Discover Artemano...

If you've been following my blog so far, you must have noticed a recurring theme. I often stress the importance of injecting character and personality into your home by adding elements that are a departure from the rest of your decor such as lanterns, barn doors, bold patterns, textural fabrics etc.. Another way of incorporating warmth into your space is by introducing a few unique pieces of distressed furniture that look like they've been handmade by an artisan. True antiques usually come at exorbitant prices and I've been on the hunt for a store that provides beautiful handcrafted furniture that is accessible to people with a more frugal budget. Enter Artemano, a one of a kind boutique filled with unique ancestral furniture that is sure to bring warmth, interest and character into your space. I appreciate their wide array of products and price points.

As a whole, the store feels exotic/zen which is personally not my style however; selecting one or two pieces from Artemano and integrating them into a neutral/linear room that lacks character definitely makes for a winning formula... Try it!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Indulge in Artemano's beautiful collections by checking out their website: www.artemano.ca   

Making modern comfortable...

I personally have a hard time with modern décor.  Even when well-executed, modern spaces often translate as cold, one-dimensional, flat and uninviting. When creating a modern space, keep room functionality in mind. If a living room doesn’t evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation, then it’s not fulfilling its primary function. When I think of modern, I often think of IKEA. Their furniture is trendy and affordable, usually clean lined and modular which is fine BUT add one too many IKEA products in one room and  I promise it will fall flat. 

The key to keeping modern comfortable is balance. 

Tame down your linear elements by introducing one of the following:

1- Texture: add a faux sheepskin rug, distressed wood table or textural wallpaper

2- Patterns: Add a hit of pattern on a few throw pillows, curtains or on a a single armchair 

3- Vintage finds: Head to your local flea market, find something cool and modify it! Old suitcases, chandeliers, side tables or frames can add interest into a room

4- Art: No need to spend tons of money here, simply print a few of  your favorite pictures, frame them and create an interesting arrangement on an accent wall. Try to think outside of the box, many of your favorite personal items or travel souvenirs can make great pieces of art.

5- Natural elements: Add flowers, rocks, seashells, elephant leaf, miniature topiaries or even driftwood in any space to make it more welcoming.