In living colour
After waving a happy goodbye to a drab, rundown kitchen (and living room), my team and I removed the dated '70s floor and installed pine-inspired flooring (it's actually vinyl, scratch-free and a snap to install). Sleek appliances, simple furniture and lots of pattern and colour — bold navy, bright yellow and kelly green — give the once dark and dreary space a modern makeover. We even splurged on a tiny marble counter in the kitchen. The result? A cheerful home that's fresh and sophisticated.
Also see: Six decorating tips for a home sweet home
Refresh a tired table with a slipcover
Salvage a beat-up dining table by covering it with a neutral tablecloth or custom slipcover (we made ours from beautiful wide-striped linen). Then dress it up by adding a collection of decorative bowls, vases or books that match the colour scheme in the room.
Get this look: Wall paint in Snowfall, sarahpaint.com. Karndean Flooring, Carpet One. All Fabrics, Robert Allen Design. Melrose Sofa in Linen, Sunpan Imports.
Also see: Sarah Richardson's design tips on creating a welcoming entranceway
Split up furniture sets
A minimal, modern table beautifully complements vintage country chairs. Trendy striped fabric and a coat of paint give older chairs a fresh but classic look.
Get this look: Kitchen cabinet paint in Shark Waters, Para Paints. Cabinets, Ikea. Hardware, Lee Valley. Carrera countertop, Latitude. Blinds, Levolor. Emerson Curva Sky Fan, Northern Fan.
Also see: How to create an amazing outdoor living space
Make the most of your wall space
Take advantage of a blank wall to create storage solutions. Add a few wooden hooks to create a handy place for coats or towels. Or install shallow shelves in an old milk door (left) or between the studs of the wall—perfect for small everyday necessities.
Also see: How to fake a cottage: Decorating ideas from Samantha Pynn
Decorate your home with a maritime look
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