Blog - Inspiration

Designing With Luxury in Mind

A home that exudes luxury doesn’t always mean a house filled with high price tag decor. Instead, a home designed with luxury in mind means a thoughtfully designed space that has a distinct sense of style, a focus on details and a pared-back elegance. If you’re looking to explore luxury interior design and bring luxury design to your home, read on for inspiration to give your home a luxurious look and feel.

Clean Lines

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Luxury living room design is often created around clean, trend-proof lines. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary space, the key is selecting well-built pieces that will age well and won’t look dated in a year or two.

The BELDIVO Modella 5-Piece Power Reclining Sectional has clean, smooth lines and a minimalist design. It adds a subtle elegance and enhances any design style. The Modella’s top-grain genuine leather provides a luxurious spot for everyone to enjoy.

The BELDIVO Matrix 6-Piece Power Reclining Sectional in dove has an elegant, modular design that is well-suited to a wide range of homes and will add a touch of flair to any room in the house. The Matrix is exquisitely crafted to reflect high-end European furniture design. Its mix of clean lines and soft contours make this piece look stunning while keeping you cozy.

Neutral Hues

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Neutral colours are elegant, timeless and will stand the test of time. Neutral hues also let you bring in subtle colours when you feel the itch to redecorate. Selecting larger pieces, such as sofas and loveseats in neutral fabrics, allows you more creativity for layering in colours in the rest of the room.

The BELDIVO Malibu sofa is a shade of calming grey, resulting in a laid-back ambiance. It creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere and radiates a carefree vibe. The Malibu is well-suited to various home decor styles and is ideal for pairing with bold and daring colours. The elegant European craftsmanship is reflected in the fine stitching and soft down feather seat cushions add an enticing coziness.

The BELDIVO Matrix Power Reclining Chair in dove is a neutral hue that offers maximum comfort while exuding a level of prestige and elegance. The Matrix Power Reclining Chair is exquisitely crafted to reflect high-end European furniture design and is beautifully upholstered. While modern and stylish, its pillowy-soft comfort provides optimal relaxation.

Layered Lighting

Layering lighting creates a luxe, rich look. Incorporating various lighting sources, such as sconces, art lights, table lamps, floor lamps and hanging lighting, allows you to control the lighting better and serves as a decorative element. Additionally, light sets the home's mood and enhances your home’s style. However, the most essential lighting source is natural lighting. Maximizing the amount of natural light that shines into your home by being strategic with your window treatments and not blocking any light sources is the most luxurious way to light your home.

Creating seating areas with appropriate lighting, a small table to rest a drink and comfortable seating creates a luxuriously approachable seating area. For example, an armchair, such as the BELDIVO Athena Chair, is a top-grain genuine leather chair that is a cozy yet sturdy place to sit back and relax while maintaining an elegant, sophisticated aesthetic. It’s a timeless piece that enhances any room.

Varying Textures

Envia 3-Piece Right-Facing Power Reclining Sectional →

Having a variety of textures in your home sets luxury home design apart from an average home. Bringing in various textures through colour, fabric and material will give your home additional depth. Natural materials, such as leather, wool, jute or sisal, velvet, fur and sheepskin are also luxurious materials that will bring textural interest to a space.

The BELDIVO Athena Sofa is made from top-grain genuine leather with finely tailored diamond tufting. It is elegant, timeless and will endure for many years. The modern design showcases the skill of Europe’s finest artisans and is the perfect resting place for sophisticated gatherings and fascinating conversations.

A home designed with luxury in mind is thoughtfully assembled with trend-proof pieces known for their expert craftsmanship. Investing in a room’s more significant elements, such as the sofa and chairs, will pay off in the long run, in terms of longevity, quality and overall aesthetic.

Multifunctional Guest Room Ideas

Creating a relaxing escape for house guests is a gesture that your friends and family will greatly appreciate. However, since your home isn’t a hotel and you don’t likely have a revolving door of guests, a guest room can often remain empty for long periods. Creating a multifunctional guest room can give the space a dual purpose. If you have an inviting guest room that hosts more dust than guests, give it a refresh to make the space more useful.

Create a Dynamic Home Gym

Convert your spare room into a multipurpose health and wellness space while it's not in use as a guest room. By equipping the room with your favourite workout equipment, rubber flooring, a full-length mirror and a mini-fridge, you can create a dedicated workout space when you don’t have guests staying with you.

The room can also become a zen mind and body space that you can escape to for yoga, stretching and meditation. Fill the room with calming colours, soothing sounds, automated blackout curtains and plenty of soft mats to create a relaxing oasis retreat to at home.

If the room is large enough, you can keep a set of traditional bedroom furniture, such as a bed, dresser and nightstands. However, if your room is on the smaller side, you can consider swapping a full bed for a wall bed to create more space.

