CLICK TO SAVE: Home Influencers Share Design Tips for <strong>2023</strong> As the adage goes, home is where the heart is, but thanks to thoughtful staging, curated accents <strong>and</strong> careful colour selection, a growing number of home interior influencers have amassed millions of hearts—not to mention likes, shares <strong>and</strong> saves—from audiences across social media seeking some style inspiration. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok <strong>and</strong> Pinterest have brought the latest design trends to the masses by allowing interior stylists <strong>and</strong> designers to connect one-on-one with homeowners <strong>and</strong> renters looking to transform their spaces. And while most people know that Instagram does not always equal reality, both the <strong>2023</strong> <strong>Calgary</strong> Renovation Show, running January 13-15 <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Edmonton</strong> Renovation Show, running January 27-29, are gathering some of Alberta’s most-followed influencers, DIY experts <strong>and</strong> designers to bring their unique style <strong>and</strong> viral tips from the screen to real life as part of the Reel Rooms show feature. To help get you inspired, we’ve asked two Reel Rooms influencers to share some of their favourite trends <strong>and</strong> timeless design tips to create the home of your dreams. Bringing the Living Room to Life Relaxing, inviting <strong>and</strong> contemplative describes the living space created by <strong>Calgary</strong>-based interior designer Brittany McNab (@fifteentwelvehome). McNab, whose style trends toward a breathy mix of light neutrals, textures <strong>and</strong> natural materials, showcases a living room design perfectly referential to her commitment to sustainability. “Sustainable design heavily influenced my decisions in this space. I wanted a living room that felt tranquil, calm, personal <strong>and</strong> timeless,” says McNab. To create her design, McNab first focused on the bones of the room. “This living room style is quite transitional, so I recommend classic elements like white walls <strong>and</strong> wainscotting.” To add more texture <strong>and</strong> interest, McNab suggests introducing architectural elements like arches <strong>and</strong> millwork to bring the feeling of timeless craftsmanship to any home, no matter the age. Once you have your primary elements in place, layering in furniture <strong>and</strong> decor will help pull the design together. McNab recommends choosing a cohesive colour palette that reflects your style. “Aim for things that make your heart happy. Make an inspiration board of everything you love <strong>and</strong> get to work hunting things down.” A mix of natural textures like wool, jute <strong>and</strong> linen reflects the focus on sustainable <strong>and</strong> timeless design, while carefully chosen objects give the room its unique sensibility. “I prefer a pared-back, but eclectic look with my shelf <strong>and</strong> coffee table styling, <strong>and</strong> I change it as often as I feel like to keep things fresh <strong>and</strong> fun.” While it can be tempting to gravitate to br<strong>and</strong>-new pieces to help your home feel current, McNab suggests playing around with found items <strong>and</strong> vintage pieces to create a unique space while saving a few dollars. “I absolutely love second-h<strong>and</strong> finds,” says McNab. “I will often thrift things like frames, books <strong>and</strong> vases, shop Etsy for interesting artwork <strong>and</strong> collect little decor objects at places like Goodwill <strong>and</strong> Homesense. Don’t be afraid to visit thrift shops <strong>and</strong> remember that things like frames <strong>and</strong> vases can always be painted.” The Bedroom Oasis If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bedroom might very well be the soul. One of the Reel Rooms features this year is a relaxing primary bedroom designed by Ghalia Eltassi (@urban.homeology), a DIY <strong>and</strong> style influencer based in <strong>Edmonton</strong>. “My goal was to create a cozy <strong>and</strong> relaxing retreat where anyone can feel comfortable <strong>and</strong> relaxed after a busy day,” says Eltassi. Her transitional design, which balances modern <strong>and</strong> traditional elements focuses on clean lines <strong>and</strong> gentle curves to create a space that feels entirely at home in <strong>2023</strong> <strong>and</strong> at the same time, undeniably timeless. “In this space, I focused on classic pieces like the platform bed <strong>and</strong> nightst<strong>and</strong>s to give the space a modern feel. The curved decor, including an arched mirror <strong>and</strong> light fixtures, brings a contemporary look to the whole space, while the neutral palette of cream, ivory <strong>and</strong> taupe brings it all together. To recreate this look, Eltassi encourages her audience to look for ways to elevate traditional items with modern accents <strong>and</strong> updates to create a space that looks curated <strong>and</strong> original. “Change your bedding, paint your walls a fresh colour or add some new knobs to your dresser to get a new look without having to buy all new items.” If you are even more ambitious, the DIY enthusiast suggests getting creative with your larger pieces. “If you don’t like the look of your furniture, give it a fresh coat of paint or s<strong>and</strong> it down <strong>and</strong> stain it to tie in with your new style.” What You’ll See in <strong>2023</strong> While both our designers gravitate to timeless <strong>and</strong> sustainable design practices, they are no strangers to embracing change <strong>and</strong> playing with current trends. “For <strong>2023</strong>, my top trend is warm browns,” says McNab. “The light beige, tan <strong>and</strong> camel shades we were seeing a lot of have slowly morphed into moodier shades of brown/black, mocha, <strong>and</strong> chocolate. You can use these in wood elements like flooring <strong>and</strong> cabinets or introduce them through accessories like throw pillows, vases <strong>and</strong> rugs.” As for Eltassi, she is looking forward to seeing more colour <strong>and</strong> drama this year. “Rich, saturated hues will be gaining popularity in <strong>2023</strong>. Deep reds, greens <strong>and</strong> darker shades of brown will be taking the spotlight this year.” To see these spaces IRL, don’t miss the <strong>2023</strong> <strong>Calgary</strong> Renovation Show at the BMO Centre, January 13-15 or the <strong>Edmonton</strong> Renovation Show at the <strong>Edmonton</strong> Expo Centre January 27-29. Visit www.calgaryrenovationshow.com or www.edmontonrenovationshow.com for more information <strong>and</strong> to get your tickets.
Jan 27 - 29 <strong>Edmonton</strong> Expo Centre Your Project. Our Experts. Bring your ideas to life with trusted experts at the <strong>Edmonton</strong> Renovation Show, January 27 th - 29 th at the <strong>Edmonton</strong> Expo Centre. Discover the latest home renovation trends <strong>and</strong> get practical advice from hundreds of experts. From kitchens <strong>and</strong> baths to flooring <strong>and</strong> more, find great deals, new ideas <strong>and</strong> inspiration for all your home projects. Sponsors: .com EDMONTONRENOVATIONSHOW.COM Produced by 2-FOR-1 *On Regular Adult Admission Only BUY TICKETS ONLINE Promo Code: REALHOME Courtesy of: HOMEADVICE 7