With 2018 behind us, January is great time to get inspired for a new year full of possibility. While I don’t subscribe to the “New Year = New You” mentality (after all, there’s nothing wrong with the Old You) like most people I do make a few resolutions. Along with hitting the gym more and cleaning up the diet, I am also trying to be more organized and not in the cram-it-in-the-cupboard-and-forget-about-it way.

Apparently so are a lot of other people since this year Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing guru and best selling author, got her own show on Netflix – Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. Her basic philosophy is that if something doesn’t give you pure joy, you should get rid of it. She is VERY passionate about organizing (and folding) and I have to admit that her enthusiasm is infectious. So much so that I have resolved each Sunday to set aside some time and tackle an area in our house that needs organizing. Today while the stove is on the clean cycle I am tidying up the kitchen junk drawer and next week I’m diving into the bathroom vanity.

If getting your home messes under control is a part of your New Year’s Resolution here are a few key areas you should tackle. Remember that it doesn’t need to happen in one day. Set aside a few hours each weekend and clean up one area at a time – even if it’s only one drawer or cabinet. It won’t seem so overwhelming. Don’t know where to start? Here’s my list!

With all of those drawers and cabinets (don’t even get me started with the fridge) this is by far the biggest job. Unless you’re prepared for a marathon weekend clean up I would NOT recommend emptying everything onto the floor and trying to tidy up. Instead – start small. Look through the fridge and throw out all expired food. I recently found a jar of paprika that expired in 2015! Clean off the shelves and door compartment then organize everything that’s left. Same goes for the food cabinet or pantry.

Got a junk drawer (or two?). Throw out those manuals for appliances you no longer have. Same goes for that key collection to forgotten locks. I don’t know why I’ve been holding to keys for the house my dad sold two years ago. Organize everything that’s left into small bins or boxes – no loose rubber bands or paperclips!

I love to cook but I hate to admit there are pots and pans I will never use. Despite the fact that in eleven years of marriage I have NEVER used the wok it’s still in the cabinet – and taking up a lot of space (it’s huge). This is the month it’s going to a good home where it won’t just gather dust. I have delusions of baking bread but haven’t done that in a decade either (actually – never) so those loaf pans are leaving too. Same goes for the bunt cake pan. Go through your cookware and honestly evaluate what you use all the time and what you can part with to control the clutter. It’s also a good time to get rid of that mismatched dinnerware, glassware or utensil set and clean up the Tupperware collection.

It’s ironic but the cabinet under the sink (the one with all the CLEANING supplies) needs cleaning too. Throw out old sponges, empty bottles of cleaning detergent and that metal polish that went hard years ago. If you’re short on space I love this idea of installing a simple tension rod and hanging bottles instead.

While cooking Thanksgiving dinner last year I cut myself pretty badly. In search of a band aid, I came across tons of expired creams and lotions in the bathroom. That weekend, I threw out a trash bag full of junk from the vanity – everything from old sunscreen, half used tubes of toothpaste, empty perfume bottles and Advil that had long expired. Before any items were put back the bottoms of the drawers got a thorough scrub and now they’re clean and tidy.

If you’re a beauty product hoarder like me remember that everything has an expiration date (usually a little picture of a jar and a number of months printed on label). Every few months it’s a great habit to look through your drawers and throw out anything that’s expired. And sure, that lipstick shade seemed like a good idea when you bought it but chances are if you haven’t worn it in two years you probably won’t in the near future.

Remember that small spaces feel even smaller when they’re messy so organize your extra towels, toiletries and toilet paper into pretty baskets or put up an extra shelf to keep the space tidy.

Whenever my husband is away I always take the time to organize the closets. During the week when life is hectic and time is short, I often put away the laundry without a whole lot of thought which means that over time there is a pile of mismatched socks, messy jeans, and scattered t-shirts in the closet.

Getting your clothing under control can be hard – especially since we have a tendency to hold onto things we haven’t worn for sentimental reasons. Remember that lipstick you haven’t worn in two years? Same goes for that dress you bought on a whim in 2015. It can be emotional for a variety of reasons but take a hard look at items that can go. Start with things that are stained, ripped or damaged. Keep a few as gardening clothes or make into cleaning rags and get rid of the rest. Then move onto to items that no longer fit. I have a closet full of shoes that I bought in my 20’s and I love to look at them but if I’m being honest, some pairs are now too small and others are so uncomfortable that wearing them is torture. Donate those which are in good condition and you’ll have more space for the items you truly love and wear all the time (and maybe for a couple new pieces!).

