieces you can easily modernize. Once you have taken inventory of your existing design, flip through design magazines and find a look you like. Trends have changed a lot since the eighties. Chances are, your sofa uses the same fabric as your window coverings and that same fabric is also found on the accent pillows. That is what I call the “boring look”. Today’s trends are all about being bold and using things that would have never been seen together years ago and placing them together. How many remember the old saying “Blue & Green should never been seen except on Halloween?” Well today, we look at designer spaces and we see blue paired with green everywhere! In the eighties, it was all about blending everything together. Today it’s all about contrasting everything to make a statement. No more monotone design!
Dear Marc;
I am redoing my bedroom and have a question about the bed linen and the draperies. Do they have to be of the same fabric?
Kelsey
Dear Kelsey;
This is a very common question among homeowners. Years ago all the fabric used in a room had to be the exact same pattern. Today, you can mix and match fabric patterns with solid colours and different accent colours. The key is to extract a colour from your bedding and use another pattern altogether in the same colour scheme in your window coverings. This way both fabrics will work together to complement the colour scheme but will also stand on their own.
Dear Marc,
I have just renovated my contemporary dining room and have installed a new fireplace mantel. I overspent on my renovation so I don’t have a lot of money left for the accessories. I have always loved the look of an abstract art piece hanging atop a mantel but I can’t afford an original art piece that I would find in an art gallery and I don’t like the look of a reprint. The reprints simply don’t have the authenticity of the originals. Where can I find an art piece under two hundred dollars?
Fay
Dear Fay;
I can imagine many of our readers can relate to your limited budget dilemma as most of us tend to “splurge” early on in our design project on those items we just have to have because they are perfect for the space! Towards the end of the design project not much is left for the few “missing touches”.
I have always said that you don’t need a lot of money for a space to look good. All you need is a little imagination and a will to learn and to try new things. Instead of trying to purchase an art piece, try making one. I have known many designers that have had art pieces done for a space simply because they are then able to customize and have it look exactly as they have pictured it in their mind. Also, it will be far more personal as it will be a “Fay original”. In order to complete this project, you will need a few art supplies such as a large canvas, some brushes and leftover paint. Do not use the same paint as your wall colour as you will end up with a painting that blends into your wall. The idea here is to create a “wow” factor, not a “blah – what is that?” factor! If you only have 2 colours, your primary and accent paint leftovers to choose from, mix up some different colours from your leftovers to create a wide range of hues. Once you have all your paint mixed, paint your canvas one colour throughout, then wait till it dries. This might take up to 24 hours depending on the paint quality. Once the paint is dry, then apply brush strokes in various motions across the canvas. Be creative and don’t be afraid to go crazy. Abstract art is all about emotion therefore sometimes it helps to focus on a certain emotion while you are painting so that the final piece exudes that particular feeling.
Once complete, sign your name at one of the bottom corners and hang your art piece proudly over the mantel. Another great way to involve the whole family is to ask the kids to each paint a section of the canvas which now turns your art piece into a family heirloom and makes a great conversation piece. I assure you, it will look great!
Dear Marc:
While designing my living room, I am trying to choose my wall and furniture colours. What colours are really trendy for 2010?
Debra
Dear Debra:
Trends are constantly changing therefore you want to ensure you won’t have to change your big investment pieces such as your sofa, side tables, and chairs from year to year. The key is to purchase neutral coloured furniture. Neutral colours range from gray, black, white or any shade of taupe. As for your wall colours, gray is the hottest colour for 2010! You may opt for a more vibrant hue such as purple, red, lime green, orange, or any jewel tone which would add flare to the space. Classic timeless hues such as shades of browns, deep yellows, and any earth tones are also acceptable for more traditional settings.
Dear Marc;
I have been looking at paint swatches for the past six months and can’t seem to choose a colour for my bedroom. I have looked at other spaces, flipped through magazines and asked numerous friends but everybody seems to have a different opinion and they all very convincing! Their colour selections are mossy green, chocolate brown, or teal for the wall colour. What is the best and easiest way to choose a colour?
Betty
Dear Betty;
You are having what I call a case of the “what ifs”. What if I paint my room blue and it looks too bright? What if I paint my room white and it looks too plain? Well Betty, I believe you are afraid if you don’t choose the “perfect” colour for your bedroom it won’t turn out like the pages seen in magazines or on television programs. I can honestly tell you that I have a way for you to integrate many different colours in your space on a limited budget. I would suggest starting with a primary colour which you will use on your four walls. The primary colour should be a neutral colour which can either be white, a shade of brown or a shade of gray. For a bedroom, taupe, a shade of brown, is a beautiful, peaceful, neutral colour and works well with all the colour selections your friends have provided. Apply your neutral taupe colour to your walls, and use your friend’s colour selections as your accent colours. I would suggest using the chocolate brown as one accent with the other being teal or mossy green. You can apply your accent colours in your bedding, lamp shades, window coverings or in an area rug. Your room’s overall look will be peaceful yet exciting and without the demand of using “risky” colour schemes. Remember, trust your instincts and enjoy your new space!
