How To Make A Chandelier From Old Wine Bottles
Thursday, January 10th, 2019
Use upcycled wine bottles to create inexpensive lighting for a wine cellar, kitchen, bar or dining room.
Posts Tagged ‘#AirdrieAlbertaLiving’
10 Inspiring Ways Your Home Can Help With Your Resolutions
Tuesday, January 8th, 2019Eating healthier, getting in shape and finding a creative outlet are among the common resolutions you can tackle at home.
Some New Year’s resolutions, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or learning to fly a plane, definitely require you leaving your house. But for many common resolutions that focus on your body, spirit and mind, there’s no reason to leave the comfort of home. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions and ideas for accomplishing them in your house.
1. Eat healthier. Eating healthier should start right at home. Not only is cooking at home generally less expensive than eating at a restaurant, but it also allows you to monitor the type and quality of food you’re consuming. So stock up on those pots and pans and get cooking.Tip: If you’re running low on storage space for your cooking supplies, consider adding pegboard to a wall so you can hang items.
2. Get in shape. Among the most common New Year’s resolutions is to get in better shape. But that doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym. Finding a space in your home to use as a gym or yoga studio will allow you to get the job done under your own roof.Tip: Any room in your house with enough floor space for a yoga mat can be transformed into a studio.
3. Get more sleep. Many studies have shown that getting a full eight hours of sleep is a key factor in good health. Whether it’s buying a new mattress or installing blackout shades, there are many ways to promote better sleep.Tip: Make your bedroom a television-free zone to avoid late-night binge watching.
4. Read more. Whether you prefer e-readers or traditional paper books, finding more time to read can be good for your mind and spirit. Creating a cozy spot in your home with good lighting will make you want to stay in and read all the more, especially in the winter months.Tip: Create a reading nook that can be used all day long by setting up a comfy chair next to a window for natural light and adding a lamp or sconce for reading at night.
5. Pamper yourself. It’s important to be kind to others and it’s also important to be kind to yourself. Taking some time to pamper yourself by creating a spa-like bathroom will make you feel better inside and out.Tip: Simply keeping a fluffy robe in your bathroom to slip into after a shower or bath can give you a bit of the spa life at home.
6. Find a creative outlet. Life can be busy and filled with many practical pursuits, from going to work to washing the dog, but that’s no reason to not tend to your creative interests. Whether it’s painting, pottery or papier-mâché, find something that gets your juices flowing.Tip: If you’re having trouble finding subject matter for your art, try reproducing a classic work until you find your voice.
7. Go outside more. Carving out more time to enjoy Mother Nature has many well-known benefits. But you don’t have to hit the slopes or bike trail to enjoy nature. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard or even a balcony, try out your green thumb by starting a garden this year.Tip: Do you have a favorite herb or vegetable? Start your garden by growing what you love.
8. Start a collection. Whether the collection evokes childhood nostalgia, like the Pez dispensers seen here, or aligns with your current interests, starting a collection gives you a chance to immerse yourself in a passion and share it with others.Tip: Collections don’t have to be expensive. If it’s valuable to you, that’s all that matters.
9. Get organized. If you want to kick off the new year right, getting organized might be the way to go. Whether it’s tackling a messy garage or a closet bursting at the seams, consider starting 2018 with a clean slate.Tip: Don’t start off with the biggest and messiest job. Begin small by cleaning out a desk or junk drawer.
10. Write more. If you’ve ever aspired to write the Great American Novel or perhaps a chapbook of poems, there’s no time like the present. Find a quiet corner in your house and put pen to paper. Even simply keeping a daily diary will provide a chance to reflect.Tip: Before you plop down and start writing, it might be worth looking into ergonomic desk chairs to support your lumbar region.
12 Clever Laundry Room Tips
Thursday, November 29th, 2018
Get inspired to tackle your laundry room with re-purposed storage tricks. Glass drink decanters are not just for backyard parties anymore! Use a beautiful drink decanter with a spout to hold your laundry detergent and fabric softener. It’s a breeze to pour bulk-sized detergent – or make your own in a few simple steps. With clear glass, you’ll never miss a cue when you’re out of detergent.
Smart Ideas For Built In Home Efficiency
Tuesday, November 27th, 2018
The living room’s predominantly neutral color scheme is injected with splashes of bold color such as the citron side chair and the orange grasscloth wall covering inside the media bookcase. Metal accents with a modern edge include the minimalist curtain rods, stainless-steel coffee table base, and the aluminum ceiling-fan blades. To disguise the room’s wall-mount mini-split HVAC unit, sliding screen doors—metal mesh inside a wood frame—were made for the top shelf of the media bookcase. View more smart ideas for around your home.
