What home decor style suits you better? Try Home Link Design’s quiz to find out which style suits you!  Our clients have used this quiz to get a better understanding of what home decor style fits into their lifestyle!

Select the answer that best suits your personal preference.  Add your scores and compare them to the number line provided at the end of the quiz:

1.       As part of your morning regime, you first:

a.       meditate  (1)

b.      drink your coffee and read a newspaper  (2)

c.       get dressed  (3)

d.      check your Blackberry! (4)

2.        When you see a magazine about lifestyle, you prefer:

a.      to glance at the photos  (2)

b.      read the latest trend setters (4)

c.      to learn about different healthy products  (1)

d.      to compare your style to the latest trends (3)

3.       When buying home items, you like:

a.      Simplicity and warmth   (2)

b.      Linear lines and boldness  (4)

c.       Natural earthy tones  (1)

d.      Texture and elegance (3)

4.       You usually are drawn to an item for its:

a.      Practicality and ecological benefit (1)

b.      Modern style  (4)

c.      Comfort  and metropolitan look (2)

d.      Beauty and classiness (3)

5.       When entering a room, you like it best if it is:

a.      Comfortable  (2)

b.     Neat and tidy (4)

c.      Stylish (3)

d.      Natural  (1)

6.       When entertaining you:

a.       Always prefer going out (4)

b.      Like a casual affair  (2)

c.       Take pride in hosting  (3)

d.      Prefer organic  (1)

7.       If you had to choose an accent color for your bedroom, it would be:

a.      Red  (4)

b.      Brown  (2)

c.      Yellow  (1)

d.      Beige (3)

8.       If guests were to come to your house, you would like:

a.      to provide hors d’oeuvre  (3)

b.      to  lounge in the family room  (2)

c.      to converse with a martini  (4)

d.      a simple affair (1)

9.       Anything about home decor is;

a.       somewhat  important to you (2)

b.      always fascinating to you  (3)

c.      only important if it makes a difference with the environment  (1)

d.      inspirational if it is trendy  (4)

10. When it comes to flooring, you prefer:

 a.  wood  (3)

b.  bamboo (1)

c.  slate  (2)  

Have you ever entered a room to see an empty corner that stands out like a bare thumb?  Literally speaking, there are many rooms out there where an inconspicuous space looks almost neglected because the home owner forgot to adorn a corner of the room.  This may not be something that you regularly think about, and it is definitely not something that you have to consider for every corner of your home, but there are certain times when the crook of a room can add character if decorated correctly. 

So, what do we mean by adding character to a corner space?  Well, consider this kind of area as a spot to showcase a chair, lamp or even a table for personality.  There are many different accents and furniture pieces that look great in a corner space.  However, using them wisely can make all the difference in a room if it is done right.  Just be careful not to over do it with too many items.  The key factor is to think of a corner space as an area to create artistic importance. This might be more easily said than done, but a few simple decor tips and home elements can make the difference in a room.

Consider some of Home Link Design’s ideas as examples to help spruce up a dull looking corner.  Try to find items that flow with your existing rooms without overpowering a space.  Home Link Design has taken a simple entrance corner to showcase different displays for changing the look and feel of a space.

EXAMPLES FOR DRESSING UP A CORNER SPACE!

Look #1: Planter Vase

A corner can be easily softened with a natural plant or tall vase!  Adding real foliage with height can be an impressive look if you have high ceilings.  In this one photo, the corner is simply dressed with a tall rod iron stand with a cascading plant flowing down.  Behind the planter is an antique spiral mirror that is positioned lower on the wall in order to create an artistic arrangement.  However, a long vertical mirror could have also been used instead.  The key idea is that a corner can be enhanced inexpensively with only one plant and stand.   Home Link Design has used this plant feature to demonstrate how an item can fill a space without having to spend money on furniture and accessories.  Sometimes a natural plant or tree can soften the look of a corner area and create importance at the same time.

Look #2: Table Accents

The same corner has been changed with the placement of a rod iron table and accessories,  The identical mirror has been kept, but the table is situated in the corner to showcase a few accents of stacked books with a tall candle holder.  The look is completely different even though the location has remained the same.  There is balance created between the mirror height and candle holder positioned on the table.  One’s eye naturally moves across a parallel line between the mirror and candle holder that creates a horizontal flow.  Also, these elements blend together with their rich patina colors. The same look can be achieved by using either an iron or solid table.

