Decor Tips from Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault

Looking for fresh decor to take your space to the next level? Try incorporating a bold statement piece into the room you’re revamping. Unique items can really enhance your design. Focal points can add an unexpected cohesiveness to a space, and they make for great conversation starters!

You don’t have to travel the world in order to find statement pieces for your home. Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, the Queen of DIY and one of our favourite home improvement experts, explains that most retailers now offer more unique pieces to suit the growing eclectic appreciation trend.

Begin your search for an original accent piece by scouting out local home decor and furniture outlets. See if anything catches your eye and be open to bright colours you might otherwise avoid – you really want this item to POP!

If you can’t find anything you really love, (and you want to make sure you really love this piece; never settle when it comes to choosing decor), try hitting up thrift stores, flea markets, and even garage or yard sales. You’re more likely to discover an original item in these venues, although what you find may not always be in the best condition. Don’t let a little wear and tear scare you off - some paint and a bit of elbow grease can usually solve most problems!

For more design, decor, and DIY advice make sure to catch Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 22-25, 2015 at its new location, the Vancouver Convention Centre - West. Leigh-Ann will be gracing the Main Stage on Saturday, October 24th at 6pm and Sunday, October 25th at 12pm.

Deal Alert: Don’t have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with Home + Garden Events onFacebook!

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Using Mirrors in Your Decor

Looking for some fun and funky ways to make your decor pop? We find a little self-reflection tends to help. That’s right, we’re talking about mirrors! Incorporating mirrors into your home, beyond their necessary spot in bathrooms and bedrooms, isn’t just for wicked queens. These surfaces can add a lot to your space – like drama, light, and interest. Not sure what we mean? Read on to see several ways you can use mirrors in your decor.

Trick the Eye – Use a large mirror to make a small space seem bigger. This is a classic trick and one you’ll see again and again, sometimes without realizing it. The mirror reflects the room, giving the illusion of more space.

Image via House Beautiful

Any Surface Will Do – Mirrored furniture is a trend we can absolutely get on board with! Not only do these pieces tend to look great, their reflective surfaces keep places light, and add a unique look to a room.

Image via Style Me Pretty

Sometimes More is Better – Using several smaller mirrors to create a mosaic can have a wonderful impact on your decor. With their simple frames, they add drama without totally overpowering the space.

Image via House and Garden UK

Add a Little Drama – Creating a focus point by incorporating a dramatic mirror into your space can be a great idea. We like this twist on the popular sun burst mirror. The frame is still very eye-catching, but the actual mirror is larger than what you’d see with traditional sun burst mirrors. It’s dynamic but still brings a brightness to the room.

Image via Harpers Bazaar

Fashion and Function – Putting mirrors on your closet doors is one of the most genius upgrades. Not only will it make your bedroom seem larger and brighter, it also helps immensely when you’re getting ready.

Image via Inspiracionline

Don’t Forget Your Garden – Mirrors don’t just add to your indoor space, they can add to your outdoor decor as well. They make gardens feel larger, more whimsical, and visible from more areas inside your home.

Image via Apartment Therapy

We hope you find these ideas for incorporating mirrors into your space helpful. If you’re looking for more home decor tips and trends, make sure to follow @HomeShows on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

And don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook! It has more perks than simply getting home decor and improvement advice. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you when you connect with us on Facebook. What are you waiting for? Grab your tickets today and treat a pal to the show!

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Halloween Decor: 3 Tips From Cory Christopher

Decorating for a Halloween party? Set a sophisticated yet playful stage with these decor tips from Cory Christopher. Cory is an Edmonton designer, Creative Director/Owner of Cory Christopher, and a philanthropist. He shared his top three Halloween tips with us. Check them out below and you'll be sure to dazzle your guests.

Halloween Tips

1. Scavenge the house and yard - Finding Halloween goodies doesn't mean running out to the nearest shopping mall. Rummage around the house and you're bound to find some haunting gems. Broken plates, dead branches, and lint from the dryer can be great additions to any outdoor Halloween scene.
HINT: Dyer lint spray painted can easily mimic moth balls.

2. Painted pumpkins - Tired of carving pumpkins? Did your last attempt land you in the emergency room? Ditch the knife and grab a can of spray paint, any Halloween colour will do. Paint several different sized pumpkins to create a pumpkin patch at your doorstep.
HINT: For metallic purple pumpkins first cover with flat purple paint and finish with metallic.

3. Set the scene - Consider creating a witches tea or outdoor dining experience. An old rustic table and a couple of chairs provide the perfect foundation to wow trick-or-treaters on your porch.
HINT: Spider webbing can easily transform a beautiful table into a ghoulish one.

Looking for more inspiration? Connect with Cory on Twitter (@artdesignliving), on Instagram (@corychristopher) or visit his website. And for more festive fun make sure to check out our articles on Halloween decorations, snacks, and crafts.

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Celebrity Spotlight: See Tommy Smythe At The Toronto Fall Home Show

Feeling less than sweet on your home, sweet home? Make sure not to miss television design personality, Tommy Smythe, at the Toronto Fall Home Show, appearing Saturday, September 20th at 2pm. Tommy recognizes that it's overwhelming for homeowners to tackle decorating one room, let alone every room in their house or apartment! In his presentation, Smart Solutions for Every Room in the House, he'll show you fabulous options for every space and budget.

