Open Bathroom Bedroom

The open bathroom bedroom is perfect in a master suite. It promises a real touch of originality and combines practicality and well-being. However, you need to ensure respect some basic rules, before creating the new water .

open bathroom bedroom

Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement windows are often a challenge to decorate because they are usually small, spaced, and high on the wall - a recipe for decorating disaster. This post provides solutions for these problem windows based on the premise that simple is best. Keeping things light and airy will not draw attention to the negatives of small size and awkward placement. All links to these spaces can be found on my Pinterest board .

shutters window treatments basement windows valance

Shutters and valances work when windows are a little larger

This space would work equally well without the valances if you like a less layered look. Keeping everything light also detracts from the high placement as you can see in this space and the one below.

White blinds on a white wall

One of my favourite looks for a basement space is to keep everything light and add darks in art or accessories. White faux wood blinds are very functional because they let light in and provide some privacy in the daytime. In this room the floor acts as a great foil for all the lightness and the hits of dark in art and furniture break up the space.

shutters basement window treatments simple

Simple light shutters add light and privacy

Nothing works better than functional shutters in a basement. They are sleek and unobtrusive and look tidy.

etched glass simple basement window treatments

Etched glass or window film

What about adding something directly to the glass? Etching glass is so simple these days with beautiful stencils and spray etching available. You can also buy so many window films that provide a degree of privacy without too much fuss. If you aren't sure if you would like the look of etching try window film first because it is removable.

stained glass basement windows solutions

Stained glass provides interest and privacy.

Light walls and light draperies

Sometimes draperies work with short windows. I personally prefer that they are a similar colour to the wall, but there is a place for darker ones. Because the sofa is below these windows it helps to break up the long expanse of wall below each window.

Sometimes you can add something vertical below the space to visually fill in the awkward space.

In my next post I will discuss more complex basement window options that are sure to wow and convince visitors that they are not in a basement. And what about your house? What is your preferred window treatment for basements?

Simple spring wreaths

Welcome spring! It is warm today in St. John's and I finally feel like we are moving on from winter. My friend in England is mourning the disappearance of the daffodil while we are awaiting its arrival. With all the sunshine pouring in, I knew it was time to add a little spring to the front entry. It will be a long time yet before we see the forsythia and tulips. If you read this blog you already know I am not a big seasonal decorator and recycling and dollar store finds are my go tos.

green and purple simple spring wreath Margaret Ryall

Designing Home simple spring wreath

This wreath has served me for three years and moved from a natural colour, to silver, and then on to purple, but today thanks to two different spray paints it is green. Yes, I'm still painting things. Spring greens are so hopeful. The dollar store provided five bunches of spring flowers that I tore apart and reworked . I was so happy to feel the warm breeze I even added a ribbon and I never add ribbons to wreaths!

Here four more favourites I've seen lately on Pinterest.

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Love this one, because I love circle shapes and eggs are such a part of spring celebrations.

Parker Kennedy Living tulip wreath

Ah, tulips! How can you go wrong when you use tulips and mass them into an inviting circle?

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This would be called a sway I suppose. The gerbers are so bright and bold and the pail anchors the design.

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Go on! Find a container you could hang on a door and fill it with flowers and viola. How easy is that?

Paint solves many problems

You know how it goes with decorating. You get one thing to a point where you love it and that improvement only makes other things in the space look dismal. And that is the point where we left off in the last post- loving the chairs and not liking what is happening on top of the buffet.

painting upholstery dining chairs buffet vignette

Almost but not quite

One problem area

Let's start with the lamp. I've always loved this lamp and when I recently moved it from the living room it needed a new home. I perched it on several books as a way to increase the height and connect the dark chair colour to the buffet.

I left it for several days, but I knew what would happen. Every time I passed by I had the same thought

( that shade is way too white). Problem arising... what were the chances I would find this type of lamp shade in St. John's? NIL What was left? Paint it or cover it with fabric or paper. I chose paint knowing if I totally messed it up I could use fabric or paper to cover it.

What colour?

The lamp had to relate to the drapes without overmatching, I trotted to my studio to see what I had there and chose BM floral white OC29 left over from painting frames for an dart show.

Benjamin Moore Floral White OC 29

This is a dirty white with the faintest hint of warmth without looking too yellow. Perfect in my book. Some bloggers recommend it as a good white for cabinets if you have white appliances.

How to?

I watered down the paint by half and brushed it on with a 2 inch art brush -synthetic soft hair for acrylic paint. It's a messy business so have something to catch the drips. If you are careful you only need one coat. It worked like a charm with no buckling or patchy areas. You definitely have to water down the paint or it will look too solid and not be absorbed into the fabric.

Some references I consulted said to use a fabric medium with the paint but I didn't. From my art experience I think you could add acrylic matte medium to replace the fabric medium if you so desired.

Problem two

Once I used red as an accent on the buffet and in my living room, my beautiful landscape by Carolyne Honey Harrison started to remind me of a Christmas tree. The green frame (which hubby made for it) had to be changed. I have a terrible aversion to "seasonal" colour connections.

What colour?

First I painted the frame BM Black panther, a soft black I use for art frames, but it was too harsh for this particular artwork and space. All you could see was the frame. I prefer the art to show and the frame to support it.

Benjamin Moore Black Panther 2125-10

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain 2134-30

Next try was BM Iron Mountain left over from painting my Media unit (see here). Worked like a charm. It brought more dark to that side of the room and played off the chair colour without matching perfectly. My daughter joked that everything in my house would soon be some form of charcoal. Possibly!

The reveal

Almost but not quite

painted chairs painted lampshade painted frame

Subtle changes make a difference

And you might think this room is now complete. I wish! More problems and solutions to come.
Is paint a solution in your home decor? I'd love to hear what you've done with it.

Amazing Dining Room 2014

We offer you the latest designs from the wonderful dining rooms and the kitchen of the amazing Dream Home 2014, and best designs to be the dining room next to the kitchen