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With the Super Bowl right around the corner, I felt inspired to find some great man caves and bachelor pads that I would love to watch the game from.

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You may have heard the term “modern rustic” in describing an interior design style. It is an increasingly popular design genre all over the world. It is a delicate mix of clean lines, light colours, simplistic materials and natural elements. It is not to be confused with a favorite style around these parts of the wood – “West Coast Contemporary”. WCC is much more refined. Its is actually much more modern in my opinion.

Here are some of my favorite examples of Modern Rustic Interiors:

Get The Look 

Get The Look: 1. Remy Throw Pillow, Crate & Barrel 2. Kaspar Sectional Sofa, Relish Interiors 3. Tolix Marais Stool, Design Within Reach 4. Cdock, via Cool Material 5. Minaret Modern Pendant, Niche Modern 6. Vintage Orchard Crate, Haven Vintage 7. Rustic Storage Coffee Table, West Elm 8. Living Water Prints, Crate & Barrel 

PLEASE NOTE, WE’VE MOVED! The new Blog is at

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Today I thought I would share some stair inspiration with you. Staircases are often a great place to gain extra storage space. Many of these examples took full advantage.

Enjoy;

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I was having a little too much fun on Pinterest tonight, just realized it’s 3am.

Before I go to be, I wanted to share my page. Please have a look and share if you like.

http://pinterest.com/relishdesign/pins/

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Does Color Effect Your Mood? 

Do our surroundings really have the ability to change our moods, or even effect depression?

If you’re not sure, just think about how you feel when your office is messy, or your bathroom is dirty, or your living room is un tidy. Do you feel scattered when your desk is piled high with papers, 3 days worth of coffee cups & a half eaten sandwich? (Maybe that’s just my desk)

But you feel disorganized don’t you? I feel MENTALLY more organized when my office is organized.

I don’t think there is really any doubt that our environment (indoors or out) affect our emotions. And we can be affected by different things; general disorder or chaos (this might be a dirty/messy space or it may be a cluttered over accessorized space!), overall feeling of warmth vs cold, and one of the biggest factors: Colour!

Colour is light, and light is energy. Scientists have found that actual physiological changes take place in human beings when they are exposed to certain colours. Colours can stimulate, excite, depress, tranquilize, increase appetite and create a feeling of warmth or coolness. This is called Chromodynamics.

The human eye can see up to 7 million colours.

Some colours and/or colour relationships can be eye irritants, cause headaches & wreak havoc with your vision.

Other colours and/or colour combinations are soothing and make us feel better.

The appropriate use of colour can maximize productivity, minimize visual fatigue and relax the whole body. For example:

Red stimulates energy, it signifies strong emotion such as love, hate, anger (“seeing red). Infamous symbols associated with the color red are stop signs, fire hydrants, hearts.

The color red has been found to raise one’s blood pressure, and it has been found to make people take risks they might not normally take. That’s why Vegas casinos use neon red lights (take note next time you’re there).

But it also has a positive affect, Think of “rose coloured glasses”. You’ve heard the saying, but did you know it actually works? A company that actually markets red contact lenses to animals found that chickens that were tested ate less, produced more eggs and didn’t fight as much.

The color pink is associated with love and romance. It has a calming effect, and as such is was often used in some prisons to calm inmates in the 1950′s, and in opposing team locker rooms to keep players passive. However researchers found that this effect only occurred during initial exposure and that the inmates actually became more agitated as they got used to the pink. So now you know why you would get so annoyed after many long visits with grandma!

The color orange is associated with energy, warmth, enthusiasm and autumn as well as caution and of course Halloween.

Orange stimulates the appetite and is used often in restaurants and dining rooms.

Orange has been found to increase oxygen supply to the brain, and stimulates mental activity, making it a good color choice for creative-based businesses.

It is the most divided of all the colors – people either love it or hate it. It is more accepted among the younger generations.

Yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, energy as well as Agitation. It is the most fatiguing color, especially brighter tints because it reflects more light and causes excessive stimulation of the eyes.