10 Intriguing Outside Holiday Entertaining Concepts
Thursday, November 15th, 2018
If you’re entertaining family and friends during the holidays and could use a bit more space, we’ve got easy, festive ideas on getting everyone outdoors and into the spirit of the season. You don’t have to keep the party inside! Turn your favorite outdoor space into an entertaining hot spot this holiday season.
18 Wall Decor Ideas That Are Anything But Boring
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018
Color Collections For 2019
Tuesday, November 6th, 2018
Take a sneak a peek at next year’s color trends — they’re all about peace and relaxation. The 2019 Color of the Year, Reflecting Pool, brings a sense of calm to almost any space, especially combined with natural tones. For more great combo ideas, check out three harmonious Color Collections for 2019! Explore the new colors
7 Inspiring Ideas To Make The Most of Autumn Weekends
Thursday, September 27th, 2018As you plan for Halloween and winter travels, remember to savor today’s pleasures before they flicker by.
We’re thick into fall now — it’s a good weekend to rake leaves, and then curl up with an engrossing book and a mug of something warm to drink. Here are seven weekend could-dos, including watching monarch butterflies and getting ready for trick-or-treaters.
1. Put fall leaves to good use. Spy some beautiful fall foliage outside your door? Before you rake and bag it, consider other uses for the leaves. They would make good mulch for your lawn or garden. Or, if the leaves are still more on the trees than on the ground, cut a bundle and bring it inside for a long-lasting display
2. Plan a winter trip. Let the chill in the air be a reminder to book that winter getaway you’ve been thinking of. Lodging in popular destinations fills up early for holiday travel, so it pays to book early. Not planning any big trips? Make a date with your calendar and a mug of hot cider to plan some fun weekend jaunts instead.
3. Get inspired with a new design book. Peruse the shelves of your local bookstore and bring home a new tome for your coffee table. Looking for a recommendation? The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes, sounds like just the thing to curl up with on a chilly fall afternoon.
4. Add warm, cozy layers and flickering light. Bring autumnal warmth and coziness to your living room with candlelight, extra-soft blankets and cushy pillows galore. Layer beds with thicker quilts, turn on the twinkle lights, and set out bowls of apples and nuts in the shell. It doesn’t take much effort, and your home will instantly feel more fall-like.
5. Help storm victims. Hearing news reports of natural disasters can leave those not in harm’s way feeling powerless to help. But the truth is, even small amounts of aid are very much needed and appreciated. If you decide to donate money, just be sure you are giving to a legitimate relief organization — sites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help.
6. Say hello to migrating monarchs. Every fall, monarch butterflies make their way back to the same overwintering grounds — monarchs from the eastern coast of the United States migrate to Mexico, and butterflies from west of the Rocky Mountains return to coastal California. This month, those along the migratory paths may be able to spot monarchs on their way to warmer climates. If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of Santa Cruz, California, you can visit the monarchs at Natural Bridges State Beach. Guided tours of the habitat are available on weekends starting in mid-October.
7. Prep for Halloween. Candy corn? Fake spiderwebs? Check and check. If you plan to pass out candy or host a party on Halloween night, this weekend is a good time to stock up on supplies.
Boho Style Transcends In This Home
Tuesday, September 18th, 2018
House at a Glance
Location: Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington
Size: 3,000 square feet (279 square meters); three bedrooms, 1¾ baths
Year built: 1969This family recently relocated from Long Beach, California, to Seattle, leaving behind ever-present sunshine. “We moved in during the thick of winter and, boy, were we in for a surprise,” Michelle says with a laugh. “It snowed 6 inches that weekend and here we were a bunch of Californians getting off the plane in flip-flops.”With the move, the family left behind its Cliff May-designed ranch home. Michelle, who owns home decor and vintage store 6th and Detroit, sought a house that was equally architectural and one where she could easily express her late-’70s California-inspired style, this time in a Pacific Northwest setting.
Location: Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington
Size: 3,000 square feet (279 square meters); three bedrooms, 1¾ baths
Year built: 1969This family recently relocated from Long Beach, California, to Seattle, leaving behind ever-present sunshine. “We moved in during the thick of winter and, boy, were we in for a surprise,” Michelle says with a laugh. “It snowed 6 inches that weekend and here we were a bunch of Californians getting off the plane in flip-flops.”With the move, the family left behind its Cliff May-designed ranch home. Michelle, who owns home decor and vintage store 6th and Detroit, sought a house that was equally architectural and one where she could easily express her late-’70s California-inspired style, this time in a Pacific Northwest setting.
