PMQ for two

Bold, Bright and Colourful Home Decor & DIYs

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My Colourful Home Style

May 18, 2017~ Decor, House Tour

Ah yes, Spring. The time of the year when I throw open the windows and try to usher-in summer with a refresh and a deep clean. It’s also a great time for a blog hop, so rather than disapoint you I’m participating in Stephanie from Casa Watkins Living‘s #MyHomeStyle blog hop. You may remember it from the fall // here // and Christmas  // here //. This time around we’ve changed up the format a bit and are looking at what makes our style ours – the mixing, matching and coordinating that we all do on a daily basis when making our homes is something that’s not always easy or obvious. Here I’m breaking down the styles and influences in our PMQ one photo and space at a time.

If you’re new to PMQ for two, my name is Ariel and I create bold, bright, colourful & eclectic home decor and DIYs. You can read more about me // here // and visit my project gallery // here //. Don’t forget to check-out my Instagram account // here // because it’s where I’m the most active.

I struggled to define how I mix and match styles, but then it hit me – I don’t mix and match styles deliberately – I mix and match colours, the style is incidental. Because so many different stylistic elements interest me, I unite them through my use of colour. Colour is the great decor equalizer and allows you to blend decades and styles seamlessly, but it also allows you to set the tone in a space and evokes all the feelings you didn’t know that a home’s furnishings could make you feel. Colourful is a powerful thing and I use it to make my home in military housing across the country.

 

The first thing you see when you walk into our home is the living room  // here //. The built-ins are renter-friendly and totally transform the space while allowing me to showcase the most colour possible, because let’s be super up-front about this – our home is full of colour… and pets. As you can see though, Ive got a variety of styles happening including a glimpse at my ginger jar collection, a funky plate, some brass and velour.

I’m also a sucker for plants and flowers (not always real), so I’ve usually got a few floating around. I’m trying to be more concious about bringing living, breathing, things into our home for the better and while you won’t catch me touting essential oils – ever – you will catch me talking a bit more about plants.

The dining room got an facelift recently and is still “in the works” but I’ve shared a quick peek at our new dining room table // here //. In the meantime, this shot of the sideboard kinda tells you everything you need to know about my home style, cont’d. Bold colours, a mix of decades and influences, styled through colour.

p.s you can buy that print  // here // & that lamp // here //

Recently our kitchen got a renter-friendly makeover as part of the Splurge vs. Save campaign with Behr Paint. You can view the plans // here // and the reveal // here //. In this space we were constrained by the dark cabinets and ugly countertop, but still made the most of it by adding bold colour, fresh hardware and era defining lighting.

Did you know you can DIY your own Kitchen Aid Decal? Catch the tutorial // here //

Next-up the hallways in our home are always kind of left to hold whatever is left in terms of art and decor, but I recently gave them a cohesion facelift and tried to bring – you guess it – bold colours, a mix of styles and eras, and some warmth to them in my post // here //. The Eames coat rack is bright and colourful like the garden stool and some of the prints, but the varied art and frames help balance the hallway so that it’s not an all-out assault on the senses.

The main floor bathroom was also recently refinished. You can catch the plans & inspo // here // and the reveal // here //. The space was a risk for us, as renters we can’t do things that can’t be undone, but opting for bead board and fresh light fixtures was a step in the right direction. Keeping a large portion of the walls white has allowed the colours to shine without being overpowering.

Our master bedroom is an equally colourful place. Although this space was first revealed // here // as part of my first MyHomeStyle blog hop, I am scheming away on some updates and will hopefully be delivering those near the end of the summer / early fall.  One thing I do love about my master bedroom is how warm and inviting it feels because of the shades we used. It’s not every day you see a black wall in the master bedroom, let alone bright and bold bedding and side-tables, but hey, it’s my home after all. What did you expect?!

My home office is a pop of colour on the other extreme of the scale – it’s fresh green that stimulates my creative juices and lets me be creative at any hour of the day // here //. I love it in here (where I am currently writing this post) and have got a few changes to make now that I’ve been in the space as-is for a few months, so stay tuned for those updates.

The most recent spaces to be completed in our home, and that really explain my home style better than words, are the great outdoors. For the most recent One Room Challenge we gave some life to our outdoor spaces with the help of HomeSense & the Home Depot. You can view the entire series and start the journey // here //.

With all that being said, I still don’t think I could nail-down what exactly my style is. I fall in love with colours, not styles, and then try to make it work with the rest of my home. Sure, each time we move I try to start over and be mindful of my decor choices, but then a new colour or piece will strike my fancy and set my creative fire. *insert shoulder shrug emoji*

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Home Styles

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Up To Date Interiors

Domicile 37

A Designer At Home

Cassie Bustamante

Haneen’s Haven

Thursday Home Styles

This Is Our Bliss

Willow Street Interiors

Iris Nacole

Blue i Style

Oscar Bravo Home

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22 Comments

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Comments

  1. Cassie Bustamante says

    May 18, 2017 at 8:02 am

    you’ve got such bold and rad mix and are a color-mix-master! if colors were records you would be the best DJ around.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:28 am

      You know it! DJ Colour Bomb mixing it on the 1s and 2s

      Reply
  2. Ainsley says

    May 18, 2017 at 8:13 am

    You are a great example of what people can do with a Pmq (or other rented spaces). Renters need to know that they don’t stick with the basic apartment beige and can have their space look the way they want!

    to hell with CFHA! maybe? lol

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:27 am

      I certainly hope to be that example – even if my style isn’t for everyone, no one can say that I don’t make it work 😉

      Reply
  3. Iris Nacole says

    May 18, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Ariel, Your home is a feast for the eyes! I love every last detail, and something tells me that I would enjoy just sitting around and discovering your hidden gems as I stared around the room.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:27 am

      Wouldn’t ya know, that’s exactly the kind of compliment I’d hope to get! Thanks lovely <3

      Reply
  4. Emy says

    May 18, 2017 at 9:38 am

    I love your use of color. When I lived in military housing, lots of color was the only way to hide the ugly stuff that I couldn’t change. I still use color though. It’s so happy. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:26 am

      Ain’t that the truth! The only way to hide the ugly and make a place feel like home.

