Tips to Brighten your mood and keep you warm and cozy this Winter

With the dark days (and nights) of winter upon us, it’s hard to stay upbeat and not want to curl up in a ball and hibernate until Spring. Fortunately, I have some tips to help get you out of that winter funk, embrace our cold and dark climate, and stay warm at the same time.

 

Colour

– You’d be surprised by the impact colour can have on your mood. Add colour into your space with your pillows and accessories – my Jo Alcorn dog beds and pillows have great colours to choose from www.joalcorn.ca. A great trick I use is to fill a mirrored tray with white or bright accessories – this is an easy way to create a nice centerpiece that can be changed with the seasons.  Another easy winter DIY is to spice up your bland and outdated accessories; sometimes all is takes is a can of spray paint and some bright colours to really add punch to a space. I have used Krylon to spray bathroom drawer pulls, vases and even kids accessories that need new life, and new colour!
http://www.krylon.ca/

 

Cozy Corner

– Honestly, there is nothing I love doing more than curling up in front of a fire with a glass of wine and a good book on a cold winter’s night. Create a corner in your home that you can use as your chill-zone (without the chill that is!). If you’ve been thinking of installing a fireplace in your space and have access to natural gas, I love the look and feel the KozyHeat Birchwood unit (the price point is also one of the best on the market) http://www.kozyheat.com/product/birchwood20-direct-vent-gas-fireplace/
. If you are in a condo, or don't have access to natural gas, there are great electric options out there (I even have one in my own home). Dimplex has a huge assortment of units that have such realistic flames people often mistake it for a gas unit. These units are great for condos, small spaces and also make a great addition to a feature wall. This year they have launched a new Prism Series that is perfect for small spaces www.dimplex.com.

Outside-In
– I love the look and feel of natural fibers inside the home. My go to for anything nature inspired is Artemano. They are a Canadian company that makes great one-of a kind pieces that are nature inspired. Grab a couple of comfy chairs or stools made from tree trunks, light some candles, and settle in with a good book. http://www.artemano.ca/

Window Wonderland

– If your house is drafty, that should be the first order of business in the winter. Fix the gaps or even consider new windows and doors. Did you know that in the winter months some window companies will offer you a discount since it’s not their busy season? Total Home Window and Doors is a great Canadian company that can turn windows and doors around for your home sometimes in as little as two weeks. http://thwindowsdoors.com/

Mood Lifters –

If you really can’t snap out of your winter funk, a few additional things I do is to ensure I get outside each day with my dogs for a brisk walk (even that little bit of sunshine and fresh air helps). I also love anything natural that helps boost my energy and mood so I always have my kettle handy (I love Kitchen Aid’s blue stovetop kettle) http://www.kitchenaid.ca/en_CA/shop
and a selection of herbal teas or Neurapas Balance, which is a combo of St. John’s wort, valerian root and passionflower, to perk me up.  Finally, I love fresh flowers and think everyone should have them in their home year-round. http://www.pascoe.ca/product-list/neurapas-balance

 

Get Floored this Winter
– A cozy rug is a great way to create a warm and inviting space (and keeps your feet toasty in cooler months). Flor carpet tiles are a great way to add colour to your space and, since they are tiles, it’s easy to mix and match so in different seasons you can change up the pattern.

http://www.flor.com/

 

Use a few, or all, of these tips and suggestions to brighten your mood this winter. Wishing you warm and cozy days!

 

Until next time,
w&c design girl!

The Trends of 2016

– and How to Bring Them Home:

With the ringing in of a New Year I always find it a great time to update your décor and add in some new trends, colours, textures and accessories to update your look for the coming year. Here are my top six trends for 2016.

 

Mixed Metals –
Platinum, gold, copper, steel…as long as they've got a metallic sheen, they go together. It's bling like you've never seen before in 2016. One simple and stand out way to make a statement in your kitchen or bathroom is by changing your faucet. I love the diversity that Delta www.deltafaucet.ca/  provides; their Vero Collection will make a huge impact in your décor this year.  Artemano www.artemano.ca/ also has great choices when it comes to mixed metals that will truly make a statement in your home; add some of their one-of-a-kind pieces to really make an impact.

 Pastel Colours – 
Adding hints of pastel will infuse a room with energy! Whether it’s from your accessories or the walls themselves, there are so many ways to bring a new colour into your home. If you are nervous about pastels, incorporate the trend methodically with some accent pieces to get you started. Decorium www.decorium.com/ has some great pastels in their line up – try an area rug or pillow to see if you like the colour and you can add more as you desire. I also love trying out a new colour in my artwork. I love using Poster Jack www.posterjack.ca/ which is an online service where you pick the art you want to use (or you can use your own photos or choose from their photography), pick the frames, colour and they ship it all to your door. Changing your art to match the trends can be a very cost effective approach, while changing up your look completely.

 

White Delight – Clean, crisp, fresh white walls, white accessories, white furniture, you name it! White is going to make a name for itself this year!  You can’t go wrong with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White to freshen up your space or dated pieces of furniture. Another great way to add white to your home is to use a white bathroom vanity. Cutler Kitchen and Bath www.cutlerkitchenandbath.com/  (a great Canadian company) is introducing a high gloss white floating vanity in 2016 available through big box stores as part of their boutique collection.  Gloss white is easy to keep clean too!

 

 

Shop locally - Local and Canadian made products will be buzz words for 2016 and shoppers will love to brag about supporting the trend too. My Jo Alcorn Collection of pillows and sofas are all designed and made in Canada www.shop.ca/c/jo-alcorn and www.joalcorn.ca . Low carbon footprint is an important trend to support.  

  

Greens – They’re not just found in the kitchen this year! In 2016, greens will be scattered throughout the house; available in large, medium and small options, you can choose whatever fits your home decor! If you are like me and can’t keep a plant alive to save your life, try some faux options; Bouclair has so many to choose from, and they add a nice hint of green to your décor. www.bouclair.com/

 

Go Vertical – A great way to make a statement with your walls in 2016 is with wall decals. They are easy to install and make a huge impact. A great online resource for ideas and www.uwdecals.com they have patterns to suit all styles and are super easy to install. www.uwdecals.com/

 

 

Wishing everyone a stylish and prosperous 2016!