Summertime and The Living is Easy

Yes, its here and came in with a wallop and continues.  We have had hotter days and more rain this year than in past years.  I do love summer.  I have been a little remiss on this post since we are now into August but you still might enjoy it.

It is time to get outdoors ready for some relaxing and entertaining in the coming months.  Whether you have a small balcony, a deck, patio, pool or complete oasis you can take some inspiration from the photos below to bring some excitement into your own space.

Summer is such a colourful and for the most part a happy time.  We tend to be more relaxed and get together with friends and family more than in winter. 

When planning your outdoor space keep in mind how you want to use it.  There are so many factors involved to give the most enjoyment.  I attended a wonderful seminar a few years ago and it really spoke to everything you should consider.  I will add that information in another post.

This being a blog about design and decor, I should share some of the fabulous products that help us enjoy summer.

POWDER ROOMS in 2023

Powder rooms are an opportunity to have a little more fun and step out of your comfort zone. This can be the little jewel box of the home, a perfect space to use  your creativity. Tile can be installed on the walls of a bathroom in place of paint or wallpaper. I worked on a powder room with a client and we put tile on the wall  behind the sink.  It looks beautiful.  Textured, decorative tile is likely to gain popularity in 2023. The shapes add decorative interest, dimension and artistry to a space, particularly for hand-crafted or highly detailed tiles. 

Darker colours are coming back. You'll notice richer, warmer wood tones paired with dark, more saturated finishes. Lots of textures will be showing up in all ways. Saturated colour is really happening now. I love to do a super moody powder room and paint the trim, ceiling, and wall all one color. A deep jewel-tone green or blue is stunning for this. Wallpaper in a bold, fun pattern or wainscoting throughout the room work well too. In my last home I painted my powder room black.  It was very dramatic.

Clients are typically more willing to go darker and stronger in a powder room space and take chances with wall colours. We don't spend much time in a powder room so it is easy to accept something a little more daring.

The modern powder room for 2023 is packed with glamour.  We are seeing powder rooms loaded with extra thick floating countertops and fluted walls in gorgeous marble accented by anything from intensely patterned wallpaper to super subtle grasscloths, and always a dose of statement lighting.

Additionally, adding some nice art really raises the bar and of course lighting which I will touch on in a future post. You will notice that the mirrors and lighting are like jewellery in the room.

Here are some gorgeous powder rooms -                            

    

 

 

BATHROOMS FOR 2023

 2023 Bathrooms

We are really bringing bathrooms to a whole new level by creating tranquil, peaceful, luxurious spaces that are both functional and a relaxing with a spa feel. We now want to utilize our bathroom as a place to get away from it all.  Today’s homeowners are seeking bathroom designs that make them feel perfectly pampered exceptional spaces that exude luxury and unique flair.

The focus on wellness and wellness technology in the bathroom is being considered these days.  Extras – heated floors, steam shower, shower rooms, aromatherapy, high quality lighting, towel warmers, special makeup mirrors, large format tiles, well organized storage solutions are in demand.

Freestanding tubs have been around for a few years but now they are replacing drop in tubs. There are so many styles to choose from.  The bathtub is naturally one of the centerpieces of a spa-like bath. For that reason, we have seen an increased desire for freestanding tubs, particularly ones with a view. Combining the bathtub and shower as a wet room is becoming more popular.

I think Carrara marble with chrome metal accents will always be timeless because it is a clean and simplistic look that still feels chic and luxurious. I also love a herringbone pattern and don’t see that going out of style.”   It is important to use honed floor tiles to reduce slipping.  Beautiful stone like marble or marble look a-likes in porcelain which is more affordable and easier to maintain.

Black, white and gray is the most tried-and-true color combination of all time. With that simple, reduced color palette, you can go in so many different directions and still have an abundance of drama with linens and accessories in different colour schemes.

