The brighter archives
Check out past articles on design trends, DIY projects and hacks, tips on how to organize your space and all things design and décor.
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7 tips to declutter your apartment Marie Kondo style
The secret behind the KonMari Method is the order in which you tidy your space. Read to find out why everyone is obsessed with the KonMari method and how it can transform your life and home [...]
A roundup of colour trends for 2022
The start of a new year may be all about resetting our personal intentions, but it’s also the perfect time to refresh our living spaces and embrace the very latest colour trends. We’re tapping in to the top picks of some of the most renowned colour authorities to see what shades they’ve chosen as the standouts in 2022. Read on.
10 last minute holiday décor ideas
The holidays are just around the corner, are you prepared? Don't fret if you haven't decorated yet - take a look at this list of 10 last minute holiday décor ideas [...]
11 ways to create a beautiful laundry room
Washing your clothes may be a tedious task, but that doesn’t mean your hardworking laundry room has to be lacklustre. From storage solutions to cabinets, lighting and even appliances, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best ideas to make this one of your favourite rooms in your home. Read on[...]
8 ways to go all in with Fall decor
Even the colour-averse can’t resist the brilliance of fall, with its vibrant oranges, bright reds and pretty golden yellows. Give in to the urge to pull out all the pumpkin-spiced stops this year with these 8 ways to go all in with fall décor. Read on [...]
5 ways to bring a ‘90s vibe to your apartment
The ‘90s were all about graphic colours and patterns, great music, video games, the Internet (!) and design trends that paved the way for what we know and love today. Relive all of the nostalgic glory with these 5 ways to bring back this awesome decade in your apartment […]
7 kitchen pantry organization tips and ideas
Those dream pantries you’ve been seeing in magazines and pinning online aren’t as far out of reach as they might seem. Here are seven kitchen pantry organization tips and ideas you can implement in your pantry, no matter how small [...]
6 ways to create a private outdoor space
Unless you live in the country surrounded by acres and acres of land, there’s a pretty good chance you have neighbours all around you. Urban and suburban living means space can be limited, fences and balconies are often shared and “next door” is within arm’s reach. If you feel like your privacy is lacking these days, we’ve got 6 great ways to help you take back some of your personal space. […]
How to set up a nursery
When it comes to making space for your new arrival, there are so many things to think about and decisions to make. Follow our tips to create a special place the entire family will love and enjoy [...]
15 unique places to store books in small spaces
Are you an avid reader who struggles to find enough space for your books? We can help! When you don’t have the wall or floor space to store your library (big or small), try out these unique places to store books in your apartment instead […]
Lighting updates to brighten up your rental
If you’re a renter, one of the easiest ways to make it feel more like your own is to switch up the lighting. We’ve got 6 great lighting updates that add warmth and ambiance to your apartment (no electrician needed) […]
How to maximize your fridge space
You stuff it and stack it and shift it and pack it. We’re talking about your fridge – and it’s time to show it the respect it deserves. We’re breaking down the best tips to give your refrigerator a good clean overhaul – and with the holidays approaching, get it organized once and for all […]
Setting up a video call space to impress
With many of us working from home these days, our meeting rooms are now our living rooms (or bedrooms or kitchens). We’ve got 6 tips to help you find the best space possible spot for your work day and set up a video call space to impress […]
Holiday decorating on a dime
If you’re like us, you’re all about creating a trendy apartment for the holidays that glistens with twinkly lights and makes cozying up with hot cocoa that much better – just without the added cost of it all. We’ve got tips for festive apartment décor that won’t break the bank – and can be reused (hello, sustainability!). Check out these simple holiday décor ideas […]
Tips to carve out space for a small home office
Working or schooling from home can be a challenge in the best of times, but throw in a pandemic and it’s a whole new ballgame – especially if you live in a smaller space. No office? No problem. Here’s our top tips on how to carve out a dedicated workspace that lets you focus on the task at hand […]
5 tips for styling your shelves
What is it about bare, open shelves that freaks us out so much? For starters, they’re usually the focal point in a room. No pressure. Will they hold books, family photos or a curated collection of travel treasures (or all of the above)? Before you dive in, follow these helpful tips to create a functional and beautiful displayed shelves […]
To feng shui or not feng shui?
The more time you’ve spent in your home, the more in tune you may have become to things that feel slightly “off”. If you’re noticing a certain imbalance you can’t put your finger on, it might be time to consider feng shui. Read on to find out how you can apply the basic principles to create harmony in your home [...]
What to do with an extra room in your home
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra room (or two) in your home, there couldn’t be a better time to make the most of it. These 12 ingenious ideas may inspire you to find the space you need without adding square footage [...]