Speaking of organizing your closet, Marie Kondo has a brilliant hack for making sure all of your clothing is accessible and easy to see. For example, if you stack your t-shirts ON TOP of one another, you will have to mess up the entire pile to find your favourite one (it’s usually at the bottom). If you arrange them IN A ROW you will see them all at once and picking up the right one will be quick and easy.

It’s no secret that I am passionate about doing the laundry. My favourite has be the bed linens and bathroom towels. I love slipping into clean sheets or drying off with a fluffy towel. However, over the years I have amassed quite a collection of both. Since they are washed frequently (often in hot water) both towels and sheets have a shelf life. Once a year go through and throw out anything that has been stained beyond saving, worn through or torn. Instead of throwing out, donate what you no longer use to an animal hospital or the SPCA – they always need towels for the animals. Match up pillow cases with sheets and duvets, hand towels with bath towels and so on then store for easy access. TIP: Put a complete set of sheets into its corresponding pillow case to keep it together!

WHEW! That certainly enough to keep me busy for a few Sundays to come! But remember – doing a little bit at a time will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and discouraged. Now if you excuse me – it’s time to tackle that cabinet under the kitchen.

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

The post New Year = Home Decluttering Tips appeared first on RG Magazines.

Provide Shelter for Backyard Wildlife 

You can leave the tree right in its stand, and set it out in the yard for the rest of the winter. It can fill in a bare spot, giving you something pretty to look at, but, more importantly, it can provide shelter for birds. If you have plenty of trees around consider laying your tree on its side to provide shelter for animals.

Start a New Compost Pile 

The best base for a new compost pile is a layer of thin branches — including evergreen branches. This allows a bit of airflow at the bottom of the pile, and the branches will break down over time. Just trim them down so they fit in your bin, then stack them four to six inches high. After you’ve got them in, go ahead and start adding your kitchen scraps and other compostables as usual.

Make It into Mulch 

And, no, you don’t need a fancy chipper/shredder to do this if you don’t have one. Consider getting into the habit of cutting the thinner Christmas tree branches into little pieces and adding them to the mulched paths between my vegetable garden beds. Simply snip them into one to two-inch pieces and toss them on the path. It’s a cheap way to mulch a pathway, and, as a bonus, this path smells absolutely wonderful when you walk on it!

Use the tree as a stake

Rather than reducing your tree to mulch or compost, you can strip it bare to create a fantastic frame for flowers or beans to grow up. You can use the unwanted pine needles in compost or sprinkle them on a muddy path to provide grip.

Replant it

Environmental Charity Greenpeace encourages people to pot their Christmas trees after use. Many of the trees you buy over Christmas are incredibly resilient, even those that have had their roots chopped off. Although the branches may already be dropping, you’ll be surprised at their ability to recover if planted in a pot of soil and left to establish. You could decorate the tree with food for birds (see below), giving it use in the garden even if the roots fail to take.

After all is said and done, you can also just leave your tree to be picked up by the Government. Find out your collection days here. 

The post 5 Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Stretch That Dollar appeared first on RG Magazines.

Here are 10 amazing Halloween makeup ideas:

1. Desi Perkins: “Witch Doctor or El Cucuy?”

Halloween has been dubbed “Desi-ween” by her 3.1 million YouTube subscribers and just by looking at the thumbnail of this 2018 tutorial, Desi Perkins runs the season. This year her subject is her husband and cameraman, Steven but does the Witch Doctor compete with her previous “demon”, “Beetlejuice” and her most popular (5.1 million views)  “melting skull” videos? You be the judge.

2. Chrisspy: “Llorona”

Known for her cinematic tutorial intros, Chrisspy (1.6 million subscribers) turns herself into La Llorona, also known as the Mexican weaping woman. In the tale, a young woman drowns her children in a fit of rage after being betrayed by her husband. Other halloween tutorials include her ‘Gangster Clown’, ‘Snow White’ and ‘Werewolf’.