Look #3: Wall Sconce

If you want to enhance the height of a corner, then try using tall vertical elements that make the eye move up and down.  In this example photograph, the same corner is pictured with a long cast iron wall sconce with vertical candle.  Also, a table has been added that is slimmer and taller than the previous photo with the lower square iron table. This decorative look is bold and striking with the metallic and black accent.  The silver plate added on top of the table helps to unify this look as well.  The importance is to add a simple element that combines the area together while creating interest.

Look #4: Modern Accent

This look is similar in that the accents are creating a vertical feel with the use of tall branches embedded inside a simple square container.  The table stand functions as a prop for the decorative branch feature.  Also, a metallic square art piece is placed on the wall next to the table in order to make a modern look.  Notice that this square shape hanging mimics the square shape container on the stand.  Together, these two modern accents create the edgy feel and bold look against the traditional lines of the table stand.

Look #5:  Table Lamp

Another way to enhance a corner is to place a table or floor lamp with a couple decor accents on top!  An ambiance is quickly achieved with the use of lighting in a space. There are many available styles of lights that are modern, contemporary or traditional.  Choose a style that best fits your home decor, but remember to choose a table lamp that fits the size of table you are wanting to display it on.  Do not choose a lamp that will over power the dimensions of a table.  A good rule is to make sure that the lamp shade is not larger than the diameter of the table; if not, the lamp will appear to dwarf over the furniture setting.

Look #6: Accent Chair

Most corners can be easily dressed with an accent chair and throw pillow!  This look can be both warm and inviting in any crook of a home.  Just be sure that the chair fits properly within the desired corner space.  Select an accent chair based upon its look and functionality.  For instance, if you are not going to utilize the chair for sitting on, then comfort is not mandatory.  However, if you would like your accent chair to look and feel great, then select a medium size chair that fits in a smaller corner space.  Do not try to squeeze furniture pieces into a corner that is definitely too small.  An important factor to consider in most corner spaces is the size of accent furniture in relation to the size of corner.  In Home Link Design’s corner space the location is not very large, so our focus was to create a look that fitted with the space we had to work with. 

Look #7: Shelf Unit & Art

 An easy alternative to any corner is to add a shelf unit that creates vertical appeal for displaying decor items.  In this look, Home Link Design selected an airy cast iron shelf unit to display a few silver plated decor accents.  This self selection was a great fit for this corner space because it had soft lines and visual shape.  Choose the right shelving style based upon the space that is available in your home.  However, do not choose a shelving unit that will appear too large and bulky.  Also, choose a unit that will allow you to show case interesting accessories without cluttering your space!  Another important idea is to consider hanging art work and/or prints to create an added decor touch and interest to the area.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Colors can be exciting with each year that a new trend appears in home styles, fashion, and design. The inspiration for this year’s decorating color trends are derived from the external environments of urban and rural settings.  Some designers are noticing a move towards both simplistic earthy decors and romantic posh chic design.  Even though both styles are completely different from each other, the colors of 2009 are being incorporated into each look.

Today’s simplistic decor fashion  can be rustic and minimalist at the same time. Rich earthy tones of browns, yellows, oranges, and honey beiges are being utilized as color coordinates in homes. More popular colors are the sand tones that can contrast excellently with hot oranges and yellow. Also, traditional browns and whites are still being seen within home decor as found in today’s flooring products of bamboo, natural woods, and cork materials.  Even muted yellows that resemble the color of straw are being combined with caramels, beiges and mocha colors.

For those who prefer more modern and cool colors, the color choice today is pale blue and bold pumpkin oranges.  There is an influence of past designs affecting today’s color palettes with a mixture of bright primary hues with contrasting neutrals like white and brown.  A move towards combining both rural and urban looks has been seen in flooring, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.  There is a tendency to bring the “outside” inside!  People are looking for inspiration from both natural and commercial architecture when it comes to selecting colors and accents.  Some homes are incorporating a minimalist feel that is modern, but warm at the same time.  For example, concrete floors are popular with rich color tones incorporated into its look. Also, kitchens are still being designed with rich wooden cabinetry and stone counter tops, but modern styles are also incorporating glass and sleek cabinets with bold modern colors.  Design has influenced every facet of homes, but individuals are still choosing products, colors, and accents based upon their personal preferences and lifestyles.