Design Your Dream Craft Room

If you have a favourite pastime or hobby and need additional space to pursue it, dedicate a portion of the guest room to expand your interests. Having a space solely dedicated to your hobbies will reinvigorate your excitement for your favourite creative outlets and prevent your supplies from being spread throughout the rest of your house.

Create a space for any worktables you may need, seating and plenty of storage. Then, when you prepare for your guests’ arrival, make sure the supplies can easily be packed up and stored away so your guests have a comfortable, clutter-free space to relax in.

Reading Retreat

If you’re a book lover and your collection is spread throughout the house, carve out a dedicated space to store and enjoy them. Reinvent a section of the guest room into a reading retreat, with wall-to-wall shelving and comfortable seating. Your guests will also enjoy having a relaxing spot to unwind that is easily accessible to them.

Dual Purpose Home Theatre

If you’ve always dreamed about your own private home theatre, dedicate a section of your guest room to make your cinema dreams come true. Hang an oversized projector screen on one of the walls, invest in comfortable seating and add a popcorn machine to a corner of the room. Fill the bed with a plethora of pillows to create a lounging space as you settle in for movie nights. When guests stay, roll up the screen, the seating and remove some pillows.

Quick-Change Home Office

As the most practical option, a combination home office and guest room will likely become one of the most used rooms in your home. With a desk, comfortable desk chair and ample storage, you may find yourself working here nearly every day. When your guests arrive, power down your computer, clear the clutter off your desk and enjoy the company.

Having a guest room is a perk for both you and your visitors, but your current guest room may not be as efficient as it can be. Thankfully, with a few well-thought-out additions, you can turn this infrequently used space into a multifunctional room that truly adds value to your home and life.

Patio Furniture Care and Longevity

Whether you get to enjoy your backyard year-round or only during the warmer months, your outdoor space is an extension of your home. Selecting furniture that is comfortable and attractive as well as durable is essential for a well-appointed outdoor living space. Maximize your patio furniture’s longevity. Invest in long-lasting pieces that will give you peace of mind – even with years of use. Read on for tips on selecting durable outdoor patio furniture for your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Patio Furniture

Wood patio furniture is durable while also lending a laid-back look. Teak, cedar and eucalyptus are durable selections that can stand up to the weather, while furniture made from natural wicker, oak or pine are not as durable. If you live in an area that experiences high humidity levels or above-average rainfall, you may want to avoid wood, as the water can seep into the wood and cause mould damage. Likewise, if your patio is in an area that receives plenty of sun, painted wood isn’t your best option as the sun can cause the paint to peel.

If you prefer the look of metal patio furniture, steel, wrought iron and aluminum are all durable options. Aluminum furniture is naturally rust-resistant, which helps the pieces last for a long time. For steel or wrought iron furniture, look for pieces with a rust-resistant powder coating.

Plastic patio furniture has come a long way. Pieces made of resin wicker, such as the Minnesota Armless Patio Chair, are sturdy, easy to clean and come in colours and finishes that mimic the look of natural wicker. In addition, plastic patio furniture can withstand harsh weather and be left outside year-round.

The Importance of Maintenance

No matter how durable the material of the furniture is, it’s still essential to protect the pieces during harsh weather. When it’s cold and you won’t be using the furniture for several months, it’s wise to store the furniture in an outdoor shed or the garage. Covering the pieces with a furniture cover or tarp allows you to use easily use them on unseasonably warm days.

Regular maintenance of the furniture will help the pieces last longer. For example, wrought-iron furniture only needs to be washed with water and waxed several times a year, and you only need to rinse aluminum furniture with a hose. Wood requires more maintenance than metal furniture, but the pieces can last for a long time with the right amount of care. Wood patio furniture typically comes sealed, and you will need to treat it on your own, as well. Treating the wood furniture pieces with a sealer and regular oiling will keep your wood furniture pieces looking new for years to come.

Patio furniture cushions and pillows will make your patio furniture significantly more comfortable; however, some materials are susceptible to mildew. Select a water-resistant fabric with UV protection to help lessen the effects of sun and water damage. During high periods of use, these cushions should be cleaned monthly according to the manufacturer's directions.

Styling Your Patio Furniture

Patio decor ideas are the fun part of new patio furniture, and the layout of your outdoor living area is just as important as your indoor space. Make your patio space your own by adding in umbrellas, rugs, cushions and speakers that align with your aesthetic!

Arranging the furniture to facilitate conversation and ensuring each seat has a spot to rest a drink are two key factors to consider when arranging furniture, so make sure you have plenty of seating and table space for you and your guests. With outdoor furniture, it’s also essential to consider the weather: if you have an outdoor space that is covered, it’s best to keep your less durable pieces protected to prevent damage. If your deck is lacking in shade, an umbrella may be a necessity for you.