3. Alissa Ashley: “Pop Art Makeup”

In a short amount of time, Alissa Ashley has become a force to reckon with on YouTube. Her creative video ideas paired with her ability to photograph herself in the highest quality to promote her work on social media has gained her over 1.6 million subscribers. Here she transforms herself into a pop art cartoon. Other memorable videos are her recreation of Rihanna’s Vogue cover and her Bratz Doll makeup.

4. Aaliyah Jay: “Creepy Halloween Clown”

With her 1.6 million Instagram followers and 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, Aaliyah Jay is one of the most popular social celebrities of colour. Her creepy halloween clown gained 83,000 likes on Instagram last year, so this year she decided to recreate the look and film a tutorial.

5. Nikki Tutorials: “Reversed upside down eye makeup”

Looking to keep it simple and glam but still creep your friends out? Nikki Tutorials shows you how with this upside down eye makeup.

6. Courtney Little Makeup: “Wybie’s Forced Smile”

Based on the character Wybie from the 2009 fantasy horror film, Coraline. Check out more of Courtney Little’s detailed makeup tutorials here.

7. James Charles: “It Pennywise Glam”

Last year, IT was the most raved about Horror movie that prompted thousands of Pennywise inspired makeup tutorials. James Charles’ (9 million subscribers) recreation boasts 2.6 million views. This year’s halloween tutorial features reality star and CEO of Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Jenner. Click here for the video.

8. Tina Halada: “Easy Spider Illusion”

Following her successful Pennywise tutorial, Tina Halada starts her halloween series off this year with a spider illusion tutorial. Other notable looks are her ‘bunny’ and ‘golden skull’ tutorials.

9. Alex Faction: “Scary Smiley”

Here’s another one for the guys, a Scary Smiley tutorial using liquid latex and tissue.

10. Amanda Ensing: “Pink Vampire”

Looking for something quick and easy? Grab some pink face paint to create Amanda’s girly vampire!

Interested in trying any of these halloween makeup looks? Leave us a comment below!

The post 10 Halloween makeup ideas appeared first on RG Magazines.

The reason why grey walls are so tough to get right is that there are so many undertones.   Some greys are cooler with a blue or violet undertone while others can be warmer with a beige or green undertone (my husband hates the work “geige” but it works here).  Which one is perfect for your space depends on the other elements in your design (furniture, flooring, counters, art, etc.)  as well as the lighting so scroll through my top picks below to see which ones might work well for you.

Let’s start with the cooler colours – ones that have a blue undertone.  They will work well in modern spaces and can also be great for making small rooms feel more open and breezy.   Remember, paint colours on the wall will look darker than on a paint swatch so I’m going to start with the lightest one and work my way down.  Also, the chips below will look different on your computer or phone than in real life so always double check the colour before making a final decision.

I love Benjamin Moore Distant Gray because it’s barely there so it’s perfect in spaces where you want to use the same colour on the walls and on the ceiling.  This is a handy trick if you want a small space (or a space with weird angles and ceiling lines) to feel bigger.  You might not even notice that it’s a colour really but it’s just off white enough.

Another great cool shade is Benjamin Moore Chalk White.  Definitely more blue in this one so it’s great for bathrooms, laundry rooms, hallways and any other space you want to feel crisp and clean.   Because it has a tiny bit more colour than Distant Grey you will see a contrast with white trim, doors and ceilings.

In some lights Benjamin Tundra can look almost violet.  That’s why I love it in a nursery or bedroom.  It works beautifully with cool metals like silver and with woods like walnut.

We are warming up a bit but we’re still not in the “greige” category.  Genesis White and the darker Whitestone are my favourite greys when you’re looking for something cool that’s not blue.  Whitestone looks great in larger spaces with a lot of light and will contrast beautifully with white trim and doors.

Looking for a great grey that won’t feel too dark and cold in small spaces without a lot of light? A few years ago we painted Benjamin Moore Paper White on the walls in our apartment.  It’s partially below grade so the light isn’t great and the rooms aren’t big but it looks clean, fresh and contemporary without making the space feel gloomy and dark.  It’s definitely one of my top picks for all over interiors (the swatch below doesn’t do it justice)!

