Updating your kitchen on a budget - courtesy of House Beautiful

1. Update hardware. Hardware can completely change the look of a piece of furniture and it can do the same for your cabinets. Replace drawer and cabinet pulls for an new unique look that instantly updates your entire space.

2. Paint a lighter color. A light color on the walls and cabinets instantly brightens a space making it look larger and in turn, more expensive. Light colors reflect light and hide a multitude of sins, including those scratches, dings and dents in your old cabinets.

3. Replace Cabinet Doors. Replacing old worn out cabinet doors with new ones or sanding and refinishing your old ones will give your kitchen a sleek new look. Bring in glass, or high-gloss doors for a dose of glam or forgo the doors in some areas and create open shelving to show off your nicest pieces.

4. Change lighting. Chandeliers and pendents are the perfect accessory to not only brighten your kitchen but change the mood of the space. Standard lights that come in most homes and rentals are uniform, change it up and give the most used room in your house some personality or an unexpected element.

5. Use artwork. Artwork is a great way to elevate any room and it will do the same in your kitchen. Don't be afraid to go big and bold—it will give the illusion of a bigger space. Art is also a great option for renters who don't have the freedom to change everything they'd like to.

6. Paint Your Appliances Stainless Steel. Don't have stainless steel appliances? No problem. Use a paint-on stainless steel finish to update your appliances that still work well but are giving your kitchen a dated feel. Be careful, companies make different types if this liquid stainless steel depending on the appliance and its use.

7. Window treatment. Dress up your bare windows to instantly dress up your kitchen.

8. Style your breakfast nook. Add throw pillows, a centerpiece and fresh flowers to give your breakfast spot some style.

9. Replace an old bowl or decorative elements. Change out your fruit bowl with beautiful chinoiserie or a bowl or tray for a subtle change that makes a big difference.

10. Hide small appliances. A no-cost trick! Nothing brings down a space more than clutter. Keep your counter space clear of small appliances like toasters, blenders and coffee pots— They are easy enough to take out when you want to use them.

This article originally appeared on House Beautiful.

There are so many beautiful buildings, museums and cathedrals in Paris, it will take another visit or more just to see them. I love the old architecture and the many carved and rustic doors....

The Bathroom Reno continues....

I posted a long while ago that we commenced to renovate our master ensuite but didn't get around to posting any of the finished work.  I will go back to the beginning when the shower wall collapsed, thus requiring immediate resusitation.  I didn't have the time nor the cash to completely overhaul the entire space as I did require a working shower asap so it was done in a couple of stages.  New shower, new toilet and then the major portion of the labour finally completed to include all new floowing, upgrading the tub tile and fixtures, the dressing room flooring, cabinetry and all the fun things that follow.  We are still not entirely finished as I am in the process of selecting a heated towel rack.  Have a look at the before, during and after pics.....

               The old shower was completely removed and reconstructed

Before was not too bad but not functional with carpeting and only one sink

During this reno everything was moved into an extra bedroom.... what a mess!!

Great tilers working away

After.....

Small Space decorating....

Small space decorating tricks by Karl Lohnes

Keep colours and tones similar

When you decorate with all light, medium or dark tones you create a visual flow that allows the eye to roam without being stopped; creating the sense of a larger space. Keeping every decorating element similar will make your space feel much larger. Take note: this is the trick that designers use to make those tiny model suites feel larger.

Allow one focal point per room

Best areas to zero in on: Head of bed (behind the headboard), Bathroom mirror & light sconces, Television over fireplace or Console table in foyer. Note: if your focal point is visually weak, enhance it by painting that wall a different colour.

Go vertical

Drawing the eye upwards in a room is as important as guiding it around a room as it encourages the eye to travel. Drapery panels, floor lamps, an étagère and even tall plants help. Note: an easy way to add vertical lines to a room is to hang your artwork in a stacked manner instead of side-by-side.

Add some sheen

Reflective surfaces like glossy countertops, stainless appliances, glass coffee tables and glassy paint will reflect light around the room and visually open up dark walls and corners.

Furnishings should be double-duty

Any investment furniture piece should provide at least two services: the console table that acts a desk, the ottoman offers storage, using a comfy dining chair as additional seating. 

Interior Design Show 2015

Winter has come and will no doubt be here for a while yet.  I look forward to attending the IDS every year to see what new and wonderful products are available for Interior Decor and Design.  This is the primo show in Canada for all that is related to Design.  One will network, run into colleagues and even schmooze with the design celebrities who are all extremely approachable and love to take a minute to chat.

Some of what I saw......