Tommy's contagious enthusiasm and fun-loving approach to decor and renovating have made him an international design world favourite. Known for his warm and personal mixture of fine art, vintage, antique, and modern furnishings pulled together with cutting edge colour sense, Tommy never lets it all feel too serious. "If it's not fun, it's not worth doing!" - and that's his final word on style!

But before you see him at the show, enjoy our interview with him below and get to know the man behind the glasses.

TOMMY SMYTHE

Toronto Show Manager, Tina Holmes (Tina): Describe your design style in five words or less.

• Tommy Smythe (Tommy): "Young Fogey."

Tina: What is your favourite room in your home and why?

• Tommy: "Whichever room houses my books is always my favourite place to be. Many years ago my mentor, JS Manuel, advised me that every time I get a paycheck I should buy a book. I now have over a thousand books at home. Strangely, I don't think I've had a thousand paychecks..."

Tina: What is one item in your home you couldn't live without?

• Tommy: "My fireplace. I love winter. Love it more with a fireplace."

Tina: What is your design/decor pet peeve?

• Tommy: "I cannot, and will not, tolerate knock-offs. Authenticity is a religion for me. And like any religion, it takes discipline, focus, and it's constantly tested."

Tina: Most memorable career moment to date?

• Tommy: "My first cover story for House and Home magazine was a very special moment. Like many designers, I consider print media coverage to be a true mark of success - print has been struggling in recent years, but I believe in it still. There is no online experience that compares to holding a magazine or a book in your hands. I'm very proud to be a columnist and frequent contributor to House and Home." 

Tina: Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you'd like to share?

• Tommy: "Oh there have been so many! I fail constantly. Taking risks and having the courage to experiment are the life-blood of good design. There's a solution to every problem. This isn't surgery...it's just decorating. A sense of humour helps to take the sting out of mishaps too."

Tina: What are your personal mantras?

• Tommy: "Leave the world a more beautiful place than it was when you found it. And f*** 'em if they can't take a joke."

Tina: What famous figures inspire your designs/career?

• Tommy: "The list is LONG...but a random sampling includes: Billy Baldwin, Albert Hadley, Geoffrey Beene, Sister Parish, Horst, Ralph Lauren, Patrick Kelly, Oscar Wilde, David Hicks, Jean Michel Basquiat, Julia Child, Fran Lebowitz, Mark Hampton, Bill Blass, Yves St Laurent, Keith Haring. And of course the people in my life, (some of whom are famous because they are so inspiring to others), I'm fortunate to have befriended and whose lives and work are of constant inspiration to me. To say nothing of the vast wealth of good advice that springs...Sarah Richardson, Christie Smythe/Andrea Lenczner, Marilyn Denis, Lynn Crawford, Rick Mercer, Thomas O'Brien, Heather Clawson, Samatha Pynn."

Tina: Where do you get your inspiration?

• Tommy: "See above. And travel - as much as I can afford. I want to die broke having seen in ALL."

Tina: What is your "small space" tip?

• Tommy: "Edit."

Tina: What is your favourite app on your smartphone or iPad?

• Tommy: "Instagram. I'm passionate about it. My IG feed is fun-filled and inspiring and occasionally funny - just like my life. See you there!" 

Catch Tommy at the Toronto Fall Home Show on Saturday, September 20th at 2pm. Make sure to bring a pen and paper - his tips are so valuable you'll want to take notes! And remember, grab your tickets to the show online now to get the best deal. We can't wait to see you there!

Special thanks to Toronto Show Manager, Tina Holmes, a.k.a. @TinaLovesPinot, for helping us get the inside scoop on Tommy.

Toronto Home Shows "We've got you covered"

Toronto Fall Home Show (Sept 18-21, 2014)
GTA Home & Reno Show (Feb 13-16, 2015)
National Home Show (March 12-22, 2015)

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Shoe & Tell: 6 Hallways We Love

Although they’re usually one of the first spaces your guests will see upon entering your home, hallways and entryways are often under-designed. Their small size can present several creative challenges and limitations. This prompts many homeowners to assume they have to choose function over fashion when it comes to decorating these nooks – but as we’ll see in the designs below, baby, you can have both!

6 Functioning & Fashionable Hallways

1. A pop of color – That bright red or gold you were afraid to use in your living room or bedroom might fit perfectly in your hallway. Try it out! See how the red sideboard sizzles, but doesn’t overpower the space. 

Image via House to Home 

2. Sometimes simplicity is best – What’s worse than under-designing? Over-designing! Having too much furniture in a narrow space can often leave visitors feeling uncomfortable. This sparse hallway welcomes guests playfully.

Image via House to Home

3. If you build it, they will hang – Built-ins provide unique space-saving opportunities. If you’ve got a really small space to work with, try using the area under your stairs like they’ve done here.

Image via House to Home

4. Stay organized and stylish – Shelves and bins will help to keep your family neat and organized, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on decor. Develop your own theme within your storage furniture for a personal touch, like this nautical one.

Image via House to Home

5. Have fun with prints and patterns – A bold wallpaper can make all the difference, and layering complimentary images can add even more depth.

Image via House to Home

6. Try a cute carpet – Creating a warm, inviting space can be as simple as a clean rug with some rich colors.

Image via House to Home

What’s going on in your hallway? Are you feeling inspired by the designs above, or do you have an even better idea for welcoming your guests and keeping your family organized? Let us know! Tweet us (@HomeShows) pictures of your hallway or photos of some of your favorite entryway designs for a chance to be featured on our foyers, entryways and hallways Pinterest board. 

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