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Transforming Your Mantel: Tips for Styling your Fireplace for the Season

Carrie Hill • November 24, 2023

The holiday season is not just a time for festivities but also an opportunity to elevate your home decor and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. One area that takes centre stage during this time is the mantel – a focal point that offers a canvas for a beautiful seasonal décor display. In this blog, we'll walk you through tips to consider when decorating your mantel and explore the latest trends in holiday décor. It’s time to dive into the creative ways to decorate your mantle for a stylish and festive ambiance.

Source: Canadian Log Homes


What to Consider Before Decorating 


Start With a Clean Slate:

Before diving into your seasonal decorations, clear your mantel of existing items and give it a good clean. A clean slate ensures a fresh canvas for your creative ideas. 


Choose a Theme:

Selecting a theme helps guide your decorating choices and creates a cohesive look. Whether it’s winter wonderland, vintage charm, or a modern twist, having a theme adds direction to your mantel décor. 


Consider Balance and Symmetry:

Maintain balance and symmetry to create a visually pleasing mantel. Arrange items evenly on both sides, this ensures the overall display feels harmonious and helps the eye move seamlessly across the mantel. 


Mix Textures and Materials:

Create visual interest by mixing textures and materials. Combine smooth surfaces with rough textures and mix metallics with natural elements. This adds a dynamic and inviting feel to your mantel. 


Trending Mantel Styles This Holiday Season 





Nordic Elegance

Embrace the simplicity and sophistication of Nordic design for your mantel this holiday season. Opt for a minimalist approach with a neutral colour palette, incorporating whites, greys, and natural wood tones. Adorn your mantel with sleek, geometric ornaments, tall skinny candle holders, and a garland made of eucalyptus or pine branches. The result is a serene and chic holiday display that exudes modern elegance.


Source: Modern Glam

Velvet Vibes

Velvet has been making a comeback in design, and it's no exception when it comes to holiday decor. Incorporate velvet stockings or velvet ribbon in rich jewel tones like deep emerald, burgundy, or navy. Hang them with care, creating a luxurious and opulent look on your mantel. Complement the velvet with metallic accents like gold or brass candleholders for a touch of glam.






Vintage Revival

Give your mantel a nostalgic touch by incorporating vintage-inspired holiday decor. Hunt for antique ornaments, classic figurines, and retro-inspired stockings. Consider incorporating an old-fashioned tinsel garland or vintage-style lights to evoke a sense of timeless charm. Mixing and matching items with sentimental value or a vintage aesthetic adds character and tells a distinctive holiday story.


Source: Casey Leigh




Nature's Bounty

Bringing the outdoors in continues to be a popular trend we see in design, and it translates seamlessly into holiday decor. Infuse your mantel with the beauty of nature by incorporating natural elements like pinecones, twigs, and greenery. Create a lush garland using a variety of foliage, such as eucalyptus, holly, and juniper. The result is a mantel that reflects the tranquility and abundance of the winter season.





Monochromatic Magic

For a bold and sophisticated look, embrace a monochromatic colour scheme for your mantel decor. Choose a single colour, be it classic red, deep green, or winter whites and creams, and let it dominate the space. From stockings to ornaments and candles, maintain a cohesive colour palette for a striking and contemporary holiday display. This approach is not only visually impactful but also incredibly stylish.


Source: Liz Marie

Decorating your mantel for the holiday season provides a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity and embrace the latest trends in design. Whether you opt for Nordic elegance, velvet vibes, or vintage charm, the key is to infuse your mantel with a personal touch that resonates with your aesthetic. So, let these trends inspire you as you transform your mantel into a stylish and festive centrepiece for the holidays.

Designing Your Dream Cozy Bedroom Retreat: Tips and Inspirations

By Carrie Hill • March 22, 2024
Transforming your bedroom into a cozy retreat involves more than just arranging furniture and picking out decor. It's about curating a space that invites relaxation, comfort, and serenity. From selecting the perfect colour palette to incorporating textural elements and lighting, every detail contributes to the overall ambiance. Let's explore some tips and inspirations for creating your own cozy bedroom retreat.

Ringing in the New Year: Interior Design Trends Defining 2024

By Carrie Hill • December 21, 2023
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, each year brings forth a new palette of possibilities and innovations. As we look forward into the design landscape of 2024, I am excited and inspired by a few design trends set to make a big impact. The trends for the new year promise a harmonious blend of timeless elements and contemporary innovations. Join me as we dive into the design trends that will undoubtedly shape the interiors of 2024, infused with a touch of expertise and a passion for creating spaces that speak to your unique style.

Elevate Your Home with Vintage and Modern Interior Design

By Carrie Hill • October 31, 2023
In the world of interior design, the blending of modern and vintage elements is a trend that has gained a tremendous amount of popularity over the years. It is a unique and dynamic approach to decorating spaces and showcasing the beauty of both the past and the present. Whether you are a fan of minimalism, maximalism or somewhere in between, combining vintage and new elements can breathe life into your home. In this blog, we will explore the art of mixing old and new, and how it can transform your living space into a harmonious blend of styles.

Everything You Need to Know About Flooring: Materials, Trends, and Maintenance

By Carrie Hill • October 3, 2023
When it comes to design, flooring plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for a space. Not only does it serve as the foundation for your decor, but it also needs to withstand the daily wear and tear and ideally last you for year to come. In this blog, we will delve into the world of flooring, exploring various materials, emerging trends, and essential maintenance tips to keep your floors looking their best. What are the most popular types of flooring? Hardwood Flooring- The Classic Choice: Timeless and Classic, hardwood floors have been a favourite for centuries. Oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are some popular wood choices. Hardwood floors exude warmth and charm and make for a beautiful finish for most spaces in a house. With a wide variety of stain options and finishes the possibilities with hard wood are truly endless. Hardwood flooring can start to show wear if not taken care of properly, however regular maintenance will keep it looking its best.