      Reply
  5. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    May 18, 2017 at 11:17 am

    WOW! AMAZING USE OF COLOR! YOUR STYLING WITH AN EMPHASIS OF COLOR IS INSPIRATIONAL. THE ECLECTIC MIX OF THINGS WORKS SINCE YOU HAVE MAINTAIN COHESIVENESS WITH COLORS. DEFINITELY A HARD THING TO DO, BUT YOU HAVE PERFECTED IT. BEAUTIFUL HOME!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:26 am

      STEPHANIE I DON’T KNOW WHY WE’RE YELLING, BUT GIRL I’MA YELL TOO! ahahah thank you for the always kind words <3

      Reply
  6. Oscar @OscarBravoHome says

    May 18, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    You are a master at using color! The way that you combine them.makes your spaces vibrate and are full of energy and so “juicy” you know?! But at the same time it’s not overwhelming. Bravo to you! Very inspiring

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:24 am

      I’m now going to use the term “juicy” when describing my decor 😉

      Reply
  7. laura @ willow street interiors says

    May 18, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    Wow, ariel! You are so gifted! Your home is such a unique and beautiful blend of so many different and beautiful things, and it’s incredible how you manage to seamlessly work them all together. What a fun and inspiring home you’ve created!!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Thank you so very much Laura, what kind words!
      I’ve been working at the colour game for a while, so I like to think I’ll only get better!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    May 18, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    I always love seeing how you use color! I feel like _I_ use color a lot…until I look at your Instagram feed ;).

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 19, 2017 at 10:23 am

      ahahah would you believe me if I told you that I feel the same way when I look at some peoples’ feeds?

      Reply
  9. Cindy from CFB Esquimalt says

    May 21, 2017 at 2:59 am

    Dig everything as always! And where can I get a mailbox like that? So cool!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 23, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      I snagged the mailbox on Wayfair.ca and then spray painted it using Krylon’s spray paint!

      Reply
  10. Rachael @ This is our Bliss says

    May 21, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    So fabulous!! I love all of the bold personality shining bright in all of your spaces!! Your vignettes are gorgeous…the styling and photography just keep getting better and better! I just love all of your unique gems sprinkled throughout!

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 23, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks girl! I’ve been working hard on styling and photography the past year, so things are only getting better!

      Reply
  11. Kathy says

    May 22, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Your color mixing is brilliant and man, you have some stunning photos!! Those renter friendly built ins are amazing.

    Reply
    • Ariel says

      May 23, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Why thank you friend! These are all things I have aspired to 😉 Glad I achieved them

      Reply

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Hi! My name is Ariel and I'm the voice behind PMQ for two. I'm an internet rubbernecker, creative soul, and mom

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PMQ for three

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pmqfortwo

Ariel - PMQ for two
Someone asked if Bruce and Boots were still around Someone asked if Bruce and Boots were still around - yes they are! They’re just getting old, they’re tired of my antics, and honestly spend a good chunk of time sleeping. To be honest, who isn’t 😅 
Happy Friday? 

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Excuse me, have you seen these floors?! AD: The Ch Excuse me, have you seen these floors?! AD: The Champagne Oak flooring from @goldenselect is the one element (other than paint) that runs throughout our house! It’s a unifying element, and brings depth to each space, especially the ones built around neutrals. It’s waterproof, exceptionally durable (to pets and kids!) and easy to clean. It’s also the flooring we installed in our last home, so you know we love it! 

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Would like to further immortalize Dan’s epic pre Would like to further immortalize Dan’s epic pre-baby beard and moustache combo on the grid 👨🏻‍🦰 and remind you that I have a healthy offering of cocktail recipes on the blog. This Lemon 🍋 & Gin Champagne cocktail is a delightful spring recipe! 

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Because you can’t do just do photos or just do a Because you can’t do just do photos or just do a reel, you gotta do both! Anything you’re curious about price wise? Happy to do a reel and explain costs for this space in the context of the build! Here are the details - AD - @villalagoontile Zellige tiles in Iceberg for the shower walls, @officialmetrie casing and architrave on window and door, and baseboard. And the entire space is ultra pure white from @behrpaint. ✨ We purchased the following: mirrors through @homesensecanada, lights from @wayfaircanada, faucets from @kraususa through @homedepotcanada, sinks/toilet/bathtub/shower doors through our plumbing supplier, vanity is a custom build, floor tiles were from a local supplier, and plumbing fixtures in matte black are @deltafaucetcan, and the bath mats are from @urbanoutfitters 

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Spring is on the horizon, I swear! Only 5 more sno Spring is on the horizon, I swear! Only 5 more snow storms to get through. AD: in the meantime, I’ve got @mrsmeyerscleandaycanada’s NEW Rain Water detergent to bridge the gap between snow storms and rain storms. 🧺 I use the liquid detergent to keep our clothes clean, smelling fresh, and in ship shape for all that life with a toddler throws our way. Head to my stories for more details! 

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June met Rupert, and immediately wanted to read to June met Rupert, and immediately wanted to read to him. These two have got a friendship based in love, snuggles, reading, and causing absolute chaos - they’ll get along just fine. 🐅 

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