Don't Tell Me Gold & Silver Can't Be Friends.

A client recently came to me with a huge design dilemma:

We were designing her kitchen and she had fallen in love with matte black handles for her cabinets. She has also found a chrome kitchen faucet that she loved - but how could both of those things ever work with her stainless steel sink and appliances?!

My response: Do it. It will look awesome.

Variety is the spice of life! We've all heard this before - and I am very pleased to tell you that silver, gold, brass, bronze, and copper can happily cohabitate in any room! And if it's done correctly it can add just the right amount of personality and character!

Once you get into designing a home, it can be very easy to get engrossed in making sure everything matches - this limits your creative thinking. Design is not about matching. Design is about complimenting.

Nothing warms up a gray wall like hanging gorgeous antique gold and bronze picture frames. Hang industrial copper pendant lights in the middle of a modern kitchen full of chrome hardware - Why you ask? Well, why not?

Check out the pictures below and see which metal combinations are your favorite!

So are you loving mixed metals?? Let me in the comments below!

-Meghan

Click the images to visit the source websites! :)

Want to work with Meghan? Email her at meghanwinsordesign@gmail.com!

White is ALWAYS a Good Idea.

There are two types of people in the world:

Type #1. Those who think white is too sterile. They tend to find it boring or impersonal.

Type #2: Those who love white so much they would probably paint everything white given the chance.

Yes, I am a huge supporter of white in case you hadn't guessed (You're shocked, I'm sure) and therefore fall into Type #2. If you've seen any of my designs, I tend to always incorporate white in some way or another - whether it be white walls, a white kitchen, maybe a white light fixture - I always insert it in there somewhere.

I believe white leaves room for creativity. Think of it as a blank canvas or empty page - white walls become the backdrop for whatever it is you want to create. Try painting the walls in your home office or craft space and see if you feel inspired!

I also love that white lets you experiment with colour. Are you a huge fan of dynamic artwork, vibrant throw pillows or colourful rugs? White walls give you the freedom to add colour and pattern however and wherever you want! You also have the ability to change things up when you want to without having to repaint your entire space. The other nice aspect of white is that it is a classic look that will always be in style. A room that is painted white will never feel dated.

Am I trying to make everyone love white? As glorious as I think that would be, no I am not. I do believe it should be given a fair chance though - same as any other colour would have! So the next time you reach for a paint brush & paint can to give your space a lift, even if you entertain the idea of white for 2 seconds, I will be more than happy to know that you gave white a thought!

So where do you stand on this whole white thing? Love it? Hate it? In between?? Let me know in the comments below!

-Meghan

Click the images to visit the source websites! :)

Want to work with Meghan? Email her at meghanwinsordesign@gmail.com!

My Top 5 Fav Design Bloggers You Need to Follow!

Just because Valentine's Day is over doesn't mean we have to stop sharing the love, right?!

So naturally, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share with you five of MY loves - blogger loves to be exact!

All of these amazing ladies motivate me every day and give me tons of inspiration! Let's check them out!

 

JILLIAN HARRIS

I have the biggest design crush on Jillian Harris. I can't deny it. I think she's fabulous. If there is any designer who has conquered social media, it is this girl.

Besides being on HGTV's Love It Or List It Vancouver, she runs an amazing blog filled with eveything from design to lifestyle. Every time I go to Jillian's blog, I get lost in it.

She's currently building a brand new home with her fiancé Justin and has been sharing the building process on her website and social media outlets!! Go check it out!

Want to visit Jillian's blog? Click here!

 

EMILY HENDERSON

Emily Henderson is a wizard at mixing electic and modern designs. She owns her own daily blog and design firm called Style by Emily Henderson in Los Angeles. 

Emily is also Target's home spokesperson and a NY Times best seller which is awesome because she can pretty much talk you through any type of design dilemma! 

Her blog is filled with wonderful lifestyle goodies and design treats!

Go check it out here!

 

DESIGNLOVEFEST

I go to Bri Emery's blog DesignLoveFest on a regular basis for finding some graphic & interior design inspiration. She offers everything from beautiful photography to online workshops! Also - every Thursday she posts a section called "Dress Your Tech" where you can download free backgrounds for your tech devices and they are STUNNING. Click here if you're interested in seeing them!

Bri recently did a collaboration with Target and has a luggage and travel accessories line that is launching on Target's website this Sunday! Can't wait!

Want to check out Bri's blog? Click here!

 

THAT NORDIC FEELING

You know I couldn't do a post about my favourite bloggers and not include some Scandinavian decor. I LOVE Scandinavian style and Rikke from That Nordic Feeling has a mutual love. Everything she posts is fabulous and I want it all in my life. 

Rikke is a Danish Journalist who lives in Copenhagen - the land of gorgeous Scandinavian design. She also writes about lifestyle and culture so if you're interested in learning about Danish lifestyle, you should definitely check her out!

Want to take a look at Rikke's blog? Click here!

 

MY SCANDINAVIAN HOME

Niki Brantmark is a London girl living in Sweden and has used her blog to document her love for Scandinavian interiors. She is the author of two books - The Scandanvian Home and Modern Pastoral, so if you're looking for some extra reading material, go check those out!

If you are planning to take a look through Niki's blog, take a look at her posts about her home! Her house is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a look!!

Want to check out Niki's blog? Click here!

Hope you enjoy my design blogger favs!!

Do you have some favourite design bloggers?? Let me know who they are below!

- Meghan

Want to work with Meghan? Email her at meghanwinsordesign@gmail.com!