The 1969 home, designed by Seattle architect Omer Mithun, has everything they were looking for: “Floor-to-ceiling windows, midcentury architecture and an insane view of the horizon that made you feel like you were in the heavens,” Michelle says.
Wall hanging: Ay Que Vintage; mirror: D+K Renewal; PS 2014 plant stand: Ikea; vintage gold plant stand: Mazidori; vintage wicker plant stand: Vintage Seattle Rain; white planter: Peacock & Co.; green planter: Home Depot; lamp: Mod Pop Vintage; Fireside faux fur throw blanket: Anthropologie; blanket: Etsy; plant basket: HomeGoods
Before making the move, the family had just one weekend to tour homes and make a decision. After viewing four houses, it was starting to get discouraged. “The second we walked through the door of the fifth house,” Michelle says, “it screamed out to us, ‘This is it!’ ”Karim, left, Hamilton, Davis and Michelle are pictured here in their formal living room, where they spend the most time. “It was interesting to see that in our new house we still all hang out in the same room at the same time every day as we did in our California home. Creatures of habit I guess,” Michelle says. “It’s where I can lounge, work, chat when guests come over, fold laundry, play games with the kids and just ‘be’ when I get those free moments of quiet.”
The entryway showcases the home’s subtle Asian design influences. “It was perfect,” Michelle says. “There was an immediate East-meets-West Zen feeling that brought an instant calm.”Desk and bench: 6th and Detroit
Michelle credits her Southern California upbringing for her signature aesthetic, which often features a sunburned color palette. “My love of sun makes me gravitate toward pops of yellows and oranges,” she says. The hues also pair perfectly with a 1970s-inspired look. “I love midcentury and I love the ’70s, so I like to marry the two,” Michelle says.Sofas, rug and armchair: 6th and Detroit; metal wall art: Fremont Vintage Mall
This mix of styles is seen in the downstairs living area. “You’ll see a handsome tapered-leg teak coffee table paired with a wicker room divider,” Michelle says.Daybed sofa: Overstock; Mexican serape: 6th and Detroit; rug: OfferUp; midcentury teak coffee table: Vintage Seattle Rain
Michelle found this pair of midcentury armchairs and the woven side table at Goodwill. “We were on a very tight decorating budget, but luckily my love for vintage and deal hunting pays off,” she says.
Houseplants decorate nearly every corner of the house. In Michelle’s words, there are “plants galore.” The lower level has wide-open views of the large, wooded backyard. “As an outdoorsy family, having the yard wrapped around the home full of the great evergreens is the boys’ perfect playground for exploring and adventures,” Michelle says.
Rattan peacock chair: Vintage Seattle Rain
“My love of the sun makes me gravitate toward circles,” Michelle says. Circular shapes are seen in a number of decor items in the home. Here, a mirror with a quarter-circle pattern forms rainbow-like imagery behind a vintage floor lamp.Throw pillows: D+K Renewal
The open kitchen is in between two upstairs living areas, where plentiful windows look out to downtown Bellevue and Lake Washington.
The living room opens onto a deck with an outdoor dining area. “We get to dine alfresco while watching the perfect view of the sunset, hearing nothing but birds chirping. It’s magical,” Michelle says.Russell Woodard patio set: The Fair Trade Union; jute rug: OfferUp
The home’s Pacific Northwest influence can also be seen in its unique round columns that run through the upper-level communal spaces. They’re reminiscent of totem poles, a symbol adopted by Seattle as a symbol of the city during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s.
The family room connects to a patio on one side and a deck that overlooks Lake Washington on the other. The house is larger in square footage than the family’s Southern California home, and this bonus living space gave Michelle room for her blush-colored velvet Adrian Pearsall sofa, which she calls her “biggest splurge of all time.”Adrian Pearsall sofa: Sunbeam Vintage
Circles and half circles repeat in the wall art and accessories in the guest bedroom. “I tend to always lean toward natural elements, wood textures and all the plants I can get my hands on,” Michelle says.This room comes in handy when family comes to visit from California.
Pillows and sheets: Jungalow; accent pillows: Myhavenhome; wall hanging and nightstand: Vintage Seattle Rain; mirror: 6th and Detroit;
A large, wraparound bed frame Michelle found on Etsy and a scalloped mirror from her shop, 6th and Detroit, are focal points in the master bedroom.Monte Viso bedspread: Hamamlique;
George Nelson cigar bubble wall sconces: Modernica; bed: Etsy; sheets: Macy’s; pillows and rug: D+K Renewal; pot: Peacock & Co.