Today natural colors and product accents have become a popular design style in both indoor and outdoor decor!

Creating warmth in a space can be as simple as adding a rich color like orange or yellow with a mixture of browns and creams!

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

The bedroom started off a bit dull and monochromatic with beige and brown.  But, Home Link Design found some easy fixes with a few pillows, accessories and comforter changes!  Look at the photo below to see how this look was achieved:

 This is the bedroom that Home LInk Design started off with.  Now, compare the looks below!

AFTER PHOTOS!

The look is a contrast from before with the bold reds and browns incorporated with accessories, pillows and fabrics.  A makeover like this can be easy and simple with a few changes as listed below:

!. The pillows were added to give depth and color contrast against the espresso brown color bed frame.

2. Layering of a red comforter with a brown velor coverlet below.  Also, adding sheets that were neutral in color added a simple backdrop to the focal color of the comforter.

3.  Simple boxes and books were added to each night table for color and interest.  The red wicker boxes give a punch of color to the room and coordinate with the bed scheme.

4. Simple tossed floor pillows with a brown wicker basket were added to the foot of the bed.  This creates interest to the eye as one scopes the room from top to bottom. (This is a great trick to change and add color to an existing area rug.)

5.  Prints were added to the wall with reds and browns.  Changing art work or picture frames can be a wonderful way of changing the look of a room!

6. Creating a focal backdrop behind the bed frame can be an interesting way to add changes in a bedroom.  In the after photos, Home Link Design made one look different by adding a larger basket with an Asian red hat inside to make a focal point.  However, in the other photo provided, Home LInk Design kept the original art work to show viewers that one can keep accessories and add new ones at the same time.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Valentine’s Day is when most couples pay more attention to their bedroom than probably any other time of the year! Usually, it is this special occasion when people notice the absence of decor, or lack of appeal in their private retreat.  This is a common occurrence for most couples because the bedroom is sometimes the last room of the house that gets any changes made.

In retrospect, the bedroom should be one of the most important areas that needs special attention when decorating.  (Especially if you are married, or in a relationship!)  But, for some reason, the master retreat is most often ignored or forgotten.  Why does this happen?  Well, most people lose interest and inspiration once they have renovated the majority of the house.  Most times, people feel that their bedroom does not warrant any decor changes because they think no one will notice.

This is the wrong attitude to have when looking at bedroom decor! People should concentrate more towards creating an inviting, comfortable and romantic retreat when deciding on bedroom makeovers. More importantly, couples should know that the bedroom is one of the most significant places where they can come together both emotionally and physically without feeling uncomfortable.  The main piece of bedroom furniture is obviously the bed.  Without it, there would be no focal point or purpose of calling it a bedroom!  That is why there are key factors to consider when planning a bedroom makeover:

1.  Bedsheets So Sweet!  Yes, bedsheets are very important for not only their appearance, but feel.  Having the right kind of bedsheets will definitely enhance your love life, and at best, your sleep! There are many kinds of thread counts and Egyptian cotton sheets that can make your bedroom feel more sexy.  However, a thread count of 250 or more is usually better to the touch.  Remember that the higher the thread count, the softer the feel.  Yet, the higher the thread count signifies that it will not be as durable because the thread is finer and more delicate.

In order to create a great look with your bedsheets, try to select a contrasting color that will make them pop against a comforter set or duvet!  If your duvet or coverlet has a mix of colors, then try to pick one of the tones for your bedsheets.  Another  way to creat a great contrast is to add stark white cotton bedsheets against a solid comforter color like brown, black or purple!

2.  Throw Pillows Galore!  Adding pillows can create a luxurious look and feel to any bedroom!  Who would not want to settle into a bed that has soft pillows?  Make sure to add pillows with different textures and colors to coordinate with your comforter set and sheets.  Adding, both large and small pillows to your bed will create an inviting look and comforting feel!

3.  Sensual Scents!  Adding scent or fragrance to your bedroom can stimulate your hormones and sensory system.  Do not go crazy with too many different fragrances.  Instead, use soothing scented candles, oils, soaps, or potpourri that are pleasing to the smell. Also, you might want to consider adding fresh flowers or green grass for a modern touch and natural fragrance!