Blue and white palettes are gaining more popularity.  This can be done with wallpaper, wainscoting, window treatments and tile. In thinking of wallpaper, it has come a long way from the 80’s and is gaining more popularity. The most important thing to consider is a wallpaper that can exist in a moist area.

The other option we see is texture,  which provides the warmth in a room made up of hard surfaces that people are currently looking for in their homes.”

Custom Showers

The Schluter system, Kerdi Base, Kerdi Drain and Kerdi Waterproofing. However there are other ways of preparing a room for a custom shower. The base can be made out of cement as well. Walls can be protected with water resistant drywall, cement board or Denz-Sheild.  Glass doors are double swing allowing for easier access to the shower.  Curbless showers with same flooring as main bathroom area are being used more.  Having no curb offers a safety affect in that there is no tripping and if someone needed to bring a mobility piece it can move easily.

Heated Floors

The price for heated floors depends on the size and shape of a room. The two popular brands are Flextherm and NuHeat. Flextherm is a cable that is ran over your sub floor around cable holders provided by the flextherm company. Nuheat is a mat that comes in certain sizes and can be custom made to fit a particular room; however the custom mats can be much more expensive. This is secured to the sub floor with a Thinset cement. Both types of heated floors would then be covered with self leveling cement and then the tile is installed over top.

 One of the most important items is the lighting. We will see more pendants and sconces as well as ceiling chandeliers.  When talking about chandeliers in a bathroom code dictates that they cannot be hung over the bathtub.  This is a safety concern. There are so many beautiful lighting that are both functional and create a soothing atmosphere. 

The white spa look has always been popular over recent years but the use of more wood or wood look elements is becoming more popular for a moody look.

Here are some gorgeous bathrooms.  It is a good way to see what you like or not and pick some of the elements from each bathroom that could be used in your next reno.

“

 

What's happening in 2023 Interior Design

2023 Design & Decor Trends

There are so many that I have selected some of what is displayed in the marketplace.

The recent Las Vegas furniture show covers the most up to date in furniture, home decor and gifts.  A lot of what is showcased becomes our trends.  

A great deal of soft furnishings were exhibited in white while using performance fabrics, which makes them easy to clean.  This is an option at many retailers that offer custom pieces because it shows the structure without being distracted by different colours or patterns.

There is a lot of texture in upholstery and case goods eg reeded furniture.  Boucle is back and seen everywhere. It is a very durable textile. 

Rattan is popular again. We see round and curvy shapes. Opposite to this we will see boxy, cubes and geometric.  Mixing  curves & cubes can add some interest when done with thought.

The mid-century modern is still seen.

As popular as neutrals are, this year we are going for colour.  We will continue to keep large & expensive pieces neutral, but inject colour with cushions, throw, art and accessories.

As written in previous posts we are incorporating texture in many ways such as textiles, accessories, wood, natural stone, metal, rattan, concrete, & wall coverings.  As I may have mentioned in earlier posts, wallpaper has come a long way from the 80's.  It is much easier to apply and definitely much easier to remove with no damage to your walls.

Natural materials, rugged and cozy, natural stone fireplaces, wood beams, organic, comfortable furnishings are showing up.

There are many design styles which we already know - art deco, coastal, arts & crafts, industrial as well as more recent styles such as Modern rustic, modern farmhouse.  There are so many styles used in decor these days, there is something for everyone. 

Built in pieces are gaining more popularity for storage and display,  This not a new idea but really helps when you are dealing with a small space.  They keep clutter down and provide a streamlined focal point.

Connections to the outdoors and vice versa,  with large windows, & sliding glass doors thus offering more light which we all crave.

Various seating arrangements that work for intimate conversations as well as large parties,  Use a combination of seating pieces sofas, chairs, benches, ottomans

Large area rugs that anchor the furnishings, and not skimpy which doesn't do anything for the space.  Sustainability is even more important than ever with long lasting products, water saving features, appliances,  windows that are environmentally friendly.  The list could go on.  I have added a few photos showing  some of the design trends mentioned.