If you are planning a baby’s nursery, don’t use bright yellow – babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms.

It has been shown in a study of colors, that husbands and wives tended to fight more in a yellow kitchen.

Yellow does have some good uses though, it is the first color that the eye recognizes, so it is great for signage. Yellow has also been known to increase the metabolism so it is a good choice for dishes or table clothes.

These days green is associated with sustainability. But it is also linked to tranquility, peace, good luck, jealousy and money.

Green has a calming effect, which is why the “green room” came to be. Green also relieves stress and is a good color choice for an office.

Research has shown that the color green can improve reading ability. Laying a transparent sheet of green film over reading material can increase speed and comprehension.

Blue is associated with calmness and serenity as well as sadness. It can also create feelings of aloofness.

It is one of the most popular colors, but it is also thought of as the least appetizing. Weight loss programs suggest that you eat from blue dishes in order to lose weight. The reason being that there are not many blue foods in nature, and our minds associate blue in food as poison or spoiled food.

Blue can lower your heart rate and body temperate – it is a “cool” color in more ways than one.

The most preferred color by men is blue.

Purple has long been connected with royalty and wealth. It is also associated with wisdom and spirituality.

It is an uplifting color that encourages creativity making it a great choice for design firms and schools. It has been shown to stimulate the part of the brain used in problem solving.

Purple is well liked by creative or eccentric types and is a favorite of many adolescent girls.

Is white a color? Scientifically speaking, no, it is a lack of color. But if you ask a designer, they’ll tell you it is one of the most important colors – or rather, tones. White is a very symbolic color. In many cultures it means virginity which is why it is often worn by brides. It is also associated with purity, innocence and serenity.

Worn by doctors, white is a color of cleanliness and sterility.

White reflects light and is a bright color which can create a sense of space of create contrast and highlights.

It is often considered cold or bland – but consider what happens if you add tints of other hues to make very subtle off-whites?

Grey is another one of those non-colors. But it is by far my favorite color. It doesn’t have a very good rep though. It has been associated with loss, depression and sadness.

Grey weather is a regular thing where I live, and many people complain about how depressing it is, but I find it cosy, warm and comforting.

On the upside, grey is also considered timeless and is thought of as classic. It is known as the color of intellect, knowledge and wisdon by some – and I will have to agree!

Grey mixes well with other colors and makes a great neutral. It has long been a go-to for suits, and is a favorite of many designers.

Again, many people will argue that black is not a color. But in this context, I will argue that it is. Black is associated with formality, sophistication as well as mysteriousness, evil, death and mourning.

Black is a favorite for clothing and accessories. What woman doesn’t have a little black dress? It also makes you appear slimmer and more sophisticated.

Black is also associated with power and luxury; limousines, tuxedos, judge’s and priests’ robes etc.

Black implies weight and can be an overpowering color if used incorrectly in a home.

So how does all this relate to your PHYSICAL wellbeing?

Believe it or not, our feelings or emotions affect our health and well being. Emotions produce chemicals in the body called peptides. I won’t get too far into the details, since I am NO doctor, but basically those chemicals get released into the bloodstream and every cell in our body is ready to receive them. We can actually become addicted to emotions because of the reactions they cause to our body – similar in many ways to drugs. It may be because they become familiar and comfortable to us (whether from good or bad emotions). Consider those people who are “adrenaline junkies”. It is a physical change to our body caused by emotions (fear & excitement). Different emotions, and combinations or emotions, have different effects on us, but ultimately they DO affect us physically.

Using Color in Design

So how do you apply color to your home?

Color is seen either by the way light reflects off a surface, or in colored light sources. Color, and particularly contrasting color, is also used to draw the attention to a particular part of the space. There are primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.

Analogous colors are colors that are found side by side on the color wheel. These can be used to create color harmony.

Monochromatic colors are tints and shades of one color.

Warm colors are a group of colors that consist of reds, yellows, and oranges. Cool colors are group of colors that consist of purples, greens, and blues.

