Wonderful Weddings

Who doesn't love a wedding?  Obviously just the idea of all the pretty decor is enough to get me excited!   But next year I have a couple more reasons to look forward to a fantastic wedding.  Two of my best friends are marrying each other & I am so happy to be part of their special day.

So much excitement in the lead up to a wedding!

Depending on your budget, you can go over the top with wedding decor or keep things simple for your theme. Either way, just like a homes' delicious decor it should always be a reflection of the couple and how they wish to remember the big day. 

Jeff and Emily are getting married at an outdoor venue & there are many fabulous ways to beautify the event.  Let's start with some simple ideas I found for pretty seating decoration.

Inexpensive ribbons like this could tie in nicely with the accent colours.

More pretty decorative ribbons with a touch of green florals.

Often, less is more - and it doesn't mean less pretty by any means.

Soft petals provide a lovely border next to the seating area.

(hint to the bride & groom) I can start collecting little mason jars for something like this if you'd like..

Hydrangeas are definitely one of my favourite go to flowers.

The reception will be inside & the venue offers their own chair covers and other accents in various colours.  The usual ribbons draped over chair covers could look plain, but below this fabric appears to have many layers and thus adds more interest and finesse to the overall feel.

This picture has a beautiful backdrop that adds to the vignette nicely.

Why should the ladies be the only ones getting dressed up and having all the fun?  The chairs can make just as much of a statement as those sitting in them! 

These seat covers are glamorous with a soft texture and flow.

What would a wedding be without fantastic florals?

Tulips in fresh green and white

Emily has mentioned that she might prefer centrepieces that are tall so guests can easily see through them to converse with others seated at the table.  What do you think of these ones?

A lovely full bouquet of mixed florals

These are a bit more wild and take up a lot of negative space but look gorgeous all the same

Oh, and these mason jars just keep popping up! 

These floral arrangements offer a more casual and relaxed feel.

Just like in home decor, lighting is everything...

I love how these shimmering candles adorn the edge of the head table.

For the signing table, here's a striking vignette with an antique and organic feel.

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I just love this idea (below).  What a great and unique way to help your guests find their seating for the reception.

A unique way to help your guests find their seats - a rustic and re-purposed window pane!

Hopefully there was something to inspire anyone organising for an upcoming wedding or for any event you may be planning yourself in the near future.  I hope to be a big part of helping my friends with fabulous decor ideas to reflect their personalities for this special occasion next year.  Don't forget, it's all in the details!!

Like this post?  Here are some others you may find interesting:

Pretty Patios for Summer

New Years Eve Fantasy Party, Diva Style!

Decorating your Table at Thanksgiving

Stunning Table Tops you have to see to believe

To subscribe to ~delicious decor~ please enter your e-mail address at the top right corner of this posting or just below.  I have many more brilliant ideas to share with you that will help you fall in love with your home again!  Don't miss out!

I am officially a Certified True Colour Expert!

The recent 3 day True Colour Expert Workshop I attended in  Toronto was eye opening and informative.  Maria Killam -Decorator, Blogger & Colour 'Guru' from Vancouver - teaches decorators, designers and colour enthusiasts her process for choosing colours.  There were many hands on exercises which is the best way to learn, especially for us decorators who need to touch & feel pretty much everything! 

Meeting Maria was very exciting for me. She is such a sweetheart and her laugh is contagious!

It felt like Christmas everyday when we arrived to class as there were always little goodies neatly waiting for us (pictured below).  We were provided with quartz samples, Benjamin Moore fan decks and Robert Allen note pads.  We were also given 3 Gentek fan decks - 2 for exterior paint colours and 1 for choosing aluminum colours.  Since returning, hubby and I have already discussed what changes we want to make to the exterior paint colour of our house to update it's look!

A main focus point of the course was understanding and learning how to identify undertones. Maria's e-book 'How to Choose Paint Colours - It's all in the Undertones' gives a good overview and understanding of the complex world of colour.  Of course, being the keener that I am, I had already purchased, printed, binded and read this book months ago!  

If you have the book, I recommend inserting actual paint chips from Benjamin Moore so you can see the colours accurately. The colours faded when I printed my copy and it makes a big difference especially when so much of Maria's book and theory refers to comparing colour.  

I used photo corners to insert the chips. Sorry my picture is not great quality, but you get the idea.