If your patio is on the smaller side and you need small patio decor ideas, a large outdoor rug can create the illusion of more space, as can sizing down the furniture.

Outdoor furniture often requires the same investment as indoor furniture, so selecting long-lasting, durable pieces is vital to protect the quality of your furniture. With the proper care, you can enjoy your patio furniture for years of summer nights to come.

Buying a television can be an overwhelming process, and you need to consider multiple factors such as size, technology and how you will display the TV. Whether you want a smart TV, the best TV for gaming or the best TV for movies with the family, this television buying guide will demystify the TV buying process. Read on for everything you need to know about buying a new television.

Choosing a TV Size

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to selecting a TV. The two primary factors to consider when you’re determining the TV size you need are room size and budget. How far your seating is from the screen and how you will use the TV will help you determine the best size. If your TV is in your bedroom, you may choose to go smaller. However, if you need a TV for a media room, you may decide to go as large as the wall.

OLED vs. LED TV

The primary differences between OLED and LED TVs are quality and price. While LED TVs are priced starting under $500, an OLED TV is at least $1,000 for a smaller model. OLED TVs have a superior picture quality, are thinner, lighter and use less energy. The LG 65" 4K OLED UHD Television is a thin, art-inspired TV that doesn’t have a gap between the screen to the wall. The OLED pixels emit their own light for perfect black, intense colour and stunning picture. An LED TV, such as the LG 65" UP70 4K UHD Television, has a slim profile, enhanced colour and brightness – plus it comes with a lower price tag.

The 4K TV Difference

With "Ultra-High-Definition TV", also know as 4K resolution TV, millions of pixels join together to create the image on the screen. These extra pixels give a 4K TV more dynamic colours, allow you to see finer detail (even in dark scenes), and eliminate blur on fast-moving action scenes or sports.

A 4K TV, such as the LG 70” 4K Smart UHD Television maximizes your entertainment and gaming while enhancing colour, contrast, clarity and detail.

TV Wall Mounting

Most TVs come with a stand to allow easy placement on a piece of furniture, but if you would rather mount your television to a wall there are many styles of TV mount available.

A full motion wall mount, such as the Kanto PDX680 Full Motion Mount extends up to 24 inches away from the wall and offers 18 degrees of tilt. While the Kanto FMC1 Telescoping Corner Wall Mount fits snugly into a corner to save you space.

The Benefit of Smart TVs

With a Smart TV you can get the news, weather reports and connect to your favourite streaming services, like Netflix or Disney+ right from your television. Smart TV technology may include a full web browser (a computer built into your TV!) or a lighter version that displays apps just like your favourite smartphone. Either way, you need Wi-Fi available to access these amazing Smart TV features.

TVs for Gaming and Movies

If you’re serious about gaming, an OLED TV with low-latency and fast refresh rates, such as the Sony 55" BRAVIA XR A80J 4K OLED TV is 4K gaming-optimized powerhouse.

If you’re an avid movie fan, an OLED TV, such as the Sony BRAVIA XR A90J 4K HDR OLED smart Google TV provides awe-inspiring contrast and our brightest-ever OLED picture.

While there are many factors to consider when shopping for a TV, knowing how you will use it will help guide you in your decision. Whether you're a movie buff who wants to suspend reality with the best in ultra-high-definition TV or a casual viewer who values the convenience of a smart TV's built-in apps – with a little research, you'll find the TV that's best for you.

Toddlers are adventurous little people, as sweet as they are terrible, full of big opinions and big hugs. As your child transitions from a baby to a toddler, adjusting their bedroom to keep up with their changing personality will ensure their own space remains uniquely theirs. Some pieces can transition from infant to toddler years. However, other items need to be updated to better accommodate your toddler’s growing size, expanded interests and abilities. Read on to gather toddler room design inspiration.

Furniture Must-Haves

The toddler years go by quickly; investing in furniture that your child can grow into is a wise plan. When your toddler is ready to transition out of the crib, invest in a twin or full-size bed that they can grow into instead of a toddler bed. Adding safety rails to the sides of the bed will ensure your toddler’s safety. This bed will last throughout childhood and continue to provide space for them to grow.

The same concept goes for the rest of the furniture, such as the dresser and shelves. These foundational pieces can grow with your child, and you can easily update the decor as your child’s interests evolve. While your toddler may love an animal theme now, investing in pieces your toddler can grow into allows you to create new kid's room designs as they get older.

Create Space for Play

Toddlers learn through play. Creating a dedicated spot to foster this creativity is essential for their development and to keep them entertained. For example, a child-size table and chairs provide a place to colour and draw. Toddlers also love tiny spaces to hide and play. A tent, playhouse or canopy gives them ownership of a place that is theirs and lets them play and imagine.