Color Do’s and Don’ts

Now, some tips on applying what you’ve learnt

DO:

Use contrast
Build you color scheme around a signature or favorite piece
Apply unity within each room, and throughout the house by using complimentary colors
Consider the home’s style or period
Consider the use of the room
Have fun

DONT:

Pick your paint colors before everything else
Make your favorite or boldest color the main color – it will pop more as an accent
Ignore color undertones
Get caught up in trends
Rush it – take your time picking colors, and look at them in all different lights
Be afraid, it’s just paint!

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If you have ever worked from home you know that there are pros and cons. It doesn’t work for everyone, but for many it’s a dream come true. I’ve got some tips for you on how to keep up your productivity while working from a home office, and of course, some design ideas to make your space both functional and stylish.

Designated Space

It doesn’t have to be a big space, but it should be a space designated for work. Preferably it is a separate room (with a door!) That way you know it’s work time when you enter, and you can keep distractions at bay – trust me there are many!

Tidy Work Zone = Tidy Mind

We tend to work better when things around us are clean and organized. Your mind can get “messy” and scrambled just like your desk. Not to mention, if you let your home office get unruly, you’ll tend to find excuses NOT to be in there!

Stick to a Schedule

I see this suggestion all the time, but not sure I agree with it entirely. What I mean is that I work best when I’m “in the mood” to work. If I try to force it, I find distractions. So if I try to make a schedule that says “write a design blog” on Monday from 2-3, and I’m not in the right mood, I will procrastinate and allow myself to be distracted, and end up wasting time.

Instead, I prefer to work from an ongoing to do list… more about that coming up.

Think about when your most productive times are; it might not be a specific “time” of day. Or it might be at several times throughout the day. If you have a family, you may want to take advantage of those times be when the house is empty.

Lists

Be organized, but don’t over-do it or you’ll spend too much time making lists! I like to have an ongoing to-do list, and I update it throughout and at end of each day. Use a task manager so you can update and re-prioritise as needed. I am trying out HiTask right now and am liking it so far for many reasons (that’s a whole other post!)

Get Dressed!

You’ve heard about people who work from home and stay in their PJ’s and bunny slippers all day, right? Well don’t do it. So you don’t have to wear a suit, or spend an hour getting ready to leave the house, but you do have to get out of the Sunday Mode. Wear comfortable clothes, just make sure they’re clothes!

Make it Nice

There is a reason why businesses invest good money into the design of their offices. Because people are more productive in a well designed space that they actually enjoy being in. Besides the obvious functionality and ergonomics a good office needs, aesthetics are also very important.

I’ve got some design ideas coming up…

Commute

Many people like their morning commute because it gives them “me time”. If that is important to you, take a few minutes before entering your work zone to center yourself for the day. Sit on the porch with your tea, take a wander through the garden, read the paper, meditate, whatever works for you. You’ll start your day off in a good and relaxed mind set.

Take a Seat

You’ve heard all about ergonomics by now, but just know the basics – have a good work chair, and make sure your desk and/or keyboard are at the right height for you. Allow me to make some suggestions:

Lider Plus Task Chair $300

Trafico Side Chair $120

Ideate

I love that word – learnt it in design school. No matter what business you are in, creativity is important to keeping your ideas fresh. Have an idea board near your desk where you post ideas, quotes, images or any other bits of inspiration. They don’t have to be job related, just things to keep you inspired, which will keep your creative juices flowing.

Gimme a Break

Take breaks. Step away from the computer every once in a while give your eyes, brains, and butt a rest!

Background Noise

If you listen to music or have the TV on while working, be careful what you listen to. Even if it is just “background noise”, the tone will set your work tone. Listening to reggae all day might make that report a little too mellow.

Quittin’ Time

No when to hold ‘em, no when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to… well you get the idea. (Also do as I say, not as I do, because I am writing this post at 10:00 at night! Refer back to my note on sticking to a schedule.)