Constant comparison of colours is necessary when showing clients how and why you are choosing a specific colour for their space.   I never go to a consultation without Maria's large samples and I will be painting more large samples to expand my collection in order to bring client's even a greater selection to choose from.  The process of elimination is also important and can be the best way to start if you are ever unsure.

Out for dinner with the group - what a fantastic bunch of ladies!

One of my favourite reasons for attending workshops such as this is that I get to meet other fabulous people within the field of design.  It is such a great way to network and learn from others who are just as passionate about ~delicious decor~ as I am.

Many participants had made the trip from America and one lady (Jennifer) had come all the way from Hawaii!  It goes to show that Maria is  an inspiration to so many people around the globe.   Thanks to Maria and to all the lovely ladies who openly shared their experiences and stories.  To see more on the latest True Colour Expert Workshop, read Maria's latest post by clicking here. 

Subscribe to ~delicious decor~ for all things related to interior design, upcycling and repurposing,  please enter your e-mail address at the top right of my blog.  This way you will never miss a post!

If you want to 'Fall in love with your home again' contact me, Claire Jefford ~ Certified Interior Decorator and True Colour Expert.~  I will help make your dreams for your home a reality.  claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com

The Ultimate Womens Show was the place to be!

What a weekend.  The Ultimate Women's Show in Hamilton was the first show that I have participated in as an Exhibitor and boy was it fun!  Hard work and tiring, but fun.
 

My booth was just a 5' x 10' space, so I had to work my design magic to ensure it got noticed without being too crowded. My show piece was my antique buffet which was very functional as not only was it great for displaying accessories, but the extra storage also came in handy.

Some of my pictures turned out blurry, sorry about that.  But you get the idea.

Many people commented on how much they loved the updated antique piece and especially the colour and new hardware.  'Violet' is what I named my mannequin, she was dressed in fabrics from Avant Garde, Maxwell and Joanne Fabrics. 

My florals were done by my good friend and fellow Interior Decorator Maria who did a fabulous job of incorporating all the colours in my display.  Thanks for all your help over the weekend Maria, you are the best!

I decided to use purples, greens and yellows and 'pop' with the colour of the year, Tangerine Tango.

I was right in the middle of the action having a corner booth by the main stage.  The fashion show was fantastic, showcasing clothing and accessories from local shops. Here are some of my favourites:

  

These ladies above are modelling clothing from 'Jus B' Gauze' in Burlington.

These colourfully wild boots are from 'Zeyzani's One of a Kind Selection

I made some new friends along the way as well...

We always watch CHCH Morning Live so I was so excited to have Lesley Stewart in my booth!

What hard work this show was having my booth across from the firefighters. Hey Adam!

Louis from Hotti Biscotti said he'd love to join me as an Interior Decorator, but he and his Mom are doing just fine with their yummy biscotti business.

My fab friend Maria and I posing for a photo in my Creating Contrast Designs booth.  Cheers again babe!

Thanks to all my friends and clients who came out to see and support me at the show.  And thanks to those who stopped by to enquire about my services and completed a ballot to win a 2 hour Interior Decorating Consultation.  I will be doing the draw later this week and will be in touch with the lucky winner soon.  Good luck!

If you would like to find out more about the services I provide, contact me and I can help you create a beautiful space that you are happy to come to, share with your family and entertain in with friends. 

claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com    website: www.creatingcontrastdesigns.com

Benjmamin Moore's latest Colours - Don't miss this post!

It's been a long time since Benjamin Moore has released a new colour palette.  Let's face it, I wouldn't be surprised if you're wondering like me what other colours could possibly be missing from their current collections?

In the newest Colour Stories series, Benjamin Moore introduces rich colours with an intensity so deep and true you can almost taste their flavours!  They have categorised each colour palette by colour which makes it easier to navigate your way through the system & is just one of the refreshing differences in this new colour line up.

Fiery sunset is one of eight volumes from Colour Stories

So, what else makes this series unique?  After recently attending a Designer Gala hosted by West Appleby Paint and Decorating Inc. featuring guest speaker  Leigh-ann Allaire Perrault  (Benjamin Moore's Colour & Design expert often seen on City Line) allow me to bring you up to date on this exciting and brilliant new collection. 