And of course you can’t talk about grey without mentioning Stonington Gray (currently on the walls in our entry and laundry room) and Coventry Gray.  They are both very neutral – not too cool and not too warm – and would like great in the living room, bedroom and kitchen.  Because Coventry Gray can look quite dark it also makes a great accent wall colour!

It’s getting warmer!  The next few colours have beige undertones and will feel more traditional (without being dated).  My go-to colour is Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl because it’s great for all-over interiors, will work with any design plus it has just enough colour to stand out against white trim and doors without making rooms feel too small.

If your rooms are larger with more light try Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.  It’s perfect when you want to create a warm atmosphere in bedrooms, living rooms and nurseries.  You will definitely see more “beige” less grey in this one.

No conversation about grey would be complete with Gray Owl.  Surprisingly when you put it up against other greys it almost looks green – which it is!  Because it’s warm and earthy it’s beautiful with any wood plus looks cozy in any room.  You can’t go wrong with this one.

Have you tried any of the colours below?  Which one is your favourite?  Leave us a comment below!

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

The post My Top Grey Paint Colours Explained appeared first on RG Magazines.

Air Conditioning & Heating

1. Make sure your air conditioning and heating units are ENERGY STAR models.
2. Set a non-ENERGY STAR air conditioning unit to “Quiet Guard” or “Power Save” mode.
3. Get a programmable thermostat that will automatically turn your AC and heater on or off
4. If you have central AC, close the air vents in unused rooms to avoid cooling or heating unused spaces.
5. Use ceiling fans to cool a room instead

Lighting your home

6. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL models, which are slightly more expensive to purchase, but will last longer and save energy.
7. Manual timer controls are a great way to set certain times during which you want your lights or electronics to be switched on.
8. Install motion sensors in your exterior, which turn your lights on only when something or someone is moving.
9. Dimmer switches to control your lights can be a great and simple way to save energy.
10. Similar to thermostats, there are digital systems that can be installed to control lights throughout your home during the day through mobile app.

Appliances

11. Set your refrigerator temperature to somewhere between 30 and 42°F.
12. An empty fridge uses more energy than a fully loaded one, so make sure to keep it stocked and consider filling empty freezer space with large containers of water.
13. Do you really need that’s second fridge or freezer in the garage? Probably not. Get rid of it to save energy.
14. When your meal is almost finished, try turning off your oven or stove burners early. The remaining heat is enough to finish the cooking in most cases.
15. Opening and closing the oven causes temperature changes of up to 25°, so keep the door closed while cooking to avoid making it work harder to maintain high temperatures.

Cooking

16. When preparing a meal with many ingredients, take as many as possible out of the refrigerator at once to avoid opening and closing its door.
17. Copper-bottomed pots and pans are a great investment if you would like to use heat more efficiently when preparing food on the stove.
18. Not every pot has a lid, but if it does you should use it as it can contribute to building up heat much faster and shorten your overall cooking time.
19. Cooking in the summer can unnecessarily heat up your home during the summer. Consider preparing meals on the grill outside to avoid AC overuse.
20. Some stoves provide burners with different sizes. If that’s the case with yours, try to find a pot that perfectly fits the burner on your stove, because small pots don’t need all the heat of a big burner.

Washing

21. Use the “eco mode” setting on your dishwasher as much as possible
22. Start your dishwasher only once it’s full, to avoid washing a smaller amount of dishes over the course of several washing cycles.
23. Same goes for laundry, only wash when you can use your machine at capacity.
24. Keep your washer’s temperature setting on cold to avoid wasting energy. Laundry detergents work just as well with cold as they do with warm water.
25. Check on your clothes earlier than usual when they are in the dryer. They might already be dry. Also consider air-drying your light fabrics.

Electronics

26. Always turn off electronic devices when you are not using them and unplug those that are not in use.
27. Unplug a device and its charger as soon as the battery has been recharged.
28. Change or turn off your TV’s factory settings because newer models are usually set to “showroom” mode, which uses more energy.
29. Instead of a desktop computer, invest in a laptop.
30. Computer screen savers can be fun, but they also use up energy. Adjust your settings to sleep or hibernate mode for longer periods of inactivity.