Creating a cozy spot to curl up and read books with your toddler benefits you and your child. Whether it’s a corner filled with beanbags, a window seat with plenty of cushions or a plush chair to curl up in, creating a space where you can connect with your child will be a treasured spot for both of you.

Storage Spots

Your toddler has likely accumulated many clothes and toys by this stage, from clothes to stuffed animals to balls and blocks. An organized space will bring both you and your child peace and clarity. Children thrive in minimal and orderly spaces, so ensuring every belonging has a dedicated spot will go a long way in fostering your child’s development.

A bookcase in a neutral wood tone, such as the Boston 5-Shelf Bookcase, is an excellent place to store toys at the bottom and picture frames and other treasured knick-knacks at the top. This is a piece that can easily transition into your kid’s room as they grow.

A low, three-shelf bookcase is the perfect height for your toddler. They can easily access their favourite toys, books and stuffed animals. An option, such as the Grady 3-Shelf Bookcase, offers simple storage and is a neutral tone that can blend in with any aesthetic.

Recliners and Rockers

Although your toddler isn’t a baby anymore, they still thrive on cuddles and snuggles. Keeping the recliner from the infant days in your toddler’s room will serve as a spot to read books before bedtime or any time you are looking to connect with your toddler.

A recliner, such as the Jeffery Velvet Swivel Glider Recliner, has a plush, comforting fabric that will envelop you and your toddler, so you can read as many books together as they will sit still for.

The toddler years can be challenging but so rewarding as you watch your baby transition into an independent little person with a big personality. Ensuring your toddler’s room is age-appropriate will provide a backdrop for them to grow and thrive. Keeping these kid’s room ideas in mind as you design the room will keep it fun and nurturing.

Accent tables bring extra functionality to a room and add a design element that can make a room feel finished. In addition, a well-positioned accent table can serve as a decorative element, similar to a piece of art or lamp. Accent tables provide a surface to set down your beverage, rest a bowl of snacks and hold a table lamp, books and other decorative accessories. You can also choose an accent table with built-in storage for additional functionality. There is much to learn about accent tables, so read on for everything you need to know.

What can be used as an accent table?

An accent table is any table that isn’t a dining table. This could be an end table, coffee table, console table or nightstand. For example, placing an accent table on either side of your sofa or chairs can be an end table. If you place a larger accent table in the middle of the room, it can be a coffee table.

You can also use an accent table on either side of your bed as a nightstand. If you have empty corners that need to be filled, round variation, like the Nashik Accent Table, are perfect for displaying a table lamp, framed family photos or a plant. For the accent table to seamlessly fit in the space, it’s essential to measure how much room you have to ensure the accent table is completely functional where you need it.

How can you utilize an accent table in a space?

Before you invest in an accent table, determine how you will use it, so you can be sure to select the best table for your lifestyle. Choosing accent tables with a drawer may be your best bet if you need additional storage. For example, the Torry Chairside Table has a drawer under the tabletop to store batteries and remotes, as well as two round inserts to hold your beverage.

If you know you will be using it for food or beverages, perhaps an accent table with a non-porous surface would be the best choice. Round coffee tables, such as the Fano Round Coffee Table, are good for when you have young children, the rounded edge prevents injuries that could result from sharp corners.

What furniture does an accent table pair with?

There is an accent table for nearly every piece of furniture in every room. For example, a console table behind a sofa can define the space, whereas end tables flanking the sofa are perfect for a lamp, coasters and provide a place to set your drink while lounging. Also, a coffee table is great for setting out snacks when company is over or for styling with books, fresh flowers, a candle or other decorative accents.

In the bedroom, every bed needs a nightstand to rest your book, tablet, glasses, a glass of water, remote or any other bedside necessities. For entryway, an accent table is the perfect way to make a stunning first impression on guests while also complementing your entryway seating.

Should an accent table be contrasting or complementary in colour?

When selecting an accent table, you will want to be sure that it matches your room’s design aesthetic. Because accent tables are smaller pieces, you can take more significant design risks when selecting the tables. Choosing an accent table that contrasts with your room’s design scheme adds additional interest and prevents the room from feeling too uninspired. Alternatively, if you crave order and a cohesive look, selecting an accent table in a complementary colour may be the best choice for you.

What rooms do accent tables work best in?

There is an accent table for every type of room. Entryways, living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, offices, bedrooms and even kitchens can benefit from the addition of an accent table. Whether the table is front and centre or tucked into a corner, accent tables bring function, character and serve as the finishing touch your room needs.

If you’re looking to add some new accents to your home, visit thebrick.com so you can browse accent tables in Canada. Then, get inspired to redesign your space for the new year.