The paint chips are larger and are 'aura painted' not printed

Colour Stories paint colours have no black or gray added to them and are made up of 5-7 pigments instead of the usual 2-3 pigments.  Complimentary colours have been used to make these intense, rich hues and  for this reason the colours appear to be much more saturated even when compared to their affinity line. 

There are 8 'volumes' of 240 full spectrum colours to choose from that take on different characteristics and appearances throughout the day.  I will be interested to see how the paint colour will look in both natural and artificial light in 'real life' decor.

Photograph from the 'Naturally Neutral' volume

Benjamin Moore has branded themselves as colour professionals that can predict trends of what's up and coming for the future.  Travelling all over the world they research the economic markets; investigate which natural resources are being used and of course follow the fashions on the hottest runways. 

Based on what they observed in various countries Benjamin Moore Colour experts analyse collected data and review past trends.  Predictions and 'Colour Forecasts' are established stating what consumers will desire and seek out in everyday life.  Colours chosen are to satisfy certain needs within us, evoke specific emotions and reflect current economic times.

~Euphoria erupts as the intrepid climbers reach the breathtaking summit of their South American destination ~



Andes summit - CSP600 - violet twilight volume - BM Colour Stories

Every colour tells a story (as above) & each story allows you to conjure up images of the people and places that may have inspired the creation of that colour.  I've often thought that having the job of choosing names for paint colours would be fun.  Some of my favourites from Colour Stories are: hannah banana; worn leather shoes; soho loft; bellbottom blues; barefoot in the grass & 14 carrots.

This ad was in my latest Style at Home Magazine and I can't help but smile every time I look at!

I am excited to use some of these colours in upcoming decorating projects and will be sure to provide you with feedback once I do.  If you've tried out any of the Colour Stories paint hues I would love to know what you think of them.

Not sure how to select the colours you need for your space or confused by the all the options available to you?  Contact me for a colour consultation and let me help you rejuvenate your space!

Visit my website at www.creatingcontrastdesigns.com for all my contact information.

To subscribe to my blog please enter your e-mail address in the right column at the top of the page and you will never miss a post!

A Sneak Peek at what's to come in colour and fashion...

'Colour Stories' is an exciting new series of paint colours from Benjamin Moore.   Last night I attended a Designer Gala with guest speaker Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault of Benjamin Moore and City Line where she proudly introduced this new line of 240 full spectrum colours.

Colour Stories Fan Deck

These colours have more depth and intensity than other colours because of the unique make up of the paint that also allows the colour to change with the light and is almost impossible to duplicate.

From the 'Earth & Sky' Eco Trend Palette of BM Colour Stories

These colours are unique as there is no black or gray added and they are made up of 5-7 pigments instead of the usual 2-3 pigments used in most paints.  I will be dedicating a post to the 'Colour Stories' shortly and reveal some of the stunning palettes that I was privy to last night, stay tuned!!!

On another note, this weekend I will be working the ABA show in Toronto.  I've worked this show every year for the past 7 years & I'm always eager to see what wild and gorgeous hair and make up fashions are adorned on each stage.  Exhibitors include Loreal; Redken; Matrix, Wella and more.

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It is no secret that what we see in fashion eventually resonates and is filtered down to our home decor. For this reason you can bet I will be keeping my eye on what colours are hot, styles of hair design,  accessories adorned by the models and of course, the fashion.  And as always, I will be blogging about these latest trends upon my return.  Enjoy the rest of your week!

 

The work that goes into these creations is amazing

Accessorising is Essential and Most Fun!

I recently attended the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association which is an event open to the trade only and is absolutely HUGE!  I was pleasantly surprised to see numerous suppliers with fantastic high end home decor accessories.  Pretty pieces are essential when putting together the final touches of a rooms' design, just like adding make up and jewellery to complete your perfect outfit. 

Calming spring accessories in soft spring hues from'Que'

With spring just around the corner (if you blinked you may of missed winter) many exhibitors displayed their newest collections for the season ahead.  There seemed to be no hard and fast rule in regards to colour with the exception that all featured colours worked beautifully with the now trendy Gray neutral.

More from 'Que' - Purple, green and Gray continues to be a popular colour combination

From soft pastels and muted purple tones to wild pops of colour - everything seems to be a go for 2012 depending on the look and mood you want to create for your space - inside and out.   