Track the Time

Even if it isn’t billable time, keep track of how you spend your day. At the end of the month pay close attention to where your time is REALLY going. Use a simple excel file and categorize each item so it’s easier to see where you need to trim. I prefer to print off a blank time sheet and write my time in as I go, then enter it to the excel file at the end of the week, or even month, when I do my billing.

Just Say No

When you work at an office, people in your life are respectful of your work time (usually), but when you work from home it is easy for people to forget that you are still working. Friends and family may want to pop by for an afternoon visit. And you will inevitably end up being the one who meets the cable guy, plumber, delivery people etc. Just be mindful of how much time you spend doing these tasks (track it in your time sheets). If it gets out of hand, remind your visitors that you ARE working from home.

Be Grateful!

Never forget that you are living the dream! Be grateful that you have managed the opportunity to work from home, and enjoy it. And don’t forget to take advantage of it once in awhile – there is a reason you get to work from home. Relish in it!

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Beautiful and Festive Holiday Bouquets from Rook and Rose 

It turns out I really like flowers. I always said that I didn’t want my boyfriend to waste money on flowers… but I was lying! They are gorgeous to look at, and smell wonderful, and they make you feel special.

If your significant other doesn’t buy you flowers… buy them for yourself! They still look just as gorgeous, smell just as wonderful, and make you feel equally as special!

Here are some festive holiday arrangements from one of my favorite floral boutiques ever, Rook and Rose in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Mistle Toe Magic

Snow Globe

Red Carpet

White Out

If you haven’t heard of or been to Rook and Rose, you must check them out. You can order directly from their website. They are always creative in their arrangements, very inspiring.

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Need some inspiration for your “festive” holiday sweater party?

My sister-in-law and I have been working late for the past few nights preparing our “Festive” Christmas Sweaters. And of course, by “festive” I mean “Ugly as Sin”. Well, not really, maybe tacky is a better word… Sure, let’s go with that.

I can’t show you our sweaters yet, because this year we are having a friendly competition with the family for the “best” Christmas sweater. But I am so excited and inspired, I thought i would share my 9 favorites that I have come across.

In my opinion, they don’t hold a candle to our creations, but still, not bad…

9.  The “Creepy Santa” Sweater. This one is actually available to buy!

8. The “Gramma” Christmas Sweater - need I say more?

7. The “Christmas Puked on Me” Sweater – Now THAT is “festive”!

6. The “Rudolph Nipple” Sweater - when you got it, flaunt it.

5. The “Super Enthusiastic” Christmas Sweater – what he’s lacking in sweater, he makes up for in enthusiasm!

4. The “Threesome” Christmas Sweater – we ALL know someone who would wear this.

3. The “Uber-Dickie” Ugly Christmas Sweater – He’s bringin’ dickie back.

2. The “Cat’s Meow” Ugly Christmas Sweater – I would like to know how the hell they managed to get this on?

1. The “Hanky the Christmas Poo” Sweater – So many things to look at in this one. The expressions of each of the family members, especially the little devil in the front with “Hanky the Christmas Poo” taped on to his Christmas Sweater. Wow!

Stay tuned for our Christmas Sweaters, which I will post after the holidays. And please feel free to comment and share your thoughts!

Merry Christmas!

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There are only 12 days left… 12… Twelve!

How do I let this happen every year. I’m not ready! I have so many things I’d still like to do. If you are in the same boat as me, have a look at these 12 do-it-yourself Christmas decor ideas that I LOVE.

1. Christmas Crackers from Poppytalk

2. Felt Rosette Wreath from Domestifluff

3. Birch Branch Tealight Holders by Relish Interiors

4. Glass and Feather Ornaments by Relish Interiors

5. Felt Stocking from The Inspired Room (by Amy Butler)
and my version - which you can win! Just “like” our facebook page here.

6. Paperback Tree by Kayla Aimee

7. Holiday Hurricane by Fancy House Road

8. Felt Ornaments from Babble

9. Photo Wreath from Sweet Paul

10. Felt Napkin Wrings by Style at Home

11. Home-made Advent Calendar from The Marion House Book

12. Fir Votive Table Display from Home Design Find