Creating a Welcoming Entryway: Your Guide to Inviting Interior Design

By Carrie Hill • September 1, 2023
When it comes to design, the entryway often plays a crucial role in shaping the first impression of your home. It's the space that welcomes both you and your guests, setting the tone for the entire interior. By crafting a well-designed and inviting entryway, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact. In this blog, we'll explore the key elements to consider when creating a welcoming entryway that reflects your personal style and sets the stage for a delightful home experience. Define Your Style The entryway is a preview of what lies beyond, so it's essential that it aligns with your overall interior design style. Whether your home's aesthetic is modern, traditional, minimalistic, or eclectic, the entryway should provide a glimpse into the visual story that unfolds within. Choose colors, materials, and decor that reflect your home’s style and create a seamless transition into the rest of your home.

Carries Top 10 Favourite Paint Colours Right Now: The Perfect Colours for Every Space

By Carrie Hill • August 2, 2023
When it comes to transforming the ambiance of your home, few things hold the power like a fresh coat of paint. Paint colours can set the tone, evoke emotions, and elevate your space to new heights of sophistication and comfort. In this blog, we'll explore my current set of favourite colours and I’ll tell you little bit about why each one is a showstopper. Each colour has been carefully selected for its unique charm and versatility. Finding the right paint colour can be hard as there is so much to consider; a world of hues, different undertones and the colour changing effects of natural light. In this blog I will guide you in the right direction with a few of my favourites. So let jump in and explore the different shades and colours I love for every part of your home. 

The Power of Lighting: Tips for Lighting Up Every Space in Your Home

By Carrie Hill • July 11, 2023
Lighting is an essential part of the interior design process, adding interest, flair, and a touch of magic to any space. It's like the secret ingredient that sets the mood, showcases your style, and makes your room pop. In this blog, we'll take a look at the world of lighting, exploring the different types of lighting techniques and how they bring out the best in your home. So, let’s dive in and shed some light on how to illuminate your space with style in mind. What is Ambient Lighting? The Cozy Glow: Ambient lighting is the cozy blanket of illumination that wraps your room in warmth and sets the overall vibe. It's like that soft, warm glow that instantly makes you feel at home. You'll find it in overhead fixtures, chandeliers, and recessed lights. There are two different directions you can take with ambient lighting depending on the tone of light you select. You can create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere by choosing warm tones that make your space feel like a hug or cool tones for a refreshing and contemporary vibe. Warm lighting, with its soft yellow or orange hues, is the tone you want to look to when creating a cozy and inviting space that oozes relaxation. This makes it ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. On the other hand, there is cool lighting, with its crisp white or blue tones, this colour of lighting is perfect for creating a refreshing and energizing ambiance, making it the ideal choice for offices or areas where focus and productivity are desired.

The Art of Mixing Patterns and Textures in Interior Design

By Carrie Hill • June 28, 2023
In the world of interior design, incorporating patterns and textures is an exciting way to add depth, visual interest, and personality to any space. When done skillfully, mixing patterns and textures can create an environment that has just the right amount of cozy charm and sophisticated structure. Leaving you with the feeling that you could just admire the space for days. However, it can be hard to strike the right balance and avoid overwhelming the senses. In this blog, we will explore the art of mixing patterns and textures in interior design and provide valuable tips and inspiration to help you create a visually stunning space of your own. What is the Difference Between Patterns and Textures? Patterns and textures are fundamental elements of design that add depth, interest, and eye-catching visuals to a room. Patterns can range from bold geometric shapes to delicate floral motifs, while textures are the physical qualities of materials, such as smoothness, roughness, or softness. By combining various patterns and textures, you can fill your space with character and warmth. What are the Guidelines for Mixing Patterns? 1. Select a Colour Palette: Begin by deciding on a colour palette that will serve as the base and inspiration for your pattern mixing. Choose a main colour or a combination of colours that will help you tie all the patterns together. This will ensure a sense of consistency and prevent the space from feeling confused or chaotic.

How To Budget For A Kitchen Renovation

By Carrie Hill • June 5, 2023
A beautiful new kitchen is at the top of every homeowners wish list. For most, it’s one of the biggest renovation investments a homeowner will take on. It takes planning and time and if you're wise; a lot of research before you dive in. When clients reach out to me for assistance, they’re usually at the point where the excitement around the thought of a new kitchen has turned into apprehension at the realization of just how colossal a kitchen project can be. We all know how much fun it can be to search through blogs and websites, saving your favourite designs and kitchen features, dreaming up your new and improved layout with gleaming quartz counters, luxury appliances and innovative storage. The truth is, it’s not as easy as the design shows make it look. It takes a great deal of time, attention, coordination and real design talent to make a kitchen space functional and magazine worthy. If you want your kitchen renovation to go off without a hitch and bring the kitchen of your dreams to life, here are a few tips to consider: How Much Will My Kitchen Renovation Cost? The best place to start when planning a kitchen is to understand how much you are looking to spend. If you aren’t realistic about each of the costs you will need to consider you may end up with a budget you are not comfortable with. All too often I have the undesirable job of bursting my clients bubble when it comes to their budget and how far it will take them. It is beneficial to crunch the numbers at the start so you aren’t in the dark about how much a mid to high end kitchen renovation will cost. It can be helpful to make a wish list of your dream kitchen items which can be used as your jumping off point. The breakdown below covers all of the elements that will make up the total cost of a new kitchen.
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