Dear Marc;
When I think of a designer space, I think clean lines, and carefully chosen accessories. My home is cluttered and I don’t know how to organize myself to create this beautiful look that I have seen so many times in magazines.
Janis
Dear Janis;
I am sure a lot of readers can relate to our ability to hold on to everything that passes our way. Some things we keep because they have sentimental value, some we keep because we think we might have a use for it someday and some we keep simply to keep. The key to overcoming clutter is to prioritize your possessions. Make 3 piles; things that you have used in the last 3 months, things you have not used for more than six months or more and things that are broken or damaged. First, let’s agree that anything broken or damaged shouldn’t be kept. If you can’t use it because it is damaged, then either get it fixed or dispose of it. Secondly, any item in the six months or more pile should be given to Good Will. So many families are in need in our country today, that the saying “One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure” is ringing true more than ever. If you haven’t used that old lamp that is sitting in your basement, why not give it a chance to brighten up someone’s day, someone that would otherwise not be able to buy a new lamp. Once you have only kept items with an everyday use, you will find that clutter in your home will not be an issue.
Dear Marc:
My wife wants to put up wallpaper in our bedroom. I don’t think it will look good. Help!
Jack
Dear Jack:
I tell you this with your best interest at heart; I highly suggest you never tell your wife you don’t like her taste in decorating unless you like sleeping on the sofa. Marriage is all about compromise so meet her half way on this dilemma. She wants wallpaper, you want paint. Wallpaper is now considered wall art as it is not the same wallpaper we saw twenty years ago. It has evolved into a trendy way to add texture and colour to a room. Look at samples and find something that you both like. Try to choose something with a subtle textured pattern with possibly a solid overall colour. This way, it will look more like a paint effect on the wall as opposed to wallpaper. It’s a win-win situation!
Dear Marc:
My husband and I have just moved into a condo. The entire condo is painted white with wooden floors throughout. At the moment it looks very monotone and boring. We don’t have much of a budget left for painting the entire condo and I don’t think I can live without colour. Help!
Barbara
Dear Barbara:
I have seen many “boring” designs throughout the years that could have been updated on even the smallest budgets. Here are a few ways you can manipulate your design to create a punch of colour.
The best way to make this space work is not to fight it, but embrace it! Use the neutral coloured white walls as your primary colour. Add accents of black and gray paired with one of the following vibrant colours such as orange, red or lime green in your accessories, draperies, fabrics and accent pillows. The gray and black paired with white will bring forth dynamism to your design and the vibrant accent colour, whichever you choose, will create a “WOW” factor. Accessories and accent pillows are the most cost effective way to update your look as the trends change. This is a great way to ensure you will be able to update your look as the trends evolve and change.
Dear Marc:
I have been seeing furniture pieces in magazines that are paired together without being a traditional “furniture set” you would buy in a big box store but rather pieces carefully chosen and placed together to create a unique design style. How do I recreate this look?
Gina
Dear Gina:
Homeowners want to personalize their homes. Cookie cutter design is passé! Everybody wants a unique room that you won’t find in every other home in the neighbourhood. Designers have been experimenting by using the style I call “Mixing/Matching Furniture” which has become quite trendy for 2010. The way to successfully recreate this look is to find contrasting pieces of furniture all having the same visual weight. Visual weight has nothing to do with the actual physical weight of the object but rather how much air space each object is occupying. In order to determine each object’s visual weight, place two objects side by side and see if one of the objects seems visually heavier than the other. This is a technique that is used most often by designers when looking if a room’s design is balanced. Does one side of the room have more visual weight than the other? Once you have mastered the art of determining an object’s visual weight simply find an object that has the same visual weight and mix and match the pieces with different fabrics which you can contrast or blend together. Have fun and remember design is all about expressing one’s style!
Dear Marc:
I am considering hanging a chandelier over my dining room table. My colour scheme is gray with accents of black, white and red. I was shopping the other day for my new chandelier and I got overwhelmed with all the options. How do I choose a light fixture that will really work well in my space?
Doris
Dear Doris:
Choosing a light fixture can be a daunting task when designing a dining room, as the chandelier will be considered a prominent design element in the space. So many of us have tried and failed with lighting, as we do not follow the two basic considerations: size and style.
To determine the appropriate size, simply measure your dining room table. As a general rule, if you have a square or round table, your chandelier should be 18 inches less in size than the diameter of the table. However, if you have an oval or rectangular table, your chandelier should be 12 inches less in size than the width of the table. Although size will help bring forth proportion and balance to your design, the style of the fixture will create a lasting impression. With your up-to-date trendy colour scheme, I would suggest a contemporary light fixture. A clean line chrome paired with crystals, dynamically shaped contemporary chandelier will work with many colour schemes which will give you the opportunity to update the look of your space in a few years without having to purchase a new light fixture. Remember, trust your eye for design as you will be the one entertaining in this space!
Marc Atiyolil, home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends – Canada’s Home Décor & Lifestyle Magazine, celebrity designer, and regular contributor to numerous TV, Radio and Print Medias.
To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit CanadianHomeTrends.ca or MarcAtiyolil.ca.
