4 FAVORITE WAYS WE LOVE TO MAKE A ROOM COZY

When we initially meet with clients about their future projects, often words out of their mouths are: “I love ‘x’ style, but I really want it to be cozy and approachable.” This is exactly how I came up with our mission Liveable Glamour.

So, I wanted to chat about a few things that I feel make a space cozy for all different types of style!

1. ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE AREA RUGS

LISA GILMORE DESIGN, SEAMUS PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hands down, no question about it. An antique, vintage (or really good replica) is my favorite way to create coziness in a space! The patterns and handcrafted quality are something you really cannot compare. I also adore the array of rich color palettes you can find. When I say that I do not mean just deep colors, even lighter colorways can have a very rich quality and depth to them.

2. DECORATIVE MILLWORK

LISA GILMORE DESIGN, SEAMUS PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Let’s face it. Drywall can be boring. One way to cozy up a space without adding a dramatic color (or wallpaper) is through millwork. It adds such a great dimension without being overwhelming!

3. WALLPAPER

LISA GILMORE DESIGN, SEAMUS PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Come on! Did you really think there would be a blog post without some mention of wallpaper? We all know my love for wallpaper… patterned, textured, bold, simple, all of it - I just love it all! A lot of people have a fear of using wallpaper, just because they cringe thinking of the stuff that was used decades ago. However, technology really has changed when it comes to wallpaper, so rest assured, you can wallpaper to your hearts content!

I really love how wallpaper can transform a room, instant wow factor - and you guessed it: cozy factor.

4. RICH COLOR PALETTE

LISA GILMORE DESIGN, SEAMUS PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

I realize that this approach is not for everyone. It’s a very bold move! However, if you can handle it, push yourself out of your comfort zone and go really rich and bold with your color palette. I promise, the way the color wraps around you, creates the most cozy environment you could ever dream!


There are a multitude of ways to make a space feel more cozy, this is just scraping the surface! What approach calls to out to you?

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PAINT YOUR WALLS BLACK

 

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

In an era of bright and white instagramable spaces (yes, we swoon over those too!) - we are think you should paint your walls black. It’s no surprise that I am a fan of dark moody spaces. I try to slide in some saturated color into a project every. single chance I get. So here are our top reasons why you should say yes to that darkest color swatch on the paint color fan deck.


1. MAKE IT COZY

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

A dark room (especially black) has the ability to wrap you in color and create a cozy inviting space that light colors simply can’t achieve. It’s almost like the room is opening its arms to you and pulling you in for a big bear hug.


2. BENEFIT FROM CONTRASTS

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

Other colors will contrast and bounce off like you would’t believe, so the end result is actually bringing more life to the space.


3. BLACK IS SEXY

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Everyone looks sexy in a black room. A black interior is flatering. Your skin tone will thank you.


4. YOUR ART WILL LOOK PHENOMENAL

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Your art will look PHENOMENAL. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid fine art collector, pick up art from the thrift store, have only a few key pieces and a massive collection. Your art will sing on the dark moody backdrop.


5. NO NEED TO FEAR

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

It will not feel small, we promise. Okay - so a few factors do come into play with this promise. One, your ceilings really can’t be lower than 8 ft, and if they are, make sure you balance that dark wall with some of the following: light or bright area rugs and drapery OR light and bright furniture, also varying wood tones add interest to a dark space. (really, any space.) Additionally, if you don’t have a lot of natural light in the space, be sure to add ambient lighting through chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and/or wall sconces

Lisa Gilmore | Roohi Photography

 

GO AHEAD, PULL THE TRIGGER ON THE BLACK PAINT.

There you have it, I rest my case. Hopefully you are now dreaming up which room (or maybe you should just go for it and paint your whole place black!) that you will tackle with this amazing color. And if you get a little scared, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

With love & design-y dreams,

Lisa Gilmore

GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN MOMENTS

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day weekend… while many are out drinking green brews, gathering around green rivers and hoping for the best of lucks - I am reminiscing over some of my favorite green moments with design. To be totally honest, it looks like a large amount of them deal with green velvet…

GREEN VELVET CHESTERFIELDS

There are two things that my design soul loves, and here I get to combine them all. A classic chesterfield + a juicy green velvet. Life, complete. Paired with the colorful antique area rug and its the perfect situation of color, traditional elements and modern whimsy.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography :: Seamus Payne

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography :: Seamus Payne

CHARTREUSE GREEN DRAPERY

What a fun space this is - silky chartreuse drapery with a pop of magenta on the leading edge. The beautiful green and magenta was delicately sprinkled throughout the rooms offset with rich black walls.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Native House Photography

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Native House Photography

CHIC CEO OFFICE

This CEO’s office is anything but boring, this super amazing sofa is like sitting on an emerald cloud, pure heaven. I love how the entire room jives so well with the antiques, color, layers of art all while not distracting from that amazing city view!

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

WILLIAM MORRIS WALLPAPER

What would a conversation about design be here, without at least one wallpaper showcase?! I LOVE this classic William Morris pattern wallcovering in this home office. The shades are green are so beautiful with the pops of orange hues.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

OUTDOOR SPACE AT MANDARIN HEIGHTS

This tile for the outdoor space at Mandarin Heights makes us think of an abstract take on the forever famous banana leaf motif.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

Lisa Gilmore Design | Photography:: Seamus Payne

GREEN VELVET SECTIONAL

So, this may come as a surprise to you… (or maybe not at all!) But my personal home has velvet of its own. Everyday I walk into my living room I love this green velvet sectional finished off with the perfect antique brass nailheads. Double bonus - it’s ultra comfy, too!

Lisa Gilmore Design

Lisa Gilmore Design

I’m always inspired by my surroundings for design - there is something about the fresh green hues that our lovely mother nature has to offer that allows my heart to flutter and feel extra inspired for our projects.

So how do you take your green? Would you implement it into your home environment or would you rather keep it in your festive beer?

With love & design-y dreams,

lisa signature.jpg
Admiring green natureStanley Park, Vancouver, BC Canada

Admiring green nature

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC Canada