How to decorate your coffee table for under $100
One thing most renters have in their home? A coffee table! This living room furniture item is a useful décor staple in many households, so we’re exploring how to accessorize it on a budget. Read on for ways to decorate your coffee table for under $100 […]
Creative storage ideas for tiny bathrooms
Is your apartment’s bathroom lacking in storage, space, or both? Organizing a tiny bathroom can be tough without storage – and in rentals, you have to get a bit more creative with temporary solutions. Read on for a ton of ideas on how to add storage to a small bathroom […]
10 easy ways to declutter your home
The holidays, with their conspicuous consumption and overindulgence, have a way of making us want to start fresh, simplify and take a good look at all the stuff that’s weighing us down. We’ve put together a list of the 10 easiest ways to declutter your home – and make 2020 the year of the lighter load [...]
Top interior design trends of 2020
Wondering what’s “in” this year when it comes to decorating your home or apartment? Her past predictions came true, so we asked interior designer Wendy Snelgrove of Cabin Couture to share her insider knowledge on 2020 design trends with us – and we can’t wait to see how they unfold this year […]
5 ways to embrace the Pantone Colour of the Year
Love yourself a rich, dark blue? You’re in luck (and you’re not alone)! The recently announced 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year is Classic Blue – “a timeless and enduring blue”. From walls to fabrics to dishware to everything in between, we have a feeling we’re going to be seeing this hue of blue popping up all over the place. Let’s get a jump on it, shall we? [...]
10 ways to make your home more welcoming for guests
If you love to entertain and throw parties, these 10 tips for making your home a welcoming gathering space is for you! From the way your furniture is arranged to small décor touches, your home (big or small) can transform into the perfect place to host guests – and help you feel confident while doing it […]
What’s your interior design style?
Are you traditional or transitional? Industrial or French country? Coastal or mid-century modern? Pinning down your interior design style can be tricky, but once you do, it can keep you from spinning on decisions and help you focus in on what you really love. How do you know for sure what speaks to you? We’re here to help you figure it out […]
6 tips for a cozy bedroom
Given all the time we spend in our bedrooms, it's important to make sure they're as cozy and comfy as possible. Read on for 6 simple tips on how to add warmth and coziness to your bedroom. Happy hibernating (and Netflixing in complete bliss) [...]
Beautiful home organization ideas
"A place for everything and everything in its place”, right? If you’re totally into Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, we’ve gathered lots of great ideas that will help you tidy, toss and tune in to a beautifully organized home [...]
Our 4-step guide to decorating your first apartment
With 48 apartment buildings in cities across Canada, you could say we know a thing or two about setting up your first place. From artwork to furniture to everything in between, our handy guide will help you plan what you need to decorate it just so – and make the most of your square footage (and budget) [...]
Repurpose with purpose
Have you ever had that moment where you just felt overwhelmed by “stuff”? You know, by all the things that are broken or you no longer use that are just taking up space? Before you donate, recycle or throw away, we’ve got tons of ingenious ways to repurpose household items to give them new life again [...]
Tips for keeping your kitchen clean(ish) - even with kids!
With the reality of making lunches, prepping dinner after a busy day and getting your family out the door in one piece, we have a few tips to help avoid kitchen chaos and keep your family sane before the dishes pile up. Here's how to keep your kitchen clean(ish), even with a busy family […]
How to choose art for your home
Choosing artwork for your home can be a deeply personal and somewhat intimidating experience. Not only is it an investment (big or small), it’s also a true reflection of your personality and sense of style. So how do you choose the right pieces for your space that work with your décor (and budget) and still speak to your soul? Read on […]
Kitchen organization that makes sense
Big or small, neat or messy, we could all use a little kitchen reorg in our lives. Tidying up your kitchen can seem like quite the task, but with the right plan in place, anything is possible. Read on for some tips on how to arrange your kitchen so it makes sense […]
How to add comfort to your home
Even in the heat of summer does your home lack a certain “warmth”? It’s all in the touches you add that give it a comfort that’s all your own. Read on for ideas to help make your space even more inviting […]
Easy DIY projects for your home
Hey, guess what? Adding a bit of flair to your home or apartment doesn’t have to break the bank – you can take our word for it. Here is a roundup of some great DIY project ideas you can take on. They may need a little elbow grease, but a lot less cash […]
10 design hacks for small spaces
Don’t let a tiny home crush your design dreams. There are so many interesting ways to put together a room, no matter how big or small. Here are some clever design hacks that will help you get the most out of your space […]
Q&A: Design trends for 2018
Curious about what’s “in” this year when it comes to decorating your home? We sat down with interior designer Wendy Snelgrove of Cabin Couture to talk design trends for 2018 […]
Tips for de-cluttering your home
Feeling that urge to purge? No matter how big or small your living space is, there’s nothing quite like ridding your home of the “stuff” that’s bogging you down. Follow these tips to help de-clutter and organize your home without feeling overwhelmed [...]
The most follow-worthy interior design instagram accounts
Looking for ideas to spruce up your home or apartment? Here’s a roundup of some of the most follow-worthy Instagram accounts to give you all the design inspo you need [...]