Water

31. Fix any leaky faucet or showerhead immediately.
32. Frequently check your hot water pipes, especially older ones, for leaks.
33. Shorten your hot showers, or use lukewarm water instead.
34. Consider reducing the temperature settings of your water heater.
35. When you are going on vacation, make sure to turn off your water heater while you are gone.

Have you tried any of these tips and tricks or have any of your own? If so Tweet us, and share them @rgmagsbda – we’ll repost!

The post 35 ways to save energy at home appeared first on RG Magazines.

Supplies:

• Jar, vase or a vertical container that is clear and see through
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Food colouring
• Small bowl or measuring cup
• Fork

Method:

1. Fill your container almost to the top with water
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and a couple drops of food colouring. You can choose how many different colours you want to add.
3. Using a fork, whisk the food colour and oil until you get tiny droplets of food colouring.
4. Once mixed, pour the oil mixture into the container of water.

The oil will drop towards the bottom of the container immediately, then rise back to the surface, as water and oil do not mix. It won’t be long until tiny droplets of food colouring drop down into the container creating a firework effect.

This article was featured in the 2018 edition of the RG Kids Magazine.

The post Crafts: Fireworks in a jar appeared first on RG Magazines.

Supplies:

• T-shirt or Towel (100% cotton)
• Liquid fabric dye
• Rubber Gloves – To protect your hands from the dye.
• Rubber bands or string to tie up the item you will be dyeing
• Squirt or Spray Bottles – used to apply dye.
• Long-Handles Utensil – An old spoon, B-B-Q tongs, etc. to stir the dye.
• Salt – Used with dye to help make darker colors more vibrant.
• Plastic Bag – Some dyes require the dyed item to sit in a plastic bag for approx. 24 hours.
• Newspaper and/or Plastic Garbage Bag – Used to protect your work area.
• Rags, Paper Towels, Cleanser – For quick cleanup.

Method:

1. Twist your t-shirt to make the spiral design: Start out by laying your shirt flat on your work surface. Using your fingers,carefully pinch the center of your shirt. Slowly start twisting your t-shirt so it ends up being a spiral.
2. Carefully wrap a couple rubber bands tightly around the outside of your t-shirt spiral. This will help it hold its shape while you are drying it.
3. Cover your work area so the dye doesn’t stain it.
4. Prepare your dye as directed by the manufacturer. You should carefully follow all instructions. While preparing the dye and dyeing your item, you should wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and the hot water.
5. Start dyeing! It is usually best to start with the lightest color if you are using more than one color. Rinse or wait between colours.
6. Wash with cold water with like coloured items or alone to avoid bleeding.

Have fun!

This article was featured in the 2018 edition of the RG Kids Magazine.

The post DIY: Tie-dye towel or t-shirt appeared first on RG Magazines.

Fluffy Slime

Supplies

• Washable PVA Glue
• Saline Solution
• Baking Soda
• Shaving Cream
• Measuring Cups
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Food Colouring

Steps

1. Add 3-4 cups of shaving cream to bowl
2. Mix in 1/2 cup of glue
3. Add food coloring if desired
4. Mix in 1 tbsp of slime solution
5. Stir thoroughly
6. Knead with hands

Have fun!

The post DIY: Favourite Slime Recipe appeared first on RG Magazines.

The self-proclaimed de-muddler started her business ‘Minus the Muddle’ back in April 2016 and it has been booming ever since.

“I used to be a pack rat when I was younger,” she said.

“When I moved out of my parents house I realised I had too much stuff! From there I became very conscious, getting rid of things while being aware of what I buy when shopping. Then I thought ‘hey! There’s probably other people out here like me”.

Clients have called Krystal to de-muddle closets, kitchens, living rooms, garages and more while providing tips and advice to stay organised.

“They call, we have a conversation based on their needs, then I schedule a viewing. Once I have an idea of the task at hand I come back on the weekend and together from start to finish we go through all of your belongings to see what you do and do not need,” Krystal said.

Recognizing that most people have a fear to go through the things they’ve accumulated over the years,

Currently in New York, Krystal is working on a system to help people back home in Bermuda though a video course. She also uploads regularly on her social media.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips by Minus the Muddle

1. Scrub down the trash bin

Drop some dishwashing liquid on the inside and the outside of the bin. Use a hose to rinse out the inside and scrub down the outside with a disposable sponge. Dry in sun.