4.  Area Rugs!  Adding texture and color to your room can be as simple as adding a great area rug.  This will create a focal point to ground your bedroom furniture.  There are fantastic shag and jute area rugs that can create both warmth and interest within a room.  Try to coordinate the color of your area rug with the throw pillows on your bed.  Think of the visual flow of your bedroom with colors that blend and coordinate from the top to the bottom of your bed.

5. Layers!  Add layers to your bed with different comforters and/or throws!  Try to layer the look of your bed with a bed skirt, duvet, coverlet and throw to make the bed visually appealing.  Also, adding layers with textures that are smooth, soft and fluffy will appeal to your touch and create a cozy feel.  Be cautious not to over do your bedroom look. However, you can make your bed either modern or luxurious depending on your preference. A key factor in a bedroom is to have a bed that looks inviting to jump on!

6.  Bathroom too! Yes, incorporating your bedroom look with your master bathroom is a very good idea!  This means that you should try to keep a similar color tone and feel within both areas.  Many people forget their master bathroom as well because they do not think it needs to flow into the master bedroom.  But, if you want your master retreat to feel even larger and more inviting, then incorporate the decor into the bathroom.  Try to coordinate towels, baskets, shower curtains, bath mats and accessories that are similar in color and style.  For example, if your bedroom is an urban look, then try to create the same urban feel in your bathroom!

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Purple has become the fashion color choice today in both clothing wear and home decor styles.  There are many different shades of purples that can be coordinated together to create a modern look and ambiance in interior design.  However, choosing and incorporating the right purple hue can be a difficult task if it is done incorrectly.

Home Link Design has recently completed two unique room makeovers using purple as a feature color in two girls’ bedrooms.  We will share Home Link Design’s project experience with coordinating purple as the schematic color choice in two separate rooms.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

This is the time of year that most people enjoy or dread because of the craziness behind the holiday season.  There are usually a lot of hectic schedules due to company parties, relatives arriving out of town, shopping, baking and, of course, decorating!  However, those decorations always seem to be hidden somewhere in those basement or storage areas that are difficult to find.  Many times, trying to dig out those holiday decorations can become a chore when you have forgotten where they all are, or when those lights do not work after they have been already placed on the tree.

For what it is all worth, the holiday season is both joyous and hectic!  Those times eating with family and friends are the most memorable when the feel of the holiday season is warm and loving.  However, there are many of us who fear the expense associated with all the fixings associated with the holidays.  Today our economic circumstances have left some of us feeling worried and depresssed.  There has been a sense of nervousness felt with the global economies and real estate markets.  Yet, somehow we all feel that a little holiday cheer would still liven our spirits and hearts.  But, how can you decorate your home on a budget, if the holidays have been a bit more sombre than before?

Home Link Desgin has few suggestions for those of us wanting to decorate for less:

1.  Go to your linen closet and get out those white bed sheets!  Try decorating your mantle with just small mini lights that are entwined with a white bed sheet or linen table cloth.  Wrap your lights around the bed sheet and swag it along the mantel of your fireplace to create an added affect.  The lights will illuminate your white sheets and make them glow!

2. Recycle those glass containers!  Gather different glass containers from those pickle jars, jam containers and other empty condiment jars.  Place them together on a table or window sill as a collection of candle holders with tea lights inserted inside.  You can also create a different affect by placing sand inside each jar with a tea light.

3. No tree!  You don’t need a pine tree to make a Christmas tree.  Try either your house plant or gather some branches from outside!  You can spray paint your branches with silver spray paint and gather them together in a basket or pot. If you have extra lights, then try looping those lights around your arrangement to give it an extra flare.

4. Holiday cards!  If you have collected holiday cards, then you can make a garland with all of them!  Try attaching those different cards together with either a ribbon or string to make a long strand that can be placed on your stair railing, tree or fireplace!

5.  Apples & Mandarins anyone?  This time of year can be a great way to showcase those red apples and mandarins from the grocery store!  Try gathering a few of those wonderful fruits to place in a bowl on your table.  Also, try to tier your fruit together into the shape of a  tree by pinning them with toothpicks.  These can be a great way to make your fruit look like small trees on a table, but be sure to eat them when they are ready!

6. Gift wrap?!  Try making your table runners with your left over wrapping paper!  Yes, we have done this before to decorate our tables!  Simply take your wrapping paper roll and lay a long horizontal or vertical wrapping paper across your table before placing your dishes and silverware.  There are many choices of gift wrap that can create a fantastic look to your dinner table.

