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TOP TIPS FROM OUR QM DESIGN TEAM
When decorating your home, there are lots of areas that have suggested rules, helpful guidelines, exciting dos, and steer-clear-of don’ts, potential pitfalls, and life-enhancing opportunities. And while it’s fun to try things out and experiment, it’s generally good practice to start your project with research done and confidence intact. That’s where our home design service is especially handy.
We love sharing advice on how to create amazing spaces, so we’ve pulled together some of the more commonly asked questions we’ve received to give you some of our top tips. Have a design challenge? We’re just a call or click away…
Q
I LOVE A WHITE SOFA BUT I HAVE THREE YOUNG KIDS. BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY FABRIC?
A
We love a white sofa, too. Our performance fabrics work well with kids and dogs — they really resist stains and clean-up is a breeze. They also have a great, luxurious hand. We have a lovely range of textures and plenty of options for all color palettes, including white.
Q
HOW DO YOU TIE A ROOM TOGETHER?
A
With balance, a thoughtful color palette, and layers of texture. Follow these tried-and-true tips to style like a pro.
Q
WHAT SIZE OF RUG WILL WORK BEST FOR MY ROOM?
A
Rug sizes often cause confusion. The key is to think of rugs as tools to define a room. In a dining room, you’d want the rug to be large enough to cover the whole dining area, meaning the table and the chairs when they’re pushed back. In a sitting room, perhaps you want the rug to zone the seating area. In which case, choose a rug large enough to go under the sofa. If you have two sofas, ideally the rug will be so big that both sofas are contained. You can always overlap rugs if needed, which is what we often do in a bedroom so that there’s enough rug around the bed to step onto and appreciate it being there. Ultimately, the golden rule is: make sure the rug is always big enough to fully function in that specific zone.
Q
WHAT PAINT COLORS ARE BEST IN A NORTH-FACING ROOM?
A
North-facing rooms are known for having cold light, so it’s wise to avoid any pure white paint because it only serves to reflect the coldness. Instead, find something with a warm base. If you want a lighter color, go for tones that have no grey or blue tint to them. Yellow or cream bases are much more sympathetic to a northern room.
Q
WHAT DOES UP NORTH STYLE MEAN TO YOU?
A
To us, the up north style is about a relaxed and approachable feel. It’s more infused with a spirit than put together according to a set of rules —the up north style has a happy informality. Rooms are airy and intimate at the same time, with nooks and alcoves that offer both curl-up daydreaming spots and space-saving built-in storage — after all, who can relax if there’s clutter all around? Finishes are touchable rather than hands-off and only get better with age. Most any place can use a helping of up north coziness, as long as the goal is to create an inviting interior or exterior with a carefree, well-lived-in look.
GET EXPERT DESIGN HELP AT THE QM!
If you’re thinking of starting a new decorating project and want some help bringing it all together, that’s where our QM home designers come in. It’s a service that helps you to create your very own version of our aesthetic.
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