2. Clean the shower liner 

Throw the liner into the washing machine with a few towels to scrub it, then hang it back up to dry.

3. Vacuum the perimeter

Go corner to corner, room to room with the vacuum nozzle, get those stray dust bunnies!

4. Wipe down the ceiling fan blades

Spray cleaner directly onto a blade, covering the dust, then wipe down the blade with a rag to toss later. Repeat once more with a cleaner cloth.

5. Give your curtains life

Throw your drapes into the dryer for 15 minutes with a slight damp cloths. Fluff out and hang back up.

6. Check the refrigerator’s coils

Dust and lint sticks to the protective grill of the refrigerator’s condensers coils and the coils themselves. Give them a slight brushing with a long handled brush and vacuum.

7. Clean the screens 

With a piece of old carpet rub the screen to remove the dirt and dust.

8. Iron off the residue

Warm up your iron, on the cotton setting, and iron over a light bed of salt on top of a sheet of paper. After a few runs, unplug the iron and wipe clean when cooled.

9. Dishwashers need cleaning too 

Pour a cup of white vinegar in the bottom of the empty unit and run a heavy cycle. Then sprinkle a cup of banking soda in the bottom and leave overnight. Run an empty cycle in the morning.

10. Give the broom a bath

Throw on some gloves and scrub the bristles together in some soapy warm water. Turn upside to dry and store.

Social Media

Facebook: Minus the Muddle

Instagram: @minusthemuddle

Website: minusthemuddle.com

Email: [email protected]

The post Spring Cleaning appeared first on RG Magazines.

CUT DOWN ON CLUTTER:  Tidying up won’t cost you a thing other than some time.  Who knows – you might even make a little money by selling items you no longer use!  Getting rid of clutter is one of top ways to make any room feel larger.  Clean up the kitchen counters by putting away small appliances that are not regularly in use (how often do you really use that ice cream maker?), store measuring cups and bowls away in the cupboards, and arrange oils or spices neatly in the cabinet.

Same goes for the bathroom.  Sure, we all need extra toilet paper but store it in a pretty bin or basket to keep it out of sight.  Same goes for that collection of lotions, hair brushes, and make-up.  Speaking of make-up, take the opportunity to check expiration dates and get rid of anything that might be past its due date.  No sense hanging on that dried up nail polish bottle!

USE A LARGE MIRROR:  If your space is short on natural light make some more by using a large mirror!  Position it opposite a window or light source and it will reflect light back into the room making it feel brighter and larger.  In the bedroom you can place mirrors behind nightstand lamps to serve the same purpose.

WALL COLOUR:  It’s amazing how the right wall colour can transform a room.  If you want to make a space feel larger use cool colours like soft blue/greys.  Shades of blue visually recede, making the walls seem like they are farther away which in turn creates the illusion of a larger space.  A couple of my favourites are Benjamin Moore Constellation,  Benjamin Moore Sea Foam and Benjamin Moore Ocean Air– still bright and airy but also soft and grown-up.

And let’s not forget about white walls!  Use the same colour like Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (it has the slightest hint of cool grey) on the walls and ceilings for a crisp, clean look.

For the perfect neutral try Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl or White Dove.  They are both just enough colour to make white woodwork and trim stand out.

GO BIG: It might seem strange but filling a small space with large items can actually make it feel bigger!  Skip a collection of small furniture and choose one large couch instead.  Not only will your family be more comfortable, the room will seem larger because it’s less cluttered.

Skip those postage sized rugs too!  They will break up the floor and make a room feel smaller.  Instead, invest in a large rug that will cover most of the floor and define the space.

In the bedroom, a larger headboard will not only make a statement, it will fill up the wall making the room feel bigger.

KEEP IT SIMPLE:  Not only will a simple, neutral colour scheme help make a room feel larger, the lack of sharp contrast will also make a it feel more relaxing – just like your favourite spa.  Minimize the variety of colours in a space and skip bold prints in large patterns. Instead,  choose curtains, rugs, bedding, towels and other fabrics in solid colours and natural textures like linen.

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

The post 5 Ways To Make A Small Space Feel Bigger appeared first on RG Magazines.