Red always seems to be in fashion, stirring up emotions of energy and passion

A tranquil setting for a backyard or an ideal feature for a wedding or shower

Torre & Tagus (above) specialises in clean, contemporary home décor and accessories from around the world.  Although it may seem early, it's a good time to start thinking about ideas you may have for your outdoor decor.  Once Valentines day has come and gone stores don't waste time turning their focus to spring.  Many shops already have spring home accents on display and like everything else, the best items go quickly.

Rustic furnishings from Muti & Co. Ltd located in Woodbridge Ontario

 From Rustic to Rustique, I take a break from all the walking to rest in this contemporary white leather modern rocker with a chrome frame.  It was actually very comfortable to sit in...hmmm where could I find a space for this in my house? 

Animal prints and accessories were also very popular.  I'm sure like many of you, my family and I are nature lovers so I will have to dedicate a post soley to the influence of these nature inspired items in order to give them the full attention they deserve.  This upcoming season there is something for everyone, regardless of your preferred taste and that's great news because afterall, variety is the spice of life!

If you would like some advice on how to put together the final touches that are so important to  completing a space beautifully, contact me and I can help you.  You can get all my contact details on my website at www.creatingcontrastdesigns.com.

See what's new in Furniture for 2012

January is a busy month in the world of design with many trade shows to excite Interior Designers and get us pumped up for the year ahead.  One of the shows I recently attended just outside Toronto was TCHFM - The Canadian Home Furnishings Market and here is my review from the show:

Every year Pantone releases their colour forecast trends in both fashion and home decor.  Over the past couple of years we have been moving towards oranges and other vibrant hues that add wild 'pops' of colour and work especially well with the now popular neutral gray.  

The Pantone colour of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango.  'Tangerine Tango is a spirited reddish orange that continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.'  Although this tangerine in the photograph above is not as red or intense, I still found it to be vibrant, refreshing and indicative of the current colour trend.

Industrial inspired - notice how the gray comes alive with the orange backdrop.  

Outdoor furniture today is stylish and fun so there is no excuse for boring backyard decor.

Continuing with the gray's and punches of colour, this modern outdoor patio set (above) is from American Home and Patio Company.  Materials used for outdoor furniture should be durable, made to withstand various weather conditions and most importantly be easy to clean.

This unique table pictured below is one I was especially drawn to because of the mix of old and new styles. The modern table top is a gray stained wood while the base is clearly an antique design with curved legs and a caned bottom shelf.

From their 'Old Pine Wood Collection' series, I fell in love with this rustic piece (below) from van Dam International Trading Inc. When I eventually move to the country into my dream farm house my desire is to have an item of furniture like this to greet guests as they enter the mudroom.  The space will need to be large with high ceilings to accommodate this grand beauty!

Moving now from the country to a more sophisticated style of decor, these hanging pendants are truly elegant.  I'm thinking that they would add just the right amount of shimmer to any room.

More 'bling' for your buck....

M&L Art Furniture Makers Ltd.

This Cinderella carriage bed is magical.  I love the lanterns fixed to the sides and the sparkly buttons as accents on the head board.  Any little girl would have sweet dreams in this fairytale bed.

Dog lovers may go barking mad for this whimsical porcelain poodle lamp!

This Art deco chair with a glittery, classic image of Audrey Hepburn would be a well suited and glamourous addition for a chic, contemporary walk in closet.

I did think the upholstering could've been pulled tighter and finished with more care.

Nature inspired lamps with plenty of textural interest

Lastly, my post would not be complete if I didn't mention at least one item with British influence and flare!  Here is one of my favourites that I wish I had a room for in my house.

The Union Jack is dominant within Canada and is incorporated on the flags of Ontario, BC and Manitoba.

Europe often sets the scene for many trends, from designer fashions and colours to  home decor.  My friend and fellow blogger Lorrie Shirton wrote a post last year titled   'The British Invasion'. It's worth a read as it re-affirms British influences  are world wide and very much a part of what we Canadians love!

Tomorrow I am looking forward to attending the CGTA - Canadian Gift and Tableware Association.  It has more of the items you see in boutiques including fashion accessories like jewellery and handbags as well home decor items.  Upon my return I will share with you more photos of what I consider  to be 'delicious decor worthy'.  Stay tuned!