7. Pine Cones for decor!  Collect your pine cones to make decorations at home.  You can either spray paint your pine cones with gold or silver to place on your tree, railing or fireplace.  Also, cluster some of your pine cones together in a glass bowl for a centre piece!

8.  Stacked boxes!  You can buy simple boxes from the dollar store to pile into a section on the floor.  Try to collect a few holiday boxes or just spray paint your boxes with silver or gold paint to create a corner display on your floor or entrance.  Just three simple boxes stacked together will fill up a simple corner or area in your house.

9.  Paper or tinfoil snowflakes!  If you want to keep your holiday tree elegant, but simple, then try getting together with your kids to cut snowflakes out from either white paper or tinfoil.  Place your white and silver snowflakes on your tree to create an elegant touch!

10.  Left over tile?  If you are lucky enough to have any left over tiles or scrap pieces that you will never use, then try using them for different things!  First, if you have enough square tiles, then try to use them as a place mat for individual place settings.  This is especially interesting if you have slate tiles left over from your last renovation.  Or, if you have only a few tiles available, then try using them as hot warmers or lay a few of your tiles in a row along the length of your table to create a center arrangment for placing your candles on. 

There are many different ways of using items for decorations.  However, the ideas are suppose to be creative and unique without having to spend too much on the items.  Hopefully, some of these concepts will help to make your home a joyous time of year!

Happy Holidays from,

Home Link Design!

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.

 Home Link Design

Today we are bombarded with an array of media images about home design and decorating.  At times, the abundance of available home products, decor styles and color combinations can be confusing and mind-boggling!  But, how does one know where to start with home design?  Usually, this question is pondered without little help or guidance because too many of us do not know where to begin.  More often than not, people choose the wrong type of design style and home products that do not fit their daily lifestyles.  For this reason, before starting a future home remodeling or renovation, ask your self this simple question; “Who am I?”

This ”who” in home decor design is an important aspect worth understanding before leaping into any home improvement project because it is this very notion that unknowingly dictates our home decor selection.  This unseeingly simple question plays a major role in our personal home decor because it is our own character that influences the decision making process for making decor choices. Understanding not only ourselves, but our lifestyles, needs, likes and dislikes are important traits to consider before looking at home decor.  Many times people believe that they do not really know what they want in home products and interior design, but the truth of the matter is that the “who” is always apparent within our own personality and character.  In simple terms, our persona is reflected within our own homes if we like it or not!

Design is easily achievable if we understand ourselves.  Try not to reinvent the wheel by going too far out of your own comfort zone!  There are often times when people make decisions on a whim without any self reflection or thought.  Usually making the right decor choices involves time and patience.  More importantly, individuals should take the time to reflect upon one’s own personality and daily life routines to make wiser decisions about home decor.  Usually, the character that is bestowed in a home depends greatly upon a homeowner’s character trait and personality.  The type of ambiance, mood, and flow that is reflected within interior design depends mostly on understanding the ”who” behind the design process. Before getting started on your next project, do not be afraid to look deeper than the apparent design choice.  Consider your home as an extension of yourself in which the simplest method of choosing a design style is to know more about your intuitive personality that will sequentially dictate your own design preference. Some factors to consider before decorating are:

1.  What colors “grab” you?  Determine what color tones and shades you prefer from the color wheel.  Do primary colors or tertiary colors interest you?

2.  What mood do you want to create in a room?  Think about what feeling you want to create within your space.  Is the area to be cozy, casual, formal, sleek or modern?  Determine the type of ambiance that you want to reflect in the room.  The lighting is also a major player in creating this affect.

3.  What is the room size?  Consider the room dimensions as a guideline for choosing the scale of furniture, decor accessories and colors used within the room.  For example, if you want your space to appear larger then try a neutral or lighter color for brightness.  Also, select furniture that fits with the size of the room.

4.  What is the focal point of the room? Determine what area of the room you want to draw attention to.  For example, is there a specific wall, window, fireplace, art piece, furniture, or structural area that you would like to highlight within the space?

5.  What is the natural flow of the room?  Consider the access going in and out of the space before positioning furniture.  Try to create a flow that is fluid to the eye without causing an unnatural break or stop.  For example, if you want to create a conversational area, then try to position your furniture in a manner that is both intimate, but also inviting to your natural traffic area.  Do not clutter your space with unnecessary items that block the natural flow of movement into the room.

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.