George Nelson cigar bubble wall sconces: Modernica; bed: Etsy; sheets: Macy’s; pillows and rug: D+K Renewal; pot: Peacock & Co.
“This home encourages play and discovery because it feels like it’s nestled deep within a forest,” Michelle says. That vibe is evident in the boys’ bedroom, where picture windows put the lush surroundings at their fingertips.Santa Fe Mission bunk beds: Camaflexi; Golden Canyon duvet cover: Circa 78 Designs; Ornos pillow cover in yellow: Hamamlique; rug: 6th and Detroit
When spring arrives, it changes how the family uses the home. “We finally get to use the outdoor spaces and fulfill our yearning for indoor-outdoor living that we are so used to,” Michelle says. A bench on the front porch creates a staging area for the family’s outdoor gear — everything from rain boots to coolers to fishing poles for weekend fishing trips with the boys.
Most Popular New Living & Family Rooms
Thursday, September 13th, 2018As homeowners put not-so-big-house principles into practice, downsize into smaller homes and plan more efficient uses of space, we often see the formal living room and casual family room merging into one. Casual comfort meets luxe accents and grand fireplaces meet TVs and smart built-ins. This is the case in photos of living rooms and family rooms. Here’s a look at some of them.
Shades of Gray
The popularity of gray showed no signs of waning this spring. Notice the subtle color of the walls (Gray Cloud by Benjamin Moore).Detail worth noting: Yes, stylish ceiling fans do exist. This one is called Haiku.
In this large family room outside Chicago, shades of gray add calmness. Color takes a back seat to the soaring ceiling, expansive windows and a range of textures, from smooth alabaster to hefty wood beams.
Detail worth noting: Sometimes the scale of such a high ceiling can be overwhelming. Here, the proportions of the beams, windows, fireplace and chandelier make the height feel comfortable.
No Drywall
I’m not sure who gets the credit, but shiplap, tongue-and-groove paneling, butt boards, beadboard and V-groove paneling are bringing texture to many of today’s most popular family room and living room walls.
Detail worth noting: The rug ties this seating area together.
Smart Built-Ins
Whether you need library-style book storage, a place to hide media equipment and toys, a proper place to store musical instruments or a good way to show off your favorite objects and photographs, there’s a built-in solution that will work for you. This popular shot has a variety of storage offerings all along one wall: concealed storage with drawers and cabinet doors, open storage for books, sculptures, plants and photos. There’s even room for windows.
Detail worth noting: The weathered reclaimed beam that serves as the mantel is a well-worn contrast to the crisp white paint.
I doubt these homeowners had unpacked all of their moving boxes before the photographer showed up. Here we’re able to visualize these lovely built-ins in their own homes filled with their own things.
Detail worth noting: The metal grilles on the built-ins’ doors. This is a good way to dress up cabinets while partially obscuring the view into them.
Fantastic Fireplaces
This is one of the coziest family rooms I’ve seen in a while — plenty of books to choose from, overstuffed furniture, a few plaid patterns tossed about and that wonderful fieldstone fireplace.
Detail worth noting: Check out the way the drapery rods are mounted into the thick crown molding.
Stylish Sectionals
There was a time when furniture like reclining chairs and sectional sofas scored high in comfort but abysmally low in style. Today, style has more than caught up. We find chic sectionals not only in the expected places such as casual family rooms, but also sliding into formal living rooms.
Detail worth noting: The oversize lantern navigates the split-level space. It hangs over the entryway but also plays an important role in the living room.
Another fabulous sectional cozies up a San Francisco family room within an open floor plan.
Detail worth noting: The way the pillow fabrics work with the kitchen backsplash. By the way, this “sofascape” is a lesson in how to mix colors, patterns and scales of patterns when choosing throw pillows.
Detail worth noting: The way the pillow fabrics work with the kitchen backsplash. By the way, this “sofascape” is a lesson in how to mix colors, patterns and scales of patterns when choosing throw pillows.
Artful Hanging
Displaying favorite family or travel photos can be tricky. How do they wind up in so many different frames and mats, looking like a total hodgepodge? Matching frames, photo sizes and large white mats tie the photos together. Hanging them in a perfect grid also creates cohesion.
Detail worth noting: The coffee table, stump side table and fiddle leaf fig tree in a basket add natural textures to the room.
Clever Lighting
Lighting is an important part of living and family rooms, whether to read by, to highlight objects or to create a mood. In this sleek Miami living room, a soffit provides a recessed cove for overhead lighting, creating a soft glow around the tray ceiling. There’s lighting in the built-ins as well.
Detail worth noting: The TV wall has hidden storage drawers cleverly camouflaged within the wood panels.
